Scrapper. Book 1. Parts 1—3
«You won’t be able to get girls here, Pher. We’re proud people, and most Veluthians consider Terrans to be… weak.»
Hunter looked at her and saw her thinking something over.
«No offence, though.» she said a moment later. «I don’t see any fault in being different. But I’m rather the exception in my society.»
The city grew closer with each minute as they flew at an even, slow pace, making it possible for the three men to see the beauty and sophistication of Veluthian architecture. As they entered the airspace of Laithora – the Grand Citadel and Capital of the whole Laithorian Empire, all three men stepped closer to the window, studying the city.
Serena, however, was looking at Lindon’s ship, which was leading them to the very centre of the city, where most officials were located. A faint aching in her back reminded her that she will have to not only look the part, but act the part she came here to play.
Her return couldn’t have been at a worse time – while she still questioned herself about her legacy. The impact her family had on the life of the Empire was great, and if she were to stay on Velutha – there will be loads of restrictions and problems that would arise with her accepting everything that came with her inheritance.
«Serena?» Hunter called out to her.
The woman flinched at the sound of her name and looked at him, knowing that the fear she experienced could be easily seen in her eyes and on her face. She forced it down, trying hard to shake it off, standing up.
«Sorry, I got a little carried away in my thoughts.» she said, approaching the men. «Did you want to ask me something?»
«Are you alright?» Hunter frowned, studying her face attentively.
She turned to him with a smile:
«I’m great. Thank you.» she glanced at the city floating by and saw the great round plaza before lavishly decorated skyscrapers of the highest authorities in Laithora. «We’re here.»
She turned and headed back to the cargo bay, leaving the men alone, as they watched how the SS Axathaal and their own ship slowly descended to the round platforms that were meant for parking of ships that weren’t too big.
«This is so…» Pher breathed out in excitement. «Look at this! If her family is one of the top ones, imagine the reward we will get!»
Cipher saw Hunter gritting his teeth and leaving abruptly to follow Serena.
«You’re such a dick, Pher.» Cipher sighed heavily.
«What?»
«The woman just visited a memorial for her dead family and now has to claim her right and inheritance in the very same day, and all you can think about is how to stuff your own pocket and get out of here?» Cipher shook his head. «Is there not a bit of some semblance of empathy left in you at all?»
Pher fell silent, humbled by these words, and glanced at Cipher:
«You’re right… I’m sorry.»
«You’d better be.» Cipher growled. «Let’s go and keep Hunter some company, while Serena will be taking care of all those matters, okay?»
«Maybe, we should bring a bottle with us?»
«Not this time, Pher.»
Pher understood that it wasn’t the time to argue.
Chapter 17. Duel
Walking out of the notary, Serena saw Cipher and Hunter approaching her – both in the barely visible force fields that allowed them to walk on Velutha without any problems. The men seemed concerned to see her calm and collected, even though the matter that brought her to the official building wasn’t easy to be dealing with.
The men didn’t say anything, once she walked past, and just followed her, heading, seemingly, back to their ship, which was parked on one of the designated spaces straight ahead.
«Lady Thara-Lyss!» a voice sounded from behind and Serena stopped abruptly and turned.
She saw the very same tall, muscular man approaching with a whole team of soldiers following suit. For a second she felt unsure if Lindon Dorn Gray-Linn came to arrest her or greet her once again.
«Greetings to the heir of Thara-Lyss family!» the man approached and bowed.
«Greetings to you, sir Lindon.» Serena answered, bowing in return.
«I am so pleased to find out not all of the Thara-Lyss perished in that despicable act of treachery by the Bima-Liss family.»
Serena twitched her brow, studying the handsome face of this blond man, which bared one single scar on his cheekbone – no doubt, left there just to show how little the man cared for exterior beauty, preferring to concentrate on his military skills. When they were at the memorial she paid little attention to the man, but now had a bit more time and will to study his features more closely. Something in his face made her question her perception, as he reminded her someone she obviously used to know a long time ago. However, she couldn’t remember who it was.
«So Velutha knows how low the Bima-Liss stooped that day?» the woman asked.
«All of Velutha and the whole Laithorian Empire.» a smile appeared on Lindon’s face. «And since you were missing, we all wondered what happened to you.»
