Haunting Blackie Read online

“No.” Blackie holstered his weapon and stepped away from Eve. “I’m taking Eve to my quarters and Gene will need to be assigned a room of his own for him and Danica since the cargo hold is no longer private.”

  “Sure,” Volt agreed, openly studying the women with a smile. “I’ll give them anything they request. Anything at all.”

  Irritation flared inside Blackie. Cyborg males who were not in a family unit were going to be interested in both women but it made it worse that one of them belonged to him. “We’re returning to my quarters now. Thank you.” He reached back and took Eve’s hand. He managed to avoid punching Volt as they passed, the male taking in every inch of her body with a grin of appreciation for her looks.

  Chapter Nine

  Eve itched for a weapon but Blackie was the one with one strapped on his hip instead. The exterior doors slid open and she clutched his hand as she prayed they wouldn’t be shot or otherwise attacked when they exited the shuttle that had just landed on Garden. Six big cyborgs stood before them, all wearing weapons holstered to various body parts. The tall one with the facial scars and really long hair had a sword strapped to his hip. He had to be the scariest of the bunch.

  The handsome guy in the lead spoke first. “I’m Zorus.” His gaze traveled over her face then Danica’s, before addressing her mate. “It’s good to see you, Blackie. I take it there were no other incidents after the Vontage arrived? Will you introduce us?”

  Blackie didn’t release her hand. “We were left alone. This is my mate, Eve. She’s the first in her canine line. Danica is her littermate.”

  The cyborg didn’t offer to shake hands or otherwise advance. He did closely study them. “It is good to meet you, despite the tense circumstances. Krell handpicked these men to assure your safety.”

  The tall, scary male with the sword nodded. “I’m Krell.”

  “Excuse me,” a feminine voice called out. “Move your oversized bodies and let me pass.”

  The scarred male growled and turned, reaching for the handle of his weapon. “Damn it, Cyan, I told you to stay home.”

  The human woman who stalked closer wore tight black leather and her protruding stomach was clearly outlined by the outfit. Two weapons were holstered to her thighs. Her black hair fell to her ass in a braid as she wiggled between the cyborgs to reach the front.

  “I’m pregnant, not useless. I told you I wanted to come but you refused to consider it. I had to sneak out after you were gone.”

  He released the handle of the sword and gently took her arm. “You should be resting at home.”

  She leaned against him and smiled at Eve. “Hello! I’m so excited to meet you. I had no clue about the canine project. Those bastards were super sneaky since they hid it from me. I was sure I hacked into all their databases. I’m Cyan.” She grinned at the irritated cyborg at her side. “This is my very overprotective husband, Krell. He’s going to make sure nobody fucks with you. Aren’t you, sexy?”

  “You should be at home,” he repeated in a stern tone.

  “Yeah, I know.” She rubbed her rounded belly. “Your son won’t exactly let me sleep. He kicks like a mule.” She stared at Danica. “I totally got screwed.”

  Danica snorted. “It appears so. When are you due to have the baby?”

  Cyan laughed. “Any day. That wasn’t what I meant. They stuck me with this body. I prefer your shape. You’re compact but without the major boobs.”

  Eve frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s a long story but I was kind of built by the same people who created you. They stuck me with the body of a sex bot because they didn’t want anyone to be able to guess I wasn’t human. They should have given me your body type.”

  “You’re a cyborg?” Eve was confused. “Your skin color and size is wrong.”

  “I’m something else but I can’t discuss it without getting a major headache. My husband can clue you in when I’m not around. Longer story. So what cool features did you get? Zorus said something about fangs and claws. May I see? I’m curious.”

  Danica held up her hand, showing off how her fingernails extended. She also growled low and displayed her teeth.

  “That’s soooo cool!” Cyan glanced at her husband. “I bet you’re happy I didn’t get those. I’d shred your back.”

  The male didn’t look amused. “Cyan.”

  “Fine. I’ll behave.” She held out her hand to Danica. “It’s really nice to meet you. I told my husband that you’d probably be more relaxed if I came along. It’s easy to feel a little intimidated when you’re surrounded by cyborgs. A friendly face is always more pleasant. Some of these guys couldn’t crack a smile to save their lives.”

  Danica shook her hand and Eve followed suit. The woman had a firm grip.

  Krell pulled his wife in front of him, one arm wrapping around her rib cage. It was a protective stance that didn’t go unnoticed.

  “We’re no threat to your wife,” Eve swore, making direct eye contact with the male.

  “It’s not that. Rumors have circulated about your origins. We’re on high alert and I want my wife close to me in case of trouble.”

  “What kind of rumors?” Blackie’s hand curved on his weapon but didn’t remove it from the holster.

  Zorus answered. “I’m assuming Parlis was the one who circulated false information that the women are Earth spies. Some are under the impression that they have come here to verify our existence, then transmit the location of our planet directly to Earth battleships that are waiting to attack.”

  “That isn’t accurate.” Blackie’s features darkened with anger.

  “I’ve stated that,” Zorus replied. “Let’s go. We have a transport waiting and the Cyborg Council is in session.” He glanced at Eve. “I apologize that you won’t have time to relax before you address them. It was imperative to settle this matter once and for all, as quickly as possible. Our people are logical but fear is an emotion that can lead some to make errors of judgment. The council will make a ruling, share the findings with the public and put those worries to rest.”

  Krell lifted his wife off her feet, shifted his hold to cradle her in his arms and shoved her at another cyborg. “Use my vehicle to take the scenic route in the opposite direction we’re traveling. I don’t want anyone to mistake her for one of those women. Give us at least an hour before you follow.”

  “Damn it, Krell.” Cyan didn’t struggle as she was transferred into the strong arms of the other male. “I want to be there.”

  “I want you and our son safe. This isn’t over yet. Parlis has a lot of supporters.”

  “I’ll make certain she’s safe,” the male holding her promised.

  The pregnant woman shot him a glare but wrapped her arm around the cyborg’s shoulder. “I can still fight. You might need me.”

  “I’m more than aware of your abilities. Think of our child. We have this handled.”

  “Fine. I want to hear about everything when I see you.” She waved to Danica and Eve. “I’ll see you soon. It’s going to be fine.”

  Krell addressed the cyborg holding her. “Take her home and keep her there, Mavo. I don’t care if you have to secure her to the bed. She’s devious so don’t let her out of your sight until I return to relieve you.”

  “Understood.”

  Krell turned back around once his wife was out of sight. He glanced at Zorus. “I didn’t expect her to disregard my orders.”

  The male sighed. “Females can be very illogical. Let this begin. Everything is in place?”

  “You don’t mind some other guy carrying your wife off? And did you really just ask him to tie her to a bed? Wow,” Danica huffed. “I am so not liking things so far. Is that her other husband? What do you guys do? Keep her under lock and key to make sure she can’t escape?”

  Krell narrowed his gaze, clearly irritated. “Mavo is her adoptive father. I’m her only husband and she’s not my prisoner.”

  “Shut it.” Eve elbowed Danica in the side. “We have enough stres