Enticed by the Alien Warrior (Warriors of Agron #8) - Hope Hart Page 0,31

Poor Zarix.

“Beth wants all of us there for her ceremony, and she’s had a rough time. She and Alexis haven’t been back to their tribe since before the last skirmish with the Dokhalls.”

I smile at that, but I can’t help but rub at my chest, where I now have a permanent reminder of that battle. Arix lets out a low growl next to me, his body going tense.

Rakiz steps closer. “I have had a number of kradis prepared for you,” he says formally, his eyes still on Arix. “I’m looking forward to our negotiations.”

Arix nods. “Thank you.”

Nevada leans forward, her voice low as she murmurs to me while the Braxians discuss meeting arrangements. “You’ve got good timing. Alexis and Kate are planning to go see the ship tomorrow if you guys want to go with them?”

She glances behind me to where Sarissa is hanging back, stroking her hand down one of the mishua’s necks. Sarissa instantly nods, and relief swims through me. If we can leave Agron without the control chip, I’ll no longer be walking around feeling like I have a rock in my stomach.

“Everyone’s so excited to see you guys,” Nevada says, and Sarissa joins me as we follow the tribe queen into her camp.

“Zoey ordered me to make sure you guys visit her,” Nevada continues. “She’ll be in the healers’ kradi, so let’s go see her now, and then you can get some rest.”

“I want to hear everything about Zoey and Tagiz,” I admit, and Nevada laughs.

“Yup, the big guy didn’t stand a chance against Zoey’s stubbornness.”

“I heard that,” a voice says, and I spin, almost knocked off my feet as Zoey throws her arms around me.

“We were just coming to find you,” Nevada says.

“Some of the other women are hanging out in Beth’s kradi,” Zoey says. “Maybe you guys can do Zarix a favor and let her know you’ll be here for a couple of days. Poor guy is threatening to kidnap her if she doesn’t agree to do the ceremony soon.”

I burst out laughing. These Braxian males try their best to be civilized for us human women, but deep down, they’ll always be barbaric warriors.

“I’ll talk to her,” I promise. I glance over my shoulder, and Arix nods at me as he follows Rakiz. I don’t know much about their negotiations, only that Rakiz and Dexar want access to Arix’s marketplace, and if I know anything about Arix, it’s that he’ll drive a tough bargain.

Nevada and Sarissa walk ahead, while I take my time until it’s just Zoey and me.

“Do you have it?” I murmur, and Zoey nods, handing me the package I asked for.

“Be careful.”

I shove the bundle deep into my pocket. “I will. Just don’t tell anyone about this.”

She nods again, and I smile.

“Now tell me all about how you finally got your man.”

Arix

I watch the females walk away, glancing back at Rakiz to find a smile dancing around his lips as he keeps his gaze on me.

I narrow my eyes at him, and he grins. “Another Braxian falls to the charms of human females,” he murmurs. Behind me, Korzyn mutters something uncomplimentary. Rakiz glances over my shoulder, his face turning hard, and I sigh.

“Korzyn is unconvinced of those charms,” I murmur, and Rakiz laughs.

“As was I.” He slaps me on the shoulder, and one of his warriors steps forward, directing some of my men toward their kradis.

“I’ve set aside some time if you would like to negotiate now? I understand if you would prefer to rest after your journey.”

I almost smile at that. This tribe king believes he can taunt me into negotiating with him without a clear head. Little does he know that my father ensured I was trained for exactly this circumstance. Along with almost any circumstance imaginable.

In fact, it is to my benefit if this tribe king believes I am negotiating while tired.

“I’m willing to talk now if you are,” I say, and Rakiz smiles, baring straight white teeth. I show him my own teeth, and Korzyn steps close, hand on his sword.

Rakiz glances at my commander and turns away as if unconcerned, leading us toward his tashiv. But two of the tribe king’s guards fall into step between us and the king, making it clear we are not trusted at Rakiz’s back.

These negotiations are already going well.

While this barbaric camp can’t compare to my own kingdom, the tribe king’s tashiv is large and comfortable.

A fire crackles, removing the chill from the air, and a large pile of wood