Grim (Tornians #1)

Chapter Three

What a wonderful dream, she’s having. The beach is warm, the sun heating her skin. The man of her dreams is between her legs, kissing his way up her inner thigh. Moaning she reaches down to dig her fingers into his thick hair, urging him closer. The first lick of her clit has her shuddering. Throwing her head back she arches, demanding more, and her dream lover gives it to her.

“Yes….” Her hips rotate instinctively, seeking more pleasure. A thick rough finger carefully probes her entrance before slowly penetrating, not stopping until it’s fully embedded. When it’s joined by another, she can’t help but groan. She can feel the pressure building, oh god this is going to be so good! A raspy growl has her eyes flying open to find Grim feasting between her legs.

“Grim…..” Her head falls back as he nips her bud in response, his fingers pumping faster. She can’t stop her cry as her orgasm explodes through her. Grim greedily laps up her juices.

When he’d woken to her wrapped around him he'd had to have her. She'd given herself to him, she was his, and he meant to keep her. He pleasured her twice yesterday. He’d continue too, giving her no reason to leave him. Rising from her sweet depths, his smoky grey eyes meld with hers as he flows over her, engulfing her in his heat.

Feeling him at her entrance, Lisa spreads her legs wider, knowing she’ll never deny him. When he slides into her, she can't stop her body from arching, God he feels so good...as he sinks in even further she feels her body responding. Suddenly remembering his order from the night before, she closes her eyes, trying to distract herself, telling herself this is for him, for his pleasure not hers, that he doesn't what her responses, just her body.

Grim groans as he sinks fully into her silky depths feeling her body's response. Praise the Goddess! He'd never known joining could be so beautiful...that a female could bring a warrior so much joy, so much pleasure. Watching her respond as he pleasures her makes him feel like the most powerful male that’s ever breathed. When she suddenly stills, he frowns, he can feel her withdrawing from him, not physically, but she is no longer responding.

“Lisa….” He growls, willing her to look at him.

“I’m trying,” She whispers, her eyes tightly closed.

“I won't move. Take what you want.” Still, she can’t keep her voice from breaking or the tear escaping from one eye.

“Look at me my Lisa.” He orders gruffly hearing her pain. Knowing he’s caused it cracks his heart. Large hands gently frame her face, his thumb wiping away her tear.

“Look at me little one…please.” He begs.

Slowly damp amber eyes meeting swirling grey.

“I want to give you pleasure, my little one. To share my pleasure with you, please let me.” Her eyes search his, trying to find the truth. She knows she won’t survive him rejecting her again.

“Please little one, trust me, teach me. Teach me what it truly means to join with a female.” Grim opens himself to her as he has to no other, letting her see his hidden desire of truly belonging to someone. To have that someone belong to him. It is not normal, not for a Tornian. A warrior is brought up knowing no female would ever truly care for him, she will always look for another, even his own mother.

Looking deep into Grim’s eyes Lisa finds her truth. She may not have had a Guide but she suddenly understands that Tornians have lost what it truly means for a man and woman to be together. To join. That it’s more than the physical act, it’s about connecting with that one person that completes you, that loves you, that will stand by you, mistakes, faults and all.

Grim watches Lisa closely, sees her doubts, her fears, put there by him, by his actions. There is a time in every warrior's life when he knows his next action will forever change his future. It happened to him fifteen years before, it is happening to him now. He needs to make the right decision this time.

“Please Lisa….” He finds he isn’t beyond begging.

Slowly she starts moving her hips, tilting them to take him even deeper; his groan encourages her to grip his shoulders tentatively.

“Yes little one, guide me.” She would have laughed if he hadn’t just thrust deeply, making her gasp. She, who’d only ever had one lover, she is supposed to guide him? Her knees grip his hips as her legs wrap around his flexing ass, rising to meet his stronger thrusts.

“Yes Grim...harder…please…” Her encouragement has Grim letting loose his passion, a passion he realizes is only for her. Withdrawing almost completely, he feels her channel trying to suck him back in, her cry at the loss has him surging back in.

“Oh God!” She can’t stop herself from clamping around him, her hips thrusting, gyrating doing all she can to keep him right there! Her womb convulses as he pumps into her repeatedly until she explodes.

Grim feels her tightening around him, squeezing him, with each thrust he losing a little more of himself, nothing has ever felt this good, she is part of him, he is part of her. When her pleasure hits, he loses the last of his control and with one final thrust, buries himself so deep inside her he doesn’t know if he’ll ever find his way out.

