Duke (Moon Hunter's Inc. Book 8) Read online

  “Hello,” Duke whispered.

  She looked at him and her face turned pink and she smiled. “I was hoping they’d send you. It makes me feel safer.”

  “I plan to keep everyone safe. After lunch is done, we need to talk about what happened if you’re okay with that?”

  “I am. I want you to find them and get Sharon back. It’s hard to believe they would follow us here and manage to take her.”

  “It’s pretty gutsy. They’ve searched every ship leaving so she’s still here somewhere.”

  “She deserves her chance to live free, too.”

  “That’s true and I’ll do everything I can to find her. I know you will all help and that’ll make it easier.”

  “Have you searched for kidnapped victims and not been helped by their community?” She looked stunned.

  “Sometimes, communities are scared. Rarely, we work in communities that don’t care. Most of them are like yours. They’ll help all they can.”

  She nodded and it seemed to make her feel better about things. For all that she’d been through and the harsh realities of life she’d endured, Clancy was still naïve. At least she wasn’t hardened and bitter about life. He loved the innocent and positive view she had of life and hoped she never lost it. Taking a close look, he realized she looked much healthier even in such a short time.

  Clancy ate quickly and was done in no time. Duke escorted her to an office that Cash had told him was set aside for his use. He sat on the office chair and motioned for her to sit across from him on one of the two chairs that sat there. She sat posed on the edge of the chair as if she would jump up and run away at any moment; not exactly how he wanted to start this off.

  “I’m glad to see you looking so much healthier and happier.”

  “They’ve been feeding us good here. We get to socialize. Lista has been a good friend.”

  “Lista is a good person. She and Razar make a perfect couple.”

  “She says she got lucky, but I think he did as well,” Clancy admitted.

  “Of course he did. Finding your perfect match is good luck for both people. You said you were settling in here? Why did you go outside?”

  “I wanted to see what it looked like and I stayed within the area I was told to. If I hadn’t, they would have gotten away with me like they did Sharon. They must have lured her away.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “She wasn’t the type to rebel. Sharon was quiet, shy, and reserved.”

  “But she was told to stay on sight of the building as a precaution.”

  “It’s true there was no reason for her to go that far.”

  “It makes no sense, but we’ll figure it out. Did you recognize any of the men who tried to take you?”

  “No, they wore masks. They were dressed all in black with nothing that stood out on their clothing.”

  “They sound like professionals.”

  “There are people that abduct others for a living?”

  “Unfortunately. They are mercenaries, criminals.”

  “Like the people who worked at Zero?”

  “Yes, sometimes like the worst of the ones at Zero.”

  Clancy stiffened. “I don’t mean to scare you. I just want you to be careful.”

  She nodded. “I will be. What are you going to do?”

  “For now, I’ll stay in the men’s dorm, set up whatever security measures I can, and check with the Mazlans to get any information I can.”

  “I’ll feel better knowing you’re on the job.”

  That gave him a warm feeling inside. This female had too much influence on him, but it was too late to change it. “Thank you. I appreciate your confidence in me and I’ll do my best to see to things here.” Duke flashed her a smile that he hoped was sexy yet said he was a protector.

  She didn’t back away from him so it seemed like everything was going alright. This was one tough case, because he was on-site security and trying to run an investigation. It was an investigation that had stalled before he’d even been brought here. The only thing that was good was the planet was on lockdown. That meant Sharon was here. He glanced out the window. She was out there somewhere waiting to be found.

  Chapter 3

  Afraid

  Clancy wouldn’t admit it, but Duke’s presence changed everything. The horrible niggling fear that resided in her belly wasn’t so loud when he was with her. What was she afraid of? She never wanted to go back to that sorry existence she’d had before. There’s been no life, no pride, and no self-respect for her or the others she lived with.

  Coming here had shown her the difference. Clancy had seen how the other half lived and she wanted it. Her wounded psyche craved it for now and forever. She refused to give back the life she’d discovered here and the dreams she’d begun to build. There were no take backs. It was a weird human term Lista used sometimes that fit the situation perfectly.

  It was time for the fear and the worry to end. She’d learned enough to know there were people who lived without either. They had good lives, satisfying jobs, and good relationships with others. It was what she wanted more than anything.

  Hard work? No problem, she was ready to work hard to learn the job she’d selected, a job that once she was able to perform, it would help the people of her new planet. Clancy knew a relationship could be just as much work. Watching the vids had shown her that. Duke was the one she wanted, if he wanted her too.

  Now that he was back, she’d find that out soon. He seemed to care about her. Duke gave her extra attention, which was why she had hope that they could be a couple. First, they had to solve Sharon’s disappearance and make sure the people from Zero would be safe here.

  Their discussion finished up and she left the office and sat in one of the common rooms with a couple of people she knew. She was waiting, and finally Duke left the office and walked by shooting them all a smile. Clancy watched as he walked away, her eyes drinking him in. Tall, dark, and handsome described him perfectly. She felt like such a coward watching, but never acting on her feelings.

