Page 20 of Taming the Alien Outlaw (Brides of the Bohnari #2)

Janik

No one really speaks of the pit other than in hushed whispers.

If they did, I suspect they’d happily let the mating fever take them rather than suffer a single tick in this place.

In here, time doesn’t exist. Light doesn’t exist. Neither does sound or scent.

I miss the arid fragrance of the rainforest. I miss the kiss of the damp, cool air on my flesh.

I miss the dappled light coming through the trees.

The constant hum of conversation. Most of all, I miss Olivia.

It doesn’t matter how little time she spent in my company, I ache for her in ways I’ve never ached for anything before. It has to mean something, but what I do not know.

What was it that Horek mentioned? Heart’s fire. My plan had been to ask him about it before I returned to the rainforest. Its meaning feels important. As if it will change the entire course of my existence.

I rise from the small bed and, with my hand guiding me along the wall, I traverse the floor of my cell. Anything to keep myself occupied. My body at least. My mind, on the other hand, is betraying me, because I swear I hear something.

To my surprise, the door swings open, bringing with it a blinding light to my sensitive eyes. I blink away the temporary blindness while footsteps sound, growing closer. Once I’m able to see clearly, I get my first good look at my prison as well as my visitor.

There’s a darkness to Alik’s expression that was missing the last time I saw him. Before, he existed with an arrogance that comes from someone who has lived in a palace his whole life and had everything handed to him. Whatever space of time I’ve been down here has taken a toll on him.

“The transport shuttles bound for Toveeka, Santeeka, and Noleska were all destroyed as were twelve members of their crew. Countless others have suffered various injuries, including life-threatening ones, so that death total may rise. Nearly seventy of our people barely escaped death. All because you wish to see yourself on the throne.” He sneers.

“If it meant saving all those lives and had been within my power to do so, it could have been yours. No matter that my mother is the true ruler. She, herself would have abdicated as well to clear the path. Instead, people are dead. Fathers. Brothers. Sons. I hope you’re happy. ”

I stare at him in wide-eyed disbelief. “Of course I’m not happy.

Never have I wished for any Bohnari to die.

Not even you. I’ve only ever wanted what was rightfully mine.

” I slam my first on my chest. “I wanted a chance to show Bohna that I would be a better ruler than either you or your despicable father.”

Alik takes a threatening step forward. “You dare speak ill of my father or what you falsely claim is rightfully yours. On what grounds do you base this lie?”

“It’s not a lie.” My veins burn with the fire of building rage.

I clench my fists, willing my claws to remain retracted.

“Your father—the king —forced himself on my mother then did nothing more than pay her credits as if she were merely a pleasurer at some brothel. As if he didn’t violate her and then abandon her to raise their child alone. ”

Alik roars and doubles over, clutching at his stomach.

His skin color darkens several shades, especially the scales lining his shoulders.

He groans in pure agony and his head whips up.

His face is twisted in a gruesome snarl, fangs fully extruded.

The piercing brightness of his eyes has dimmed to become nearly black.

His nostrils flare and, with claws bared, he lunges, swiping at my neck.

I jump back, barely missing having my throat sliced.

Alik attacks again and his shoulder connects with my stomach.

He slams me into the wall and gnashes his teeth.

We grapple for control, but it quickly becomes clear the madness brought on by the mating fever has taken over.

He won’t stop until I’m dead as well as anyone else who gets in his way.

“Guards.”

As arrogant as we both might be, he wouldn’t have come entirely alone. Not if there could be the slightest chance of me overpowering him and escaping. Alik wouldn’t dare risk letting me slip through his fingers. Not after what happened.

Luck is with me while I struggle against his attack as three males appear.

“It’s the mating fever.” My hope is they wish to keep their prince alive more than they want to see me dead.

One male draws his blaster and I’m not sure it’s Alik or me who’s his target, but as much as I want the throne, I have never wished my brother dead.

“Don’t shoot him.” Somehow I manage to turn us so I’m in between the guards and Alik. “Help me restrain him.”

Sensing the prince is beyond their help, they rush inside to assist. The slight distraction gives Alik enough time to break my hold on him.

