Warlord: Outcasts, #5

Chapter One

Refusing to give in to the frustration coursing through her system, Shivon Roxtin took a deep breath and calmed her expression. She needed to project conviction, not bitchiness. We’ve been on OP3 almost three months now, and nothing has changed. She looked around the clearing where she’d summoned her gun-shy followers. A stream flowed nearby and leafy trees created a natural barrier, but the stream appeared green and the lush foliage had a distinct blue cast. The cloudless sky was teal rather than the vivid blue to which humans were accustomed. This planet might be similar to Earth, but it would never feel like home.

The wannabe rebels had arrived at staggered intervals over the past hour, hoping the guards wouldn’t notice a sudden increase in foot traffic and investigate. Females weren’t required to have escorts as they had shortly after their arrival on OP3, but they were only allowed to venture out in groups of three or more.

Anyone that wants to return to Earth can go, Heather pointed out, her voice ringing in the cool afternoon air. The mouthy redhead argued with everyone, so Shivon didn’t take it personally.

"We wouldn’t need to return to Earth if we’d been asked if we wanted to leave in the first place." Shivon was one of three thousand human females that had been rounded up and taken from Earth without permission. They hadn’t been abused or sold as sex slaves like the heroines in erotic novels, but sex had definitely played a part.

When the Outcasts, a group of war-weary mercenaries, learned that many human females were genetically compatible with Rodyte hybrids—a subspecies to which most of the Outcasts belonged—they decided to kidnap their potential mates rather than competing with their battle born cousins. The battle born were working with Earth’s governments and asking for volunteers, but Outcasts had stopped playing by the rules a long time ago.

Saying sorry doesn’t make up for what they did to us, Shivon stressed.

They explained what they’re trying to do and asked us to be part of it. Anyone that wants no part of it will be taken back to Earth. Heather’s voice grew louder as more of the audience paid attention to her words. What else do you want them to do?

Treating us with the same respect they show each other would be a damn good start, Shivon countered.

Why are you here? one of the other women asked Heather. Your potential mates have come forward, and you’re clearly enjoying the attention. All you need to do is decide which one you want. You don’t belong here.

Heather’s chin lifted and her features tensed as her tone grew more convincing. I still have doubts, just like all of you.

All of Heather’s cabin mates had been claimed by males close to the Outcast’s leader, Kage Razel. Shivon suspected Heather was keeping Kage well-informed of everything that was said at these meetings. Nothing specific had been planned yet, and Kage already knew Shivon was at the center of the would-be rebellion. If Heather wanted to tattle, let her. The primary purpose for these pep rallies was to help Shivon identify the women willing and able to take action. Most of these women were just talk. Shivon needed five loyal followers to form a task force. They’d target the high command. Make life so miserable for Kage and his advisors that they would have no choice but to consider Shivon’s demands.

Everything is black and white with the Outcasts, She tried to guide the conversation back on track. "They allow us to choose which one of our genetic matches we want, but being part of the community without being claimed isn’t an option. She shook her head, and a thick strand of auburn hair swished across her face. Quickly tucking the stray lock behind her ear, she continued, We are more than our reproductive system, more than sexual entertainment!"

A small chorus of affirmation erupted from the crowd. The turnout had been better than Shivon expected. Sixty, maybe even seventy-five females gathered around the rock formation on which she stood. Every revolution had to start somewhere. They will treat us like possessions as long as we allow them to control every area of our lives. Another surge of verbal support rippled through the audience. Rodyte females might be content to take care of the children and pleasure their mates. Human females are more complicated. We need options, goals, something to give our lives purpose.

We have a purpose, Heather argued, pushing her way closer to the front. They’re trying to establish a self-sufficient outpost focused on freedom and equality.

‘Equality?’ Shivon scoffed. Equality for whom? Certainly not us.

Rodyte society is different from what we’re used to, but that doesn’t make it wrong. Their expectations are more fundamental, more traditional.

Staying home and raising kids might have been ‘traditional’ on Earth sixty years ago, but many of us won’t be content as Suzie Homemaker, Shivon insisted. Lynette was a lawyer. She pointed to a brunette near the front of the crowd. Brie was a cop!

And you were a soldier, Heather made it sound blasé. Yes, we’ve all heard your stories.

