Zealot

Zealot

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Copyright © 2015 Cyndi Friberg

Cover art by Dar Albert

Editor: Mary Moran

Electronic Book Publication, November 2015

Trade Paperback Publication, November 2015

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Version 1D

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Zealot

Cyndi Friberg

Battle Born, Book Three: When a man claiming to be an alien walks into Indigo’s wellness emporium, she isn’t really surprised. She was raised on stories of a fierce alien race that secretly interacts with humans. Still, hearing the stories and coming face-to-face with an alien are two very different things.

Zilor Nox is sent to Earth to recruit a psychic healer, but he finds so much more in Indigo. She’s wild, passionate, and genetically compatible with him—as well as seventy-three other warriors. He wasn’t looking for a mate, but now that he’s found her, he has no intention of letting her go. And there’s no way he’s losing her to one of her other suitors.

Indigo has spent most of her adult life downplaying her abilities, so when Zilor offers her the opportunity to help Chandar, a woman crippled by years of abuse, Indigo doesn’t hesitate. But shortly after Indigo and Zilor leave Earth the mating pull ignites and neither can think of anything but indulging the fire. Even after the passionate interlude, Indigo insists her only purpose for leaving Earth is to help Chandar. Zilor is just as determined to prove they are destined to be together. Unfortunately, there are seventy-three other warriors with exactly the same goal.

Table of Contents:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Coming Soon

Battle Born 1: Crusader

About the Author

Other Titles

Chapter One

You want to do what? Danvier looked up from his half-full plate for the first time since Zilor entered the cabin with the tray of food. They were aboard the Crusader, a mid-size Rodyte fighter currently concealed inside Earth’s moon. Danvier had been so worried about his sister, Chandar, and so riddled with guilt, that he’d barely left the room since their arrival two days before. Zilor understood his need for solitude, but it couldn’t go on indefinitely. It wasn’t healthy, it wasn’t helpful, and Chandar desperately needed their help.

Raina called Indigo this morning, but the conversation didn’t go as Raina expected, Zilor told him then laughed. That probably made no sense to you.

The past few days had been particularly hectic. Zilor and Danvier rushed to Earth from Rodymia, their home world, desperate to rescue Chandar from her tormentors. They’d expected a few hours, perhaps even a day to acclimate to the new situation before the mission began, but an opportunity developed before they’d even located their new quarters.

The rescue mission had been a success. Chandar was now safe, but her emotions were shattered by two years of abuse and her mind had been damaged by her captor’s clumsy attempt to wipe her memory. She needed a healer, someone capable of mending not just physical, but emotional injuries.

I’m still sleep deprived, Danvier warned. Start over and use small words.

Zilor slipped onto the chair across from Danvier and tried to encapsulate a four-hour meeting into succinct facts. Raina is Kotto’s mate. Indigo is her cousin. Kotto Tarr commanded the ship, but neither Zilor nor Danvier were technically part of his crew. They were on special assignment and answered directly to the rebellion’s leader.

I’m with you so far. Danvier picked up his mug of civata brew and took a sip of the fragrant beverage. With a strong, nutty flavor and an even more stimulating effect, the hot drink was the Rodyte equivalent of coffee.

Their mothers are identical twins, Zilor continued, so it’s more than likely Indigo has the protein marker.

Sudden interest sparked in Danvier’s eyes. The all-important protein marker. Zilor knew what the marker meant, but he had no idea how or why some microscopic speck in a female’s blood could reveal so much about her. Females with the marker were human/Rodyte hybrids and only hybrids could survive the transformation needed to free the magic inside battle born males. The transformation was triggered by the mating bond, so each eligible female had to agree to bond with a battle born male. In return they’d receive a longer life, better health and the chance to interact with a race of beings far more advanced than their own. Locating, and eventually recruiting, these females was the primary reason for the battle born’s presence on, or should he say near, Earth. But there was still much to do before the rebel leaders were ready to make a formal announcement.

Is Indigo aware that she has alien blood? Danvier asked then continued eating.

