"Chieftain, I would suggest you rise. Three of your males arrived last night and are outside the ship." MARC's voice penetrated Anzar's sleep. He rolled over on a groan, throwing his arm across his eyes.

"I have no unmated males other than the males with me," he grumbled.

"Then it is best you attend to this before Molly finds out."

He sat up in one fluid motion. Visiting males, that was the only explanation. One look at her, and they might claim her not knowing how Mother had blessed her. He tugged on his kemtoch and chemchie before pulling his boots on. Then he grabbed his axe from where he had rested it against a wall.

"Lead the way, MARC." Yellow lights led him down and out the ship. He strode toward the three males huddled around a fire, it's blue-orange flames visible in the morning light. Recognizing the silhouette, he grinned. "Soran?"

"Anzar! Imagine my surprise when I arrive for our annual visit to find you had left." The big male bounded over to press his palm over Anzar's heart. "Narro said something about intruders, and I do feel up for a battle." Anzar returned the gesture, one of camaraderie and respect. "This is massive, what is it?" Soran gestured to Jasmine.

This monstrosity belonged to his Molly which he now had to explain to his friend. Mother had led her to crash this thing close to Sunkhu when Soran might have been the blessed chieftain. Torn between the warmth spreading like a sunburst through his chest and the dark evil coiling in the pit of his stomach, he palmed his axe, unsure whether to lower it or swing it.

"A star ship. It is why we are anticipating an attack. They're after—" He frowned, cutting his own words off. He hadn't wanted to mention Molly at all. But honor demanded he share the bounty, the news of a star traveler. "A female." He couldn't lie, not when Soran might meet Molly soon, or worse, leave here and hear about this from another. He respected his friend too much to deceive him.

"The unmated female? Narro mentioned this," Cluo said, pressing his hand to Anzar's chest. "Greetings, Anzar. I've always thought you too blessed. A chosen, a chieftain and two unmated females?"

"Greetings, Cluo, Qula." Anzar nodded at Soran's males. "Yes, she remains unmated. Mother chose her."

"That explains why none of your males has claimed her. Is she as beautiful as the sky-haired female Grax mated?" Soran bounced on his toes, which was not unusual for his friend was prone to bouts of good humor.

Arching a brow, Anzar forced a smile he was far from feeling. "You saw Amy?"

"The sighting of her was brief and unexpected. Such coloring." Cluo gaped and his dark eyes softened.

"Molly is beautiful but she does not have sky hair." Anzar didn't like the eager expressions on their faces, despite understand the longing that remained unfulfilled for most males. "She has yet to choose a mate. Respect Mother's favor."

"Your warning is unnecessary." Soran smiled. "I assume we await the intruders?"

"They're an unknown people, so prepare yourself to see strange creatures. They forced Molly and Amy to land on Elkarra and seek revenge since Molly refused to sell them children."

"Honorable," Soran said with a nod.

"Yes, which is why she hasn't chosen a mate. She believes she might not survive the battle." Anzar scowled. If he had his way, he would lock her in her cabin. His female would survive. And she was his, without a doubt, after she had called his name when she found paradise. He grinned at the cherished memory, unable to prevent his joy from revealing his state of heart.

"Chieftain, she's awake," MARC's voice came from the band, and Anzar grunted, acknowledging the warning. "As in, she's coming now having asked where you were."

Anzar closed his eyes against the surge of excitement pulsing through him, even as he dreaded her meeting Soran. "Understood, MARC."

"Another female?" Soran asked, hope splitting his face into a huge smile.

"No, MARC is a non-organic with a female's voice." Anzar squeezed his friend's shoulder, silently apologizing for disappointing him.

"What is this thing?" Cluo tapped the comm band.

"It is an object that allows us to speak from great distances." Anzar twisted his arm to show it to them. "I would expect each of you to receive one."

"Does Mother approve?" Cluo's eyes darkened with concern.

"Anzar?" Molly's voice came through his band, and his heart leaped before falling into an erratic rhythm.

