Dark Knight by Jodie Becker
Dark Knight By Jodie Becker
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker
Dark Knight By Jodie Becker
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Dark Knight Copyright© 2006 Jodie Becker ISBN: 978‐1‐60088‐094‐0 Cover Artist: Anne Cain Editor: Tracy Seybold All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Cobblestone Press, LLC www.cobblestone‐press.com
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Dedication To my loving husband and God for my passion for writing.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker
Chapter One The beep registered at the back of Kristin Knight’s subconscious. The familiar soft rumble of the ship’s engine would’ve been enough to lull her back to sleep but the constant beep of the computer system forced her awake. With a groan, Knight opened her eyes and stared at the domed glass of her sleeping pod. Licking her dry lips, she searched for the familiar ECG electrodes attached to her chest and pulled them off with a grimace. The flat line bleep of the vitals monitor echoed in the small booth. Leaning over, she hit the red button and entered a quick code only she knew and the monitor fell silent. A holographic screen appeared above her and a sequence of letters rolled forth. GOOD EVENING, SERGEANT KNIGHT. TODAY’S TIME AND DATE IS: 04:00 HRS : OCTOBER 31, 2583 APPROACHING PLANET THORUS. APPROXIMATE LANDING TIME: 1 HR AND 33 MIN. HAVE A NICE DAY. Knight chuckled at the last words as the screen faded out and the pod opened with a loud hiss. Sitting up, she stretched and peered across the room. Florescent lighting gave the compartment a washed out feel. Smooth alloy grates lined the sleeping deck walls and white laminate flooring glared off the lighting. At the furthermost end of the room, lockers painted the most hideous mix of yellow and browns imaginable stood out in stark contrast to the otherwise drab room.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Beside her stretched a line of sleeping pods with the rest of her unit slumbering within. Rubbing her hands over the goose bumps that rose against the regulated air, she wondered who’d thought to reduce the temperature. Wearing nothing but her underwear, she felt the cold bitterly. Five years in stasis was a long time, and despite three hundred years of space travel, the military still required minimal clothing for long journeys. Sliding her feet over the edge, she drew in a sharp breath as her toes touched the floor. God damn it was cold! Standing, she brushed a lock of auburn hair from her face and yawned. Scuffling over to her locker, she pressed her thumb on the touch screen and waited for the confirming ding. The door clicked open, and she turned the handle and peered inside at the line of standard issue wear. Choices, choices, she thought with a wry grin. Pulling out a pair of olive green pants and a jacket, she eased into them. Quickly tugging on her boots, she pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail and headed for the door. The stainless steel panel slid open then shut behind her and she made her way down the narrow hall. Her footsteps echoed off the grate as she followed the winding walkway to the main deck. The hall opened out to a set of stairs leading to the captain’s deck. Before her, the windows that lined the deck revealed the expansive emptiness of outer space and the blue, white and green hues of an approaching planet. Sitting at the helm of the ship, the Multi‐tasking Android Technician sat in the pilot’s seat, his attention focused on the panel before him. Descending onto the deck, she approached him. “Hey, Matt.” Blue eyes, almost as crisp as the crystal clear waters of the ocean stared up at her. “Good morning, Sergeant Knight. I trust you had a good sleep.” Although Matt was by standards, simply a machine, the unit had embraced him as one of their own. With his russet locks and Caucasian textured skin, one would mistake him for a human unless they knew to look for the brand on the back of his neck. “Good enough. Is anyone else up?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “General Black and a few others are on the slop deck,” he said, turning to punch some more buttons on the touch pad. Smiling at the reference to the kitchen, she gave him a quick pat on the back and exited the room. Traveling down the maze of halls, she entered the eatery. White plastic tables and chairs lined the polygon room. At the center of the room sat the General, a well built man, whose thirty years of service showed clearly on his features and his body. Beside him, Lieutenant Vaughn looked up, his soft brown eyes crinkling at the corners. “Welcome to the world of the living, Knight.” Smiling, she approached the two. “Morning. What are we having?” Vaughn spooned the food in the metal tray. “Mystery E. Spoon isn’t up yet.” Glancing down at the ready to eat meal, she scrunched her nose, but then covered it with a grin. “Well, I’ll have you know, I don’t mind MRE.” Vaughn pushed the plate across the table, hooking his arms behind his closely shorn blond locks. “Be my guest.” Sitting, she stared at the five year old porridge. She took a deep breath, and spooned the bland substance into her mouth. “Mmm,” she mumbled. Vaughn nodded, eyes glimmering with amusement, and indicated for her to take another bite. Never to throw down a challenge, she did. On the third mouthful, the food turned bitter, the taste burning her tongue. “Yuck!” Spitting out the contents, she jerked upright, the chair tumbling behind her. “God damn! This tastes like shit. I thought they improved MREs.” Vaughn flipped the lid by his elbow and pointed to the small expiration date on the bottom right corner. JUL 20 2578. Her eyes narrowed on his features as he released a hearty chuckle. Known for his mischief‐making, she should’ve expected something like this from him. Bastard. “Prick. You just wait. I’m gonna get you back,” she promised. “I look forward to it.” “What’s so funny?” someone asked behind them.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Knight turned to see Spanish stroll into the room, his dark gaze switching between her and Vaughn. Knight grinned. “Nothing. Just the usual with this asshole,” she said pointing to Vaughn. Nodding in understanding, Spanish took a seat beside her. “When’s the briefing, General?” Black leaned back in his seat and fingered his silver mustache. “As soon as the other gaggle‐fucks get their shit together.” Knight cringed under the General’s displeasure. With ETA approximately an hour away, she and the rest of the men understood why he was irritated. Black stood, his ice hard gaze stabbing into the three of them. “I want you to get those men up. I expect you all on the loading dock at 0530 hours.” As the General marched from the room, Vaughn turned to her with his ever‐present grin. “Well, you heard the man.” * * * * * At five thirty sharp, four hundred men and women lined the loading dock, dressed in dark green army fatigues, a material created to reflect the environment around them. Adjusting the collar that sat snug against her neck, Knight glanced over at Boomer, a large Australian who looked more suited for a bodybuilding contest. His muscles bulged against the fabric in a form of protest. “What’d you do? Order a size too small?” Boomer glanced at her, his hazel eyes shuttering with embarrassment. Despite his large frame, he was often quite cordial, but everyone learned early not to push him. They didn’t call him the ‘Raging Bull’ for nothing. “I might’ve.” Knight grinned. “You expecting to impress some colonial chicks?” He grinned. “I might be.” Laughing, she shook her head. Long stints in stasis had a habit of making men pussy orientated. “General on deck,” Lieutenant Colonel Lee announced. Standing to immediate attention, Knight followed Black’s path from the top of the stairs and onto the floor. His hard gaze passed over
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker the line of people. “As you folks know, we set course for Thorus five years ago to start the construction of a military base. What you don’t know is that we’ve lost contact with the current personnel awaiting our arrival. “Now, this might be nothing. But then again, it might not. I want everyone to suit up in your bio‐suits and proceed with caution. Pulse rifles only and by standard. You know the drill. Hoo‐ah?” “Hoo‐ah!” everyone repeated. Holding out her forearm, Knight keyed a code in her wristband. Her suit expanded momentarily, taking in the command before tightening and forming a snug‐fitting hood over her head. A shimmering, almost transparent shield dropped over her face. Boomer grimaced as the party dispersed to retrieve their gear. “I hate them bio‐ suits. Feel like I’m suffocating in it.” Knight patted him on the back. “Come on, it’s not that bad. It’s all in your head.” Grumbling, he turned and stalked off while she gathered her pulse rifle and ammo. Dropping several necessities into her pockets, she followed after the group and headed toward the hover tank. “Get a move on! Move it, move it!” commanded Lieutenant Vaughn. Falling into a seat beside her men, she glanced over at Ngyeun, one of the females in her unit. The private’s eyes were wide and a fine sweat slicked her forehead. She was new to the company, so Knight could understand the young woman’s apprehension. “Don’t worry. It’ll just be a standard sweep of the area.” The rumble of the engine rose as the tank jerked into movement. Closing her eyes, she wondered what had happened to the previous military personnel that had arrived with the civilians. Her father’s closest friend, General Morgan, had set up camp here. Over ten thousand people had been sent to populate Thorus twenty years ago. A small shiver ran up her spine at the thought that no one had responded to their beacon. They arrived at the outpost ten minutes later. The cabin jerked slightly as it settled and the door slid open with a soft hiss. The tank pulled up at the entrance of a colony. Stepping out, she held her weapon upright and stared across the crudely developed town. Much
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker like the old images of America in the late twentieth century, the houses were made of wood, brick and mortar. Strangely, a twenty‐foot wall surrounded the whole town; a metal gate lay broken by the wayside of the entrance. She glanced over at Vaughn. “What the hell is this?” He shrugged. “Fuck if I know.” He turned to the company and waved them forward. “You know the drill. By the numbers. I want a sweep of the buildings and keep alert. No fucking around, and that means you Cooper. Hoo‐ah?” The loud mouth of the team drew up beside her and grimaced, his blue eyes narrowed, but otherwise, he remained complacent to the commander’s demand. “Hoo‐ah.” The teams drew out into small units. Arms at the ready, Knight cast a cautious gaze across the dirt packed road and at the houses. Doors and windows lay open as though the owners were expecting guests, but the town remained eerily quiet. As Vaughn moved out, Cooper dropped his rifle on his shoulder and cast a lazy perusal over the area. “I don’t know what we’re doing on this chicken hunt. This place looks dead to me.” Knight shook her head, knowing his smart‐ass talk often covered his apprehension. “Standard procedure, Coops.” “Shit. I shoulda known this was just gonna be yet another Bumfuq.” “This is hardly in the middle of nowhere, Coops. Look around you. Civilization,” she said on a grin. “Civilize this.” He gave her the finger as his eyes glimmered with mirth. “Come on, let’s get a move on. The sooner we do this, the sooner we can get back.” Marching over to one home, she leaned against the frame, and peered inside before stepping in. The room was a pale wash of lemon yellow. Soft lace curtains fluttered in the breeze and brushed against the furniture of the living room. A fine layer of dust had gathered on everything, indicating that the place had been unoccupied for some time. Beside her, Coops tapped in a code against his wristband and a holographic scanner appeared. The blue line inspected the room then
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker let out a beep, before a woman’s voice sounded. “Bio scan. All clear. You may proceed.” “Oh yeah, baby, I like to hear that,” he said with a leer. Knight rolled her eyes and punched him on the shoulder. “Can you get your brain outta your pants for three seconds? Keep your mind on the game, all right?” Coops shrugged, but fell silent. Making a slow pass of the room, she approached the stairs and stared up at the landing. A loud crash of porcelain breaking echoed on the second floor and Knight waved Cooper over. Indicating for silence, she touched her ear and pointed up the stairs. Coops nodded in understanding. They remained quiet, listening for another telltale sign of activity. When it didn’t come, she mounted the steps, her gun at the ready as she slid up against the wall. Pausing at the landing, she peeked around the corner down the narrow hall to find a door half open. Turning to Cooper, she pointed at herself, then made a clockwise motion of a three‐quarter square. When he signaled the okay, she hurried down the hall until she stood at the threshold, before indicating for him to follow. As he drew up behind her, another sound of pottery moving about within the room sent anticipation rolling through her. Was it a Colonist? Gritting her teeth, she motioned for a charge on three. Counting off silently, they pushed into the room with a yell. “Shit!” Cooper cried, as they took in the sight before them. A rottweiler stood before them, his fangs showing in a form of defense. Behind the animal, the bloody remains of a family lay in the corner. A mother and a child, judging by their clothing and size. The woman’s arms were wrapped around the small child, her arms torn from skin to bone revealing rotting flesh and sinew. The features of the Jane Doe were mutilated, as though someone had taken a knife to her. Fury rode along Knight’s skin and settled in her gut with fire. The dog hadn’t done this. Cooper gagged. “God damn.” “Stay frosty,” Knight warned, eyeing the dog.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Dropping her gun slightly, she took a step forward but paused as the animal crouched on its forelegs, a growl emanating forth. “Hey, boy,” she crooned, slowly reaching for her pocket. “You must be hungry.” Pulling out a strip of beef jerky, she held it out to him. The rotti licked his lips, confusion reflecting in his large brown eyes, clearly torn between the prospect of food and protecting his deceased owner. Knight waved the jerky in encouragement. Finally the food won over, and the dog took it from her hand. Pulling another two strips from her pocket, she handed them to the animal as she patted him. “You carry jerky with you?” Cooper asked, baffled. Knight glanced up at him. “You never know when your short sweep might turn into all out war, ya know?” Shrugging, he turned his attention back to the bodies. “What do you suppose did that?” Standing, she eyed the blood that sprayed against the walls, leaving an off brown streak. “I don’t know, but I can tell you it’s not a disease.” Clicking the intercom at her temple, she tapped into Vaughn’s line. “Hey, Vaughn, looks like we found something. We’ve got two bodies up here and it doesn’t look pretty.” “I hear you, Knight,” came his response. “But I think we got bigger issues to worry about. I need you and Cooper down here now.” Glancing over at Cooper, who shrugged at her questioning stare, she stood and exited the house. Hitting the street, she found her company standing some hundred meters up the road. Jogging up to them, she drew to a halt at the edge of the crowd. “What’s going on?” she asked Spanish. “Diablo.” Knight frowned at the fear reflected in the dark depths of his eyes. “What?” When he merely shook his head and stepped back, she pushed through the condensed bodies until she stood at the front of the group. She gasped at what lay before her. “Holy mother of Christ. What the fuck is that?” Vaughn didn’t bother looking at her. “You tell me.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker The body lay on its side and was an anthropomorphic about eight feet in height. The ebony skin shimmered in the early morning sun, revealing the contours of its muscles. Long clawed fingers stained with what looked like blood lay against a wound to the stomach. Curled slightly inward, the black bony spikes that protruded from the spine glinted ominously. Her attention moved to its features and she drew in a harsh breath. The smooth cranium with two spiraling horns formed off in contours against its skull. Where the eyes should’ve been there was nothing but skin. A lipless mouth lay open to reveal jagged teeth. “Well, this definitely rules out an epidemic. You think this thing killed off the Colonists?” Vaughn shrugged. “Can’t say, but looks like it was killed by a gut shot.” “Let’s bag it and take it back to base. We gotta find out what this thing is.” Behind her the rotti whined and nudged the back of her leg. Vaughn frowned at the newest addition to the unit. “Looks like you have a new friend.” Knight scowled as the dog bumped against her leg a little harder before letting out a frustrated growl. Crouching, she patted its box head. “What’s a matter, boy?” Long shadows began to form across the buildings and she glanced up at the sky. The sun glared above, but was in the process of being eclipsed by a crimson moon. “We better head back to base,” she said, her gut clenching with trepidation as though feeling something wasn’t quite right. Vaughn nodded in agreement. “Pack it up. We’re heading back.” As the men drew into line and moved toward the entrance, a wild screech reverberated through the air, sending a chill along her spine. The moon covered half the sun and everyone stood in the semi‐ darkness, looking for the source of the noise. Under the red glow of the moon, the sun’s glare flickered then disappeared and they were all washed in darkness. Panic, unlike anything she’d ever experienced, prickled along her body. Another shriek echoed through the air and fell into silence, leaving the hair on
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker the back of her neck standing on end. What the hell was making that noise? If it was anything like the creature they’d found, it left her with a cold feeling in her gut. Vaughn cocked his weapon, his gaze fixed momentarily to the sky before he faced the company. “Stay alert, and head for the damn CFVs.” Again the shrieking started, this time in earnest and drawing closer. Cocking her rifle, she hurried after the group. Her heart thundered in her ears as she struggled to find her way. She could barely see two feet in front of her, and like the rest of the group, she clicked on the flashlight on her shoulder. The beam of light slanted across the landscape before her, but offered little solace as a group of aliens, similar to the dead one they’d stumbled on, fell upon them from the roof of the buildings. Ngyeun let out a pitched scream, shooting a spray of bullets in an arch as one swooped upon her. Like an eagle on its prey, a clawed hand came out and cut clear through her neck in one fatal swipe. Swearing, Knight dropped to one knee and fired her weapon in quick succession at the ascending beast as it leapt to the adjacent building. A blast of gunfire rang out against the milieu of confusion. Gasping for breath, she cast a desperate glance around her. In the beak night, indistinct shapes moved through the backdrop of shadows, blending in perfectly and sending fear and disorder through the ranks. Her heart thundered in her ears as she glanced about her. Trapped between the line of buildings, they were sitting ducks. “Cover! Cover!” Vaughn screamed. Jerking to her feet, Knight dived for the safety of the wall, her gaze snapping toward the skies. More screams of terror erupted, intermixed with gunfire and frantic commands. Three soldiers appeared before her beam of light, racing toward her, their eyes wide with terror. “Holy fuck!” one screamed. Behind the trailing private, an alien emerged from the night and took him down, rending his head from his body. Blood spurted in morbid arches and the gun of the now headless body fired off bullets, taking down another man running for safety. She punched in her
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker motion detector on her wrist, and a circular map appeared on the top right corner of the shield. Beside her, the rotti barked in earnest. She couldn’t see a damn thing. A red dot on her tracker appeared to her left and she gasped. Swiveling on her heel, she shot off several bullets in a desperate attempt to hit something. A screech some eight feet before her sent spikes of terror along her spine. She’d hit one, but didn’t know if it was dead. Backing up, she panted for breath in an attempt to bring her panic under control, watching for the scanner to pick up hostile movement. A rumble started behind her and the hot breath of something not human hit the back of her neck. Crying out, she twisted around and drew her weapon up. In a speed that belied human ability, it jerked her gun from her grasp and snapped it in half as though it were merely a toy. Frozen by the cold solid knowledge of death looming she could only whimper when its fingers dug into her shoulders and pulled her off the ground. The frightful features of the dark alien drew close; lips curling back to reveal white jagged teeth. A bullet perforated the beast’s skull, sending blood and brain splattering across the visor of her suit. The alien released her and fell in a dead heap, leaving Knight to kneel in shock. Boomer pulled up beside her, his rifle held upright as he jerked on her shoulder. “Come on, get up. Let’s get the fuck outta here!” Her instincts flared to life against her incapacitating fear, and she snapped back into war mode. Retrieving a flare gun from her pack, she held it high and pulled the trigger. The flare shot up into the air, its red glow revealing the hell that had descended upon them. Half the troops lay dead on the streets and more struggled under the unnatural speed of the enemy. Grabbing an abandoned weapon, she brought it to her shoulder and released a barrage of fire. Screams rent the air, as another alien descended from the roof and onto a soldier before them. Blood sprayed out from the massacred body and Knight could do little but avenge her fallen comrade. At her scream of fury, the monster turned on her and leapt. Falling back, she jerked on the trigger of the gun and watched the bullets perforate its torso. Rolling away and up, she ran after Boomer.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Then in a sudden move, all of the aliens paused, lifted their heads and launched into the sky, onto the roofs and disappeared from sight. A moment later, the shadows receded and the sun slashed its much‐needed rays across the macabre landscape. Over half the troops lay in the street, either dead or injured. Rivers of blood splattered across buildings and stained the ground in horrifying amounts. Shock sliced through her and sent her legs to jelly as she dropped to her knees. Aghast, she stared at the death and horror that lined the once empty city. It was a God damned massacre.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker
Chapter Two They arrived back at base to a similar scene. Men moved about, carrying mutilated bodies and bagging them. The pale features of the usually staunch men stood out against the desert backdrop. Stepping out of the vehicle, Knight stared in dismay at the mayhem surrounding them. Beside her the rotti whined softly but stayed by her side. “What they hell happened here?” Vaughn asked behind her. A rhetorical question, she knew, but she answered anyway. “The same thing that happened to us, I’m guessing.” Vaughn stepped around her, his lips thin and pale as he marched toward a passing private. “Where’s the General?” The soldier could only cast him a bewildered stare, his young features white as paper. Vaughn stepped forward. “I asked you a question, private.” With shaking fingers, the soldier pointed to the entrance of the ship. The dock door lay open, with bodies upon the panel, the blood leaving trails on the grates. Jogging after Vaughn, Knight drew to a halt several feet from the opening as the gravity of what had happened slammed into her once more. The thick metallic stench of blood hovered in the air like a specter, reminding her of the horrors at the town. Over thirty soldiers lay in their own blood, moaning in pain or unconscious. Injuries varied in severity, some managed to sit up, while others shook in a state of shock. Walking along the line of men, she bit back the bile that rose to her throat. Open flesh wounds stood out against the dark uniforms, skin flayed as though a knife and not the claws of those beasts had cut them through.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker She drew up to one particular soldier who lay upon the panel. His hands stained crimson as he clutched at his stomach, shaking with pain. His features, awash with sweat and tinged green, sent a spark of fear through her. Crouching beside him, she reached to feel his pulse. In a sudden move, his hand snapped out and encased her wrist, squeezing painfully. His wide blue gaze, filled with desperation, slammed into her. “Help me.” Knight nodded, holding back a grimace at the slick feel of his blood against her skin. “I will.” The soldier fell back with a sob, his limbs shaking ever so slightly. She stood and glanced around for help. So many people either lay injured or were occupied collecting the dead. Where was the damned doc? “Medic! Medic!” Matt stepped out of the loading deck, carrying a large med unit, his calm gaze somehow sending a stab of fury through her. “Where the fuck have you been? I need help.” The android cast an assessing stare at the soldier before her. After a moment he shook his head. “There is nothing more I can do for him.” Rage soared through her body and burned away the last of her control. Jumping forward, she twisted his shirt in her fists, and brought him close until their heads almost touched. “God damn it, we have soldiers lying all over the place and all you can do is fucking give me a ‘too bad, so sad’?” Matt merely blinked, a slow and patient movement. “I have seen to the man and given him morphine to ease the pain, but there is little else I can do, Sergeant.” “Then take him to med lab. Can’t you see he needs a bed?” The android threw his hand out to encompass the area. “Look around you. The med lab is full of injured soldiers. I am doing the best I can.” With a growl of frustration she pushed him back and raked her hands through her hair. This was crazy. They were marines, familiar with the art of war. How the hell had they managed to get their asses kicked in less than ten minutes?