It’s possible, though not probable, Zilor said. Their maternal grandmother is a descendant of Rodyte refugees and she was also the captive of a Rodyte warrior. She was very vocal about what happened to her, but her family didn’t believe her wild stories.

Typical. Danvier speared a piece of fruit with his fork as he asked, If it’s almost a sure thing that Indigo has the protein marker, why don’t you just grab her and bring her back here?

If she’s just a potential mate, all of this can wait until Lunar 9 is operational, Zilor explained. Renovating the outpost was the primary focus for the Crusader’s crew and they were making remarkable progress. Everyone agrees that having unmated females on the ship is too disruptive. But Indigo also claims to be a psychic healer. It’s that claim we need to verify.

Danvier paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. She might be able to help Chandar? Hope warred with regret, making Danvier’s expression heartrending.

Chandar was a female harbinger, a treasure beyond price. With varying degrees of clairvoyance and prophetic abilities, harbingers were always coveted. Females were stronger than males and those born with their abilities, as opposed to those genetically altered, were even more powerful. Chandar was organic and female, so she’d been awarded by their planet’s ruler, bestowed on one of his favorites like a parcel of land. And so began her two-year sentence in hell’s outer ring.

Has Indigo worked with victims of violence before? Danvier’s expressionless mask dropped back into place. He was also an organic harbinger, nearly as powerful as his sister, which was part of the reason he was so haunted by her abuse. He should have seen the danger, should have been able to protect her from harm.

That’s what Raina was trying to find out this morning, Zilor told him, but Indigo was downright hostile.

Why?

Zilor made a face. Complications were frustrating, but it took more than an unforeseen twist to deter Zilor from his chosen course. Apparently, Raina left a message for her mother explaining that she would be out of town for a few days, but the mother never received the message. So the mother called Indigo terrified that something horrible had happened to Raina. A family tragedy has made everyone overly sensitive about that sort of thing. Anyway, when Raina called this morning, Indigo was too busy lecturing her about her selfish and inconsiderate behavior to answer any of Raina’s questions. Raina said she’d give Indigo a day or two to calm down and then call again. Zilor waited for Danvier to meet his gaze before he added, I don’t think we should wait. The situation with Chandar is too volatile.

"So we fly the Phantom to Indigo’s location, then what? Danvier pushed the tray aside. Garin has made his expectations clear. Every female must participate willingly. No exceptions. And everyone must sign the six-month contract and agree to the nondisclosure clause before they’re allowed access to any of the ships or off-world facilities."

General Garin Nox was Zilor’s oldest brother and head of the rebellion. There were certain things the Nox brothers could get away with because of their connection to the general. Disobeying a direct order was not one of them.

Zilor rubbed his chin as he plotted. They needed something dramatic yet focused. Most of all, it needed to be definitive. You can pretend to mug her and I’ll rush in and rescue her. I’ll hibernate my medi-bots and allow you to injure me. Then we’ll see if she uses her powers to help me.

Danvier scoffed, but amusement gleamed in his silver-ringed eyes. Why don’t I play hero while you terrorize the fair maiden?

Because even in jeans and a T-shirt, you’re going to stand out in any crowd. Zilor motioned toward Danvier’s long sliver braid. The length of a harbinger’s hair signified the accuracy of their predictions. If a harbinger didn’t produce at least one verifiable prediction each year, they were required to cut their hair. Danvier’s hair had never been cut. Even braided, it easily reached his hips. The only hope we have is to cover you in some sort of cloak and that will make you look sinister.

Fine, the harbinger grumbled. You play hero—as usual. No one would believe you capable of evil anyway. You’re too damn pretty.

Zilor ignored the urge to glare. Females found him attractive. They always had. He was the first to admit he enjoyed the attention, most of the time, but his symmetrical features and larger-than-average frame could also be a hindrance. Other males often found him threatening or refused to take him seriously. He spent way too much time and effort proving himself to others when all he really wanted was to be judged by his actions rather than his appearance.

Or I can just talk to her, explain what’s going on and ask for her help. Zilor shrugged with an indifference he didn’t feel. He really needed a chance to work off some aggression and even a pretend fight would be better than nothing. All Indigo really needs to know is the nature of Chandar’s injuries. If Indigo can’t help, then there’s no reason to involve her right now.

