Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(114)

“So, what the hell are we supposed to do?” Providence threw her hands up.

“Someone has to find the controller, to disable the orbs. The men obviously can’t do that if the spheres have been reprogrammed.” Riley paced, attempting to think.

“They’d be sitting ducks,” June frowned.

“Cyprian and I think the Jurou Biljana are somewhere nearby, to control the weapons and observe the blood bath, but not so close they’d be easily spotted.”

“Cause that would ruin Feroze’s plans,” Giselle snarled, startling the baby in her arms. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she instantly apologized to Graca, while also tugging Sabin closer.

Riley cringed when she realized the boy had been hovering near Giselle’s shoulder listening to their dismal conversation. Sabin was big for an eleven-year-old, and he stood looking as stoic as the other adults. She’d forgotten he was truly just a child. Graca was too young to remember any of this, but Riley hoped Sabin wasn’t permanently traumatized.

Metcor, Sundara’s giant gray Toufik mate, made a series of gestures, and Riley wished she understood the sign language the silent hairy people used.

“That is a good idea,” Sundara said to Metcor. “Metcor thinks the Jurou Biljana are likely hiding near that rise. It’s a good vantage point.” Sundara pointed out the window to a forested peak beyond the cane fields. “Since none of the drones are after the Toufik, he wants to send his clan to hunt the reptiles down.”

“You can’t just destroy the controller. That won’t call off the orbs,” Riley informed them, as she tried to recall what had been said about the weapon. “Dammit, there was a phrase that halts the spheres.”

Riley wracked her brain as she tried to remember what the Verrater demonstrating the weapon said. There was something amusing about the phrase, but her brain refused to dredge up the foreign words.

“It’s okay. You’ve been through a lot.” June wrapped her arms around Riley.

“I’m going with you. I’ll remember the phrase,” Riley informed Metcor.

“Then I’m going too,” Sundara said. “I’ll translate for you.”

“You don’t think I’m going to let you two go alone, do you?” June gripped Riley’s hand wearing a concerned frown.

Metcor gestured to June and the other ladies, with a shake of his head.

“Metcor says no. He and Fire are going to have to carry us on their backs, to cover ground quickly. He’s not really pleased that we’re going, but since Riley is familiar with the weapon he’ll allow it.”

“I can run pretty fast, you know. I kicked ass in basic training,” Providence protested.

Metcor gave Providence a stern look, scrunching his furry broad nose.

“Ladies, I’ve seen the Toufik hunt, first hand. They’re swifter than the Cadi. As much as I hate to admit it, we’d only slow them down,” Giselle said to June and Providence.

“Fine,” June frowned in concern as she gave Riley and Sundara a hug, before reluctantly stepping back.

“We’ll be fine. You know Metcor won’t let anything happen,” Sundara encouraged June, before going with Metcor to gather up the other Toufik in the warehouse.

“Be safe.” Vivina hugged Riley so tight she almost couldn’t breathe.

“I will.” Riley didn’t mention she’d probably been in worse danger, and just enjoyed the affection Vivina wanted to offer.

“I know you haven’t agreed to join our family, but I want you to know this old warrior is proud of you - all of you brave females.” Rark placed his fist on his chest as he gave a deep bow.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Riley was so touched by everyone, she had to look away for fear of tearing up. Things had been shitty for so long. And the situation with Cyprian was the cherry on top of that crap sundae. But Riley found herself surrounded by wonderful caring people. Even Cyprian genuinely cared about her safety.

Merely thinking about the overbearing man made her womb cramp with need. She felt painfully empty. Riley was glad she had another task to distract herself. It had taken everything in her power to shove the gnawing heat from Cyprian’s little nip to a low roar. She’d be in a world of hurt if the man had really bitten down, giving her a full dose of that maddening drug. Riley shook her head before she spiraled further down that rabbit hole. She didn’t know what to do about the man.

“The sooner we get going, the sooner this is over.” Riley headed for the door.

“This is Fire,” Sundara introduced a ruddy Toufik man.

The color of Fire’s fur reminded Riley of Speck. She was glad the tiny bit of fluff was safely ensconced in the villa.