Guardian [New World Book 6] (18 page)

Jinx could see Macey in the other room pacing anxiously, but Taz held both Ally and Haven tucked into his shield. Any young child was with a warrior, including Scarlet. Roam was eight hundred years old; he was expected to join Cobra in the ranks. Scarlet had been handed over to a four hundred year old male, a friend of Slay’s. The warrior’s shield would calm her.

The bond between Jinx and Scarlet was strong. Roam had informed her nothing could detect the child hidden behind a shield, even him, but Jinx knew exactly where she was. The Gorgano had done something to Jinx and because she was connected to Roam and Roam was connected to Scarlet as though she were his own, she was now Jinx’s.

Scarlet was sleeping, Jinx sensed it. The shield would keep her comfortably warm; it would control any bodily functions. Jinx was also practicing tuning the child out. It became easier as the hours went by. The connection was never severed, just dulled, and when contact became too far Scarlet would stir and search for Jinx in her thoughts. A simple calming vision of pleasant things Jinx had seen in her childhood would settle the girl.

In the recesses of her mind, Jinx also felt Roam. He was safe, if not anxious. The Tonan rogue warriors had teamed up with the Gorgano to destroy their fiercest enemy. Jinx was annoyed, she knew how to mind battle; she should have been allowed to go with Roam. Roam insisted the battle was in the skies this time. Jinx would be of little use.

“They’ve engaged.” Came a shout.

Jinx felt Roam’s anxiety shoot up until his shield settled his emotions. The shield could calm him, but it wasn’t able to mask his emotions from her. A dark shroud of fury engulfed Roam. Jinx could do more than the shield. Her mind which had centered onto his sent a wave of compassion, love, longing for his return. It took the barest of seconds before she was awash with the same feelings.

There were chairs and tables in the room. Jinx went to the replicator for coffee, then settled at one of the tables. From her position, she could see Jade. She struggled with the need to go to her. There were no warriors in the other room. Jade couldn’t go to Jinx because of the warriors in with Jinx. Jade’s baby shield would toss the males on their asses.

Frustrated, Jinx drank from her mug. She would sit still and do as she was told for once. If the Gorgano attacked with the Tonans while she was unprotected she could get Roam killed. Scarlet would no doubt be shuffled off again. Not used to feeling so helpless, Jinx drummed her fingers across the table top. Waiting was never one of her better qualities.

* * * *

Roam stood on the bridge of the ship. In the skies, he could see out the large window from the bridge. Tonans to the left, Gorgano to the right. Cobra had other vessels, but one was still collecting warriors from Earth. Cobra’s son, Rask, was still on Bagron dealing with situations as Gorgano landed sporadically, attempting to kill unsuspecting Castians, loyal Tonans or females.

The ship was blasted mercilessly from both sides. Roam knew if the ship exploded, he and the others wouldn’t die. But floating around in space wasn’t an appealing thought. He would either be captured or would have to await rescue from fellow Castians once Rask showed up.

“Brace for impact,” Cobra shouted.

The Tonan ship collided with their vessel, breaching the hull and sending warriors into the dark sky. Cobra swore. The ship was spinning. As it spun in quick circles, Roam punched the target panel in quick succession. The Gorgano vessel was hit with rapid fire throughout its entire vessel. Gorgano beings also began rolling and tumbling into space, except the creatures weren’t shielded; they died instantly.

“The Tonan ship is coming again. It’s a suicide mission,” Cobra shouted.

He had to be right. The Tonans were determined to break the ship apart at any cost. Roam raced for the console holding the torpedoes. The dark open space above his head had him hanging onto the panel with one hand, keeping him in place. With the ship spinning, timing would be tricky. The red flashing button would release enough power to decimate an opponent. The torpedoes flew, landing square in the belly of the Tonan ship. The explosion was immediate but so close it rocked the Castian vessel back into the Gorgano. The ships lights flickered on impact. The console where Roam stood caught fire. Sparks flew haphazard sending him reeling back to the captain’s chair where Cobra struggled to remain upright.

“Damn it, where the hell is the backup generator?” Roam yelled.

