Heart of a Peacekeeper
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Wings ePress, Inc
www.wings-press.com
Copyright ©2007 by Angela Verdenius
First published in 2007, 2007
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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
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Heart Of A Peacekeeper
"When, exactly, are you going to let us out?"
"I figure a week should be good."
"You can't be serious!"
"Push my buttons anymore, Daamen, and I'll stretch it to two weeks."
Simon wanted to do more than push her buttons. In fact, his hand itched to do a lot more ... His jaw clenched. “What's the fine?"
Ignoring him, she watched the old man hand the trays of food through the bars.
"Peacekeeper?” Simon persisted. “I asked what the fine was. I'll have it paid."
Des looked at him. “I'll think about it."
"For how long?"
Her scowl deepening, she strode to the bars, stopped directly opposite him and glared. “Until I damned well choose."
"'Tis hardly fair—"
"No one ever said I had to be fair, trader. Right now, I don't need brawling jerks around my settlement."
"The brawl was due to my men standing up for some wenches—"
Her eyes flashed. “Look, trader, tavern wenches get roughed up. I don't like it, you don't like it, but it's a fact. They know it; they risk it. Getting into a brawl and having some of my peacekeepers hurt is something I won't tolerate."
Taking a deep breath, Simon inadvertently inhaled her scent. Beneath the dirt and taint of blood, was a soft, flowery scent. It seeped into his senses, and unconsciously he leaned toward her, inhaling again.
They stared at each other ... or rather, she glared, while he eyed her with renewed interest.
Other Works From The Pen Of
Angela Verdenius
Heart of an Outlaw
An outlawed warrior saved by a Daamen trader. Love blossoms, a powerful enemy threatens. Passion, betrayal, bloody legends, and a shocking secret in a galaxy of enemies and friends.
Soul of a Mercenary
Reya walks the edge of insanity, her soul darkening beneath a bloody secret. For love, Maverk will follow the Reeka warrior into the nightmare reaching out for her.
Heart of the Betrayed
Betrayed once, Dana trusts no man. Garret will risk everything to prove his love—even if it means assisting her betrayer, and entering a country split by hate.
Love's Sweet Assassin
Trying to discover the identity of his enemy, the ruthless Argon will pit his wits against the short, outrageous assassin. It should be straightforward ... shouldn't it?
Soul of a Hunter
The bounty hunter's soul thirsted for vengeance, her life given to the hunt. He'd thought Sabra was dead. Now he's found her again, Cam won't give her up.
Love's Bewitching Thief
Felys female: thief, feline-like, bewitching—and coming on heat. Argon: sensual, looking for revenge—and captivated. The Cyborg: he just wants to kill the Felys.
Heart of the Forsaken
First Sonja high jacks his ship, then his heart. But can Red battle the evil legacy from an old Empire that threatens to engulf her?
Soul of a Witch
In a bid to save a boy's soul from powerful dark forces, a famous witch and a notorious pirate must unite. Will their growing love survive what is to come?
Heart of a Traitor
The Daamen trader shows mercy to the disgraced soldier who was flogged, branded traitor, and left for the outlaws. But now she's committing treason—and the law is closing in.
Soul of the Forgotten
A forgotten Reeka, freed after long years of imprisonment. Now she has to learn to live again ... and to love. But someone wants her dead.
Love's Beguiling Healer
An Argon healer and a Felys officer ... fur will fly and passion will flare. But Death is closing in, and now it's a race against time.
What They Are Saying About
Heart Of A Peacekeeper
"...a delightfully grounded heroine involved in a melting pot of passion, betrayal and lazers a blazing!"
—Jemma Hipper reader
"The Taming of the Shrew meets Star Trek ... We have another winner. From the moment we are dropped into the latest scuffle between peacekeepers and outlaws, readers know they are in for a non-stop wild adventure ride.
Kelley A. Hartsell ck2s Kwips and Kritiques
"...has once again taken us on a fantastic journey to worlds far beyond ours, and given us a story to die for..."
—Lydia Funneman
Writers Unlimited
"...again Angela has brought you to the edge of her civilized universe and the Outlaw Sector to provide a tale of uniqueness and adventure ... the story is riveting, the characters strong and well developed, and the love is worth the fight."
—Rose!
Romance at Heart
Wings
Heart Of A Peacekeeper
by
Angela Verdenius
A Wings ePress, Inc.
Science Fiction Romance Novel
Wings ePress, Inc.
Edited by: Leslie Hodges
Copy Edited by: Elizabeth Struble
Senior Editor: Elizabeth Struble
Managing Editor: Leslie Hodges
Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens
Cover Artist: Richard Stroud
All rights reserved
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Wings ePress Books
www.wings-press.com
Copyright © 2007 by Angela Verdenius
ISBN 978-1-59088-224-5
Published In the United States Of America
June 2007
Wings ePress Inc.
