A Warlord's Heart Page 11
Argan groaned. “She spoke truth.”
Author’s Notes
Ramar? Really? Who knew the Warlord had it in him to win Vesa back after his bad showing in the bedroom in The Overlord’s Heir. This was a lot of fun to write. I got to hang out with Vaan and Mikayla again, plus I got to really see the youngling and their interactions with the Warlords, who clearly adore them as much as their parents. I also wanted to show more of Raasa and life with them. Based on Maen, I think their men have potential to be major contenders in the hero department.
I have to apologize for this coming out later than I expected. I really would have had this completed sooner but one of my beta readers mentioned wanting to know more about the Shadow Warriors while I was mid-way through this. One thing led to another in my head and I derailed onto the Aerilians. What happens to them next? They were good allies of the Olak’din for years before the Prince ruined things. Once the thoughts and ideas started, I couldn’t cut off the flow and ended up writing like a crazy woman. The good news is that this novella will help me set up the next Warlord book.
I know just the Warlord who will end up with a blue skinned Aerilian. I mean, he’s practically been begging me to write his story from the beginning, so now he’ll get his wish. And yes that would be Kavan. LOL. I don’t think he’ll be as easy going as Argan when it comes to love despite what his heart longs for and then I still have to get a bride for Saran.(Although I’ve known his heroine for a while now.)
See you in the next book,
Michelle
Excerpt from Arak’s Love (A World Beyond Book 2)
Chapter 1
“In position.” The words murmured in the communicator at Arak’s ear sent a fresh wave of excitement through him.
The Jutak warriors unit he belonged to had received intel about the Marenians planning to eliminate a group of sex slaves they’d been unable to sell. More than likely the bastards wanted to unload what they considered useless cargo before Arak and his fellow Jutak warriors caught up to them.
Over the last few months his unit comprised of three teams had managed to close down more and more of these illegal sex auctions. Auctions that featured men and women who’d been snatched from their families and home worlds to be sold as exotic toys to others who thought nothing of enslaving innocent people.
“Arak, your point of entry will put you on the top level where we’ve confirmed the slaves are kept. Kyele can circle around and come up from the rear in case you meet any opposition. Faruk and I will provide cover for rapid exit if detected.” Jaron, his team leader, gave the orders in a calm voice.
The calm on a mission was directly opposite the man’s personality when they weren’t out. Jaron had a practical joker side to him that often got the Enotian into trouble with the others.
“Affirmative.” Arak eased back from the crevice where he and Kyele who’d also been selected for the rescue hid. The tiled roof provided the perfect access point to the rickety warehouse.
Kyele hefted his laser blaster in hand and nodded to Arak before fading away into the darkness. Freaky but Arak could hardly complain. Kyele’s silence and love of knives scared any who ran into the Jutak warrior. A plus on these types of missions. Arak was sure the man would reappear right when needed during the op and that was all that mattered. Kyele was one of the best on any of their teams because of his nature. Dangerous and deadly.
The four of them were here on Aultare to rescue Lindsey Ferra, an Earth woman, assumed to be held prisoner in the dilapidated building. Saving any other sex slaves present would be bonus. The Marenians were spreading their home practice of keeping and abusing slaves beyond Marenia.
Thankfully, his Unit leader Torkel had received information from carefully placed alliance spies. Critical information that pointed to Lindsey, wife of two important Senate Leaders from Garulax, being held here.
“Sixty seconds until rooftop sensors re-engage. Move it, Arak,” Jaron reminded.
Arak worked quietly but efficiently as he unscrewed the bolts in the steel panel mounted to the roof then slid the heavy weight to the side and eased through the narrow opening. He hooked his ankles for support on an overhead rail pipe mounted to the ceiling. A slight adjustment as he bent from the waist and Arak slid the panel back in place before flipping to land several feet below then crept down the hall, keeping his back to the wall.
According to the detailed plans they’d managed to steal, the building only had two floors and a sub terrain basement. There were four rooms in use on the top floor where the slaves were allegedly housed and an open concept room on the second floor for potential buyers to eye the merchandise. Arak and the others didn’t know what occurred in the basement but he wasn’t eager to find out. The Marenians weren’t known for their compassion or care.
Lights flickered above, adding a hazy gold to the world around him. Arak pulled on his animal senses and his vision heightened instantly. Sticking close to the walls in shadow, he eased down the corridor toward the first doorway. Enhanced vision thanks to his Argoran half proved to be his advantage when the lights completely winked out seconds later leaving him in total darkness.
