Mateer Read online

  Megan kept her face blank with an effort, glad she and her twin took after their father’s side of the family while Jill very much resembled their mother. Gahzhing frightened her. He operated on a whole other level of emotional intensity than any Khagrish she’d encountered. Higher than even Lampergg and all his arrogance.

  Lampergg didn’t even glance in Megan’s direction. “I find them all similar.”

  Gahzhing took a strand of Megan’s hair in his hand, alarming her and setting her pulse to racing erratically in apprehension. “The one who attacked me, Jill, had black hair, but the shape of the face—” Lips pursed, he studied her.

  “What’s the likelihood of related adult humans being kidnapped by the Shemdylann?” Lampergg asked reasonably enough. “Did you have any further suggestions about the progression of the pregnancy and the nutrients to properly support development of a half-Eight Series baby? Trace elements to infuse? Should I risk doing another transfusion of the altered blood from the father? Might it be too hard on the mother?”

  “The baby is the important factor here.” Lampergg’s questions plainly caught Gahzhing’s scientific interest and his brow furrowed in thought as he released Megan’s hair. “The mother is of no consequence now.”

  “I could breed her with 802 again, in time,” Lampergg said.

  Megan wanted to scream. As if he were there, she heard Mateer counseling her to pretend to be oblivious to their demeaning talk and concentrate on getting to him alive. He’d said similar things to her enough times so she had no doubt what advice he’d offer. She tried to control her breathing and relax.

  “Interesting issue you raise, about the trace elements. We did have to ensure the subjects had sufficient of certain minerals for full development. I can get you the full list.”

  The scientists wandered away, slipping into Khagrish, deep in discussion.

  About ten minutes later, Lampergg came and personally removed the restraints, escorting her to the hallway where he handed her off to two guards who took her the rest of the way in silence. She collapsed onto the bed in the cell with relief as the outer force barrier sizzled shut. She fought tears of frustration and exhaustion, holding to the thought of Mateer. After a while, she took a nap, only awakening when the dinner tray was brought. She’d barely sampled the offering when Lampergg arrived.

  “Leave the food, we’re going now,” he said harshly, motioning for her to step to the doorway as the force barrier disappeared.

  Dropping her fork, she hastened to comply. “I don’t care one way or the other, but why the rush?”

  He yanked her across the threshold and walked rapidly side by side down the corridor. He was in such a hurry he’d forgotten to have her placed in manacles. But, since Megan wanted to get back to their lab and Mateer as soon as possible, she wasn’t going to attempt any escape. She tolerated his grasp on her arm without offering resistance.

  Lampergg frowned at her as he waited for the guards to open another doorway for them and allow them onto the landing pad where his shuttle was clearly ready to take off. “Dr. Gahzhing became increasingly obsessed with your appearance as the afternoon wore on and he imbibed more wine. He’s convinced himself you are related to the woman who savagely attacked him, and he rambled on endlessly about how much she’s cost him. Frankly, I was concerned in his present state of mind, my experiment might not be important enough to preserve your health and safety if we lingered. He’s fallen asleep, and I left a message explaining an unexpected development came up at my lab regarding the kickoff of the new protocols.”

  Lampergg explaining himself to her seemed to surprise both of them, and he handed her off to the guard at the base of the landing ramp. “I’m in a hurry—put her in restraints and in her seat.” He scurried into the flyer, and Megan followed more slowly with the guard. She was barely in her seat when the flyer took off in a steep ascension. Lampergg must have been even more worried than he’d shared with her.

  As the aircraft flew over the planet on its trajectory heading to the lab she kept testing her link to Mateer and was overjoyed when she finally felt the connection snap into place. I’m on my way back.

  Are you all right?

  His anxious question overlapped with her message. Apparently, he’d been eagerly waiting to communicate as well. Yes, but Dr. Gahzhing was putting two and two together that I’m related to Jill. His suspicions are why we left early. Lampergg says he doesn’t believe it but I think, whether he does or not, he only cares about preserving his ‘experiment’.

