Chapter Four
Ricka felt much better after using the bathing unit. She’d been surprised at how much space was inside the metal walls. Apparently, the unit had been designed to accommodate someone of Synge’s six-foot height and bulky frame. He was the first Tarron she’d ever met and wondered if all their males had similar physiques.
The dispenser built into one of the walls had a pleasant-smelling shampoo and body cleanser that reminded her of Synge and his enticing scent. Unlike the small stall in the living area she shared with Libby, the water stayed pleasantly warm and encouraged her to stay longer than she’d planned.
The events leading up to her so-called kidnapping, or hijacking as she preferred to call it since she’d gone with Synge willing, had left her exhausted. Even if he’d mislead her, being on his ship was the safest she’d felt since her first encounter with Molock.
Once she’d changed into the overly large shirt Synge had given her, falling asleep in his quarters had come easily. Too bad it hadn’t lasted long after an alert shrilling through the room had startled her awake.
Too anxious and unable to get any more rest, she decided to find Synge. Ricka was halfway down the passageway leading to the control room when she heard voices. She stopped outside the entryway as soon as she figured out Synge was speaking to someone on the ship’s virtucom. She hadn’t planned to eavesdrop on his conversation until he’d mentioned her name.
From what she could glean, Libby wasn’t the only woman who’d been abducted by the Klorthons. On the upside, it sounded like the hunters were already searching for Libby.
The downside, and the part that had her fuming by the time Synge ended the transmission, was hearing how he planned to use her as bait. He’d made it sound as if she’d asked him for protection, not trapped her onboard his shuttle without her permission. She tried to convince herself that she was wrong, that she’d misunderstood, that the betrayal she felt didn’t hurt.
She’d considered storming into the room and demanding he return her to Rivean. They were too close to Tarron, and she figured he’d only refuse her request. Ricka pushed aside her frustration and quietly returned to the sleeping chamber. She plopped on the edge of the bed, considering her options.
Normally, Ricka addressed problems by using a straight-forward approach. Synge came from another culture and viewed things differently. She was afraid confronting him might make things worse. But maybe, if she found a way to meet with the hunter commander and explained the situation, Synge’s boss would have no choice other than to return her to the colony.
***
Synge had entered the sleeping chamber to find Ricka sitting on the edge of the bed. After discovering the noise from the alert had woken her, he’d informed her that they would be arriving on Tarron soon, then asked her if she was hungry.
After returning from the ship’s small food preparation area, he paused in the control room entryway to study Ricka. She’d taken a seat in the copilot’s chair and was staring out the observation window. She’d hardly spoken, and even though the ship was small, she’d managed to keep a distance between them.
Synge sat in the chair next to her, then tipped his head toward the planet moving closer in the distance. “That is Tarron,” he said, trying once again to engage her in conversation.
“So we’ll be arriving soon, then?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said, handing her one of the two sealed silver pouches he was holding. “I am afraid this is all I have until we arrive. I did not get a chance to restock any food items before we left Rivean.”
“I’m sure this will be fine.” She tore it open and poured some of the dehydrated fruits into her hand.
Synge would rather have her angry and arguing with him than deal with the silent tension growing steadily worse between them. “You have been very quiet,” he said. “Are you not feeling well?” Though he hadn’t said anything, he’d detected her scent lingering outside the control room after his conversation with Dathan and knew she’d been in the passageway.
She’d seemed fine after their earlier discussion. Now, her reserved behavior suggested that something else had upset her, and Synge wondered if she’d overheard his conversation with his friend. More specifically, the part about using her to draw out Molock. He wanted to explain Dathan’s misunderstanding but didn’t want to address the topic until he was sure it was the source of what troubled her.
She smiled and held his gaze. “No, I’m just worried about Libby.”
“I understand.” He wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her. Instead, he placed his hand on her arm. “I have been assured everything possible is being done to find your friend. I will keep you informed once I learn more.”
“Thank you,” she said, then tossed more granules into her mouth.
Though Ricka tried to mask her expression, Synge hadn’t missed the sidelong glance, a look that said she had her doubts, which further reinforced his suspicions. Contemplating the best way to alleviate her concerns was interrupted by a beeping noise and lights flickering on the control panel, signaling that it was time to prepare for landing.
He set his untouched pouch aside and reached for his safety harness. “You will need to secure your strap.”
She set the pouch on her lap and did as he instructed.
Synge tapped several buttons on the panel and started their descent. The ship vibrated until they’d entered the planet’s atmosphere. The late-morning sun lit up the clear skies. Normally, when he returned home, he would head directly for his property. Today, he took a different route, flying along the surface to give Ricka the opportunity to see the splendors of his world. He continually glanced in her direction, noting the way she straightened in her seat and gazed appreciatively at the panoramic view below them.
