Warrior Prince Read online

  They’d landed on a carpet of moss overlaying a rocky precipice. Black rock, to be precise, that ended at a cliff. The plateau stretched to a tropical forest at the base of a mountain range.

  “Where are we?” Zohar drew a knife from his boot and rolled to his feet, a wary look on his face. His muscles tensed as he assumed a fighting stance.

  “I’d say we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

  “Kansas? What is that?”

  “Never mind. Relax, there’s no one here. You can put that thing away.”

  Standing, she brushed dried moss from her pants. If she’d looked a mess before, now she must be worse. She smoothed her hair, her trembling hand betraying her uncertainty. “Any idea where we are?”

  His eyes scrunched. “We must have passed through another gateway. This cannot be good. If the Trolleks did not orchestrate it, the vector shift represents a spontaneous crack in the space-time continuum.”

  “Meaning?”

  “The rate of dimensional drift is exceeding my prediction.”

  “Oh.” Refusing to grasp the portent of cosmic implosion, she focused on her own reality. “On the good side, we’ve escaped the village.”

  “True. Do you recognize this place? I presume we have spatial shifted again to another location on your planet.”

  “Those palm trees and the humidity indicate a tropical climate, but Florida doesn’t have mountains.” Her gaze rose to the green-covered peaks in the distance. “Could we have passed the dimensional barrier into the Trollek world? Or maybe we’re in another galaxy. Do spatial shifts occur between star systems? Surely this phenomenon isn’t confined to Earth?”

  “Since Earth is the spearhead for the Trollek invasion, I would assume we are still here.” Edging toward the overhang, he peered below. “Note the black sand beach. This plain looks like it came from a lava flow. See if you recognize any landmarks.”

  She peeked over the edge. Waves ebbed and flowed onto a pristine beach fringed with coconut palms. The sea melded from aqua to deep cobalt blue, the horizon stretching to infinity with no ships or other bodies of land in sight.

  “Many Caribbean islands are volcanic,” she said. “So are Hawaii and other places in the Pacific Ocean. Considering the time change, it’s more likely we’re there.”

  “Let me see if I can get a fix on our coordinates.”

  He pulled his scanner from a pouch inside his belt while she studied him. A lock of hair rode his forehead, creased in concentration. He cut a manly figure with his broad shoulders, sinewy muscles, and taut abdomen. Her glance roamed south to his sexy hips and long, lean legs.

  He fiddled with his instrument. A second later, his expression brightened. “You guessed correctly. We have traveled to one of the ley lines in the Pacific basin.”

  “The what?” She shaded her face with her hands, wishing she had her sunglasses.

  Zohar gave her a broad grin. “The dimensional faults underlying your planet fuel an energy grid that intersects at twelve distinct geographic areas. These points, known as Vile Vortices, are sites of anomalous activity. The lines connecting these points are termed ley lines.”

  “You mean, places like the Bermuda Triangle are vortices?”

  “Indeed. They act as doors between dimensions when rifts occur. As I explained earlier, just as Earth has tectonic plates, dimensional plates exist on a cosmic energy level. These plates are usually in alignment except for occasional drift.”

  “And that’s when strange phenomena occur in these regions?”

  He nodded, his eyes gleaming as he warmed to the topic. “When the drift is wide enough, vector shifts can occur between dimensions. This is how Trolleks harvested human slaves in the past. The rifts close naturally when cors particles, produced at the event horizon, reach critical mass. The resultant pressure forces the gateways to shut.”

  “Except now, since the Trolleks have forced the process, the drift is widening to disastrous proportions,” she clarified.

  “Yes, and I fear these random shifts will increase in frequency.” He paused, his brow folding. “Did you sense anything strange when you came through?”

  “A momentary flash of disorientation. Why do you ask?”

  “I felt as though a force pulled me down…toward another place.”

  From his sudden glower, she surmised it hadn’t been a pleasant experience.

  “Nope, that didn’t bother me. Maybe your ability to detect cors particles is affecting you.”

