Alex looked around the garden where they led her. It was a long rectangle surrounded by tall red brick walls and the ground was covered in tiny multi-colored pebbles. One side was open to the rest of the grounds. There were bushes with rangy branches but purple flowers bloomed gaily on them. Bushes with red-tipped leaves followed the brick walls and were too tall for Alex's liking. Someone could hide in those thick leaves.

Perfect for an ambush.

"Strange place for a Council member to meet a dangerous alien."

Several other Anolis females walked into the garden. One of the Anolis slapped Alex, but she stopped herself from returning the blow. Her heart sank as Cla stepped into sight and waved aside her agents.

"Playing Chameleon now, mammal? Give up. Even their tolerance can stretch so far. Why can't you accept that you will never belong here?" Cla asked.

Alex stayed silent.

No point in replying.

"I have a message from Gabe. He says that you should keep to your own sleeping chambers tonight. I'm sure you know why and will respect his wishes."

The urge to strangle Cla rose up and overwhelmed Alex's good sense. As Alex stepped forward, she saw the glitter of Gila eyes in the bushes. She reminded herself that Cla wanted a fight and the minute it started, she would find herself surrounded by big, bloodthirsty Gilas.

No, I want my freedom, my chance to meet the Council, more than anything else.

The urge settled back down to the pit of her stomach and clenched there.

"Good night, Cla." Alex stepped back but Cla leapt forward. Alex instinctively raised her arm to shield herself and felt the sharp slice of a knife.

"Stupid mammal. You may dress as one of us, but underneath you're nothing but an overgrown chitterer. You are a burden to Gabe, one to be shed."

"I'm not armed," Alex protested and avoided the next slash.

Krav Maga or Kung Fu. They practice knife disarming techniques.

Cla tossed her a plain dagger, smaller than her own. Alex held the unfamiliar blade and felt even more lost. She hadn't practiced with a dagger, only the staff and some with a sword with the SCA.

You know knife techniques, the calm voice that annoyed Alex from time to time whispered in her head. You can access that training as well.

Alex shook her head. She figured that the minute she touched Cla, the Gilas would break her neck. They might anyway, but they seemed to be waiting. She dodged Cla's rushes and stabs, as Cla herded her towards a wall.

"Fight. It's your only chance," Cla urged.

"Against you, perhaps, but not against those Gilas. I'm not stupid." Alex wondered where everyone was. She dropped the knife so Cla could be seen attacking a weaponless opponent.

A huge party is taking place and no one notices a fight in the garden? Surely someone will happen along and force Cla to back down.

At least, she hoped so. Alex was tiring while Cla bore down on her. Alex looked over the grounds and saw, with a sinking heart, that two other duels were taking place.

Perfect.

Cla took advantage of Alex's momentary distraction to deliver another slash and Alex yelped. Cla struck fast, like a snake, and if Alex's reflexes and sight hadn't been enhanced as well, she would be so much meat for the Anolis.

The Gilas held back, probably waiting for her to make an aggressive move, but Alex didn't know how long that would last. If they rushed her, she would fly to retreat and wouldn't that give the researchers spasms. And give them another reason to keep her locked up like a dangerous animal.

Probably chained down.

Alex's heel slammed into a wall.

Where was everybody? Didn't anyone other than the Anolis want to watch the mammal duel? Where were those blasted Council members who wanted to see how I held up under provocation? Hello, I'm doing really well! Not fighting back! See? See? Now come and get me!

"Cla? Are you out here?"

Gabe. At the moment, Alex's relief overwhelmed the ache that he had come looking for Cla, not her.

"What's going on?" Gabe's question was curious, not accusatory.

The knife vanished from Cla's hand. Alex crossed her arms nonchalantly, pressing the bleeding wound into the other arm, hiding it. She wasn't sure why. Alex should be able to show it to Gabe, have the whole matter come to light, and he would return to her.