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Stalking up the plank, she marched across the loading deck toward Vaughn, who stood before General Black, his arms waving in earnest. “...in the street. My men were ambushed and I want to know what you knew about it.” Vaughn demanded his voice thick with fury. The General’s lips thinned as his eyes glinted dangerously. “Stand down, Major, or you’ll find yourself locked in solitude for a week.” Vaughn’s shoulders tensed, but he fell into silence. “We’ll have a briefing regarding your encounter in my office. From there we shall determine how to handle this situation.” As the General marched from the Deck, Vaughn turned to her, his features drawn tight with futile anger. “What a fucking mess.” Knight nodded, understanding his confusion. “Do you know if this planet was occupied at the time of colonization?” Vaughn shook his head. “No. But it doesn’t make any sense. Why didn’t we hear anything about it in fifteen years? The colonists didn’t express any concerns or problems until sometime after we launched.” “So you think those things are outlanders?” Vaughn’s gaze filled with uncertainty and despair. “I can’t say for sure. I’m as confused by this as you are, Knight.” “Sir, forgive me for saying, but if we don’t figure out what those things are, they’re going to come at us again and we’ll be sitting ducks. We haven’t run into hostile aliens before. We’re just not equipped to handle this.” “Fucking A,” Coops said, drawing up beside her. Covered in sweat, dirt and blood, Copper’s face reflected everything the troops were feeling. Exhaustion and anger emanated from his core and drew harsh lines along his features. Dismay and fear intermingled in the blue depths of his eyes, revealing all that weighed on him. Cooper wasn’t the only one who’d come looking for Vaughn. Boomer and Spanish soon entered the group. “Easy, Coops,” Vaughn said, his hands rising in a placating manner. “We’re going to handle it, all right?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “Handle it? I hate to break it to you, but we got our asses kicked. How the hell are we going to handle those things out there?” Cooper stabbed his rifle toward the landscape beyond. Knight dropped a calming hand on his shoulder, but Cooper jerked from her. “Don’t fucking touch me!” Knowing the fear and desperation that pulled at him, she stepped back. “Coops, we’re all strung out, I know, but we need to keep it together.” “That isn’t going to do shit! They slaughtered us in a matter of minutes,” Cooper ranted. “We can’t stay here with those things running about.” She turned and implored Vaughn to say something to ease his men. Vaughn nodded. “I know, but what the hell do you want me to do?” “Fucking launch off this rock. They can have this place for all I care,” Cooper said. “That would be difficult to do,” inserted Matt, his unruffled gaze settling on the agitated group. “What do you mean?” Boomer asked. “Those aliens broke through the engine compartment and destroyed the energy generator. There is simply not enough power to launch off.” “Oh, that’s just great! Fucking great!” Cooper cried, throwing a hand in the air. Knight held out an arm to calm the men, facing the android as her mind tried to assimilate what that meant. “How long will it take to repair?” Matt inclined his head at the question. “The damage was extensive to both the body of the ship and the engine, Sergeant.” Apprehension rose from the pit of her stomach at his evasion. “How long?” “Quite possibly five months.” Her heart slammed into her chest at the timeline. Behind her, Cooper released a string of curses. “Five months? We’re not going to last five weeks with those things out there!”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Knight’s knees knocked together and she swallowed the bile that burned at the back of her throat. Cooper’s fear voiced what she felt inside. He was right; in a space of ten minutes she had lost friends and was shown, in the cruelest way, the true level of their mortality. “Are you sure?” she asked the android. Matt slanted his head. “Yes. I have gone over the numbers and with the amount of damage and lack of material, it has extended the time.” “That’s it. Those things are going to come back and wipe us off the face of this planet,” Cooper interjected. Knight turned on him, knowing his hysteria was spiraling out of control. “Zip it, Coops. We don’t know that was their objective.” Cooper’s eyes widened. “You fucking me? We haven’t been here more than an hour and those things attacked us. I don’t know about you, but I think that means we are unwelcome here.” Knight raised a hand, hating the way his fear projected itself onto her. “You’re a fucking soldier, Cooper. Now, start acting like it.” Heart thundering in her ears, she cast the rest of the group an icy stare, her staunch control threatening to waver with her nerves strung tight. After a moment, she stormed off, desperate to find solace in sanctuary. Despite all she said, she knew deep in her bones that she was going to meet her end on this planet. * * * * * Darius crouched upon the overhanging rock and peered down at the expansive ship that spread across the landscape, its dark panels glinting in the silver moonlight. Circling the ship, pale blue beacons marked the ground, setting the perimeter. Several humans marched around the site, rifles held at the ready. A soft breeze kicked up, skittering across his obsidian skin. Rubbing a hand along his torso to ease the goose bumps that rose across his body, he grimaced. A tingling ran along the line of his back, the spikes along his spine reminding him of how far he had gone. Curving his back and drawing his arms close, he eased the tense muscles of his back.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker The whispers of the Samite’s intent echoed in his mind and he shook his head in a futile attempt to dislodge them. He didn’t want to think about those things. Hate churned in his gut as he lifted his head and glanced toward the horizon. He knew their need for fresh blood and was intent on continuing his crusade to find their weakness, the one thing that would destroy them as they had destroyed everyone and everything around him. The clink of the metal dog tags around his neck reminded him of who and what he’d once been. A man, a simple human. He’d been eighteen when the aliens arrived nine years ago. He should’ve listened to his instincts that screamed for caution when he’d approached the ship. But the chameleon type metal fascinated his inquisitive mind and he’d proceeded to investigate. That curiosity had cost him his humanity. Shaking off the memories, he focused on the job at hand. Pushing to his feet, he gazed at the group of men that stood before the entrance of the ship. His lips thinned as the Samite’s whispers in his head increased. They housed a growing Samite and they didn’t know it yet. From this vantage point he could easily assess the situation and weighed up the best way to approach the cautious bunch. There was no point walking up to the newcomers. They would shoot first and ask questions later. But he couldn’t blame them. Although his father was once part of the military, he knew his knowledge of procedures and weapons were outdated. His lips thinned back over jagged teeth. At least he had an advantage with his strength and natural stealth. Launching off the rock, he held his arms out as he descended the forty‐foot drop, the cold wind pushing dark locks across his face and brushing against his skin. Landing softly, he balanced himself, then stalked toward the ship. Stepping around foliage and rocks that lined the landscape, he focused on the few guards that marched the area. Pausing twenty feet from the first beacon of light, he crouched and eyed the men standing under the beam of florescent light coming from the docks. All of a sudden the men abandoned their relaxed pose and quickly gathered their weapons that lay against the wall of the ship.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Tensing, Darius edged his hands to the hilt of the knife that rested against his hip. A moment later, a woman emerged from the ship and he drew in a sharp breath. Dressed in a body hugging uniform, the curves of her breasts and hips left little to the imagination as his appreciative gaze ran over her. Hair the color of autumn was pulled back in a tight bun, giving him an unfettered view of her long, elegant neck. Her cold hard gaze narrowed on the men, she barked some orders, and they dispersed. His body heated at the need that sliced through him. A female. For nine long years he’d lived without the company of men, but most of all, he’d missed the comfort only a woman could give. As she stepped further into the night, Darius silently urged her to look in his direction. She glanced up, a frown marking her smooth skin as she peered into the darkness. From here, he couldn’t tell the true color of her eyes, but he longed to look into them and see them lighten with pleasure. She turned away from him and disappeared into the night. Desperate to see more of her, he stalked closer. Ensuring he veered clear of the lights, he waited for his moment as another guard made a pass of the area, then with a soft grunt, launched into the sky and landed with the stealth of a cat upon the roof of the vessel. Glancing over the edge, he weighed up his options. Many of the guards were making routine passes, but essentially he needed only one man to walk by. The one that had been bitten. Sensing the infantile Samite drawing closer, he dropped over the ledge and landed in a crouch. Glancing over his shoulder at the soldier that had disappeared around the corner, he pushed to his feet and flattened himself against the cold metal wall. A growl pressed against the back of his throat as he sensed its approach. Already, the infection in the man’s blood was strong, pumping its hateful need for violence and procreation through it. Soon the once human male would turn on his friends and sacrifice them to the Samites. His target appeared, his gun held at the ready. Although Darius’ black skin allowed him to blend smoothly into the darkness, he knew the Samite within him revealed itself to the soldier. Like a waking
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker beast, the dormant Samite within his prey surged to life as the man’s head snapped in his direction. Pushing off the ship, Darius sprinted the distance between them and leapt into the air. The soldier lifted his gun and fired off several rounds. The trajectory seemed to come in slow motion and Darius curved his body, avoiding them. Hitting the ground, he commando rolled, grunting against the pain that rode against his back, he came onto his feet and shoved his fist into the man’s chest, sending the soldier through the air. Not waiting for the Samite to recover, he ate up the distance between them and clasped the fellow around the throat, bringing him to his feet. The soldier gagged, revealing the jagged formation of his teeth. The change had started. Pulling his blade free, a gun blast rent the air and his knife jolted painfully from his grasp, landing harmlessly several feet beyond him. “Drop him!” Darius jerked at the sound of a woman’s voice and turned his head to see a gun trained on him. It was her. His gaze ran over her features and his lips curled back in fury. She didn’t know the enemy they harbored and he wasn’t inclined to oblige her. Turning his attention back to the beast in his hands he growled, noting the eyes had rolled back into the skull. Twisting, the soldier around, he brought him against his body as a shield, his claws digging into the man’s throat. “You don’t know what you’re doing,” he rasped, his barely used vocal chords ached against the struggle of rounding off the words “I mean it!” she warned, her eyes glinting dangerously. He sensed movement behind him and glanced over his shoulder to find himself surrounded, rifles trained on him. His eyes narrowed. Killing the Samite would guarantee his death and he doubted they would see reason. Squeezing against the throat of the imposter, his nails broke skin as the windpipe crumbled with a soft crunch. Throwing the body aside, he launched into the air as a barrage of gunfire rent the air. Twisting around, he landed on the side of the ship and dug his claws into metal. It gave away under his strength like aluminum. Crawling up the face, he pulled himself onto the roof and sprinted across the top, dodging bullets that whizzed by him.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker The edge of the vessel drew close and he eyed the rocky ledge some fifty feet from him. He pumped his arms harder, drawing on his strength to make the leap. Jumping off the side, the wind brushed along his features as he reached for the ridge. A loud boom echoed behind him and something hit his back. A net wrapped around his body, inhibiting him, and sent him plummeting to the earth. Hitting the ground with a thud, pain reverberated through him. Struggling against the thick mesh to no avail, he pushed back the desperation and fear that coiled in his stomach. A set of boots appeared in his line of vision and he paused to look up at the woman, her eyes glimmering with the bloodthirsty need for vengeance. She brought up a bulky canon rifle from her side and dropped it over her shoulder. Without a word her foot lashed out and hit him in the ribs. Agony flared along his side and a he groaned, curling inward against the pain. “Fucker.” She grasped the edges of the netting and began to drag him back toward the ship. Fighting anew against his bonds, Darius let out a feral growl. The woman released him and a moment later a bolt of electricity burned through his body. Muscles contracted, his teeth gritting together against the pain that rolled through his body. Gasping for a breath, he fell back, the world spinning crazily. Incapacitated from the currents that ran through his body, he could do little but groan as she dragged him back into the camp. Vaguely, he noted people had gathered about him, a murmur of speculation rising as the woman dropped the end of the restraints. Another bolt of electricity shot through his body with a zap, ripping a scream from him. The burning pain rolled through him and seemingly went on forever while he convulsed uncontrollably. As suddenly as the shock treatment started, it stopped. Darius groaned before emptying the contents of his stomach with a painful heave. Two large men approached him, drew away the net, and pulled him to his feet. “Hold him steady, Boomer,” the woman said. “He’s fast.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker The man to his right nodded, and the soldier hooked his arms around his elbow and twisted his hand back until a dull throb rode up the bone, forcing him to kneel. Gasping for a breath, Darius peered up at the woman who approached. Her hazel eyes swirled with hatred, but her features remained impassive. She indicated to one of the soldiers on the side to approach and he did so with a moment’s hesitation. “Let Major Vaughn and General Black know we have captured a hostile,” she said without taking her eyes off him. The private’s cautious gaze flittered to Darius before he nodded and scurried off to her bidding. The woman hooked her arms behind her back and eyed him with disdain. “You’re a cocky thing, ain’t ya?” Darius’ lips thinned. “I did what I must.” Her eyes widened a fraction but she covered her shock with a disgusted curl of her mouth. Clearly she hadn’t expected him to understand her. “So you things can speak.” “I’m not a Samite,” he spat. The woman laughed, a cold sound. “Oh, so they have a name, do they? You expect us to believe you are some type of friendly?” She stepped forward and gripped his chin, her nails biting into his skin. “Who sent you to spy on us?” Darius jerked his head away, uncaring of the searing pain that ran along his face as she released him. He struggled against the men, but pain speared through the joints of his shoulders, threatening to dislocate them. Although he was stronger than the two men that held him, they’d found a way to restrain him. Gasping for breath, a growl rumbled in the pit of his chest. “I hate them. I will never side with those monsters.” She nodded, although she seemed vastly amused by his anger. “Monsters, huh? Isn’t that what you are?” “No.” Her lips thinned and almost disappeared under the fury that emanated from her. She drew in a deep breath and in a sudden move, grasped his hair. Pain burned along his scalp as she jerked his head back until he looked into her eyes, close enough to see the speckles of gold.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “You are a fucking monster. You came into my camp and killed a man. You’ve aligned yourself with those things out there. Hell, you even look a bit like them.” She released his head, and her gaze fell to his necklace. Hate drew harsh lines across her features. She grasped onto the dog tags and with a tug, ripped the necklace from his neck. Darius’ heart dropped as though she’d reached into his soul and ripped his humanity from him. With a roar he tugged on the man holding him back, desperate to retrieve his property. The woman’s eyes narrowed and she stepped back, well out of striking distance should he manage to garner his release. His eyes narrowed hatefully on her. “Give it back.” She eyed him nonchalantly before holding the sterling‐silver necklace up for inspection. The silver glinted in the soft light from the docks. “So what is this? A prize? Something to remember your victims by?” He tugged again, but the men increased the pressure on his arms, sending pain spiraling to the marrow of his bones. Groaning against the agony, he panted for control. “It’s mine.” She released another detestable laugh. “I doubt it. I knew Colonel Morgan. And I can tell you, you aren’t him.” Darius’ eyes widened and hope filled his heart. “You knew my father?” The group broke out in rumbles of surprise, but it meant nothing to the surprise that washed over the woman’s features. A moment later her initial shock faded from her face, replaced by another emotion he was very familiar with. Revulsion. She stepped forward and lashed out, her fist slamming into the side of his face. Pain burst through his jaw, stars exploding behind his eyes. Had it not been for the men holding him up, he would’ve crumbled to the ground. The woman waved the dog tags in his face with her closed fist, her face twisted in fury. “You aren’t one of us and least of all Colonel Morgan’s son.” The metallic flavor of blood filled his mouth. “I am.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker She drew in a harsh breath and before he could do anything, she kicked out with the heel of her boot. Pain broke through his temple, and a flash of red burst behind his eyes as darkness engulfed him.