He held his wrist to his lips, wishing he could hold his lips to hers instead. "We have visitors, temaar."

She gasped. "The Vargosh?"

Fear laced her voice, and he still didn't like hearing it. "No, a neighboring chieftain."

"Oh!" She laughed. "I'm almost there."

"Is that her? She has an adeba's voice, soft, breathless, lyrical," Soran said. "What species is she?"

"Human. Is that correct, MARC?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, Anzar." Soran frowned, and Anzar nodded, accepting his apology for his intentions.

"You need to pursue her for the sake of your village. I'm not pleased, Soran but I understand." He had anticipated this as soon as he had realized who camped outside the ship.

"Is that her?" Cluo asked, drawing their attention.

Anzar spun and released a shuddering breath. Molly strode toward him, wearing dark-blue breeches and a pale pink tunic. A breeze teased her hair, cascading it around her back in wild disarray. She hadn't tied it back, which indicated her haste to find him. Her cheeks were bright from her exertion, reminding him of her seeing paradise last night. He adjusted his chemchies around his arousal.

"Mother, Anzar, she's exquisite." Soran rumbled.

Ignoring him, Anzar fixed his gaze on his female, absorbing as much of her beauty as he could bear.

"I can see why Mother chose her," Cluo said.

"Molly!" Tazo ran after her, drawing her attention. She turned and accepted the health bar from him. "MARC said you are hungry."

"I am! Thanks, Tazo." When the male hesitated, she smiled. "Kneel." He did, falling to his knees, requiring no further encouragement. She kissed his lips, pinching his chin and ruffling his hair. He grinned at her, unrepentant in his eagerness. "You're being silly, you know that, right?"

"A thank-you kiss is never silly." Tazo ran to Anzar, accepted his offered axe—now that he no longer needed his weapon—then rushed off. She faced Anzar flashing him a bright smile, sharing her humor with him.

He chuckled. Her kiss hadn't lingered as she did with him, confirming she felt more for him than she realized. "Don't blame me, you spoiled them. Come and meet Chieftain Soran."

Color splashed her cheeks, and the sight of it soothed him somewhat. She had forgotten they had visitors, which meant looming Soran didn't make an impression on her as Anzar had expected.

"Greetings, Molly." Soran used his most charming smile, one that used to have the adebas fighting over him. "This is Cluo and Qula, my most trusted males."

"Hello, your arrival was unexpected." Molly halted beside Anzar. He looped an arm around her, and she shifted closer. Her familiarity pleased him. Glancing down had him frowning, though.

She blinked at Soran a little dazed. Anzar turned his attention on his friend, seeing what mesmerized her and the adebas. Yes, Soran had the lighter hair of Mesu, and he was larger than Anzar. There was also his charm. He was a jovial male, finding laughter easier than anger with a broad smile a constant on his face.

"Yes, we left Sunkhu as soon as Narro informed me of your situation. I do relish a good battle." He bounced on his toes before tapping his sword resting on his back.

"Why did Tazo kneel?" Cluo asked.

Molly's cheeks brightened, but she dipped her chin to her chest preferring not to explain.

"It's called a thank-you kiss. It is a pleasant experience," Anzar said, gripping her hip and relishing the softness there, her sweet scent tantalizing his nose, and her warmth penetrating him through her clothing.

"It's a Human thing. Are you staying, Chieftain Soran?" Molly arched her brow in query.

Anzar's fingers twitched against the need to stroke the soft delvo wing. At the same time, the urge to remove her from Soran's presence pounded at his control. Her breathing was rapid, her cheeks flushed, and she nibbled on her bottom lip in that tormenting way of hers.

Soran studied her upturn face, with determination hardening his jaw. "Yes."

"Wonderful." Molly shared a smile with Anzar. "We'll need to get them started on weapons training."

"What?" Soran barked, expanding his chest as displeasure darkened his eyes.

"You're a big strapping male, Chieftain Soran. Skilled with your sword in close combat, but the Vargosh don't fight fair. They use long-range weapons, are cunning and deceitful."

