Page 65 of Warlord's Mate

“We can move the camp closer to the water.”

Jorrick wasn’t sure who had spoken, but it didn’t really matter. He’d had a long think on the way back from trying to get the Draegon’s help and realized that until he’d taken Marcy from the arena, he’d been living in a constant state of misery. Every day had been just like the one before it and if that was all he had to look forward to now, then he should have been one of the fallen. Life here was hard. It was harder when waking every day seemed pointless. Marcy had made it better. She’d made the days less lonely but this place—

He looked around at what used to be his home, at the men he’d commanded and realized, he no longer wanted any of it. Being in command of so many had lost its appeal. Dealing with every complaint and seeing every mouth was fed, that everyone under his protection was safe—he no longer wanted any part of it. When he got Marcy back—and he knew he would—he was done. He’d take her some place no one would find them and live out the remainder of his life without a care in the world other than to see to her needs.

A flash of light to his left drew his attention. The burial pyre had been lit. Every man in camp stopped talking, everyone turning to watch and honor those that had died in the attack.

The scent of burning flesh and hair filled the air. Jorrick watched with the others, stepping back after a few moments when the heat got to be too much. He’d known nothing but death in all his years. Even before being dropped in this hell hole, violence had been a way of life. He’d wished for peace for as long as he could remember and for a brief, short moment, he’d had it. Then he learned of Zasra’s betrayal and every waking moment had been spent plotting his revenge. He’d found it in Marcy but his little red one had done the impossible with nothing more than looking at him with longing in her eyes. She’d changed his mind, made him think things he’d never wanted to think about again. She’d made him think of home. Of family, and she’d stolen his heart—given him everything he’d ever desired. And now she was gone.

He clenched his jaw and turned, heading toward the far reaches of camp. The sound of footsteps behind him grew louder as he walked.

“Where is it you go, Warlord?”

“I’m going to Allok’s camp. He has something that belongs to me and I’m going to get it back.”

The noise behind him grew and a look over his shoulder showed him every man capable of walking was doing so. They were following him. “You do not have to come.”

Zahk looked at the others, then shrugged a shoulder. “We have nothing else to do.” He grinned and gripped the end of the sword strapped to his hip. “And I feel a bit of payback is in order.”

A cheer rang through camp. Jorrick counted heads. Sixteen men, including himself—against Allok’s entire camp. The odds were laughable and most of the men before him probably wouldn’t even make it back alive but the Draegon had made it clear he was on his own so he wouldn’t refuse the help offered to him.

Jityria stepped in front of the men to stand before him. “You would risk your life forher? She betrayed you! Just as Zasra did.”

Silence followed her outburst, the crack and pop of burning wood and bodies the only sound to be heard. “I have no proof of Mar-see’s betrayal. Only your word.”

“And that is not good enough?”

“No.”

Her face grew darker, the green tint of her skin nearly going black. The muscle in her jaw clenched before she shouted, “I’ve given you everything! Why was I never good enough for you?”

Jorrick sighed. He didn’t have time for this, nor did he wish to discuss anything with her in front of so many. He met her gaze and saw pain there. He’d always known she had feelings for him. It's why he’d never taken her to his bed. He hadn’t wanted the attachment, but it looked as if it was there, regardless. “I was very clear with you, Jityria. You knew where you stood. I’m sorry you thought it would change over time. Nothing has.”

He turned his back to her and headed to the trees. He had more important things to worry about than Jityria’s hurt feelings. Allok had his mate. Marcy needed him and he’d get her back or die trying.

Recognition dawned in Aris’s eyes as he looked at her. The corner of his mouth drew down into what looked like a frown. Not happy to see her then. Of course, if this was his treatment while under Allok’s watch, she imagined Aris was expecting the same for her and most likely, it would be, especially if she didn’t give Allok what he wanted.

He moved into her line of sight and her heart started to thump—hard. Did she dare pretend she could do what he asked? “All I have to do is perform my ritual and you’ll let him go?”

His red eyes seemed to shine brighter at her words. “Yes. Give me what I wish and he’s yours.”

She felt sick. How fast would he kill her when he finds out she’s lying? She sucked in a deep breath, then released it and raised her chin a notch. “Take him down.”

Allok smiled. “Once you’ve completed your task, he’ll be released.”

Marcy shook her head. “Not good enough. Release him now and let me see to his wounds. Then and only then, will I do what you ask.” A sharp piercing pain raced through her brain hard enough to bend her double. She grabbed her head, moaning through the agony. The moment it stopped, she raised up and blinked the tears in her eyes away.

Allok was smiling. Had he finally gotten through and read her mind? She hoped like hell he hadn’t. He looked at Aris, then at the guard. “Cut him down.”

She’d take that as a no. He still couldn’t read her thoughts but he was still trying. She tried to hide her surprise at Allok’s command to release Aris. The binds holding him up were cut, and he fell as if he was boneless, moaning loudly when he hit the ground. She fell to her knees beside him and rolled him to his side so she could see his face.

His lips were so dry they were cracked and there was dried blood at the corners of his mouth. His golden skin had darkened to a deeper tone, and the nub left from his severed hand looked barely healed.

“I need water and bandages.” When no one moved, she raised her head. “I’ll not do a single thing for you until he’s taken care of. He needs food.” She looked at the other men hanging on the other wooden structures. “They all need water and food.”

Allok studied her for long moments. Marcy met his gaze without flinching. He would either do as she asked or refuse. He finally looked at the guard, staring at him hard before the rhino-boy ran back toward camp. Apparently Allok could communicate with the majority of the aliens here telepathically just as she’d suspected.

Aris opened his eyes and looked up at her. Marcy smiled, even though there was nothing to be happy about. “How bad are you hurt?”