«I was following orders by my superior.» Serena felt her fist tighten.
Lindon stepped up and smiled:
«Lady Thara-Lyss, would you consider spending some time with me?»
Serena tilted her head, knowing exactly what his proposal meant:
«Respectfully, sir, I have to decline this invitation.»
«I insist.» Lindon’s smile grew wider.
Serena knew this was an invitation of intimacy she should consider thoroughly. But her friends didn’t know that. Hunter stepped up, shoving the man away from Serena.
«The lady said no. Take it like a man and go.» Hunter growled.
Lindon cackled:
«A Terran challenging a Veluthian! How peculiar! And how will you stop me, little man?» the man leaned in with a teasing smirk on his face. «Do you want a duel?»
«Hunter, stand down.» Serena made her voice sound stern and loud, just like it should sound when giving an order.
«Your superior in command gave you an order, soldier.» Lindon tilted his head, enjoying the banter.
«She’s not my commander, she’s my friend.» Hunter retorted. «And if it’s a fight you want…»
«Hunter…» Serena froze, seeing Lindon’s eyes light up with joy.
«A duel it is then!» Lindon stepped back. «I hope you’re aware of the laws?»
Hunter threw his jacket off and raised his fists:
«Hand-to-hand, no weapons, the winner claims whatever he wants.»
Cipher wanted to step up, but Serena stopped him, putting her hand at his chest:
«Don’t.» her voice was tense, low, and Cipher stood down, understanding that he will have to obey, unless he were to face her wrath and that of the Veluthian man, who seemed to enjoy himself.
«Boys…» Lindon snapped his fingers and his men formed a large circle, making a ring.
Some passers-by stopped to watch the duel, intrigued at the unusual pair that had some beef to settle, but other than that the people were used to duels emerging anywhere in the city – it was within right of any Veluthian to challenge another.
«Please refrain from causing any… permanent damage.» Serena looked at Lindon with such a harsh gaze that the man nodded to her in reply with a smile on his lips.
«Of course, my lady.» Lindon bowed.
Hunter jolted forward, trying to catch the man off-guard, but to his surprise the Veluthian graciously stepped aside, slapping his punch away, as if it were nothing.
As the men engaged in a series of kicks and punches, neither of which reached them, Serena felt herself becoming more and more anxious. Lindon was obviously playing with Hunter, though his eyes watched the man attentively, as if he was weighing his opponent’s skills and strength and making some sort of an assumption or decision considering the Terran in front of him.
Cipher watched, suddenly feeling his mouth dry, understanding very well that Hunter was no match for this Veluthian soldier, who was not only used to duelling, but also far stronger.
Finally, Lindon cackled and jolted to Hunter, diving under his fist and slamming his palms into the man’s chest. Serena flinched, seeing Hunter fly back and tumble to the ground.
A moment passed, then another, and Hunter stayed lying on the ground, while Serena watched his chest slowly rise and fall – the only sign he was still alive. She felt a strange calmness washing over her and raised her eyes to meet Lindon’s gaze.
Lindon smiled to her and bowed, reaching his hand out:
«He lost the duel, my lady. Now you can spend some time with me.»
Serena slowly unbuttoned her jacket and shoved it into Cipher’s hands, catching him off-guard. She then unclasped her belt and gave it to the man as well.
«Get Hunter out of the ring, please.» the woman threw a quick glance to Cipher and stepped forward, passing Hunter on her way.
«Oh, are you offering a duel as well?» Lindon smiled wider.
«Our laws don’t allow others to fight in our stead. Hunter fought for your right to fight me. You’ve earned it. If you win this fight, then very well, I’ll spend the night, few nights, or even a month in your bed, if you wish.»
«Wonderful…» Lindon rubbed his palms together, glad to hear her say it.
Serena stood proudly, seemingly relaxed, watching Lindon study her with his eyes. She wasn’t about to give him the upper hand of seeing her attacking him first, so she waited for the man to make his move first.
A few long moments passed and Lindon made a short step to her, but when she didn’t even flinch, he darted to her, in a split second changing the direction he was moving in to get from the other side. Serena was ready for something like that, jumping aside and catching his hand an inch away from her face with a block.
The woman felt his hit being so hard that it made her muscles ache from the impact, which caught her by surprise. Not allowing herself to be distracted, she attempted a kick, but Lindon shifted his weight and her blow went to waste.