"Withhold judgment, Soran, and trust me, my friend," Anzar said, resting his hand on Soran's chest.

The male nodded, his gaze traveling Molly's face with something more than mere interest.

"Good. I'll get bands for all your males, Anzar." She shuffled away from him with the intention of returning to Jasmine, but he tightened his hold, keeping her near.

Anzar raised his wrist to his lips again. "MARC, teach them your galactic English. It hurts, Soran, but it is over swiftly."

"What?" Soran asked again, then groaned, grabbing at his forehead.

"Eat your breakfast, and I'll escort them to hangar G." Anzar took the health bar out her hand and pressed it to her chest. Her lips parted as she exhaled, her breasts heaving beneath his touch.

Her trembling hand covered his as she slipped the bar from his grasp. Without the bar, his fingers rested on her for no reason, but he was reluctant to lower his hand. He forced himself to do so while dipping his head to meet her gaze.

"I'm waiting, Molly."

She groaned. "Honestly, you'd swear I never eat. Besides, my ass is wide enough. Skipping breakfast isn't necessarily a bad thing."

"Female, your backside is perfect. Now eat," Anzar said, folding his arms across his chest knowing it was a sight she liked.

"I wasn't searching for a compliment!" She huffed as color splashed her cheeks again. "If I start eating, can we start walking? I've got loads to pack. I thought to send the first batch of crates to the village and collect Amy. She can pack her own stuff." Molly spoke into her band. "Amy?"

"Ohhh, Molly, now's not a good time," Amy's breathless voice came through eliciting a chuckle from Molly.

"Really? You should have friction burns by now."

"Every one of them worth it. Grax!" she squealed, chastising her mate for something, her voice throaty.

"I'm sending the first batch of crates. Please come back with the pod. You can pack your own room, then help me deal with deep storage."

She groaned, but Molly didn't know if it was in agony at the thought of the massive task of packing or something Grax did. "Shit, I forgot about deep storage."

"How long?" Grax's voice came through, sounding rough and sexy.

"You have another hour or two, Grax. Make it count." Molly giggled and faced Anzar. "I think he's going to wear her out."

"Is that possible?" Cluo asked. "For your species?"

She gaped at Cluo, but indents in her cheeks threatened to deepen. "No, but I'm sure Grax is doing his best."

"Eat," Anzar commanded as they entered the ship.

"So bossy," she grumbled and tore the bar open with her teeth. "Did you eat?"

"I am a warrior—"

"Oh, right. You Tarzan, me Jane?" Then she laughed at what he suspected was his quizzical expression.

"Don't ask, Chieftain," MARC said. "Your males practice. I suggest we hurry."

"Why?" Molly asked, tossing the wrapper into the disposal unit.

"The Vargosh have discovered the farthest decoy. I anticipate a day at the most before they arrive."

"Shit! I'm not ready!" The fear in her voice lanced through Anzar as he knew it would, tensing his muscles and scattering his heartbeat. That she had such an effect on all his senses pleased and alarmed him.

"You pack, we'll practice and strategize. MARC will teach us the Vargosh's ways." Anzar embedded his fingers into her curls behind her ear, resting his thumb on her cheek. "Do you trust me, Molly?"

"Yes, but please, don't let any of your males get hurt. MARC, power up medical, just in case." Her brown eyes were wide, but her concern wasn't for herself but for his males. This pleased him to, and he wanted to roar from the mountains what she invoked in him. If only he could name it. He had to keep her safe.

"You will stay in your cabin. We'll claim you died and that we're salvaging the ship."

She shook her head, cascading her curls in a spray of brown tendrils. "No—"

"I agree with Anzar." Soran gripped and ungripping the hilt of his sword.

"Oh, you do, do you?" Molly pulled away from Anzar to glare at Soran. Resting her hands on her hips challenged yet another chieftain. Soran's surprised expression almost had a smile curling Anzar's lips. "Well, I don't agree. The Vargosh are after me! I'm the cause of this. I brought this upon Elkarra."