Shivon narrowed her eyes, refusing to react emotionally. Heather had gone from annoying to insulting, and Shivon wasn’t sure why. If you’re content in the role they’ve assigned you, carry on. I wish you well. The rest of us want more out of—

An arrow zipped past Shivon not an inch from her face. She gasped and arched back, but still felt the rush of air on her cheek. The Sarronti! Shit. Why would the elves attack a group of females? More arrows flew, arching over the crowd from every angle. Shrill screams echoed, and chaos erupted. Women ran, most mindless of where they were heading.

Shivon jumped down from the rock and urged the terrified women back toward the Wheel, the complex they now called home. The Wheel had been constructed by arranging twelve identical ships nose-to-nose. It was the only permanent structure in the area. The women would be safe there or at least protected against this unwarranted attack. Except it wasn’t much of an attack.

The arrows stopped flying as suddenly as they’d started. And to her knowledge, none had struck a person. The Sarronti were skilled archers. They generally hit whatever they targeted. She walked toward the surrounding trees, gathering arrows as she went.

Guards arrived, pulse rifles ready, but aimed at the sky.

Was anyone harmed? one of the Outcasts asked.

Shivon didn’t know his name. I don’t think so. This was a warning. The arrows were shot over, not into the crowd.

He nodded once, then strode back into the trees, likely to verify her report.

Heather stepped out of the shadows, face deeply flushed, eyes wide and wild. This has to stop. Someone could have been hurt or worse.

By worse did she mean killed or kidnapped? Shivon sighed. A few weeks ago, Heather and another female had been kidnapped by the Sarronti while visiting in the woods with some of their friends. I’m sorry. This had to be terrifying for you.

The Outcasts had faced many challenges since arriving on OP3. The first and most glaring was discovering that the planet was not uninhabited as they’d believed. The Sarronti, a secretive elf-like species, had been forced to live underground after a horrific biological weapon made them intensely allergic to ultraviolet light. Though Sarronti villages spread beneath the ground rather than on top of it, they considered the entire planet theirs and were prepared to drive off all intruders. The kidnapping had been a failed attempt at leverage.

Heather moved closer to Shivon, voice low but urgent. What are you hoping to accomplish?

Damn good question.

Shivon whipped her head to the side and cringed. Overlord Kage Razel moved into the clearing as he snapped his pulse pistol back into the bracket strapped to his thigh. I’ve allowed these meetings hoping one of your followers would help you see reason.

It’s unreasonable to want more out of life than popping out babies and being sexually available for an alien male?

The arrogant bastard dared to chuckle. No one ever said that’s all you’d be allowed.

Allowed? She crossed her arms over her chest and openly glared at her nemesis. I find the word insulting. Who are you to decide what is allowed or forbidden in my life?

For a long, tense moment Kage just stared at her. From the neck down he emanated military precision and discipline. A black and gray uniform perfectly showcased his tall, muscular body. But his model-perfect features and asymmetrical jet-black hair made it hard to decide if he belonged on the cover of GQ, or in a biker bar.

Look at Lily and Sara. He ignored her challenge and offered evidence to support his point instead. Neither qualifies as ‘Suzie Homemaker.’

The phrase snapped her attention back to his face and his penetrating gaze. His eyes were so dark there was no distinction between iris and pupil. If his species even had irises or pupils. How long were you lurking in the shadows?

I’ve lurked in the shadows my entire life. He dismissed Heather with a wave of his hand. As today’s demonstration should have shown you, hostilities with the Sarronti are escalating. I can’t be distracted by internal conflicts. So let’s negotiate. He locked his hands behind his back and stalked toward her, his stride slow and indulgent.

Well, she wasn’t in the mood to be indulged. Make participation in your transformation program voluntary.

You already volunteered. You signed a contract, submitted to a physical exam, and attended an orientation. Are you really going to continue with this pretense that you’re a prisoner?

I volunteered to mate with a battle born soldier stationed on or near Earth. I did not volunteer to come to this remote wilderness and become a space pioneer.

He stood in front of her, which forced her to tilt her head back to maintain eye-contact. The position was clearly strategic, meant to put her in her place. I offered to take you home. The offer was made to the females at large and to you personally. If you’re that unhappy, why are you still here?