“It’s breathtaking. Is the whole planet like this?” Ricka asked as they passed over a dense jungle .
Some of his tension eased. He was surprised to discover it mattered what she thought of his home. “Most of the planet yields similar plant life, with several large bodies of water. There are very few areas where it is only rock.” The thick foliage, along with the high-security shielding walls surrounding his property, was another reason he chose this location to bring Ricka. If Molock came after her, she would be well protected.
It wasn’t long before the trees thinned, revealing a clearing with a large landing pad and a transport designed to hold at least four people. Synge slowed the ship until it hovered over the level strip, then slowly maneuvered it to the ground.
His last mission had kept him away a lot longer than expected, and he yearned to be off the ship and spend time at home. He shared his dwelling with his aunt and uncle, who ensured the place was well cared for in his absence.
Now that they’d arrived, Synge almost dreaded leaving the shuttle. Since he had yet to contact Teah, he hoped Dathan hadn’t said anything to her about Ricka. His aunt could be very persuasive and he held little hope that things would go in his favor, which meant an argument was forthcoming.
His mother’s sister was a bit of an elitist and expected him to find a Tarron woman to claim and have a family with. She’d never been happy about his choice of professions and would most likely be upset he’d brought a human female home with him. He had no doubt she would lose her temper once she discovered he’d initiated the ancient warrior’s code and planned to fulfill his duty to protect Ricka.
***
Ricka found it hard to stay angry at Synge and even harder to keep her distance from him. Every time she dared to sneak a glimpse of him, she caught him staring at her as if she were the last drop of water in the universe. It hadn’t helped that he was so damned handsome, and the concern in his catlike eyes continually caused her stomach to flutter.
When they’d finally entered the planet’s atmosphere, she’d done her best to keep her focus on the main observation window. It hadn’t taken long before she relaxed and stared in awe at the beautiful view. Unlike the Rivean landscape with its dry air, heavy rock terrain, and sparse plant life, Tarron was covered with an abundant collection of trees and foliage in the most stunning shades of yellow and turquoise.
Once the ship touched down, she nervously glanced at the landscape and back at him. “Do you live in the jungle? Aren’t there any houses or buildings?”
He laughed and adjusted several controls to power down the ship. “We are not tree dwellers if that is what you are thinking. My home is nearby and requires the use of a transport to reach from here.”
She wasn’t going to admit it, but that’s exactly what she’d been thinking. Other than her brief knowledge of the hunters, she didn’t know anything about Tarron, the inhabitants, or what to expect.
Synge was already standing, holding out his hand. “Come with me.”
She unfastened her harness and allowed him to lead her to the ship's rear and down the ramp. As soon as they stepped outside, the air changed. It felt heavier, denser, and she was forced to take deeper breaths.
Apparently, he’d noticed her discomfort because he said, “Do not worry. The atmosphere here is suitable for humans. It has more water content than Rivean, and your breathing will adjust in a day or two.”
Instead of taking her to the transport as she’d expected, he pulled her toward a hedge-like plant covered in dark blossoms. He plucked one of the blooms and held it next to her cheek. “Your eyes are the same beautiful shade.”
Ricka couldn’t believe this was the same man who had kidnapped her. She’d gotten enough fabricated compliments over the years that she’d become an expert at detecting them. When she studied his expression, searching for any signs of feigned charm, all she saw was sincerity.
He handed her the flower, his gesture endearing, and she smiled despite her lingering reservations. Was it possible there was a romantic hidden beneath Synge’s tough hunter exterior? She held the blossom up to her nose and sniffed. “They smell like honeysuckles.”
“What is a honeysuckle?” he asked.
“It’s an Earth flower. I remember them from my childhood. They were my mom’s favorite, and she grew plants all over our backyard.”
“Do you miss your home planet?”
“Yes.” Ricka sighed. “Libby and I were planning to return as soon as we’d saved up enough rivets for a flight. We were so close, then this happened.”
He brushed his finger along her jaw. “I am truly sorry.”
Ricka wanted to believe his reassuring words. Her father had raised her to be self-reliant, and trusting anyone was extremely difficult, mostly when it involved offers of help. In her experience, the aid always came with a price—one she usually wasn’t willing to pay.
“Come, let me show you my home.” He held out his hand, then led her to the transport. The vehicle was a newer, polished blue-gray model, complete with a rear cargo storage area. It was a lot nicer than the one she owned, and she couldn’t help feeling jealous.
Once they were on their way, Synge drove along a narrow road barely wide enough for the shuttle to fit. He manipulated it with ease, the trees whisking by so fast, it made her dizzy. Ten minutes later, they reached another clearing, and he parked the vehicle next to a similar conveyor. To her right stood a large two-story dwelling with tall, narrow glass-paned windows and an exterior comprised of smooth black and gray rock panels.