  A shiver ran through her just at the thought of him. Males had never made her feel like this before. If he didn’t feel the same way and she lost him, she’d go mad. The connection was strong and it stuck with her long after she’d gone to bed. She imagined him there with her and the delicious things he might do to her. Those were things she could only imagine.

  The next morning, Duke addressed them all. He began by setting a curfew and he explained what the purpose of it was. Only a couple of them protested and they didn’t do so stringently. They all knew about Sharon and no one else wanted to be taken. Next, he explained the tougher security measures. All of them could help, he said. They could help keep an eye on each other.

  There would be cameras in all areas except bedrooms and bathrooms. The vids would be reviewed daily. They would have other measures, like they would only go outside in pairs and there would be a perimeter security alarm. She thought Duke did a good job explaining what he was doing and why. A few of the refugees had objected to being under such strict surveillance, but he’d told them it was just until they caught the people that had attacked her and taken Sharon.

  It was hard to protest something only intended to keep you safe. Never the less, she thought if he’d had to deal with Mazlans that had always had freedom, he would have had a hard time. Her people had just come from slavery and even close surveillance was better than what they were used to. It was clear from Duke’s behavior that he not only took things seriously, but that he cared. Her attack and Sharon’s abduction made him angry and he wanted to catch those responsible.

  Clancy couldn’t help herself, her gaze was drawn to him constantly. She watched him as he installed cameras and she watched him install the perimeter alarm on one of the monitors. Lista had taught her a new term, stalker, and she felt like one. The only thing that redeemed her was Duke seemed interested in her too.

  “He’s a fine looking warrior,” Lista complimented. “Yo
u two would make a handsome couple.”

  “Are you trying out new terms you’ve learned on me?” Clancy asked.

  “I’m trying to learn to use more adjectives and adverbs. Colorful speech is more calming to the masses, or so I’ve been told. Razar got me a tutor for public speaking. He thinks it will help me not be so nervous next time I have to address a group.”

  “What do you think?”

  “All the rules just confuse me. Now I’m more fearful than ever of saying the wrong thing or the right thing the wrong way.”

  “I don’t envy that part of your life,” Clancy admitted.

  “You envy the happy mating?”

  “Yes. I don’t know how to interest him.” The him was obvious, they’d been discussing the man since they’d met.

  “I don’t think the interest is missing. I’ve seen the looks he gives you. He may just be waiting to have his job here complete before he approaches you. Guys can be funny about things like that.’

  “I hope you’re right, but what if you’re not?”

  “Let’s have a watch and see attitude. If he doesn’t make a move soon, we’ll figure out a move you can make,” Lista assured.

  “What if he turns me down?”

  “He doesn’t look stupid. That male likes you. The right circumstance, and you two will burn up the sheets.”

  “What? I don’t know what that means.”

  “Hot sex, and a whole lot of it.”

  Clancy turned bright red. “I hope you’re right. I’ve never.”

  “They didn’t match you up?”

  “No, they did run tests and knock me out to take samples, but as far as I know, they never did that.”

  “I’m glad you were spared having to go through that,” Lista admitted.

  “Me too. I know many females who gave birth only to have their babies taken from them.”

  “That’s horrible. I hope the labs are taken down completely and families can be brought back together.”

  “I hope so too. I don’t know if I have any family or not.”

  “I know the doctors plan to get DNA from anyone willing and check it against a list they already have started. They have already brought some people together with family members. I’m sure they will match people as more are tested.”

  “I’m willing to be tested. If I have family, I want to know them,” Clancy admitted.

  “I’ll make sure you get put on the list. There seem to be certain family groups that show up a lot. Maybe you’ll be one of them. Several of the hunters have found relatives among the refugees.”

  “You don’t think I could be related to Duke, do you?” Clancy asked, completely stricken at the possibility.

  “It’s unlikely, but we’ll find out as soon as possible,” Lista offered. Clancy just nodded. She would worry until she knew for sure.

  Lista left and Clancy knew they’d already drawn blood from all of them to test for illnesses so the blood was already on hand. For now, she went to the library where she got back on her studies. Clancy had always had such a limited view of the world, but her access to that world had opened up. Now she was learning about all the exciting and amazing things that were out there just waiting to be discovered.

  Science was where her major interest lay, but she found science fiction to be a second love. Reading it or watching the vids brought her a great deal of pleasure. It was a guilty pleasure because no one had said she was allowed to read those books or watch the vids. She would ask, but what if they denied her access? Rather than be denied, she just continued to sneak around and get her daily sci-fi fix.

  Clancy always did her school work first and she was always ahead of the work that was assigned. Learning was so much fun, it amazed her when she heard of children hating homework. If only she’d had this opportunity when she’d been younger. Maybe not having the chance made her appreciate it so much more.

  She was done with her assignments for the day when Lista came back in to see her. “I’ve only got one answer for you right now. You and Duke aren’t related. Isn’t that great? It will take time for them to test for your family, but I’ll let you know as soon as it’s done.”