  “I do not think so. It was unlike that plane I visit when you and I, when we…”

  “Yes?” Facing him, she tilted her chin upward, wanting to experience the otherworldly sensation that happened when he pressed his lips to hers.

  His gaze shifted to her mouth. He stepped closer, his eyes darkening, desire written on his features.

  A raucous cry from above dispelled the mood.

  “We have company.” He reached for his phase gun but it wasn’t there. “Has’pute,” he muttered, drawing his dagger.

  A winged creature dove at them. It had sharp talons, a spear-like beak, scales, and a long tail. More cries joined its war whoop. Three additional silhouettes circled on the horizon.

  “Pfrells! Make for those trees.” Zohar set off at a run.

  Boosted by fear, she charged for the vegetation. Would they reach it in time?

  She raced ahead, reaching the perimeter of the trees just as one of the flying beasts sideswiped her. The impact sent her sprawling onto a layer of dead leaves. Her face ate the ground, dirt clogging her nostrils. She coughed, spitting out grime.

  Zohar hauled her to her feet. “Keep moving.”

  At his prodding, she staggered past clusters of bamboo, curtains of vines, and prickly-trunked trees until the sunlight muted and the only sounds were rushing water and occasional bird songs. The overhead canopy provided protection from the swooping predators, but it meant she and Zohar could not return to the open plain. Would they find another route home?

  She stopped mid-trail, panting. Hot, thirsty, and tired, she refused to budge another inch without a plan. “We must be safe from those things now. What are they?”

  Zohar, his face haggard, allowed his shoulders to slump. “Pfrells are a hunter species native to the Trollek world. The creatures must have passed through the rift. This is a bad omen.”

  “Great. So what do we do now?”

  “Search for water. We will drink and then find shelter until we can summon aid.”

  They trudged through a lowland rainforest, crunching over dried leaves, skirting tree roots, and brushing into cobwebs. Nira was sorely tempted to yank off her increasingly tattered top and use it to swat insects. Sweat dripped between her breasts and down her spine. She swallowed, her throat dry. As the sound of gushing water grew closer, she increased her pace.

  “Look.” She pointed to a stream tumbling down a rocky slope to a pool below. Eager to reach the water, she half-tripped, half-tumbled down the ridge.

  “Careful, we are not sure it is safe.” Joining her by the pool, Zohar deployed his scanning device. “It appears free of contaminants.”

  “Good, I’m dying for a drink.” Crouching, she cupped her hands, dipping into the clear stream to drink her fill.

  Her thirst quenched, she sank onto the rocky ledge and observed the pool where it emptied into another waterfall. They’d been climbing uphill without realizing it. Her stomach growled, while post-adrenaline fatigue sapped her strength.

  “I’m starving.” She pressed a hand to her middle.

  “Me too. We should search for something edible.” He compressed his lips, his usually proud posture slouched, but the stoic warrior never once complained.

  Her nurturing instinct fueled her energy, and she pushed to her feet. Batting aside prickly ferns and broad leaves, she hunted for food until she spied a clump of banana plants. Summoning Zohar, she instructed him to gather an armful of ripe fruit. They returned to the water’s edge.

  “Bananas are tasty.” Zohar s
macked his lips after taking a bite, once she’d shown him how to peel the skin. He downed several bananas in succession then gulped down a drink of water.

  Nira ate her fill, a languorous warmth stealing into her limbs once she’d satisfied her stomach. She perched on a rock, absorbing the sun’s rays, grateful for the momentary peace.

  “Peculiar shape, is it not?” Zohar held up a banana, a sexy grin on his face.

  “Yes, Captain, I get your drift.”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “O-kay, that was a pun. A play on words. You know, Drift Lord. Dimensional drifts. Oh, forget it. My hands are sticky. I need to wash.” She scrambled to her feet.

  Zohar’s teeth shone white. “You have many demands, little one. I can think of another.”

  “Yes?” She swallowed, aware of where his thoughts led.

  “Let us cleanse ourselves, and then I will show you.”

