Page 99 of Captured By the Alien

After half an hour they were battered and bleeding. Again and again Kara fended off Layahn’s assaults, but she was tiring. And she began to make mistakes.

She was a fraction too late avoiding a blow which knocked the breath from her. Dizzy and stumbling, she couldn’t prevent Layahn from lifting her off her feet in a crushing bear-hug.

She struggled to breathe as the air squeezed from her lungs. Blood thundered in her ears, so loud she almost missed the Vraxian’s whisper.

“When I beat you, I’m going to make sure the Zhaal picks me. I’ll enjoy mating with him.”

Kara kicked out with her boot-claws. Hissing in pain, Layahn dropped her. Kara backed away, trying not to show how much her ribs were aching. Layan’s face contorted in anger.

“You don’t belong on Vraxos,” she snarled. “You don’t belong in this competition.”

“And you do? You only got this far because you cheated.”

“I have more right to be Zhaalini than anyone. I’m ofshintublood and you’re nothing but agemlek u’laa nedek glimt.”

“Oh, fuck off with your xenophobic shit,” said Kara disgustedly. “You sound like your uncle. All he wants to do is destroy my planet.”

“My uncle cares for the future of Vraxos. He sees the bigger picture, he knows what must be done and he is filled with purpose.”

“He’s filled with something all right.”

With a guttural yell Layahn threw herself at Kara again. They battled furiously, moving around the ring in a blur of fists and feet, no longer caring about tactics or strategies. Just bent on beating the crap out of each other.

When next they broke apart, Kara wiped the blood from her face and gave a cocky grin.

“You hit like a little girl. No, scratch that, I’ve been hit harder by little girls.”

“You’re slowing down. It is only a matter of time.”

“I feel bad for you. We’ve been at this for nearly an hour and you still haven’t beaten me. It must be so embarrassing.”

“You’ll find it hard to run your mouth when I eviscerate you.”

“Promises, promises.” Kara extended her hand and beckoned insolently. “Come get me then, you dumb bitch.”

Layahn feinted to the left and when Kara reacted, she changed direction and got behind her. She put one hand round Kara’s throat, tightening it until Kara thought her windpipe would collapse. With the other she grabbed Kara’s wrist and yanked it high between her shoulder blades until she was forced to stand on tiptoe.

Layahn’s face broke into a triumphant smile

“I told you I’d win. I’m going to shatter your arm and then I’m going to throw you out of the ring like the piece ofdankar ziftyou are.”

Ela spoke sharply.

“Ease up on the arm, Layahn. Breaking it deliberately will get you disqualified.”

The Vraxian gave no sign she’d heard. Kara’s shoulder joint strained unbearably and she tried to speak through the iron grip round her throat.

“Begging for mercy?” Layahn sneered. She loosened her choke-hold a smidgeon.

“I said, is breaking my arm enough for you? I thought you were going to gut me.”

“You’re right. This is too easy.”

Layahn threw her to the ground and kicked her in the ribs. The crowd winced in unison as they heard the impact. Slowly, painfully, Kara got to all fours and started to crawl away. Layahn circled her, gloating.

“I knew you didn’t have what it takes. You’re finished.”

Kara didn’t reply. She looked beaten and exhausted as she dragged herself across the sand. Layahn kicked her again and she curled into a ball.

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