Page 12 of Becoming Brandy

Tears streaked down Brandy’s cheeks as she pressed herself against the wall and began to pray. Dear God, don’t let me die on some alien ship torn apart by this monster. If I have to die, let it be on American soil with Tom Petty playing in the background.

The alien prowled closer. A set of bloody claws closed the gap between them. She squeezed her eyes shut, unable to stop her trembling. An appendage traced down her neck to her chest. Tears streamed down her cheeks as it touched her. The horror of the moment made it hard for her to draw breath.

The tip of its claw drew a line from her collarbone to her cleavage with excruciating slowness. The creature smelled like raw meat left out in the sun. Like maggoty hamburger in the garbage after the Fourth of July. Her eyes opened, seeing the thick mane of hair, matted into dreads. The scales along its neck reflected the purple light of the walls. This was the last image she would see before her blood was spilled.

She held her breath, waiting for it to be over.

The wall behind her disappeared. Brandy fell back as others rushed into the corridor. Eyes widening, Brandy watched as Wrek, Tork, and an army of humanoid aliens charged through. Two or three shot pulses at the beast from their cylinders. Her attacker twisted, contorting as it fell to the ground and shook. As the beast twitched in the aftermath, men secured its wrists and ankles before hauling it away.

Wrek put a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Brandy nodded. “But Drake… he looked bad.”

“Which way?” Tork asked.

Brandy pointed, and Tork took off running down the hall.

She slid down, gripping her knees. Wrek hovered over her like a father over an injured child. “Can I check your vitals?”

Nodding, she let Wrek run the wand up and down her body before he pronounced her physically okay. Then he sat down on the ground beside her, his back leaned against the now-solid wall.

“I’m sorry that happened to you,” Wrek said.

She grimaced, not sure what to say. It had all been too much. “Is Drake… dead?”

“Him? No, it will take much more than that to finish my brother.”

Brandy wasn’t sure how to feel. No matter what had happened, she didn’t wish anyone dead.

“Why did that thing attack him?”

Wrek bowed his head for a moment as if considering what to tell her. “There are some of our clan who do not appreciate his leadership style. They led a revolt a while back and attempted a mutiny. He’s imprisoned them in there. I guess he should’ve thought twice before opening the door.”

“So, he was taking me into a jail cell with angry, violent beasts?” Her voice had risen in hysteria at the thought. What if that thing hadn’t attacked Drake? Would it have done that to her?

Wrek shook his head. “I have to believe my brother would have better judgment than that. It must’ve been a mistake.”

“He said I seduced you. That you were asking for my release.” Her voice got shrill. Drake was going to feed her to monsters.

She turned pleading eyes to Wrek for answers. He was not his brother. And she needed allies now that she knew what Drake was capable of. Wrek, sitting next to her, was the easiest ally to procure.

She reached out, gently touching his hand before drawing hers back again. “I appreciate you trying to help me.”

“Drake is impossible. He won’t listen to anyone. He’s got this vendetta against Han. I’m sorry you are tangled up in it.”

“What is this feud with Han?” she asked, leaning her head back. She was tired from all the stress and strain, but she struggled to keep her eyes open. It was important to keep Wrek on her side.

“He and Han have a feud trending back for generations. There was a war for control of our country. Many battles were fought. Too many died. Han’s ancestor and ours were allies, but when the battle was won, Han’s people assumed the throne and backstabbed us. We’ve been fighting to take it back ever since.”

“So, you’re space pirates fighting over a throne of a planet far away?” She arched an eyebrow.

Wrek shrugged. “It doesn’t feel that far away. Drake takes it personally as the eldest. And with Han not yet seated, since he’s awaiting an heir, he feels like this is his time to strike.”

“Thus, trying to abduct Charis. Except you got me. So disappointing.”

He leaned slightly toward her. “I’m not disappointed.”

She could feel things heating up between them. It would infuriate Drake if he knew she was once again seducing his brother for personal gain. But then again, Drake was incapacitated and maybe Wrek would agree to transport her back to Han’s ship while he was out of commission. Forget mating with the brothers. She could get her ticket out of here right now.

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