  “Fine.” She glanced around to ensure they were quite alone. Feeling bold, she divested herself of her soiled garments. His heated gaze followed her as she padded naked from rock to rock until reaching a grassy area. She slipped a toe into the water, testing the temperature. Delightfully cool, the clear stream showed nothing to fear in terms of marine life.

  Taking the plunge, she jumped in, deciding quick action would be best. She splashed around, until her body adjusted and the water felt warmer. Overhanging trees and trailing vines produced a shady awning, while wild orchids provided a palette of color among the greenery. Water gushed and trickled down the rocky waterfalls, obliterating any other sounds of the jungle.

  “Join me.” She gestured to Zohar, who’d stripped and stood proud by the grass-covered bank, showing off his muscular build.

  Her gaze feasted on him, admiring his broad shoulders and powerful chest. She let her glance roam southward, past his taut abdomen to where his arousal jutted like a flagpole. A coiling warmth sprang from her belly.

  “Are there…fish in this pond?” His face reddened, while she wondered why he hesitated.

  She dragged her gaze to the crystal-clear water and its pebbled bottom. “I don’t see any, unless they’re hiding among those tree roots.” Mangrove-like trees edged the secluded pond, but there didn’t appear to be much wildlife.

  “O-kay,” Zohar said, imitating her favorite expression. “Here I come.” He gingerly stuck a foot in the water.

  “Don’t tell me, big guy, that you’re afraid of swimming with the fish?” A smile curved her mouth.

  “I do not care to share my space with slimy creatures of the deep.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake, you don’t mind battling flying reptiles and terrible trolls, but you’re scared of little fishies? Give me a break.”

  “I am a warrior of the Drift Lords. Nothing fazes me.”

  Thrusting his shoulders back, Zohar strode forward until he was thigh deep in the water. Then he dunked himself all the way, reappearing with his hair dripping and a big grin on his face.

  “You have made a man of me, my carona.”

  She pointed at his blatant arousal. “Oh no, I think you’ve done that quite well on your own.”

  Diving underwater, she swam to him and tickled his privates. Surfacing, she laughed while water droplets cascaded around them.

  Zohar’s agile hands slipped to her breasts. “Think you can tease me, do you? I can play this game.”

  She gasped when he tweaked her nipples, sending a shock wave to her core. Her knees weakened, and she leaned into him.

  His other hand crept down her belly and farther south. When he touched her there, reason faded. His strokes increased, bending her to his will, suspending her rationale until passion overwhelmed her.

  ****

  Zohar wrapped his arms around her pliant body as he lowered his mouth. He kissed her, his tongue probing her contours until she parted her lips and allowed him entry. He couldn’t believe her responsiveness and how she unleashed his wildest desires. Her soft curves imprinted on his hard body, maddening him to the point of wanting her to be closer still.

  A tiny warning light blinked in his brain, but he ignored it. She’d never harm him. Besides, he wasn’t weak like his father. He could control his lust, but just not now.

  The current caressed their bodies as they wound together, mouths glued in a never-ending kiss. When he couldn’t breathe, he came up for air. Her eyes, glazed with passion, enticed him to further heights.

  Unable to wait any longer, he lifted her onto his shaft. She slid onto him, sheathing him in her silken heat. With a needy groan, he rocked against her, rejoicing in their unity.

  Their surroundings dissolved as he hurtled into a zone of warmth and light, conscious of nothing except her incendiary murmurs and her womanly scent. Lost in a haze of passion, he fastened his hands on her buttocks while she rode him like a wigonk—or canine—in heat. Flames consumed him, driving him toward a channel of molten fire, and then he erupted, spilling into her while she convulsed her climax.

  Once their shudders subsided, she withdrew from him. She stroked his jaw with a gentle finger as they stood waist deep in the water. Droplets glistened on her luscious breasts.

  “That was amazing.” She rested her hands on his shoulders.

  “It is always amazing with you.” He brushed her lips lightly with his own.

  He couldn’t deny the hold she had on him. It was more than just the transference of her immunity to the Trollek touch. He needed her to satisfy his soul, to bring him home, and that set off his internal warning alarms more than anything.

