Kríe Captivity (The Nira Chronicles Book 1) Read Free Page B

collective groan rose up from his team.
    “Seriously?” Jamis groused.
    Noah grimaced. “Beyond lame.”
    “Oh, yeah?” Alec scowled. “Well, then why don’t you do it, Mr. Peaceful Interaction?”
    Noah stiffened, but before he could say a word, the male’s amused chuff stole their attention.
    “Moyos ochay,” he rumbled, grinning wide. “Ochay kuntah kai.”
    The team watched him blankly, then one by one started to smile.
    “He’s friendly.” Bailey exhaled in clear relief. “Scary as shit, but friendly.”
    The male stepped forward. Everyone tensed. So he paused again and inclined his head. “Gesh,” he stated, pointing to himself. Then he extended a hand in their direction and eyed each team member expectantly.
    “His name is Gesh.” Jamis’ smile spread wider. “He wants to know our names, too.”
    “Thanks for that, Einstein,” Chet muttered in agitation. “Why don’t you do the introductions.”
    Jamis swallowed and looked back over at Alec. “I would, but we should probably let the captain do it, so it’s clear who’s in charge of our unit.”
    Great. Cursing under his breath, Alec resumed addressing the giant. “Uh… I am Alec,” he started, pointing to himself. Then he motioned to the rest of his crew. “And this here is Zaden, and Chet, and Bailey. And those two are Noah and Jamis.”
    Gesh listened intently, regarding each one, his gaze lingering longest on Noah. Again, he inclined his head and smiled. “Enday myah. Bukah chay.” His eyes slid to Chet and his gun. “Móotah may,” he murmured darkly.
    Noah shifted, as if still feeling the effects of Gesh’s stare. “He doesn’t like Chet pointing that gun at his face.”
    “I wouldn’t, either,” Bailey muttered.
    “Yeah, well, too fucking bad,” Chet grunted. “Are you not seeing the size of this fucking behemoth? Or that he’s got fricking fangs and claws?”
    Gesh pursed his lips, as if understanding Chet’s words.
    For the first time since their new friend’s arrival, Zaden spoke up, his gaze locked on Gesh. “He’s smart. Really smart. Might even know what we’re saying.”
    “But is he safe?” Alec asked. “Are we cool? Can we trust him?”
    “I dunno.” Zaden frowned. “I still can’t tell.”
    Noah raked a hand through his flyaway bangs. “Come on, guys. There’s six of us and only one of him. And he’s not the one with the guns. I say we ease up a little. Let the guy breathe.”
    Chet looked at Alec. “Your call, Boss.”
    Alec exhaled and scrubbed his face. “Stand down, Chet, but keep your eye on our friend—and your gun’s safety permanently off.”
    “Roger that,” Chet muttered, lowering his weapon.
    Immediately, Gesh’s big broad smile returned, his huge fangs back in full view. “Bellah,” he rumbled brightly, then gestured for them to follow as he turned and started walking.
    As one, the three scientists looked at Alec. “We’re gonna go with him, right?” Bailey asked almost urgently.
    “Yeah,” Jamis chimed in. “Since he’s a big reason we came.”
    “Who knows,” Noah added, sweetening the pot. “Maybe he’ll find us a cool place to camp.”
    Alec chuckled and gave a nod. “Okay. Fine. Whatever. Chet, stay at Gesh’s back.”
    Chet glared the giant’s way as they all started walking. “Nowhere I’d rather be.”
     
    * * *
     
    For the next couple of hours, they hiked the lush terrain, stopping every so often for a breather. Good thing they all were in stellar shape or those stops would’ve been way more frequent. Alec kept a close eye on Gesh as he interacted with the science trio. They told him about Earth, how they were humans, about their wreck. Gesh told them about his planet, Nira, too. From his gestures, they were able to discern it wasn’t all jungle. And that his specific species was Kríe. He also showed them plants and pointed to critters, offering up lots of strange names. And the threesome ate up every bit of it. The way their faces lit with