Guardians: Away Mission Book 2 of the Guardians Saga COMPLETED except for edits

Ick! Perverts! Ch. 4.3

The palatial room was ringed with Anolis guards and onlookers. A huge bed dominated one corner.

The Kuni sat on a makeshift throne in another, her armor more elaborate than even Cla's, and a bronze crown of irregular spikes on her head.

Cla left Alex to stand beside her queen. Alex looked around, careful to glare at each Anolis female.

What kind of weirdos have a throne and a bed in one room?

"You are the mammal Cla has told me about," the Kuni stated.

"My name is Alex," she said. When several of the guards leveled their spears at her, she added, "Your majesty."

"You wish to mate with our kind?" the Kuni asked, idly drumming her claws on the throne's arm.

Alex stared at her, astonished. Cla pulled out her dagger to examine it and Alex's gaze was drawn to her.

What in the world is Cla up to? What should I say? What can I say to frustrate Cla's plans? If I don't have a clue as to her plan, how can I hope to stop it?

"You claim Gabe as a mate?" the Kuni prompted.

"I don't know what to say . . . your majesty."

When in doubt, tell the truth.

"Don't say anything, show us." The Kuni pointed at the enormous bed.

Ick! Perverts!

Alex covered her disgust by a fit of fake coughing. The Kuni motioned and a small Anolis male was brought into the room.

Although he was a similar green to the Anolis females, his scales were tipped in deep purple, lending him a shimmering look. Thin black scars crossed his chest and back, ruining the effect. He was also far shorter than the females and emaciated.

Cla's plan hit Alex with terrible clarity.

There is no right answer. Deny it and Cla has free rein with Gabe. Claim him and I'll have to put on a show where the anatomic incompatibilities will become obvious. Perverts. Can I blast the lot of them? No, there's too many, fire truck it.

The small male was thrown forward and he landed at her feet. Automatically, Alex stooped and helped him up. The top of his head only came to her collarbone.

He looked intently into her face, either to read it or to communicate something, but she couldn't tell which.

"I don't think I can," her voice faltered.

"The male displeases her. Kill him," Cla said.

A guard drew her knife and advanced on them. Alex shielded the male.

"I didn't say that." Alex assumed a fighting stance, facing the guard, and still shielding the scrawny male.

The Kuni slammed her fist on the throne's arm. "Then show us!"

Alex considered telling them this was a perversion, but was sure that calling the queen a pervert wasn't the best political move.

Alex looked at her hand and an idea came to her. Not the kind that lights up the mind, but the kind that hits the pit of the stomach.

Okay, perverts. Here it comes.

"Very well." Alex turned back to the male and he flinched. "What's your name?"

"Razz." He dropped his gaze to the floor.

"Here." Cla tossed a small, plain knife onto the bed.