Gigi Read online

  Briq entered his small cabin and walked to the far end of the room. After pulling on a latch, a hidden compartment slid out. He reached in, took out a glass bottle and sat on the platform. He leaned back and brought the bottle up, squirting two drops into each eye.

  The effect of the drug was instant, spreading from his head down his body. The feeling of euphoria was quickly followed by one of total peace. Before sinking into oblivion, Briq’s last thought was how he hated the monster he’d become, and the chemical dependency that kept it at bay.

  Chapter Three

  Briq’s Prize

  Gigi came to in a strange place with bright lights shining directly in her eyes. She remembered vaguely the odd sensation before passing out. There was something else that eluded her memory, something she should remember. Still trying to make sense of what happened. She heard a voice. Her first reaction had been resignation. This was her punishment for killing Davide.

  A huge shadow fell across her body, blocking the light. The creature, until then only a disembodied voice, came in to full view. She looked at it, remembering the demon she’d seen before everything had faded. This wasn’t possible, not real. She screamed, trying to get off the table and run away.

  Next time Gigi woke up in the midst of loud noises and growls. Above her, lights shone bright. She heard the familiar sound of cheers. She couldn’t understand some of the words, but she was surrounded by strange creatures.

  Abruptly, the room grew silent. The announcer’s voice seemed to come from all around her. Was I booked for a show and forgot? Gigi shook her head, trying to clear it. She remembered something the strange creature had said shortly before she’d passed out. I’m in another galaxy about to die. Maybe this is the real version of hell. Pity I never knew real love.

  “Hear all, our next fight is no holds barred. Winner takes all. To make it more interesting, it’ll be last creature standing. This is a fight to the death. There will be no reprieve granted. So place your bets, sign up for the fight or get the hell out. Oh, one more thing. A good friend has offered a rare creature to sweeten the pot. He assured me this lovely is the only one of its kind. The winner takes her. Yes, you heard me. It’s a female. Let the carnage begin!”

  Oh, sweet mother of God. She was to become a prize for the winning demon. Gigi panicked, trying to get up. Guilty or not, she had to get out of this place. She tried to step forward only to have something tighten around her neck.

  Confused, she reached up, noticing the collar for the first time. She took another step, but it squeezed even more. Gasping, she fell to her knees. The more she struggled, the tighter it got.

  Too late, she grasped what was happening. Creatures out of a Hollywood movie surrounded her. Some of them had tentacles, others furry bodies, some looked like cats…and so on. Her eyes were drawn to the most fearsome of them. His eyes glowed yellow. His skin had texture like small scales that changed colors. It was his face that surprised her. It looked totally human. She found him attractive in a strange way.

  The creatures fought at the pit master’s command, biting, hitting and grunting. Gigi shook in horror, not knowing what to expect. The reptilian warrior was the most aggressive of all, plowing into the crowd of fighters, killing them without any effort.

  His eyes took on a feral quality, and his voice was raspy. A low rumble emanated from his chest. The ones foolish enough to engage him ended up in a pile, which grew larger by the minute. Others tried to run, but he gave chase, slicing through them with two sharp spikes growing out of his arms.

  The number of contenders dwindled. Gigi feared once they were gone he’d turn on her. Every time one of the creatures came too close, he’d cut them down—literally. There was so much gore. Some of them bled but others oozed some kind of gunk.

  A pattern emerged. The reptilian warrior seemed to be working with another blue one with horns. Her suspicion was confirmed when a giant tentacle creature reached out to grab her. Like a well-oiled machine they enclosed her.

  The tentacle creature moved as if to retreat, and made a grab for her at the last second. Reptilian warrior jumped about ten feet into the air, striking the scary-looking beast. Gigi screamed as it landed in two halves on the floor.

  As if sensing her fear, the big reptilian warrior turned to look at her. No one had ever looked at her like that. His eyes changed in a second from glowing rage to anguish to shame. At that precise instant, she knew he’d protect her, even risking his own life.

