Subchief Ranni (Modern Majuri Warriors Book 1) Read online

  Looking around, she saw Lane jumping around excited by everything that was going on and she thought this might be the best place for him. He needed males in his life. Kasey saw Hel flirting with the one called Flander who was trying desperately to keep his distance. She knew the Majuri had rules like humans did and eighteen was the youngest age a human female could be bedded. It was sixteen among their own kind. Majuri claimed their females matured earlier and maybe they did. But when she looked at her sister, she saw a woman/child. Old enough to have the wants of an adult but young enough not to have the slightest idea what that really meant.

  They got off the bikes, Majuri usually took things up to the ship separately from people. This technology was new to them. Kasey had worked on it, but her company hadn’t originated it. Just seconds and they were on the bridge of Ranni’s mighty battleship. She was one step further from home but at least she was with her family.

  Ranni stared at her his eyes burning into her. “Come.” He demanded and she followed, what choice did she have? His second, or at least she assumed he was, escorted her sister while another warrior had Lane. They were well and truly under the control of these formidable warriors or more specifically, Ranni. He’d chased her for months and now he’d finally won his prize.

  He’d told her he wanted her to choose him, but would he let her go if the answer was no? If she decided not to stay, could she get away? The ship was incredible and she had her sister and brother to think about. Now that Lane had seen this place, would he even be willing to leave? So many questions and no answers at all. Kasey felt like the world was spinning out of control.

  The only one with any answers was the big guy pulling her along by her hand. He stopped and placed his hand on a screen next to a door. It opened immediately letting them into a large sitting room. She could see a humongous bed in the next room. Ranni pulled her past the bed and into a bathroom. Turning on the shower, he gestured to it.

  “I’m sure you would like to clean up.” He said.

  She didn’t know whether to be insulted that he thought she was dirty, or happy that she finally had a chance to get completely clean. Deciding on happy, as soon as he left and closed the door she threw her clothes on the floor and jumped in the shower. Shampoo or something similar was on a shelf and she poured some into her hand.

  It had a manly smell but once she rinsed it off the scent was barely there. Once she was done, she stepped out of the shower and found a towel waiting for her but she had nothing to wear. She was dry, but kept the towel on to cover herself. When Ranni returned, her cheeks were flushed and she was thoroughly embarrassed at her state of undress.

  “I brought you something to wear.” He said as he held out a robe for her.

  She took it and returned to the bathroom to put it on. It felt like silk and was pretty. While she wasn’t a tomboy, she certainly wasn’t a girly girl. This wasn’t something she would ever choose for herself. It was black with red flowers all over it and it was short just covering her butt in the back.

  Kasey came back out and stood in front of Ranni. “That looks gorgeous on you. I hope it will work for now? Tomorrow they will have some clothes made just for you.”

  “It’s a bit short, but I’ll make it work. These look like they are your quarters. Where will I stay and where are my siblings”

  “You’ll stay with me and they are safe in their own rooms.” He said in a way that cut out any arguments. She was tired, but sleeping in his bed wouldn’t work for her.

  “Is there another bed?”

  “You’ll sleep with me. I won’t touch you.” He smiled. It was almost a boyish grin. Probably the closest to one he could come. “Are you ready for bed?”

  His words didn’t sound innocent to her. Maybe she couldn’t fully imagine what was on his mind, but she knew he was up to no good. It was times like these she missed her parents terribly. Not that she didn’t miss them every day.

  There was a knock on the door and Ranni hurried to open it. He wheeled in a cart and she could smell the aroma of tantalizing food. That he was thoughtful, went without saying but that wasn’t enough to win her over.

  “I hope you’re as hungry as I am because the kitchen sent a lot of food for just two people.” He said with a chuckle.

  It seemed impossible that in a matter of hours, they went from hungry most of the time, to having a sumptuous feast for supper. Kasey knew without asking that her siblings would be feasting too. Ranni raised the lid and she had no idea what to eat first. Setting the food on the table first, he gestured for her to sit across from him.

  It wasn’t just the food that was making her mouth water. Ranni himself would make a tempting meal for any woman and although she was inexperienced, she wasn’t dead. Her blood heated when she looked at him and she was afraid he knew it.

  “Want some wine?” Ranni asked.

  Kasey had never had any before so she nodded. What would her parents think? It didn’t matter, they weren’t here to guide her anymore. He poured her a glass and she sipped it. It was sweet like dessert and she finished her glass and had another. It relaxed her and she felt better about everything. He offered her more, but she’d had plenty.

  “Your first time?” Ranni asked.

  “What?”

  “Your first taste of alcohol?”

  “No, my parents gave us a taste of hard cider every New Year. I didn’t like it much but we always took our taste. This wine is much nicer.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it, I selected it just for you. It has a low alcohol content.”

  “That’s good because although I found it relaxing, I wouldn’t want to get drunk.”

  “There’s no danger of that.” Ranni said grinning back at her.

  Damn! The man was too hot for words. They finished eating and he put the dishes on the cart and wheeled it into the hallway. She doubted her man er or that man, had ever done a dish in his life.

  “You might be surprised.” He said.

