Reddix spared a moment from the mushy controls to glance at her.
“That’s the second time you mentioned rape,” he said, frowning. “Let me tell you, you’ve got nothing to worry about there. I couldn’t take you against your will, even if I wanted to—which I don’t. I’m not that kind of male.”
Her eyes widened, then narrowed.
“Right. You’re not that kind of guy. You’re just the kind who comes in and kidnaps some helpless girl you don’t even know—”
“I know you, Nina,” he said shortly. “And you know me too. Don’t try to deny it.”
“But I don’t…I’ve never seen you out…outside of my dreams.” Her voice faltered, and some of the defiance left her eyes to be replaced by fear and confusion. “Mehoo said you were a bear—an animal that hides its face.”
Thinking of the way he always hid his face with his hood, Reddix laughed harshly.
“That’s a fucking apt description. Guess your Mehoo was right about me.”
Nina was silent for a moment, which gave him time to concentrate on flying. The little ship kept wanting to roll off course, and Reddix kept having to yank on the steering yoke to correct it. They were coming to the upper limits of the atmosphere now, though. Once they cleared the Earth’s gravitational pull and got out into space, flying ought to be easier. He hoped, anyway.
At last, she spoke again. “Why did you take me? If you’re not intending to…to assault me, then why? Are you claiming me as your Bride? Because I told you, I can’t be claimed—I’m Native American.”
“Got no interest in making you my bride,” Reddix growled. “Got no personal interest in you at all. This is strictly business.”
“They why—”
Suddenly, the comlink crackled to life.
“Reddix? This is Commander Sylvan. You are in direct violation of my orders. I want you back at the Mother Ship now.”
There was cold steel in the Tranq Kindred’s voice and Reddix could tell he was pissed. Damn it! He’d been sure he would have more of a head start. Now he had both the Earth authorities and his Kindred brothers on his tail. Could anything else go wrong?
“Come back to the Mother Ship at once,” Sylvan demanded again.
“Sorry, Commander, can’t do it,” Reddix said evenly as the little ship shot out into clear space. As he had hoped, steering was suddenly much easier, and he breathed a small sigh of relief.
Nina leaned forward, staring hopefully at the comlink.
“Hello? Can you hear me? My name is Nina Kerrick, and this man is abducting me against my will. Please, help me!”
A new voice suddenly came onto the comlink.
“Reddix? What did you do? Who is that girl?” Saber demanded.
“She’s the one,” Reddix said shortly. “The one I need.”
“What do you need her for?” Saber asked. “For Xandra? It’s all lies, Reddix! She lies!”
“She does what she promises as long as you pay,” Reddix shot back. “And you left me no choice, Saber—I have to pay, no matter how steep the price is.”
As he spoke, the little ship shot past the Earth’s single moon where the Kindred Mother Ship was orbiting and headed out into deep space. Reddix knew exactly where he was going—the wormhole that led to his home galaxy. The minute he got through it, he was going straight to Tarsia. He’d have Nina at the swamp witch’s hut in less time than it took the Kindred Mother Ship to mobilize and send out ships to go after him. By the time they reached him, the deal would be done. As to what Xandra would do to Nina…he didn’t let himself think about that.
The witch promised she would be all right…probably, he tried to reassure himself uneasily. Anyway, I can’t think of her. I have to think of Minda, already big with child. If a civil war breaks out…
“Think what you’re doing,” Saber cut into his grim thoughts, but his voice was getting fainter and fainter as Reddix’s ship pulled farther away. “You don’t have to do this, Reddix.”
“Yes, I do. You left me no choice,” he shot back.
“Please,” Nina pleaded, leaning toward the comlink. “Please, he has me in some kind of handcuffs and I’m strapped to the seat—I can’t get out. I’m scared.”
Reddix felt his heart twist again. Gods, he had never wanted to frighten her so. Although, how he could kidnap her without scaring her to death, he had no idea.
“Reddix,” Saber shouted, but his voice was so faint now Reddix could barely hear it. They were getting closer to the edge of the wormhole, which interfered with reception. “Reddix,” he shouted again. “Come back! Lissa and I have agreed we’re going to…”