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Chapter Three “Stand down!” The command rose above the roaring crowd. Knight glanced up at the General, whose features were stiff with fury. Stepping back from the thing that had entered their camp, she stood to attention. General Black cast her a cold, disapproving stare. “What are you doing, Sergeant?” Knight kept her gaze fixed on the landscape beyond. “Interrogation, sir.” Black huffed. “Interrogation? He is unconscious.” Upon hearing the General refer to the thing as a he, she passed the alien a quick perusal. Wearing a pair of black pants, there was little doubt that the thing was a male, but she refused to give the hateful thing the honor of gender. It was a killer. Plain and simple. “He–It killed Kowalski, sir.” The General’s lips thinned and he glanced at the two men holding up the alien. “Take him to the holding cell.” Knight drew in a harsh breath, shock and the sick sensation of dread solidifying in her stomach. “You can’t mean to have that thing in the ship.” Black passed her a warning stare. “Prisoners of war are not unusual. In fact, wasn’t it you that suggested to Major Vaughn to get a better understanding of these hostiles?” Knight drew herself upright. She knew it wasn’t her place to question the General’s decisions, but she couldn’t bring herself to accept having that monster inside. She glanced over at Boomer, whose eyes were wide with a silent question. He wasn’t the only one
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker questioning the reasoning behind allowing that thing to live. After a moment, Boomer shifted the alien over his shoulder and dragged the unconscious body toward the loading docks. Clenching her jaw against the protest that bit at the back of the throat, she drew her shoulders back. Eyeing the disappearing figure with barely contained fury, she promised herself never to let that thing out of her sight. * * * * * Sitting beyond the holding cell, Knight held her gun at her side. Within the polygon shaped room, the alien lay on his stomach upon the cold floor, his skin blending in with the glossy black tiles. In the silence, his deep heavy breathing lulled her. Having spent an entire day at the ready for an attack, her nerves were stretched and exhaustion tugged at her. Her newly acquired shadow, Boxhead, rested at her feet, his head on her boot. He was a comfort in her time of unease. Shifting in her seat, she pulled the dog tags from her pocket. Rubbing the pad of her thumb along the embossed name, she released a sigh. If those things had killed Colonel Morgan, then it left little hope for anyone’s survival. Morgan was the best tactical warfare officer she knew of. His previous battles were well documented. So much for hoping for survivors. The thought left her strangely bereft as she recalled a promise she’d made years ago. Dare, one of the original colonists. He was dead, but she could avenge those she knew and loved. Starting with this alien freak. Fixing the clasp of the necklace, she reverently dropped the tags around her neck, resting them against her heart. The rotti lifted his head and released a growl. Within the cell, the alien groaned. Knight stood, her weapon aimed at the back of his skull. Although she knew the invisible shield door protected her, she wasn’t leaving anything to chance. He shifted and rolled onto his side, his eyelids blinking open. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he perused his surroundings. “Comfortable?” she queried. He sat up and rested his elbows on his knees. His obsidian gaze slammed into her. His lips curled back to reveal jagged white teeth, so
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker much like those aliens out there. A lock of black hair fell over an eye, giving him a predatory look. His hand rose, and Knight cocked her pistol. The alien paused momentarily before he continued and brushed the rogue lock back. Although he did nothing more, she felt he was assessing the situation, looking for an opportunity to pounce. She held back a self‐satisfied grin. He could try. The shield, although invisible, had sensors that activated the electrodes should he try to break through. He tilted his head to the side, his gaze almost caressing her body. Knight held fast, hating the way she found him intriguing. His eyes were onyx with no separation of the iris or pupils. His features resembled a human male and gave the illusion of a soul, but she knew those things didn’t have one. And neither did he. The alien grunted and pushed to his feet. Knight tensed, taking a half step back as she followed his progress. Boxhead leaned on his forepaws, a deep threatening growl emanating forth. His gaze ran over the cell, the stark white walls making him appear a lot darker and more formidable. Finally, he dropped his attention on her. “Let me out,” he rasped. His voice was soft and seductive with a thinly veiled warning beneath it. She chuckled, covering up her momentary confusion. “You’re one cocky alien, aren’t you?” His lips curled in leashed anger. “I am not an alien.” “Oh, no you’re not. You are clearly one of us. After all, you did come into the camp and made nice with one of my soldiers. Didn’t mean to kill him, huh?” He growled and stalked the short length of the cell. He paused by the wall and glared at it, his breath coming in gales as though he struggled to keep control. Knight licked her dry lips. She didn’t want to see him lose control; she already knew how strong he was. “Well, then, what are you? Some rogue alien from some distant planet?” When he didn’t answer, she stepped forward. “Speak, alien.” “My name is Darius.” She frowned. The name niggled a memory, but she pushed it aside, along with the strange feeling of familiarity. “All right then...Darius. Why did you kill that soldier?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “He was already dead.” Resisting the urge to pull the trigger and end his life, she drew in a slow, calming breath. “He was alive, you shit. I saw you end his life.” He turned away from the wall and eyed her sagely. “You are new here. You don’t know what those things out there can do. They will infiltrate your community and strip everyone of their humanity.” Knight gritted her teeth against the fear that churned in her gut. She didn’t like the way his words sent a chill up her spine or the way it made her tremble ever so slightly. “How do I know you’re telling the truth? As far as I’m concerned you’re one of them and you’re trying to mislead us. I’m on to you.” His features shifted as fury marked him. Lips curled back in anger, he launched at her. Gasping at the speed with which he moved, she cried out just as the electrodes flared to life. The mauve bands of electricity spread across the opening as Darius reached the threshold. In the blink of an eye, volts surged forward. With a loud zap he cried out and was flung backward from the impact. Intense satisfaction rolled through her at the sight of him incapacitated and in pain. He groaned and rolled to his feet. “You must be stupider than I thought. As if I would believe anything that comes out of your foul mouth.” His shoulders tensed at her words. Releasing a growl and turned on her, his dark eyes swirling with menace. “You don’t know anything about me. I have lived and survived on this planet longer than you or your so‐called army. Those things will come in here and systematically kill off everyone around you.” She stepped closer, the need to beat the living crap out of him rising against the ashes of her fear. “Are you threatening me, alien?” His eyes glinted as he stepped until he stood a mere foot from her. “It’s not a threat. It’s a promise.” Before she could react, his hand snapped forward. The bands of electricity activated and surged along the threshold. He gripped her wrist through the pulsating bands, a grimace twisting his features. Knight’s heart thumped as she jerked against his hold to no avail. With a harsh tug he pulled her into the cell. Burning pain seared along her skin as she stumbled across the threshold.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Knight fell to her knees against the sudden pain that still tingled along her skin. Re‐gathering her strength, she stood and raised her gun. But before she could even aim it, he grasped her wrist and forced it up. Her finger pushed against the trigger as she struggled for release. Twirling around in a brief struggle for dominance, he slammed her against the wall, her head snapping painfully against it. With a cruel twist, he pulled the weapon from her. Crying out, she strained for the gun that he held out of reach. He crumbled the metal as though it were a toy and flung it from them. His hand pressed against her chest, just below her neck. Fear and anger mingled together in a thick ball in her gut and she struck out with her hands and feet with all her might. He held still for her attacks, knocking aside her blows with a tap of his hand or lift of his leg. Realizing she wasn’t getting anywhere, she glared at his impassive and somewhat amused features. “What, so you gonna kill me, too?” A brow rose. “If I wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead.” Panting for breath, she looked for an opening. A moment when his guard would fall and she could lay him to the ground. She gritted her teeth and glared at him. “Well, I feel safe now.” His eyes darkened impossibly with misery, and she stifled the thought that perhaps she truly misunderstood him. But it was a passing thought that she immediately brought under control. Angered by her momentarily lapse of good judgment; she kicked out, her boot hitting his shin. He grimaced, but didn’t do anything else. Taking advantage of his lack of retribution, she stuck out with her fist, one hand coming down on his forearm, while she struggled for release. His features shifted and Knight felt a moment’s hesitation before she renewed her efforts for release. Gripping on his thumb that rested below her collarbone, she twisted it down and around, forcing him back. He bent forward with a gasp, and she slammed her foot into his gut. Taking his wrist in her hand, she turned and forced him onto his back. He hit the floor with a thud and a soft scraping sound. His lips curled back and anger surfaced in his eyes. Gritting her teeth, Knight thrust his hand back in an awkward angle, forcing more pain onto him.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker So intent on subduing him, she didn’t see his foot lashing out until it was too late. Agony seared along the side of her jaw and she stumbled sideways into the wall. He flipped to his feet, his features hard and unyielding. She felt a warm dribble trail along her temple and she touched it with her finger. It came away sticky and stained crimson, sending hot fury through her veins. Pushing off the wall, she struck out with her fists, which he dodged with amazing agility. In such a small space, the cell didn’t offer much room to maneuver and she knew she needed to corner him. She kicked out toward his stomach, but he dodged the blow. In the same movement he gripped her thigh, and pushed his shoulder against her chest. Unbalanced, she hit the ground heavily. Twisting on the ground, she fanned her feet out, striking his shins and bringing him down. Standing, she stepped over his torso and grasped his hand with a cruel twist in an attempt to immobilize him. He grunted and struggled against her as she forced it down and back. His eyes blazed with determination, and he pushed against her with his captured hand, sending apprehension through her. Nobody could withstand the pain of such a hold and usually submitted. He did not. Gritting her teeth she pushed her elbow against his throat, sweat beading on her upper‐lip. His fist came forward and hit her directly in the solar plexus. Gasping at the pain that slammed into her abdomen and brought tears to her eyes, she stumbled back. He was on his feet in an instant, his hand incasing her throat and bringing her off the floor. Held suspended, her neck straining against the weight of her body, and she gagged. Her hands gripped his strong wrist as she stared into the dark eyes of death. “Release me,” he growled. Knight coughed against the slight pressure on her throat. “Or what?” His eyes narrowed and he squeezed ever so slightly. “You’ll be dead if you kill me.” “I’m already dead,” he rasped. Determined not to go out without a fight, Knight swung her legs up and around his neck. Grasping his fingers, she gave the thumb a
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker twist, gaining release as she dove back toward the floor. Her hands planted on the cool tile as her thighs gripped him and sent him over her. Rolling to her feet, she turned as he hurdled toward her. Unable to evade him, they hit the floor, with him above her. Knowing that her being at the bottom cost her the advantage, she struck out with her limbs in an attempt to gain leverage. He knocked her fists aside, but his body rested over her in such a position that she was unable to land any decent blows. “Get off!” she screamed, writhing beneath him. His lips thinned when she struck out and landed a blow with her elbow against his jaw. Growling, he encased both her wrists in his large hand and brought them above her head. Planting her feet, she twisted against him in desperation. A moment later, she realized he wasn’t fighting back and she paused, her breath coming in short pants. His eyes shone with something unfamiliar as he searched her features. Immobilized with fear and some other deeply disturbing emotion, she lay still under his perusal. He dipped his head forward, and Knight gasped as his tongue traced a line against her lips. Oh, my God. It had been a long time in stasis and her hormones flared to life at the simple touch. His warm breath skittered across the soft skin of her mouth before he suckled her lower lip. Her breath shuddered from her, eyes sliding shut as a wave of desire engulfed her. She ran her tongue along his top lip producing a groaned from him. Her mouth opened beneath his questing tongue and he delved inside. In hungry urgency, he tasted her as though she were the essence of life itself. She moaned at the moist heat that spiraled through her and settled between her legs. He released her, and trailed a gentle knuckle along the side of her jaw, following it with wet kisses. Arching her neck, she allowed him better access, while his hand encased one breast and fondled it to awareness. Her hands slid up his muscled arms, onto his shoulder and into his hair.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker He rocked his hips forward, and she hissed as his erection slid against her hot pussy. Planting her feet, she swayed with him, whispering encouragement as the tightening within her grew. “Please, please,” she begged as he pushed against her with barely restrained passion. She was so close. An orgasm coiled in her gut, gathering for release His mouth dropped over hers, cutting off her cries. His tongue swirled inside, mimicking coitus as she followed his lead. Sucking his tongue, she dueled with him and delved into his mouth with a passionate search of her own. She scraped against the jagged edges of his teeth and paused. Reality crashed into her, and she realized with sickening clarity that she was fucking a monster. His grunts and groans echoed in the cell and she stifled the urge to smash her fist into him. Releasing a soft moan, she moved her hand from his hair and felt for the point between his collarbone and neck. With two fingers she pressed, and with her other hand she fondled his shoulder in an imitation of passion. A moment later, he swayed, his breath coming out in a slow sigh as he lost consciousness and fell upon her. Panting for a breath, Knight swallowed hard and extracted herself from under him. She slid away until she rested against the wall. Relieved when he didn’t move, she dropped her head back and let out a small sob. A soft whine broke through her turmoil and she glanced over at Boxhead, who paced the length of the threshold. “It’s okay, boy,” she crooned. With shaky fingers, she brushed hair from her eyes and stood. Her knees knocked together and she stumbled toward the small intercom near the entrance of the cell. Punching in a quick code to gain access to the deck, she pressed the green button to open the line. “Matt, I need you at the brig.” Silence followed and she dipped her forehead onto the wall. “What are you doing in cell 539?” Knight pressed the button. “It’s a long story. Just get your ass down here now, will you.” A long space of static followed before he replied. “All right. I’ll be right down.”
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Chapter Four Darius groaned. His head felt as though it was compressed in a vice grip. What had happened? The last thing he remembered, he was making love with that woman. He tried to bring his hand up to cup his aching head, but found he couldn’t. Frowning, he exerted more energy toward the simple task; the abrasive nylon material restraining his wrist caught his attention. His eyes snapped open and he squinted against the florescent light that shone in his face. He was strapped to a chair. Growling, he struggled against the straps, his back arching with the effort. “Calm down,” said a man to his right, his melodic voice somehow breaking through his frenzy. Darius grunted and twisted his head toward the sound to find a man with the clearest blue eyes staring at him. Gasping, he pulled against his restraints, his breath hissing through gritted teeth. The man’s cool hand brushed over his forearm, as though he were calming an animal. “I mean you no harm.” Knowing he was wasting needless energy trying to gain his freedom, Darius settled, although the panic that surged in his chest tightened over his heart. “What do you want?” he rasped. The man leaned back in his seat and glanced at the computer screen before him. “What an enigma you are.” Darius frowned. The man sounded in awe of his...ugliness and not at all afraid. The fellow twisted his chair around and dropped the overhead light that shone in Darius’ face. Blinking at the instant relief to his eyes, Darius observed what he could of the room beyond the bright glare
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker burned in his retina. The chamber was circular with midnight dark alloy sheeting the walls and floor. Light reflected off the metal, giving the room a soothing, nighttime feel. “Who are you?” Darius asked finally. “Matt. I am the chief technician and doctor of this vessel.” Darius snorted, and turned his attention to the line of chairs in a podium, much like an observance area in an operating theater. Dread tingled along his skin with skeletal fingers. “So, are you going to give the autopsy while I’m conscious? Is that what you’re waiting for?” Matt frowned, then leaned back as though offended by the notion. “No. I have no intention of hurting you...as yet. I’ve been assigned to study you.” Darius wasn’t sure whether he wanted to laugh or scream. The first contact with humans in years and they treated him like a rabid animal. His heart clenched painfully in his chest and he dipped his head back onto the chair to stare unseeingly at the ceiling, the lights wavering in and out of his vision. His thoughts drifted to the woman. “Who was she?” he mumbled. “Who? Sergeant Knight?” Darius lifted his head and peered at the doctor. “Is that her name?” Matt shrugged. “It’s the one she goes by.” Somehow, he found that name suited her. She was much like a knight from the days of old. The ones heralded in the fairy tales his father used to tell him. Slaying dragons and such. Despite her obvious hate for him, he desired to possess her. The incident in the cell solidified it in his gut. She had wanted him, and he her. Matt pressed a light panel on the desk, and a voice came through. “Yes?” Matt leaned forward. “He has awakened, sir.” “Good. We’ll be down shortly.” Darius released a derisive chuckle, his vocal chords straining against the rare sound. “So you can laugh. You are very human for a–what did Knight call you–a Samite. Although your social skills are lacking.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Gritting his teeth, he shut his eyes knowing it was wasted breath to refute the charge. He wasn’t human and that put him in the same category as those killers out there. “You seem a lot more...humane than your friends.” Darius ignored the leading statement and clenched his fist, the claws of his hand digging into his palm. A moment later, the door leading into the room slid open with a hiss. Darius opened his eyes to find a man in his fifties entering the room, followed by a younger man with brown hair and equally brown eyes. The two men seated themselves in the chairs available and studied him momentarily. Finally the older of the two spoke. “I understand that you can speak English.” Darius’ eyes narrowed on the pair, but he didn’t respond. The younger man glanced at his partner, and with a small nod he turned to Matt. Darius’s gaze snapped to the man beside him and widened with comprehension as Matt dropped a band over his forehead, forcing him to rest on the back of the chair. Cold metal electrodes we placed on his head, despite his struggle for freedom. Finally a thin visor fell over his features, flashing bits of memory before him and the occupants of the room. Dread intermingled with a fear as he gasped for a breath. He knew this form of interrogation. He’d gone through a similar incident and it had cost him his humanity. Matt pulled out a needle. Holding the needle‐gun up, he snapped the syringe into the cartridge. Struggling against the bands, Darius canted his body away to no avail. The cold metal nozzle pressed against his neck followed by a pop and a hiss. A prick of pain struck him. The cold sensation of ice slithered through his veins from the serum as it entered his bloodstream. His mind whirled and turned fuzzy. Struggling against the effects of the drug, Darius gritted his teeth and drew in harsh breaths. His arms deadened against their own accord and his head lolled to the side. “What is your name?” a man asked. “Darius,” he slurred.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker A flash memory of his family flashed onto the visor and onto a larger screen within the room for all to see. “Where is your base?” A dark cave formed in his mind, followed by the vast hole of loneliness that swallowed him whole. He could see the town from where he stood at the mouth of the cave. The older man in the room stepped toward the screen and frowned, his features twisted with frustration. He turned away from the memory‐flash presented to him and glared at Darius. “Where is the ship?” the man asked. The images of the aliens formed in his mind and flashed intermittently onto the screen. He couldn’t control his projection as he was struck with a memory he had long kept at bay. Images of that day flickered on the screen like a badly downloaded movie. Gritting his teeth, he struggled to hold it at bay, but the events rolled forth with more ease, showing all in the room his long kept secret. The power of the drug crumbled his control and thrust his mind back to where it all began... Darius glanced over at Catherine, whose blonde hair was stained with mud, and blue eyes were alight with fury. “Why’d you do that?” Darius frowned. “You were about to step on a cakat. You’d think I’d get a thank you.” Catherine glanced down at the small rodent that scuttled by. Cakat’s natural defense mechanism was poison darts that ejected from the spikes of its fur. “Well, you didn’t have to tackle me.” Darius shrugged. The sun shone overhead and through the branches of the trees that surrounded them. Catherine stood and grimaced as she brushed the dirt of her shirt. “I’m not in the mood for fishing anymore. I’m filthy.” Darius chuckled at the feminine way his friend held herself, despite her ‘tomboy’ reputation. “Don’t worry, Cath. We can take a dip in the lake.” “All right, but I–ʺ Whatever she was about to say was cut off by a loud rumble. Darius lifted his head in time to see a large ship hover overhead. “What the hell?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker The dark panels reflected the surrounding landscape in shimmers, alternating between silver and an almost invisible sheen. Catherine drew up beside him. “Is that one of ours?” Darius shook his head. “Not that I know of. Dad didn’t mention anyone coming for a good while.” “Maybe we should go back and tell your Dad.” Darius shrugged off his friend’s hands and followed the tail end of the ship. “Come on. Let’s check it out.” “No. Let’s go and report it.” Darius cast her an annoyed glare. “And report it as what? It might be nothing.” Without another word, Darius stepped through the bush, weaving along the well‐trod path toward the sound of whirring engines. At eighteen, his inquisitive nature was eager to see what that ship was, and why it had chameleon attributes. As far as he knew, he didn’t think the human race had developed a metal alloy to do that. Soon, he broke through a patch of trees and stood near a rocky ledge overseeing the stream. He peered at the ship, which was making a slow decent toward the water’s edge. In the opening, the ship shimmered as it settled, its paneling reflecting the surroundings and making it almost impossible to detect. The ship’s engine cut off, and Darius stood in awe at the workmanship of such a vessel. The alloys flared up in a line of electric blue and the chameleon shield disappeared, revealing glaring silver panels. Everything was melded in perfect symmetry as though liquid silver coated the ship. Catherine grabbed his hand, and pulled him down. “What are you doing?” she asked in a harsh whisper. Darius settled down beside his friend, a large bolder concealing them. “I was just looking.” Catherine released a disbelieving sound. “We don’t know who that is.” Darius grinned at his friend’s caution, testosterone pumping through his veins. “Then we better take a better look.” Pushing to his feet, he scurried over to the next rock that shielded him from view, then peered over the ledge. The ship was