“Were dead in the water,” Cobra shouted. He reached for Roam’s hand as his feet slipped from under him. Roam latched onto Cobra and both warriors hung on.

Half the Tonan ship was obliterated; it still wasn’t enough. “They’re firing up,” Roam bellowed.

“The shields are gone,” another yelled.

“They’ve locked onto us,” a warrior bellowed. “Cobra, I can’t get us back on line. I need more time.”

“
We’re out of time
. Brace for impact,” Cobra shouted.

Roam had never felt so helpless. His pounding heart had to be regulated repeatedly by his armor. The Tonan vessel inched forward, determined to make this shot count. Roam could see the Tonan at the helm, his hand hovering over the device that would end the battle. The whites of the bastard’s fangs gleamed.

A massive white light exploded in front of the Castian vessel. Roam threw his arm up to cover his eyes. Even with his own shield in place, the light was brutal. When Roam looked out the window, the Tonan ship was gone; it had been vaporized. A Zargonnii war vessel now stood between the Castians and the Gorgano.

The Zargonnii were incapable of protecting themselves from the Gorgano, if they were to be boarded. Roam heard their Castian ship suddenly power up.

“We’re back on line, hang on,” Cobra shouted.

With the last of their power, the Castians rammed the Gorgano ship. The vessel was sliced down its middle. The squealing sound resembled Jinx’s stubborn, dilapidated can opener. The heavens, filled already with Tonan warriors, were filled anew with dying Gorgano and floating Castians. The Zargonnii picked off the Gorgano one by one until there were no more. Castian warriors were sucked onto the Zargonnii vessel. The rogue Tonans who had been protected by their shields from the Zargonnii blast were left to flounder in space. They would eventually die. There was no sunlight where they battled. As soon as their shield ran out of juice it would fall and then fade, the Tonans inside would be vulnerable.

A voice came over the console. “This is Titus, leader of the Zargonnii South. A few of my men have been transported to Bagron to assist. Your warriors we collected were sent with them. We were on our way to Earth when we heard your distress call to another Castian vessel.”

Titus’s words were guttural but recognizable to the Castians. When their species had been discovered, Cobra insisted his warriors learn the Zargonnii language, as they would be allies. It was impossible for the large Zargonnii’s to learn English.

“It’s nice to see you again, Titus. Your help has been greatly appreciated,” Cobra said.

“Not a problem. I have a few technicians who will board your ship. Shit, Cobra, your vessel’s a mess.”

“No doubt. Thank you for the offer.”

“Not a problem. Citun, North Zargonnii leader has already made his way to Earth. I was sidetracked but can spare some time and some of my mercenaries.”

“I need to get some of my warriors back onto my planet,” Cobra said.

As soon as Cobra said this Roam was awash with the feeling of distress. It was Jinx. “
Cobra
,” I need a portal,
now,”
he yelled in panic.

Instantly a black portal opened. Roam raced through hoping he wouldn’t be too late to save her life—and his.

* * * *

The creature was huge. Over seven feet tall, red glowing eyes, long black fingernails. When he growled, huge sharp teeth were exposed behind blue lips. Women were screaming, running in every direction. It was pandemonium. The Tonan who attacked the seven foot being was picked up and tossed over Jinx’s head. The beast-being winked at Jinx who stood mouth gaping up at him.

“You’re a Zargonnii,” Jinx whispered loud enough for the being to hear her.

“You’ve tangled with the Gorgano,” he replied.

Jinx wondered how he knew, then realized she had spoken to him in his language and understood when he answered. She wondered what other abilities she had courtesy of the Gorgano. Jinx shrieked when the massive Zargonnii was suddenly pinned to a wall. A Gorgano held him while attacking Jinx. The Zargonnii howled in agony. Jinx centered her thoughts on the tall naked spindly creature who could only battle with thought.

There was a barricade in her mind disallowing any thoughts to enter. She ran at the creature and literally kicked his ass. When her bare foot landed on the center of the Gorgano butt, it went flying into a wall. The Zargonnii dropped and grabbing the ugly creature he snapped its back across a knee. The Zargonnii then made a huge fist and aimed it in Jinx’s direction. Openmouthed, she stood motionless as the fist hit just over her head. Spinning, she saw the rogue Tonan go sailing across the room.

