Ash: A Phoenix Warrior Romance (Phoenix in Flames Book 9) Read online

  “If you’re into predators.” Angel commented.

  “I am.” Mike said with her eyes on Elm. Elm preened under her gaze.

  “We all have a touch of predator.” Ash noted. She would admit he was well trained and muscular, but predator might be a bit of an overstatement.

  “Let’s eat so we can all get to sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day.” Oak stated.

  Everyone finished eating before they moved toward the door. The meteoroid would be new territory and she wanted to explore it. Turning it into a military communications and spy installation would be a challenging job.

  The morning came quickly and there was a tension on board. When they went to lunch, no one had much to say. “What’s going on?” She asked.

  Ash sat next to her. “I found an object three days ago and a blip the next day. Turns out the blip is some kind of scout ship and the object is some kind of large ship. Both were hid well and never showed properly until they were nearly here. Now we’re waiting to see what they do.”

  “They’re the enemy?” She asked.

  “That’s what we think. In a few hours they’ll be close enough to challenge. We have no idea what they’re capable of. My father is in command of a Phoenix ship that is blocking their way to Oison. Things may get hairy.”

  “Will a Phoenix ship be a match for one of theirs?” She asked.

  “More than they will be expecting. It will be interesting to see what they will do.” Ash replied.

  She didn’t think that a showdown would be interesting at all. Oh, she knew what he meant. Their reaction would help them figure out how to deal with this new threat, but she’d rather not see it happen at all. Seeing the new base on the meteoroid was plenty of excitement for her. Why did this ship have to come here?

  Now working on the base was being put off. The unknown ship would be close enough to observe everything going on. That put them back on patrol until this possible threat was dealt with. The tension could be cut with a knife and everyone was hoping this situation would end soon.

  Meanwhile, she saw Ash every meal and sometimes between meals. Two days had passed because the ship had stopped its forward movement and hovered just far enough away to not be considered threatening. Finally, on day three, there was contact.

  Nila was the one who received the message and she immediately sent it on to Teresa and Razar. The communications room on Oison should have received it too, but she wanted to be sure.

  My name is Onrue and you have taken my son, Jetsue prisoner. I demand he be returned immediately.

  That was the complete message. Apparently one of the prisoners was their leader’s son. This explained why the other ships had been unsure of what to do and reluctant to leave. Returning without their prince, or whatever his designation was, would not be well received.

  Apparently Razar had received the message and was on things. She saw a message had been sent in return.

  We can discuss the return of your son, once we talk about your aggressive actions toward my people.

  Now there was silence. Onrue didn’t send an answer. It seemed he would have to think on things. Since he hadn’t attacked, maybe this would open a discussion that might lead to a deeper understanding and eventually peace?

  Again they were all back to waiting for something to happen. She listened for anything of interest for the rest of the day and found nothing. Since she’d been off yesterday, Angel was off today. Tomorrow would be easier with both of them on duty. Finally, the long day ended and she wondered if something might happen tomorrow?

  It’s supper and the table she’s sitting at is full of all the usual crowd. Never did she believe she’d be part of a group. It was especially surprising after all she’d gone through with the slavers. She’d not been like Angel. No one had ordered her in advance. In fact, they’d not known what she was. Dressed as a boy, that’s what they had thought she was. It had saved her the sexual torture some of the other females had faced at least until they’d reached the auction.

  That’s when they stripped all of them and washed them so they would be clean. The guards had been angry because it was too late for them to touch her. She’d avoided their special brand of attention, but now the customers came in and their examinations were humiliating. It had made her feel like a transport that was being sold. They’d checked her teeth, questioned her age, and ask if they could take her for a spin. Thankfully, the answer to the last question was if you want to try her, buy her.

  When she came up to the block, two people had begun a bidding war. One was the ugliest male she’d ever seen. He’d not looked quite humanoid. When he’d won the bid, she’d been terrified. While she’d been in the slaver’s hold, she’d heard horrible stories about aliens with barbed dicks that tore up humans. The females would bleed to death after being raped.

  This guy looked so different she wondered if he was like that. He saw she was frightened. “You’re not for me. It’s a human you’ll be going to.”

  That eased her mind some. Maybe the human that bought her wouldn’t be so bad. The alien led her to transport and they flew away. Had she known the destination, she would have tried to escape. They were headed to a whorehouse and she ended up being there for three months until Teresa and Flicker freed her.

  Once freed, she went to Oison where she spent a month trying to get her head on straight enough to make decisions about her life. She’d just completed a degree in communications, but she had no practical experience. The job Teresa offered her was perfect. Finally, something was going right.

  Now she had a good job and she was saving money for the house she wanted to buy someday. She required little to live on and most of her money was put in savings. Now Ash was adding a new possibility and she needed to think things through. Could she have a relationship after what she’d been put through for three months? Was she making excuses because she feared she wouldn’t recover if her heart was involved and it didn’t work out? And most importantly, was her heart already involved?