Anger and desperation burned through him with the urge to toss her over his shoulder bombarding him. He couldn't lose her, and he didn't agree with her assuming the blame for these Vargosh. He had tried to explain that she wasn't responsible to others' decisions. He sighed, he needed to reiterate it.

"Molly, please, nothing can happen to you," Anzar said. He needed her safe, unharmed, why could she not understand this? His fingers gripped her shoulders as if to shake some sense into her.

"You're being silly, Anzar. I, alone, have experience firing my guns. You're going into battle with untested weapons, untried skills."

"Silly?" he roared.

"Yes, remember my plan? Your males distract, I sneak on and plug MARC in, then we take over their ship."

"I can sneak onto their ship," he said, raising his chin, indicative of his stubbornness. When he did this, Narro capitulated. But judging by his female's expression, it wasn't having the least effect on her.

"You? Sneak?" She smiled, snatching his breath. His lips tingled even as his gaze snagged on her bowed mouth. "You know the ship and its design?"

"Molly is correct. Probables indicate her approach is the most feasible," MARC said.

"See." Molly stepped into the circle of his arms and rested her cheek against his chest, wrapping her arms around him. The action startled him, and he accepted the hug, crushing her to him. "Do you trust me, Anzar?" He scowled at her question, hating that she had twisted his words to her favor.

"If you're hurt in any way—"

"Then you won't have to find me a mate. One less thing to worry about." Molly shrugged and pulled out of his arms. She picked up the comm band box, thrusting it into Anzar's hands. "Give these to your males. Your own internal energy powers them." She took one, turned to Soran and gripped his forearm.

Sliding her hand down, she reached his wrist, lifting it to slap-and-lock the band on. "Soran," she said into her band, and it echoed through his. "You say the male's name, and you'll connect to him. Anzar, you know how to find me." She dashed across to him, pressed a kiss to his lips then froze, realizing what she had done.

"Um, thank you?" Color splashed her cheeks, and she fled, leaving him standing there. She had kissed him for no reason! He laughed, allowing the warm joy to shake his shoulders.

"I see we need to work harder to impress her," Qula said, adding his voice, at last. Anzar's laughter dwindled to a grin. He gestured to a large crate, hoping to settle the males so that he could find her.

"Here are her weapons, choose a few and bring them." With the band box clutched to his chest, he waited for them to make their selections. His smile widened as he watched them act like babes, arguing about the apparent merits of certain weapons, not that they were aware of their true capabilities. But a warrior tested weight, balance, comfort, as well. When they turned to him indicating their readiness, he led them via the flashing lights to hangar G.

"Speak to my males, they'll guide you as to the proper use of these weapons. Mesu? I need a carcass. Since you have mastered your gun, please find me a kagra. The bloodier the better." He held out a band to him then snap-and-locked it onto Mesu's wrist.

"What are you thinking, Anzar?" Soran asked, halting beside him. "The last time you had that look on your face, father gave me five lashes."

"If my...Molly insists on involving herself, then I must ensure we outwit these intruders. I am planning a decoy. MARC, I need your participation with the placement of the pod as if the crash destroyed it. Possible?"

"Yes, Chieftain."

"Should the males hide in the surrounding foliage, will these Vargosh detect their presence?" If MARC couldn't help him, he would need to ask Mother.

"I'll mask them via the comm bands," MARC said.

"Good." Anzar nodded. "I need them to believe the females have died."

"Ah, a false sense of security. They'll lower their guard." Soran clapped his hands together then rubbed them gleefully.

"A trap. Once they are out in the open, you kill them. I'll be on their ship with Molly."

Soran grinned. "Very well."

"Duro, see to the area. Ensure we left no trace of our presence," Anzar said, offering him a comm band too. "Tazo, hand these out. Each male must have one."

"What do you plan for now?" Soran asked.

"Breakfast, my friend. I shall return shortly." Anzar flashed a smile and jogged off. That breakfast included checking in on Molly was for him alone to know.