Read Men of Anderas II: Dak the Protector for Free Online Page B

rage
ripped through his brain. This stranger had no idea how lucky he
was that Dak couldn’t act on his emotions. In another time, another
place, the bastard would never get the chance to frighten a
woman--especially his little crystal witch.
    “Explain yourself.” Dak’s soft voice carried
all the authority his years of training and leadership gave
him.
    Glancing around the cabin before answering,
the assassin met Dak’s gaze. “There are too many ears here.
I give you my word that I’m not after the Lady Kierin. While the
bounty on her head would keep a small country solvent for several
years, I’m after the man who’s putting up the money. I want
Draagon.”
    For the first time since he realized the
full effect of the rock around his neck, Dak thanked the Ancient
Prophets for help in controlling his expression. Glancing again at
Kierin, he noticed her heightened color and the guilty look in her
eyes. Bounty? Just what secrets are you hiding, little
witch ?
    “… and we’ll soon dock at the transfer
station.”
    He focused his attention on the stranger
again, calming the demand for answers screaming through his brain
with a promise of later .
    “Most of these passengers look like miners.
My guess is they’ll leave at the transfer dock. There’s not usually
much traffic on this outbound flight. If we stay below deck I don’t
think the Phantom Riders will know we’re here.”
    For whatever reason, Dak’s instincts were to
trust this man. He just prayed he was right. The consequences would
be deadly--to all of them.
    With a short nod, Dak agreed. “I look
forward to your story … Talon?” When the assassin acknowledged his
use of his name, Dak continued. “My name is Dak. Lord Beldon Dak of
Falcon Tor on the planet Anderas and this,” he indicated Kierin
with a tip of his head, “is Lady Kierin.”
    “Peace to you, Beldon Dak. It appears we
both have some interesting stories to tell. I’m especially curious
to hear how an Anderan peer managed to find his way to this side of
the galaxy and in the company of a crystal witch.”
    Dak saw the sparkle of amusement that
briefly lit Talon’s eyes and responded to it.
    “It’s a long story,” Dak’s wry drawl brought
a short bark of laughter from the other man.
    “Then I suggest we get some rest. We’re
still several hours from the transfer dock. Those Phantom Riders
upstairs were trying hard to get as drunk as possible as quickly as
possible. It should be safe enough to relax, but we can take shifts
if you prefer.”
    “Lady Kierin will have to answer that. My
directives must come from her.” Dak prayed she’d understand his
statement. He didn’t know Talon well enough to entrust him with the
true limitations of his abilities. With Kierin’s crystal around his
neck, he was virtually helpless unless she gave him orders. Her
safety, as well as his own, depended on her answer. It took long,
agonizing seconds before she nodded and he released the breath he’d
been holding.
    “Very well,” Kierin muttered. “Dak, do
whatever you must to guarantee our safety--as long as you don’t
remove the amulet.”
    “I’ll take the first watch,” Dak shifted his
concentration to Talon. “I’ve done nothing but rest for the past
two days.”
    With a knowing grin, Talon settled his long
frame into the cramped space, resting his feet in the seat beside
Kierin. With no other place to stretch his legs, Dak spread his
knees and captured Kierin’s legs between his. He grinned when she
blushed and closed her eyes to hide from him.
    Sleep, little witch. Hide your secrets
while you still can. I’ll have some answers soon. I just pray Talon
doesn’t wait for me to ask the questions .
    Dak waited until Kierin’s breathing evened
out before turning his attention to Talon and the unusual events of
the past few minutes. He didn’t understand his reaction to Kierin’s
distress. Only the rock around his neck kept him from killing
Talon. Kierin’s grip on her own