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker beautiful in its perfect stealth symmetry. Shaped like a large vase with the edges forming off in sharp angles, it was a thing of beauty. “Darius!” came the desperate whisper. “Are you crazy?” He glanced back at Cath, who lay on the ground as though she wished to sink into it. He fingered for silence and judged the distance to the next rock. It stood a good three meters before him at a forty‐five degree angle. He peered at the vessel. He could garner a better view of the ship from there. Drawing in a deep breath, he sank to the ground and crawled over to his next target. Relief washed through his body as he made it to the rock and smiled. The sun beat down against him, bringing a fine layer of sweat to his forehead. Grinning, he glanced over at Cath, who stared at him with wide eyes. A loud hiss sounded from beyond and Darius twisted around and inclined his head to look at the ship. An arch began to form along one side of the vessel, like water washing away dirt. As the line completed a doorway opened, and a puff of smoke wafted up. Awed by what lay beyond, Darius slid higher up on the rock to get a better view. The darkness beyond didn’t allow him to see the advanced technology of such a fascinating vehicle. A moment later a half dozen ebony skinned aliens broke from the shadows and he drew in a sharp breath. An alien! He’d heard of them before, but never actually seen one. They were like the abominable snowman, talked about, with rare sightings, but no solid proof. Excitement burgeoned in his chest as he ran his gaze over the long lines of their body. They were unbelievable. Horns conformed to the smooth skull and glistened against the light of the sun. One stepped ahead of all the others, and let out a screech, then they all moved forward “Wow.” He released a slow breath. They had no eyes but acted as though they did. Sonar. Like bats. Curious to know more about these strange beings who’d landed, Darius ducked and glanced about him. Dare he risk going closer? “No!” The harsh, angry mumble reached his ears, and he glanced at Cath’s furious expression.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker He motioned for silence with his hand, but Catherine wasn’t inclined to listen as she stabbed a finger at him from across the landscape, then pointed behind her. “Let’s get out of here.” Darius shook his head. “I’ll be a sec. I just want a closer look.” Cath’s lips thinned. “Fine then, be an idiot. I’m not waiting around for you.” Ignoring her, Darius crawled over to the next rock. Resting against the planes of it, he drew in a harsh breath at the sound of approaching footsteps. His heart thundered in his ears as nervous energy skittered across his skin. Clicks and soft rumbles emanated forth, several feet beyond his hiding place. Releasing short pants, he turned his head and edged to the side to peek around the rock face. Two nine‐foot aliens stood nearby, communicating to each other. Although fascinated by the new beings, a tight ball of dread formed in his stomach. His instincts screamed for him to return back to town. Acknowledging it was perhaps best to follow Catherine’s advice; Darius shifted and made to crawl back toward the forest. Twigs cracked beneath him and Darius flinched. Before he had time to draw a breath, the scruff of his shirt was jerked upright and he found himself suspended by the neck. Pressure built up along his throat and head as he struggled for a breath. His fingers dropped over the wrist of the alien, and he kicked out for release. Held suspended and helpless, Darius gagged for a breath as the alien’s nails dug into his skin. Fear roiled through his body and threatened to unman him completely as tears pricked the back of his eyes. His thoughts drifted to his family, and he wondered if Catherine had left. Behind his captor, the alien’s companion released a string of clicks and rumbles. Taking the momentary distraction as an opening, Darius swung his whole body back, then forward, hitting the alien in the chest. He hit the ground with a thud and though momentarily dazed, he knew he needed to get up and get the hell out of there. His world spun crazily as he rolled over onto his hands and knees and stood. He attempted to run, but his equilibrium worked against him and he fell forward.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Gasping, he managed to pull himself onto his hands and knees then scramble toward the trees that seemed to move away from him with every step he took. Hands dropped over his shoulder and whirled him around. Crying out, he stared at the ferocious jagged teeth that dripped with saliva. Before he could even begin to struggle, the alien came down and bit into his forearm. Burning pain seared along the muscle. A strange throbbing sensation tingled across the bitten area and flowed through his veins like a drug. Groaning, his head lolled to the side as the alien pulled back, blood glistening from its teeth. Blackness wavered beyond his vision, and he struggled against it to no avail. The pull of oblivion was too much and he let go. Darius woke with his mouth feeling compressed, as though he wore a set of braces. His arms tingled and ached. Groaning, he realized they were raised above his head, but when he tried to draw them down, he found he couldn’t. Opening his eyes, dread whirled in the pit of his stomach as he stared at the stiff manacles that held him and seemed to meld into the wall. He snapped a desperate gaze around the dank circular room. The walls were ridged and black as night and absorbed what little light came from a small hole above. Panic quickened his breath as he pulled against the restraints. Held suspended a good foot from the ground; Darius gritted his teeth and frowned at the odd way the teeth ground together. Trembling, he released his jaw and ran his tongue along the jagged edges, his breath stuttering at the horror that whirled in his stomach. What was happening? His desperate gaze snapped about the room and it was then he noticed someone...or something else was in the room. “Pleash,” Darius paused, his tongue unable to properly shape the words. He swallowed hard and tried again. “Pleash, herrlp me.” What was the matter with him? “Help you?” the man asked. Thank God! He spoke English. Relief coursed through Darius’ bones as he slumped against the restraints. “Yesh, I need herrlp.” The man moved into a slant of light that angled across the room, and Darius’ relief died into instant terror, running a sickening
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker sensation through his body. The alien’s eyeless features seemed to regard him, the lipless mouth pulling back in a macabre grin. “You are an odd one,” he said. Darius noticed with nauseating clarity that the alien didn’t move his mouth, but rather spoke to him telepathically. His lips trembled with fear as he tugged with earnest on the bands that held him. A prayer flittered through his mind. Hail, Mary full of grace– “Who is this Mary?” Darius’ heart thumped against his ribcage. “Whad you do to me?” he gasped. The alien slanted his head, but didn’t say anything. A moment later a door appeared, shimmering open to reveal another alien, carrying Cath by the scruff of her shirt. The new alien threw his friend onto the ground, and she hit the floor with an “Oomph” and slid across the smooth surface. Cath scrambled up and crawled backward until her back hit the wall, eyes wide with terror. Guilt mingled with trepidation raked through Darius’ body. He knew he was responsible for his friend’s capture. “Cash!” he cried. Cath’s desperate gaze snapped toward him and she cried out and scooted further away. “Please, don’t hurt me,” she whimpered, a sob pitching her voice. The newest alien stepped forward. “I found this one hiding nearby,” she said. She turned her attention to Darius, and approached. “Hmm, what is the meaning of this? He has failed the transformation.” The alien behind her stepped forward and bowed. Clearly, the female alien held a higher rank than him. “I’m unsure, my lady.” She stepped forward, her hot breath touching his cheek and sending nausea pitching through his stomach. Running a cold knuckle along his jaw line, she seemed to observe him as though he were some fascinating jewel. Darius jerked his head from her foul touch, fear preventing him from doing more as he bit back a sob that bubbled at the back of his throat. “I like him,” she said. The other alien stepped forward, his lips pulled down with disdain. “He smells of Raca blood.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker She leaned forward, and drew in a breath through thin nostrils. “Hmm. It’s a faint scent. Interesting to find a Raca unable to fight back. Perhaps he isn’t a pure blood.” The male counterpart nodded. “He smells more like his partner.” “A hybrid. I like him,” she said. “My lady, he has retained his former self. He isn’t safe to put in the ranks.” The alien didn’t take her attention off him. “Who said I’ll put him in the ranks? He’ll make a nice pet.” Darius’ heart dropped and he struggled in earnest against the manacles that held him “Do you think he can procreate?” the male creature asked. The female grinned, revealing a jagged line of teeth. “I would think so. I can hear it in his being.” A dark tongue ran a line along her mouth. “Can you feel it, pet?” Darius gasped as a tugging sensation pulled at his heart. An erotic brush of sexual arousal coursed through his body against his will. Saliva pooled in his mouth and tingled against his teeth. “Ahh, yes, he can feel it,” she said with approval. “Now, show me, my pet.” As though heeding an unspoken command, the manacles disappeared and Darius hit the ground, balancing in a crouch. Heat filled his body and an intense desire for an intangible release spiraled through him. He could smell something. An indescribable scent that titillated him. His gaze fell on Catherine huddled on the other side of the room. A growl rumbled in the pit of his chest and on instinct, Darius launched himself at her. Cath let out a blood‐curdling scream, her hands rising to defend herself. Knocking aside her arms, Darius gripped her shirt and lifted her off the ground. He drew in a deep breath, inhaling the sweet essence that permeated the room. His jaw tingled with heat. Jerking the shirt aside to reveal her creamy white shoulder, he opened his mouth and bit down. Light flared behind his eyes, followed by an erotic rush and Darius groaned. It felt so good. “Please,” Catherine sobbed.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker The plea touched something in him. Darius pulled back, his jaw throbbing, and peered at his prey. Tears fell from the human’s eyes, and her stark terror flayed him. “Don’t hurt me,” she whispered Darius blinked. The unexplainable need waned as he observed her true terror. This was his friend. Catherine feared him. Disgust rolled through him and he released her. Stumbling back, he wrapped his arms around his torso and released a sob of despair. He uncrossed his arms, and with shaking fingers ran them along the obsidian flesh of his body. What was happening to him? “Finish it. Bite her!” the female demanded. Darius shook his head, wanting to dislodge the urge to comply. He was human. He wasn’t one of them. He couldn’t be. “Bite her!” she shouted. “No!” he screamed, denying the very part of him that wanted to do as she commanded. The female ate the distance between them, her lips curled back in fury. Her hand lashed out and stars burst behind his eyes as agony seared through his jaw. The room spun crazily, and blood that was both Cath’s and his own pooled from his mouth. The alien turned to her companion. “Finish it.” Darius knew instinctually that whatever they wanted to do to Catherine would change her. “No!” he cried, lurching forward. The alien swung around. Her hand connected with his chest and sent him back into the wall. Wheezing for a breath, Darius forced himself onto his hands and knees. But it was too late. Cath was in the arms of the other alien, his mouth over her shoulder. “No,” he whispered. A moment later, she was released, and the aliens stepped back as tension filled the air. Cath lay prone on the ground, her eye staring sightlessly at him. “Darius?” she sobbed out on a final breath, but she didn’t say it to him. It was an utterance of his name in a prayer. She was dead. Grief rode along his skin and clenched over his heart. This was all his fault. Crawling forward, Darius reached for her. “Cash?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker All of a sudden her eyes rolled back in her head, and skin formed over her features, blocking her face from him. Her body went into convulsions, and Darius jerked back. Jet‐black pigmentation flared along her skin like fire, burning out everything that was once human about her. Anger surged through his body, and he lurched to his feet, striking out at the first alien, his hands wrapping around its neck. Agony seared through his skull and burst behind his eyes. Unbalanced, he fell to his knees. The female monster stepped into his vision, her lips drawn down in a line of displeasure. “What do you want?” Darius screamed, tears glazing his eyes. “Everything, my pet. She is one of us now. Don’t you see? She has embraced our way of life and will take her place in the circle. While you will be displayed as the animal you are. I will teach you to disobey me.” Darius wanted to yell with misery and anger as he stared at the ugly face of his future... The pull to consciousness tugged at him, and Darius rushed toward it. The visor lifted from his head and he was instantly propelled into the present. Screaming, he tugged at his bands, desperate to escape this captors, but most of all, desperate to escape himself. “Subdue him,” one officer commanded. Matt lurched forward, the needle in his hand. Darius tried to jerk from him, but the cold metal pressed into the base of his neck with a hiss and the pain of the needle piercing his skin solidified his place in the present even more. Roaring out his anger, Darius pulled against the bonds with all his might. They snapped and he stumbled out of the chair on his hands and knees, retching dryly. The guilt he’d kept at bay choked him as he struggled for breath. His arms shook with the effort to remain upright. He was still human. He held onto that thought with despair even though he could still feel the pull to return to the ship. Hate seared through him as he recalled Catherine’s eventual transformation. They’d taken everything from him. Everything.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Hazy and growing weaker by the second, Darius crawled toward the door. He had to escape. A man stepped before him, his gray brows drawn low. He pressed his boot on Darius’ shoulder and pushed back. Without the benefit of his strength, he fell. The older man glanced at everyone else in the room. “Don’t tell anyone what we saw. I don’t want hysteria in the ranks. I want you to get rid of it.” “But, sir, we don’t have enough information on this transformation and why he didn’t change completely. It might be the thing we need to survive,” Matt objected. The older man glowered, clearly not liking the truth behind the words. “Very well, but this thing isn’t safe. I want it terminated when you’re finished with your evaluation.” “No...” Darius murmured. In a last ditch effort he tried to remain conscious, he reached for the officer, but it was too late. The whispers in his head began. The lust for new blood grew in him. They were coming.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker
Chapter Five Knight brushed back a lock of hair, her boot resting on the opposite chair on the slop deck. Around her the room buzzed with conversation, but she wasn’t in the mood for company. Moving her food around with a fork, she pondered on her lack of appetite. Knowing she and the rest of the company were pumped on adrenaline; she couldn’t account that as the reason why she didn’t feel like eating. She knew where the problem lay. Darius. Disgust sat in her gut like a lump of coal. This unaccountable attraction she felt for him burned her skin and shamed her. He was a damned murderer and not even human. This whole incident must be making her loose her mind. With a frustrated sigh, she pushed out of her chair, ignoring the curious stares as she stormed from the room. Marching down the hall, she made her way to the cellblock where they interrogated prisoners of war. Last she knew, General Black and Vaughn had been called off the main deck to question their captive. She had wanted to be present for it, but Vaughn had sensed her agitation and denied her the right. The next level opened up to sterile white walls, the dark tiles absorbing the florescent light. Passing several rooms of solitary, she cast a cursory glance at the cell Darius occupied. Empty. Pausing outside the room, she frowned. Two hours ago, Vaughn had arrived on deck, his features grim. He hadn’t been very forthcoming of what had gone down. In fact he’d been rather abrupt. Where else would they stick a prisoner? This was the best facility they had to hold someone like Darius. Worrying her lower lip, her gut instincts flared to life. Something was seriously up with
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Vaughn and the General and Knight had a feeling it had everything to do with Darius’ interrogation. Her agitation grew at the reminder that she had been prohibited at the interview. Too emotionally invested, Vaughn had said. Shoving aside the dark emotions, Knight marched down the hall toward the interview room. Pausing by the stainless steel doors, she peered through the small thermoplastic window. Matt stood by the alien, who was strapped to the electric stabilizer, a coil of blue light wrapped over his wrists and ankles. Curious, she tapped on the window and Matt glanced over at her. Signaling him to let her in, she waited as he pressed a button inside the room and the door opened. Stepping inside, she peered around the semi‐darkened room. “What’s the deal?” she asked, annoyed that he thought to block off any visitors. Matt glanced down at the computer screen then up at her, his blank gaze adding a notch to her irritation. She scowled at him, but felt the alien’s burning gaze. Immobilized by the stabilizer, he still emanated a dangerous aura. Swallowing back the momentary fear, her anger rose to the fore at her lack of control she had around him. Darius’ dark eyes seemed to implore her for something, and she stifled the compulsion to ask. Brushing nervous hands over her shirt she approached Matt and peered over his shoulder at the screen. “What are you doing?” she asked. Mat glanced over his shoulder at her then back at the screen. “I’ve completed a bio scan on his body. This man is quite fascinating.” Knight’s lips curled back in distaste at the awe in Mat’s voice. “See here,” he said, pointing to a line in the DNA. “It’s very similar to human but with a couple of varying differences. For the most part, this being is close to being human. The pigmentation of his skin and formation of those spikes on his back are very minor changes. It’s almost like he is an evolved species of the human race.” Her heart slammed into her chest at what was revealed. “He couldn’t be human. There is nothing human about him,” she said. “You know, his will to survive is very human.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “Animals will do anything to survive.” Her gaze immediately fell on Darius. The rage in his dark eyes sent a sliver of fear through her. As though he knew of her momentary lapse in emotions, his lips curled back in a silent snarl to reveal his jagged teeth. “Yes, but see here,” Matt said, dragging her attention from the alien. He pointed to another line. “This is definite Raca. Somewhere in his line, one of his ancestors mated with one.” Knight frowned. The Raca were the first aliens to make contact with earthlings. They were rumored to be present at the Roswell incident hundreds of years ago. Although they had made their presence known only a century ago, they had expressed their ongoing interest in Earth. Racas were shape‐shifters and had blended into the community. She shivered, recalling their almost translucent skin and red eyes. “But I thought the Raca’s genes were recessive.” Mat nodded. “Against the human gene it lays dormant, yes. But for some reason, it’s active here.” She glanced at Darius, whose brows were drawn low in curiosity. “But,” she said, after wetting her dry lips. “But he isn’t Raca.” “Yes. He is some sort of hybrid.” He paused and cast her a searching stare. Knight felt a stir of apprehension. “I pulled up the DNA code for the colonists.” Knight’s eyes narrowed, despite the hollowness that filled her chest. “Why?” “I thought to confirm my suspicion as to why he would have those dog tags,” he said, indicating the tags around her neck. Knight clasped the tags in her fist and resisted the urge to step back. “He had those tags as a damned trophy.” The slow shake of his head he pointed to the alien on the rack. “Seventy percent of his DNA matches that of Darius Morgan, Captain Morgan’s son.” A lump of horror expanded in her gut. “No, no, that can’t be.” Her terrified gaze snapped to Darius, even though she saw the truth of it in his eyes. “What do you mean? What...It can’t be true.” “Release me,” Darius demanded.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Knight shook her head and stepped back, ignoring the command in Darius’ tone. “What are you trying to say?” “I can’t tell you,” Matt said, his voice calm. “God damn it! Tell me what the hell this means.” “It means the aliens you were fighting and so afraid of were once human,” Darius said scornfully. Fury surged through her at the denial and horror that battered against her frayed emotions. With a cry of anger she launched herself at Darius, the face of her growing terror. Matt grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back just short of her target. “Get off me!” she cried, struggling against Matt, but the android proved to be far too powerful for her. “Settle down,” he said in her ear. Although the words sounded muffled as she focused on Darius’ cool features, the muscle in his jaw leapt under her cry of rage. “Release me,” he commanded. “Do it now.” “Fuck you!” she screamed, kicking out with her foot. Matt drew her back despite the fact that she would’ve missed anyway. Darius began to struggle against the bonds in earnest, his growls filling the room. His back arched and muscles strained in a sudden act of desperation. Matt set her aside, and rushed to subdue the prisoner. Shocked by the strength he displayed she could only watch as Matt grabbed for a sedative shot. Darius broke one of the bands and worked on the restraint on his other arm. Jumping into action, Knight lurched forward to intercept his arm just as he leapt from the stabilizer. In a flash of movement, he encased her wrist. Not to be put under, she struck out at him, but he blocked her and in the same movement, struck out with his foot against Matt, sending him across the room. “You bastard!” She threw a punch at his jaw, which he dodged and immediately grasped her fist. He forced her back until she hit the wall, his hot breath against her cheek. “No more of your games. They are here,” he snarled. At that moment the sirens sounded and Knight’s gaze jerked up to the light that began to flash in the room. “Shit.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Absently, she noticed Darius had let her go and stepped back, but her attention was focused on what the alarm meant. Sprinting from the room, she ran up the stairs, her heart ran a heavy staccato in her chest as the blast of gunfire sounded. As she hit the next level up, her boots clanged along the metal gangway following the backs of other privates that made their way to the loading dock. The boom of a rocket launcher crystallized the situation as the cries of men intensified. Punching a code into her suit, it expanded slightly before conforming to her body in stealth mode. Quickly arming herself, she glanced up as the light within flared then promptly went out. “Shit!” With a rifle on her arm she edged her way toward the plank, the silver hue of the moon her only guiding light. Several men stood on the inside of the ship’s docking bay, taking alternate shots at the hostiles outside. “God damn it!” one of them cried. The screeching of the beasts beyond brought with it stark reality as the dark shapes moved with inhuman speed through the night. Light sparked as guns fired from various points on the landscape. Knight found space between a load of crates in the holding bay and punched in a button by her temple to click her active visor into night vision. The landscape spread out before her in shades of blue, but the aliens were almost indiscriminate in the bleak color. “Shit!” Nothing could be that undetectable in the visor, but they were. Turning on her motion detector, the red lights flared on the corner of her visor like connect the dots. The hostiles were everywhere. “Fuck,” she mumbled, her gaze snapping across the landscape. The shadowy figures of both comrades and aliens mixed and forced her to take careful aim. Cocking her gun she took aim at a particular figure and let out a static shot. The animal let out a scream and fell back. Several men emerged from the shadows behind her and drew a line, their rifles at the ready. In an instant, relief filled her bones as she recognized them. “Nice of you boys to show up,” she said as she fired off a few shots.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Boomer glanced over, his eyes narrowed at her tone. “Got here as fast as we could. What the bloody hell is going on?” “I don’t know. Those things are swarming out there,” she said. “Madre Dios,” Spanish muttered. Cooper passed her a devil‐may‐care grin. “Hey man, let’s go kill us some.” Knight knew the fear that lay beneath Cooper’s façade but let it slide. At that moment, movement caught in her peripheral and she jerked as four of those monsters made a surge toward the docking bay. A blaze of gunfire broke out around her as she shot at the new threat. The beasts jerked as bullets pummeled them, yet strangely they kept on coming. One by one, the aliens finally fell under the attack a mere foot from the entrance. “We made mince meat outta those things and they still came. What the fuck man!” Coops said, a crazed, desperate look in his eyes. Knight bit back the bile that rose to her throat. They were almost invincible against their weapons. “Aim high, men. Head shots if you can.” “Hoo‐ah.” Her gaze veered over the rest of group as they fired their weapons into the darkness. “Where the hell is Vaughn?” “He was on shift, making his rounds on the parameter,” Boomer said. Cooper adjusted his gun and fired a few shots. “Can’t see shit out there.” “Flare gun?” Knight asked. Each man shook his head. “We can’t give away our position,” Spanish said. “Our position? Those things out there seem to find us just fine. Our night vision doesn’t pick them up, or the infrared. They are predators and the only thing we have in our arsenal are the damned flares.” Her earphone clicked on and a green light buzzed at the corner of her visor. “We’re under attack, Sarge–ʺ a barrage of gunfire erupted around him, followed by screeches and cries of terror. “—surrounded. God damn it! We need assistance. Now!” “Location,” Knight demanded.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker A moment passed between an outpouring of gunshots before the soldier gave it to her. “Anyone else near that location?” she asked on an open line. A moment later Vaughn answered. “I hear ya, Knight. I’m close, but we’ve lost too many men, I’m stuck in a gully fighting off these fuckers. Where are you?” “Still in the loading dock. But I think we can get there if I have enough cover fire.” She glanced at the men of her unit, their faces grim and ready for action. “You know the drill, guys.” Cooper passed her a narrowed stare. “Are you kidding me? We don’t know what the hell to do with those things.” “We got men out there that need us. Shoot to kill, and don’t get killed in the process,” she said. Cooper cast his attention out the door, his grip tightened on his rifle as he swallowed hard. “Yeah, right.” Satisfied, she peered at the dozen or so men inside the docking bay. She tapped into a closed line to talk to them. “You heard the Lieutenant?” One of the men glanced at her then back outside as he shot off a few bullets. “Yes, ma’am.” “All right, I want you four to come with me, the rest offer cover fire.” In a half‐crouch, Knight moved closer to the docking bay entrance. “All right men, I want you all to look sharp. We got some guys out there that need us.” Beside her, one of the men shook his head, his eyes wide with fright. He looked no more than eighteen. Poor kid. What a way to start off his career. “It’s all right,” she said. “You stay here and offer me cover fire, okay?” The boy’s Adam’s apple bobbed, but he nodded, holding up his weapon. She glanced over at the more seasoned men, and despite the calm, methodical way they held themselves, fear virtually poured off their bodies. Red light flared in her visor, and her heart jumped in her chest as she twisted around with a curse. Over a dozen large aliens leapt into the docking bay.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “Shit!” Falling back, Knight fired off her weapon as one launched toward her. Rolling away from it, she pushed to her feet and dived for cover as the other men within the bay fired off rounds. With her back to the metallic crates, she fired several shots at the large seven‐foot aliens that poured through the entrance. They were swarming in.
