River's Run(68)
Madas pulled back her lips showing an expanse of sharp teeth, “Your mate is not the only female warrior. I have a highly developed sense of smell for certain poisons native to our lands. I can smell the effects of the junta tree from across a room.”
The junta tree only grew on the Tearnat’s home planet in a heavily wooden area where Gril Tol Mod’s clan came from. A few sips of the drink and he would have been dead in a matter of moments. Once the cause was found it would be assumed Gril Tal Mod was behind his death. Torak looked around quickly for his brothers and father afraid they would have been offered the same poisoned drink.
“Do not worry. They have already been warned and no others have been offered a drink. Gril is most displeased that someone would try to kill you and your family. He does not appreciate others trying to incriminate the Tearnats for murder. We do have some honor. If we want someone dead, we simply kill them.” Madas hissed amused. “The servant will be disposed of immediately.”
Torak gave a tense nod at Madas. “My mate and her sisters?”
Madas hissed softly, “They were not offered a drink. I believe on purpose. Keep a close watch on them. I fear whoever is behind this has plans for your females.”
River walked into the elaborately decorated bathroom. She couldn’t help but laugh, everything about the House of Kassis was over the top. Moving over to the mirror, River checked her makeup while Star and Jo went to the bathroom. Suddenly, another image came into view behind River.
Javonna looked dispassionately at River, staring down at the smaller woman with a cruel twist to her lips. She moved over to the mirror as if checking her own makeup before saying anything, “You know he will tire of you soon.”
River raised her eyebrow at Javonna and didn’t say anything. What could she say? Quit being such a bitch? Get over it, already? Nothing she said would make a difference so she figured it wasn’t worth wasting her breath.
“I want him back.” Javonna continued. “I did well in his house. I was the lead lover and controlled all the other women. I knew how to satisfy him.”
River’s eyes darkened at the reminder of Javonna knowing Torak intimately. There was only so much she was willing to put up with and being reminded of Javonna in Torak’s arms was not going to happen.
“Javonna, if you know what is good for you, you will stop right now.” River said coldly.
Javonna turned to look down on River with distaste, “And who is going to stop me?”
Star and Jo came out from behind the wall separating the toilets from the wash room, “I will you big bitch.” Star said, looking up at Javonna. “I told Torak if you were ever in the same room as River I would kill your ass so if you don’t want to die before dinner I suggest you get your bitchy self out of here.”
River and Jo looked at Star in stunned silence. Star was the shortest and most petite out of all three of them but at that moment she looked like she could not only open a can of whip ass, she could close it too. Javonna looked down at Star for a moment before she back up slowly looking at all three of the women.
“You are brave when there are three of you together. It will be interesting to see how brave you are when you are alone.” Javonna said before twirling around and moving quickly out the door.
Kev Mul Kar watched as Javonna brushed past him. He turned toward River with concern when he saw her walk out of the restroom.
“All is well, My Lady.” Kev asked softly.
River smiled at Kev before nodding, “Yes, Star took care of it. She told Javonna if she didn’t want to die before dinner she better get her butt out of the way.”
Kev Mul Kar looked at Star with startled eyes before letting out a quiet laugh. He would have like to have seen the little warrior threaten Javonna. He had never liked that peculiar female.
Torak looked around for River, Jo, and Star. They were talking quietly with his father. River glanced over at Torak and smiled gently as she moved a protective hand over her stomach. A fierce wave of protectiveness swept through Torak. He had to get her to safety as soon as this was over.
Torak walked by Kev Mul Kar and handed him the glass. “Test this.” He murmured without breaking stride heading for his mate.
“Torak, your father said someone tried to poison all of you. They are trying to kill not just you and your father but your brothers as well.” River said with a shaky smile.
“Now they have just pissed me off.” Jo said with a sharp nip to her tone. She was more than pissed, she was ready for some revenge. No one missed with those she loved. “Where is Manota?”