Keeping her locked to him, Grim rolls onto his back, refusing to lose their connection. How had he not known something like this could exist? He’s heard no tales of it from other males. Is he the only one to find it? Or is it just his Lisa?

Lisa isn’t sure how this happened. She’d gone to sleep with the girls and woken to Grim pleasuring her. Yesterday had been the most confusing day of her life and just when she thought she’d found comfort in his arms he’d ripped it away. Would he do it again?

“Lisa?” He feels her growing tension.

“What time will the Guide arrive?” She needs to concentrate on what truly matters. Her girls.

“Soon.”

“I need to shower…cleanse…before the girls wake.” Separating their bodies, she moves off the bed only to have his hand stops her.

“How have I hurt you?” He questions, his eyes full of regret.

“You didn’t hurt me Grim.” She reassures him but she can’t bring herself to look him in the eye.

“I have…I don’t want to…Lisa…” He puts a gentle but unrelenting finger under her chin, tipping it until their eyes meet.

“I know I would not have been your first choice...”

“Grim…” Instinctively she wants to comfort him and reaches out to touch his cheek but he jerks away and she lets it fall.

“I need to get ready.” Sliding out of his grasp, she picks up her bag, leaving him alone.

Grim falls back as the door closes. He’s done it again! He’s hurt her. How? He pleasured her, he knows he did, twice and again it felt amazing, still she withdrew from him. Why?

Rising, he goes to follow her, and then remembers the young ones. Growling, he grabs his pants from the floor, pulling them on, he goes after Lisa for some answers.

Letting the heat of the water flow over her, Lisa's mind wanders. What is she going to do? How is she going to make sure her girls survive in this strange world, when she doesn’t know if she will? Nothing makes sense, every time she thinks she and Grim are getting closer something happens and he rejects her. Maybe she does need this Guide person.

Waving her hand to stop the shower she steps out and freezes. Grim silently watches her, holding a towel. Hesitantly she reaches out to take it.

“Thank you.” She quickly covers herself.

“Tell me what I have done wrong.” He watches as she conceals her lush body from him before reaching for another towel to remove the moisture from her beautiful long hair.

“The Guide is coming Grim, once he completes the program I’m sure I’ll understand and stop making mistakes.”

“The mistakes aren’t yours little one.” He steps close, reaching out to caress her cheek.

“Mommy?” Grim turns to find the little on called Miki behind him. Slipping around him Lisa drops to her knees, ignoring the cool floor.

“Good morning baby.” Lisa pulls her close, kissing the top of her head as if she hasn’t seen her in a week. The true joy in her voice reaches out to Grim, making him wish his mother had done the same.

“Did you have a good sleep?”

“Uh huh.” She mumbles sleepily against her shoulder, her eyes never leaving Grim.

“I’m hungry.”

“What does she need?” Grim asks, finding he’s frustrated with his inability to communicate with his offspring.

“She’s hungry.”

“I will have food brought.”

“Thank you Grim.”

“Thank you Grim.” Miki mimics her mother and instead of leaving Grim finds he’s kneeling next to Lisa, so he's closer to Miki's level.

“You are welcome, my Miki.”

“What’d he say mommy.” She looks at her expectantly.

“He said you’re welcome." She's surprised at his possessiveness of Miki. "Why don’t you go wake your sister while I get dressed?”

“Okay mommy.” Happily, Miki skips away.

Luuken freezes at the sight of three females eating at Grim’s table. He hadn’t been informed the offspring were female. Had he known he would never have refused her, to have three females…..he would be even more powerful than his manno! His manno...Luuken cringes…he is going to be enraged that Luuken has missed this opportunity. They are so close to having Grim removed from Luda. They’ve gathered the support of other powerful Lords, promising that they would be given first choice of the females brought from Earth. It is bad enough that Grim's joined with one but that can be fixed. It only needs argued that Grim is unfit and the female will join with another, leaving Grim with offspring that will not benefit his position. Luuken enjoyed that thought, but now the offspring he’ll be left with are female making Grim too powerful to overthrow….still...he has a chance to fix this. His intense stare has the young females moving closer to their mother, sensing a threat.

“Girls,” Lisa stands, blocking Luuken’s view of her children. She doesn't like the way he's staring at them.