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Chapter Six “God damn mother fuckers!” Cooper surged to his feet, his weapon blazing. The beasts came in with cruel efficiency, their claws ripping into the unprepared soldiers. Sickening gurgles filled the room, intermixed with yells and gunfire. The red light flaring on the corner of her visor blurred with so many hostiles in such close proximity. Every shadow that moved sent her heart to her throat as she aimed her gun and fired. The line of men scattered under the attack. Each soldier out for themselves in an effort to survive. Spanish snapped something in his hand. A florescent blue smoke surged around his fingers. A sticky grenade. Her eyes widened as he held it in his grip, and after passing her a final look, he lurched to his feet. Knight drew in a harsh breath as Spanish made a line to the group of aliens making their way deeper into the ship. The gravity of his intent slammed into her like a punch to the gut. “No!” In desperation, she focused solely on the mass of aliens and took head shots, determined to bring them down. Spanish ducked and weaved through the frenzied crowd and threw the grenade at an alien central to the group. The blue orb slammed into the alien’s chest and held. As Spanish dived to the floor a loud boom resounded through the bay, taking a half dozen aliens with it. Wide‐eyed, Knight stilled in tense anticipation, waiting for Spanish to move. After what seemed like an eternity, he pushed himself up and stood, a goofy smile on his face. A red dot blazed on her visor.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “Spanish! Behind you!” He jerked, agony washing over his features as blood pooled from his mouth. Knight’s soul tore as she watched her friend crumble in a dead heap, a shadow behind him coming to life. “Spanish. Noo!” With a cry, she fired her rifle, the bullets hitting her target as it jerked and finally fell. Boomer’s gaze snapped from his target and it cost him. An alien landed on top of him, its growls intermixed with his cursing. The muffled sound of gunfire caused the monster to jerk and fall still. Boomer pushed the thing off him, then fired a couple of rounds into the thing’s head. “There’s more coming!” someone cried. Knight whirled around as a barrage of gunfire echoed around them. The aliens were coming in hard and fast, determined to break through their ranks. Movement from the corner of her vision caught her attention and she glanced over to see the teenager make a dash from his spot. “Stay down, stay down!” she cried out. She fired off several shots at the beasts that surged after the easy prey. Like a pack of wolves converging on a stunned doe, the moved with the intent to kill. She jerked on the trigger, the bullets slamming into the creatures with deadly accuracy. The last of the group took several bullets into the torso, but that didn’t slow it down. The teenager remained where he was, frozen with fear as the beast fell upon him. His scream of pain and terror ripped through Knight’s usually staunch composure. Without thought, she pitched forward and slammed her booted foot into the alien’s face, dislodging it form its victim. Its attention snapped to her, bloodied teeth revealed as it snarled. She pulled the trigger and a bullet perforated the skull, a spray of blood hitting her legs. Kicking the monster off the kid, she gripped the boy under his armpits and dragged him back to the safety of the crates. He shook with shock, his shoulder bleeding profusely. She ripped open a pocket on her backpack and pulled out the small first aid packet. Ripping it open with her teeth, she poured the white gelatinous goo onto his wound. A moment later the substance hardened, sealing the wound. She clicked onto an open line. “Medic!”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “I hear you,” came Matt’s calm monotone voice. “I need you in the docking bay.” “I’m held up on the main deck, several Samites have broken through. I–” He broke off as a barrage of gunfire sounded followed by the screeches of death. “–donʹt think I can get down to you.” With a curse, Knight jerked her gun up and fired at the remaining aliens within the room. Time seemed to go on forever as she tried to keep the monsters at bay. It seemed with every monster that went down, two would replace it. So intent on the targets before her, she didn’t see the shadow beside her move. Too late, the light on her visor blinked red. She snapped her gun around to find the teenager’s half‐human, half‐Samite form surge to life. The mottled black skin forced the pale skin to stand out in stark contrast. His eyes were human, yet lacked any warmth. “Holy shit!” She snapped her gun up, but the thing gripped the nozzle, pushing it down as she pulled the trigger. The bullet slammed into her thigh and she screamed at the burning pain that shot through her leg. The zombie/alien opened his mouth to reveal jagged teeth, a hiss coming forth. Shifting her grip on the gun, she snapped it up as he surged toward her. The butt of her rifle hit the side of his face, knocking him off balance. Scrambling to her feet, she cried out as her left leg refused to co‐operate and crumbled under her weight. With her rifle on her lap, she crab‐crawled away as the former‐human shook his head and leaped toward her. Crying out, she grabbed her gun and held it out. Just as the monster fell upon her, she pushed her weapon up, keeping it at bay. His claws ripped into her arms and she dodged the swipes to her face. The ball of terror that had coiled in her gut unraveled, threatening to steal her strength. The muscles in her arms trembled under the pressure and she released a small sob through gritted teeth. She was about to die. The cold reality of it sliced through her. One moment the pressure was there, and then it wasn’t. Blinking, she stared up at Darius, his hands wrapped around the throat of the alien. Darius lifted his arm, forcing the alien off his feet. Clicking sounds came from the back of Darius’ throat and the malice on his face
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker caused Knight’s heart to grow cold with terror. The former soldier hissed, its form more alien now than human. The sickening crunch of soft tissue crumbling registered, and the beast in Darius’ hands fell limp. Without a word, Darius dropped the thing, and crouched, his dark gaze fixed on her. His manner was so casual; one wouldn’t know there was a frenzied battle going on about them for all the concern he showed. “Are you all right?” he asked. Knight swallowed hard. “Yes.” His attention fell on her leg and slowly he reached out and touched it. The sting against the torn flesh caused Knight to hiss and tense. “You were shot,” he said matter‐of‐fact. “No shit,” she snarled. Torn between bringing her weapon up and lying still under his regard, her gaze narrowed on him, but he remained silent. “What are you going to do now? Kill me and make a break for it?” He glanced around him. The U‐shape of the crates kept her from view and she knew none of her men were aware of her situation. The thought filled her with a sense of helplessness and she hated that feeling. Her lip curled in disgust as she glared at him. “I’m not going to kill you.” “Then get out of my way.” She grit her teeth against the pain and pulled herself up on the crates to peer over the edge. He pushed on her shoulder, forcing her down. Swinging her weapon around, she pointed it at him. “Get the fuck away from me.” He eyed the rifle with an unconcerned air. “I need to get you to safety. They want you.” Her heart dropped and terror filled her. “Wha—what do they want from me?” “Your soul.” Darius watched as the color washed from her face. Despite the hard façade she put up, he knew she held onto her control by a mere thread. When he reached down to help her upright, she jerked away from him. “Don’t touch me,” she bit off. The whispers in Darius’ head pressed against his soul, threatening to wrench the remainder of his humanity from him.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Bite her. His jaw ached. The surge of lust spiraled through his body and demanded he take from the young soldier to initiate her into the ranks of the Samites. “We can’t stay here.” Her eyes flashed with fire. “What? You want me to leave my men?” Jerking his head up, he clenched his fists and released a soft snarl. A familiar rage surged within him and he shut his eyes against the urge to rip the woman before him apart. A compulsion not his own, but the Samite that sensed their location. I’m not a monster, Darius thought. Drawing in a slow breath, he opened his eyes, and stared down at Knight, her narrowed gaze filled with suspicion and fear. He opened his mouth to answer, but paused. The whisper of intent and the putrid smell of a Samite filled his nostrils. Infidel, roared a Samite. Abomination. The raging Samite broke through the ranks of men that stood between him and his target. Darius released a snarl and leaped over the crate, uncaring of the danger he put himself in. His met the beast halfway, his claws striking out for the throat. The Samite jerked back, and ducked under another blow that went over his head. The beast surged upward with a clawed hand and connected with Darius’ chest. Burning pain seared across his torso. Gasping, Darius stumbled back, his hand pressed against the warm flow of blood from his chest. So weak, Abomination, the Samite said. Darius’ lip curled back in hate. You are the abomination, you and the rest of your kind. The Samite moved with unbelievable speed, his claws striking out in a cris‐cross. Both drew into a fierce battle while dodging bullets that seemed to zoom past them in slow motion. Darius ducked and weaved, and finding an opening, slammed an open palm against the chest of the beast. The impact sent the Samite back with such force that he stumbled over the dead bodies that littered the docking bay. The blast of gunfire surrounded Darius, and he ducked and weaved from the bullets that whizzed past him. A human surged toward him, and Darius leapt off the ground and onto the wall. Pushing off the wall, he spun around the spray of bullets and landed close enough to the human soldier. Gripping the suit of the man,
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Darius twisted around and flung him away. The soldier landed into a group of people taking pot shots at him. Before he had time to turn toward Knight, the first Samite was upon him. With a growl, Darius sidestepped the downward swipe of the deadly claws, and gripped the wrist of the beast. With a twist of his wrist, the bone threatened to crumble. Kicking out at the Samite’s straightened elbow, the wet sound of bone and tendons snapping registered and Darius kicked the alien’s unprotected belly. As the beast crumbled, Darius slammed his elbow down into the center of its neck, paralyzing it. The sound of a terrified whimper drew his attention, and Darius jerked his head around to see Knight in the grips of another Samite, its jaws open wide to taste her, and take away her humanity. A primeval possessiveness filled Darius and he surged toward them, a roar coming from the depths of his soul. He leaped over the crates, and wrapped his forearm around the Samite’s neck and drew him back. With a twist, he sent the alien to the ground. Darius stepped in front of Knight, protecting her from the beast that eyed her hungrily. Saliva pooled in the back of Darius’ mouth as the need to protect what was his blinded him. Mine, he warned the Samite. The hatred that spewed from the alien’s gaze brushed over Darius’ skin and he knew the Samite wanted to steal Knight from him. They wanted her and he was going to do everything in his power to stop them. They surged toward each other in the same instant and met in a flurry of deadly movements. Striking out, Darius scraped his claws along the alien’s exposed skin. Like crazed beasts, they attacked each other. Filled with bloodlust, Darius snarled and leaped back from the Samite’s swipes, before coming in with deadly precision. Sensing and opening, Darius thrust his hand forward and broke through the alien’s chest. His hand broke through bone to clasp over the heart and rip it from the body. Filled with lust for violence, Darius crushed the heart in his fist and coldly watched the beast die. A gasp drew his attention and he whirled around to stare at the succulent woman before him. The fear in her wide blue eyes somehow tickled an emotion that weighed heavily
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker on his chest. He pushed aside the feeling and licked his lips hungrily. He wanted her. Wanted to taste her essence. Darius surged toward her, knocking aside her hands that swung at him. Puny being. Gripping her around the neck, he pulled her off her feet, and stared at her curiously as she gagged. Her feet kicked out at him, but he ignored them. Shouts from across the bay drew him from his contemplation and he jerked his head around, to see that the humans had regained control of the docking bay. His time was up. He shifted his fingers on his lovely prey. His jaw tingled with need. He needed to taste her. He ran a hand along the strange curves of her chest and tilted his head when she groaned at his touch. His heart rate picked up. Darius wanted to take her in his mouth and end his suffering. He wanted to answer his primal call, but he couldn’t do it. Baffled by the strange compulsion, he frowned, but didn’t question it. He needed to return...home? As the lust for violence ease, his mind became a haze. Confusion set in as emotions began to cloud his urges. Guilt, love, compassion, sadness. He groaned at the crushing emotions that came at him from all sides. Slowly the night sounds filtered through his turmoil and he blinked at his surroundings. A weight in his arms drew his head back and he stared at Knight, her eyes wide with fear, fury and confusion. Slowly, so as not to startle her, he eased her to the ground, then stepped back. My God, what happened? Like an out of body experience, the events prior to him regaining control of his primal urges came back to him. He was in a losing battle against the transformation. Impossible. For over five years he hadn’t changed further. His mission remained the same. To take revenge on the Samites. He’d never felt the compulsion to initiate another human, not since... He shook his head against the image of the village and his family that had housed him despite his odd appearance. Sighing, he wrapped his arms around his torso, holding back the scream of misery that threatened to burst forth. Remorse, an emotion with which he was well familiar, crushed his soul in its dark grip.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Several shots rang out in the distance, and Darius listened for this whisper of the Samites. They were silent. The military had won...for now. The soft metallic scent of blood filled his nostrils and he drew in a harsh breath. The wound on her leg bled profusely and he had foolishly overlooked it. He glanced over his shoulder into the darkness beyond. He couldn’t bring attention to them; they’d likely shoot him. The soft buzz of electricity flaring to life penetrated the eerie silence that now pervaded, and the florescent lights clicked on. The massacre that littered the docking bay sent a shaft of fury through him. The survivors within stood up from their concealed spots, eyes wide and filled with horror and relief. He released a sigh. They were safe now. He turned to reassure Knight, only to find her standing just behind him, the butt of her gun poised at the ready. Pain. White. Then nothing.
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Chapter Seven Knight released a harsh breath as she dropped the butt of her rifle down and leaned heavily onto it. She stared down at Darius’ unconscious form. “You’ll thank me later,” she whispered. Several men sounded off to each other, searching for survivors now that the mayhem had passed. Cooper jogged up to her, his eyes wide and glistening with adrenaline. “You all right there?” Knight nodded and couldn’t help but pass a compulsive glance at Darius. Cooper drew to a halt, then followed her look. “Holy shit, how’d he get out?” “I don’t know.” Cooper gave an offhanded shrug. “Well, at least he’s a dead alien.” Knight winced. “He’s not dead, just unconscious.” Cooper jerked up his weapon, and she instantly reacted, her hand knocking aside the rifle. “He saved my life.” He blinked several times as though she’d just given him some complex mathematical question to answer. “What the fuck? This is a war, Sarge. It ain’t tit for tat.” “Don’t you think I know that? His DNA is almost the same as ours. He’s human.” If it were possible, Cooper’s eyes widened even more. “Are you fucking kidding me? Look at him. He isn’t human.” “He was once,” she murmured. “What?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker She stared at Cooper, noting the confusion and fear in his eyes. “These Samites were once human. The original aliens somehow managed to alter our DNA and thought processes.” Cooper’s Adam’s apple bobbed furiously, a pale wash running over his features. “What the fuck? What the fuck, man?” he said, his voice pitching an octave in his terror. “You telling me, we might become one of those things?” She nodded. “Jesus, Mother Mary and Joseph. Fuck! We’re dead meat.” At that moment, Vaughn and a few other men entered the docking bay, blood and dirt lining their faces. Vaughn barked some commands, and several of the soldiers hurried to do his bidding. His gaze scanned the room and upon sighting her, he walked over. “Glad to see you still alive.” “Yeah, I’m not about to let those things take me.” He opened his mouth to say something, but paused, his eyes narrowing on Darius. “How the hell did he get out?” Cooper glanced desperately between the two of them. “Don’t know, sir.” “He managed to pull himself from the immobilizer, sir,” she said. Vaughn’s lips thinned. “You were there when it happened?” “Yes, sir.” “I would’ve thought you’d have subdued him for the safety of the men.” “We were attacked not long after he released himself. I didn’t have time.” Vaughn’s displeasure made her feel like a private under the censure of her Drill Sergeant. “I need you on the ball, Knight. Those things are out there and we’re lucky we got away with what we did.” He sighed then rubbed his forehead. “Just dispose of the body.” Knight cringed. “He saved my life, sir.” A frown drew a line across his brow. “You telling me he isn’t dead?” “No, sir, he’s alive.” Vaughn shifted on his feet, his stance becoming aggressive. “You better finish the job, Knight. Hoo‐ah?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Her lips pursed together. She wasn’t about to murder Darius. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” “What?” “Sir, he knew they were coming. He warned me about it before they even attacked. He knows things we don’t. How they work and when they are coming at us. He’ll be invaluable to our survival.” “How do you know this isn’t some ploy to get at us?” “He fought off and killed several Samites, sir. I don’t think that was a ploy.” Vaughn released a harsh breath. “Fine, but I want him contained until we decide what we should do with him.” He turned and started to bark orders. His voice faded in and out of her focus, and she swayed slightly. A hand reached out and steadied her and she peered up at Vaughn’s concerned features. “You all right there?” “I...I was shot.” “Who shot you?” She swallowed hard. “I did, sir, by accident. One of our men attacked me.” Vaughn’s eyes widened. “One of our men? Are you sure?” She nodded. “He looked human, but not. But I’m one‐hundred percent certain that it was the kid that got bitten by one of those things.” “Fuck,” Cooper whispered. A muscle in Vaughn’s jaw leaped and then he turned to the other survivors in the room. “Men, I want anyone who has sustained a bite to be quarantined immediately.” As men scurried to do his bidding, Vaughn eyed Darius who remained unconscious. “We’re going to hell in a hand basket.” Knight couldn’t agree more. * * * * * He was on a bed. That was the first thing Darius noticed as he roused. The next thing he noticed was that he wasn’t alone. Keeping his breathing steady as to not alert the intruder of his consciousness, he pondered on his situation.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker As he drew in a slow breath through his nose, the subtle scent of flowers and femininity touched his senses. There was only one person he knew that smelled like that. Opening his eyes, he peered up at Knight, who sat on a chair near his bed. Her eyes were shut and she seemed to be asleep. Frowning, he eased up on his elbow. She must be confident he wouldn’t escape or harm her if she’d let down her guard. Pulling his attention away from her, he noticed he hadn’t been returned to the prison cell. The room, though small, was of a neutral gray and the small bunk offered him a comfort he wasn’t used to. Save for the chair that was currently occupied, the room remained bare of anything else. As silent as a cat, he slipped out of bed and walked toward the metal paneled door. It came as no surprise that it remained closed. He pressed his palm on the cold steel and wondered if he should break through it. “You need a code to get out,” she said. Darius jerked around to find Knight sitting up in her seat, her eyes shimmering from sleep. Still, despite all the terror and hatred he’d gone through in the last thirty hours or so, he found the trust in her eyes a welcome comfort. Unsure what to do about the strange tightness in his chest, he shifted on his feet, much like a pre‐pubescent teen. “Come and sit down.” She patted the mattress. He hesitated momentarily, wondering what she was aiming at. The last thing he knew, she had knocked him out cold with the butt of her gun. “I’m not going to do anything,” she urged. Darius sat upon the bed, his elbows on his knees and hands clasped together as they regarded each other silently. She seemed rather curious. Not an ounce of her former hatred showed in her gaze. “What am I doing here?” he asked finally. “Why aren’t I back in the prison cell?” Knight nodded as though she’d expected the question. “My commanding officer thought it best to put you in a room away from the prying eyes of the rest of the crew.” The corner of Darius’ lip rose in a silent snarl. “So I’m still a prisoner then?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “No. I’m hoping...I mean, we’re hoping that you’ll be willing to be our...cultural expert as it were.” Darius felt a whirl in his stomach, sickened by their evaluation of his worth. “I’m not some damned scout for you guys.” She blinked at his harsh tone. “You want to kill the Samites, don’t you?” “What’s that got to do with anything?” “Well, do you?” He scowled. “You know I do.” “Then why not let us help you? We’re sitting ducks out there because we don’t know what we’re up against.” She held her hand out to him. “But you, you knew they were coming. You knew that man was going to change. You know a lot more about them than any of us and unless you cooperate you’ll have more Samites on your hands once they are through with us.” Darius remained silent, absorbing what she’d said. The pros and cons were weighed up and he knew she had a point. A very good one. “All right, you have my cooperation.” She beamed at his acceptance and he felt as though he were gut punched. My God, she was beautiful. Darius grit his teeth as his body stirred to life. He couldn’t lust after her after all that had transpired and yet...he did. Not to worry. She’ll leave shortly and you can fix this damned sexual frustration. Yet, when she didn’t move from her seat, he raised a brow in query. “Is that all?” “I want to thank you for saving my life and say I’m sorry for misjudging you,” she said. Strangely, his heart expanded and warmed, but he squelched it and gave an off‐handed shrug. “I would’ve saved anyone I knew that was in trouble.” She nodded. “I know. I heard what you did on deck.” His eyes narrowed in confusion, then cleared as he realized what it was about. Rather than make his escape–which he should have–he had informed Matt of a double attack. One toward the docking bay and another from the roof. The Samites were intent of surrounding their prey and in order to do that needed the advantage of surprise.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker They had made their way to the main deck and while Matt warned everyone to ready for an attack, Darius had readied for the fight of his life. Never had he taken on more than one or two Samites at a time. He’d kept his mind free of thoughts, lest the Samites break through his usually stringent control and reveal the plan to defeat them. The minute the Samites broke through the heavy glass that surrounded the deck, the men had their weapons cocked and ready and all hell broke loose. A tinkling of metal brought him out of his dark ruminations and he glanced up to find Knight had removed a set of dog tags from around her neck. “I believe these are yours.” Darius stared at the metal that swung in her grasp. He reached out to grab it, but paused, his gaze latching on the stark color difference of their skin. Shame sliced through him and he clenched his trembling fingers and drew back. “Just put it on the bed,” he rasped. Knight stood, then approached the bed. But rather than placing the item on the sheet, she sat next to him. Darius tensed at her closeness, her scent washed over him while his body demanded he possess her. In order to maintain control, he drew in a long, slow breath before facing her. That was a mistake. Her eyes glimmered with so much trust and caring that it threatened to unravel his control. Darius knew he should stand and move away, but his body refused to comply. His gaze ran over her soft features, the line of her jaw, her lips and the curve of her shoulder. She was beautiful. She licked her lips and Darius’ willpower dropped another notch, his cock stirring to life despite his best efforts. “Can I touch you?” she asked. Hot shock sliced through him and he regarded her with a frown. Surely he hadn’t heard that right. “I mean, can I touch your...spikes?” His body tensed. “Why?” She glanced away from him and it was the first him he’d ever seen this strong woman look totally out of her element and vulnerable. “I...I was just curious.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Darius relented with a sigh. How could he deny her? It would benefit them both. He’d have some contact– small though it was–while she satisfied her curiosity. “All right.” As she faced him once more, Darius twisted around and prayed to God he wouldn’t loose his mind.