  Chapter 3

  Love Grows

  As far as he could see, nothing was going on as far as his job was concerned. That meant he could put all his attention on Nila and the relationship he wanted with her. It was moving forward slowly and they were eating all their meals together. Once a week he was assigned to work with her and Angel. That was a gift.

  The enemy ship had been hanging in space neither coming closer nor backing away for three days now. There had been no communications since the original one. He suspected they were making a plan and looking for weaknesses they could use against them. As long as that ship was there, they would be here, waiting.

  Dull? Maybe, but there were things he could do with his female that he wouldn’t be able to do otherwise like date her. Every other evening, they went to the garden or the 3D room. Nila loved the plants in the garden and the scenes of old Earth in 3D. They were even cuddling on the couch in her room while they had a drink and talked afterwards. It was pleasing to touch and caress her. But it made him want so much more.

  Today was the day, he noticed a buzz of excitement rolling over everyone on the ship. “What’s up?” He asked when he joined the others for breakfast.

  “We got a message. They are ready to meet with Razar. Something will happen soon.” Angel said.

  “Everyone’s hoping it will be good.” Nila added.

  “They will be meeting today.” Oak offered. As third in command he usually knew what was going on.

  “We’re sending a detail for Razar. Bodyguards, but Mike is also a language expert. Maybe we can figure out their language. Nila got started on it. It seems to resemble an early Earth language, Babylonian.” Oak admitted.

  “It seems Earth had many visits from advanced races.” Ash observed. It also seemed most of them set technology back rather than improving it.

  “So it would seem. They didn’t help anyone though. Now they are sniffing back around looking for slaves. Earth would be better off without them.” Elm suggested.<
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  “What makes you think they headed this way for Earth?” He asked.

  “It’s in some of the missives between ships from earlier that Angel intercepted. They describe a blue and white planet, third from the sun.” Oak informed.

  “So we just got caught in the crossfire? Had they found Earth first, they would have probably left. Not much there of value to slave hunters.” Ash observed.

  “They are looking for the Earth that was overpopulated and still had resources. Now that they are here, they’ll happily take Oison instead.” Elm admitted.

  “Aren’t we lucky? We got second place by default.” Mike said.

  “It’s a shame they didn’t just move around and pass us by.” Angel declared.

  “It is, but the odds were against us.” Oak admitted.

  “Life is a game?” Angel replied.

  “It’s certainly a gamble at times.” Oak agreed.

  “Some win, some lose, and some have the blues?” Ash asked.

  “I don’t remember that one exactly.” Elm jumped in.

  “I believe that is a slightly changed version of that saying and there are two different songs it could be from.” Mike said.

  “How could you know that?” Elm asked.

  “See this? That’s how.” She held up a notebook computer.

  “Isn’t that cheating?” Nila asked.

  “It might be if this game had rules.” Mike replied.

  “Okay. Maybe it needs rules.” Ash stated.

  “It won’t be as much fun then. Let’s just leave it like it is.” Elm suggested.

  “So anyone have a guess at what Razar will ask for in return for the prisoner they want back?” Mike asked.

  “Not a clue. He’ll want some kind of concessions and he’ll want to make a deal for all the prisoners, not just one. They use up a lot of resources and we don’t need them except for leverage.” Oak explained.

  “That’s true. Maybe he’ll get them to leave us alone.” Nila said.

  “I’d have a hard time trusting them.” Mike admitted.

  Ranger sat by Maple and they were both quiet as usual. He watched the two of them with suspicion. Maple was too young and innocent to handle whatever Ranger was looking to give. A close eye needed to be kept on the two of them. Unfair? Maybe but he didn’t care. She was his sister and she would get the protection of all her brothers whether she wanted it or not.

  Everyone separated and went to work if they were on shift or to sleep or play if they weren’t. Not everyone adjusted to life onboard ship but everyone in their group had adjusted quite well. Their group was family, except for Ranger who had just invited himself but he kept numbers even and they preferred to watch as he spent time with Maple.

  Those two off on their own was simply unacceptable. Maybe Oak and Elm would help him watch her. Of course, they probably already were. They needed to take turns that was the ticket.

  “What are you thinking about? Not Maple, surely.” Nila asked.

  “What? Who me? I worry about my sister but I don’t think about her all the time.” He replied. How did she know? His woman was too intuitive for him.

  “Just a guess. She’ll be fine. Maple is grown up and I would guess older than me?”

  “Maybe a little older. What difference does that make?”

  “You saw no reason not to pursue me.”

  “That’s because my intentions are honorable. Your mine and we both know it.” He insisted.

  “Are you sure they don’t see things the same way?”

  “They barely know each other.”

  “And if you and your brothers have your way, they never will.”

  “What do you mean?” He asked as they stood by the door to communications.

  “The three of you watched them relentlessly. It was obvious to all.”

  “She’s our sister. Wouldn’t it look worse if we weren’t protective?”

  “There is protective and then there’s obsessive.” Nila assured. “I’d best go in.” He kissed her gently before they said goodbye. It looked like the young lovebirds had Nila on their side.