“Get your bags and go into the other room, get dressed and stay there until I come get you.”

“Yes mommy.” The girls quickly escape.

“Sire, I was informed you required a Guide.” Luuken forces out, while his eyes continue to stare at the door through which the girls have disappeared.

Grim watches Luuken closely, seeing his interest in his females. Luuken is the first male offspring of Bertos Guttuso, a very powerful and ambitious Lord that controls Etruria Region on Tornian. He also has a female that's stayed with him for nearly five years, bearing him a second male. Grim knows Bertos wants to be King of Luda. That he is plotting to have him removed. He will want Grim’s females. He will not get them!

“Where were you when Lisa woke, Luuken?” Grim’s hard tone pulls Luuken’s gaze from the door.

“You brought her onto the Searcher, it was your responsibility to Guide her. She could have been injured.”

“She should not have removed the educator.” Luuken states bluntly, refusing to take the blame for a female’s actions. He is Minor Luuken Guttuso, first male of Lord Bertos.

“It was your task and honor to see to it! I will ask only one more time Minor Luuken. Where were you!” Grim's voice becomes even rougher as his anger grows.

“I was in my quarters resting...sire.” Luuken forces out his eyes blazing at Grim’s tone.

“Once an educator is applied you are required to stay until the program is completed.”

“I don’t need to be told my duties, sire.” Luuken sneers at him.

“She shouldn’t have woken. If she remained sleeping I would have been there.”

“You are blaming my female?” Grim slowly rises and Luuken suddenly realizes how far he’s over stepped. Females are never blamed for anything.

“No sire, never.” Luuken has to force himself to stand in place as Grim advances on him.

“You will complete the program, she is unable to access the information the educator has implanted.” Grim orders.

“Yes sire.” Luuken turns hard cold eyes to Lisa.

“You will lie down.” He orders.

Lisa has been following the exchange and can’t believe arrogance of this Luuken character. There is no way in hell he’s touching her or her girls.

“Grim,” She turns her back on Luuken, not realizing the insult she’s just delivered. Turning your back on a warrior means you don’t fear him. That he is no threat. In some instances, it is a sign of trust, not here.

“I know this needs done but not by him. There has to be someone else that is qualified, someone who hasn’t already shown his total disregard for my safety.” Luuken’s outraged growl is easily heard.

Grim looks down at this small female the goddess had entrusted to him, instantly understanding.

“You are concerned he will harm you.” His voice instantly softening when speaking to her.

“He doesn’t take his duties seriously. I won’t trust my girls to someone who doesn’t.”

“I obtained her! I brought her here! She has no right to challenge my right to Guide her.” Luuken angrily declares.

“Silence Luuken! My Lisa makes a valid point. You have failed her by not being there to Guide her then again by not admitting your mistake of her being without offspring. Why should she trust you now? Why should I trust you?” Luuken turns a sickening shade of orange, which Lisa assumes is how a yellow Tornian turns red.

“You will send Callen in to complete the program.” Grim orders.

“You can’t do this! I am the first male of.….” Luuken begins, only to be cut off.

“I am King Grim!” Grim roars, causing Lisa to jump away in fear as he surges toward Luuken, not stopping until he's backed into a wall cringing.

“Do you challenge me Luuken?" His voice is deadly soft. "If so let us record your death.” Lisa watches Luuken shrink into himself.

“No sire.” He whispers, even as he cowers, Lisa can see the rage in his eyes.

“Then send Callen!” Grim demands and turnings his back to Luuken walks back to Lisa.

“Yes sire!” Luuken rushes from the room.

“Well I didn’t make a friend there now did I?” She doesn’t make it a question as she moves away from him.

“I am sorry Lisa,” She hears the regret in his voice.

“I should have considered you’d be hesitant to trust him.” Watching her move away, he frowns and realizes she’s frightened. His scars become even more pronounced as he realizes he’s frightened her.

“Grim?” She doesn’t know what’s put that harsh look on his face but she has to tell him her other concerns, she has to protect her children.

“What my Lisa?” The possessiveness he gives her name touches something deep inside, to belong to someone again…it’s been so long. Shaking off the feeling, she concentrates on what she needs to do.

“This learning program in the educator, it is the same for everyone?”

“Yes.” He isn’t sure why she’s asking but realizes she has a reason.

“It was developed so non Tornians could understand us, our history. It has been developed over many years. Empress Kim and you are the first of your species to use the program.”

