Page 36 of Stealing Jia

My internal alarm roared to life. I winced as the stabbing pain got worse. Three hostiles were approaching. I automatically went for my laser pistol and groaned. I was unarmed. The mess hall was just ahead. If I could make it in time, I could fry the door controls.

There was a flash of black and three heavily armed Askole warriors stood in front of me. My eyebrows rose. The leader of the pack was missing most of his teeth. His buddy’s tentacles looked like they had been chawed on by a ravenous Tai-Kok. My gaze settled on the runt of the litter who was missing a chunk of his skull and an eye. “Bad day on the battlefield?”

The leader displayed his broken fangs in a snarl. “The rumors are true. Trayon has claimed a human female.”

“I do not understand the fascination with puny, soft skins,”the runt sneered.

Cason flashed his sharp baby teeth and growled.

The warrior with the mangled tentacles pointed to Cason. “How dare you bring that abomination on our ship.”

“Your ship?”

Toothless boasted,“Once I defeat Trayon in a challenge match, it will be.”

And the sad thing was, the moron really believed he could beat Trayon.

“Give me the abomination and I will let you live.” Toothless held out an imperious hand.

I expelled a long breath. There was really no reason to hide my abilities anymore. Since the kids and me had already disrupted the ship so much, I’d try the peaceful approach first.“Look, I’ve had a really bad day. All I want is a glass of Merlot, some spaghetti, and a big piece of chocolate cake. Get out of the way or this puny, soft skin is going to put you down.”Zzzzzt!A glowing green energy ball formed on my right palm. “Move. Or die. Your choice.”

Roaring rather pathetic battle cries, Toothless and his buddies pulled their swords.

“The hard way it is.” I hurled my energy ball and quickly summoned another.

Zap!The first ball wallopedToothless in the chest. He stumbled off balance, tripped over his own feet, and as he fell, he impaled himself on his sword.

Crack!The next energy ball fried Mangled’s remaining tentacles. He dropped to his knees, screaming.

I dodged the Runt’s sword thrust and zapped him.Crack!His eye rolled back in his head and down he went. Tendrils of smoke rose from his blackened armor.

“Clean up on aisle three.”

Cason giggled.

Trayon zoomed up with his sword drawn. He studied the pitiful warriors for a moment, then sheathed his sword. “These fools thought they could defeat you?”

I snorted.“Yeah and Toothless there was going to challenge you.”

Trayon laughed like it was the funniest thing he had ever heard.

To my amazement, I loved his boisterous laughter. Maybe being his mate wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all.

The hallway was suddenly filled with Askole warriors.

“Silence!”Trayon commanded the still screaming Mangled.

“My tentacles are no more. Gone forever. Gone. The female attacked us without cause,”Mangled blubbered.

I rolled my eyes.

Poof! Zarek appeared and gave Mangled a nasty smile. “The ship’s surveillance vids say otherwise.”

Mangled scrabbled backwards. “We have refugee status.”

“I have revoked it. You will be returned to Threll.”Trayon gestured.

The Askole warriors dragged the loudly protesting Mangled and his buddies off.

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