Page 96 of Stealing Jia

All the monsters surged up the pyramid.

Cazzo! I started tossing energy balls, but the flames didn’t slow them down.

Slashes of lightning crackled wildly over the cavern walls. Trayon and Sariel dropped out of the energy storm and landed at the base of the pyramid. They took one look around and bellowed their hair-raising battle cries. Moving too fast for the eye to follow, my big, bad Askole warriors sliced and diced the monsters. Which, unfortunately, just irritated the hell out of them, but their tactics did keep the monsters’ attention off us.

Ribbons of dazzling silver energy arced and pulsed around the chamber.Snap!The energy storm spat out Dad, Raj, Bebo and Zarek. The most terrifying, heart stopping madness I had ever seen erupted. Blood and body parts flew in every direction. Screams, roars and battle cries echoed around the chamber.

Oni appeared next to us, with her sword held ready. “Your warriors are magnificent. I am sure they could defeat the Waziri.”

I ducked a flying crocodile head Bebo had ripped off and watched my dad behead another mutant.“They probably could. You should discuss it with Zarek and Sariel after we have dealt with the Rodan.”I gave a cheer as Bebo stuffed the still burning space pirate down his maw.

“You did not exaggerate the Gorums’ ability to eat,”Oni commented.

“Their digestive juices can liquefy anything.”Who knew that included fire?

A weird silence fell. Other than a few body parts, the mutants were gone. Had Mallox escaped or had he been eaten too?

“The Rodan fleet is approaching. Our great weapon the Dakara-Vong was installed to defend the tomb from Waziri war ships. It can annihilate the Rodan battle group, but it can only be used once. If your leaders will agree to protect the tomb, and return me home to Tepovin, I will activate it,”Oni said.

Dad stepped out of the shadows.“Oh, I think Zarek and the others will agree to your terms.”

I hugged him. “I’m really glad to see you.”

“You scared the hell out of us.”Dad held me tightly for a moment, then addressed Oni. “I’ve passed your offer along to Zarek.”

“You think he will agree?”

“Ask him yourself.”

Zarek teleported in and gave a slight bow.“You have my word as the Overlord of the Coletti Clans that we will protect the tomb, the artifacts and return you to your people.”

Oni bowed. “I accept this agreement. It takes thirty tins to energize the weapon. Your ships need to be at least 5.1 parsecs away from this planet.”

“It will be done,” Zarek responded.

I frowned. Had Zarek done a little mental hanky-panky?

Zarek smiled at me.

Oh, boy.

Trayon zoomed up and crushed me to his chest. “I thought I had lost you.”

“And I you.”I squeaked,“You’re squishing me.”

His grip loosened. “I love you.” Trayon’s mouth moved over mine, demanding, sensual and full of need.

“What is the purpose of putting your tongue in Mother Jia’s mouth?” Chiara asked curiously.

Trayon’s tentacles squirmed. “It is a courtship ritual.”

“It seems very unsanitary.”

Dad started laughing.

“You can continue this delightful conversation back on the ship.”Zarek interjected.

Oni announced, “The quantum beam is ready, my lord.”

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