“Do your females, Tornian females, also use this program?”

“No.” He gives her a confused look.

“Why would they? They are brought up in our society.”

“Then I don’t want the girls to receive the full program.” She can tell she’s lost him and explains further.

“I know they need the language program and the history but the rest….the interactions between males and females…that they can learn about as they grow, the way all Tornians do.”

Grim gives her a considering look, realizing she is correct, again. Giving little ones adult information could cause them great harm and he would never allow that.

“I understand your concerns and agree with you.” He sees he’s shocked her.

“I will let no harm to come to our girls, my Lisa. I vowed to accept and protect them and I will,” He gives her a slight smile. “Even if sometimes you need to tell me how to do that.”

“You really know nothing about little girls do you.” She gives him an assessing look.

“No. I have never been around them. I know of no warrior that has, but I am willing to learn, especially if it pleases you as well.” He slowly moves to stand in front of her.

“I did not mean to frighten you, my Lisa. My anger was with Luuken, not you. You need never fear me for I would willingly release my life before harming you or the girls.” Lisa looks up at him for a confused moment before she understands what he is saying. Somehow knowing he is being honest.

“Why? Why would you say such a thing?” She whispers, needing to understand.

“You truly have no understanding of what you have done, do you?” His statement has her stiffening.

“I will learn.”

"I too have much to learn my Lisa. You are not Tornian." He watches her stiffen even further. "I am surprised how much that pleases me.” He continues to watch her closely.

“You are different in the best of ways." He slowly reaches out to run a knuckle along her jaw. "You are so fragile, your skin so soft and still you allow me to touch you. You even seem to enjoy it.” Honest confusion fills his eyes.

“Your offspring…you care for them, protect them, even if it means risking yourself. This is not how our females are….but they should be.”

“What do you want from me?” She whispers, watching his eyes darken.

“I want everything. Everything I didn’t even know was possible. Can you understand that my Lisa? I will do whatever it takes to make you happy, to make you never want to leave me. I won’t survive losing the only true happiness I’ve had in my life.”

Lisa looks at him in shock. She hadn’t expected such a declaration from him, at least not something like this.

“Grim…" He puts a firm but gentle finger across her lips.

“You have given me more pleasure than any warrior has the right to expect. You are mine Lisa and I will not give you up. You have opened my world, given me little girls and I will not give them up either, not because of what they represent but because they are a part of you.” A knock on the door stops her from responding.

“That will be Callen.” He steps away, only to have her stop him.

“Then you’ll take care of it? The program? You’ll make sure there is nothing harmful in it?”

“You would trust me with encoding the educator?” He can’t hide his shock.

“I would trust no other with the girls.” Lisa watches the emotions cross Grim’s face before he nods.

“I will personally program the educator my Lisa, no harm will befall them. Go get our girls while I inform Callen.” Nodding she turns to the bedroom.

“You asked for me sire?” Callen steps into the room.

“Yes Callen,” He waits until Lisa is out of the room, before continuing.

“Lisa needs to complete the education program and guided through how to access it.”

“Luuken…”

“Is unacceptable.” Grim interrupts him.

“To Lisa and to me. You will guide her and our girls.”

“Girls?” Callen gives him a confused look.

“It is the Earth word for young females.” Grim informs him.

“You give me a great honor sire, allowing me to Guide your female…”

“She is my Queen Callen.” Grim corrects him.

“Your Queen….” Callen can’t hide his shock.

“Yes.” Grim pauses as Lisa returns with the girls.

“I have a request if you think it is appropriate.” She looks to Grim.

“What is it my Lisa?” Callen is amazed at the gentleness of his King's voice.

“I would like the girls to watch me complete the program first. It will help them understand what is happening and calm their fears.” Grim looks to Callen.

“Do you have her educator?” He asks, studying it when Grim hands it to him.

“There is only ten minutes left of the program, it was no longer sending out deep penetrating waves when you removed it.” He gives Lisa a reassuring smile.

“The young ones should not be frightened by the process.”

Listening to Callen Grim realizes how close he’d come to never knowing this amazing female. He would have lost her and her girls.

“There is one other thing, the learning program for the girls will be language and history only, I will personally see to the program.”

“My King?”

“Lisa wants them to learn Tornian ways the same way Tornian young ones do, I agree with her.”

“That makes sense my King.” Callen nods his understanding.