Danvier thought for a moment then shook his head. It’s almost a given that she has the protein marker, so it’s only a matter of time before she’s involved. As for her power, or lack thereof, she might not be honest with a stranger. I think we need to test her.

I’m so glad you said that. Zilor stood so fast his chair toppled. He deftly righted it just before it hit the deck. If I have to sit through another meeting, I’ll go insane.

Speaking of which, how was all of this left during the briefing? Do you have permission to go after her?

You know how I feel about that subject. A mischievous smile spread across his face.

Danvier shook his head with a soft groan. You’d rather beg forgiveness than ask permission?

Exactly. Zilor could barely contain his enthusiasm. He loved challenges and challenges involving attractive females were his absolute favorite.

One of these days your motto is going to land us both in the brig.

Maybe, my friend, but today is not that day!

* * * * *

I don’t like leaving you here alone.

The worry in her mother’s voice made Indigo smile. She might have left childhood far behind, but part of her mother would always see her as a little girl. The crisis with Raina was a false alarm. There’s nothing to worry about. She came out from behind the counter and took her mother’s hand. I’ve been closing this shop for seven years and there has never been a problem.

It just doesn’t feel right. Laura shook her head and the silver strands threaded through her short auburn hair shimmered.

Indigo had learned to trust her mother’s feelings a long time ago. Sometimes Laura would see specific images, but more often it was just an impression, an undefined foreboding that wouldn’t let go. We can close up early. Monday nights tend to be slow anyway. Their regular customers knew Holistic Wellness Zone was a family-owned business. An occasional deviation from the established schedule wouldn’t drive them away.

Laura closed her eyes and stilled. Indigo had seen her mother do this countless times before, but she still wasn’t sure exactly what happened when her mother started drifting like this. Laura had tried to explain what it felt like, but Indigo wasn’t sure she’d ever understand something she couldn’t experience for herself. Laura called it scanning. It was a concentration technique, a sort of external vision quest.

Anything? She waited until her mother opened her eyes to ask.

Laura shook her head. I guess I’m still unnerved by Raina’s disappearance.

It was all a misunderstanding, Indigo reminded. She never really disappeared.

I know, but anything that upsets Lynette upsets me.

Lynette was her mother’s twin sister and the two had always been incredibly close. Raina called her mom as soon as I finished reading her the riot act. If Aunt Lynette can forgive her, we should too.

I will. Laura’s chin came up and annoyance flashed in her light brown eyes. Just not yet.

Indigo smiled then cringed. Mom, I can’t close early. Pam Winstrom is going to swing by about six forty-five to pick up her order. She called ahead and paid over the phone so she can just grab the package and go.

Pam’s a great customer. Lynette sighed. You’re right. You have to stay. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable with the outcome. I’ll reschedule with NuetraCourt, then I can stay here with you.

Absolutely not. It took us five months to get this appointment. We are not going back to the end of the line. She paused and searched her mother’s gaze. Unless you’re sure there’s a reason and it doesn’t sound like you are.

It’s just a faint warning. I can’t make it more distinct.

Then go. Call me as soon as the meeting is over and let me know how it went. NuetraCourt produced several of the most popular dietary supplements on the market. If they could land a distributorship, it would be a serious coup for their store.

All right. Her mother gave in with a dramatic sigh. I’ll turn my phone to vibrate, but I’m not turning it off. If there is anything unusual, text me. Anything at all.

I will, but there won’t be. You’re just wigged out because you’re in a business suit.

Laura looked down at her uncharacteristic outfit and laughed. You might be right. This feels so strange.

Oddly enough, you look really nice. They’ll have no idea that they’re dealing with a hippie.

A musical laugh revealed her free spirit even if her conservative outfit didn’t. Mimi was a hippie. I’m a product of the New Age movement. She winked and her smile turned knowing. A star child to the end.