  I had to fight with Aydarr not to kick off the rescue before you returned. We’re getting perilously close to the start of the large human experiment.

  I was afraid I might miss the deadline. She leaned her head against the soft cushions, gazing out the window at the clouds and she shuddered, remembering the awful details of what the Chimmer wanted done.

  Apparently, she failed to shield her mind sufficiently because his inner voice was alarmed. How do you know the full protocols? His voice was a mixture of concern and horror. I hoped you’d never have to know the extent of the kinds of perverted ‘science’ the Khagrish carry out.

  She couldn’t even be mad over his picking the information from her mind. I was an involuntary attendee at a planning meeting and the translator was on automatic. By the way, I picked up a few pieces of interesting intelligence—I think—for you and your alpha. You’ll have to debrief me while it’s all still fresh in my mind.

  His reply was uncompromising. I’m more concerned with getting you back where I can protect you.

  Megan allowed herself to smile ever so slightly. It was a new thing for her to have someone so invested in her welfare, and in keeping her safe. She could usually take care of herself perfectly well but couldn’t deny the luxury of having Mateer to lean on when the need for support was there. Well, we’re flying your way right now. Mateer—

  I have to go. Aydarr needs to talk to me about the plans for tomorrow. Take care.

  You too. But she could tell he was already gone from their shared link.

  She sighed. It probably wasn’t a good idea to reopen the mate discussion via telepathy anyway. I’m not proficient at talking to him mind to mind, and this is a really important subject to get right.

  The flyer couldn’t reach the lab fast enough to suit Megan but, once they’d landed and she’d been escorted from her seat, out of the craft and onto the landing field, Lampergg walked away after a quick word with Jordah. Megan didn’t care for the grin the security officer was giving her. “Where are you taking me? This isn’t the way to the cell block—you’re making a mistake. I’m not going to medical. I’m supposed to be with Mateer.” She tried to dig in and resist the clamplike hold he had on her elbow.

  Jordah stopped, swinging her around to face him. “You won’t be seeing the animal again. Dr. Lampergg’s orders, issued just now. You’re to stay in a cell close to his office and his lab, for upgraded monitoring of your condition, and 802 is going to be breeding with other women in the next day or so.”

  “You’re crazy,” she said, her voice loud and shaking with anger. “He’ll refuse. We’re mated.”

  “Haven’t you learned yet the Khagrish scientists don’t let our prisoners pick and choose what’s done or not done? You have no power here.” Jordah drew her closer, until her hip bumped the burgeoning bulge in his uniform pants. “If you’re lonely call for me, and I’ll alleviate the situation to our mutual satisfaction. Lampergg never has to know. Although I might tell 802 in order to twist the knife a bit.” The captain tried to kiss her, and she kneed him in the groin.

  Off balance, hands cuffed behind her, Megan fell to the floor from the momentum, the impact leaving her stunned for a breath or two. Inspired, she doubled over, moaning, collapsing on the floor, pretending to be in great pain. “Lampergg will kill both of us if you’ve harmed the baby.”

  She had to bite her lip not to laugh at the horrified reaction from the guards who’d been willing to stand by and watch their captain assault her. The soldiers were plainly terrified of having any part in a major experiment going awry, however. She enjoyed doing judicious retribution. Let them worry.

  “Get Dregsorm,” Jordah snapped. “He’ll know what to do.”

  Megan continued to overact for the next few minutes in a manner that would have appalled her college drama teacher. Other than the brief jar from landing on her hip on the floor, she was fine. There’d definitely be a spectacular bruise from the impact. As a doctor, she was positive the developing baby was fine.

  The lab tech came sprinting to join them, his lab coat unfastened and his eyes wide with concern. He stood next to Megan and got out a portable scanner. “What did you do to her?”

  “Nothing. She suddenly fell to the floor, screaming about pain.” Jordah glared at his soldiers while he spoke.

  Megan reduced her intensity and reached a hand to Dregsorm as if he was saving her from drowning. “Please, get me wherever Dr. Lampergg wants me to be and let me rest. I—I feel so dizzy and faint.”