  “Tell me I didn’t just say that out loud?” Kasey groaned unhappily.

  “I don’t mind. Most people, even some of my people who should know better, think my father spoiled me. My mother did by giving me all her love, but my father never even liked me.”

  “That must have caused some big fights.”

  “Not for long. My mother died and I suspect my father had a hand in it.”

  “Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry. I never knew.”

  “It’s alright. That was many years ago. There’s no point in worrying over spilt milk. Isn’t that one of your human sayings?”

  “Yes, but parents don’t fit well with that saying.”

  “You are missing yours?”

  “Of course I am. They didn’t deserve to die as they did.”

  “Why do you believe they died?”

  “They were at a meeting in city hall. I was watching Hel and Lane. We heard the reports, so many died. The building was vaporized.”

  “Do you know much about the Grabbers?”

  “Just what I’ve read. They pick rich worlds full of resources and attack them. They strip them of everything of value and leave behind a planet wrecked and destroyed.”

  “What kind of resources do they take?”

  “Money, valuable natural resources, people with skills they need, and technology.”

  “And what did your parents do for a living?”

  “Mom was a biologist. She worked on improving crops. Dad was a structural engineer both in the army and once he got out. I see where you’re headed but they killed hundreds and some of those people also were scientists.”

  “I’ve had people checking into those taken by the Grabbers. They have thousands of your people on board their flagship. Your parents may not be there, but they could be.”

  “The possibility that they might be alive had never occurred to me.” She admitted.

  It wasn’t like she’d had time to sit and just think about anything but survival. Once the town hall had been vaporized, people ha
d been panic stricken. Some had turned on their fellow citizens killing, raping, and stealing. What had followed had been a complete breakdown of their society with a small group of formerly law abiding citizens becoming the worst kind of criminals.

  At night, she and her siblings had heard the screams of the victims and the howls of the perpetrators. It had been so bad, she had told her siblings to stay there and be quiet while she went to render assistance. Two stun guns and a regular gun that she’d found while scavenging.

  The female was in bad shape. She’d been abused horribly. “Hey lookey what we have here, Bud. They’re coming to us so we don’t have to hunt.” The guy stepped toward her and she tasered him.

  The other guy stepped back. “I didn’t do nothing.” He insisted but as soon as she looked away he sprang at her.

  Tasering him, she called to the girl. “Are you alright?”

  “Fuck no. I’m bleeding and I need a doctor.”

  “Sorry Sweetheart. I have no idea where a doctor is.”

  “Just leave me here to die.”

  “No can do.” She helped the other girl to her feet and took her below where she, Hel, and Lane were. There was still water, it was available for almost a week were they stayed so she helped the girl bathe and put on fresh clothes.

  Hilda healed well over the next few weeks and she eventually left them in search of her family. When she left, Kasey made sure she was well supplied and had a weapon she knew how to use and plenty of ammunition. Since Hilda had left them, Kasey often wondered if she was alright and if she had found her family.

  “Kasey?” Ranni said.

  “Yes?”

  “Where did you go? Your mind wasn’t with me.”

  “I was thinking about that day. It happened so fast and when they didn’t come home, we assumed they had died. Them being taken had never even occurred to us.”

  “Why would you think that? You’ve never dealt with those creatures before. You assumed they were taking out the enemy so there would be none left to defend the planet. That was part of their plan, but they also wanted human resources that no one would ever search out.”

  “I suppose they’ve got their strategy down after generations of scavenging. Now that you’ve presented that possibility to me, I’m not sure what to do to find out if they are still alive.”

  “There’s nothing you can do. We are investigating to see how many and try to figure out who is alive and who they killed. If they are alive, we will try to get them back and any others we can bargain for.”

  It was time to go to bed. Even though they had been discussing matters of great importance, Kasey’s eyes had been growing heavy. She stifled a yawn or two and she couldn’t deny the thought of a soft bed, one with real pillows was too tempting. Even sharing it with Ranni wasn’t as off putting as it had originally seemed to be.

  How difficult could it be when she was sure she would be asleep in seconds? “You’re tired. You’ve had a hard day. Why don’t you get settled in and I’m going to take a shower and change?” Ranni suggested.

  Kasey nodded and she watched him make his way into the bathroom and close the door. She could imagine the sounds of the water being turned on and him slowly stripping out of his clothes. His chest would be hard and perfectly muscled. An eight pack of abs, strong arms, and sturdy legs that was what she imagined.

  The one part of his body she tried not to imagine kept popping into her head. He would have a long, thick cock that would be hard for her. She closed her eyes and could imagine the hardness of steel covered by silky flesh. When he stepped into the shower, the water would stream down his sexy body. Kasey was getting a heat flash and it was her own fault.

  She knew better than to let her mind imagine what the sexy male looked like. Even his smile was lethal where her heart was concerned. It was better to concentrate on going to bed and sleeping, nothing more. Kasey moved to the bed which looked even larger as she stood next to it. A person could get lost in it. Reaching down she stroked the bedcover. It was soft and silky.