On the surface, her mother referenced the 1970s, Ziggy Stardust and Dark Side of the Moon. But Indigo understood the deeper meaning, the truth they acknowledged yet seldom spoke about. If her grandmother’s stories were true—and Indigo and Laura both believed they were—Laura’s father had been a Rodyte, a ruthless warrior from a distant star system. The tragic part was, Mimi had passed away before Laura’s gift engaged, so Mimi died thinking no one believed her, that everyone thought she was lost in her own delusions.

After giving her daughter a quick hug, Laura headed out the shop’s back door. Curbside parking was scarce in this part of Boulder, so they parked behind the building, leaving the limited spaces out front for their customers. The store wasn’t large, but it was well-organized, and their location just off the Pearl Street Mall ensured plenty of foot traffic.

Indigo pulled her phone out of her pocket and woke up the screen. It was 5:52, so she had almost an hour to kill before Pam Winstrom dropped by. A large delivery had arrived that morning, so she decided to unpack and inventory the contents. She’d been trying to convince her mother to hire an assistant for months. During their peak hours, the help would be a godsend, but there were just as many times like this when it really wasn’t necessary to have two employees, much less three.

As she busied herself with the inventory, her mind began to wander. When Raina called that morning, she’d sounded odd, anxious, as if she needed something for which she was hesitant to ask. Indigo had been too angry for explanations, but now that her temper had cooled, she was curious. She pulled out her phone and activated Raina’s number. The call went right to voicemail, so Indigo just hung up. It was too soon to let her off the hook anyway. Raina should know better than scaring her loved ones to death.

She turned back to the stacked boxes and continued unpacking the newly arrived items. Mundane tasks always unleashed Indigo’s imagination, but lately her daydreams had taken on unusual themes. She considered herself a free spirit, like her mother and grandmother. So why were her dreams and fantasies filled with scenes of domestic bliss, a doting husband and energetic kids, backyard barbeques and lavish Christmas mornings?

With a frustrated sigh, she forced the speculation to the back of her mind. Unfortunately, the restlessness remained. She felt as if something important was missing from her life and she couldn’t understand the discontent. She did not need a man to complete her. The concept went against everything she’d been taught, everything she’d claimed since puberty.

She squared her shoulders and refocused on her surroundings. She was an entrepreneur, a successful business woman who answered to no one and directed her own path. A white picket fence had never been in her future. She was too unconventional and too stubborn to share her life with any man. Besides, she’d never encountered a man impressive enough to tempt her from her wicked ways. A smile curved her lips as the final thought renewed her determination.

The front door opened and Indigo looked over the shoulder-high display cases, hoping Pam Winstrom was running ahead of schedule. Instead, a stranger entered the shop, a tall, dark, jaw-dropping stranger. Mile-wide shoulders gave way to biceps that stretched the material of his T-shirt. The display cases blocked her view from mid-chest down, but what she could see was certainly impressive.

Impressive enough to tempt you from your wicked ways? Her inner voice mocked as her heart thudded wildly in her chest.

She dragged her gaze to his face with a guilty smile. If a man had stared at her body the way she’d just ogled this stranger, she’d have called him on his rude behavior. But his features weren’t any less distracting. With a strong jawline and sculpted cheekbones, well-shaped nose and sensual lips, handsome was an inadequate description of his appeal. This man was stunning.

Hi there. She recovered enough to sound almost professional. Are you after something specific or would you just like to look around?

He moved to the end of the aisle, likely to get a better look at her. It was only fair, after all. She hadn’t been the least bit subtle about her visual inspection. His movements were fluid and strong, surprisingly graceful despite his size. Muscular men tended to lumber. This man…stalked like a mighty lion patrolling the Serengeti.

My profession requires optimum fitness and stamina. I’m always looking for new health aids. His eyes were so dark they didn’t look real.

Fitness and stamina? Her guilty smile spread into a flirtatious grin. That made him sound like a gigolo. Or was that just her naughty mind wanting to turn him into her own private toy? She wasn’t in the market for a husband, but a scorching affair with a mysterious stranger was much more appealing than inventory. Your accent is fascinating. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything quite like it before.

He walked toward her, his stride rolling. I’ve lived many places all over the world.

