Page 23 of Twin Warriors

“They are back at the compound already.”

She nodded, biting her lip at the crazy decision she had made. Life for the last few weeks had become predictable, normal in the strange way it could on an alien planet, and she liked it. Now, she was being taken away from everything she knew and had grown to understand on this distant planet. A few minutes later, the craft again lowered onto a large flat surface painted with black. It settled gently and Iron rose.

“Follow me,” he said to Amy as he exited the craft. She stood, her nerves on end and her heart thundering in her chest. She moved out of the craft slowly, taking in the massive open garden space around a huge, five story building in the back. It looked like a fort or stronghold of some kind, with thick, solid stone and barred windows.

Panic filled her that she had just willingly come to a prison of some kind, and that Iron lied to her about being able to leave. But when a sound flowed to her from behind, Amy spun to find a small group of children running towards the transport with huge smiles on their faces. They ran right past her and crowded Iron with loud chatting and giggles.

Her heart softened when she saw the smile on his face as he pulled small, colorful treats wrapped in clear paper from his pocket, giving each child one before they all ran off without a second look at her.

Then Iron met her eyes. “They are orphans that had no home before they came here. We take in any that seek help, no matter their age, species or gender.”

He motioned for her to walk with him, and she fell into stride beside him. “Why are they orphaned?”

“Mura is not the safest city to live in if you are poor. Many of those children were the victims of the many gangs that dominate the city. Most of their parents were killed in territorial battles, leaving the innocent to suffer. The Iron Militia does what it can to keep the citizens of this city safe, but we are not always successful.”

“The Iron Militia? What is that?”

“That is what we are. Males on this compound train and fight to protect the people that live in the city. Many of the females that live here came to us seeking protection from the gangs that would use them in ways you do not wish to hear about. They work on the compound, doing tasks like cleaning, cooking, and caring for the compound. Some are even warriors.”

Amy smiled. That was not what she was expecting at all.

“So you guys are like the military?”

“No,” Iron said, pulling open a huge solid wooden door to the building in the center of the complex. “Mura has no official authority or military. We are a private organization that does what it can to help.”

They stepped inside a large, open room. Amy blinked to let her eyes adjust to the change and froze. The room was a massive open lounge, with huge sofas, tables, and chairs and what looked like large pillows dotted around a well-lit, two-story space.

What had her feet glued to the floor, were the dozens of sets of eyes that turned to look at her and Iron. Most of them were huge males, with metal parts in various areas of their face, arms, and body. There were a few females scattered between them with the same silver enhancements gleaming in the bright light.

She swallowed, her body trembling at the sight of so many deadly warriors lounging around, staring at her with curiosity and suspicion.

“This way,” Iron said, motioning for her to follow him toward a long, wide arched passage that led off to the right side of the massive space. She rushed to keep up with Iron, not wanting to be alone with all those scary people. He led her down the hall for a bit, then turned and opened a door. He stepped in and held the door open for her to enter.

This room was much smaller, with a wide metal table standing by the large window on the far wall. Shelves lined one wall, filled with books of all shapes, sizes and colors, and the other wall was a flat, black surface from floor to ceiling.

Iron gestured for her to sit down as he moved to sit behind the desk.

This must be his office, Amy thought as she eased down into the oversized leather seat.

“I have called for Cane and Cole to join us. They will be here shortly.”

“You did?” Amy asked, frowning. She hadn’t seen him speak to anyone, let alone call for the twins.

He grinned, “Yes,” he said tapping his temple. “I have a built-in communicator. I have sent them a message to join us. They are on their way.”

Amy’s heart jumped at the thought of seeing the two men again. She still felt so guilty for being attracted to both of them, but maybe if she had a chance to speak with them, to figure out what was going on, she would be able to understand her feelings. She noticed that Iron was watching her as she chewed on her lip, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her tunic.

“Are you nervous?” he asked, a serious tone in his question.

She nodded, “A little.”

“Of seeing Cane and Cole?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Then why?”

She swallowed, “I’m just not good with big groups of people… not anymore anyway.”