The Tracker's Quest: (Forced To Serve #6) by Donna McDonald Page B

that mattered was her blaster being back in its normal spot along her ribs. The extra bit of security allowed her to forget about any future side effects her sleazy clothing might cause.
    Seta did nod slightly to the angry male as a concession since he was doing the suzerain’s bidding. “I am ready to see Endara’s female sire. We can do so at your convenience.”
    Not saying anything much to her or Ji, Arghane simply walked off, assuming they would fall in line and follow. She did of course, and felt Ji quickly fall into step beside her as they walked across the canton’s perfectly groomed grounds.
    Though they passed by many males working and tending to their businesses, the most they got from anyone was a nod. Apparently the suzerain’s directive had spread while they slept, but the antagonistic energy rolling off those who saw her walking around freely with a weapon was still blatantly obvious to her. If Ji noticed their animosity, he paid it no mind.
    They entered the canton’s medical building where Arghane barked commands to a female sitting behind a desk. Nodding at his abrupt orders without smiling, the medic rose to retrieve a room key from a wall rack containing many.
    “I told Ineid you were coming. There was no response. We forced a stimulant on her this morning so she would remain alert,” the medic said.
    Seta snorted. The female medic’s lack of compassion for one of the suzerain’s official mates was appalling, but then most everything about her father’s canton was.
    At the door of the room, Seta stopped and turned to both Arghane and Ji. “I wish to talk with her alone. Perhaps she will be more receptive to sharing information if she doesn’t feel threatened by two males in the room.”
    “Agreed,” Ji said, turning to stare at Arghane, his gaze daring the male to disagree.
    “She may attack you, Seta of Trax. That’s why she got put in here in the first place. The female attacked the suzerain when he attempted to get another child on her. The scratches she left on him took much time to heal,” Arghane said.
    Seta tightened her jaw, briefly wishing the female had succeeded in causing lasting injury.
    “If I can stop you from touching me, I think I can handle one rightfully angry female,” Seta declared.
    Not waiting for Arghane’s response to her taunt, she unlocked the door and handed the key to Ji for safekeeping. She acknowledged his nod of understanding with one of her own before opening the door quietly and slipping inside.

Chapter 6
     
    All light from outside had been blocked by a dark shade that only allowed slivers to leak around the edges into the room. In the middle of a small platform almost bare of comfort, a tiny frail female sat rolled into a ball with her skinny arms hugging her knees. She looked malnourished. . .and that was the least of her issues. Her gaze was vacant and resentful.
    “Ineid? My name is Seta. I’ve come to see you because I need your help to rescue your child, Endara,” Seta said.
    “I know who you are—Seta of Trax,” Ineid said flatly. “I have heard much of your quest. Your sire disapproves of your Siren suitor and hopes he dies in the desert of Ethos while helping you.”
    Seta sighed at Ineid’s gossip. Apparently information still flew fast among females on Ethos even without the aid of com devices. She walked forward, heading to the female’s side. “Yes. I am Seta of Trax, though the name evokes nothing but regret.”
    “You would be wise to flee while you can. The suzerain intends to kill you,” Ineid said quietly.
    Seta grabbed a chair which looked ready to break any moment and pulled it close to the bed to sit. “Yes. I believe he does intend it, but the suzerain will not find my death an easy task. Now please cooperate while we have this time alone. I need to ask you some questions about Endara.”
    “Why do you taunt me? I know no one with that name,” Ineid declared.
    “Is Endara not your birth child?” Seta