Page 62 of Claimed by the Alien Warrior Triad

“When I was first on this planet,” I explain, “I left this cave at night. I watched a wolf kill a deer. The dragon swooped in and stole the kill.”

Brigg nods. “The dragon is greedy.”

“Exactly – and it must not have the same immunity to Scorp venom that you three have, built up by years of small doses. I saw it grab a Scorp-Blood warrior. Instead of eating him, the dragon dropped the warrior onto the ground and killed him.”

Haleon slams his fist against the table. “Liam. I knew him well, when we were kids. I didn’t sound the war horn early enough to warn him.”

I gently touch my hand on Haleon’s arm. “You did everything you could.”

He nods, but his green eyes suggest he doesn’t fully believe my reassuring words.

I brush aside such things – we have no time for them. Not right now.

“Think, my love. The dragon would not eat an Aurelian who has Scorp venom in his veins. It’s poison to it.”

“Indeed,” Stryker nods. “Occasionally, we’ve seen members of the tribe attacked by mountain lions and tigers; but all the creatures that have feasted from a marked member of the tribe have died in agony as a result – the flesh of a marked warrior like poison to them. It is only a truly starved beast that will try… they prefer to eat the unblooded.”

I nod. It’s horrifying to think of young Aurelians being hunted down by beasts, but there’s no time for anything but the matter at hand.

“The dragon knows that. It will kill the members of your tribe, but not eat them…”

My eyes flash.

“Yet, itwouldeat a deer. We’ve seen it do so – stealing another predator’s kill.”

I see the understanding flicker in Brigg’s eyes. The gold flakes seem to flicker more brightly somehow.

“By the Orb-God, Aubrey. You’re right. Wepoisonthe dragon.”

Stryker considers the plan, pacing anxiously.

His face is a mask – but at least he’s thinking about what I proposed, instead of dismissing it out of hand. He saw reason before when I counselled him to bring me to Ripper despite him not wanting to put me in danger. If I am going to have a future with these three warriors, I need to know that they take my advice seriously.

“But - one taste of poisoned meat, and the dragon will spit it out,” says Stryker, and I know from years in the boardroom that I am winning. He’s looking for any reason that my plan might not work. He’s grasping at straws and I go for the kill.

“The dragon ate the deer whole. It’s greedy. Besides, a taste might be enough – if not to kill it, then to weaken it. When the dragon is weak,thenwe fight it.”

Haleon shakes his head. “It’s a good plan, my love, but we can’t let you be in danger. I don’t want to live in this world without you.”

I gently pull Haleon’s hand up, kissing his knuckle. “You must not think of me as less than you. I will stay back, hidden, and only attack from afar. This pistol will fire farther than even the magma breath of the dragon.

Brigg wraps his arms around me from behind, kissing my neck. “I don’t want to lose you, Aubrey. I don’t want to wake up and be tormented that you’re only a memory. Your plan is excellent, but wecan’trisk you.”

I turn, pushing him away. “And so, you expect me to sit in this cave? And wait and wonder if any of you three will come back alive? Why would losing you three be any less painful for me, than losing me would be to you? ”

Stryker growls, the sound low and animal in his throat. “Aubrey speaks the truth. She comes.”

“Are you insane?” Brigg snarls. “If she dies to that beast,I’llbe the one to endyourlife, Stryker – for this foolishness!”

Stryker gives Brigg a threatening look. The three of them explained something called the Bond to me – how the members of an Aurelian triad canfeeleach other in their heads. I never want to see them come to blows, but I know their passions are at a peak.

“We cannot leave her here, Brigg. Not with Ripper so close. He aches for her – you saw it in his eyes. If we’re gone for days, he may come for her. Aubrey will be safer with us, even if we face the dragon.”

Stryker’s voice is calm. Yet again, I understand why he is the natural leader of this triad.

He turns to me, grabbing my arm in a vice-like grip.

“You have never been in battle, though, Aubrey – not like this. Youmustobey my commands instantly, you understand?”

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