  Her thoughts were a jumble, and her heart raced. One thing came clear—he’d become her champion. He’d die for her, kill with his bare hands for her. She wasn’t sure how she knew, but instinct told her their fates were intertwined forever.

  These things were wild beasts, fighting to the death. She wasn’t sure if he’d win. Her father had once told her music could soothe the wild beast. If it was her time to die, she wanted to go doing something she loved.

  She closed her eyes and sang. Her voice came out stronger than ever before. Everyone was silent by the time she finished her favorite aria. Gigi opened her eyes and looked around the pit, surprised. Everyone sat or stood in a trance-like state. Her champion didn’t waste any time. He quickly disposed of most of the remaining fighters.

  It was brutal, but she was too terrified to care. He dropped to kneeling in front of her. The crowd came out of their trance, chanting, “Briq, Briq, Briq.” That was his name. Briq.

  “Release her to me,” he demanded.

  “You haven’t won her yet. There are still two warriors left.”

  “I’ll not kill them, but I’ll kill you if you don’t release her.”

  “Then you forfeit the fight and your claim.”

  Different emotions played across his face. Was he going to walk away, leaving her at the mercy of the two remaining challengers? She didn’t have time to think. Briq turned his head and talked to a furry creature that was coming out of his trance.

  “I’ll spare your life if you unlock her collar.”

  “Done,” the furry critter replied as he reached inside his pocket.

  He took out a glowing-looking medallion, then placed it on top her collar. It came off with a loud click. Instantly her feet left the ground. Startled, Gigi reached out, placing her arms around Briq’s neck.

  “Please don’t be scared,” he whispered in a low raspy voice. “I’ll die before I see you harmed.”

  “I know. I’m not scared, at least not anymore. Thanks for saving me.”

  What she did next was still perplexing. She leaned over and kissed his lips. I must be crazy, but my champion deserves a boon. She’d never been so bold or given to impulse. Kissing him felt right. Being in his arms felt like home.

  She couldn’t deny the strong attraction she had for him. She was also aware he wasn’t human, but she didn’t care. For some unfathomable reason, she felt safe with this magnificent creature from a fantasy realm. Briq.

  * * * *

  T’zaal came to after what seemed like an eternity. The female from Earth was more valuable than he’d previously thought. He’d tensed as she’d made those sounds with her voice. They’d penetrated through his exoshell, making it vibrate. It’d been so powerful he’d orgasmed. As a scientist, he understood it wasn’t sexual attraction. Her voice had stimulated his shell to produce pulsations.

  He wanted to study her vocal abilities more indepth. She could become a powerful weapon against both Pendo’rahns and Kreeh-noshians. He might be able to use her voice to manipulate anyone into compliance. He needed more time with her.

  The words she’d used to make the sounds weren’t the same one she’d spoken. He’d synced the language with the pit’s emitters. Any creature with a standard translator was able to understand her. He needed to review the holovid and cross reference this new one.

  T’zaal snapped off the pit master’s head, then yanked the holovid module from the console. He couldn’t allow this information to fall into the wrong hands. There was only one standing in his way—Briq. He
’d taken the female with him just as he’d expected. The rage he’d witnessed today had been tempered by Briq’s sense of protectiveness. It was a good sign.

  His theory had proven correct. The female’s pheromones were powerful. He’d seen the instant attraction in Briq’s eyes. The beast had awakened. Now he’d wait for nature to take its course. T’zaal would prove once and for all even the mighty Briq was a slave to biology. Phase one of his plans, Briq, completed. Phase two, Pendo’rah.

  T’zaal activated bio sensors to pick up the Earth female’s bio-signature. He’d implanted her with a combination neuro-translator-bio sensor. He’d known Briq would win her and take her to either Trac’xian or Galadonia.

  The patch-up he’d performed on her heart was temporary. Her condition would be showing up soon. T’zaal counted on it. He knew the closest inhabited planet was Galadonia. It fit perfectly with his plan since they lacked advanced technology. The planet was a useless frozen rock barely worth a second look. Its occupants were strong, but cold and unappetizing.