She looked away from his handsome face. Most of the Outcasts were physically attractive. It was just their Neanderthal attitudes she couldn’t stand. I’m intrigued by the challenge of starting over from scratch. I just don’t want to become chattel in the process.

Chattel. His smile was more like a smirk this time. Aren’t you being a little melodramatic?

Rather than argue with him, she mirrored his pose and glared.

You made an offer. I rejected it. So make another offer, he suggested. That’s how negotiations work. I need you to stop stirring up discontent. What do you need from me in return?

She could ask for a personal exemption from the transformation program, but that wasn’t fair to everyone else. She snapped to attention and stared straight ahead. I’m a trained soldier, sir. I want to fight. That’s what I’ve done my entire life.

What was your position? Rank and branch affiliation doesn’t mean much to me. Explain what you did for Earth’s military.

She glanced up, then away. Was he serious? Somewhat flustered by the unexpected request, she fell back on familiar phrases. I was on a Cultural Support Team attached to the seventy-fifth Ranger Regiment.

I don’t know what that means. Annoyance bled through in his tone.

She’d given him exactly what he’d warned her against, but it hadn’t been intentional. She was rattled not rebellious. The Rangers are some of the meanest, most aggressive soldiers in the U.S. Army. I worked with them, interviewing female Afghanis. The culture of our enemies forbids females from talking to any male who is not a blood relative, or her husband. The only way to get information or gather evidence from them is to have another female do the questioning.

You’re an interrogator?

His interest deepened, drawing her gaze upward again. I was an interrogator for three years before I applied to the CST program. That skill set was one of the reasons I was selected. I went through Ranger training and was exposed to direct combat. That was extremely rare for female soldiers at that time.

If I find you a position that utilizes your skills, will you stop causing trouble?

The offer was tempting, but more was at stake here than her personal happiness. What about all the others? I’m not the only one who wants more.

I’m not opposed to females—how do you often put it—working outside the home, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their primary responsibilities.

Which are becoming a mate and mother? She sighed. He was trying to find a compromise that would satisfy them both. Unfortunately, she was still spoiling for a fight.

Was that not the goal of every female here while they were back on Earth?

Yes and no. As she’d said earlier, they’d all agreed to mate with a Rodyte hybrid and eventually bear his children. However, the Outcasts were different than the battle born. And it wasn’t just logistics. These males were misfits, literal outcasts. A fact they clearly celebrated. They were more independent, more undisciplined than their battle born counterparts.

Kage’s focus on mates drew another complication to the surface of Shivon’s mind. Even if Kage found the perfect position for every woman that wanted to work outside the home, their mates could easily refuse to let them continue working. Rodyte males were notoriously over-protective and territorial. They might not want their females interacting with other males.

Maybe it would be best if she tested the waters herself. She had always respected those who led by example. And Kage was right. If she wasn’t willing to move forward, she needed to return to Earth. Have my genetic matches been notified? She hadn’t heard from any of them, nor had she been given information on them, so she suspected they hadn’t.

Not yet, Kage admitted. One scored significantly higher than the others. I’d like you to spend time with him first.

That wasn’t good. Everyone knew the overlord was a ruthless matchmaker, and he focused on his most loyal, most important followers, hoping to create power couples advantageous to the cause. Who is he?

Torak Payne.

She laughed. The warlord? She only knew him by reputation, but that was enough. Promotions within the Outcast ranks were generally achieved through challenge and combat, which meant the number one warrior was meaner and more deadly than all the others. Except maybe Kage. You want me to bond with the warlord. Think he’s the only one strong enough to control me?

The thought crossed my mind. He grinned unapologetically. However, Torak also trains our new recruits. If you’re serious about working for me, impressing him is your first step.

Was our compatibility score high enough to trigger the pull? Once the pull was triggered in a Rodyte male, all he thought about, cared about, or pursued was sex. Apparently, the effects were nearly as strong in human females. Did she really want to subject herself to that?

The score was only borderline. The mischievous twinkle in his dark eyes contradicted the assurance.

What are my options, if I decide against Torak?

Kage tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. Are you asking about your other matches or my next course of action regarding your behavior?

Both. She’d started to relax until she heard the disapproval in his last sentence.

You have seven potential mates, but Torak is by far the best option.

That’s not your decision to make, she said firmly. God, she was