Page 21 of Warrior's Captive
Tai’ri’s expression went cold. “That’s likely how you were injected. A dart.”
Her heart rate sped up, and not just in reaction to the sudden air of menace emanating from him. “Do you think the traffickers were trying to reclaim me?”
“It can be nothing else. Normal people don’t walk around with projectile tranquilizers.”
“Then they didn’t know you were following me.”
He gave her a look. “I’m an operative, Viv. No one knows I’m there unless I want them to.” He stopped, wariness flashing across his expression.
Probably because he’d just admitted to stealth following her . . . when she’d requested some time alone.
But the assault vindicated his initial concerns about her walking alone in his first place, and he’d been kind enough not to say ‘I told you so’.”
Vivian sighed. “Are you going to tell Ibukay?”
“We spoke.” His voice was grim.
Vivian looked between Tai’ri and Abeyya. “Should we even stay here? If the traffickers know I’m sitting here like a duck . . .”
Tai’ri frowned. “A duck? . . . fowl. I don’t understand.”
“It’s an Earth saying. I guess it loses meaning in the translation.”
“We have security,” Abeyya said. “Our mothers sometimes come here to birth in complicated circumstances. Besides, Tai’ri oversaw the fabrication of our system here himself.”
“Vykhan advised me on it,” he added. “It’s secure here for now.” His comm pinged. “Accept.”
“Vivian, are you well?” Ibukay’s form sprang into existence, the image so dense Vivian thought theBdakhunwas really present. Yes, Tai’ri’s tech was way better than hers.
Vivian nodded. Ibukay visibly relaxed though her mouth remained tight. “Tell me what happened,” she ordered.
By the end of the explanation, Vykhan flashed into existence, standing at theBdakhun’sshoulder. He watched Tai’ri, who stood with one arm braced against the door as if he was silently talking himself down from a flare of temper.
“We anticipated this,” Vykhan said. “It is good that they showed their hand so soon. Tai’ri.”
Tai’ri turned, then began toying with his beaded bracelet. After a moment, his familiar calm, if slightly wary expression, settled over his face. “She’s more valuable to them because of the baby. The price they’ll both command . . . ” his calm broke, and he whirled, slamming his fist into the wall.
Vivian jerked. Violent outbursts in public on Earth were ruthlessly curtailed.
“We will take precautions,” Ibukay said, then sighed. “Extra precautions. Tai’ri, I’m assigning you solely to Vivian until the threat assessments are lowered.”
Tai’ri leaned his forehead against the wall. “You need me.”
TheBdakhunfrowned. “I’ll take someone from B circle to fill your vacancy. I have a new team member in mind, anyway.”
Vykhan narrowed his eyes slightly. “I have not heard of this.”
She avoided his glare. “Because you’re not going to like it,” she muttered. “Her. We’ll talk about Reign later.”
He glanced at Tai’ri. “You will take Vivian back to your home. It is the most secure location for her other than the palace, and I assume she does not wish to reside there. I will have her belongings brought from the shelter.”
“Your pardon,” Vivian said. “I haven’t yet decided if moving in with Tai’ri is the step I want to take at this time.”
Vykhan pinned her with his wintry stare. “Is your first duty, and priority, to see to the safety of yourself and your child?”
“Of course.”
“Then it is reasonable that you stay with Tai’ri. Not only is he trained, highly skilled and willing, but he has access to resources and a security system you will not find anywhere else but the palace.” He gave her a toothy smile. “Or my domicile. I would be honored to host you.”