  He watched her as she walked away loving the way her perfect ass swayed. It was time, he was sure of it. They needed to move on to the next step of their relationship soon. His balls ached and his cock hurt from being too hard for too long. Maybe tonight? Gods, he could only hope. For now, it was time to work. When he arrived, on time, it was to be the last one since others had come early.

  Oak stood instead of sitting. “Now that we’re all here.” He cast an irritated look at Ash then read off names. “You will all be on the consoles you usually operate on deck. The rest of you will be Razar’s protective detail for the meeting in an hour. All those on the detail need to come to the meeting room for instructions.”

  He’d forgotten about the detail with his mind so set on Maple and his own love life. It wasn’t like he’d put them behind, but he knew Oak liked to be early, always. That might change if Angel was pregnant which was a real possibility. That would be exciting, being an uncle. Right now, the detail would be exciting. A quick prayer to the gods that it would all turn out okay then he followed the group to the meeting room.

  Uniforms that were combined with protective gear awaited each of them. The fit was perfect, these had been custom tailored with each individual in mind. Their uniforms weren’t much different from the usual, but set off with some insignia he’d never seen before and a few small touches. Once on, the fit was both comfortable and snug.

  They all lined up for Oak to do an inspection. “All of you look great.” Mike and Maple were among those selected and another female he didn’t know.

  Angel and Nila weren’t ready for the more physical duties and might never be. He didn’t mind since it meant they were out of harm’s way. At least that was what he assumed. They all marched down to engineering where they were immediately flashed down to Razar’s meeting room.

  Razar, Lista, and a handful of seemingly harmless Mazlans were waiting for them. They seemed unarmed but Ash knew better. Apparently, these people were their backup. Now they were each placed in position by Oak. Teresa and Flicker had stayed on board, not that anyone expected any trouble. This assignment would give Oak more experience and he was perfectly capable of handling this.

  It wasn’t long before someone came in saying the guests had arrived on their shuttle and were being escorted to them. Moments later, the guests arrived escorted by Razar’s usual detail with one leading the others spread around the group. They move out and stood in positions next to them.

  The enemy leader stood out with power radiating off the male. That female next to him was clearly his mate. Her power was subtler but felt stronger to him. This female rules their empire through her male. She looks both worried and angry. Something wasn’t done the way she had instructed.

  “I appreciate you meeting me like this even if you have taken major measures for security.” Their leader said. The female pinches him and he jumps at the unexpected pain. “My name in Onrue and this is my mate, Catow. Our son is your prisoner, I believe?”

  “Yes, we have identified Jetsue. He’s being held near so you can visit him before you leave.” Razar said.

  “I was hoping to come to an agreement so he could leave with us.” Onrue observed.

  “What of your other people?” Razar asked.

  “They would stay as a sign of our good behavior.” Onrue suggested.

  “Which would mean something if you seemed to care about any of them.” Lista declared.

  “You let your females speak for you?” Onrue asked.

  “I do it outwardly, although many leaders do and hide it.” Razar looked suggestively at Catow.

  Onrue turned red. It was clear to everyone his mate had much to say about how things were done. “We care about all our people.”

  “Why did you only ask about your son?” Razar asked.

  “He was in charge. If we had him he could have given us an accounting of what happened and wh
ere all our people were.” Onrue explained. Everyone looked at him in disbelief. His explanation wasn’t compelling.

  “If you say so. I’m not willing to release your son until we come to an agreement that we can find a way to enforce. I would however make a deal for the females and children that I’m sure you want back as quickly as possible.” Razar declared.

  Onrue now looked as if he were pouting. “What would you wish in return for them?”

  “Let’s sit and begin our talks. Since we are hosting you, please let us know what you prefer to drink or eat.” Razar asked.

  Once their dietary needs were explained, all sat and it was time to get to work. After a few minutes, it was clear this was all for his son and no other reason. Razar wouldn’t discuss that until the females and children were dealt with.

  “What is it you want for them?” Onrue asked.

  “I want you to stay away from Oison but I need a way to enforce that.” Razar explained.

  “How is that even possible?” Onrue asked.

  “Old Earth had a system where allies left valuable members of the ruling family or something of great value like a religious artifact with their new allies to ensure the peace.”

  “I want my son back, not to leave him here with you.” Onrue was becoming frustrated.

  “Have you no other valuable person or thing that would do?” Razar asked.

  “Catow’s youngest sister, but I warn you she’s a handful.” Catow shot him a look that should have frozen his blood it was so cold. “You’re lucky she’s on the ship right now. Do you want her right away?” He asked hopefully.

  It was clear he would pay later. “The sooner she comes the sooner you can get your females and children back. Then we’ll move on to your son.”

  At that point the shuttle was sent to pick up Jackow, the little sister. While that happened all the females and children were being sent to one place to be flashed onboard once Jackow was in a guest room with guards.

  It was promising that some agreement had been reached. Now they discussed the trade for Jetsue. “What concessions would you give for his safe return?” Razar questioned.