Regret filled Brenda. She probably shouldn’t have done that but hell, he had been laughing at her when Rever’s future was on the line. The man gripping her growled softly as he eased her down to her feet. His hands gripped the chains securing her wrists so she was tethered to him by them.

“I bet you think I’m mean now,” she said softly. “Did that knee feel pathetically weak to you?”

In the blink of an eye the fallen man lifted his head up, sending his long hair flying backward as a snarl tore from his parted lips. His hands released his crotch and in a heartbeat he was on his feet. In two big steps he was in front of her to snarl again while he glared down into her frightened eyes, so close he nearly pressed against her body.

He obviously recovered from that brutal of a hit faster than a human guy did.

“If you weren’t a woman I’d kill you for that.”

Her heart hammered hard in her chest. “I stole Rever and I forced him to take me. I told him I’d blow up the ship in space if he let that asshole Volder take me away. Rever is a hero for keeping me here and protecting your kind from my mean human temper.”

“I can smell what happened here.” Allot was still snarling when he spoke. “Did you force Argis to mount you as well?”

Brenda didn’t look away from the furious, glowing green eyes. “I seduced him when I stripped naked—he’s a man, after all. He fought the good fight but I wouldn’t leave him alone. If I were naked rubbing against you and begged you to fuck me how long would you hold out?”

Green eyes narrowed. “Why don’t we find out?” His glare lifted to the man behind her. “Release her, Coto.”

Fear hit Brenda hard. “I’m not touching you.”

The man who gripped her chain didn’t let go. “Don’t let your anger get to you, Allot. She belongs to another and she purposely provoked you.”

“She injured me. She can make it better.”

Coto jerked Brenda back against his body, growling. “You won’t touch the alien.

Admit she got the best of you. You insulted her and she retaliated so you are both guilty of provocation. She is not as weak or as pathetic as you deemed her. We have other matters to attend to right now like how Argis Rever will come soon. Do you want to explain to Hyvin Berrr how we allowed his son to be killed in battle? I don’t.” A snarl tore from Allot. His rage-filled glare lowered to Brenda, narrowing dangerously. “I don’t envy your future bound. He would be well to tie you up when you reach the Drais.”

“If I end up with Volder he’d better. It’s the only damn way he’ll keep me.”

“Let’s go,” Allot snarled when he spun on his boots and stormed for the cave opening.

Coto kept his voice low when he spoke. “I admire your courage but that was not smart, alien female. Allot has a long memory with a short temper. It is a long way back to the border so stay close to me so I can make sure he doesn’t hurt you.” Looking up as she turned her head, Brenda frowned at the man over her shoulder.

“What do you care? You don’t even know me.”

He gave a nod. The man had the strangest silvery blue glowing eyes but they were really pretty. His black eyelashes clashed with the silver-shaded blond hair he had but it made him look exotic and almost reminded her of a guy at home who wore eyeliner and mascara in high school. He’d had amazing eyes too thanks to hitting his mother’s makeup. This guy was naturally that way. The combination of his looks made him appear almost Goth in a muscled, buffed-up way.

“You are correct. I don’t know you. I do however know Rever and all of his brothers because I was raised with them. My father was killed when I was young and Hyvin Berrr took me into their home, raising me as a son not of his blood. For Rever to steal you he must care greatly for you. I am trying to protect the woman he threw his life away for.”

Shock tore through Brenda. “Then why are you here? Why are you hunting him?” The large Zorn hesitated. “I came to make sure he was not killed. Some would love to bring down an Argis regardless of the personal price such an action would cost them.

Hyvin Berrr would kill any man who harmed his blood. Let’s go. Do as you are told so that I may protect you and Rever. We are working on a plan to clear this mess up but we can’t do that if both of you are dead.”

Hope soared. “So you think we can get around this law?” Shaking his head, Coto gently pushed her forward. “Rever can’t keep you but we can get the charges dropped against him. You weren’t bound to Volder yet so he won’t be able to claim years of Rever’s life for mounting a bound mate. Hyvin believes he can get Rever out of this mess.”

Her hope was crushed instantly with his words. The only comfort she had as she was led out of the cave was that at least Rever wouldn’t end up in a work camp.

Sunlight blinded her for a few blinks until she adjusted to the red-tinged brightness. She was shocked by the dozens of Zorn men waiting outside in their matching uniforms.

Allot glared at Brenda for long seconds before his focus shifted to Coto. “Stand there on high ground with her. Argis will be along shortly and I want him to have a clear view that we have her.” He turned his attention away to face the men he led. “Stay back if he charges for the woman. We are under orders to capture but to not harm him.” One of the men snorted. “Of course not. He’s Argis.” Allot snarled, showing sharp teeth. “Watch what you say.” The man dropped his gaze, giving a short jerk of his head, his head bowing. “Of course.”

“No weapons,” Allot ordered. His body tensed as his head turned, sniffing the wind. “He comes.”

Brenda saw Rever walk out from behind one of the boulders to the right of her down the slope looking furious. He stopped walking.

“Argis,” Allot bowed his head. “We’re under orders from your father to take you back. He has made his wishes clear that you are to come with us peacefully.” Rever snarled. “Let her go and leave us.”

Allot met Rever’s glare from across the distance. “If you attack we have permission to kill the alien.”

“My father wouldn’t allow that,” Rever snarled.