Page 30 of Captured By the Alien

Layahn scowled.

“He should have killed you.”

“He tried to. And I tried to kill him too. But then we realized we needed each other to survive so we put our differences aside.” She looked round at the other Potentials. “Humans and Vraxians can get along. We proved that. And I hope by taking part inshaa’baarahere with you, we can prove it to everyone.”

Layahn snorted.

“The only thing you’ll prove is how pathetic humans are.”

Kara’s temper began to unravel.

“Yeah? Shall we put that to the test?”

“You’re challenging me?”

“I’m going to smack that stupid smile clean off your face,” Kara growled. She heard horrified gasps around her but couldn’t stop. “Let’s go. You and me, right now.”

Layahn smirked triumphantly.

“Did everyone hear? You are all witnesses.”

“Stop it, Layahn. She doesn’t know the rules.” Vysh hustled Kara away. “In the name of Ayanlesh, calm down. It’s forbidden to engage in hostilities when away from the field. To do so is instant disqualification.”

Shit.

“She was needling me deliberately?”

“She tried it with all of us too.”

“But none of you fell for it. I’m an idiot.”

“You need to learn the rules fast, Kara.” Vysh looked at her seriously. “Layahn is the most dangerous one here and she will cheat to win, if that’s what it takes.”

Kara cocked her head to one side.

“Why are you helping me, Pink?”

Vysh’s scales turned a fetching shade of pale green.

“I have my reasons.”

Kara would have pushed it but at that moment the door opened. A Vraxian male stepped in, unlike any Kara had seen thus far.

He was very tall, nudging eight foot which was big even for his species. His hair was iron-grey, shaved at the sides and styled into something resembling a Mohican. Gold chains adorned his neck while thick metal rings banded each finger and both his serpetri.

If Vraxos had nightclubs, he would be the chief bouncer. But when he opened his mouth, he spoke like a poet.

“Hello, my beautiful belles of battle and bravery. Are you ready to be even more stunning than you are now, my dears?”

There was a cry of delight and everyone converged on the newcomer, Vysh included.

Kara stared.

“What the hell’s happening now?”

Vysh threw a joyous look over her shoulder.

“Best thing ever. New clothes.”

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