“Girls this Callen. He brought us our meals last night, remember?” Callen watches the young ones stare at him, especially the smallest.

“This is Carly.” She indicates the taller girl.

“And this is Miki.” Lisa smiles at Miki’s obvious fascination with Callen.

“You’ll have to forgive her Callen, Miki’s favorite color is blue, and you are very...”

“Blue.” He finishes for her. Smiling he kneels down, slowly holding out his hand turning it over so Miki can see the lighter blue on the other side. She beams at him. After a moment, Lisa leads them over to the couch.

“Okay girls this is what’s happening. You know how I said that soon you’d be able to understand Grim like I do?” At they’re nod she continues.

“Well that’s what Callen’s here for. He’s going to put these special ‘glasses’ on your eyes called an educator.” She shows them the device.

“And I’m going to go first.”

“But mommy you already understand Grim.” Carly chimes in, looking confused.

“I do baby, but I was so excited to come get you and Miki that I didn’t finish the program, so I’m going to finish it now, that way you two can see exactly what’s going to happen.”

“Will it hurt mommy?” Miki’s quivering voice has both males tensing.

“No baby it won’t hurt, I’ll show you.” She gives Callen a pointed look then lays down on the couch.

“Why don’t you girls go stand by Grim?” With one last look at them she takes a deep breath and lets Callen put the educator over her eyes.

Grim watches his female, amazed at her bravery. She has every right to fight having the educator put back on, but for her children she does it.

The slightest touch against his leg has him glancing down to find Miki huddling. Her eyes, glued to her mother, as she seeks comfort and reassurance from him that everything would be all right. Carefully he puts a large hand on her tiny back. When she wraps her little arms around his thigh, he’s amazed, moments later Carly does the same.

He looks down at the auburn heads and realizes they trust him, because of Lisa. They trust him to protect them, comfort them, he can think of nothing he’s done to earn their trust and still they’ve given it to him. So has Lisa. He looks to her, so still on the couch, Callen speaking softly and he knows he will do whatever it takes not to disappoint them.

Lisa could have sworn the educator just went on when Callen carefully removes it.

“How are you feeling?” He asks, watching her closely. Carefully sitting up, her eyes immediately search for her girls. Seeing them wrapped around Grim’s legs has her pausing.

“My Queen?” It isn’t until Grim frowns that Lisa realizes Callen is talking to her.

“Good, last time I got really dizzy.” Nodding Callen continues to watch her.

“That is because it was removed to soon. Do you know the function of the Serai?”

“To make sure you guys get laid.” Lisa shoots Luuken an annoyed look at the question. The thought of a Serai touching Grim angers her. She doesn’t care what they are.

“Excuse me?” Callen doesn’t understand her answer.

“They are an animate creature made from the sands of Creata.” Lisa sighs heavily.

“They simulate Tornian females so that Tornian males can have sexual release since females are so scarce.”

“That is correct.” Callen nods relieved.

“They do a pretty lousy job of it too if you ask me.” Lisa goes on to say.

“What?” Callen’s checks turn purple.

“Did I just embarrass you Callen?” Lisa can’t help but be amused that this big warrior is embarrassed to talk about sex.

“I….” He looks to Grim for help only to find him fighting a smile.

“Trust me Callen, they may be okay if you find yourself with a Tornian female, but if you’re interested in one from Earth what they’ve taught you is pretty much useless.” Standing she gives him one last word of advice.

“And to be honest your females are really screwed up.” She moves to Grim.

“So girls, you ready to be able to tell these men what to do?”

“Yeah!” Both girls reply excitedly. Grim raises an eyebrow and she just shrugs, giving him an innocent smile.

“You want to do both at the same time?” Callen looks at her questioningly.

“Yes, they’ll be more relaxed that way.” Lisa informs him.

“I didn't bring a second educator.” He looks to Grim.

“Retrieve one and return. I want this done.” Grim orders. He wants to be able to talk to his girls, to listen to them.

“I still need to adapt the program.” Callen warns.

“I’ll have it adapted by the time you return.”

“Yes sire.”

The girls lay trustingly on the couch looking from their mother to Callen.

“Who’s first?” Lisa asks.

“I’m the oldest, I always go first.” Carly speaks and Lisa smiles, her little warrior, she always went first, protecting her sister. Nodding, she gives her permission to Callen. After a few minutes, he puts one on Miki.

Thirty minutes later Carly is sitting up looking confused.