  “Thank you,” Clancy replied as she gave Lista a hard hug.

  Lista left and Clancy was alone again. She turned her efforts back to school work starting on tomorrow’s assignment. Her ambition glowed brightly inside.

  For once in her life, she knew what she wanted and had been offered the tools to achieve it. This was completely up to her. She could reach her goals and do what she wanted if she was willing to work hard enough. It was unbelievable to go from the horrible existence she’d had at the facility to this. Clancy intended to make the best of it and earn the position of her dreams.

  She found it both exciting and satisfying to work with plants. So far, the projects she’d worked on had been successful. The knowledge she’d gained had paid off, first in the small plantings she’d done in containers and now in the greenhouse she worked in three times a week, or had before the attack. Eventually, she would have a plot she’d be in charge of. It would be her job to supervise the work done in the field from start to finish.

  Clancy found that she was really excited about the work she hoped to do. With having an increase in the population due to workers being needed to grow and harvest the Oison weed, working in the mines and exporting other products, they could no longer feed all the people on their planet. They needed people like her. People willing to learn about agricultural planting and harvesting in a limited space dedicated to feeding the planet.

  It was exciting to be in on the beginning of an agricultural program like this, getting to help decide what would be grown where and how. When she thought about it and she got this excited, she knew she’d picked the right area of study. What was more, the Mazlans hadn’t considered the huge bounty the oceans could provide.

  The seaweed that grew so easily there was edible. It might have a bland taste, but it might have the potential to make a great additive. It had many of the vitamins and minerals most beings needed for good health. The oceans also had a bounty in the fish and other creatures found there, but that would be someone else’s concern.

  Clancy knew one of the reasons they had left the oceans alone up until this point were the leviathans that lived in the murky depths that could be coaxed up to the surface with the possibility of a tasty snack. It was the reason no one swam there and only the bravest fished there. Harvesting food from those oceans would be a challenge. She wouldn’t back down from that challenge and she would find a way.

  Right now, Clancy needed to stop daydreaming and get back to work. Maybe her concentration would improve if she switched to biology, her favorite subject?

  Chapter 4

  Safety First

  Duke had always been the cautious type. It paid to put safety first. It was unfortunate that it also often allowed you to ignore your instincts and personal feelings and follow the rules.

  Clancy was amazing and her progress this last week had impressed the professors brought in for the education of the refugees, not just from Zero, but all the raided facilities. When she was offered the opportunity to leave the building where he kept them safe for a field trip. His first response was no. His next thought, not without me.

  Against his better judgement, he allowed himself to be persuaded that she would be safe with two Mazlan warriors. Everyone knew they had special abilities. It should have been enough, more than enough. But it wasn’t! His Clancy was gone, taken. Razar assured him over the com that the planet was closely monitored and no ships had left, but how would they find her.

  “I need to speak to you in person,” Razar demanded.

  “It will be my pleasure,” Duke replied and it would be. He had something to say to Razar and he didn’t care who he was. The ineptitude of two of his warriors had allowed someone to take his Clancy away and there was no excuse for it.

  He jumped in his ship as soon as more of Razar’s warriors arrived and head
ed for the coordinates Razar had given him. As his ship drew closer, he realized it was Razar’s home. It was large, huge actually, and fit well into the surrounding area, blending well by using local rocks and the colors around it. Any other time he would care about that and want to know more.

  Right now, Clancy and how the hell she’d been taken was his only concern. Duke had made a promise and now that promise was in tatters. She had been taken and not only did he have no idea where she was, he had no way of finding her. Parking the ship, he exited and strode angrily to the door knocking hard. His pounding echoed inside the house and he quickly heard footsteps coming to the door.

  “Was it necessary to try to unhinge my door with your knocks? My young is taking a nap,” Razar informed.

  “Sorry,” Duke replied, but he was only sorry about the young, if he or she, hell, he thought Razar might even have one of each, had been disturbed. He was furious at Razar, or at least at his two substandard soldiers. Clancy had deserved better protection than she’d received.

  “Come in.” Razar held the door open and gestured for him to move inside.

  The house smelled like cookies. Lista had probably made some for the young. Something so normal hit him hard when his Clancy was taken and who knew what they were doing to her? This life was what he’d hoped to give her when she was ready for it. A home with young and cookies, or a similar life that he would provide for her. Had all hope of that disappeared with her?

  “Sit and let’s talk,” Razar instructed.

  “How did they manage to lose her,” Duke asked as he dropped into the nearest chair.

  “It was planned,” Razar admitted.

  “What?” Duke roared. The sound echoed off the ceiling and walls and he heard a baby cry. Damn! That hadn’t been his intention. “You purposely let them take her who knows where?”

  “We know where she is and I wanted to calm you before we meet my warriors to get your female and the other one back.”

  “I don’t appreciate using Clancy as bait. I also don’t like being kept out of the loop. How do you know where she’s at?”