Crusader

Crusader

By Cyndi Friberg

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Copyright © 2015 Cyndi Friberg

Cover art by Dar Albert

Editor: Mary Moran

Electronic Book Publication, May 2015

Trade Paperback Publication, May 2015

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Praise for Beyond Ontariese

Taken by Storm

"Taken by Storm had it all—tense action, suspense, erotic sex, humor and a wildly imaginative plot."

~The Romance Studio

"Unplug the phone and put the kids to bed; once you start reading Taken by Storm you won’t want any interruptions!"

~Fallen Angel Reviews

"For a story that will delight, entertain, and keep you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend Taken by Storm and award it RRT’s Perfect 10."

~Romance Reviews Today

Operation Hydra

"I highly recommend Operation Hydra…it’s one of the best science fiction romances I’ve ever read. Perfect 10!"

~Romance Reviews Today

"Outstanding! This segment only whetted my appetite for more. The heat between Kyrsta and Trey could cause a nuclear meltdown."

~Simply Romance Reviews

City of Tears

"WOW! City of Tears by Cyndi Friberg is one amazing blend of science fiction at its best and romance at its hottest…"

~eCata Reviews

Crusader

Cyndi Friberg

Battle Born, Book One: Ashley comes home after a long day and finds a spaceman searching her apartment. Before she can call for help, or run like hell, the intruder stabs her and leaves her for dead.

Desperate for freedom, Bandar, a battle born soldier, travels to Earth. His mission: find Daniel Kane, brilliant geneticist. It’s believed that Daniel can unleash the magic locked inside the battle born. Bandar’s search leads to Daniel’s daughter, Ashley, just in time to save her life. Bandar is so captivated by the fragile human that his need to protect and possess her threatens his mission.

Ashley awakens miraculously healed and filled with questions. Bandar is gorgeous and heroic, but she doesn’t believe a word he says. This isn’t the first time she’s run across aliens and now she knows it won’t be the last. She agrees to help him unravel the secrets surrounding her father’s work. Ashley has always believed her father was murdered and now she has a chance to learn the truth. But it’s hard to trust Bandar when the brush of his fingers makes her entire body tingle. Their volatile attraction could fulfill her wildest fantasies or open the door for planetary invasion.

Chapter One

Shifting her satchel higher onto her shoulder, Ashley Kane hurried along the uneven sidewalk lining one of Tribeca’s narrow streets. Her last appointment had gone well. She was relatively sure it would result in a new account. Still, she was tired and the five blocks from the subway station to her apartment building had never seemed so long. Her phone vibrated in the front pocket of her purse and she grumbled under her breath, praying one of her high-maintenance customers wasn’t in need of attention. Who was she kidding? She provided private consultations for pets with emotional challenges. All of her customers were high maintenance. Only high-maintenance people could afford her services.

Her best friend’s image smiled at her from the phone’s screen, so she accepted the call. Raina. You’re a welcome surprise. What’s up?

I’ve been funded through next year. Pride and enthusiasm shone through in Raina’s tone and Ashley found herself smiling despite her aching feet.

That’s wonderful. The strained economy in recent years had made grant money harder and harder to secure. But Raina was persistent and her work in experimental agriculture was important. Does this secure both projects or are they making you choose between your two babies?

This will give me a greenhouse for the super grains, but I still need supporters if I’m going to continue the hydroponics project.

Ashley held her phone in place with her shoulder as she dug out her keycard. Is that a concern? Isn’t this year five for the hydroponics project? You haven’t had a problem yet.

That in itself is the problem. I can’t keep tapping the same sources indefinitely, especially without quantifiable results.

You’ll think of something. You always do. She punched in the security code that unlocked the lobby door then summoned the private elevator with her keycard. Like most of the residential units in Tribeca, this building had once been a warehouse. Then a developer separated the space into four modest apartments and her luxurious, multi-level loft. My phone cuts out in the elevator. Give me a minute and I’ll call you back.

