Captured By The Alien Barbarian: A Sci-fi Alien Romance series (Planet Atraxis Warriors)

Chapter 1

The sun peeks over the horizon as I rub my crusty eyes. Sleep? Who needs it? Apparently not me, especially after the nocturnal jam session of the local wildlife outside my cabin. The walls are meant to keep the weather out, but I doubt they can withstand an ill-tempered squirrel, let alone one of the ravenous beasts that prowl planet Atraxis.

I wonder if I should ask my best friend Maya if I can crash at her place. Her husband, a huntsman, has secured one of the new fancy brick-and-wood dwellings within the cozy confines of the town’s barricaded walls. Lucky them. Me? I live out here with this alien planet’s version of raccoons and owls, courtesy of my job as a farmer.

As I contemplate the idea of imposing upon Maya, the thought of her husband, James, comes to mind. I don’t know him all that well, but our interactions always make me feel like I am walking on eggshells. Would Maya be cool with me moving in? Sure. Her husband? Probably not. So, I decide to suck it up and face the situation.

I grab my gear and waltz out the door in my work suit, which clings to me like a second skin. Nothing says confidence like feeling naked and exposed. Great!

Still, the material has special properties that repel dirt. That alone makes it worth wearing when visiting the mines. At least I don’t have to do laundry every day while toiling away.

I don’t have much of a choice about visiting the mines. The pressure from Walter breathing down my neck is intense. If I don’t pay off that loan, he’ll literally be breathing down my neck. Not a pleasant thought. My stomach threatens to rebel, but I have no extra snacks and can’t afford the questionable “food” offered at the mines. I mean, I’m not picky, but I have standards.

Approaching the stone walls of the colony, the “Eve’s Rest” sign creaks melodramatically in the breeze. I hate that name. Sure, it’s meant to honor my late friend Eve, but it just reminds me of broken dreams and promises. Eve had been my friend. We had planned to establish homes on this planet together. It was a dream that never had a chance.

Surprisingly, I always savor my strolls to the mines. The landscape is enchanting, with its blue grass, beige-trunked trees, and awe-inspiring sunrises. The plants that flank my path range from delicate baby blues to rich, vivid purples. I yearn to spend my days exploring.

My heart sinks as I contemplate another day within the mine’s gloomy depths. Everything about them is lackluster: the monotonous gray dust, the melancholy blue guiding lights, and the inky blackness that seeps into your very soul. The sight of the mines dampens my spirits further. I don’t want to be there, but I have no alternative. To make matters worse, there he is, standing before the gates: Walter Sullivan. The last thing I need is Walter Sullivan, the colony’s resident heartthrob, waiting for me at the mine entrance. Women swoon over him, but I’ve never seen the appeal. He wants everything to do with me, even though I want nothing to do with him.

He chats with the mine manager but still manages to look around like a hawk, scanning for prey. As his gaze locks onto me, his smirk makes me feel like a deer caught in the headlights. It takes all my willpower to keep walking in his direction, my feet losing momentum and dragging in the packed dirt as if they have a mind of their own.

“I knew you couldn’t resist my charm,” Walter says, standing on a wooden box to lord over the miners.

“I don’t have much of a choice,” I reply, trying not to roll my eyes.

If I could choose, I’d spend my days surrounded by beloved plants on my farm, basking in the company of friends like Maya and Stacy. I actually like them. But alas, that isn’t in the cards.

Walter steps down and faces me, proposing his ridiculous solution once again. “Marry me, Ariana. All your financial problems will go away.”

I resist the urge to laugh. Does he know how ridiculous he sounds? “I’m just here for some ore, Walter. Just like everyone else. I need the money for seeds,” I say,

“So, you didn’t trek all this way just for little ol’ me?” Walter asks, squinting at me, making me wince. Like I’d ever come all this way for his company.

Awkward silence engulfs us. The mine manager standing beside Walter chooses that moment to make himself scarce. He bolts like a frightened rabbit. I shoot daggers at his retreating back. Thanks for the backup, buddy.

“Fine, enjoy working for it then. You’ll find it’s not so easy without my help.” Walter says, arms crossed. “You ain’t welcome here in the mines. Not anymore.”

“What? You can’t do that! I have a mining license!” Shock and fear transform into a volcanic eruption of anger. “Without those seeds, I’m toast. My farm will fail!”

Walter smirks at me. “Those are my terms. I’ve waited and chased you long enough. You’re not welcome here anymore.”

I am furious, but Walter doesn’t flinch. It’s like he’s daring me to beg or give in to his demands. No way.

“Fine then! I’ll find another place to mine. I don’t need you,” I say through gritted teeth.

Walter’s eyes widen in surprise. “Don’t be a fool. There’s beasts out there. You could be killed.”

“Then call me a fool!” I say, spinning on my heel and marching away.

As I leave, I notice some of the miners grinning in my direction.

