Page 31 of Mated to the Vikings

“Your time will come, Master Kevin,” Steen hissed, adding a savage snarl. “When it does, I assure you that what you will be required to endure will be much worse.”

Steen’s second stood by Steen’s side, surveying the room.

“You’re alive. Klar. Steen,” Brexin returned, gripping both of Steen’s arms. “We weren’t certain.”

“Never underestimate the power,” Steen chortled.

“You’re right.” Brexin nodded out of respect. “Certain portions of the compound are failing. We don’t have much time.”

“The steel will hold for a period of time,” I added.

He lifted his head, taking a deep whiff. “You’ve been busy, my friend. Tell me, how does she taste?” He laughed and patted me on the back. “For everything you’ve done for our clan, you certainly deserve it.”

I nodded out of respect. I could see her mind reeling, trying to make sense even still. I wanted to comfort her, to explain, but now wasn’t the time.

“Erik.” The husky voice gasped for air. “You’re alive.”

I barely recognized my former colleague, the change since I’d left more dramatic. He’d taken my place in the testing arena after my escape, something I hadn’t considered. David wasn’t like me or the other men brought in shackles to this planet. He was merely an original worker in the facility, far too curious for his own good, caught in Kevin’s deceit. I was thrown into a moment of horrific guilt. “David. What have they done to you?” I gripped his arms as he swayed back and forth, ducking as a sheet of metal hurtled down from the ceiling. “We need to get out of here. Will you be able to walk?”

David nodded. “I know where we can find clothes. You’re right…” he muttered, shaking his head as if to clear the fog. “We need to get out. There is much to tell you.”

“I know. We will talk,” I said causally as I scanned the facility. Very little had changed in the weeks I’d been gone. “Are there others missing?”

Narrowing his eyes, David shook his head. “I honestly don’t know. Things have… changed. We’re left alone the majority of the time, but something is going on. They’re afraid.”

Afraid. I scanned the room, searching for anything that could provide answers. I knew there were other rooms within the facility used for testing. They could house at least three dozen creatures, but why would they have any fear?

“What are you talking about?” Cassia asked tentatively.

“We talk later,” Steen demanded, giving Cassia a respectful nod. His forever changing eyes held nothing but the need for retaliation. “You are close to Erik and the others, your connection very strong. That is good. We will need your help.”

“Close,” she whispered. “Yes.” She pressed her fingers over her mouth, her eyes flashing.

“We are tethered in a way I don’t understand,” I answered, taking long strides in her direction.

Cassia threw out her arm. “Stop. I don’t know what’s going on, but whatever occurred in that cave will never happen again.”

Steen snickered. “She is a strong woman. She will be perfect. Her concern for our kind, as well as your own was surprising in this sea of disgusting humans.”

I sighed. Steen would want her for his own.

“Let’s gather what supplies we can before returning to the city. We will need to sweep the other areas,” I stated, nodding to Klar as he approached. He’d taken the brunt of several beatings, his defiance a direct correlation to his species. Klar was ruthless, even more so than any of the scientists. They had no idea who they’d captured. The ability for Kevin and his crew to abduct the leader and the second in command was certainly disconcerting. Security had already been beefed up around the city, various guards placed in position. Everyone feared another attack.

It would come.

“I will handle searching for others with Brexin,” Klar growled, turning his head toward Steen. “We should kill the remaining humans.”

“Not yet,” Steen directed. “And yes, I have my reasons.”

“If we’re going to do this, it should be now,” Brexin added.

Klar huffed, shooting a look at Cassia as he walked closer. “And the female?” He fingered her long strands of hair, taking several deep breaths. The first smile I’d seen in months spread across his face, widening his hollow cheeks. “Incredible. I must taste her.”

“You should have that honor, Klar, but only after we return. She is indeed special to us, but she requires extensive training.” Steen’s voice was commanding.

“She comes with us. There is no question.” My response was directed toward Steen, my desire for her increasing.

“Wait. Where? Where are you taking me? With everything I’ve found out, I need to return to Earth to warn everyone and try to stop this madness.” Cassia recoiled, her lower lip quivering. “I’m not coming with you. I’ll help in any way but I’m going home. Some fucking way,” she whispered, wringing her hands.