403 Wallace Court
Richmond, KY 40475
Dedication
To the peacekeepers of our society—the police, the soldiers, the bodyguards and security. To those who have fallen in the line of duty. You've earned your own little lot of peace in Heaven.
As always, my mother, Doreen Verdenius, who brings peace to me when times get rough.
To Leslie Hodges, my editor, and Richard Stroud, my artist—for all you do to get this book sounding and looking great.
To mates I've made, both in person and on the internet. You know who you are—*hugs*.
One
Laser fire seared past Des's cheek, making her curse and draw her head back quickly. Looking over her shoulder, she saw the grim face of her peacekeeper.
"Marcel, we need to get that sniper,” she snapped. “Send Raf."
Without a word, he shuffled back to give the order to the other peacekeeper near the back wall.
Des's gaze darted around. Stuck in the damned alley, pinned down by laser fire, while a couple of outlaws yelled insults was not her idea of fun. When she got hold of the bastards—
"He's on
his way,” Marcel said tersely.
Touching the communication receiver in her ear, Des squinted out into the gathering gloom. “Aiken, Raf's on his way. Back left of here. Keep your eyes peeled in case he needs back-up."
"Gotcha.” Aiken's gruff voice rasped in her ear. “I see him."
"Already? Hell—"
"It's okay, boss. He's on the pursuit scanner. I can't actually see him personally."
"A shame you can't bloody see the outlaws, either. Get the pursuit craft here now!"
"It's on its way!"
And would take at least ten minutes to get to them. Grimacing, she held her laser upright and risked another peek around the corner of the building. The laser fire came again, this time from two directions, and the gloom became her ally. She saw the two flashes, one from the right and one from the left, both high up. One from the roof of the store, one from the tavern roof.
"Got you,” she murmured. “Raf! Top of the store to your left."
"Spotted,” he confirmed. “Almost in position."
Distantly she heard the whining sound of the outlaw's ship as it hovered outside the settlement. A roar sounded, then the street ahead was peppered with laser fire as three outlaws on hover discs came hurtling down the street, their speed kicking up the dust. Before they even drew level with the alley, the sniper across the street starting firing from the tavern roof.
"Bastard!” Des swore as the laser fire seared through her coat sleeve and scoured a burning streak across her upper arm.
"Des—” Marcel began in alarm.
"I'm fine, but those bastards aren't!” Raising her laser, Des sent out a streak of laser fire, hitting the sign near the sniper's head.
He jumped and ducked, and the outlaws on their discs veered around, swooping high before converging on the alley with deadly intent.
"Cover me,” Des snapped.
"The snipers—"
"We're dead meat sitting here, Marcel! I'm about to even the score! Now cover!"
Lasers spitting death, the three outlaws zigzagged down the street, dodging the laser fire from another peacekeeper hidden in the trading post not far down.
Judging the distance, Des leapt out and rolled, and one of the outlaws spun downwards towards her, taking aim as he did so.
Rolling into a crouch, she narrowly dodged the laser fire and when he neared, a sneer on his face, she suddenly surged upright, straightening to her full height.
His expression was priceless, but she had no time to smirk over the fact. Moving fast, she swung her laser up and blasted him, the fire power taking him in the chest.
He tipped backwards off the disc, and it hit the ground at the same time he did. The other outlaws were circling around, firing at her. Marcel covered her, making the outlaws duck and veer away.
Not about to let them go now, Des jumped onto the disc and slid her booted feet into the straps. Mentally she willed the disc, and it picked up her brain wave and rose into the air before shooting off after the outlaws.
Now came a deadly lycat and vagrat game in the street as the discs whirled and soared, the two outlaws trying to get a clean aim on Des, but her own skill on the discs combined with the covering fire provided by Marcel was enough to keep her out of line of their fire.
The sniper at the store fired at her, but then he gave a scream of pain and his body toppled off the roof to land in the street with a dull thud.
Raf was now out in the open, his laser trained on the two outlaws swooping down upon Des. Marcel came out from the alley, and the fourth peacekeeper, Yucel, emerged from the trade post.
The darkness had now set in, and the street lights came on. The windows in the tavern were dark, the owner not wanting to outline himself or his patrons in case of drawing laser fire.
Out of the night sky came another four discs, and Des swore.
"Fire!” she yelled into the communication receiver. “Fire now!"
"We could hit you—"Raf began.
"Damn it, I said bloody fire! They're coming from the sky! Fire, and that's an order!"
They didn't hesitate, and suddenly the night sky was full of laser fire, burning streaks of red-hot death that seared the skin and burned holes through flesh and bone.
Several of the outlaws died quickly, their discs smashing into the walls of the buildings, their bodies lying in bleeding heaps on the ground.