She moved in front of the stacked boxes, so nothing separated them. I was going to be polite, but now I have to know. What do you do for a living? Many women were intimidated by aggressive men. Indigo had always found them amusing. The more seductive they became, the more outrageously she flirted. It didn’t take long for them to realize she wasn’t impressed by their posturing and move on to more susceptible prey.

I do anything my employer requires of me. There was enough challenge in his deep tone to make the statement provocative.

A chuckle escaped her throat as she tilted her head to the side. The practiced motion sent her long hair swishing over her shoulder and across one of her breasts. What are your rates? I can think of all sorts of things I’d require of you.

This store’s nice, but I doubt you could afford me. Besides, you look like the sort of woman who can get most anything she wants with a wink and a smile.

She couldn’t decide if she was flattered or insulted, so she didn’t respond.

With a bold, yet careful motion, he reached out and caught a lock of her hair. He seemed fascinated by the colorful strands. She couldn’t blame him really. Her hair color changed with her mood and she’d been particularly moody lately. The waist-length mass was primarily cobalt blue, the same color as her eyes. But accent strands in teal and hot pink added contrast and dimension.

What’s your name? His deep voice flowed over the question as his fingers caressed her hair.

She searched his dark eyes as she debated what to tell him. This was a fitness emporium in a college town. Many of her customers were well-built and good looking, so why was so captivated by this one? Okay, maybe he took the concept a step or two farther than the others, but she was never at a loss for words. Never.

Do you want me to guess? He smiled and she waited for warmth to fill his eyes, but they remained endlessly dark, yet flat, shielded.

She eased her hair out of his light grasp and took a step back. Something wasn’t right here. She didn’t feel overtly threatened, but his appeal was fading the longer she looked into his emotionless eyes. I’ll give you a twenty dollar store credit if you get it right in three tries or less.

All right. He crossed his arms over his chest and visually swept her from head to toe. You’re obviously fond of color, but you don’t look like a Blue. Scarlett?

Sorry. That’s strike one. She held up her index finger.

Something less obvious then. How about Jade?

Strike two. She held up two fingers and couldn’t help but smile. This was too easy.

Hello, Indigo. He punctuated the taunt with a knee-melting smile.

She made a fist and glared at him. Someone told you.

I know your cousin Raina, he admitted. You don’t have to honor the bet.

A bet’s a bet. I was the one presuming I had you beat. Despite her offer, he didn’t seem interested in her merchandise. His gaze remained fixed on her. Raina didn’t mention you the last time I spoke with her. Of course, I didn’t give her much time to talk. Am I allowed to know your name, or are you on some secret mission?

His eyes narrowed and his lips pressed into a thin line. Secret mission? I thought you’d decided I was an escort.

If you know Raina, you’re not an escort. There’s simply no place on earth her path would cross with someone who makes a living having sex.

One of his eyebrows arched and he whispered, Maybe we didn’t meet on Earth.

Her heart lurched and she sucked in a breath as awareness sizzled around them. It was a joke. It had to be a joke. So why wasn’t he smiling? You don’t look like a professor. How’d you meet Raina?

The front door opened again, but the stranger blocked her view. Without turning around, he raised his hand and made a fist as if to signal the person behind him.

All she saw was a blur of black and then someone collided with the stranger’s back. He lunged forward, helplessly tackling Indigo as the force propelled him to the floor. His strong arms wrapped around her and he managed to twist so they landed on their sides. For one confusing instant, their bodies pressed together and their faces were so close she could feel his warm breath on her lips. But fear and anger tore through the pause, spoiling the moment of tingling awareness. He released her and sprang back to his feet, agile as an acrobat.

She huddled on the floor, instinctively drawing her knees toward her chest. What the hell was going on?

The tall stranger shouted in a language she didn’t understand, but the other man’s only response was a punch to the face. The first man bobbed fast enough to minimize the impact, which seemed to enrage his companion. The second man was half a head shorter than the first. The smaller man was mostly concealed by a black sweatshirt, stocking cap, and a pair of mirrored sunglasses.

Sunglasses retaliated with a spin kick that caught Tall Man in the