  Dregsorm called for an antigrav litter, lifting her into it himself when the device was brought by a junior tech. Megan rode the rest of the way to her solitary cell in style, the two techs solicitously trying to calm her assumed hysteria, and the guards clearly wishing to be somewhere else. Jordah gave her more than one suspicious sideways glance, but she ignored him.

  The new cell was tiny, similar to the temporary one she’d occupied at Gahzhing’s lab. The narrow space was nerve wracking and walls seemed to be closing in on her. She had to take a few deep breaths to relax and talk herself down from the incipient anxiety attack brought on by the new environment. Dregsorm released her manacles and stood by until she placed herself on the narrow bed, assuring him she felt much better, then he and Jordah retreated. The captain energized the energy barrier, gave her a final suspicious glare and left, going the opposite direction from the one taken by Dregsorm.

  Mateer?

  Here, in our pack cell. Where are you?

  They aren’t going to let us see each other again. She decided not to tell him the rest of what Jordah had said, about the other women. Jordah said Lampergg believes it’s not necessary.

  You are the most necessary thing in my life, mate. Have no doubts. Nothing can keep me from you. She had the impression he was angry but not at her. He was shielding her from the impact of his emotion.

  What would we do if there wasn’t a rescue coming? The Khagrish are too clever, too controlling. The longer I’m here the more I marvel Jill was able to escape, much less to rescue all of you. She sounded a bit forlorn to herself, but the idea of being inextricably caught in the Khagrish web was frightening, and she felt a bit embarrassed not to be able to do what her sister had done in a similar situation.

  But Aydarr and the pack are coming, tomorrow, I promise. You’ve done amazingly well after awakening completely unprepared in this dire situation, never fear. He sent a wave of warm comfort along their link.

  I wish you were here to hold me. She hated to sound so self-pitying, but she was tired, her hip ached, and she was having trouble staying optimistic tonight. And she missed him.

  I have the same wish. Once we’re reunited tomorrow I vow not to let anyone or anything separate us again. You should try to get some sleep, rest for the events tomorrow brings. There will be a battle – you need to stay put until I can come get you. I’ve told Aydarr you’re my one and only priority the minute the attack begins. He agrees. He knows it wouldn’t do him any good to disagree.

  Megan could imagine the satisfaction on Mateer’s face, hearing it clearly in his voice in her head.

  Reassured by his vehemence, she had remaining worries. But you’re stuck in the pack cell—how will you reach me? Won’t the pack have to fight their way in and free you first?

  We have ways. It’s important to keep our link open tomorrow.

  The Khagrish would have to render her unconscious to get her to close the connection she had with Mateer, especially tomorrow. I promise.

  She felt a phantom brush of fingers across her cheek. Sweet dreams, mate.

  And with that Mateer went silent. She knew he was there if she needed to talk to him, but he was obviously serious about her trying to rest. With a big yawn, she laid her head on the thin pillow and closed her eyes.

  Mateer was not asleep, although he could tell when his mate drifted off, and he was glad she took his advice. He paced the cell, too keyed up to sit. It was invariably this way for him right before a big mission, and none had ever had the personal stakes for him that rescuing Megan involved. He and Aydarr had discussed his options and run the what-if scenarios, so he was fully prepared. He also hoped he never had to do so much mission preparation through telepathy again. The unusual effort was taxing.

  He paused in his pacing, struck by a thought. Was his child was also telepathic? Which Badari attributes would she inherit? Cautiously, he reached out, unsure how one communicated with an unborn daughter. He got a warm, satisfied sensation of comfort, and the delicious warmth, promise and smell of Spring touched his senses again. He knew the Great Mother had blessed him with the ability to at least glimpse his baby’s well-being.

  Megan would be an incredible mother—she was so caring, with such a kind heart. And strong, able to set a powerful example for any child.

  A sudden chill ran down his spine, and he resumed the deliberate pacing.

  Badari do not have premonitions. Nothing is going to happen to me tomorrow.

