Insurrection

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2021 by Nina Croft. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

Entangled Publishing, LLC

644 Shrewsbury Commons Ave

STE 181

Shrewsbury, PA 17361

[email protected]

Amara is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC.

Edited by Lydia Sharp

Cover design by LJ Anderson/Mayhem Cover Creations

Cover photography by Ravven, RebeccaFrank, diversepixel, and olly18/Depositphotos

ZargonDesign and FXQuadro/Getty Images

ISBN 978-1-64937-198-0

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition October 2021

Insurrection is a thrilling blend of sci-fi and paranormal romance with a happy ending. However the story includes elements that might not be suitable for all readers. Death, physical harm, battle, blood, gunfire, and imprisonment are depicted in the novel, and explicit sexual content is shown on the page. Readers who may be sensitive to these, please take note.

To Rob, who has promised to explore space with me should the opportunity ever arise!

Chapter One

The Trakis Seven

Year 2550

Hope Featherstone entered the code into the keypad and pressed her palm to the panel. For a moment, it looked like the override hadn’t worked, and she cursed under her breath. Then the door pinged and slid open.

She slipped inside, and the door closed behind her. Leaning back against the cool metal, she breathed in deeply, trying to slow her heart rate. The air smelled musty, as though it had been around too long, and the temperature was slightly cooler than the rest of the ship. A shiver ran through her, and she wrapped her arms around herself.

Was she doing the right thing?

The truth was she had absolutely no clue. They had planned for so many contingencies, but not this one. President Max Beauchamp was dead. Sucked into a black hole with the rest of the people on board the Trakis One.

The light in the cryo chamber was dim and tinged green, giving the place an eerie quality. Rows and rows of cryotubes filled the huge chamber, each with a glowing green light to show it was still functioning, safely carrying its cargo to the new world. The people in here had been sleeping for five hundred years. The fleet had almost despaired of finding a new home. They had nearly run out of food, and the ships were literally falling apart on them, when, against the odds, they had reached a system that appeared capable of sustaining human life. They were home.

Time to move.

She glanced at the number on the cryotube nearest where she stood and orientated herself. She’d been here once before, but that was six years ago, when she’d first awoken from cryo. She’d had to come back, just once, to be sure that he was here and safe. After that, she’d forced herself to stay away. Not to bring attention to herself or Liam.

Now everything had changed.

The metal was cold under her fingertips as she trailed her hand along the cryotubes, glancing at the sleeping faces through the clear windows in the upper surface. The people looked so peaceful. She had no memories of her own time in cryo. No dreams had haunted her sleep. Though the nightmares had returned since she’d woken.

Finally, she came to a halt by the tube she was looking for. It appeared no different than all the others, just recognizable by the number on the side. A smile curved her lips. Hello, little brother.

Then she took a deep breath—still not convinced this was the best course of action, but at the same time not convinced it wasn’t—and reached across to enter the code to start the wake-up process.

Hope?

She almost jumped out of her skin as a man spoke from behind her. Snatching back her hand, she clenched her fist at her side and turned slowly. It was Jeff Conners, the ship’s security officer.

Crap. Just brilliant!

What are you doing here? he asked.

She forced what she hoped looked like a natural smile. Hi, Jeff. I was just passing by, and I thought I heard something strange.

He frowned. You shouldn’t be able to access this area with your security clearance.

The door was open.

His frown deepened. I’m sure it closed behind me.

But he sounded more confused than suspicious.

Maybe there’s some sort of glitch.

The whole ship was falling apart, so this wasn’t a big reach. At that moment, the lights flashed off and on again as though to prove the point.

Is there a problem with the cryotubes? she asked, more to take his mind off what she was doing there than as a real question. She’d already confirmed the status, and they were fine. But that was something else she shouldn’t be able to do with her security clearance.

The captain just wanted me to check out a couple of things, Jeff said.

Like what? Is anything wrong?

That’s classified information. He shrugged. "But we’re being extra careful. We don’t want anything to go wrong now we’re so close. And with what happened to the Trakis One…"

She shuddered dramatically and inserted a hint of fear into her voice. All those poor people. It won’t happen to us, will it?

No danger of that. We’ll keep you safe.

Jeff liked her. She was aware of that, but then she was young and passably attractive, and there weren’t many young, attractive women about. Plus, she was nice. Everyone thought so. Unfortunately, Jeff was a pompous, self-important ass, as were most of the senior crew members. He was also forty years older than her and twice as wide as he should be—not a good look in the tight, form-fitting crew uniform. How he was maintaining the excessive weight with the rationing, she had no clue. Well, actually, she had a few clues. As security officer, he had clearance for just about all the systems. It would be easy to help himself to extra rations.