I’m on my way out the door. Call me tomorrow and I’ll give you the details. I just had to tell someone tonight.

Will do and congratulations. I know how hard you work for every dollar. As expected, her phone lost signal as soon as she stepped into the elevator. She slipped the phone back into her purse as the elevator door slid closed. She’d met Raina at Georgetown University and they’d been close ever since. Raina still lived near DC while Ashley had moved back to Manhattan, but they visited as often as their busy schedules allowed.

It was only two stories up to the main floor of her loft, but the elevator was ancient. She usually took the stairs. Today, however, her aching feet wouldn’t submit to the climb. Thursdays were always busy because she tried to leave Fridays open for last-minute complications and emergency appointments. Emergencies. The thought made her smile. None of her appointments were true emergencies. Her clients just expected immediate attention regardless of how insignificant the snag.

The elevator door slid open and she walked out into the entryway, which was basically one corner of her living room. She kicked off her shoes as she reached the carpeting and let the heavy satchel slip from her shoulder. The first chair she passed caught her purse. Generally she was a neat freak. Everything had a place and everything needed to be in its place. Today the only place she wanted to be was sprawled across her couch until she could summon enough energy to undress and go to bed.

She turned toward the waiting comfort of her plush sofa and a long, strong arm wrapped around her waist. Fear burst through her rambling thoughts and jolted her composure. She inhaled a massive breath, meaning to scream, but a hand clamped down across her nose and mouth. The meaty paw blocked most of her airflow as well as trapping the half-formed sound. Her assailant was either male or the biggest woman she’d ever encountered. She stomped down on his instep, but her shoeless foot did no real damage. Slamming her elbow into his ribs only made him tighten the arm already crushing her ribs.

Forcing herself to think through the roaring in her ears, she stilled. If his purpose was robbery, cooperation was a much better strategy. He could take whatever he wanted if he got the hell out and left her unharmed. His hand eased enough to let her breathe and she instinctively started to scream. His hand tightened again, the message clear. Don’t make a sound.

He pushed her deeper into the room, guiding her with his big body. She caught an occasional glimpse of dark clothing, but nothing of the man himself. Until they reached the sofa. Without conscious thought, she looked into the mirror hanging above the couch and a fresh wave of terror crashed over her.

He was even bigger than he felt. Her head tucked neatly under his chin and his brawny arms made her look petite, a novel perspective for a woman who topped five foot nine. Every inch of his body was covered by a matte-black uniform, but his head was bare. His dark hair was short yet wavy, and aggression revealed itself in each of his sharp features. As if sensing her stare, he turned his head and their gazes locked in the mirror.

Reality narrowed until all Ashley could see was his blue-ringed eyes. This couldn’t be happening. She’d spent years in therapy convincing herself that eyes like his didn’t exist, that they were the tormented imaginings of a betrayed adolescent. Her body tensed, hindering their progress. The rings ignited, making his dark eyes glow and communicating his displeasure.

After muttering something she didn’t understand, he shoved her sideways and pulled a weapon from his belt. She stumbled, arms flailing as the true scope of her peril came into terrifying focus. She’d seen his face. Any hope she’d had of surviving this situation died with that unfortunate glance.

She caught her balance and charged past him, trying to stay out of reach. Light glinted off the blade clasped securely in his hand. He lunged, the knife slicing into her forearm. Pain shot all the way to her shoulder and she cried out, but didn’t pause. Blood surged through her ears and her only thought was escape. His other hand fisted the back of her shirt, halting her frantic retreat. She screamed, twisting and tugging at the material biting into her neck.

He stabbed three times with a sharp upward motion. Agony sank deeper with each stroke of his blade. She tried to inhale, but her side exploded with searing pain. Her vision blurred and the roaring in her ears grew louder. She couldn’t scream, could barely breathe much less move. Her knees buckled and tears streamed from her eyes. She clasped her side, vaguely registering the warmth of blood flowing over her fingers. She wasn’t even thirty. Was this really how she died?

