C.L. Scholey - Zuri's Zargonnii Warrior (Unearthly World # 2) by C.L. Scholey Page A

novelty.”
    “Her name is Zuri.”
    “Well, Zuri, Castian warriors covet human females because they wish to breed with you. The Gorgano want you dead. Tonans are heinous creatures. You are better off with us. But know this; we have females on our planet, you are not paramount to our existence or survival. Our world is untamed and dangerous. It would be better if you behave.”
    “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” Kobe asked feeling annoyed. There was no doubt in his mind as to why Citun was baiting Zuri. Citun was one of the few warriors who could dominate a Zargonnii female during the Holiday. No doubt with Zuri’s tiny size, his leader was feeling even more full of himself and his power. Zuri looked none too happy for a moment then her eyes brightened. Kobe frowned, if he had to admit it, she looked like a pintsized sinister creature. That her mouth had stopped its motion voluntarily meant she was plotting.
    Citun moved closer to Zuri to take her arm, no doubt assuming he had frightened her—Kobe wasn’t so certain he had. For a second, Citun placed a hand to his chest and Zuri slumped a little. Citun looked confused. Kobe guessed she was attacking him; he hoped she wouldn’t spew again. Kobe had to admit he was impressed as Citun looked a little like he was dancing. It took a lot to catch his leader by surprise. His hand rubbed now at his throat, then belly. Citun coughed.
    “What the hell?” Citun demanded as he repeatedly cleared his throat.
    “What do you mean? What’s wrong?” Kobe said and, turning slightly he chuckled.
    Once more Citun placed a hand to his chest. “I feel funny.”
    “You must be allergic to her.”
    “Allergic? Nonsense.”
    “It’s possible. You’re allergic to pet toffs.”
    “You are immune?”
    Kobe went close to Zuri and sniffed her. “Nothing,” he said smiling. “And as you know, I own a toff.”
    Citun belched. “This is nauseating, damned allergies. I guess she’ll have to stay with you for now; I can’t have her in my quarters. Make sure she’s kept secure. Females aren’t too intelligent, so she shouldn’t be a problem.”
    Zuri bristled and blasted him again, her eyes opened and closed with her effort. The little lines of hair on her eyelids fluttered. Her face was a mask of concentration. Citun belched loudly then rubbed at his ass. He spun around marching for the door, a hand to his chest. When Citun left, Zuri collapsed onto the floor. Her breath came in heaving gasps; mind battling had taken its toll. She was obviously exhausted, her limbs looked limp. Kobe knelt beside her as she held a hand to her head.
    “Now will you eat something? You need to regain your strength.” he said. He was impressed, she did have guts.
    Zuri nodded. “Water?” she said, panting.
    Kobe smiled; she had said the word in his language. She lacked the guttural capability but her word was clear enough. He guessed because she understood the Zargonnii language it wouldn’t take long for her to be communicating. He rose and returned to hand her a hard cup filled to the brim. She sipped it cautiously then chugged the rest.
    Zuri turned the cup in her hands when it was empty. She knocked her knuckles against it. She waved it at him.
    “Metal?”
    Kobe could see she struggled with the terminology but had done well. “No,” he replied. “Metal is a term for too many hard surfaces and flimsy. This is called nitride-eel. Any other type of component would shatter in a Zargonnii’s hands. Male Zargonnii are boisterous when we eat, and when we battle. What do humans use?”
    “A variety of things, but for eating utensils we have pottery, plastic, ceramic, glass, tin, copper, china, Styrofoam, even paper. Anything we can shape. Hmm, I’m guessing you would be the proverbial bull in a china shop.”
    “I don’t understand many of those words. Items on my planet are all nitride-eel. Made tough, hard, they last a lifetime and can be passed down for generations. Some is