  Pulling back the top cover, she saw the sheet was a light blue. The pillows were huge and there were two for each of them. Sliding onto the bed, the mattress was comfortable but firm. The door opened and Ranni stepped out wearing a pair of shorts and nothing else. Her mouth watered as she stared at his muscular chest and his beaded nipples. The desire to lick them was strong.

  Never having been a sexual person, she didn’t know what to do with this overwhelming desire. His eyes glowed with the same need she felt. “Did you wait up for me?” He asked casually.

  “Not purposely. I just didn’t get to bed as quickly as I planned.”

  “That’s okay. We’ll just go to sleep together.” Ranni observed as he went to his side of the bed and pulled the cover back. He slipped into bed under it and rolled to pound in his pillows until they surrendered into whatever position or shape he wanted them in. “Goodnight, Kasey.”

  “Good night, Ranni.” She closed her eyes and sleep came quickly and easily.

  Chapter 6

  Knowing Kasey

  He lay there long after she had dropped off to sleep thinking and wondering about what to do. She’d been exhausted and had drifted off to sleep instantly. It had probably been more emotional tiredness than physical and he’d only added to it with his revelations.

  Eventually, he drifted off joining her in a deep restorative bliss. Warmth pressed against him and a sweet heavenly scent filled his nose. His arms wrapped around a curvy body just begging to be taken. Kasey’s ass was pressed against his hard cock. During the night she had moved from her side of the bed to his.

  Ranni’s hard cock was pressed lengthwise between her ass cheeks. It was nestled lovingly between them surrounded by their soft warmth. The urge to take her, to strip his shorts off and sink into her moist heat, was overwhelming. Even the slightest move would wake her and she would be shocked and frightened by the position they lay in.

  He had no idea what to do but Kasey took the decision out of his hands. She woke with a gasp. Rolling away from him, she turned to look at him in disbelief. Her mouth opened as if to berate him before it shut.

  “I’m sorry I got on your side of the bed.” She finally said.

  Ranni smiled. “I’m not.”

  Her faced turned a lovely pink. It was true he’d enjoyed the feel of her body but it would cause some discomfort for hours before his cock became flaccid again. It was unfortunate that she had not accepted his claim yet. Some early morning loving would have started his day out right.

  “What do we do today?” Kasey asked.

  “First we will meet your brother and sister for breakfast.”

  “You seem to know a lot of Earth terms.”

  “We have mated with humans for centuries. My mother was a halfling.”

  “So you are part human?”

  “No, I have human blood, but the Majuri overwrites all but the most exceptional traits. Once those traits are integrated, they are part of my Majuri genes.”

  “Has anyone studied that? It sounds incredible.”

  “Yes, our geneticists have studied it as long as we have had a written history. It gives our people a great advantage. Dress, woman, and we can meet with your family. They are waiting.”

  “Someone managed to wake Hel? And what am I supposed to wear?”

  “Flander did.” Ranni looked at his com. “He admitted she was disagreeable, but he managed anyway. Some clothes was delivered this morning. Take your pick.”

  Kasey rummaged through the clothing and grabbed some boots. She made her way into the bathroom coming out a few minutes later fully dressed. She wore clothes much like a warrior. It looked like she didn’t care for the soft and frilly feminine clothing. He would remember that next time he ordered clothes for her. Her sister liked the softer items, but also liked some warrior style clothing.

  They made it to the cafeteria where Flander, Liss, Lane and Hel all sat waiting with a plate of food and drink sitting untouched in front of
them. “You guys shouldn’t have waited for us.” Kasey observed.

  “We had no choice.” Hel glared at Flander.

  “It is disrespectful to eat before the subchief arrives.” Flander remarked.

  “So you told us.” Hel sneered.

  “Can I eat now? I’m hungry.” Lane whined.

  “Warriors do not complain.” Liss explained.

  “Sorry, Liss.” Lane offered ducking his head.”

  “So, where did you spend the night, Kase?” Hel asked licking her lips and winking.

  “That is also disrespectful.” Flander said. “You shouldn’t make remarks like those and you should apologize for what you said.”

  “Bite me.” Hel directed. She didn’t look the slightest bit sorry.

  “My bite is much worse than my bark. Perhaps you should reconsider?” Flander said his fangs dropping where they were easily visible.

  “You’re too prim and proper to actually do it.” Hel assessed.

  “Maybe it’s just because you’re a spoiled child.”Flander insulted.

  Kasey looked at him for an explanation but he just shrugged. The only possible explanation was just too farfetched. Could Hel be Flander’s fated mate? No way!

  “Since we’re all present and at least some of us are hungry,” Ranni smiled at Lane who smiled back. “Let’s eat.” Plates had been brought to him and his mate as well. He hoped the food selection was to her liking since it was supposed to be popular Earth fare.

  Lane dug into it like a starved guroot, a pet much like a dog. Hel daintily picked at her food but she was eating more than it first appeared. Kasey was the only one eating with a good appetite but not stuffing her mouth full. It was interesting to note how their ordeal had affected them each differently. He did suspect that Hel was holding back because Flander was nearby.

  “We received an update on the Grabber’s prisoners. I sent you a potential list.” Flander offered.

  “Thank you. I will review it, but let’s not discuss work now.” Ranni said.