The question echoed through her fear-muddled brain as a shimmer drew her attention away from her attacker. A second figure, nearly as large as the first, flashed into view. This one was dressed in a uniform similar to her attacker’s except his head was covered by a black helmet with a smoked visor.

Her attacker literally growled as he turned to face the newcomer. Through a haze of fear and pain, she watched the blade in his hand lengthen and curve. One moment he held a compact dagger and the next an ornate scimitar. She was hallucinating, likely from loss of blood. She pressed both hands against her side and fought back the encroaching darkness.

Her attacker swung his sword at the newcomer’s head, but the newcomer easily dodged the blow. Then the newcomer reached for the knife at his side, but as he pulled it free from its sheath, the blade grew longer and wider until he held a mighty claymore. More hallucinations.

She dismissed the impossible image and looked past the combatants at the entryway and elevator. The men were focused on each other as their swords clashed and swung. She cringed each time metal struck metal, but this was likely her last chance. Pressing her side tightly with one hand, she crawled across the floor. Pain flared with each movement and blood trailing in her wake. It didn’t matter. She couldn’t let it matter. She had to escape.

Light flashed in her peripheral vision and she instinctively looked back. The newcomer stood in the middle of her living room alone, blood smeared along the blade of his sword. He wiped the blood on his pant leg then returned the weapon to its sheath. The transformation instantaneously reversed, allowing him to more easily secure the weapon at his side.

How badly are you hurt? His deep, oddly accented voice was muffled by the visor. He motioned to the red smears on the carpet. Is all of that your blood?

She stared up at him in terror, trembling uncontrollably. Just leave. Her voice sounded weak and pathetic rather than commanding as she’d intended. He stalked toward her and she scrambled backward until a wall pressed against her spine. Please, just go!

Ignoring her protests, he leaned down and lifted her shirt, looked at the wounds in her side. If I leave you here, you’ll die within minutes. Is that really what you want?

Her hands were numb and each breath filled her chest with fire. He was right. Even if she found her phone and stayed conscious long enough to summon help, she would be dead before the authorities arrived. Raising her bloody hand toward the stranger, she whispered, Help me, and then surrendered to oblivion.

Bandar Nox bent to one knee as he scooped up the human female. He’d arrived on Earth three weeks before and faced one complication after another. Why should today be any different? He activated communications with a precise mental pulse. Medical emergency. Stream me to the infirmary.

He was about to repeat the directive when a familiar tingling erupted all over his body. Only the newest Rodyte ships were equipped with bio-streaming technology. Luckily for this female, the Crusader was brand new. Even though he’d been streamed numerous times in the past few weeks, the disorienting rush left him breathless and unsteady. He shifted the female higher into his arms as he materialized in the middle of the infirmary.

Put her there. Doctor Irron motioned toward one of twelve treatment stations lining the perimeter wall of the circular room. How was she injured?

I didn’t see it happen, but the assailant was holding a bloody flexblade when I arrived. Bandar moved to the treatment station and carefully placed her on the narrow surface. Then he removed his helmet and set it aside. Her hair flowed across the table in golden waves, her features pale and tense. He could still remember the terrified flash of her bright green eyes and the way her full lips trembled as she asked him for help. She was tall for a human, her body well-formed and appealingly curved.

Irron took his place on the other side of the table and activated the diagnostic scanners. Concentration narrowed his green eyes, a gift from his human mother. His glossy black hair and angular features revealed his Rodyte heritage. The laceration on her arm is minor, but her right lung is severely damaged. It will require regeneration. Fortunately, he missed her liver. He looked at Bandar and motioned toward the door. She’ll be fine. The commander is waiting for an update.

Bandar lingered a moment longer. She looked helpless, so vulnerable. Instinct demanded that he stay and protect her even though the imminent danger had passed.

Go. The doctor waved him onward. The commander is waiting.

Bandar nodded, not sure why he was so reluctant to leave. He didn’t even know the female’s name. I’ll return shortly.