“Are you okay baby?” Lisa drops to her knees concerned.

“Did you know Grim’s brother is the Emperor mommy?” She whispers letting them know the program worked.

“Yes baby, I did know that.” Carly give Grim a confused look.

“What does an Emperor do?” Grim throws his head back and laughs, a fully belly laugh that has Lisa smiling while Callen looks on astonished. The King doesn’t laugh!

“I’ve wondered that many times myself Carly. When you ask him, I want to be there.”

“Okay. Oh! I can understand you!” She claps her hands together excitedly.

“Yes you can.” Carly looks to Callen.

“Wake up Miki, now.” She orders.

“I want to make sure she can talk to Grim too.”

“Just a little longer, little one.” He promises. Knowing Carly is going to argue Lisa takes her hand leading her away.

“Come on Carly let’s give Callen some space. Miki will be awake soon.”

“Promise mommy?” She shoots a worried look over her shoulder to her sister.

“I promise.”

“Mommy….” Minutes later Miki’s little voice calls to her.

“Right here baby.” Callen steps aside, letting Lisa take his place.

“Mommy, did you know Grim is a King.” Lisa has to smile. Her girls are as fascinated with Grim as she is.

“Yes baby I did know that.” Miki looks uncertainly from her to Grim then whispers in her ear. Fighting a laugh Lisa looks down at her.

“Why don’t you ask him?”

“What do you want to know little one?” Grim asks enjoying the sparkle in Lisa's eye.

“Where you once a frog?” Lisa laughs at Grim’s lost expression.

“The frog turned into a Prince Miki, not a King.” Carly informs her sister with that superior tone that only older sisters can pull off.

“What’s the difference?” Miki counters and it’s Carly’s turn to look confused.

“A prince is the King’s son.” Lisa tells them ending the argument before it starts.

“Oh….” The girls respond in unison.

Callen and Grim while confused are fascinated at the females’ conversation. They’ve never be exposed to a family of females before and that’s what they are a family.

“What do you say to Callen girls?” Lisa asks and turning as one, they chorus.

“Thank you Callen.”

“You are most welcome little ones.” He looks to Grim.

“You have truly been blessed my King.”

“I think we all have Callen.” Crossing his arms, Grim finds himself smiling.

The rest of the day passes quickly with the girls comparing their newfound knowledge and Grim patiently answers their endless questions. He’s amazed with how their minds work. They look at things so differently than Tornians do, or is it just that their females? He finds he doesn’t what to leave when it’s time for him to adjust their course. Promising to be back shortly he leaves, securing the door.

“Alright girls, enough.” Lisa orders awhile later.

“But mommy!”

“No Carly until you try bocboc you can’t say it’s better than a pb&j, and Miki you can’t say a pb&j is better than a bocboc. Now it’s time for a shower, both of you, in.”

“Yes mommy.” They immediately agree but she knows they will continue their argument in the shower.

Oh the life of a single mother. Resting her head on the back of the couch she frowns, is that what she is now? A single mother? She has Grim. He agreed to accept and protect her girls. She now understands that makes him their father, or manno but what does it mean to him. Females are power to Tornians. Will he only care what having them will do for him, like Peter? Or will he truly come to love them as his own? Wanting only what’s best for them.

Shaking her head she knows only time will tell. Realizing its been quiet for too long, she heads for the cleansing room to see what trouble the girls have found. Pounding on the outer door stops her. Looking at the door, she considers what to do. She is on an alien ship with her daughters and Grim isn't here. He assured her his quarters were secure, that they were safe. Still she isn’t taking any chances, not with her girls. She’s already pissed off one Tornian today. Decision made, she ignores the pounding. When the door suddenly opens, she spins around shocked as three large males fill the room.

“Get out!” She orders, trying her best to be intimidating.

“We are here to take you and your young females to a more appropriate protector.” The green one informs her.

“Excuse me?” Lisa exclaims disbelieving.

“I’ve chosen my protector! Now get out!”

“You had not been properly guided at the time of your choice. You cannot be held to it. A fit male has been chosen for you and your offspring.” The green male grabs her arm.

“Don’t touch me!” She jerks away.

“Do not fight me small female. You don’t want to be harmed.”

“Mommy!” The three males freeze at the sight of the girls.

“Get back in the cleansing room girls!” Lisa orders blocking them from the males’ sight.

“I’ll tell you one last time, and then I’m going to get mad. Get out!” When the leader grabs her again, she screams.