She forced herself to step closer. Placing her palm on his chest, she widened her smile, fluttering her lashes for good measure. I’m so glad we’ve got you to protect us.

He visibly preened. Maybe we could meet up after my shift finishes. Catch the night’s news comm or something.

That would be…lovely. Not.

Right now, I’d better escort you out and then check on that door.

She dropped her hand to her side and stepped back. Thanks. This place gives me the creeps. I’ll be happy to get out of here.

You get used to it, he said. They’re just sleeping.

Hope turned and had taken a couple of steps before she noticed Jeff wasn’t following. She turned back slowly, and her heart rate kicked up. Jeff was staring at Liam’s cryotube, brows drawn together. He stepped closer and peered down through the clear window.

More crap.

Jeff reached out a hand and wiped the window. What the…?

What is it? she asked brightly as her fists clenched at her side and panic tightened her muscles.

I don’t believe it, but I could swear that’s…

His gaze darted from her and back to the cryotube. He raised his left wrist. The one with the comm unit.

She couldn’t let him make that call.

Don’t do that, Jeff. Let me talk to you first. Explain.

His right hand went to the pistol at his waist, and he backed away, clearly aware now that she was up to something.

If she could stop him, she could find a way to persuade him to keep quiet…somehow. There had to be a way. It couldn’t end like this.

His finger moved to switch on the comm unit, and without thinking, she leaped for him. The momentum knocked him backward, taking her with him. He crashed into the cryotube behind him, his head hitting the metal with an ominous thunk. Then down to the floor. Hope landed on top of him, and the breath left her in a whoosh.

Beneath her, Jeff wasn’t moving, and she slowly pushed herself up. She gazed in horror at Jeff where he lay, his body twisted at an awkward angle, his eyes wide and staring.

Hunkering down, she pressed her finger to the pulse in his throat. Or the place the pulse should have been. Nothing.

Oh God, what have I done?

Chapter Two

Malpheas came back to consciousness with a sudden jolt, his eyes flashing open.

The light was dim, but he could make out a faint blur of movement through the clear window in front of his face. He was in human form, in a small, enclosed space. It came back to him then. He was in a cryotube on board the Trakis Two. And if all had gone to plan, then he should be…

Actually, he had no clue, but somewhere a long way from Earth, hopefully on a new planet. Of course, if things had not gone to plan, he could be anywhere, including still on Earth, or lost in the vastness of space, or…

His muscles tightened at the thought of all the things that could have gone wrong. But he’d known the risks.

His movement was limited by the tight bands around his chest and forehead, and for the moment, there was nothing he could do. So he slowed his breathing, relaxed his muscles, and waited.

Finally, the bands pinged free, and the door of the cryotube opened.

He sprang into action. In one fluid move, he sat up, swung his legs over the side of the tube, and willed the change to come over him.

And nothing happened.

Closing his eyes, he reached inside himself for the power and again found…nothing.

What the hell?

You really didn’t think it was going to be that easy, did you?

At the sound of the amused voice, Mal went still. He gritted his teeth and opened his eyes.

A man lounged against the cryotube opposite, arms folded across his chest. Though perhaps man wasn’t the correct term to use. The musky scent of vampire filled his nostrils. Ricardo Sanchez was tall, lean, with olive skin, dark eyes, and black hair pulled into a ponytail. He was dressed in black pants, a black shirt, and a long black leather coat. Some sort of pistol was strapped at his hip, and a mocking smile curved his mouth. But while he appeared outwardly relaxed, Mal could sense the tenseness of his muscles. Ready to spring into action.

He closed his eyes and tried again to draw on his powers. With the same result. He glanced down at himself. He was naked except for a pair of black boxers, and he looked…very human. What have you done to me?

Saved your life, Rico said. A thank-you might be in order right now.

"I paid you to get me away from Earth."

So you did. Consider it money well spent.

Mal blew out his breath. "What else have you done?"

Just a little insurance that you don’t play true to form. Rico smirked. Never trust a demon, that’s my motto.

Shaking his head, Mal tried to wrap his mind around what was happening. Somehow, the vampire had blocked his ability to change form. He shouldn’t be able to do that. No one should. Well, there was one, but he was hopefully far away or gone for good.

Could it be because of where they were? Had the journey from Earth affected his powers?