Or not. Maybe I'll be blamed for ruining the party again.

That pain was too much to bear.

I'll bide my time.

The Gilas melted away.

"Not much. Just discussing the night's itinerary," Alex said and Cla nodded in agreement.

"Why don't I believe you?" Gabe asked.

Alex started to say something that she would regret, when Cla's words flowed out.

"Because you can't understand females. Now let's say our goodbyes and move on to the next party. This one is far too dull." Cla steered Gabe back towards the house.

"Coming, Alex?" he asked.

"I'm not allowed anywhere else. I'm tired and will call it a night. Lots of tests in the morning." Alex allowed herself an acid tone.

I deserve it.

Now Cla had the rest of the night to invent a tale. Alex didn't doubt that she would be made out as the villain.

There's no stopping Cla. Gabe will have to make up his own mind.

Alex nodded to Zilik and Lok, trapped in a 'conversation' with several large Gilas, as she made her way through the house to the line of carriages.

"Back to the Institute, please." Alex stretched out in the back of her assigned carriage. It was made of an exquisite wood that would make any princess green with envy, although the gold paint on the sides was chipped and peeled, revealing the wood underneath.

It's like having a chauffeur. Only one who takes me back to prison.

Back at the common area that Alex shared with her friends, Alex wrapped her arm in a spare shirt and went to bed. The brothers would not, under any circumstances, find her awake, as if she was waiting for them.

*****

In the morning, Alex heard her name called. Confused, she looked down at her wrapped arm. The shirt, once white, was stained with her blood and a broad band of bright red round her forearm. Her arm was under the shirt, but she could see it, and it's more than just a sight. It's a memory.

It focused her mind from its usual awakening confusion and she sat up. She heard her name again, so she walked into the common room. It was empty, but her name was repeated yet again, coming from Gabe's bedroom.

Hating herself, she peered in the door that was cracked open.

Cla and Gabe were coiled together, both nude. Cla's tail was wrapped around Gabe's legs. Alex hated that her gaze flicked down Gabe's body. His gorgeous muscular chest transitioned to a flat belly and below was a sexless appearing as any dragon or reptile, to her immense relief. Alex was more than surprised that he was naked because he was as body shy as Alex herself.

Gabe was asleep, but Cla's eyes were open. She favored Alex with a malevolent smile. Alex stood frozen, a mouse before a snake. Cla ran a possessive hand down Gabe's side and the spell was broken by her movement. Alex ran back to her room, flung herself on the bed, and curled under the sheets.

"Alex?" Gabe rubbed his eyes.

"She just left," Cla answered.

End Wattpad chapter 2.1
Wattpad chapter 2.2 The Roman Circus changes posted

Alex decided that retreat was the best course. She peeked out her bedroom door to see the living area empty and no noise from the other bedrooms. Cale and Rile must be sleeping in a Gabe-less puppy pile. Alex dashed out the front door but the guards halted her.

"Where are you going?" one challenged.

"Wherever I'm allowed," she replied. "Can one of you take me to Dr. Glick, perhaps? Or is there a garden I can visit?"

The guard looked like he would refuse, but the other said, "Have pity. That Anolis female spent the night in there. I'll take her to Dr. Glick."

Alex felt ice water rush through her core.

Everyone knows Cla spent the night. Perfect.

The other guard shuddered. "Anolis females. What does anyone see in them? Go with her. I'll stay here."

**

Alex and the guard walked down several long corridors, with the longest one being empty. Alex admired the statuary, grand and regal, some more impressive than others. Some were made out of crystal, some of silver, some of simple black granite. All were of different species of reptiles and all had an air of dignity.

She turned when the guard grunted. She saw his knees buckle and then all went black.