But one thing is certain—I am a desperate, stupid fool.

* * *

I still can’t believeI did that. Did I really just tell Walter to go stuff himself? Boy, am I an idiot. The words keep floating through my mind, repeatedly taunting me.

I bolt down one of the hunter’s paths, diving deeper into the forest without a backward glance. Panting like a marathon runner, I can feel my anger fading with every step, replaced by creeping doubt. I groan and smack my face with my hand. Genius move, really.

On the bright side, I had the foresight to grab the bow Maya made for me. Sure, I haven’t practiced much with it yet, but it gives me a sense of security. I doubt Maya ever thought I would venture this far from the colony, but here I am. I refuse to stop to consider my actions or to turn back and head home. This world will not beat me. I refuse to submit. I am capable, and I will prove that I can do this.

Chin up, I abandon the hunter’s trail and follow a ridge downward towards the valley. No caves or sorium ore here, but I squash the fear that tickles my sweaty back. I’m not exactly lost—I know the colony is up the mountain. As long as I don’t stray too far, I can always head back up. Easy.

The region is a maze of mountains and fjords. I remember gazing out of the space shuttle’s porthole, marveling at the valleys that sprawl like spider webs across the white and blue landscape. It is both breathtaking and intimidating. The planet looks so much like the old Earth photos and videos I’ve seen, but bigger. And wetter. Back on Earth, water was a luxury, but here it flows freely. A strange concept, but I could get used to it.

I know nothing about finding a cave. Rumor has it there are hundreds in the area, all connected by tunnels.

By the time I reach the valley floor, my heart is pounding like a drum. Climbing back up isn’t going to be a picnic, but it will all be worth it. Before me, a cave mouth beckons. It is large enough that I could waltz right in without ducking.

Gazing at the entrance, I can’t help but feel a little smug. This is it, my turning point. Today is the day my life changes for the better.

* * *

My stomach letsout a growl that would put a bear to shame. The dark cave has swallowed me up for far too long. The weak light barely penetrates the depths of this rocky abyss, probably because of the trees huddling around the entrance like they are trying to hide a secret.

Good thing I have my trusty torch to light my way. Having spent countless hours in the mines, I am practically a pro at navigating through low light. The only challenge is that there’s no sense of time passing, except for the sound of my pickaxe striking and my own grunts of exertion echoing off the cave walls.

In the beginning, I hesitated between each swing, ears perked for any lurking danger. But soon, the sweet melody of rocks splitting and ore chipping away lured me into a sense of security. The more I worked, the more my excitement grew. Never in my wildest dreams have I seen so much raw ore! Sorium ore veins decorate each newly freed rock, tempting me to be picky about my treasures. The thicker veins could even be refined into gems worth a small fortune. The little crystals power gadgets, while big ones can fuel entire spaceships.

Imagine if I find one of those bad boys? I’d be set for life!

The official mine is practically barren compared to this goldmine. How have more miners not ventured out into the wild to find their fortune in undiscovered caves?

I cram as many rocks as I can into my backpack, only to topple over like a drunk flamingo when I try to hoist it onto my back. Chuckling at my ambitious failure, I decide to leave some behind for tomorrow’s adventure. For once, I am okay with waiting another day.

Satisfied, I exit the cave with a backpack full of potential.

Stepping out, I gasp. Daylight is fading faster than I’d anticipated. One sun has already called it a day, and the other is following suit. Night is approaching, and I’ll be stranded in the wilds. In the dark.

Thoughts of my friend Eve haunt me. The colony council assigned her to explore the surrounding lands for caves containing valuable sorium ore. She fell prey to the wild creatures before the main group of colonists had even arrived. Before I arrived. I refuse to share her fate. Determined to reach the safety of the colony, I scramble up the ridge with reckless abandon.

Panting and drenched in sweat, I feel the cooling yet chilling effects of my damp clothes. As the two suns continue to set, the temperature drops, and my goosebumps become a permanent feature.

But what sends a shiver down my spine is the bone-chilling howl, soon joined by two more.

Fear grips me like a vise, and I freeze in pure panic. The colony is still quite a distance away. I doubt the guards would hear me shout, and the odds of a hunter being nearby are slim to none. I inhale deeply, trying to force myself to calm down. The creatures are far away, and their howling doesn’t necessarily mean they are after me. Despite my rational thoughts, my body has other plans, refusing to play nice with logic. With newfound urgency, I scramble up the incline. The cliff faces are mercifully small, enough for me to haul myself over. No need for any extreme rock climbing.

I refuse to glance back, fearing that my overactive imagination will conjure up ghastly beings stalking me.

My breaths are loud in my ears, and my heartbeat thunders so forcefully that I am sure any nearby beast can hear it with ease. Even my footsteps seem obnoxiously loud, crushing leaves with every step.

