Beast Planet 1: Captive Surrender by Angela Castle Page A

black much like the Zakiu .
    “Those are Fraxi , from the red planet...” Morrdrook nodded towards the red aliens. “… others are Gillip , home planet covered in large waters.”
    It explained the webbing and gills. Filing in behind us came more Zakiu , holding their women’s hands tightly. Morrdrook walked me over to a seating area, against a far wall, with benches similar to those in the meal room. A few other human women were sitting together. Catching me around the waist, he lifted me, gently placing me on the bench. Even with my height, my feet dangled a few inches off the ground.
    “Stay here, I come get you when practice over.” He pointed to the end of the room where I saw a long trough of water, hanging on hooks were more of the jug-like cups. “If you thirst.”
    “Morrdrook,” greeted a Zakiu , who approached holding tightly to a little redhead woman, her blue eyes wide as she stared between Morrdrook and me.
    “My little flame, sit with your female.”
    “A good thought, Nular , my Aunna not alone now. Remember stay.”
    “I know, I know, stay put, got it.” He nodded, turned and strode towards a small group of Zakiu standing by the weapon racks.
    Nular scooped up the redhead placing her next to me and followed after Morrdrook.
    I smiled at her. “Hi, I’m Anna.”
    “Abigail, or Abby, I guess it doesn’t matter, does it?” Her Irish accent came though clearly. She had clear, pale skin and cute, youthful features with freckles across the bridge of her nose.
    “Of course , it matters. So, how’s your guy working out?” My gaze wandered back to where Morrdrook stood with his arms folded, making his arm and shoulder muscles bulge.
    “Oh, for a big alien fighter, he’s kind of sweet, even if he does scare the shite out of me most the time.”
    I turned my focus back to Abby and smiled. “Yeah, mine too ; heck I’m a big girl, but he makes me feel very small.”
    “Australian, right?”
    “Got it in one, Irish?”
    “Dublin, guess those fuckin ’ Druel snatched us up from all over Earth.”
    “ Nular told you why we’re here?”
    “Yes.” Abby’s blue eyes saddened. “Told me mum I never wanted a man or a baby, was studying to be a doctor, you know, before the fuckin ’ Druel plucked me from the university’s grounds, walking back from med class.”
    I slipped my arm around her, while tears welled in her eyes, spilling over her cheeks. “Guess those plans are fucked now.” She swiped at her tears. “So, what did you do back on Earth? How were you taken?”
    “I’m a remedial therapist, worked in a small clinic in Melbourne. I was at home with my flat mate. They crashed right through our window. Sandy, my flat mate … she… she didn’t make it past the Druel screening.
    Abby hugged me back. I laughed, humorlessly . “I’m sorry, Anna.”
    “Yeah, me too, I guess the universe beyond our planet is one fucked up place.”
    Abby laughed. “At least the fucking is one thing I can’t complain about.”
    We both giggled, watching each other blush.
    “What the hell are you two sniggering about?”
    Both Abby and I t urned to see Joan being placed onto the bench next to us. From Makkiu’s grim expression, I knew Joan was still being difficult.
    “Fucking.” Abby didn’t miss a beat. I snorted out a laugh. Abby giggled. Joan glared.
    “Got the langue thing sorted out?” I smiled up at Makkiu .
    “Talk good now.” He seemed hesitant to leave her, and then glanced at Abby and me. “Watch her for me, Aunna ?”
    Joan glared at Makki u . “Why you asking them!”
    “They good, obey. You will stay here, no wander off, mine Joan.”
    “Yeah, whatever.” She waved her hand dismissively at him. He growled low, turned and stalked away.
    “You shouldn’t be so hard on the guy; he’s as much a slave here as we are.” Abby glared at Joan.
    “Shut up, Irish, haven’t you figured out we’re worse than slaves? Druel brought us here to be fuck toys to overgrown, meat heads.