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Chapter Eight Knight couldn’t believe he’d let her near him. After the crap she’d pulled at the docking bay she would’ve thought he’d put up a bit of a fuss. Instead, he remained complacent and reasonable...so human like. But he is human. Her lips rose in a wry grin. Yeah, he was and yet not. Perhaps that was the reason she was so fascinated by him. But in her heart she knew it was more than that. She’d once known the little boy Darius, but then, she’d only known him as Dare. They’d been at the same base camp on Earth many years ago. Her father and his were good friends and she’d been twelve to his fourteen. Her interest in boys had started and her focus had zoomed in on Dare. His soft nature and easy smile had threatened to stop her heart. But what she remembered most about him as a child were his piercing blue eyes. So blue it seemed he saw through her soul and revealed all her secrets. But now, his eyes were black...just black and yet, she still felt he had the same effect on her. She chewed her lower lip and wondered if he remembered her. She’d changed a lot since the day he’d left on her thirteenth birthday. She remembered that day clearly. It was the first day of the rest of her life. Although she hadn’t spoken much to him, just admired him from afar, the news from her father that the Morgans weren’t coming to her birthday party but were joining a colonist ship and leaving Earth had left her bereft. She had thought her life was over. The love of her life was leaving and never coming back. She remembered running to the docking bay where the ship was to launch, her lungs burning from
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker exertion. She’d found him with a duffle bag over his shoulder, making his way toward the ship. She had called out to him and the minute he spotted her he’d dropped his bag and opened his arms to her. In hindsight, she’d often wondered how he knew she needed to hold him or if he’d done it because he needed to hold her. It was then that she’d claimed her undying love with the desperation of an ardent teen. He had tenderly brushed the hair from her face, stared into her eyes, and offered her a soft smile as he reassured her of her ability to move on without him. It certainly hadn’t been something she’d wanted to hear from the boy she’d revealed her emotions to. She’d die never having been kissed, she’d claimed. He’d chuckled and dipped his head to place a soft kiss on her lips. The ground trembled and a heat wave washed through her. It was the best thing that’d ever happened to her and was over too soon. He’d leaned back and said she now had nothing to worry about. As he’d marched up the plank, she’d made the impassioned promise to follow him. No distance in space would separate them forever. He’d turned to her and smiled and said, “I’d like that.” Her heart had expanded and she’d virtually skipped home with plans to follow him. But days slipped into months and months into years. Her infatuation with Darius had faded and she’d forgotten about him...until now. Darius glanced over his shoulder. “You changed your mind?” Knight jerked at his voice then shook her head. “No, I haven’t.” With tender fingers, she touched the first spike along his back. It didn’t distend too far from his spine. Only one or two inches in length it was nowhere near as long as the ones she’d seen on the Samites. It was warm, almost hot to the touch and looked like crystal peaks rather than bone as she’d suspected. He shuddered as she ran the pad of her finger over the soft ridges and she pulled away. “Did I hurt you?” He shook his head, but otherwise remained silent. Knight contemplated leaving it at that. After all, she’d satisfied her curiosity and she didn’t think the men would approve of her being in the room with Darius. Ignoring the inner‐voice of caution, she touched his back and ran her palm along his warm skin. The muscles
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker were smooth and she marveled at the unique way his skin seemed to glisten. She dipped forward and had a good look at the crystal‐like spikes, yet it was no longer the spikes that kept her enthralled, it was him. His breath came in short puffs as though he’d run a marathon, his body shaking ever so slightly. Unable to resist, she placed a soft kiss at the center of his neck. His reaction was instantaneous. In a blur of movement, she found herself on her back with her wrists encased on either side of her and his warm body over hers. His hot breath pressed against her cheek as his gaze devoured her, the age‐old language of desire burning into her. “What do you want?” he asked, his tone rough with...need. Knight blinked, at a loss as to why she’d let him get the upper hand. Why wasn’t she fighting back? Why did she wish he’d kiss her again? Her heart stilled then beat double. Oh my God, she wanted to make love with Darius and the thought titillated and terrified her. “I...I don’t know,” she said finally. His eyes narrowed and nostrils flared. It was clear to her that it wasn’t the answer he wanted. But still he didn’t release her and she didn’t fight him. She could feel his heartbeat against her chest and marveled at the staccato. Then, without thought to consequence or future, she parted her legs and allowed him to settle fully over her. “Don’t play games with me, Knight, I’m still only a man.” “I’m not,” she whispered. He groaned and bent his head to kiss her. Knight opened beneath him, her tongue joining his in a dance of heat and desire. Her body tingled and ached for his touch and she reveled in her moment of total abandonment. He released her hands and she wrapped them over his shoulders, and tilted her hips in a silent message of yearning. He answered back with his own thrust and she gasped at the pleasure that sliced through her. His hands slid along her ribcage and she arched into him, a sigh slipping through her mouth. He ran his palm along her flat stomach from the hip, between her breasts and gripped the zipper of her suit. He paused, his chest heaving as the silent question passed between them.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker With a slight nod, Knight released a soft yearning moan as he pulled on the tag down to her belly button, exposing her breasts to his gaze. His breath stuttered and Knight stared up at the awe and desire that showed on his dark features. He ran a reverent hand over the valleys of her breast, circling the nipple, but not actually touching it. Heat spiraled through her and she arched into his touch, desperate for him to give her pleasure. He kissed her just under her ear, his tongue flicked against her earlobe and she gasped. Writhing, she scraped her nails against his back and he shuddered. He trailed a kiss along her neck and brushed the sharp edges of his teeth against her collarbone. Rather than frighten her, it heightened her need as heat fired within. He licked a line over one breast then took her nipple in his mouth. She virtually leaped off the bed at the erotic heat that zapped her. Her hands rode into his hair as she thrust her hips against him. Pleasure coiled within her and all of a sudden, her clothes felt stifling. “Help me get out of these clothes,” she whispered. He reacted in an instant. As he eased back on his knees, he gripped the collar of her suit and pulled it down over her body. Knight silently thanked God she’d loosened her shoes before napping on the chair and was able to kick them off easily. She tilted her hips and gloried in the slide of fabric as she eased out of her clothes, leaving her naked to Darius’ hot gaze. His onyx eyes virtually glowed as he stared at her, his features set in stark lines. Feeling unusually free with herself, she stretched, thrusting her breasts up. His gasp filled the room and she purred as his hands rubbed along her skin in slow circles. As the pad of his thumb brushed over her nipples she moaned, arching up for more. He pinched her nipples gently at first then enough sting to send hot pleasure gushing to her pussy. He placed a kiss on each nipple, easing the burn. “Darius.” The heat within her upped a notch as he circled his velvet tongue over the hardened tip. His erection, sheathed by his pants, settled upon her exposed quim and he tilted into her, squeezing another sharp spark of pleasure through her. He abandoned her breast with his mouth, but stifled her
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker protest as he flicked them with his sharp nails. Oh God, it was almost as though he knew what she wanted. He licked a trail along her abdomen and kissed the edge of her bush and around it, teasing her with his elusiveness. When she moved to grab his head and put it where she wanted it most, he grasped her wrists and pushed them into the mattress. She writhed. Her hips undulated in a silent message of need. A deep dark chuckle emanated from him, and she wanted to scream against the warm blow of his breath against her clitoris. “Fuck, don’t tease me,” she said on a harsh breath. “Fair is fair,” he said, then stopped whatever argument she had as he licked her from base to top, flicking the tip in a way that almost made her come. Gasping for breath, she opened wider beneath him as he worshipped her with his mouth. He circled her tender bud with his tongue, the suckling sounds mingled with her moans as ecstasy spiraled through her. He released her hands and she cupped her breasts, flicking her nipples in time with his tongue that stabbed into her. He lifted her hips off the mattress as he delved passionately into her nether lips, a growl reverberating against her. Desire coiled and tightened in the pit of her belly and threatened to break. She struggled against it, wanting it to go on forever. As though sensing her culmination was near, he inserted a finger in one slow slide. Her canal clenched over that one digit and she gasped. Her control slipped a notch as he kept up the languorous pace. Giving up, she opened for the orgasm to crash over, but it didn’t. He held her on the precipice, his slow thrusts keeping her there but not pushing her over. Even his intimate kisses teased her, only circling the very edge of her swollen nub. In an attempt to pull herself into orgasm, she undulated onto his finger, but strangely he managed to keep the same pace despite all her efforts. Heat seared through her body and touched her cheeks like an erotic fire. She was being consumed by pleasure and yet not. “Please, please, Darius,” she begged. It was enough for him and he instantly pummeled her with his finger, his tongue lashing mercilessly against her clit. Knight tensed,
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker then convulsed as the power of her orgasm crashed upon her. Tingling sensations ran along her body, forcing her body into yet another orgasm right upon the other, leaving her breathless. Then it was over. She felt his finger being removed and her body twitched at the pleasure it still evoked. Boneless, she could only watch him through half‐lowered lids as he removed his pants. The smooth line of his six‐pack gave way to a patch of black hair and the biggest cock she’d ever seen. It glistened with pre‐come and she wanted to taste him. The thought fled as he settled over her and slid the blunt head into her entrance. She groaned and he paused, his eyes lighting with concern and uncertainty. “Please,” she begged. “I don’t want to get you pregnant,” he whispered. “It’s okay, I’m protected, I’ve had my shots,” she said, desperate to feel him inside her. A grin kicked up his mouth as relief mingled with heat filled his gaze. He pushed into her and she wrapped her legs around his waist, gasping at the sweet friction. He pulled back then thrust forward with more force. She groaned against the delicious sensations. He licked where her neck met the collarbone and sucked gently as he plunged in and out of her. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her fingers gripped his locks as he continued his excruciating pace. She clenched her inner‐muscled against him and he moaned against her. “So good. So, fucking good,” he rasped as he changed tactics and began to slam into her. She reveled in his loss of control and raised her knees to just under his arms, forcing a deeper penetration. The tingling began from the tips of her toes and like a tsunami, wiped her out as she climaxed and cried out. He growled and trembled, his warm seed washing her womb as they came together and she continued after him. He fell upon her, his harsh breaths whistling in her ear. After a moment, he rolled off her toward the wall and without saying anything drew her against his chest, spooning her. He kissed the back of her ear and it caused a strange, yet familiar warmth to expand in her chest. It was then that she knew more had passed between them than sex. The inner‐lovelorn Kristen had been resurrected from the fire of cynicism.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker She trailed a light hand over his forearm that hooked under her breasts and noticed the goose bumps rise against her touch. “You were fantastic,” Darius whispered. She twisted in his grasp to find him resting on his upraised hand, watching her. She smiled. “So were you. Unbelievable.” He grinned. “Amazing what a monster like me can do.” Like a bucket of ice thrown on her head, her lazy repletion died. “You’re not a monster.” His eyes glimmered with amusement. “Oh, that’s right, I was mistaken. I forgot how you felt about me.” She stilled her caresses on his arm as her heart double beat within her chest. Did he remember her? She turned toward him, searching for a sign in his features. “And how was that?” she whispered. He tickled her spine with his fingers and leaned forward to kiss her shoulder. “Do we have to talk about this now? I can think of other things that would be much more pleasurable.” She pushed him back with a gentle hand. “No, now.” He sighed. “What does it matter anyway? You and I both know I wasn’t received well here.” Disappointment sucked the breath from her. “And before?” she whispered. He frowned. “Before? Before what?” Her eyes slid shut. What did she expect? She had forgotten about him, but she was fast finding out that her heart hadn’t. She opened her eyes to find him watching her intently, a furrow on his brow. She tried an easy smile but it wobbled. “Do you regret what we did?” he asked in a soft voice. She sensed his vulnerability and it pained her to know that she was the cause of his hurt. “No,” she said cupping his cheek. “It was the most unbelievable experience of my life. I wouldn’t give it up for the world.” He smiled. “Care to go at it again?” She wanted to. Oh, God how much she wanted to. But she knew she shouldn’t have initiated their intimacy to begin with. She shook her head. “I can’t. I’m not supposed to be in here.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker He ignored her and kissed her. Immediately all thoughts left her head as she opened for him and dueled within. Desire started to unravel her control and she moaned against the futility of it. She broke off the kiss and gave him a soft smile. “I have to go.” She rolled out of bed, scooped up her suit, and stepped into it. The fabric brushing against her tender skin sent a shiver through her. As she sat on the edge of bed to put on her boots, Darius sat up and rubbed her back. A movement so lover‐like and tender it brought tears to her eyes. They had shared so much, but she had a feeling she had given him much more. She knew him and the effect he’d had on her as a teenager. Now that she was an adult, he’d broken through her defense with one act of compassion and a kiss that had rocked her world. “A penny for your thoughts,” he whispered against her ear. She turned toward him to find him regarding her with a look she couldn’t quite decipher. “It’s not that interesting.” “Try me.” She licked her lips, faced him, and asked the question that had been plaguing her since she realized he was truly Darius Morgan. “Do I look...familiar to you?” He frowned, but remained silent. Not a good sign. What did she expect? She had used her mother’s maiden name, not wanting to be associated with her famous military dad when she’d signed up. He didn’t even know her first name for that matter and she was sure she’d changed a lot since she’d last seen him. She waved her hand. “Forget I asked. I’m just exhausted and acting stupid.” She stood and shook off his hand when he reached out to halt her. She stopped before the door and punched in the code to open it, but paused before pressing ‘enter’. Determinedly she stared at the panel, knowing if she looked at him again, her will would crumble. “I don’t regret what we did, Darius. I...loved it. You’re a fantastic lover.” Then she pressed in the code, the door slid open, and she left the room without a backward glance.
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Chapter Nine Darius shuffled into a large, office‐like room, paneled a warm, faux wood color. A chromed, curved desk spanned half the length of the room. A man stood by the window, peering out into the landscape beyond as the sun began to break through the horizon. At a loss, Darius glanced at the two men that had ‘assisted’ him here. Both men were pale, but built for strength. His lips curled back self‐deprecatingly. All to ensure he wouldn’t escape, he was sure. Finally the man turned around and he found himself facing the person who’d been present at his interrogation. Vaughn. His brown eyes glimmered with exhaustion, but his body held an inner‐strength that demanded attention. “I am aware that you have accepted our offer for you to act as our guide,” he said, his voice rough with sleep deprivation. Darius offered a single stiff nod. “Good. As you know, we were completely unprepared for the ambush last night. We lost a lot of men to the Samites, both to death and that...change that they can force on us. I am aware you helped my men and prevented those aliens from getting on my ship.” He shrugged nonchalantly, unsure where the man was going with this. “I’m also aware you have found a...comrade in Knight.” Darius tensed. Did the man know how far they’d taken their camaraderie? Granted, the way it had ended had left him both confused and frustrated, but he still knew that what had transpired between them wasn’t a reconfirmation of life moment. It was something more. Much more. He blinked to find the Lieutenant
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker regarding him intensely and Darius returned the stare with one of his own. After a moment, the man continued. “I was also told by our medic that you didn’t complete this...transformation the Samites forced on you. You retained your humanity due to a discrepancy in your DNA. An alien factor. Raca, actually.” Darius nodded. “I’d like you to go to med‐lab and allow Matt to take a sample to provide a vaccine. I have men that have sustained bites from those creatures and I’d like to provide an alternative to killing them.” “I’m not sure that mine would be enough,” Darius said. “I am not entirely human.” “But nor are you a Samite.” Darius remained silent, even though he wished to voice his daily struggle with his own dark nature. He was no cure. “Now, tell me this. Do you know what these alien’s weaknesses are?” Vaughn asked. Darius dipped his head. “They are sensitive to the light. The rays of the sun affect their ability to function efficiently. It is the only weakness I know of.” The Lieutenant nodded. “Good, then we’ll work on an attack during the day.” “They won’t be easy to kill.” Vaughn shrugged. “Bullets can kill them. I don’t think they are much different than us in that aspect. I’m sure if we surprise them, we can get the upper hand.” Inside him, something stirred. The human part of him wanted to reveal everything he knew and yet there was a dark part that prevented him from doing so. How could he tell them of the Queen and the portal to the Void where they sent newly converted Samites for training? And from that wormhole, more Samites could break through. What the military was up against was not just a shipload of aliens, but a whole planet. “They won’t be easily subdued,” he said finally. Vaughn frowned. “Do you have some information that would be pertinent to know?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Darius nodded. “All decisions of attack and withdrawal are made by the Queen. They are all connected and will know the instant we breach their territory if I am with you.” Vaughn frowned. “This isn’t what I expected to hear. How do you expect to show us where their camp is?” “Iʹll give you a map and directions on how to He shook his head. “Not good enough.” A muscle in Darius’ jaw leaped. He knew that the call to return to the ship and the Queen pulled at him, and he feared what he would become if he should give into that call. For over a year he had lived in the darkness of the Ship as the Queen’s pet, serving her every whim out of fear and an equally dark emotion that was foreign to him. Vaughn nodded in approval, taking his silence for acceptance. He stepped around the desk and walked from the room, indicating for Darius to follow. Without a word, Darius fell into step beside him. Behind them, his two guards kept a decent distance. They walked the aisle until they stepped into the docking bay. It was then that the stench hit him. Smoke and the putrid scent of burning Samite flesh gave off a bitter smell burned his nostrils. Grimacing, he stilled the compulsion to cover his nose. Within the room several soldiers were busy removing the corpses, and it was then that he spotted her. Knight stood twenty yards away. She, like many of the others, was moving dead humans and placing them in body bags. Beside her a giant of a man talked to her. She smiled and let out a reluctant chuckle that made him scowl. As though sensing his regard, she brushed a lock of hair that’d escaped her bun from her face and glanced at him. She stilled, and he was unsure of her reception to his appearance. Beside her, the giant spoke and she turned her attention away. Somehow, Darius regarded the man as stepping on his territory, trying to claim what was his. A growl reverberated in the depths of his chest as his fist clenched with the violence surging through his body. “Come, I’ll introduce you to my men.” Vaughn saved him from doing anything stupid as he approached the two, leaving Darius to follow. As they drew near, the two pulled to attention.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “At ease,” Vaughn said. “This is Private McCollum, but you can just call him Boomer. And you know Knight, of course.” Darius eyed the large man in silence. He had an uncertain look in his gaze, and Darius repressed the urge to curl back his lip and reveal his jagged teeth. It was good for the humans here to fear him. He didn’t see himself being accepted into their bosom, but neither did he want to be. There was only one thing he wanted and it was Knight. He turned to face her, and she returned his stare, her eyes glimmering with hidden passion that only he could see. Under his continued stare, she faltered and snapped her gaze from him, licking her lips nervously. Slowly, a lovely blush crept along her cheeks. Pleasure surged through him and he contemplated the possibility of catching her alone soon. Whatever Vaughn was saying was lost on Darius as he fantasized about the things he would do to Knight’s body. As Vaughn moved away, Darius followed, nodding at the men but otherwise remaining silent. “Vaughn, we’ve found a live one,” Knight cried out. Darius thrust away his imaginings and jogged toward Knight. A live Samite? Impossible, he would’ve heard it. But the way she crouched beside the line of bodies, both Samite and human gave him pause. “Move away,” he snarled, wanting her to step out of danger. She glowered at him even as Vaughn seconded his instruction. With a sigh she stood back and Darius drew to a stop to stare down at yet another bloodied soldier. His breathing was shallow and his eyes shut, not a flutter to them. Vaughn crouched and lifted the soldier’s wrist, feeling for a pulse. Something shifted in Darius’ senses and he knew in an instant that something was very wrong. “Step away,” he said. Vaughn glanced up askance. “This man is gravely injured. We don’t abandon our men just to suit us.” “He isn’t what you–ʺ His words were cut off as the Samite‐ shifter surged to life. Cries of surprise echoed through the room, none more terrified than Vaughn’s as he lurched back from the human‐zombie. He raised his arm to protect himself and cried out in pain.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Reacting, Darius picked up a sheet of metal that’d been ripped from one of the walls. He leaped forward, raised the makeshift blade and swiped downward, decapitating the alien. Blood spurted over Vaughn’s body and he gasped as he crab‐crawled away. Darius threw aside the metal blade and approached Vaughn. His eyes were wide and glittering with fear. Without a word, Darius pulled on the bloodied arm and with his claw he ripped into the fabric to reveal a bite mark on the forearm. Darius’ nostrils flared in fury. He was too late. Knight and several men drew up beside him and surrounded them. A harsh gasp escaped Knight and Darius knew the other men understood the gravity of the bite. “How long have I got?” Vaughn rasped. Darius shook his head. “A Change can take anywhere from several minutes to three days. It all depends on your ability to fight it.” Vaughn’s jaw clenched. “I’m gonna fight this damned thing.” “You might have longer than most. The Samite that bit you was just a fledgling. His bite won’t be as potent.” Vaughn’s Adam’s apple bobbed as sweat beaded out on his forehead. “I need you to go to medic, ASAP to find a cure.” He turned to Knight. “You’ve been briefed, Knight. If anything happens to me, I want you to go through with it. We can’t let those things last another day.” Knight vaguely heard what Vaughn said, her gaze latched on the wound as panic tightened in her gut. He’d been bitten. She knew the repercussions of what that meant. “Knight,” Vaughn said in a sharp tone. She snapped to attention and stared into his hard eyes. “Yes, sir.” “Did you hear anything I said?” She did...vaguely, so she nodded. “Take Darius to med‐lab for analysis and no matter what, I want you to go ahead with the plans.” The shake down of the hostiles. She gave one sharp nod. “Follow me,” she said without sparing a glance at Darius. She marched from the room, suffering a severe out of body experience. In the light of day, the soldier’s change from human to Samite was both terrifying and
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker morbidly grotesque. The speed in which it moved baffled her and she knew even now, Vaughn struggled against the poison that ran through his veins. As she walked down the aisle there was a soft booming that reverberated on the frame. The prison level. All those that’d been bitten were there and she suspected a few of them, if not all, were no longer human. She shivered at the thought. Behind her, she could feel Darius’ regard but she refused to look at him. She knew she’d done something very foolish and incredibly naive. What had happened to change her opinion of him? Before the fight in the docking bay she’d thought it would be a cold day in hell before she’d let him touch her again. But it wasn’t so. Death–or the prospect of it–had made her careless. Yet, despite acknowledging her dangerous actions, she wanted him again. But the question was, who did she want? Dare or the alien known as Darius? Was she using him to get over her fear of the Samites? She winced with disgust. Was she that shallow? A hand fell on her shoulder and she jerked, startled out of her thoughts. Darius pulled her to a halt and turned her around. His dark eyes reflected concern and a vague tinge of vulnerability. “What is it?” he asked. She glanced over his shoulder at the vacant hall, then offered an off‐handed shrug. “Nothing.” His brows drew low in a fierce scowl. “I don’t like it when people lie to me. You have been avoiding looking at me since that human converted. Does my appearance bother you?” Her lips pursed in a thin line. “What’s it matter to you?” Hurt flickered in his gaze, but he hid it so fast she thought she’d imagined it. “My looks didn’t bother you last night.” She gasped at the visual images that leaped into her mind. A zap of heat hit the center of her womanhood. As though sensing her effort to remain distant, he pushed on her shoulder until her back touched the wall. Although he wasn’t rough, the fire and determination in his eyes gave her pause. His body pressed flush against hers so she could feel the hardness of his erection. His hot breath hit her cheek and she turned away. The warm velvet of his tongue flicked against her earlobe. She shuddered.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “Do I frighten you?” he whispered against her ear before nipping it. He did frighten her, but not in the way he thought. She was terrified of the growing attraction she felt for him. Terrified of the repercussions of her actions and the strange yearning she felt to know his soul. She was crazy. She swallowed hard. His hand slid down her arm and cupped the underside of her breast, and his thumb flicked against her nipple several times. She bit her lower lip to keep the groan from bursting forth. His other hand massaged her hip, as though to test her softness. “You fascinate me,” he whispered, then kissed her neck, sparking yet another shot of desire. “I feel like...me when I’m with you. I feel things I haven’t in a long time when I touch you.” She drew in a harsh breath. Unable to resist any longer, she turned into the kisses that rained on the side of her face. She opened for him as his tongue twirled inside. Tasting him, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and arched her body into his. A soft growl rumbled from the depths of his chest, and he pinched her nipple, sending a blaze of heat through her. He pressed his thigh between her legs until she rested against the strength of his legs. With one hand on her hip, he ground her against him and she moaned. He broke off the kiss to trail a line along her neck, then up to her ear. “Someone will see what we’re doing,” she gasped, trying to hold onto the last vestige of her sanity. He chuckled, a sensual devil‐may‐care sound. “No, they won’t.” He dipped his tongue inside her ear and she shivered, thought flying from her brain. On his urging she brazenly rubbed herself upon the hard muscle of his leg, her clitoris aching with the pleasure that spiraled through her. Moaning, she opened beneath yet another heated kiss, the thrust of his tongue matching the undulations of her hips. Bliss began to rise and double and she panted. She was so close... She tensed as a climax began to shudder–he pulled away from her. Left hanging, she let out a vile curse, anger, confusion and frustration burning through her. “What the hell–ʺ “Someone is coming,” he whispered on a harsh breath.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker It was then that she heard it. The distant sound of footsteps. Struggling to stand on weakened knees, she could do little but accept his help as he gripped her elbow, holding her up. After a few deep breaths, she pushed his hands away. “I can do it.” He stepped back, his gaze focused on the corridor. A moment later two men passed the corridor, one glanced at them, but only nodded in acknowledgement. Knight swallowed and nodded before she turned away in humiliation. She’d lost control and hadn’t even known the men were approaching. Hell, she hadn’t cared. She’d been so wrapped up in the pleasure he wrought on her body and now she was left in a whirl of emotions and sexual frustration. Brushing a lock of hair from her face she glanced at Darius to find him regarding her, an intense look in his eyes. “What?” she asked. He shook his head, and indicated for them to move down the hall. “We better get this analysis thing over and done with.” With a stiff nod, she marched ahead of him. She needed to get her head screwed on straight. Tomorrow they’d be heading out to end this battle with the Samites once and for all.
