The amphibious vehicle was one of the strangest things I’d ever ridden in. It looked like an old-school race car from Earth, very sleek and aerodynamic, except that it was on huge wheels with giant tread. Like everything else Kadrixan, it had a future-goth feel, and was matte black with reflective, glowing neon green details.
The doors opened gull-wing style and we stepped into a space that was much more spacious than it looked on the outside. There were several crates in the back which must be what they were trading for the fabrics. In front of the crates were several Kadrixan-sized bucket-style seats. I plopped down into one and was basically swallowed whole with how large it was.
Krxare took the one next to me, and the other two warriors took the ones up front. Then we were off.
To my surprise, a window that hadn’t been there just moments ago opened up on the side and ceiling, showing the world outside. Despite living on this planet my entire life, I hadn’t seen much of it, and those idiots had knocked us out on the trip here. I strained to look out the window, but the bucket seat made it nearly impossible unless I stood.
Strong arms wrapped around me, then Krxare hauled me out of my seat and into his lap. “You can see now, and I can hold you safely. There is rough terrain ahead.” He locked his arms around my hips like a seat belt.
The mountains were breathtakingly gorgeous, so unlike the completely flat area Nova Vita was built on. The vehicle traveled along the bank of a stream as it wound its way down the mountain to join the larger river below. On either side, the mountains towered over us, their slopes partially covered with a forest of enormous trees and partially with barren rock. Some of the peaks were covered in ice and snow.
“Wow. It’s gorgeous.”
Krxare bent to nuzzle at my neck, and for a moment I thought he was going to reuse his line from yesterday about me being more beautiful, but instead, he just hummed in agreement.
The scene overlooking the valley from the peak yesterday had been beautiful, but this; this was humbling. Next to these towering giants, I felt so tiny, so insignificant. My life and my struggles were nothing but specks of dust to these majestic peaks that had stood the test of time.
I leaned into Krxare’s embrace, tilting my head to meet his gaze. The fires in his eyes were warm and welcoming today; I felt a connection with him I couldn’t explain. He was big and strong, permanent and unmovable like the mountains, and I very much wanted to be sheltered in his arms.
The original plan had been to return to the colony once this was all over, but now…I wasn’t so sure. How could I give all this up?
Chapter 13: Krxare
The angry Vokiren male rushed toward my female, snarling.
Clara gasped, and the spike of her fear filled my lungs, igniting in me the urge to protect. I pushed my little human behind me, keeping her protected with my massive body. Whoever wanted her would have to get through me first, and I was an excellent fighter.
I snarled right back at her attacker. “Touch her and die.”
Our visit to the Vokiren had been going swimmingly—the tribe was delighted at seeing Clara wearing their fabrics—until they’d introduced some of their newest members to us.
“Tolan, stand down,” demanded their matriarch, Azala.
“She is one of them. They killed our people and stole our land,” the male hissed.
“Not this one,” Azala said. “Look. She even wears our fabric with pride.”
“I do not care! They took my mate from me, so I claim this female as a replacement.” The Vokiren took a step toward us, and behind me, Clara whimpered.
“If you attack our guests, Tolan, you will find yourself homeless again. Do not make me regret the decision to take you in.” The matriarch was old and weak, but she was firm and demanded respect. “This human is with the Kadrixans, our allies. She is not your enemy.”
Tolan did not look as if he was going to back down, but that was fine by me. The Vokiren were strong fighters and vicious in their battle forms, but I could take him easily, especially when anger colored his vision and blinded him.
The angry male turned on the matriarch. “You are not my matriarch, and this—” he gestured to the tree-top village around us “—is not my true home. My people live in longhouses. Longhouses her people burned to the ground.” He pointed through me to Clara, who trembled behind me. “If taking this female to replace the one I lost means I’m no longer welcomed here, then so be it.”
He rounded on me as his body grew. Light brown hair sprouted from his shoulders as his face morphed into a snout. Claws extended from his hands and feet. By the time he stood in his battle form, he was taller than me: a beast with deadly claws and a slavering mouth full of sharp teeth.
“I challenge you for the female,” he rasped.
Clara gasped, peeking out from behind my body. She stumbled back a few steps.
“Do not fear, little treasure. I will protect you.”
“But-but he’s huge,” Clara squeaked, gripping my bicep. “And he just turned into a monster.”
My mate had nothing to fear. My warriors had battled the natives in their battle forms before. This very tribe had approached us, ready to fight, when we’d first arrived. Word had reached them about what had happened to their counterparts on the other continent, and they’d been worried we were here for their land. After we’d bested them and suppressed them without casualties, a difficult feat, we’d suggested trade instead and explained that we did not plan to expand into their territories.
I exchanged a look with Vostak and Trsak. They were both standing at the ready but knew not to interfere unless there was no other option. Vostak moved to stand in front of the matriarch, protecting her in case the enraged male turned on her. Trsak would be ready to protect anyone else who might get hurt during the challenge. The young male Vokirens did the same, forming a ring around us to protect everyone else.