Cipher, holding Hunter by his arm, thrown over his shoulder, watched as the two fought – a fascinating show of speed, agility and prowess, unlike he had ever seen before. Serena looked amazing, not allowing the Veluthian to reach her, though obviously on her toes – the man seemed to be a very experienced fighter.
Hunter groaned by his side, slowly coming to his senses, and Cipher glanced at his friend, worrying if he will dart to help Serena once he regains composure.
The fight continued, as the opponents exchanged a new series of blows, each of those missing or blocked, until Lindon smirked and finally landed a short, but powerful kick to Serena’s gut. The woman was thrown back a few paces, but growled and jolted to her opponent again, forcing him to defend himself.
«Serena…» Hunters voice, raspy and strained, sounded in the total silence of the ring.
The woman threw a glance his way, and Lindon used this moment, connecting his fist to her jaw. Serena tumbled to the ground, as Lindon raised his hands, chuckling, then turned to his men, as if already celebrating his victory.
However, the woman almost immediately pushed herself up, spitting blood onto the pavement, and straightened, feeling her body aching.
«We’re not done yet!» she said loudly, making Lindon turn around to see her up on her feet.
The man chuckled, walking back and getting ready to continue their duel.
«I must admit, this is much more fun than I thought this would be!» the man cackled, jumping to Serena.
This time the woman was a bit more collected, than before. She didn’t allow herself to be distracted by the people around and, most importantly, Hunter, who seemed to be concerned about her ever since he regained his senses and saw her engaged with her opponent. Remembering all her training, the woman shrunk her world to the ring, where Lindon was fighting her, attempting to land blow after blow and becoming more unnerved to see Serena finally deflecting them and reaching his body with hefty punches.
For the first time during this duel Lindon shed his chuckles and smiles, becoming attentive and calm. He suddenly understood that the woman before him was much stronger than he thought. And the fact he could catch her off-guard even once was surprising to him. Perhaps, she was distracted before, but now – collected and eager to stand up to him at her full strength?
The man fought at the edge of his abilities, soon finding Serena’s punches becoming faster and more powerful. One of those suddenly rammed into his ribcage, throwing him off-balance and shoving the man to the pavement. In a split second he felt the woman pin him down, landing blows to his face and not stopping for a second.
Lindon felt it was easier to accept his defeat – otherwise Serena could have easily killed him in her calm and cold battle rage. The man stopped trying to close his face with his arms and stretched them out on the pavement under him, showing with a wide gesture that he no longer wished to fight.
He saw Serena freeze, breathing heavily on top of him, and Lindon caught himself on a thought that he lost the possibility to feel that body in his arms. But, nevertheless, he felt deep respect for the woman.
She truly was a descendant of the Thara-Lyss family. And she earned his respect by winning the duel.
Lindon looked up at her face, seeing her hesitating to get off.
«I yield.» the man whispered with his bloodied lips. «I yield.»
Serena slowly lowered her fist, still catching her breath, and pushed herself to her feet, leaving Lindon lying on the hard stones.
Lindon stayed lying – as per the laws, he had to stay there until the winner allows him to get up, or until a signal is given to his men to help him up. The man heard Serena snap her fingers and a couple of his soldiers hurried to him, pulling him to his feet. When he was up, he saw Serena walking off to her men, swaying a little.
«Lady Thara-Lyss!» Lindon called out, forcing himself to push away his men to stay up on his own. «You won fair and square. What would you have of me?»
Serena froze, still a little dazed from the heavy punch she caught to her jaw, and shook her head, realising she wanted nothing from the man.
«If you won’t have anything, then let me at least extend you a friendly invitation to be my guests at my estate.» Lindon offered. «You’re welcome to stay and rest before you leave Velutha, as long as you wish, my lady. And I will not insist to have you in my bed, I give you my word.»
Hunter caught Serena’s gaze and saw her hesitating for a few moments. He decided not to say anything – he already made the mistake of interfering in Laithorian duel laws, pushing Serena to fight the man.
Serena turned to Lindon and tilted her head:
«We need a few nights to rest and take care of some matters.»
«You and your crew are welcome to stay at my estate.» Lindon bowed. «And if there’s anything I can be of assistance with, I will be glad to help you, Lady Thara-Lyss.»
