River's Run(66)

Gril Tal Mod turned to see River approaching him. His gaze missed nothing as it flowed over her figure in the gown Star had created. She looked far different than the warrior woman she had appeared to be on his warship.



“Lady River, a pleasure to see you again. Might I say you look even more beautiful than the last time we met. May I introduce my mate, Madas Tal Mod.” Gril Tal Mod pulled his lips back in what resembled a smile for his species showing an expanse of long, sharp teeth.



River felt a moment of horror at the idea this was Trolis mother. What must she think of River?



He watched curiously as River’s eyes darkened with sadness at the reminder and her eyes filled with unshed tears. “I just wanted to welcome you tonight. It is good to see you as well.” River replied softly looking at the female who had been regarding the exchange with a curious expression on her face.



“You are the warrior woman my mate told me about?” The huge female hissed softly.



“Yes, Lady Tal Mod. I wish to convey my regret in the death of your son.” River replied standing up straight.



“You must call me Madas. I am not much for titles as you can ask my mate. Our son deserved worse. You gave him a more peaceful death than he deserved for all he did. I wish to thank you for saving the life of my mate. You have nothing to regret. I would have killed him myself if I had been there.” The female hissed placing her hand on Gril Tal Mod’s. “My mate is my life. You have protected him. We will always be in your debt.”



River was stunned to hear Gril Tal Mod’s mate talk so distastefully about her late son. Madas stepped forward taking one of River’s small hands in her larger, scaled one looking almost amused as she watched the emotions chase across River’s face.



Turning to look at her mate, Madas asked teasingly, “Gril, are you sure she is a warrior? She is so delicate and small. How can something so tiny bring your great warship to a standstill? Perhaps you should offer her a position training your warriors.”



River looked up into Madas’ face and watched as slowly one lid came down over her large eye. She just winked at me, River thought in disbelief.



Giggling, River responded lightheartedly, “I would love to show his warriors some moves. I hope his warriors can handle it better than Torak’s! They have a tendency to pass out or hyperventilate when us girls are around.”



Gril Tal Mod hissed at his mate pulling her back against him, wrapping his arm around her, “You will pay for your insolence later, Madas.”



“Promises, promises.” Madas hissed back looking at River with a twinkle in her large eyes before they moved away.





“Okay, that was just creepy.” Jo said watching the two Tearnats’ nuzzle each other.



River’s laugh died in her throat as she watched Grif Tai Tek walk into the room with none other than Javonna on his arm. River slid a hand protectively over her abdomen trying to quell the sudden feeling of queasiness she was feeling.



“That bastard.” Jo said under her breath.



“That bitch.” Star’s snarled vehemently. “I told Torak I’d kill that bitch if she ever came in the same room as you.”



River and Jo turned to look at Star in disbelief. They had never heard her say anything so…so nastily before. She sounded like she fully intended to follow through. River felt a small giggle escape followed by another one until she was laughing out loud. Only Star could make her feel better about seeing Torak’s ex-lover in the same room. Now, River would spend the rest of the evening visualizing all the ways Star would slowly kill Javonna.



“Oh Star, I love you.” River said as she slipped her hand into Star’s giving it an appreciative squeeze.





Chapter 20




Tai Tek looked at the three female warriors barely able to hide his surprise at their transformation. If he had not been on the receiving end of the sword of the blue-eyed female he would never have believed they were warriors. The blue-eyed female glowed with a radiance that took his breath away and hardened his cock. He wanted her. He would have her before the night was over. Once he had eliminated her mate he would claim her for himself.



“I’m thristy.” Javonna muttered coldly under her breath staring daggers at River.



Tai Tek looked down with distaste at Javonna. “Get yourself something to drink, then.” He turned with an air of dismissal that infuriated Javonna as she watched him walk towards Torak’s mate.



“My dear Lady River, you make the moons of Kassis pale in comparison to your beauty.” Tai Tek said as he bowed slightly to River. His eyes barely acknowledged Jo and Star standing slightly behind her.