Regeneration will take at least an hour. There’s plenty of time. A knowing smile curved Irron’s mouth as Bandar finally stepped away from the treatment table.

The Crusader was a mid-size fighter, fast, agile, and well-armed. However, its state-of-the-art shields were the reason it had been chosen for this recon mission. All Rodyte ships were undetectable to human technology. The Crusader’s covert field generator made it impossible to track, even for other ships from their star system.

Keyran Tarr was in the command center with the other bridge officers. Bandar had known Keyran since childhood and considered him both friend and mentor. Ironically, this was the first mission they’d embarked on together. Commander, he greeted for the benefit of the crewmembers. Bandar was on special assignment, so he wasn’t technically part of the crew. In private he called Keyran by name. Still, he didn’t want to seem insubordinate. Besides, Bandar had spent so many years as Keyran’s student, taking orders from him felt natural. Irron said you wanted to speak with me.

Surely that doesn’t surprise you. Keyran deactivated the holodisplay in front of him and stood. His movements were sharp and impatient though his expression remained calm. With short gray hair and a penetrating gaze, he looked very much the seasoned war dog centuries of conflict had made him. What in hells rings happened down there? Who is Irron working on and why was it necessary to bring him or her aboard my ship?

Her? Sental, the chief navigator, muttered with a dreamy smile. It’s been sixteen months since I touched a real female.

Yeah, well, you’ve logged so many hours in the simulator the damn thing has taken on the shape of your ass, one of the other officers jibed. You’ll get no sympathy from me.

Keyran ignored the exchange and moved closer to Bandar. Report. Command snapped through the word. It was obvious Keyran wasn’t in the mood for playful banter.

My shadow was there again. This was the third time the mysterious soldier had disrupted Bandar’s mission. The stranger was either following Bandar or had similar objectives. I think the female surprised him and he attacked her to avoid unwanted attention.

How badly was she injured? Compassion crept into his tone and softened his gaze. Keyran was a bonafide hard ass, but he had a soft spot for females.

Irron said all she needs is an hour in the regen unit.

Keyran nodded, his expression unchanging. Do you know who she is? The loft is owned by Daniel Kane and records indicate he ended the union with his mate three years ago.

An odd tension gripped Bandar’s chest. He didn’t want to imagine the lovely blonde in the arms of some old man. In fact, he didn’t want to picture her with anyone else. This female is too young to be his mate, more likely his daughter.

Wealthy humans have been known to attract much younger mates, Keyran reminded then waved away the topic. Regardless, she needs to be questioned. Was she unconscious when you brought her aboard?

Yes, but human medicine is archaic. She’ll want to know how her injuries disappeared. She’d also seen him materialize out of nowhere and watched his flexblade transform. He had no idea what conclusion she’d draw from those clues, so he didn’t volunteer the information.

What about your shadow? Will he return?

Likely.

I’ll post guards until you can get back down there, but this is your mission. We have our own objectives. Return the woman while she’s still unconscious. Search the place thoroughly before she wakes up then tell her you work for the US Government. Humans accept all sorts of inconsistencies when their government is involved. If all else fails, tell her the truth. It’s unlikely she’ll believe you anyway.

Bandar nodded. Spending more time with the female shouldn’t be enough to excite him. He was to question, not seduce her. So why was his heartbeat racing and his armor suddenly too tight? Like Sental, it had been endless months since Bandar had been with a female. The battle born were often chosen for long-term deployments. They were expected to obey without question or complaint, regardless of the hardship or danger.

Battle born. Those two words had shaped his past and overshadowed his future for longer than he could remember. He couldn’t change the circumstances of his birth, but he now had hope that a better life could be secured for himself and the other battle born sons. In fact, establishing a brighter future was what brought him to Earth. He just hadn’t expected a simple recon mission to be quite so challenging.

He returned to the infirmary and found Irron seated at one of the workstations in the center of the immaculate room. The treatment table on which the human had rested was now empty. Where is she?