  * * * *

  Briq and Xy docked with station U-349. Briq placed his palm on the station’s holo-screen and paid the docking fees. They were exorbitant, but the security offered was the best money could buy. It was a necessary expense. He was wanted by both the Kreeh-nosh and Protectorate.

  This part of the asteroid belt was configured to act as a berth for ships whose crew preferred to stay on board. For big spenders and flashier types, there were hotels that catered to every taste in the twin galaxies. The larger asteroid was home to luxury hotels, rivaling those on Pendo’rah or even K’luk.

  The largest hotel featured an orgy every hour. Xy loved to join the activities for hours on end. Briq found the place distasteful. The idea of copulating in front of many was unsettling. He tried to avoid female contact until strictly necessary. Even then, the concept of paying someone for copulation was disgusting. He’d never paid for sexual favors in the past. That was a lifetime ago. He’d accepted the fact, like so many others, he needed to pay for flesh.

  “I know the answer is no, but you’re more than welcome to come with me,” Xy said.

  “Ugh, the thought of watching you riding countless females bare-assed isn’t appealing.”

  “Hey, not fair. Sometimes I let them ride me.” Xy answered with an irreverent smile.

  “True, yet still disturbing. I’ll find the fight pit schedule and contact you. I need to see my supplier. Perhaps after the fights I’ll seek a female.”

  Xy left in search of the pleasures many females would bring. They didn’t say another word at the mention of the supplier or the product she offered. The Jog’nafan supplier was one of the best chemists in three quadrants. When Jog’naf had been ravaged by the Kreeh-nosh, most of the survivors had taken refuge in the badlands. Their race was related to the Quiinlyx, but they didn’t like each other.

  Briq had met her during a particularly violent fight in the pit. After killing about thirty creatures from all parts of the galaxy, the rage had lingered. The chemist had approached him with an offer. She’d asked for blood samples and a full scan. In exchange she synthetized a chemical inhibitor to control his rage.

  Briq had agreed, because he could barely function or think once the rage was upon him. He depended on his friend, Xy, to keep him safe. After completing the scans and running his blood samples, Lo’prus had manufactured a formula that gave him a temporary reprieve.

  “Briq, I think the adjustments I made will allow you longer periods between outbursts. I need before and after samples. Don’t leave the badlands without providing me fresh ones.”

  “You can take one now. Last time I took it was thirty-six hours ago. I’m going to the pit tonight. I’ll take the new formula after the fights. I’ll send a messenger with the samples then.”

  “You aren’t coming after the fights? I need a fresh sample.”

  “I’ll take the inhibitor and send you the sample via messenger, Lo’prus.”

  “I see. Are you going to visit a surrogate?”

  “Yes, I haven’t been with one in months. If your new formula works, this might change my sex life.”

  “Very well, as long as you get me a fresh sample.” She sounded disappointed, but knew better than to insist.

  Briq took the case containing the glass bottles. The inhibitor was very expensive, and ate away his funds. Lo’prus made it clear she’d lower her prices in exchange for sex. He refused, claiming he didn’t mix business with pleasure.

  The truth was she revolted him. Females of other races didn’t appeal to him. The only exceptions were the Trac’xians. He took them from behind with no foreplay or pleasantries. He didn’t talk to them before or after.

  If only he could be with a female of his own kind. He knew they wouldn’t come to him. The females didn’t have sex outside their race. His blood wasn’t pure. The Kreeh-nosh had genetically altered him. He didn’t know how extensive the changes were. Every time he looked in a mirror, a stranger looked back. He hated his new form so much he’d taken a new name.

  With a longer-lasting inhibitor, he could take more assignments. He planned to go back to the Zoa’al System and scout for leads. The farther away from the main trade routes, the fewer the jobs. Smuggling in the outer rims of the system could get him killed. He didn’t worry about it. His ship was recognized by all. No one dared attack him.