How long since…? he asked.

Five hundred fun-filled years.

Fuck.

He jumped to his feet, and the vampire raised a brow but made no other move. Mal growled, took a step closer, and his knees almost went out from under him. Grabbing the side of the cryotube, he just managed to keep from falling as weakness swept through his body. He swayed, then steadied himself.

It’s shit being human, isn’t it? Rico grinned. Weak, pathetic creatures, hardly worthy of your notice. Usually. Now—welcome to their world.

Mal snarled and pushed himself toward the vampire.

I’d really think twice about that, Rico said, because you won’t come out of it well. He flashed a sharp white fang. It’s been a while since I had demon blood, but I’ve always enjoyed it. He heaved a loud sigh. Just accept it and move on, and I might explain what’s happening.

Mal forced his anger down. It was hard. He wasn’t used to holding back in any way. Though he had to admit that it was a long time since he’d felt any emotions stronger than a mild case of irritation. He took a deep breath. Explain.

See, I knew you could do it if you tried. Sit down again before you fall.

Get on with it, Mal snarled.

You know, I always knew Milo’s not-so-sweet nature didn’t come from his mother.

Mal bared his teeth but then sank down onto the cryotube behind him. He did feel pretty weak. It was weird.

Milo was his estranged son and Rico’s nephew, though the vampire was no blood relation. Rico had once been married to Milo’s mother’s sister, who had been burned at the stake as a witch over a thousand years ago. That had set her sister off on a course of revenge, which had brought her into direct contact with Mal. She’d tricked him, slept with him, and gotten a son from him, all in a bid to increase her powers. Instead, it had led to her death. When she’d realized that was inevitable, she had given their son into the guardianship of his uncle Rico. Milo had been six at the time.

And he’d grown up hating his father. He blamed Mal—with good reason—for his mother’s death.

Is Milo here? he asked.

He is, though he’s still sleeping peacefully in cryo right now. And I had to knock him out to get him on board. He wanted to stay on Earth. Mainly so he could continue his—so far fruitless—plan to avenge his mother.

So he doesn’t know you sold me a place on the ship?

He doesn’t.

He’s going to be pissed when you wake him and he finds out.

"When isn’t he pissed? But in this case, it’s not a problem, because he’s not going to find out—at least not yet. Rico reached into his pocket, drew out a flask, and handed it to Mal. Here, you look like you could use a drink. You look all pale and…human."

Mal growled again but took the flask, unscrewed the top, and took a deep swallow. And nearly choked. He wheezed. Fuck! What is that stuff?

Homemade whiskey. I had to keep myself occupied somehow for five hundred years.

He took another swig and studied the vampire. You’ve been awake the whole time?

Every single day.

So what the hell have you done to me?

Just a little charm to ensure you don’t cause too much mayhem. Rico nodded toward Mal’s arm.

He followed the direction of Rico’s gaze. An intricate sigil was wrapped around his upper left arm. How had he not seen that? He rubbed at it as though he could wipe the mark of power from his skin. Sigils were demon-magic and could be used to control them.

His eyes narrowed. How? You don’t have the power to control me.

We’ll not get into that right now. If you’re a good little demon, I might tell you later.

God, the vampire was annoying. Mal clamped his lips and glared.

Rico chuckled, then shoved his hands in his pockets. He paced a few steps before turning back, stopped and studied Mal as though he were some interesting specimen. Aren’t you even a little curious as to where we are and what’s been happening in the world?

He shrugged. Where are we and what’s been happening?

Rico shook his head. Try and show a little enthusiasm, and I’ll tell you.

Mal regarded him through narrowed eyes. You’re what? A little over a thousand years old? Do you know how old I am? How long I’ve existed?

Considerably longer than me, I would imagine. But that’s existing. What about living? I’m guessing you gave that up a long, long time ago.

Maybe. Tell me where we are, and I’ll try to show a little enthusiasm. Really, I will.

Well, we recently arrived at our brave new world. Welcome to the Trakis System. With enough planets for everyone.

Mal was aware that the plan had been for twenty-four ships to leave the Earth, each carrying ten thousand Chosen Ones. People who’d been selected through a lottery process to ensure the survival of humanity. Except the lottery hadn’t been open to everyone; certainly no one in the Abyss had been offered a ticket. Neither had vampires.

Apparently, Rico had decided that wasn’t fair and arranged to exchange half the Chosen Ones on the Trakis Two for people…or whatever…of his own choosing. Presumably, it hadn’t ended well for the Chosen Ones involved. Mal had heard of the plan and approached Rico for a place.

