Survivor Planet Series 2-Book Box Set by Juliet Cardin Read Free Book Online

“She’ll be fine,” I heard him reply.
    Jostled, I knew he was probably maneuvering us around the ropes of the ring. Then he was walking briskly. Laughter rang in my ears.
    â€œNot so tough, is she?” someone jibbed. Ayres didn’t reply but I could feel his arms tighten around me.
    We soon came to a halt and Ayres bent and set me down onto something soft. I chanced a peek—and seeing the room no longer spun—kept my eyes open. Ayres knelt down and stared at me angrily.
    â€œWhat is wrong with you?”
    What could I say? All this time I thought I was crazy but— lucky me —I’m not? His deep blue eyes were as cold as ice. His body seemed clenched in anticipation. He had a lot at stake in this tournament, he’d said. And apparently, if I couldn’t participate he couldn’t either. I didn’t fool myself into thinking he actually cared for me. I was merely a pawn in his game, a means to an end.
    When I remained silent he scowled more. “Can you continue?”
    What would he do if I said no? Looking around the hangar, I noticed the losers had made themselves scarce. What would happen to those poor unfortunate women who must contend with their pissed off alien partners who’d hoped to compete?
    I nodded my head bringing a grunt of relief from the man before me. “What happens now?” I managed to ask.
    â€œWe will go below to Taleon.” He didn’t seem concerned that we’d soon be on a strange planet battling for our lives. The only thing I had going for me was that in order to win, he’d have to keep me alive. My gaze shot to Lissa who was standing proudly beside Oro. She was smiling, the poor misbegotten fool. She still thought this was fake, thanks to yours truly. Perhaps it’d be better that way. If she knew the truth she’d be as batty as I was. I wondered what would happen if she and Oro lost. She’d be left behind on Taleon forever. How precious would she be to Oro then? Would he become her worst nightmare? That was, if she even survived. This could be my fate as well. Despite the confidence my companion displayed, there were no guarantees we’d be successful either. I couldn’t image being doomed to spend my life with Ayres. If I thought he was scary in my Episodes, I could well image his ire in reality.
    â€œYou need to rise.” Ayres was looking around and I too became aware of the stares and comments being directed our way. Appearances were paramount. If I looked weak or ill the other competitors may come for me first. With his help I was able to get to my feet. I took a couple of assisted steps before I felt steady enough to not require his aid.
    Ayres led me over to a raised circular platform where the other pairs were now gathering. The teams took up position around the outer edges, forming a circle with us facing each other. The competition appeared tough—not the females, who were all about my size, but their alien warriors. I stole a glance at Ayres who stood straight and proud at my side. He was as formidable as any of the other men, perhaps more so.
    â€œAren’t we getting into a ship?” I whispered.
    â€œNo.” He frowned and replied without looking at me.
    â€œThen how are we supposed to get to the surface...” My voice trailed off when I saw a beam of white light come from above. It grew in size, creeping steadily across the surface of the platform. One by one the contestants began to evaporate before my eyes as the light washed over them. “Shit!” Ayres seized my arm when he saw me begin to back away. And then the light was upon us. The very light I recognized from the times I’d seen it at the cottage. There was no time to think or react. One moment I was on the ship, and then—poof—I was no more.
    Next thing I knew I was whirling through space, my body becoming a zillion particles. I had no eyeballs, yet I could see myself—or at least I