“Jinx, come to me,” Taz yelled. His shield dropped as he handed Haven over to another warrior. The frightened teen didn’t want to leave him. Taz gripped Haven’s shoulders with one hand while keeping Ally close. “I’m not abandoning you, Haven. I love you and swear everything will be alright. Any warrior here can shield you, sweetheart, you’re a child. But Jinx is in danger. Only I can shield her. If she dies, so does Roam.”

Bravely Haven nodded and was swept up fast by another warrior. More Gorgano entered the room. A woman screamed and instead of running to Taz, Jinx fled to the woman. As she ran she centered her thoughts. The Gorgano exploded; the woman on the ground had her hands to her ears but she was fine.

Jinx wanted nothing more than the safety of Taz’s arms, but she could do more damage unshielded. She watched as Taz snapped his armor up last second before a rogue warrior struck out at him and Ally screamed. When Taz used his claw to rip into the Tonan, Jinx was ready. Her thoughts invaded the Tonan mind and she took a cleaver to his brain. The Tonan dropped dead. Taz spun to stare at her.

“I got this,” she yelled. “Just do your thing and I’ll do mine.”

“Fine,” Taz snapped back. “But if you die, Roam’s going to kill us both.”

No doubt, I can sense Roam’s panic.

Taz moved close but didn’t bring her into his shield. With Taz on her left and the Zargonnii warrior on her right, the three continued to engage in battle. The room was filled with action. Tonan engaged rogue Tonan. Castians viciously fought Gorgano and rogue Tonan. Jinx centered her thoughts on the ones nearby or she would never get anywhere in the foray. Women were screaming as Jinx yelled to them to fight in their minds. More women caught on and the Gorgano began to fall in larger numbers. When a Castian warrior fell, Jinx was heartbroken as his shield rusted and squealed its pain. Not far from him was a fallen female. His mate had died; the warrior wanted to be with her.

Furiously, Jinx’s mind clashed with her opponents’. She never wanted to witness such desolation again. The Gorgano were everywhere. More Zargonnii leapt into the fray, appearing with more Castian warriors out of thin air. Jinx only had to keep the Gorgano occupied long enough for a Castian to kill them. She faltered as she grew exhausted. Her head was in agony, still she fought hard. When she was grabbed from behind, she screamed until the warrior tucked her into his shield. It was Roam. She had been concentrating so hard she never felt him coming.

“What are you doing here?” Jinx demanded.

“What the hell were you doing out there?”

“Kicking ass.”

“Well your ass is mine.”

Tirelessly, Roam fought alongside Taz. The two warriors remained back to back. They sliced into armor exposing the rogue Tonans for the Zargonnii to crush. As the armor was ripped down the middle, a huge Zargonnii hand slammed into a rogue Tonan chest to yank his heart out. Blood coated the floor making it slippery. It soon became apparent the Gorgano and rogue Tonans were falling faster and fewer were rising. Everywhere Jinx looked, bodies littered the ground.

The battle was over, the enemy was retreating. Jinx pressed her lips to Roam’s neck; it was the only movement she was able to make. After making certain the area was free from danger, Roam let his shield drop. Jinx slid down the length of his body until her feet felt the floor. She gagged when a warm pool of blood oozed between her toes. A dead Tonan lay a foot away.

“I’m going to gather the family together,” Taz said and sprinted off, still armored.

“I thank you for your help,” Roam said to the tall Zargonnii.

Jinx gazed at the furry-chested beast. He somehow appeared smaller than before. His teeth didn’t seem nearly as huge. The Zargonnii was close to seven feet, tall to say the least, but he didn’t look as big as before. On his belly was a bald patch with wrinkles. It suited him, looking like a ten pack.

“A Zargonnii grows in battle,” the being explained, no doubt seeing her confusion. “I’m Finn.”

“I’m Jinx and this is my mate, Roam.”

“Roam? Sounds familiar.” The Zargonnii stood pondering then began to laugh. “The same Roam who stole my half-brother’s mate Zuri?”

“You stole someone’s mate?” Jinx demanded.