*

The first thing that penetrated Alex's fog of sleep was a voice thrumming a song. It sounded like Cale's and calmed the usual panic that accompanied Alex's awakening. Next she smelled a wonderfully leathery scent. It further calmed the confusion that stormed her brain when it awoke. She inhaled deeper, trying to place the scent. It wasn't Gabe's woodsy leather hide, nor Cale's leather with hint of healing eucalyptus, nor Rile's spicy leathery scent. Alex cracked open an eye. She saw that her head was pillowed on two black leather legs. She gasped and sat up, only to realize her hands and feet were bound. She jumped up and cracked her head on the ceiling of a carriage, lost her balance and fell on the floor.

"Please, calm yourself. I will not harm you," the Gila whose legs she had been sleeping on said. "I'm not a mercenary like the ones you have seen."

Alex struggled to a sit on the floor of the carriage. "What do you want?" She flexed and extended her fingers, twisting her wrists, attempting to loosen her bonds.

"Don't you want to know who I am?" The Gila tilted his head in that way that Alex found so appealing.

"I first want to know what you want," Alex said. "More practical."

The Gila smiled, white teeth gleaming against his black hide. "I am Reess. You assassination was ordered, but I felt you should have a chance to fight for honor. Fortunately, our emperor agreed with me. He is curious about the mammal that is causing such a stir and that Anolis warriors feel the need to hire Gila mercenaries."

"Your emperor is involved? Perfect," Alex said.

"Impress him and you will win his vote in InterSpec Council for your citizenship."

"InterSpec Council?"

"Short for the InterSpecies Council. You saved the President."

"Darn straight I did. Some thanks being attacked by Anolis, and Gila mercenaries on my tail." Alex kicked her legs a little to test the fastening.

"You have a tail?" Reess asked.

"No, it's figurative. What do I have to fight to earn his vote?"

Reess shrugged. "Whatever warrior he chooses."

"I accept," Alex said. "Will you untie me?"

"Will you run away?"

Alex shook her head. "I want that vote. I'm tired of being locked up."

"Excellent. Should you attempt to run, you will have lost all honor and the Emperor himself will condone your execution."

"I have nowhere to run," Alex said with such conviction that Reess untied her.

****

Alex stood on a sandy floor in the middle of a stone open amphitheatre that smelled of leather and old blood. It surrounded Alex like a ring of steep stone walls capped with a roof of scrub trees. Reess stood next to her. The carved bench rows rose high above their heads, full of Gilas cheering, waving, sitting, standing. At the apex of the stadium was an ornate box with a gilded throne with carved chairs on either side.

Very Roman. I wonder if they hold chariot races in here.

"Dr. Glick has told you of our ways as an outsider views them. While all may watch the contests, they are not merely for amusement. Fight well, survive, and you will earn our respect and your honor."

"And your Council member's vote for InterSpec status?" Alex asked.

"Of course," Reess said.

The crowd's cheering crescendo'd and Alex watched as a Gila, garbed in purple robes, entered the box, trailed by attendants. He gestured behind her and she watched as her opponent entered the amphitheatre floor. This Gila was well-muscled and his beaded hide of brilliant black and bright yellow glistened as if he had been oiled. He wore only a loincloth and an ornamental chain around his neck.

Arrogant to leave such handhold around his neck, as if I'll be unable to take advantage of it. I'll make sure that he regrets it.

Reess nodded to her and left.

The huge Gila circled her. Alex kept a respectful distance as she remembered her conversation with Zilik. He said the Gilas tended to rush in to deliver their fatal bite.

Would there be more action in an honor match? Would they prolong the entertainment when it wasn't a simple assassination?

Alex turned to face the Gila, but he was too fast. His back tailed up, a slight kicking motion, and a claw slashed her side, two more ripping at her arms. Alex grabbed at him with both hands, and her fingers wound around his face, his jaw.

Don't let them close on you, Zilik had said, and watch out for . . .

Alex's feet were swept out from under her before she could blast him and she landed heavily, feeling a rib pop.

Watch out for the tail.