Irron motioned over his shoulder without turning around. Regen bay two. Her vital signs are strong and she’s healing well. She should be mobile in less than an hour. He glanced up then. You are taking her back, aren’t you? It would be much too disruptive to keep her aboard.

Commander Tarr agrees with you. I’m to return her to her apartment as soon as she’s restored to health.

I’ll com you when she’s ready or you can pull up a chair and watch the progress, just don’t expect me to entertain you. He flashed a smile then turned back to his display before Bandar could reply.

Bandar walked into the adjacent room and stood beside the regen unit transfixed by the occupant. She was naked, her right arm resting above her head as an army of nanites worked to regenerate her torn flesh. Her ivory skin was now free of blood and her hair created a golden pillow for her head. He only glanced at her breasts, though the pink-tipped fullness deserved a more thorough inspection. Her entire body was long and supple, with the lush curves Bandar adored. Everything about her appealed to him more deeply than he’d thought possible.

She’s in her late twenties and has yet to bear a child though her reproductive system is fully functional.

Bandar had been so absorbed in his observation that he hadn’t heard Irron move. He looked at the doctor, who now stood beside him, unable to hide his annoyance. What does that have to do with her recovery?

I’m not blind. She’s very attractive. I’m surprised she hasn’t been claimed.

He agreed with Irron’s assessment, yet found the doctor’s interest irritating. We aren’t here to claim mates. At least not yet. We all need to stay focused on our duties.

Irron slapped Bandar’s back with a mocking chuckle. If you can focus on anything but sex with that female at your side, you’re a stronger man than I.

Bandar couldn’t argue the point. Standing there staring at her naked body was filling his mind with all the ways he’d like to touch her, all the places he wanted to taste. Gods she was beautiful.

Left with no option but to put some distance between them, at least until she was appropriately clothed, he grabbed his helmet off the counter and went to his cabin. Today was the third time he’d encountered the unnamed soldier. The phantom was Rodyte, like Bandar, but they hadn’t been able to learn his identity or who had dispatched him to Earth. At first Bandar thought the soldier was following him, but today his shadow arrived first. So he had either anticipated Bandar’s next move or he was searching for the same thing, the research conducted by Daniel Kane, world-renowned geneticist and longtime Rodyte collaborator. Early on Bandar had discovered that Daniel Kane was dead, which was unfortunate. However, his work could still prove invaluable.

The mystery surrounding Bandar’s shadow would have to wait. He had a human to question and doing so in his armor would likely intimidate her. He opened his closet and released a frustrated sigh. Would she respond better to a business suit or jeans and a T-shirt? He’d known interacting with humans would be an integral part of this mission, so he’d prepared for a variety of situations.

Deciding on casual clothing, he gathered what he’d need and moved to the bed. He sat and tugged off his boots then stood and released the front seam of his armor. After pulling his arms from the sleeves, he peeled the flex-lar down his legs and pulled his feet free. A lifetime in the military demanded that he keep his quarters neat and organized, so he hung up his armor before donning the human outfit. He was unwilling to leave the ship without a weapon, so he compressed his flexblade into a pocket knife and slipped it into the front pocket of his jeans.

The next forty-five minutes passed slowly as Bandar paced his cabin and updated his activity log. Finally Irron notified him that the human was ready for departure so he headed back to the infirmary.

The female was still unconscious and Irron had wrapped her in a sheet. The regen unit uses a powerful sedative. She could sleep for a day or more if you don’t rouse her. He held out a nasal mister. This will bring her around.

Thanks. Bandar tucked the mister into his pocket then slipped his arms under the female and lifted her against his chest. Even through the sheet her body was warm and soft, enticing.

Her blood sugar is low. Make her drink a soda or some fruit juice.

Got it. Bandar wasn’t sure why he was so anxious to be alone with the female, but the urge was undeniable. He signaled the bio-stream engineer that he was ready to depart then braced for the sickening rush.

* * * * *

Awareness returned in stages. A strange scent filled Ashley’s nose, not