He walked around and helped her out of the vehicle. His normally serious features transformed into a prideful smile. “This is where I reside.”
She glanced at the surrounding landscape and only saw more trees, no other houses. “It’s beautiful.” And very isolated. An unforeseen problem to hamper her plans to reach the hunter’s headquarters. “Doesn’t Tarron have any cities?”
He curiously lifted a brow. “Yes. Madradie is the closest. It is too far to walk and can only be reached by transport.”
Ricka tried to disguise her disappointment that venturing on foot was no longer an option. She’d have to figure out a way to borrow one of his transports, provided she could get away from him long enough to access one.
A low growl echoed through the air, causing her to jump. The branches of a nearby tree rustled, and a huge catlike creature appeared, digging its sharp claws into the mustard-colored trunk as it eased its body to the ground. The thing lifted its head and roared, then sailed over a short hedge. It stalked toward them, massive muscles rippling beneath a sleek coat of blue-black fur.
“Synge,” she said, grabbing his sleeve and digging her fingers into his arm. “What is that? And is it dangerous?”
Synge smiled, unaffected by the animal’s approach. He placed his hand over hers and chuckled. “He is my pet, Mogran. He is a shiertra, an animal native to this planet. They are very territorial and do not like strangers.”
Great. He’d brought her all this way so she could be lunch for his cat. “Why would you want to keep one of those as your pet?”
“It was not intentional,” Synge said. “I found him on a hunting trip. His parents had been slain by another creature, and he was too small to fend for himself.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Do not worry. He will not hurt you, though once he scents you, it might take some time for him to get used to you.” He pulled her hand free. “Stay here.”
“No problem,” Ricka said since she had no intention of getting any closer.
He walked forward and knelt with his arms extended. “Mogran, come.”
The cat jogged toward Synge, then, at the last minute, shot past him and headed straight for her. “What is he doing?” Afraid she might really end up as the large animal’s next meal, she took several steps backward.
Synge got to his feet and frowned. “Mogran. Stop.”
The animal ignored him and kept moving until his head was inches away from her midsection. He plopped his rear on the ground and stared at her expectantly, swiping his long tail back and forth in the dirt. Ricka remembered reading something about predatory animals attacking when they sensed fear. If she turned and ran, would the large cat chase her, pounce, and kill her? Not sure if it was the right thing to do, she held out her hand, hoping she wouldn’t lose it. “Hey there, big boy,” she said, keeping her tone low and soothing.
The cat pressed his nose to her skin and sniffed, then nuzzled her palm with the top of his head. A loud vibrating rumble erupted from his chest. He got to his feet and rubbed his body along her legs, his weight almost knocking her over.
“Mogran, leave her alone.” Synge gripped the fur on his neck and tried to pull him away. The cat snarled, swiped at him with his paw, then went back to rubbing his side against Ricka’s leg.
She smirked at Synge, then ran her fingers through the animal’s silky fur. “Aren’t you a handsome guy. ”
“He has never done that before with anyone,” Synge said, then glared at his pet when he settled on the ground near her feet.
“You are home.” A woman’s voice called from the direction of the house.
Ricka turned, surprised to see an older man and woman walking toward them. The woman possessed the same skin tones and defined features as Synge, and Ricka wondered if she was the aunt he’d mentioned.
The couple had the same kind of spots running along their necks as Synge, only the woman’s were a light shade of brown, not black like the men’s. She wore a sheer cobalt-blue dress that clung to her tall, lithe frame and stretched down to her ankles. Thin straps crisscrossed her bare shoulders, encircled her neck, and kept the material in place across her chest. Though the man wasn’t as tall as Synge, he was still taller than the woman and possessed a broad-shouldered physique.
The woman walked up to Synge and clasped his cheeks. “You have been away too long and have been deeply missed.”
He placed a light kiss on her forehead. “I have missed you as well.”
“But not enough to send transmissions and let me know you are safe.” She chastised him by pursing her lips.
Ricka hadn’t missed Synge’s slight cringe and found it amusing.
“And who is this?” The woman’s condescending tone and the unwelcoming way she glared at Ricka over his shoulder immediately made her wary.
Synge turned and pressed his hand to Ricka’s back. “Teah, Arno, this is Ricka, and she will be staying with us for a while.”
Ricka didn’t know anything about Tarron customs and wasn’t sure if she should hold out her hand. Instead, she politely said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Teah narrowed her gaze, scrutinizing Ricka from top to bottom, then stopping when it landed on Synge’s oversized shirt, making her feel even more uncomfortable. Wearing his shirt hadn’t bothered Ricka earlier, but now that it had earned his aunt’s disapproving glare, she wished she’d thought to secure the front of her jacket before they’d left Synge’s ship. Though she got the impression Teah had already formed an opinion, and anything Ricka did wouldn’t matter much .