His beast grows more feral with the increase in perceived danger.

He lashes out and catches one guard across the stomach.

Blood pours from the wound and the male screams in pain, clutching his middle as the thick liquid spills over his fingers.

“Don’t kill him.” The reminder is needed as several more guards rush into the cell, cornering the prince.

Alik growls and anytime someone takes a step in his direction, he swipes at them.

“Your Highness, you must calm yourself.” One guard reaches into his pocket and withdraws a vial. He uncaps it and pours a large dose of kanet powder into the cap. “Sire, you must take this.”

He moves slightly closer, but this only enrages Alik farther.

He charges, but just as he lunges for the younger guard, the prince jerks and stumbles.

He blinks in confusion before his knees give out and he falls to the ground.

I turn toward the door and Horek stands there holding some type of gun.

His gaze rests on his cousin lying helpless.

“Take him to the other cell and make sure he is comfortable,” Horek commands. “Be quick. I don’t know how long the sedative will last.”

With a guard at his shoulders and another at his feet, they pick up Alik and hurry out of the pit and down the narrow corridor.

The commander finally shifts his attention to the remaining guards. “Get Merik to the healing center.”

As gently as possible, the rest of the males carry their wounded associate out of my cell, his moans of pain following in their wake before everything falls silent again.

Neither Horek nor I speak. It’s almost a battle of wills to see who can hold out the longest.

“How is Olivia?” My burning need to know she is well overrides any desire to try and show up the commander.

“You should be more concerned with yourself than anyone else at the moment.”

I take a rough step toward him, my rage swiftly rising. “ She is my only concern.”

“Gods,” he curses. “This is not a complication we need right now.”

“Answer me, damn you.”

“The female is well.”

I growl. “She does not like to be called female. Her name is Olivia.”

Horek huffs. “I am well aware. Olivia is fine. My mate has been with her and your phinnek while we have assessed the damage and taken care of our dead.”

At last I relax knowing they are both being taken care of. That is all that matters. So long as Olivia is safe.

“Watch out for her. Make sure no harm comes to her.”

“Or what?” The commander arches a brow.

“Or I’ll make you suffer”

Horek glances around and his gaze lands on me. “I’m not sure you’re in a position to be making threats.”

“You may treat it as a threat, but it is a promise.” If something happens to Olivia, I will hold Horek responsible and make sure he suffers the consequences.

“I notice you do not ask about your fellow rebels and how they have fared during the attacks. Or if any demands have been made to set you free.”

“There has always been the possibility that I may get caught at some point. Plans have been put in place if—when—that happened. I’m a patient person.” Except no plans have included acting without my knowledge and consent. People dying was not by my command.

In truth, my only thoughts have been of Olivia and my fear that she may be in danger. While my understanding of why she has suddenly become the most important thing to me is non-existent, that doesn’t mean others are as confused.

“I see.” He studies me a moment longer. “Why did you not let the guard shoot Alik? It might have solved one of your problems.”

These continued assumptions grow tiresome. “As I have said more than once, I have no desire to see him or the queen dead.”

Horek doesn’t have a reply, or at least not one he wishes to give. “You should return to your cell.”

The small break in captivity had been good while it lasted. I back up until I’ve crossed the threshold and keep my eyes on the commander.

“May I ask you a question?”

Horek cocks his head when I don’t give voice to it immediately. “You may ask.”

“You mentioned a heart’s fire. What is that and what does it have to do with Olivia?”

“I wondered if you would seek out the answer.” He sighs.

“A heart’s fire is rare. While most Bohnari can appease their mating fever by simply finding a female to physically bond with, there is another way.

When a Bohnari finds his heart’s fire, the mating fever still burns hot within him, but the madness and need to kill and destroy is taken away by his mate, leaving only a burning desire for her.

As if fate divined the match. Fire sweeps through your heart, and no other female is capable of sating you. ”

Finally, something that makes sense. “Thank you for telling me.”

Horek inclines his head and slowly—almost as if he’s reluctant to do so—he closes the door to my cell once more, locking me in with the darkness.

Only this time, a small light remains and it’s the fire that burns inside me for Olivia.