Serena nodded, accepting this invitation, and glanced at Hunter and Cipher, who stood silent.
«That was a very stupid thing to do, Hunter.» Serena said quietly, walking past and heading towards her ship.
Cipher silently agreed with her, helping Hunter follow the woman.
Chapter 18. Hospitality
Hunter stood on the balcony, watching the night city scape, and felt a strange loneliness creeping into his heart. He knew that Serena could wish to stay here. He didn’t blame her – the planet was beautiful, though tough in terms of laws and social interactions.
It’s only been a day at Lindon’s estate, but the Veluthian showed them that he was more than just well-mannered. Not thinking about where to stay – or staying within the confinement of Serena’s ship – the three Terrans were happy to have had the option of living in the beautiful and vast estate Lindon offered while Serena was taking care of everything that was connected to her inheritance.
The only problem, apart from Hunter thinking about what would happen next, was that of the social engagement that was expected from Serena – as the heir to the Thara-Lyss, she was supposed to be seen and involved in the social life she was absent from for so long.
This night was one of those days.
Lindon threw a special social gathering in Serena’s name, showing her off to the members of his family and his friends.
Hunter knew how much politics was in such gatherings, but agreed with Serena that it was a necessity for her to speed up the proceedings.
«Admiring our fair city, Terran?» Lindon’s voice sounded from behind.
Hunter turned to see their host standing there with two glasses of some drink and a welcoming smile on his face.
«Stop calling me Terran.» Hunter replied, feeling the man teasing him. «My name is Hunter.»
Lindon approached and offered him one of the glasses:
«You earned my respect… Hunter.» he said. «I’ve never encountered a human who would knowingly challenge a Veluthian to a duel.»
«I lost our duel. If you want to gloat, then be done with it.»
Lindon tilted his head to the side, studying the man in front of him and smirked:
«You don’t get it, do you? I might have knocked you down and taken the win, but you managed to fight me for some time, and that is worthy of respect. Not having our strength and training, you were still quite a formidable opponent. I didn’t come here to gloat. I came here to extend my friendship.»
Hunter glanced at the glass and took it, admitting that Lindon was far more complex than he thought before.
«I appreciate you adjusting your estate’s gravity and atmosphere for us.» the man felt humbled in the circumstances he found himself in.
«It’s the least I could do.» Lindon bowed slightly.
Hunter took a sip and found the drink strong, but extremely pleasant.
«Can I ask you a personal question, Hunter?» Lindon watched the man falling into his thoughts again.
«Depends on what you want to ask me.»
«I was wondering if you and Serena are… lovers?»
Hunter looked at the city again, trying to answer that question. Though they spent many nights together, they never shared her bed in the sense Lindon was referring to.
«Have I offended you?» Lindon asked. «If it is the case, I apologize.»
«No…» Hunter heard Serena walking up, her voice soft and quiet. «We haven’t slept with each other yet, Lindon.»
The men turned to her and saw her wearing a magnificent red dress, which looked light and flowy in the atmosphere and gravity fit for a human that wasn’t a Veluthian. Tiny sparks of crimson crystals on the material made her look breath-taking. Her silvery hair, braided up in a lavish hairstyle, bore crimson speckles of the same crystals, resembling splatter of blood.
«My lady…» Lindon bowed low, greeting the woman. «You look stunning.»
«Lindon, I have to say…» Serena glanced at Hunter, who stood silent, smitten by her beauty. «You have been a hospitable host.»
«It is an honour to receive you, Lady Thara-Lyss.»
«But I do get the feeling there are… ulterior motives to you being so friendly.»
«I admit, I did have plans towards you, my lady. But you have won our duel, so I will no longer pursue them, unless you wish me to.»
«And what plans were those?» Hunter stepped up, feeling nervous.
«I wished to ask her hand in marriage, of course.» Lindon’s face lit up with a smile. «A union of such a powerful family as Thara-Lyss and my own would be beneficial to us both.»
Serena saw Hunter’s face becoming pale and his expression turning cold, with rage filling his eyes.
«That is true, Lindon. Our union would have been beneficial to the both of us.» she said, watching Hunter look at her in fear. «However, a marriage is not something I am looking for.»