  They belonged to different worlds, and even if he wanted to be with her, a permanent bond between them would never happen. Should it be necessary for him to take a wife, he’d long ago vowed to play no part in choosing his queen. Not that his people would ever let him make the same mistake as his sire.

  For now, he had to be satisfied with sex. That’s all she could mean to him. He felt like a riff for using her, even though she didn’t ask for anything in return.

  “We should get dressed.” His voice brusque, he ruffled her short hair. He didn’t want to hurt her. She was brave, determined, and resourceful. She deserved someone better than him with whom to spend the rest of her days.

  Careful of his footing over the slippery stones, he retreated to the grassy slope where they’d left their clothes.

  Once presentable, he withdrew his PIP. “I will tell Paz to retrieve us in the shuttle.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Nira had donned her clothes and stood air combing her hair. Her skeptical look told him what she thought of his idea. “See if your signal goes through from here.”

  Her caution proved correct as Paz didn’t respond, nor did his teammates. “I will try again later. Perhaps we should go toward higher ground.”

  Tall trees provided a shady canopy as they trudged through the jungle. Smaller plants grew in the undergrowth, their leaves wide to catch the dappled sunlight. Ferns, vines, and parasitic air plants embellished the tree branches. Bamboo arched overhead like crossed swords. A cluster of purple orchids drew his gaze, while nearby, a bright green bird took flight. Further along, they spotted a large brown and white animal drowsing under a tree.

  “Do not wake it.” Zohar urged her forward, dodging layers of dead leaves that might make noise and creeping past a grassy swathe.

  After they’d hiked for several hours in the afternoon heat, Nira paused to wipe sweat from her brow. “I can’t go on. I’m too tired.” Dark circles rimmed her eyes.

  He gave her a reassuring pat on the arm. “If we climb to that ledge over there, I might be able to get a signal through.” But when he tapped his comm unit from the higher vantage point, again he got no response. “Forget it. Something in the composition of this mountain must be interfering. I should have made contact down by the beach.”

  “We were too busy dodging those creatures. We’ll figure something else out.”

  Zohar nodded, his brain too fogged with fatigue to think straight. Insects buzzed by his ear, while he
scratched at a bite on his arm. At this pace, they’d be covered with itchy welts by the day’s end.

  After a brief rest, they shoved onward. Smells of animal droppings mingled with the earthy scent of decay. Sheened in sweat, he yearned for a cool breeze or another dunk in a stream.

  “Daylight is waning. We should try to reach a higher elevation before nightfall.”

  She slapped at a bug. “I agree. Hey, what’s that? I see something up ahead.”

  Low-hanging fronds and leafy plants battered him as he took the lead through the brush.

  When he spied the crumbling ruin between the trees, he raced forward. This island wasn’t totally uninhabited after all.

  Broken walls stretched like supplicating arms toward the sky. Their absent tops had long since given way to the elements, except for one structure up a flight of stone steps that still had its roof intact. Moss grew in the cracks, widened by vines seeking new outlets.

  “I think it’s a temple.” Nira gestured toward a faded mural on one wall depicting a battle scene with a fierce woman on a winged horse flying above a troop of warriors. “And that’s obviously a shrine.”

  She indicated a display of reddish clay spires backing a ledge with an assortment of goblets, bowls, jugs, and even a corroded metal kettle. Seashells were strewn about the ledge as were green papayas and some kind of lumpy purple fruit.

  Alarm frissoned up his spine. “This sector must be inhabited. We should leave.” Narrowing his eyes, he surveyed the forest for hints of movement.

  “Wait, look over there.”

  Nira sped to a stone monolith with a broken top. Engraved on its sides were carved symbols. She sank to her knees, splaying her fingers over the cold stone. Then she glanced at her timepiece with dawning astonishment.

  “What is it? What have you found?”

  “These markings are similar to the ones on my watch. This could be runic writing.”

  She lifted her face to regard him with sparkling eyes.

  “Don’t you understand what this means? Our arrival here may not have been a coincidence. I was meant to find this place.”