Engulf [New World Book 5] by C.L. Scholey

his fangs she might very well faint, so he refrained from doing so.
    Raiden had spent his entire life surrounded by hard warriors. He had met few females. Instinct told him he needed to be gentler. It would take some getting used to. Above all else, Cobra had stressed the need for a soft touch. A warrior wouldn’t want to accidently rip off a vulnerable human arm. The image Cobra had invoked disgusted Raiden so much that every time he touched Abri he made certain of the pressure.
    Cobra’s vessel had not left the planet as yet. They were more than likely still rounding up the terrified females. A blip sounded on the console. All Raiden had to do to control the ship was wave his hand over a desired area; the panel could scent his will. With talons for fingers, this technological idea was practical. A message then sounded.
    “We have the last of the females.” It was Cobra’s voice. “You can begin your return trip. We’ll follow closely. Our docking bay is full. We were on our way to a larger planet near this one when Doss heard your distress call. That planet is bigger and I feel we will need all available vessels. I want to get these new females settled, then we’ll make a new trip.
    “I understand you have two other females. Why were they not brought to my ship?”
    “Cace and I have imprinted with these females.”
    There was silence for a moment and Raiden could scent Cace’s worry. Cobra could demand the females be brought to his warship. If the ship was full, Raiden would have no choice but to pilot the vessel home.
    Raiden felt a small hand touch him. Sam’s scent was anxious. “Our friend?”
    Raiden had almost forgotten about the wounded woman. “Cobra, how is the injured female, Tasha?”
    “You can thank your brother’s speed for saving her life—damn, that warrior can move. Cobra out.”
    Raiden breathed a sigh of relief, not only for Tasha, but he was being allowed to keep the females on board. This time Raiden did grin at Abri who shuddered then brightened when Sam howled in her ear Tasha still lived. Raiden maneuvered the craft with practiced ease. The sleek, black, rounded hull sliced through the dark atmosphere. The planet below became a beautiful green ball.
    A strong scent of worry invaded Raiden’s senses. He turned to look at Abri who was now frowning. Her teeth began to click together. She looked at him in a panicked way. It was odd. There was nothing she should be frightened of. Abri lifted her arm to Sam. Very odd bumps were across her flesh. Was she sick? Perhaps flying didn’t agree with his little female.
    No sooner were they free of the planet, when a blip sounded on the panel. A red light glowed.
    Shit.
    Both women screamed when a massive vessel de-cloaked in front of them. The gray Tonan vessel powered up. A warning went wild in the cockpit. Raiden’s shuttle had been locked onto. The sequined pattern displayed was total annihilation. It was apparent the enemy didn’t want the females—just revenge.
    Raiden’s craft sped through the air, just missing the first assault of blue-streaked lightning. Even so, it sent the vessel spinning until Raiden regained control. Raiden felt panic building until his armor controlled it. Cace and Raiden would be fine—their armor would keep them safe until Cobra’s war vessel could scoop them up. Raiden looked over at Abri—she would die. Unless…
    Raiden jumped from his seat and grabbed Abri, he ripped her shirt off. The Tonan warship powered up. The warning on his panel sounded—they had been locked onto. Abri was screaming and fighting him. The only way for Raiden’s armor to come down now was to mate with Abri. It was the only way to save her life. It was apparent the idea had occurred to Cace as well. Raiden hated Abri’s terror of him—she felt lied to, betrayed. Not a good way to begin a mating. But it couldn’t be helped. With his fangs dripping his potent drug essence Raiden spun Abri around and bit into her shoulder