  CHAPTER TEN

  In the pre-dawn, not that he could see it, being locked up well inside the lab, Mateer’s waiting ended with a message from Aydarr. We’re moving in now. When you hear the first shots you’re on your way to where Megan’s being held. Remember MARL can only dampen the effect of the neuro bracelets in his own immediate vicinity so you’ll have to surprise a guard and get your hands on his control device or they can take you down. Unlocking your cell’s force barrier—now.

  With a snap, the barrier winked out of existence as the lights abruptly cut out and the emergency lights failed to kick in. Mateer didn’t require them since he had superb night vision. Cautiously, he prowled out of the cell and along the corridor wall, heading for the main lab. Lights flashed and voices erupted ahead so he pressed himself into an alcove and waited for the two guards to come abreast of his positon.

  With a snarl of pure rage, he leapt at the closest man, his talons and fangs ripping the guard nearly in half. Before the other guard could do more than blink and raise his pulse rifle, Mateer had torn his throat out as well. It took him well under a minute to grab the neuro controller and unlatch the hated bracelet from his arm. Then he grabbed both weapons, slinging one over his shoulder by the strap, and moved out.

  Time to update Aydarr. Bracelet off and I’m fully armed. He opened the private channel to Megan as he reconnoitered the lab corridor ahead of him. The attack has begun. I’m on my way to you, so be ready.

  Be careful!

  Always. He grinned and continued on his way as three loud explosions rocked the building, and the sound of weapons firing filled the air, along with a deafening siren. The screaming alarm cut out a heartbeat later, and Mateer guessed MARL had been requested to silence it, as it was an annoyance for the keen Badari hearing.

  He wasted a second regretting he couldn’t have extricated Walt from the humans’ cell, to take the second weapon and watch his back—two is always better than one in a combat situation—but he and Aydarr had agreed the night before it would be too much of a complication. Others were assigned to free the humans in a group. His only priority was Megan.

  So far the job was easy. Too easy. He gripped the pulse rifle tighter as the beleaguered Khagrish forces got the emergency lights to work despite MARL’s control of the building’s AI systems.

  Mateer! They’ve opened my cell—Lampergg is taking me with him.

  Megan’s terrified call as he rounded a corner, distracting him. He barely had time to duck to avoid being shot by Captain Jordah, who was running in his direction. Mateer took cover as more blast beams struck near him.

  “I was coming to kill you,” Jordah said, voice raised to project over the constant sounds of combat now filling the air, “But keeping you trapped in this spot while Lampergg gets your mate on a flyer out of here to a destination beyond your reach will be nearly as satisfying.”

  Snarling, Mateer assessed the situation. Jordah and his men were blocking the only access to the medlab area where Megan was being held.

  The Khagrish may be trying to rush Megan away from the lab on a flyer, he sent to Aydarr. I’m pinned down.

  We’re on it. Gabe and his team are flying cover for the troops securing the air field.

  “Got your bracelet off, 802?” Jordah yelled. “Clever.”

  He wasn’t in the mood to banter with the Khagrish. He needed to get Megan to safety, out of the combat zone the lab had become. Realizing Jordah was trying to distract him, probably while other security guards came up from behind, Mateer tried the door next to him, finding it locked. Moving a few feet to the rear, he found the next door open and slid into the office. This room had an external window, and Mateer blasted it out, dropping to the ground two stories below with no problem. Badari were built precisely to handle challenges like this. Skirting the building, taking advantage of every bit of cover as the sun peeked over the horizon, Mateer made his way around the point where Jordah had taken his position.

  I need MARL to open a door quietly. He hoped Aydarr was listening. He sent a mental picture of his location.

  The portal ahead of him slid a third of the way open and smoke poured out. Apparently, the building was now on fire in places and the automatic fire suppressant system must be one of the systems MARL had turned off, to disconcert the enemy.

  Taking a deep breath of clean air, Mateer plunged into the toxic, thick black smoke and moved cautiously to where he knew a small side corridor would give him access to the medlabs. Blessing Megan for having had him brought to the spot during the stasis crisis, his mental picture of the facility was clear. He wasn’t going to get trapped this time by a diversion from the plans and the reality of the as-built.

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