Teah dismissed her with a snort and turned her attention back to Synge. “She is human.” She said the word as if Ricka were a stray subspecies Synge had found on the street.
“Yes,” Ricka said. Relative or not, she’d be damned if she’d let the other woman’s remark intimidate her. It was clear Teah wasn’t thrilled by her arrival. And unless being human was Teah’s main concern, it was unclear what Ricka had done to deserve her ire. Not that it mattered. She had no intention of staying and decided to use the other woman’s disapproval to her advantage. “If my being here is a problem, I’m sure Synge can make arrangements for me to stay in the city.”
Synge still had his hand pressed to Ricka’s back, and she felt it tense. A quick glance in his direction and seeing his furrowed brows confirmed he wasn’t happy with her suggestion.
Arno stepped forward and placed a hand on Teah’s arm. “I am sure that will not be necessary.” It was obvious he’d taken on the role of diplomat between aunt and nephew before. “Perhaps we should go inside, and Synge can show his guest to her room.”
Ricka was reasonably certain that Arno’s suggestion was his way of telling Teah and Synge they needed to have their discussion in private.
“Of course,” Teah said with a dip of her head, then let Arno take her hand and lead her back toward the house.
Ricka wasn’t happy that her plan had inadvertently been thwarted. Knowing that Teah didn’t want her in their home only strengthened her resolve to leave. She didn’t want to argue with Synge in front of his family and decided to readdress the topic once they were alone.
Synge took her hand, slowing her pace and putting some distance between them and the older couple.
“Please do not mind Teah,” he said. “It is not you personally she dislikes.”
“Are you sure?” Ricka asked. She refrained from telling him it was clear his aunt was not impressed with humans.
Synge nodded. “She resents my job and is angry with me. It interferes with her plans to have me claim a Tarron woman and provide her with many offspring to mother over.”
Ricka wanted to stay angry with him and hated how his touch and considerate words eased her tension. “You mean she wants you to settle down and give her grandchildren. ”
“Yes, if that is the human term for young ones.”
“It is,” Ricka said, then giggled because Mogran had gotten to his feet and wedged himself between them. He pressed his large torso against her leg and forced Synge to release her hand. “He seems awfully possessive. Is he trying to protect me from you?”
“If that is the case, the traitorous animal will be sleeping outside,” Synge growled and glared at his pet. “Ricka does not belong to you.”
The cat snorted, using his weight to push her farther away from Synge. Ricka clamped her lips and stared at the ground, certain Synge wouldn’t find her laughter amusing.
As soon as they entered the building, Ricka only caught a glimpse of the large gathering room past the entryway before Synge pulled her toward a staircase leading to the upper level. “Your sleeping chamber is this way.” He showed her into the first room at the top of the stairs. Mogran raced past them, then settled his long body on the end of the massive bed positioned against the center of the back wall.
The room was well maintained and neat. It had a single window, large enough to provide adequate light from outside. The storage units comprising the wall on the right looked as if they been handcrafted out of wood, the grains streaked with turquoise and yellow. Ricka assumed the closed door occupying the remaining space on the same wall led to a private bathing room.
When Ricka stopped admiring the interior and turned to speak with Synge, she found him already standing in the entryway, preparing to leave.
“Get some rest,” he said. “We can talk more when I return from the city.” Before she could utter a protest about him leaving without her, he’d gone and shut the door behind him.
She started to go after him but stopped when she heard Teah commanding Synge to wait. Their voices carried, and because Ricka was curious to know what his aunt wanted to talk to him about, she didn’t have a problem eavesdropping. Easing back into the bedroom so they wouldn’t notice her, she kept the door open a crack so she could listen.
“Dathan told me about the females who were taken and your plans regarding Ricka,” Teah said. “Is it truly your intent to bring the Klorthons right to our doorstep? To endanger all our lives?” Her tone grew harsher the more she spoke. “You need to take her somewhere else immediately. ”
“Maybe Teah is right,” Arno said. “Maybe this is not the best place for Ricka to stay. Perhaps she would be safer in the city and under the protection of the hunters.”
“This is still my home, and I have the final say as to what happens here,” Synge snarled, moving closer to the entryway door, and giving Ricka a view of his defensive stance. “I have invoked the rite of challenge, and until I see it through, Ricka stays with me.”
The conversation ended with Teah’s gasp and the door slamming after Synge stormed outside. For some reason, learning about the rite seemed to upset Teah, and Ricka wondered if there was more to the challenge than Synge had led her to believe.