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Chapter Ten Darius lay in his bed, resting half on his back and half on his side. The room was awash in darkness save for a slim beam of blue florescent light that lined the top of the wall on one side of the room. He had no doubt it was some sort of motion detector. Probably to ensure he wouldn’t try to escape. He let out a derisive chuckle and sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, his bare feet touching the cold tiles. With a sigh he rested his head in his hands. Tomorrow was the day of reckoning. He would be taking the humans toward his personal hell. The Samite Ship. They didn’t understand his reluctance to do so. There he was an animal–less than an animal. The Queen thought he was a novelty and had spent many a night torturing him and using his Samite instincts against him. He shuddered as he recalled the way he’d had to grovel for food. Procreation...with her...for her. He was violated not only physically but emotionally as well. His soul was laid bare to be slashed at with the cruel sadistic ways of the Samite. The door to his room slid open and Darius lifted his head. His savior stood in the entranceway. Knight. She stood there momentarily almost at odds with herself. From where he sat he could smell the sweet aroma of her arousal. Thankful for the distraction, he leaned his elbows back onto the mattress and grinned. “Can I help you?” She stepped inside and the door slid shut, but she still remained where she stood. “Lost?” he asked, knowing the true reason she was here. She clasped her hands before her. “I must be crazy.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Darius knew there was no way she’d come to him willingly. He had to give her an incentive. He pushed off the bed with easy grace and sauntered up to her. Thankfully she didn’t make any move to get away from him. Cupping her cheeks, he tilted her head up. “I missed you,” he whispered with a flick of his tongue along the seam of her lips. With a soft moan, she leaned into him and Darius reveled at the ease in which she gave into him. He delved inside and forayed in the nectar of her desire. He cupped the back of her neck and forced her back against the door wanting to feel her smooth thighs around his waist. “My dark Knight,” he rumbled. She stiffened under his endearment and he cringed. He knew it was bad, but that was what she was to him. She pulled away and stared up at him, her gaze searching. She swallowed hard. “My name isn’t Knight.” He leaned back. Of course it was her name. She answered to it often. “All right,” he said, humoring her, desperate to get back to making love to her. “What is your name?” “My real name is Kristen Mander,” she said softly. Darius frowned. The name opened something in his mind. He’d heard that name before. He searched her face, noting the fullness of her cheeks, the arch of her brows, her button nose. Mander. Mander, where have I heard that name before? Then it hit him. The vulnerable glint in her eyes caused a flood of memories long forgotten to come to the fore. A budding young girl coming into womanhood. Her smiles and laughter. Her tears on the day he left. The ache in his heart to leave his home and most of all a love that had promise, yet never had a chance to get off the ground. “Kris?” Her smile was both relieved and overjoyed. “Yes.” He grinned, his heart going a million miles a minute. “My God. You did what you said you would.” Her smile faded. Darius frowned. “Or did you?” She lifted on shoulder in a shrug. “Well...no, not really. It was a long time ago.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Even though what she said was true, it still stung. He could admit to himself that he’d forgotten about her. That he’d ruled her down to fancy imaginings of a young boy. “Yes, it was. Why didn’t you keep your last name?” “I wanted to be accepted into the military on my own merits.” He nodded in understanding. “I see.” She licked her lips, and Darius wanted to follow the trail she’d made with his own tongue. Words came out of her mouth, but he was unable to focus on them. “What?” he asked. “You looked sad when I came in. Is there something bothering you?” Her words hit him like a bucket of cold water, cooling his heated thoughts. A grimace twisted his lips. Not wanting her to see the self‐hatred in his eyes, he returned to the bed. She followed after him, and sat, her hand rubbing against his back. It was so soothing and it was then he realized how desperately he wanted human contact. How much he needed her to accept him as Darius Morgan and not Darius the freak. “You can tell me what it is,” she whispered. “I won’t judge you.” He glanced at her, hoping what she said was true. “I killed people from my community,” he rasped. She drew in a harsh breath, her hand momentarily stilling on him. “You must’ve had a reason.” He shook his head and dropped it into his hands and the story flowed out of him like a broken dam. “I was a prisoner for a long time on that ship. I knew neither night or day, just darkness. The Queen treated me like an animal, a novelty. A piece of dirt. I was tortured and made to bite people they’d captured. The Queen found it amusing to watch me fight my Samite inclinations and the moment I’d eventually give in.” Beside him, he sensed her withdrawal, her breath coming in short and shallow. “Who is the Queen?” “My owner,” he said derisively. “She kept me chained to her throne, denied food and water. But when I wanted to die, she would force me to drink her blood. All to keep me alive.” “Did you...like it?” she asked in a choked voice.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker He pressed his palms against his temples in an attempt to squeeze out the image of being held down while she held her bloodied wrist over his mouth. He had swallowed. And the Samite part of him had loved it. Gloried in it. But his soul had cried out in disgust and misery. It was then that his hatred had grown so much that he’d promised to find his revenge. “No...Yes. I don’t know. All I know is that I want to kill her for what she stole from me.” “We will. With your help–ʺ He stood and sliced his hand through the air. “No! You don’t see. I am connected to her. I can’t do anything. My will has been stolen. If I take you to the ship, she will know about it. And if I’m in the same room with her, I can’t guarantee what I’ll do.” She blinked at him with wide eyes. “What do you mean?” He faced the wall and slammed his fist into it; his breath came in heavy gales as he drew his fury under control. “It means,” he said facing her, “that she trained me. I will do anything she asks me, because I am a Samite.” He heard her approach and tensed as her hands touched his back. After a minute under her caress he turned toward her. Her soulful eyes stilled all thought. “What we are outside will change all the time, but inside your soul will always stay true, Dare.” Darius’ heart stuttered. Hearing his old nickname made him feel more human than anything had ever done since his change. “Say my name again,” he murmured. A soft indulgent smile tilted her lovely lips. “Dare,” she whispered on his mouth. With a groan he captured her mouth with his, desperate to feel, desperate to know her body in ways that no one else did, desperate to own her heart. He ravished her, delved inside to taste her passion. Her arms hooked around his neck and Darius grasped her leg to pull it up his hip. His erection pressed against her stomach. He wanted to feel her. Skin on skin. With a growl, he pulled back and ripped his claws into her suit. The fabric, tougher than the standard cotton, still gave away under the razorblade of his nails. She gasped, not in fear but with a thrill of a woman being thrust into the animalistic pleasures of mating.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker The suit fell to her feet, leaving her just in her boots. A damn sexy look. Without another word, he drew her into him and rained kisses along the curve of her shoulder and the rise of her breasts. Her hands gripped him like a lifeline and she moaned, a sound that shot through him like a spear. Her hands dropped to his pants and began to unbuckle them. Darius took the hint and pulled them off, kicking them aside. His hand ran along her smooth skin and she arched into him. With a growl, he grabbed onto her round ass and brought her around his waist. Her supple thighs wrapped around him and with a slight adjustment, he slid into her. Her warmth surrounded him, and he gasped. He twisted her around and pushed her against the wall, using it as leverage. She hissed. “Are you okay?” he asked. She nodded, her arms curving along his neck. “Yes. The wall is a little cold. But don’t stop.” He smiled, and then began a slow steady thrust. “God, you’re so wet. So beautiful” he growled into her shoulder. Ecstasy washed over him, like an overflow of water it peaked then flowed over his body. Her cries added a new dimension to sexual gratification. Despite the need to drive relentlessly into her and seek that piece of heaven where only he and she existed, he kept his pace languorous. Extending her pleasure and his own. Her moist sheath hugged him and brought him to a realization. He felt so right here. With her. Possessing her. A moment where two souls became one. His heart expanded. Her moans rose an octave as she shook her head. “Oh, please, please.” Then she stabbed him with a heated look. “Fuck me, Darius, like there’s no tomorrow.” With a growl, he complied. He gripped onto her thighs, forcing her to release his waist, his body the only thing holding her up. With his nails digging into her soft flesh, the vague tinge of blood intermingled with the sweet sent of her wetness. “Yess,” she hissed. He slammed into her, time and time again. His balls slapped against the underside of her ass as he spread her legs even wider, forcing her to rely solely on him. Bliss surged and waned, hitting his
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker skin like an iron brand as he watched her keen under his demanding thrusts. Hooking one leg against his hip while holding the other leg out, he flicked her clitoris with the tip of his claw and she tensed and cried out, her pussy clenching in a mini‐orgasm. Impassioned and pushed beyond endurance, Darius rubbed the pad of his thumb against her as he pummeled her, his gaze devouring a woman well pleasured. A tingling ran along his skin and face. Saliva pooled in the back of his mouth. He had to taste her. He ran a tongue along her neck and shoulder and she stiffened as yet another small wave washed over her, causing her canal to grip him. He continued his onslaught, his breath coming in hard and fast as the culmination started at the soles of his feet and rose like an inferno. A loud keening sound ripped through the room as she came, the walls of her vagina sucked and pulled at him. He opened his mouth and bit down as he shot his seed into her. Ecstasy, the likes he’d never known, rocked his body and filled his heart. His mind buzzed with her orgasm and intermingled with a strange fuzziness that spoke of dark erotic things. Then he noticed her cries were no longer of pleasure, but terror. He pulled back and felt the warmth of her blood run down his chin. He swallowed and tasted her. “You bit me!” she screamed as she struggled against him. Darius’ heart stopped as numbness overcame him. Her fists pummeled him and all he could see was the hate and terror in her eyes. It opened a vast well in his chest. He released her, his mind slowly focusing as she came after him, her features contorted with rage. “You bastard! How could you?” He knocked her hands aside and drew her into his embrace, shock and misery choking the life out of him. Even as he held her she struggled. “It was an accident, I didn’t mean for it to happen,” he rasped. His mind whirled with the repercussions. He had poisoned her, that much he knew, forced the Samite virus into her bloodstream. His gut clenched at the thought and yet there was nothing he could do about it. He couldn’t undo it.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker She pushed away from him, and this time he let her. Her eyes were glazed, and he hoped it was from anger and not the Change. “You...I can’t believe you would do this to me,” she slurred. Darius leaped forward, grasping her by the shoulders to give her a hard shake. “Fight it, Kris,” he urged. “Don’t let it win.” Her breathing became shallow and he released a curse. Snatching the sheet from the bed, he wrapped her in it and picked her up. He stared at the door. Locked in. “What’s the code?” She didn’t answer and he shook her shoulder. “Kris, what’s the code!” “EAL4022X,” she whispered. He quickly punched in the code and the door slid open. Panicked at the speed at which she’d fallen under the virus, Darius hurried up to the med‐lab, thankful that his path didn’t run him into anyone. His heartbeat rang in his ear like an ominous drum, his hands going slick with fear. He couldn’t let her die. God, he prayed Matt had already developed the vaccine. He found the door to the med‐lab open and entered. Matt was on the other side of the room, looking into a telescope. “Help me,” Darius cried, misery pitching his voice. Matt turned around, and approached. “What happened?” Darius felt his throat close, but he pushed the words out. “I bit her.” Matt’s usually vacant eyes widened with shock. “Put her on the table.” Darius moved to do so, and noticed with fear that she’d lost consciousness. Matt drew up beside him, and pushed down a portion of the sheet that covered her wound. He ran a swab along the jagged edges and stepped away. The android dropped a sample under a microscope and after a moment drew back. “It would seem you injected quite a bit of the Samite virus into her,” he said. Darius dipped his head. A cry of fury and pain wrenched passed his lips. “Tell me you have developed a cure.” Matt shook his head. “I’m sorry. Your DNA is too complex for me to decipher what is Samite, Raca or human. The best I can hope for is to still the effect or at least slow it down.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Without another word, Matt returned to tend her wounds, cleaning out her cuts and finally wrapping it up. Darius gripped her hand, willing his own strength to fight the virus to enter her. Guilt flayed him as he stared at her pale features. He had done this. He had snuffed out her life. He blinked back the threatening sting of tears. “Please,” he rasped. “Please do something.” Matt nodded, and drew some of her blood with a needle. He placed the sample in a tray and slipped it under the microscope. Darius waited with baited breath as the android studied the blood sample for what seemed like an inordinately long amount of time. “Interesting,” Matt murmured. Darius frowned when Matt didn’t expand on the word. “What?” “Come here,” he said, waving him over without looking up from the microscope. Darius peered into the telescope and watched cells move and converge and separate. He wasn’t a doctor. “What exactly am I looking at?” “Knight’s blood is fighting off the virus. It’s more than I could hope for. Not only that, but the virus can’t find away to latch onto her. Left unsustained in her bloodstream, the virus will die. Knight is immune!” Joy shot through him, but it was instantly stifled by reality. “If she is immune, then why is she unconscious?” Matt waved his hand as though what he’d said was inconsequential. “Much like the common flu, the first time being infected is a bit rough on the body, but they eventually get over it.” Relief filled his bones and Darius fell into the nearest seat. “Why is she immune but no one else is?” Matt shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m about to find out.” He moved forward and began to run an analysis on the blood. Without looking up, he spoke once more. “So I take it you and Knight are lovers?” Darius tensed. Matt looked up with a raised brow. “There is a spare set of pants in that closet over there.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Abashed, Darius moved to cover his nakedness. Once clothed, he returned to his seat. He eyed the android as the moved around with an excited energy. “Are you going to tell anyone about this?” Matt looked up. “No. Why should I?” “Because I am a danger.” Matt laughed. A flat sound, but a laugh nonetheless. “If it hadn’t been for you, we might never have found the possible cure. All things happen for a reason.” Darius felt the weight of guilt lift marginally. “I thought you guys only dealt with facts.” Matt glanced over at him. “I’ve found that at times, some things just can’t be explained. Take it for what it is. Perhaps it was meant to happen. Fated, as it were.” Darius glanced over at Kris who lay still on the table. Was it fate? Was their history and their subsequent reunion part of a greater plan? Only time would tell.
