Page 36 of Naga Healer's Mate

“The guards are changing soon.”Nirrn released the human, focusing on the stronghold.“Sector three will be exposed in five minutes.We move then.”His hand brushed the concealed blade at his hip—a weapon he’d never needed before but now seemed as natural as any medical tool he’d ever used.

“And if we encounter resistance?”Tyrus asked.

Nirrn’s lips curved into a deadly smile.“Then they learn why Niri are feared across the galaxy.”

His allies shifted nervously behind him, but Nirrn barely noticed.His entire being focused on the stronghold, on the precious cargo it held.Islae was in there, waiting for him.He would tear down every wall and every Jorvlen that stood in his way trying to get to her.

Nirrn’s powerful tail soon propelled him through the shadows of sector three, his darkened orange scales blending with the rusty metal walls of the stronghold.Behind him, three human rogues and a fellow Niri moved in perfect sync, their footsteps barely whispering against the stone floor.

Through his earpiece, Kackjin’s voice crackled.“Sector four breach successful.”

“Six is clear,” Tyrus added from his position.

Nirrn’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the corridor ahead.The prison cells lay three levels below, where they kept Islae.His mate.The thought sent a surge of possessive rage through his blood.The healer in him had always sought to mend—but now his instincts screamed for vengeance.

“Movement ahead,” one of the humans whispered.

Nirrn held up his hand, halting his team.In the distance, boots thundered against metal flooring.His sensitive hearing picked up the sound of weapons being primed.

An explosion rocked the building from sector six.The shock wave rippled through the walls followed by screams and the distinct sound of combat.Alarms began wailing throughout the complex.Red emergency lights bathed the corridors in crimson, casting eerie shadows across Nirrn’s scaled shoulders.

“Tyrus’s group made contact,” another human muttered.

A second explosion erupted from sector four.

“They’re pushing back hard in four!”Kackjin’s voice strained through static.“These bastards were ready for—” His transmission cut off in a burst of weapons fire.

Nirrn’s tail coiled tighter, ready to strike at a moment’s notice.He could smell Jorvlen guards approaching from both directions.His team was about to be caught in a crossfire.

“Get ready,” he growled, unsheathing his blade.The weapon felt oddly right in his healer’s hands.“Remember, we hold this position as long as possible.”

Through the chaos of alarms and distant fighting, Nirrn’s enhanced hearing picked up a familiar voice echoing from below—Islae.His mate was alive, and she was moving.

His chest swelled with pride and worry.Of course she wouldn’t wait to be rescued.But now he needed to reach her before the Jorvlens did.

Another explosion rocked the building, closer this time.The acrid smell of smoke filled the air as his team pressed against the walls, waiting for the inevitable clash.Nirrn’s muscles tensed, his newfound warrior’s blood singing for battle.

He was no longer a weak and submissive healer.He was a Niri male fighting for his mate.And the Jorvlens were about to learn exactly what that meant.

The first Jorvlen guard didn’t even see Nirrn coming.His mighty tail whipped around the corner, crushing the guard’s windpipe before he could cry out.Nirrn’s golden eyes narrowed as he scanned the corridor, his scaled shoulders tensing at the sound of approaching footsteps.

“Two more coming from the east,” one of the human rogues whispered.

Nirrn’s hand tightened on his blade.“Take the right.I’ll handle the left.”

The guards rounded the corner, their weapons raised.Nirrn’s tail propelled him forward with lightning speed, his blade finding the weak spot in the first guard’s armor.The human rogue dispatched the second with equal efficiency.

“Clear the path ahead,” Nirrn ordered, his deep voice carrying an edge of steel.“I’m going for the prison cells.”

“You’re supposed to lead us to the medical supplies,” another rogue protested.

Nirrn’s long tail coiled around the man’s throat, not squeezing but threatening.“The supplies are yours.But my mate comes first for me.”

“Your mate?”The rogue’s eyes widened.“The human healer with a bounty?”

“Any objections?”Nirrn’s scales bristled, a low growl rumbling in his chest.

The rogue swallowed hard.“No, sir.”

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