«And I respect that, Lady Thara-Lyss.» Lindon bowed again. «But I do hope we can remain friends and allies?»
«That we can.»
Lindon smiled and stepped forward to come closer to Serena:
«If you ever reconsider my invitation to spend the night with me, do let me know.»
Serena gracefully replied with a short nod, and Lindon retreated, leaving Hunter and Serena alone.
The woman met Hunters gaze, finding him conflicted and unnerved by Lindon’s straightforward indication how badly he wanted Serena to be his.
«Laithorians don’t have love on Velutha.» Serena approached Hunter. «We do not make love, we have sex to quench our lust, have fun and relax. Lindon doesn’t understand the human sentiment, as he was raised in the limitations of his society.»
Hunter flinched, feeling her touch his wrist. The woman lowered her gaze and slowly took his hand in hers, entwining their fingers.
«Even our marriages are formed in terms of benefits, and not for love…» Serena raised his hand up and caressed his skin. «When someone declines a proposal to spend the night or marry, we have duels to settle the matter. The winner claims the prize – whether it is for the defeated to accept the marriage or sex, or to honour the decision of not going through with the proposal.»
«Serena…» Hunter felt his breath escaping him, tightening his chest.
She looked into his eyes and for a few moments remained silent, before leaning in and connecting their lips in a kiss. This caught Hunter off-guard, but he didn’t dare to move, too afraid to scare her away. Finally, she leaned back, meeting his eyes again:
«I yield to you willingly, Hunter… if you’ll have me.» she whispered.
The man didn’t hesitate any more, uniting them in another kiss – deeper, hotter, maddening.
It took him some time to pull back, catching a breath and feeling an urge to forget all about the fancy dinner Lindon threw in Serena’s name and the guests who were waiting. He wanted her – there and now, just for himself.
«Tonight is all about politics…» Serena recollected herself, gifting the man a soft smile. «Please remember that and keep your head cool, alright?»
«I’ll try my best.» Hunter replied, calming himself. «But I can’t promise anything.»
«Know one thing…» the woman caressed his face gently. «I do not wish to have anything they offer. Tonight I want to be yours. I want to show you how much you mean to me.»
Hunter couldn’t hide his smile:
«Are you admitting your love for me, Serena?»
Her face grew thoughtful for a few moments, before she smiled back:
«I do not know what love is. But if what I am feeling is called love, then yes. In words of Laithorians, Hunter, I respect and appreciate you being in my life. And I wish to share my days and nights with you.»
Hunter caressed her face, leaning in with a smile:
«Us, Terrans call this love, Serena. And we show it through the same means, and more.» he kissed her again.
Serena smiled when he let her go once more and breathed out, collecting herself:
«Please refrain from showing affection towards me during dinner. This may cause Lindon’s family to think you a weak man. After we finish with these political dances and retire for the night, you can do whatever you please with me in my private quarters.»
Hunter couldn’t contain his smile.
Chapter 19. Laithorian Tango
Announced by Lindon, Serena appeared before the guests, drawing eyes to her. She stepped out onto the top of the stairs, leading down onto the great hall, adorned with decorations and tables, and felt Cipher, Hunter and Pher walking behind her.
She was opposed to Pher being there, but the man didn’t listen to reason, wishing to have a bit of fun. Cipher and Hunter were instructed to keep an eye on him at all times, because any wrong move from Pher, and Serena might get in trouble for having her «men’ being inconsiderate or rude to the guests.
Descending the stairs in her lavish dress, Serena gracefully nodded to everyone, as they greeted the heir to the Thara-Lyss name. She felt disgusted at the sight of these men and women celebrating her appearance on Velutha. She didn’t want to be there.
But the deep understanding of the society she came from made her forget all about her discomfort and disdain to the social gathering. She knew very well that appearing among her fellow Laithorians will help her with making the final choice she had to make.
When they landed on Velutha, she still questioned if she would stay or not. Now, she wanted to leave, not willing to participate in all the political conversations and disagreements that she would have to face if she were to stay.
Somewhat distant and distracted, she greeted each group of people, who were introduced to her by Lindon. His wish to show the others that he made friends with the last of Thara-Lyss was understandable. He only wanted to be seen as a strong and capable man. And having friends from such a powerful house as Serena’s, did just that.