Apparition by C. L. Scholey

Author:C. L. Scholey [Scholey, C. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General Fiction
Amazon: B00A078WL2
Goodreads: 16127165
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Published: 2012-11-01T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Zoe couldn’t help the shiver that ran down her spine when they came within yards of the Tonan slave camp. It was a solid domed structure; it arched like half of a football stadium, built from massive trees with trunk-like roots woven together. Green leaves fluttered from it, thriving with life. Doss explained this made it virtually impossible to spot from the air amidst all the lush foliage. Inside, she knew the walls and hallways were made like the sponge texture of the planet. The cells within were cold and dark. The ground was hard and icy cold within the cells, adding to any captured occupant’s discomfort.

Zoe was ensconced within Doss’ shield. Caveat had been left just on the outskirts of the camp. The Tonans wouldn’t take notice of a grazing, non-threatening beast. Loy was sniffing the air. Zoe was still amazed at the transformation of Loy when enveloped in his ebony armor. He was terrifying and yet inspired a feeling of safety. It was a stunning contradiction. She had little time to ponder her thoughts when both Loy and Doss began moving. Loy had caught his warrior mate’s chosen female’s scent.

Whereas Loy took to the high foliage of the building structure, Doss remained lower. Zoe soon realized why. Doss zipped past two Tonans without detection and Zoe realized the creatures couldn’t see Doss moving because of his color and uncanny swiftness. He really was an apparition. Though it caused her to worry, it was exhilarating to move so quickly with him.

Once inside the Tonan camp, the two men systematically checked cells. Many contained Castian warriors and Zoe could only imagine Loy’s frustration over not freeing fellow males. But his mission was his warrior mate’s pregnant female, nothing more. Doss was after human children and as backup for Loy.

In a tiny cell, Zoe heard weeping. The occupant was young. “Doss?” she whispered.

Doss smelled the air, inhaling deeply. “There are three children in this cell. All young. All female.”

When Doss opened the cell Zoe peered into the semi-darkness. The little girls were clothed in rags; all were under ten and over five. There was food and water in with them. They had been given blankets. All were filthy.

“Merciful, even for a Tonan,” Doss said in disgust.

When Doss entered the cell a little girl clasped a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming, she looked up at him in terror. Zoe knew the children had been warned against making noise. Unless the Tonans were interested in sporting, a captive was to remain silent—otherwise they would wish they had been. The thought enraged Zoe. Doss lowered the top part of his shield and she slipped from Doss’ armor and crouched before the girls who had their arms wrapped around each other.

“My name is Zoe,” she whispered. “This is Doss, my mate. We came to get you out of here.”

“The Tonans said we belonged to them.” The girl who spoke was obviously the oldest.

“You belong to no one, sweetheart,” Zoe said kindly.

“Then who will take care of us?” she asked.

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