Page 45 of Tribute
KATE PEARCE
INTRODUCTION
Cheated out of his exit from the Tribute program, Kai Mexr is forced to return as a trainer for one more year. His trainee, Aled Price, is an idealistic Mitan patriot who Kai struggles not to loathe on sight, and who seems up for any challenge Kai sets him. As Aled learns to give up control and endure the program’s worst, Kai is drawn into an intense sexual game that leaves him wanting more.
But then Aled must fulfill his duty as Tribute. He must endure theUngrich—or die.
When Aled returns, it takes Kai’s ruthless presence to pull his trainee back from the brink of madness. Surviving theUngrichmakes Aled doubt his blind allegiance to his planet—and to everything else he’d never thought to question. But with Kai at his side, Aled finds a new cause to believe in. And with the help of master trainer Akran and his partner Anna Lee, Aled and Kai forge unbreakable allegiances of blood, sex, and love that could save the entire planet from theUngrichfor good.
To Del, my editor, because she totally gets me.
CHAPTER
ONE
Kai Mexr was not in a good mood. He had a killer hangover and, due to a government error, was back in his least favorite place in the world—the Tribute training facility. Because of Solly’s death he still had one more trainee to get through the program. Kai had been allocated a trainee, which meant he’d get the worst of the bunch: a loser destined to fail on the first day, who would either be executed or kicked out depending on his incoming status. And then Kai would have to do it all over again.
“Stand up!”
Kai flinched as the overseer’s bracing tone rattled through his headache, and forced his gaze to the viewing screen, which displayed an image of the trainees being lined up to enter the facility. From what he could see, it was the usual collection of death row inmates, no-hopers, and—worst of all—patriots who were stupid enough to actually volunteer for thisgreez.
He nudged Malke, who was sitting beside him. “Which is mine?”
“Not sure. He’ll be in cage eleven.”
“It’s a male?”
“Most of them are. The females just can’t take it. You know that.” Malke grinned. “And there aren’t that many females up for execution to choose from.”
“Or in our military.”
Kai pictured the lithe form of Anna Lee. Ex-trainee,Ungrichsurvivor, and the female of his best friend Rehz Akran. Occasionally, when Rehz was in a generous mood and shared himself with Kai, Kai got to fuck Anna too. He envied them their closeness. A partnership formed in the unlikely setting of the halls of the training facility where he now stood.
He was glad it was a male. It was easier. And in his current mood? The man was in for a lot of pain.
He watched the trainees file into the cages and then followed the rest of the staff down through the labyrinth of tunnels to the holding center. Nodding at the trainers he knew, he strolled along to cage eleven, opened the door, and went in. The tall man immediately stood to attention and saluted him. He had dark red hair, pale skin, and unusual light blue eyes that held a hint of gray and reminded Kai of Anna.
“Sir.”
Ohgood, it was a patriot.
He’d looked like that once. Eager and willing to lay down his life for the super-secret mission his superiors had dangled in front of his patriotic little heart.
“I’m Kai Mexr.” He didn’t bother with any pleasantries. “Name?”
“Aled Price, sir.”
“Doesn’t sound Mitan.”
“My great-grandfather was a refugee from planet Earth, sir. The names have been passed down through the family.”
Kai fought down his surprise. Anna Lee also claimed to come from Earth, but he’d never heard of it before. Twice in one year seemed something of a coincidence.
“You were military?”
“I am proud to serve in our military, sir.”
“You’re not serving anyone but me now, Aled, baby. Strip.”