The Gila threw himself onto her, but she rolled so that the heavy jaws didn't close on her throat, but clipped her shoulder. There was still the poison.

Alex held her shoulder and released a wide range of charges into it. Something calm in the back of her mind said it would denature the poison. Her arm went numb, she hoped from her neuro-electricity and not the poison. Alex had never blasted herself before.

She grabbed the Gila's tail with her good arm and sent a sedative burst through it. She couldn't knock him out right away because it would look too suspicious to have him drop when she held his tail. She would slow him down and put on a convincing show of knocking him unconscious.

Then get out before he wakes up and tells what really happened. They might not appreciate the use of neuro-electric powers.

The Gila roared and grabbed her. He stood up, held her over his head, and then hurled her across the ring.

Very pro wrestling and so much for slowing him down.

The next second he was on top of her, his hot, sticky breath suffocating her, smelling like pumice and foul earth. She boxed his tympanums, sending a sneaky blast into his brain at the same time. He staggered back and she grabbed the chain around his neck. She forced her numb hand around his neck as well and polished him off with a surreptitious charge, making it look like strangulation.

The crowd was quiet for a moment as the Gila hit the ground, making Alex's heart stop. Then they cheered.

Just like football and wrestling, everyone loves a winner.

Two smaller Gilas trotted out and picked up the fallen fighter.

"He lives," one announced.

Alex hoped this wasn't a battle to the death. She looked up at the Gila emperor, who said only one word: why.

She reviewed several Capt. Kirk-ish type soliloquies about not killing, rejected them, and said, "He fought well. My honor does not require his death to be satisfied."

"Neither does ours, despite what the outside world may think. Congratulations, you are now szarek, an honorary member. No Gila, not even a mercenary, will agree to assassinate you. You may only be killed in a reputable duel, after challenge has been duly given."

The thought of Cla being turned down by Gila after Gila filled Alex with satisfaction.

"I look forward to meeting you again. Perhaps after I have been granted InterSpec citizen status," she said.

The Gila leader roared with what she hoped was laughter at her oblique reminder. "No need to hint, szarek. I am also the Council member. I shall see you at the Council meeting, where I shall vote for you. Traditionally, a feast celebrates your new status, but your absence has generated too much concern. The InterSpec police may be granted permission to enter our city. We shall return you promptly."

Reess appeared in the ring. Alex was glad to see him, but she refused his help walking.

I won't lose face now.

In the carriage, she watched the scenery speed by. The carriage windows were open wide, and streams of sunlight poured in, dappling the interior with flecks of dust and giving the leather benches a golden hue. The dust reminded her of hot desert wind and the scent of burning leaves.

Reess wouldn't let her drive, despite her repeated requests.

"I'm not in the mood to answer a lot of questions Reess. My memory is very faulty as well. Not only will I not remember any names, but all Gilas look alike to me if they insist," Alex said.

Reess gave her what she figured was his equivalent of a smile. "InterSpec police can be like flies."

"I do remember that I came along willingly. I can tell everyone I'm a szarek, can't I? It's not a secret, is it?" Alex asked.

"It is no secret. And it may prevent you from being harassed by several of the lesser species. Few dare to provoke a Gila and therefore, a szarek."

"You're all right, Reess. Thanks for giving me a chance to prove myself."

"All species should have a chance. I'm no assassin," he replied.

"You're not? Why did you kidnap me?"

"Precisely because I am not an assassin, as I said. I wanted you to have a chance to prove yourself," Reess repeated patiently."I asked to go along when I heard that Gilas had been hired to assassinate you. I'm the advisor to the Council member. Here's your stop."

The carriage skidded and Alex took her cue to jump out. She cursed as her injured leg gave way and she fell like a rag doll, tumbling and twisting. The carriage sped off, the horses' hooves thundering on the road, the carriage's clatter and wheels rolling fast into the distance.

"Thanks for the ride. And the potential death match," Alex told the dust trail.