Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(31)

Something is wrong.

Before Cyprian knew it, he’d taken several steps toward Riley, pushing past the crowd in his way. The movement caught her attention and she looked up, making eye contact with Cyprian. Her eyes were red and bloodshot. The forlorn expression on Riley’s face gripped Cyprian. He felt like someone had struck him in the gut. Cyprian was familiar enough with humans to know Riley was not okay. A dozen horrible scenarios about how she was being treated entered his mind. Cyprian glanced at the amphibian handler gripping Riley’s arm. A growl rolled through his chest before he could stop it.

“You need to step back,” the handler insisted.

“And you need to loosen your grip on the female,” he rumbled.

The amphibian reached for her weapon.

“I’m fine. Thank you,” Riley said with a wane smile.

The pair went about their way leaving Cyprian standing in the middle of the esplanade. He watched them head toward the viewing gallery, then glanced the opposite direction, where Adeoda had gone.

“Son of a metcor,” Cyprian growled as he followed Riley, instead of going after Adeoda.

Cyprian knew he had a duty to uphold, but couldn’t bear to let Riley out of his sight, not after witnessing her change in demeanor. The auction was in a few hours. He would purchase Riley, then get back to the rest of his mission.

Don’t worry little Manx, you’ll be safe soon.

As Cyprian stalked behind Riley and her handler, he noticed someone else was on a similar course. It was the large bony male with red eyes. The male’s armored head tilted in silent question when he saw the general. Cyprian’s brow rose. The bony male scowled, then continued toward the viewing gallery.

So, this is my competition, Cyprian thought. Keep dreaming, he silently challenged.

Cyprian payed the admission to get into the gallery, then worked his way to the edge of the stage occupied by Riley. The bony male took up a similar spot on the opposite side.

Cyprian’s handheld pinged.

“Vintor,” Cyprian answered.

“Still no luck finding the Miran Sona vessel,” Vintor growled in frustration. “This damn place has too many concourses.”

“I put a hold on going after Adeoda. I’m at the viewing gallery.”

“It’s a little early for the auction.”

“Yes, I know. I saw Riley. Something is wrong.”

“I think I may know what’s wrong. I looked at the catalog again and Exo is no longer listed.”

“What? Why?”

“I don’t know. His profile’s no longer there,” Vintor replied.

“This isn’t good.”

“When you buy Riley, we can find out if she knows what happened to him.”

Something occurred to Cyprian that he hadn’t thought of before. Once he rescued Riley, he’d still be posing as a smuggler. With all that was at risk, he wouldn’t be able to tell Riley his true mission. It was difficult enough for he and Vintor to maintain the charade.

“I don’t know if that will be possible,” Cyprian replied. “We can’t risk the mission falling apart till we get the information we need.”

“She’s going to be terrified thinking she’s a slave to some giant scarred warrior.” Vintor frowned into the handheld.

“I don’t like it any more than you do. But I doubt Riley is practiced at subterfuge. All it would take is one slip. I don’t know if she can bear the added burden on top of what she’s already suffered. Riley looks like she’s hanging on by a thread as it is.”

“I understand,” Vintor sighed. “Did you learn anything else?”

“Not really, but I have a strong suspicion the traitor is another regent.”

“Do you want me to handle Adeoda?” Vintor asked.

“Possibly. He’s wandering the main esplanade.”

“Alright,” Vintor said then cut off the transmission.

Riley danced with less verve than she had before. She was obviously sad. Cyprian wished he could do something to reassure her. As he was debating what he could do, a shadow fell across his shoulder.

“I thought I’d find you here.”

Cyprian turned to see Mave. He nodded to the reprobate, while attempting not to scowl.

“Checking out the goods one last time before you seal the deal?” Mave stared at Riley with a twisted grin.

“You could say that,” Cyprian replied.

The bastard had impeccable timing. There wasn’t much Cyprian could do to cheer Riley up with Mave present. Not if he wanted to maintain his heinous façade. A thought occurred to Cyprian as he watched Riley sway to the music. The time he’d spent around the three humans on Cadi had taught him a few things.