Stolen and Seduced - Christine Pope Page 0,189

the ship was a spa, it was a health spa. Just my luck.

"Tasty," Gar declared. He stepped aside as a pair of hovering first levels moved in to clean the air fryer. They looked outraged to find the two third levels doing such menial labour, but they hadn't said a word.

"I think they want us to leave," Fin whispered loudly.

One of the level ones sniffed, plated the rest of the chips, and handed them to Gar, who handed them to me.

"Thanks." I ate as we hurried out the door. "Will they really change into level threes some day?" I asked around a particularly crunchy one.

"If they survive," Fin replied. He placed a hand lightly on my back and steered me toward my cabin.

"Oh? They don't just wake up red one day?"

Gar made a sound like he was choking back a laugh.

"No, they have to go through a series of trials and then fight to the death," Fin said.

I stopped. "Really?"

Gar chuckled again. Fin grinned.

"No. Come on, I'll show you." He took the empty plate from my hand and gave it to a passing level one. An arm around my shoulders, he guided me toward the back of the ship, where I had never been before.

He touched the wall and a door slid open silently. He placed a finger against his lips in the apparently universal sign for quiet and gestured for me to look inside.

I peered into the room. It was almost near dark, but I was able to make out several long, tall shapes in the gloom. I squinted. Did one move a little?

"Are they cocoons?" I whispered.

"They are and you shouldn't be here," a voice behind me said.

I jumped and spun, hit my shoulder on Fin's arm and winced.

The level four who addressed us was at least as tall as Linx, and maybe slightly wider. Where Linx looked gentle and kind, this man's look made me want to shrink away.

Fin closed the door and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Xarn, we meant no offence. By order of the Emperor, the breeders are supposed to learn everything about Jebari culture," he said respectfully.

"The cocoons are delicate," Xarn replied. He looked as if he wanted to eat me whole and spit out my bones. "If they become damaged, you won't be permitted to make your own."

I suspected he'd happily let Gar and Fin devolve to level ones, if such a thing was possible. Was it?

"I'm sorry, I just got curious—"

Xarn's face darkened and his eyes flashed with fury. "Breeders and not permitted to address level fours without consent," he snapped.

I blinked, but shut my mouth so hard my teeth clicked.

"Has she been impregnated?" Xarn asked, his gaze on Gar's face.

"Not as yet, sir," Gar replied, and bowed from his waist.

Xarn eyed me speculatively, as if he might rip off my dress and force me then and there.

"She hasn't been readied yet," Fin said quickly. "Soon."

"See to it," Xarn said coldly. "To delay is to shame the Jebari Empire." He looked as though he might say more, but he turned on a heel and stalked away.

"What an asshole," I muttered.

"He is…concerned about the preservation of our race," Gar said.

Fin made a rude noise. "He's a part of a growing faction which believes we shouldn't ask you to bear our offspring."

"Then who…" I stopped. "Oh, you mean he wants women abducted and impregnated without our consent?"

"Exactly. The Emperor doesn't believe that's the way things should be done." Fin glanced toward Gar, who nodded.

"He is losing power, bit by bit. We're hoping this ship load might help to bolster his power. Otherwise…"

"He'll be replaced by someone who think it's okay to rape human women, just to keep up your numbers," I finished for him.

"Yes." Fin led me toward my cabin and opened the door.

Once it closed behind us I asked, "Is there any chance Xarn is supposed to be my…the one who I…" The food spoilt in my stomach at the idea.

"It's possible," Fin agreed. "Unless," he sucked in a breath. "Unless you let Gar and I ready you for Linx first. Xarn won't touch you once you're pregnant."

My heart skipped at the idea of all three guy's hands on me.

I licked my lips. "What does that mean? Readying me? Does it hurt?"

Fin chuckled. "Only if you want it to." He reached down to finger the hem of my dress. "Jebari are different to human males. We would simply get you used to the difference."

"Okay," I said slowly. "What difference?" I looked toward