Wait. It’s not that I have suddenly become noisier; rather, the world around me has gone eerily silent. The insects, birds, and even the rustling of trees have taken a vow of silence.

The hairs on my neck prickle, instinct telling me that I am being watched.

Driven by fear, I push myself forward, determined to reach the safety of my home. I won’t stop until I am deep within the town, yelling for help like a banshee.

Sacrificing my precious cargo, I fling my backpack to the ground. Sure, the ore is valuable, but my life is worth a lot more. I wince as the bag crashes through the undergrowth, causing a small landslide. Secretly, I hope that whatever pursues me will be caught in the commotion. While I don’t wish harm upon any creature, becoming its dinner isn’t on my to-do list either.

I never stop to check.

Cold air scorches my throat as I gasp for breath. My hands claw at the soft soil, tearing my fingernails in the process. Pain shoots through my fingers, but I push it aside.

A sob escapes my lips as the howls close in, far too close for comfort.

A clearing appears ahead of me. The ground is littered with white flowers. It’s like a beacon, guiding me to a place of safety.

I hate how my head suggests it could also be a sacrificial graveyard. What is wrong with me?

I sprint like a madman. I won’t go down without a fight.

Skidding to a halt in the center of the clearing, I shakily unfold my bow and nock an arrow. Butterfingers strike, and I drop a few arrows at my feet. At least they are ready for action.

Tears threaten to spill as I scan the shadowy tree line. The second sun has disappeared, leaving the world awash in a palette of moody blues and inky purples. The once vibrant plants now fade into the darkness. I squint, desperately searching for any sign of movement, anything to reveal the location of the lurking beasts.

A growl emanates from the dense foliage to my right, and with a slightly hysterical cry, I spin around and launch an arrow. It soars into the underbrush, followed by the sound of twigs snapping. But there is no creature in sight.

Well, that’s one less arrow in my arsenal. I swivel slowly, trying to locate the beasts. My feet are glued to the ground, not by courage, but because they have gone completely numb.

“Show yourselves!” I say into the frosty night air, hoping they’ll be intimidated by my bravado.

As if on cue, a monstrous creature from my wildest nightmares emerges from the brush. It’s massive, like some unholy fusion of a bear and a wolf—a wolf-bear, if you will. Standing on four legs, it towers over me, its light-colored fur blending in with the pale plants around us.

The wolf-bear lowers its head and bares row upon row of glistening, needle-like teeth, perfect for turning flesh into lunch. I have no doubt its jaw can also turn bones to dust.

I aim my bow and arrow at the wolf-bear, the metal arrow quivering on the bow’s arrow rest, mimicking the tremors coursing through my body.

“Don’t come any closer!” I say, aware that the beast probably can’t understand me. But at this point, instinct has long overruled logic. “Stay back!”

Unimpressed, the wolf-bear rears up on its hind legs and unleashes a mighty roar. I can feel the air quivering around me—or is that just my body shaking?

It lands on all fours and charges without a moment’s hesitation. Flinging dirt behind it, the creature barrels toward me. Panicked, I let my arrow fly and stumble back, fumbling to grab another arrow. My world shrinks to just me and the wolf-bear.

My arrow finds its mark in the creature’s chest just as it lunges for me. Miraculously, the impact knocks it off course, and instead of its claws sinking into my flesh, its massive body collides with my side. I hit the ground, the wind knocked out of me. Scrambling to my knees, I grab the fallen arrow and nock it as quickly as I can.

The wolf-bear whirls around to face me. I let loose my arrow, my movements feeling frustratingly slow. My mind screams for me to increase my speed. The creature’s pained yelp confirms a successful hit.

As I ready a third arrow, I find myself staring into the beast’s eyes.

I shriek, raising my hands—still clutching the bow and loose arrow—in a feeble attempt to shield my face. The creature slams into me, knocking the bow from my grip and wrenching my fingers back painfully. I crash to the ground, pain shooting up my spine. The weight of the beast pins me down.

I let out another scream as the wolf-bear glares down at me, its eyes a fiery red, radiating pure fury. It snaps at me, and I flail my arms out in a desperate attempt to defend myself. Anything to keep those teeth at bay. But it isn’t enough. The creature’s jaw clamps around my arm, its teeth sinking in deep. Pain consumes my arm, a blazing agony that surpasses anything I’ve ever experienced. I flail at the beast’s face with my free hand, striking it while sobbing uncontrollably. My vision wavers, and a bone-chilling cold creeps through my body. I am slowing down, becoming exhausted, and I know it. I scream at my body to fight, to do something, but the more I try to fend off the monstrous creature, the clumsier I become. Those once-forceful punches? Now they are more like gentle pats.

Coldness seeps into my very bones as the darkness of the night intensifies. As my consciousness begins to fade, I can’t help but think how ridiculously unfair it all is. I mean, come on! I am finally catching a break, life starts to look promising... and this is how I’ll meet my end. Just my luck, right?