“Grim!” Driving her knee up into the green bastard’s groin, he immediately drops, releasing her. The roar that answers her scream causes the remaining males color to fade. Grim surges into the room followed by Callen and Veron. The rage on his face has even Lisa taking a step back.

“You dare to attack my females!” Grim grabs the closest one throwing him headfirst through the door and into the far wall, where he crumples to the floor. Before he can do the same to the remaining male, he drops to his knees, lowering his head.

“Sire, we were following Minor Luuken’s orders.”

“You think Luuken can order you to take my Queen! My offspring!” Grim leans down his voice lethal, if it were possible, the male would have turned white.

“Sire…” The male begins to tremble.

“Leave while you still breathe!” He turns to the male, lying were Lisa’s dropped him stepping over him he approaches her.

“Are you harmed?” His steely eyes race over her, zeroing in on the red slashes marring her arm.

“No.” She whispers, watching him cautiously.

“Mommy…..” Scared voices have Lisa quickly turning.

“I told you to go back inside! Grim will handle this.” With one last look over her shoulder, she pushes them into the cleansing room.

Grim crouches down, staring at the male cupping his balls.

“You touched my Queen.” His voice cold as death.

“She was never properly guided.” He wheezes.

“She has the right choose a fit male, one that can properly protect her and her young.”

“She protects herself and hers well, don’t you think Korin? Perhaps my Queen should train you.” His pride in Lisa is easily heard.

“Why were you taking her to Luuken?” When he doesn’t respond quickly enough Korin finds what little breath he's regained, cut off by Grim’s hand wrapped around his throat.

Struggling he finds out who truly is the superior warrior. Grim releases him moments before he passes out.

“Why!” He roars.

“So she and her young can be properly educated!” He chokes out.

“Properly educated…” Grim pales at the thought of how Luuken would achieve this.

“Yes, Luuken believes you corrupted the programming, influencing the female's choice, so you would not lose your position as King.”

“Veron," Grim stands. "Korin will be charged for assaulting my Queen.”

“Sire?” Veron is as shocked as Korin.

“He broke into secured quarters, meaning to steal my Queen and offspring. He put hands on her, damaging her, he will be charged.”

“He states he was following Minor Luuken’s orders Sire. His Lord’s heir.” Veron reminds him.

“If Luuken concedes that then I will consider lesser charges.” The knowing look in Korin’s eye reveals he knows Luuken will never concede. It is a death sentence for a male to harm a female.

“Have him charged Captain!”

“Yes King Grim.” Veron bows, before pulling Korin up off the floor, forcing him out of the room.

“Callen.”

“Yes my King.”

“I want a detailed report, from the moment Lisa was brought on board until I took her to retrieve our offspring. Include all visuals and support material. Include a copy of the unedited recording of the command center.”

“It will be done sire.” Callen’s eyes are serious when they meet Grim.

“This is a direct attack against you my King.”

“Yes. I need to know what else Luuken is planning Callen.”

“Yes my King.” Callen hesitates.

“What?” Grim demands.

“Do you truly think Luuken would have harmed her? If he had completed the program?”

“Yes, I do.” His jaw clenches at the thought.

“I will get you what you need to protect your females my King.” With a quick bow, he leaves.

“Mommy what’s happening out there?” The fear in Miki’s eyes breaks Lisa’s heart. She always tried to be honest with her girls, it was necessary with Mark’s illness. Still they are just children. They’ve literally entered an alien world and if she wants them safe, there are things they need to know.

“There are some men, males, that don’t want us to stay with Grim. They think he will hurt us.”

“But he wouldn’t do that mommy!” The strength of Miki’s conviction surprises Lisa.

“No baby he wouldn’t.” She agrees.

“Then why?” Carly demands.

“Because of the way he looks baby. There are Tornians that believe because of his scars he shouldn’t be allowed to have a family, that he can’t protect them.”

“But that’s silly mommy. He stopped Uncle Peter. He stopped those men.” Carly gives her a confused look.

“Yes baby, I didn’t say they were right, just that they think they are.”

“Can they take us away from Grim mommy?” Two sets fear-filled eyes look at her.

“No babies, Grim will protect us.” Kneeling, she hugs them and prays she’s not lying. "Now you two were supposed to be getting ready for bed, so in the shower and I’ll go see how long until supper.”

“Yes mommy.”