Page 19 of Hooded

“Tormelek ship,” I grunt.

“It’s big,” she says. “Bigger than mine.” Her teeth chatter.

“Which is probably the reason we couldn’t escape their clutches, little fury, no matter how hard you tried.”

Fern makes a soft choking sound.

“You don’t blame me?” she says, and the water is there in her eyes again.

It makes me growl more.

“Why would I blame you for something the Tormelek did to you?” I’m completely confused, and the sight of the water sets every muscle in my body on edge.

“You wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for me,” she forces out.

“No, I’d be killing Bogarok until one killed me,” I grumble. “And they’re nowhere near as fun to kill as Tormelek. On balance, I’d say this is better.”

Fern blinks at me, the water receding.

“It is?” she whispers. “But they’re going to enslave us.”

“I’d like to see them try,” I growl. “I’m done with being at someone’s beck and call.”

“I’m not sure slavery works like that, Klynn.” She dips her head.

My heart does the weird thing in my chest again, and I’m absolutely sure the Tormelek have caused me some internal injury.

Fern pushes out of my feathers, something I’d rather she didn’t because I like her in my arms and generally I don’t like much. She gets unsteadily to her feet and stares around at the cell as I seat myself on the shelf.

Something pushes me to speak, to provide an explanation where I have never explained myself before.

“I was not a slave at the dome. I was there because the Galactic Council sentenced me to die.”

“What for?” A shiver runs through her.

“For finding out about them.”

Fern gazes up at me, confusion running all over her face.

“Gryn warrior!”

I look away from my sweet female to the forcefield at the front of our cell to see who dares to interrupt us.

Stood on the outside is a metal clad Tormelek. Most of his hairy form is encased in armor. I’m used to being in the dome with all types of fighters, but this seems to be overkill for dealing with a gladiator.

“Vrex off,” I snarl back.

“You are at the mercy of the great Lord Halfen. You will comply with all instructions, or you will die,” he says, clearly not worried about any risk to his person.

“Halfen can vrex off too.” I glare at him.

A bright light comes on above us. I snarl, but no sound comes out. The forcefield drops and the metal clad Tormelek enters. I leap for him.

Only nothing happens. I am frozen in place. Movement is impossible. The Tormelek marches past me with seeming ease and grabs hold of Fern, also frozen like me. He lifts her stiff body onto his shoulder and leaves the cell.

When the light goes off, I hit the forcefield with all the strength I can muster. It slams me all the way to the far wall.

It will not stop me. I will rage and rage until I rip them all to pieces and get my mate back.

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