Des was having a hard time, the lights from the street blinding her when she spun to face another outlaw. The only thing she could do was rise higher, which she did. The four remaining outlaws followed, two of them concentrating on her while the other two fired at the peacekeepers below.
She had to finish this and fast. In the distance she heard the whine of the outlaw's ship as it started to move towards the settlement. If it got here...
Putting on a burst of speed, she sent the disc zigzagging dangerously, keeping her footing through sheer skill alone. Aiming directly for the nearest outlaw, she fired the laser.
The outlaw swerved, the fire going past him, while the second outlaw flew up even higher before bearing down on her from above.
She wheeled out of the way, spinning at the last second and flying almost upside down as she aimed and fired, the laser finding its target.
The fire from the outlaw's laser found its target as well, knocking her disc off balance.
Wildly she spun around, disorientated as she went fully upside down. The laser was knocked from her grasp as her hand hit the side of the tavern, and she swore as she felt the wood of the building a hair's breadth from her cheek.
Silently thanking her love of disc riding, Des reached out and grabbed the verandah post. Her glove gripped the wood securely, saving her from splinters, and she allowed herself to be pulled around by the action, using the slow down maneuver to flip upright.
The bottom of the disc smashed the glass of the front window, and she heard the yells of anger and dismay before she managed to regain control and lower herself to the sidewalk.
In the cover of the verandah, she caught her breath, narrowing her eyes as she listened for any sound of the outlaw.
The sound of boots thudded on the sidewalk, and she knew the peacekeepers were coming.
"Stay down!” she hissed into the communication receiver. “One outlaw still up!” Even as she said it, laser fire peppered the sidewalk around her, and she swore and took off on the disc.
Laser flare followed, and she scowled. She'd dropped her laser. If she could just spot it ... Crouching low, she kept to the shadows.
"Laser,” she said, knowing the peacekeepers would hear her. “I need a laser!"
"Trading post,” Yucel's voice sounded in her ear. “Front door on the ground. I'll put a laser there."
Flying back into the protection of the verandahs, Des made her way to the trading post. It was now across the street, and she had to make a fly for it across the openness.
Taking a deep breath, she soared out into the light.
There was nothing. Silence greeted her, but she didn't trust it. Increasing her speed, she sped across the street, and saw the glint of the laser on the ground in front of the trading post.
Lowering the disc, she reached for it, but even as she did so, instinct made her duck and swerve. Raf's shouted, “Des!” came just as a heavy weight slammed into the side of her.
The momentum smashed her into the wall, and the outlaw raised his laser, aiming it at her.
Grabbing his wrist, she easily forced his arm up. Satisfaction flowed through her as she straightened to her full height and the outlaw found himself staring up at her.
Yep, at six foot seven, she looked down upon a lot of men. Having the strength to match her height came in handy.
"Hello, you prick,” she rasped. “I've got a score to settle with you."
He fought, his eyes narrowing.
The discs swung out into the street, and she tried to force her disc down even as the outlaw tried to force his higher. His disc clicked down atop the edge of hers, pulling her
off balance.
There was only one way to fix this. Spinning dizzily down the street, the height from the ground fluctuating wildly, Des kicked free of her disc and slammed both her feet onto his disc.
The outlaw punched out at her, and she grabbed his arm with one hand while releasing his other wrist and grabbing hold of the verandah post once again. The disc sheared around and she let go of both the outlaw and the post.
The outlaw on his disc went straight through the window, but as there was no crash of glass, he obviously hadn't done any more damage. The crunch of glass beneath her boots as she landed in a crouch on the verandah alerted her to the fact that this glass had been broken already, which meant she was in front of the tavern. Backing against the wall, she scanned the lit street for any signs of more attackers, her gaze flicking up from the dead bodies to study the night sky.
Silence fell upon the street; the only sound that of the excited whispers behind her from the tavern.
In the night sky, a glow appeared, the lights atop it flashing yellow. The pursuit craft was approaching, three more behind it, and the outlaw ship suddenly spun and took off, heading out into space.
Three of the pursuit crafts soared off after it while the fourth pursuit craft headed for the settlement.
"Raf?” Des asked softly.
"Here."
"Yucel?"
"Here."
"Marcel?"
"Here."
"Aiken?"
"Coming."
"About bloody time you got here with the craft."
He chuckled.
"Huxley?” Des queried.
"I'm here.” His breathing was labored.
"Report."
"I'm hit, but I'm okay."
"Raf,” Des said immediately. “Scout him out."
"Yes, Boss."
"Anyone else hurt?” She straightened slowly, her gaze sweeping the street.
Behind her the lights flared on in the tavern, accompanied by the excited voices of the observers.
"A burn, nothing more,” Yucel replied.
"Looks like the coast is clear.” She moved slowly out into the street.
Nothing moved around them, except for a few cautious faces peering out of windows.