  Xy wanted to split the cost of a newer, faster cruiser, but he’d turned him down. He refused to rely on others, even when they owed him their lives. The Galadonian prince had offered sanctuary on his home planet, but Briq was out for revenge. There was a war still going on. While no longer actively part of it, he planned to be a thorn in the Kreeh-nosh’s side. In the end, it hadn’t mattered. Xy’s people had been horrified by the changes done to their prince.

  T’zaal had used Briq’s DNA to alter Xy. The changes to his best friend were taboo in Galadonia. Xy’s sexual organs were now permanently out, marking him as a male. Briq couldn’t return home and Xy had been rejected by his own. They made a pact back then to always look out for each other like brothers. Briq changed his name after the ancient word for forsaken while Xy chose Xy‘fius, outcast in the Galadonian language. They’d settled into a routine of smuggling, fight pits and spying.

  After eating a seven-course meal at his favorite establishment, Briq headed for the pit. He planned on entering three of the five main fights. If there was time, he could join a private one. The last of the main fights was the most important. It offered a large amount of credits. It was a solo fight. Teams weren’t allowed. Xy would have to enter as another contestant. They’d join forces during the fight and split the price as usual.

  “Nice of you to finally show up.” Xy greeted him with a wide grin. “I was about to start without you.”

  “What happened? Getting too old to handle three orgies? By my calculations, you barely lasted two.”

  “Ah, my friend. Who needs a public orgy when three Trac’xian and a Labonian took such good care of me?”

  “Let’s hope that takes care of your libido for a couple hours.”

  “I’m good. What about you? Did Lo’prus throw herself at you again? You know, I can take her off your hands any time.”

  “No, she knows the nature of our arrangement. She takes all the samples she needs and I get all the inhibitors she can synthetize.”

  “There’s that and the fact she repulses you.”

  “Repulse is a strong word. I don’t find her appealing that’s all.”

  “My friend, when the urge is great any female will do. You still have all the prejudice of your previous life. You want my advice? More frackking will lessen your rage.”

  Just then the pit master announced the first match. Briq and Xy split up, entering the arena from different points. The matches were no challenge for Briq, who for the most part just tossed aside opponent after opponent. By the end of the second match, his rage built. If the last match proved as easy as this one, he’d have to enter a privat
e one to keep it under control.

  The private fights were more violent, but also more expensive. In the public arena anyone could enter by paying a small fee, then sharing in the credits earned based on the bets. He wanted to enjoy a female tonight, and he hoped the improved formula didn’t cloud his pleasure.

  His bloodlust rose. Briq signaled Xy to be ready with the inhibitor. One dose might not be enough. So much for enjoying a female tonight. If the third fight was as easy as the previous ones, he’d have to postpone it until tomorrow.

  “Attention, fighters. Clear the pit. We’ll resume the matches momentarily. I repeat, everyone clear out.”

  “What’s that all about? We’ve never cleared out after a fight before,” Xy said on his way out.

  “I don’t know, but it must be pretty important. Look at the holovid. The bets are getting larger.”

  “Hear all. Our next fight is no holds barred. Winner takes all. To make it more interesting it’ll be last creature standing. This is a fight to the death. There will be no reprieve granted. So place your bets, sign up for the fight or get the hell out. Oh, one more thing. A good friend has offered a rare creature to sweeten the pot. He assured me this lovely is the only one of its kind. The winner takes her. Yes, you heard me. It’s a female. Let the carnage begin!”

  A spotlight was directed at a small unconscious form on the floor. Briq’s rage grew even more. Someone had offered a female youngling as a prize. He’d kill the bastard after freeing her. No one was going to get their hands on her.

  The little one stirred, coming to. Her scent reached Briq, evoking long-forgotten memories. He took all of her in with one hurried gulp. She was very small, but her scent wasn’t of a youngling. She smelled like a fully-developed female. Her hair was a bright red color he’d once seen burning in a star. Ula’ah mor’u.

  “Calm down. You don’t want to scare her, do you?” Xy cautioned.