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Chapter Eleven Knight could smell the bitter tinge of hospital alcohol. She tried to move her head, but her muscles protested. Damn, she felt as though a truck had hit her. What the hell am I doing in the med‐lab? The events of the previous night came rushing at her. The ecstasy mingled with a strange throbbing on her shoulder and the cold realization that Darius had bitten her. She had struggled against him then slowly lost her battle against the strange fuzziness in her mind. Was she a Samite now? She shivered. A cold compress was placed over her forehead and she heard a soft crooning whisper. It sounded human. Her eyelids felt heavy and she accepted the gentle massaging on her arms. It didn’t seem like a thing anyone she knew would do, except for... “How is she?” Matt asked. Thank God for Matt. Then she stiffened when she heard who answered. “Her fever has broken,” Darius said. Knight’s eyes snapped open and she tried to get out of the bed she lay in. Her body refused to cooperate and she rolled off, her feet holding her up momentarily before she crumbled to the ground. Darius swore and came around the other side of the bed. She stared at him, only able to see the image of his bloodied teeth. She held up her hand. “Get away from me!” His eyes darkened with misery, but he ignored her and picked her up to place her back onto the bed. The moment her back touched the cool fabric, she tried to roll away from him, but he pushed on her shoulders. She struggled against him, but her strength was paltry.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Anger surfaced in the face of fear and she spat at him. Darius jerked back and wiped the saliva from his cheek, his lips thinned with displeasure. “Are you happy now?” “No. I won’t be happy until you’re dead.” A muscle in his jaw leaped and she knew she’d hurt him deeply. Good. “I already am,” he whispered before he turned away from her to move to the other side of the room. Not wanting to be in the same vicinity as him, Knight grit her teeth and pulled on her willpower. Her arms shook with the effort as she pushed herself up. A cool hand touched her shoulder and she jerked around to stare at Matt’s closed off features. “You need to rest,” he said. “What I need is to get away from that fucking monster,” she snarled. The minute she uttered the words it set something off in Darius. He stalked up to her, his face a mask of pure fury. His hands slammed on either side of her shoulders, locking her between the bed and the wall of his body. “Yes, I am a ‘fucking monster’. I fucked you and you liked it. I am no different from the last time you made love with me.” She drew in a harsh breath and passed a cautionary glance at Matt’s passive expression. “Don’t look at him,” Darius bit off. “He already knows your dirty little secret. You presume to think you can satisfy your curiosity without consequence. You knew the dangers, didn’t you?” Her lips curled back. She didn’t want to reveal the truth. He’d warned her before they’d had sex and she hadn’t care. She’d wanted to fly to heaven with him, but she’d be damned before she’d admit that. Hell, she was damned anyway. She was infected. “That’s a bunch of bullshit. You wanted so much to be treated like a human and you violated me. You took away my humanity, like the Queen did to you. You are no better than her.” He drew in a harsh breath. “Don’t you dare put me in the same category as that vile bitch.” Her chin lifted in defiance. “Why the hell not? It’s true. You claim that you won’t show us where the Ship is because you’re afraid of what you might do. What is it really? Are you afraid we’ll kill your lover?”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker His eyes widened then narrowed in fury, his nostrils flaring. She’d hit a sore spot and she dived forward, twisting the blade. “Are you afraid I’ll find about your sick relationship with the Queen? That I’ll witness you being the damned lapdog you are? You are more Samite than human. If you weren’t, you’d jump at the chance to swing the power into our favor. Judas.” His leaned forward, until his face was mere inches from hers. “You damned foolish woman. You want me to prove to you my want to be human? You’re vaccine doesn’t work on me. I can’t be human. Not ever again.” She blinked. “What?” “Your blood contains the vaccine. You aren’t human either. You are three quarters Raca.” His lips curled with scorn. “Ain’t you the kettle calling the pot black? I might be a mongrel breed that you despise so much, but then so are you.” She gasped. “You’re a liar.” “Am I? Then you’ll know soon enough when you don’t change. You should be thankful we found this out. Your blood is going to save countless people. If I hadn’t...” He pushed away from her with a savage growl. “But, then, you’ve made yourself perfectly clear about what I am to you now.” Her lips thinned as her breath came short and fast. “Don’t you try and justify what you did to me. You’re still an unfeeling monster.” “Unfeeling, am I? I know if I take you and your group to the ship, harm will come to you, but you don’t give a shit about that. Fine. You want me to take you to the Queen, then so be it. Then you can see how unfeeling I can be.” With that he stalked from the room, leaving her frazzled and very much confused. What the hell had just happened? Her mind whirled with the new information and the dull sting of...something that resided in the depths of her chest. How had everything spiraled so out of control? “Well, that was interesting,” Matt commented in his usual monotone voice. She glanced at him. “What was he going on about?” Matt tilted his head. “About the vaccine?” “Yes.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “We tested the vaccine on several infected men. Vaughn recovered very well. With the more advanced viruses, it put a strain on the men, but they came out of it, recovered. Not a trace of the Samite virus in them. We have to harvest more, but so far we’ve been quite successful–with the exception of Darius.” “He is immune?” Matt nodded. “It would appear that the small amount of Raca blood in him acted as a shield to the vaccine. His Raca DNA melded together and unfortunately he is incurable.” Knight cringed, recalling the misery in his eyes. Her heart throbbed painfully but she refused to examine what it meant. “So, I’m Raca?” “Yes.” “But, how?” Matt blinked slowly. “It would seem that the military were recruiting Raca or Raca descendants for training. It was a classified operation, but I found that everyone from your father’s graduating class was either pure Raca or a descendent.” Knight swallowed hard. “Then my father...” “Was full‐blooded Racan? Yes. It would seem the military benefited greatly from these men and women. Raca purebloods are for the most part very peaceable, but highly strategic. But, mixed with the human gene or upbringing a Raca can become a valuable instrument in today’s army. Much like when your father served.” Knight relaxed as she stared up at the ceiling, pondering the recent revelations. “How come he never told me?” “It was classified,” Matt said, as though that explained everything. “I’m his daughter! He should’ve told me something that important.” “I think perhaps he didn’t tell you because he loved you and your mother.” Knight frowned at the strange insight. “How do you think the people of the nations would react to know the military were recruiting Racas rather than humans?” Knight knew Matt was right. “We would’ve been crucified.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “Exactly. After thousands of years, ignorance still reigns as a form of violence against things they don’t understand.” Knight peered up at Matt, noting for the first time an emotion in his eyes. Sadness. Shame sliced through her. It would seem Matt knew first hand the pains of prejudice. And so did Darius. * * * * * Darius marched through the forest. He glanced over his shoulder at the hundred or so soldiers trailing after him. He drew to a halt and Vaughn held out his hand indicating for the others to stop. Vaughn and Knight drew up beside him, and he noticed Kris’s gaze refused to meet his. “What’s the hold up?” Vaughn asked. “It is dusk. Night will fall and if we move any closer you and your men will be in danger.” Vaughn nodded. “All right.” Knight cast Vaughn a perplexed frown. “Sir, I think we should move forward.” Vaughn passed her an unreadable stare. “Knight, I’ve never known you to want to go in against the enemy guns a blazing. This isn’t the wild west.” A soft tinge of pink touched her cheeks and she pursed her lips. “How do we know this isn’t a set up?” “I trust Darius to lead us in the right direction. We’ve taken every contingency in mind.” After a tense moment, she gave a stiff nod then returned to the other men. Darius followed her with his gaze, his heart aching for what he’d lost, but in that came his will to prove himself. Camp was set up as night fell and washed the forest in darkness. Men broke up in groups, a solar operated light washing the small clearing in a pale blue glow. As everyone settled in for an MRE meal, Darius focused his attention on Knight who sat with the usual group of men. After a moment, everyone settled down for a night save for a few men on watch. Darius crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker drinking in her form as she lay back against a tree. From where he sat, on the other side of the camp, he could tell she wasn’t asleep. After a while, she stood and disappeared into the bushes beyond. Darius frowned and struggled with himself, before he gave into his compulsion and pushed to his feet to follow after her. The night was thick in darkness and his Samite genes enabled him to see through it with catlike ease. He stepped over upraised roots and soon found the lone figure he was after. She sat on a boulder, her shoulders slumped. As he stepped toward her, her head jerked up and he saw a shimmer of tears in her eyes before she blinked them away. He stopped and remained a few feet from her, staring. His will to stay away from her had been tested the last three days. Back at the base, she’d avoided him like the plague, and if he happened upon her, she immediately left. The nights had nearly killed him. He’d wanted her so desperately in his arms he’d feared that if he felt the sting of her rejection once more, he would lose the last of his humanity. Even now, he struggled against his Samite nature. With each step that drew him closer to the Queen, his resistance to the Samite faltered. He had tried throughout the day to place a mental wall against his thoughts. It had left him exhausted and desperate for something pure and human. Compassion. Love. Acceptance. Knight tilted her head to the side. “What are you doing here?” “I wanted to see you.” “You’ve seen me. Now leave me alone.” He stepped closer and her breath shuddered. Hope lifted his heart. Perhaps she still retained some feeling for him. “I’ve missed you at night.” She gasped and Darius smelled the subtle hint of the beginnings of an arousal. He reveled in the musky scent. “Did you miss me?” he asked, stepping closer once more. She brought her gun up from its resting place against the rock. “Don’t come any closer.” He glanced down at the weapon and knew he could wrench it from her grip in the blink of an eye. He held up his hands in a sign of surrender. “I mean you no harm.”
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “What do you want?” “You don’t call me by name anymore,” he observed. She scowled. “So damned what?” “How long can you deny what we shared? What will it take for you to admit you feel things for me that don’t border on hate? Quite the opposite actually,” he said with a grin. She released a snort. “So sure of yourself.” “The body never lies,” he said with an exaggerated sniff. “I can taste your arousal on the air.” “You’re assuming I’m aroused by you and not some other guy in the camp.” Darius chuckled, seeing through her lie. He stepped closer, and gently moved her rifle aside, his gaze never leaving hers. “I didn’t think you were so free with your body. I’m amazed that none of the men have claimed you for the night.” She drew in a breath, the insult hitting its intended target. “I’m not some camp whore.” He smiled, and then dipped his head to place a tender kiss on her lips. “I know,” he whispered, before he swallowed anything else she might’ve wanted to say. He delighted in her sigh of longing as she leaned into him. He opened his mouth further, fusing them together as their tongues swirled and danced together. He groaned and pulled her hips to the edge of the rock, her legs on either side of him. The moment she fell into him, he sensed her surrender and wanted to howl at the moon for the joy that suffused his body. Then he heard it. A whisper. An ominous murmur in his mind. He broke off the kiss and stepped back, ignoring her moan of protest. They were here.
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Chapter Twelve Knight was left bereft as Darius pulled away from her. She moaned, uncaring that she had given into him, desperate to feel him slide into her. “Darius,” she whispered her voice rife with need. “We have to get back. They are here.” Her sexual haze cleared in an instant and she jumped off the rock and followed after him as he weaved through the bush. “What’s going on?” “They must’ve broken through my mental wall. They know... They know God damn it!” A moment later gunfire broke the silence. “Shit!” Knight felt a stab of shame that she’d left her team alone and increased her pace. Darius was much faster than her and soon was swallowed up by the darkness. After what seemed like an eternity, she neared the edge of the clearing and took in the shadowed figures that leapt from the trees to fall upon the unsuspecting soldiers. Falling to the ground beside a rise of boulders, she cocked her rifle and took aim. Her heart pattered in her ears as she fired off several rounds, the blue glow of the solar light giving shape to the beasts that blended well in the darkness. Within all the chaos she was unable to spot Darius. Where the hell was he? She clicked on her visor and noticed the red spatter of hostiles. Men ran to find cover, some not making it as Samites landed upon then, their deadly claws swiping downward and gutting the men in one fatal blow. Knight stood and took aim, her gun recoiling on her
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker shoulder as she pressed the trigger. Blood sprayed from the nearest Samite in arches of black, its screech renting the air. Stepping to the very edge of the encampment, she noticed Boomer, Cooper and Vaughn resting in a gully not far form her. Firing off a spatter of rounds she ran for their position. Diving into the gully, she commando rolled, and then came up. “Nice of you to drop by,” Cooper said, before firing a splurge of bullets. “What the hell is going on?” she asked as she slid between Coops and Vaughn Vaughn glanced at her. “The damn guards were taken out. These things knew where the movement senses were. You were right. He betrayed us.” Knight opened her mouth to say something, when movement caught her attention as an alien pulled itself off the ground. “Look out!” she cried, and sat up to shoot over Vaughn’s body. The alien jerked against the bullets that hit its torso. As it fell back, she noticed a red dot bleep and she rolled on her back, a shadow falling from the trees above. Crying out against the terror and anger that coiled in her, she shot at the beast. It hit the ground near her feet and she scooted back, realizing how close she’d come to death. Beside her Cooper stood, his weapon, a small semi‐automatic cannon blaster going off in an array of blue florescent bullets, the size of golf balls. “Come on, fuckers!” he yelled. Aliens converged on them, and Knight stood at Cooper’s side, while Boomer took up the back. “You want some of this! Come get me you ugly son of a bitches!” Cooper’s voice pitched in rage as he fired indiscriminately. They were surrounded and horribly outnumbered, with Samites coming at them from all sides. Horror and chaos surrounded the camp and there was little she could do about it. From her left an alien dropped from the sky and landed a couple of feet from Vaughn. Before she could even swing her weapon around, blood hit the side of her face and she screamed as Vaughn fell back. Stepping forward, unthinkingly breaking their circle of defense, she shot the alien until its chest was nothing but a mass of pulp of flesh. “Get it together Knight, we need you here,” Boomer cried.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Knight turned and swallowed the bile at the sight of Vaughn’s ripped torso. Blood pooled from his mouth as he stared at her in shock. “Kn‐Knight,” he gurgled on his last breath. Misery and fury slammed into her and she snatched up Vaughn’s weapon. With both hands arms she released a spray of bullets at every alien that showed up on her movement detector. The black, monstrous faces blurred into each other, as she killed one after the other. Cooper dropped to his knees. “I’m out,” he cried. Knight twisted around, keeping her eye out for movement in his vicinity as he reloaded. Movement caught her eye and she shot at it. The animal dodged and weaved her bullets and came closer. “Coops get it together, we have one coming,” she warned. Facing the shadow she fired both guns at it as it leaped into the air, twisting its body to avoid the zing of bullet. The he landed on her left. She spun around to shoot it, but he gripped the nozzle and twisted the gun downward. “What the hell are you doing?” Darius snarled. Knight, in frenzy slammed her knee to his gut. “Stay away from me!” She raised her gun to fight off the approaching Samites and knew their only chance lay in outrunning them in the forest. “Retreat! Retreat!” All the remaining survivors made a break for the cover of bush and Knight fired off rounds, holding the enemy at bay until she hit the tree line. She whirled around and made a run for it. Her breath wheezed from her as she followed the backs of her men. Panic made a horrible litany in her mind as she heard the limbs above creaking. A weight landed on her back and she hit the ground, one gun slid from her, while the other was pinned beneath. Crying out, she struggled for release. Pain seared along her neck. Then darkness. * * * * * Knight woke to the sound of clicking. Frowning, she opened her eyes to find herself resting against a wall. The crevices dug into her back and made it uncomfortable to lean on. She shifted to stand, but
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker was drawn to halt when her arms couldn’t push off the wall. She glanced down and realized with horror that her hands had been incased in a hard onyx substance, much like the substance that lined the strange circular room. The walls were uneven, like a rocky surface, but were black in color. It was unlike anything she’d seen before. Light the color of umber slanted across the room, leaving the edges of the room in darkness. “You are awake,” croaked something. Knight jerked her head around to stare at yet another alien. There was something different about this one. It had a large black jewel on its forehead. “Who are you?” “The Queen.” The Queen’s voice was rough and cavernous, lacking any femininity to differentiate it. “You smell of my pet.” Knight’s heart pounded in her ears. This was the vile creature that had tortured Darius? The Queen stepped closer. “You know what I do to creatures that touch what is mine,” she said, the tip of her claw lifting Knight’s chin. Knight glared at the beast, uncaring if the animal wanted to end her life. She was stronger than this pathetic being. A growl rumbled from the beast. “I should wait for him to return to me.” Knight’s lip curled back in hate. “He would never return to you.” “You will say differently when he is slicing you open.” “Make someone else do you your dirty work?” She released a chuckle. The alien pressed her hand against Knight’s throat, choking off her air. “Let her go,” Darius snarled. Knight almost sagged in relief at the sound of his voice. He stood within the slant of light, his skin absorbing the orange hues. His lips curled back as he emanated pure hatred. The Queen turned. “My pet, you have returned.” “I have. To kill you.” “You cannot,” said the Queen.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Darius jerked a gun from his jeans and pointed it at the Queen. He nodded his head in Knight’s direction. “Release her or I will kill you.” The Queen stepped aside. “Do you think I had her captured because I wanted her? I knew she would bring you back to me. She is of little use now.” A clicking sound rumbled at the back of her throat and the restraints fell away. Stumbling forward, Knight rubbed her wrists then hurried over to Darius as he slid his only weapon over to the Queen. He glanced at her, a wealth of emotion in his eyes. He turned his attention back to the Queen, his body tense. “Follow the main hall, do not veer from it and it will lead you out,” he whispered. “I had wished we met under different circumstances, a different time. But I don’t regret anything. I have been true to my nature, and my nature will always seek to protect you. I know that now. Whatever happens, remember that I love you.” Knight gasped, the sincerity in his eyes almost causing her to waver. “Go,” he urged. With a final look at him, she hurried from the ship. The mid‐ morning sun slashed across her features and she squinted against the light. “Knight,” Cooper whispered in her earpiece. “Coops, where are you?” He gave her his coordinates. It wasn’t too far from where she stood. She jogged along the landscape and soon broke into the forest. Just past the tree line she found over fifty survivors from the group. Cooper stood up, his face grimy from dirt and sweat. “What’s going on?” Cooper glanced at the ship in the distance. “Darius has a plan to kill off the Samites.” Knight blinked. “How?” “He’s going to blow them all to hell.” Her heart dropped as she whirled on the ship. Darius’ last words echoed in her head. Whatever happens, remember that I love you. “No,” she whispered.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker She ran for the ship, desperate to save him. Cooper wrapped his arms around her and brought her down. “Stop it! There isn’t anything you can do.” “Darius! No!” she screamed, her heart rending in two. * * * * * Darius stared at the alien that had made his life a living hell. She stood watching him, her mind caressing his. A shudder of disgust went through him. “Now my pet, you can take your place once more at my feet.” “Never. I’d rather die.” She chuckled. “You’re strange thinking amuses me.” Darius removed a slim detonator from his pocket. It fit comfortably in his palm as he held it out. “It’s over, Queen. See this? It’s a detonator to the bombs I’ve lined throughout this ship. Don’t think to run for your portal. I have a nuclear bomb inserted just inside. It should wipe out your entire planet. Compliments of the Earth Alliance Military. You and your kind are well and truly stuck inside this ship. The sun will eventually kill you with extended exposure. You have no choice but to stay.” The alien tilted her head to the side. “You can’t kill yourself. It is against the Samite nature,” she said with amusement. “That’s where you’re wrong. I am human. And the gift I have from being human is absolute free will.” He sensed the moment her amusement shriveled into apprehension and a sense of satisfaction washed over him. “That’s right. I’m not a drone or your pet. I can kill myself and you along with me. Go to hell.” He pressed the red button. * * * * * Knight screamed and covered her face as the ship exploded in fire. Cooper shielded her from the force of the blast, but it still knocked them down. Knight pushed Cooper aside and stared at the burning ship. She couldn’t believe he was dead. Suddenly, the door fell open and Darius stumbled out, carrying a thick fur sheet over his head.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker Knight stumbled to her feet, and ran to him. “Dare!” Darius looked up and threw the wet sheet aside. He opened his arms and she willingly flew into them. “I thought you were dead.” He held her close and relief filled her bones as love burgeoned in her heart. He had risked everything to regain his sense of humanity and prove himself to her. Her heart ached at the reality of it. He kissed her temple and the tears that leaked from her eyes. “Don’t cry,” he murmured. “It’s over now.” Knight nodded and sobbed all the harder. It was and now they could live again.
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Epilogue Kristen Knight‐Morgan stared at the newly built town. It bustled with activity as the new colonists arrived and found a home for their families. The Earth Alliance had been sent data regarding the Samites, and a beacon was sent out to assist colonists and Allied aliens with the vaccine. The Samites would soon be a thing of the past. Kristen lifted her head and closed her eyes as a cool breeze filtered through the air. The subtle scent of snow filled her senses. Another vague Samite characteristic, thanks to the child that grew in her womb. Although she knew her children from her marriage with Dare would produce a line that contained Samite influences, she trusted her genetics, along with her husband’s, would curtail it. Beside her, her trusted companion, Boxhead, stood and barked, his docked tail wagging enthusiastically. “Mommy!” Kristen turned around to find her beautiful three‐year‐old son running down the fairway, his brown hair waving in the wind. Although his eyes were the same blue as Darius’ once had been, she knew when he became overly excited his eyes would turn black. Beside him, Dare held onto a Saber‐Cat with a leash. Its tawny chameleon fur bristled as it watched the strangers that flooded the streets. Carmikal had the unique ability to tame the wildest of creatures. Crouching slightly, she opened her arms and hugged Carmikal to her as she stood with a groan. “Hello, munchkin,” she said, then buzzed a kiss on his soft cheek. “How was your daddy time?” she asked.
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Dark Knight by Jodie Becker “We went fishing!” She nodded, enthused. “Did you?” “Yes, and I caught a fish. A big one!” “Well, I look forward to cooking it up for dinner.” His face fell slightly. “Cat ate it.” Kristen glanced at the cat. “Oh well, that’s okay. How about Washimi tonight?” “Sounds wonderful,” Darius said. Kristen smiled. It was Dare’s favorite meal and Carmikal’s also, since he tried so hard to be just like his father. “All right, then. Let’s go home.” As they made their way back down the street, Darius wrapped his arm around her waist. She felt so loved. So complete. She leaned her head on his arm. “I love you,” she sighed. Darius squeezed her slightly, signaling he’d heard. “I love you, too.” “Even if I’m as fat as a cow?” He smiled. “Even then. More of you to love.” She swatted his shoulder and glanced at her beaming son. “Your daddy is such a funny one.” Carmikal blinked, and then rested his head on her shoulder, his soft baby scent washing over her and expanding her heart. Yes, she was complete now. And home at last. The End
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Author Bio Jodie Becker loves to write and journey to far off places in the past, the future or alternative worlds. While not chasing down her daughter during the day youʹll find her on the computer penning new stories with heroines that kick‐ass and heroes that arenʹt afraid to stand up to her. You can visit Jodie at: www.jodiebecker.com Also available from Cobblestone Press, LLC Bloodlust by Jodie Becker The Ripple Effect: Dane by Jodie Becker It Happened One Christmas Eve by Jodici Belle
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