Free C.L. Scholey - Zuri's Zargonnii Warrior (Unearthly World # 2) by C.L. Scholey Page A

knowing what any of those things were. Zuri got up and made a face he supposed she thought would be construed as scary, he refrained from laughing. She curled her tiny hands into laudable claws. Next she snarled, Kobe did laugh then.
    “ Roar,” she bellowed. “Bear.”
    Kobe put his hand over his mouth to keep his composure. If that was a bear, he would love one for a pet. Then Zuri made a hissing sound, she wriggled around trying to look sinister, something a child would do during play. She bit at the air then fell over onto her back, arms and legs danced and jerked for a second until she lay still. He presumed unconscious, or dead.
    She peeked up at him. “Snake.”
    Uh huh.
    Kobe couldn’t wait for the shark. He wasn’t disappointed. Zuri stood, narrowed her eyes onto him as soullessly as possible. That got his attention; she was pretty good at this one. Silently she approached—her facial expression void of emotion. Her fingers peeled back her lips exposing as much of her teeth as possible. In one fluid motion she suddenly snapped her hands together. Kobe almost jumped.
    “Oh, do I ever want one of those,” Kobe said excitedly.
    Zuri slumped her shoulders then flopped down beside him. “Sharks bite.”
    “Awesome.”
    “No awesome, moron. Dead.”
    “Well, I can see how it would scare a human; but really, Zuri, have you actually looked at me?”
    Zuri was looking at him, she was frowning. “Worse monsters on your planet?”
    She thinks I’m a monster?
    “Yes, worse monsters than me.”
    “No, Kobe, you’re not a monster. Different. Sweet, kind, gentle.”
    Kobe smiled then thought about the Earth males. They were different from him. Almost bald like Zuri. Kobe realized why the males had appeared so annoyed with him; he sure as hell would take offense if someone thought he was female. Zargonnii females were majestic, but male was male and female was female. One of the male humans had a space between his front teeth but Kobe knew humans’ teeth didn’t expand and grow into sharp daggers. Humans couldn’t gain in height when in battle mode. Even when Zuri was angry, she remained the same size. Though he had been certain for a second her head would spin around in a creepy gesture, it hadn’t.
    “These creatures on your planet you claim are dangerous, how did you battle them?” Kobe asked.
    “Mostly you just stayed away from them.”
    “You are picking up my language very quickly.”
    Zuri looked thoughtful for a moment. “Yes, I guess I am. The more you talk the easier it is. Do you think the Gorgano did anything else to me?”
    “Just because you can give the Zargonnii indigestion with a thought and understand our language doesn’t make you a threat to us—or yourself.”
    “I miss Earth.”
    “Maybe you should be grateful it’s gone.”
    “What? Why?”
    “The Gorgano would have gotten to you eventually. Having to take flight scattered your people. Not all aliens are cruel.”
    “What are Castians?”
    The question made Kobe uncomfortable; a strange feeling of jealousy invaded his chest. The sensation startled him. He had meant to stay away from her but her scream for help had put him into action like nothing else. She needed him, and he had promised to protect her. What if Zuri preferred to go and live with an alien who could give her immortality? An alien who could shield her from any dangers. Castians even looked human. When pregnant their females had a baby shield, they were indestructible. The planet Bagron was safe for a human female. Their leader Cobra made certain. What did the Zargonnii have to offer except a dangerous place with unearthly beings. He thought to take a guarded approach.
    “You saw a Tonan?”
    “Yes.”
    “Castians look the same on the outside, same fangs, same claws and talons, except they are black when shielded and they sport no tails.” Zuri grimaced and Kobe relaxed. It was true, just not all of the truth.
    “Will I be staying with you on your