Arak reached the first door and twisted the handle. His gloved hand muffled the slight creak when the jam separated from the wood frame. He stiffened when he heard a muffled thump from inside and dropped to a crouch. Arak pushed the door open all the way and rolled into the interior aiming for the wall to his left. A laser blast hit the wall above where his head had been spewing chunks of rock all over him.
“Don’t move.”
The low order came from his right. Arak leaped to his feet, weapon aimed and only his core reflexes kept him from firing off a return shot at the two women across the room. He jerked the barrel of his laser toward the ceiling.
“I’m Jutak. I won’t harm you.” He knew he looked a sight in his all black combat gear with multiple weapons strapped to his body.
His nose twitched as the scent of their fear assaulted him. Heavy and cloying, the aroma masked any other details. They stood inches apart dressed in clothing meant to entice, matching blue sheaths of silk held up by a single strap across the shoulder. The garment skimmed their thighs leaving the length of their legs bare. Toes curled into the dirty floor to emphasize the lack of shoes. Anger surged fast and hard causing Arak to growl low in his throat at the visible evidence of their status as Marenian slaves.
The woman with the laser glared at him. He thought her hair was brown or something close but it was hard to tell in its matted state. Arak ignored her for the moment. The woman next to her was the one to watch. Her eyes held a wide spark he’d seen before. A lit fuse waiting to blow. She held an elite Marenian hunting knife in each hand, the handles made of custom carved dark wood fit her grip with ease. Blood coated the jagged teeth of the blades. At their feet lay the crumpled form of a Marenian, his distinctive black horns jutted from his brows. A pool of blood formed beneath the body. Clearly they’d managed to attack and kill their guard.
“We’re fine. We can rescue ourselves, Mr. Jutak.” The one with the knives made the declaration as she tossed stringy hair over her shoulders, its color indiscernible.
Arak almost rolled his eyes. There wasn’t time to argue the details of who rescued whom. Normally, Arak would admire the fire flashing in both of their gazes. It meant the Marenians hadn’t broken their spirits. But not in this instance. Right now, he had a time table to fit. He pushed back the hooded mask he wore, hoping that seeing his face would ease them a little. “I’m a Jutak warrior. Jutak’s not my name. Are either of you Lindsey Ferra?”
His team’s top concern on these rescue and run hits was to search for the missing Earth woman who’d been stolen from her husbands.
“No,” the knife wielder snapped before turning to her friend. “Let’s go Sylvie, we don’t need him.”
The brown haired woman with the laser didn’t hesitate. Her thin shoulders braced as she nodded. “Right, Joni.”
Joni and Sylvie.
Keeping a wary eye on Arak, they walked in his direction and he realized he stood between them and the door. The only exit.
Again, pride at their courage in the face of their circumstances stirred within him. Unwilling to force the matter, Arak stepped to the side clearing the way. He had three more rooms to check and Jaron would take care of these women the moment they crossed the threshold outside of the warehouse. “Use the stairs. My teammates are around so head straight outside and they’ll help you both.”
They were almost passed him. Joni’s lips pinched tight. “We don’t need help.”
They cleared the door and the brown haired woman tucked the snub nose mini-blaster behind her back as if he’d attempt to snatch it. Her luscious butt almost tempted him to make the effort. She glanced over her shoulders and her gaze narrowed. Arak’s lips curved up, maybe not as vocal as her friend but prepared to back the other woman up if needed. He followed them out to the hallway but before they could get too far, he asked, “Where are you from?”
The team would need to know in order to make arrangements for their return home.
Joni held the knives down at her side and didn’t bother to answer. Sylvie glared. “Earth.”
Arak bit back his chuckle. It figured.
Books by Michelle
* Honor Bound (Book 1 Warlord Series)
* The Overlord’s Heir (Book 1.5 Warlord Series)
* A King’s Revenge (Book 2 Warlord Series)
* Rise of the Shadow Warriors (Book 3 Warlord Series)
*A Warlord’s Heart (Book 3.5)
* Project Genesis (Alpha Squad)
* No Reason to Run (A Harmony Novel)
* Mating Urge (shifter novella)
* Torkel’s Chosen (A World Beyond Book 1)
Coming Spring/Summer 2015
Arak’s Love (A World Beyond Book 2)
About the Author
Michelle Howard enjoys a crazy life that involves wild kids, a loud dog, and a husband who tolerates the madness. Like many authors, she’s dreamed of writing since reading her first romance novel many years ago. She loves paranormal and contemporary romances and is a fan of the classic romances by Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood.
I love to hear from fans so please reach out to me. If the mood hits you, leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads.
Email: michellehowardwrites@gmail.com
Twitter: @mhowardwrites
Website: www.michellehowardwrites.com
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