Mal liked the idea of a new world. He’d always had to play second fiddle in the Abyss. This was a chance to be in charge, make the rules, be second to no one. Plus, he’d known Rico would get Milo on board somehow, and Mal wanted a chance to… Hell, he wasn’t sure. But Milo was his blood, his only blood, and right now he hated his father. Mal wasn’t sure he could change that, but he wanted to try.

He was unsure as to why Rico had taken him along. Clearly the vampire didn’t trust him.

And with good reason.

Once this sigil was gone, he’d rip Rico’s fucking head off. He smiled at the idea.

Don’t even think about it, Rico said. You’d fail.

Right now, he suspected Rico was right. But things would change. This might slow him down, but in the not-too-distant future, he planned to rule this new world and all the people in it. Including Rico and his motley band of supernaturals. He would maybe form them into an army. There was bound to be some opposition to his plan.

I can almost see your mind working, Rico said. "Dreaming up plans for world domination. And if that’s what you want—go for it. But not here on the Trakis Two. What you do elsewhere is up to you as long as it doesn’t endanger me or mine. And that means everyone on this ship."

So what happens next? Mal said.

We will be heading down to Trakis Two any day now. That’s our designated planet—named after the ship. Very imaginative. But I’m afraid you won’t be coming with us. I want you away from here before I wake Milo from cryo. And I have to wake Milo. I have a job for him.

What kind of job?

He’s to be our representative on the newly formed Council for the Advancement of Mankind.

A little ironic, don’t you think?

Maybe. Rico shrugged. "But he’s the best we’ve got. Which means you need to be gone, otherwise there will be hell to pay."

Then why wake me at all? In fact, why even bring me along?

Believe me, I spent a lot of time considering what to do with you. And you don’t want to know how many times I came close to shoving your cryotube—with you still inside it—out the air lock. But in the end, I didn’t. You’re Milo’s father, and he’d be even more pissed off if he found I’d killed you.

Maybe there was a chance for a reconciliation after all. I didn’t know he cared.

He doesn’t. It’s just that he has this fantasy of killing you himself. He might never forgive me if I beat him to it.

Mal sighed. So where am I going?

Put this on—it’s a comm unit. Rico handed him a silver bracelet. Mal slipped it onto his wrist. And get dressed—there’s a bag of clothing under the cryotube. Then meet me in the docking bay. I have to make sure the shuttle is ready. I’ll tell you more then. You’re going to love it. Not. Rico turned around and was gone.

Yup, he was going to rip the vampire’s head off, and maybe pluck his heart out, too, and burn them both to a crisp.

He just needed to get rid of this sigil first.

How hard could it be?

Alone, he sat, breathing deeply, hands resting on his thighs.

He searched inside for any glimmer of his powers, but there was a vast emptiness. His limbs felt weak, and his head ached. He couldn’t remember ever having a headache in his entire existence. Was it a side effect of the long cryosleep or was it because he was human? Did they always feel this crappy?

He examined the sigil on his left arm. It was an intricate tattoo. When he looked closer, he could see it was made up of three intertwined circles. He focused on it, hoping to discover some clue as to the source of its power, but he got nothing.

The comm unit on his wrist beeped, then Rico’s voice came over some sort of speaker. Docking bay. Now.

He thought about ignoring the vampire, but what other options did he have? Plus, he had an idea that Rico was correct, and in the current circumstances, he would not come out well from any altercation. That wouldn’t last, though.

He jumped to his feet, steadier this time. Reaching beneath the cryotube, he found a duffel bag. Inside were black pants, black boots, and a black shirt. It looked like some sort of uniform but fitted him well enough. He glanced around. The light was dim, but he could see rows and rows of cryotubes, all—except his—with a glowing green light. The Chosen Ones. And likely every one of them had paid for their place, just like he had.

He considered looking for Milo, but it would be an impossible task among so many. And besides, what would he do if he found him? Rico was right. Milo hated him right now. He’d hated him for a long time.

Instead, Mal headed in the direction Rico had disappeared. Finally, he came to a door. It was closed and didn’t respond to his touch, and his eyes narrowed. Then he noticed a panel on the wall, and he touched it. Nothing happened. He studied it some more, then placed his palm flat on it, and the door slid open.

He entered a corridor with silver curved walls and bright strip lighting. It took his eyes a moment to adjust, something else that was new. Which way was he supposed to go? The place appeared deserted. Was there no one else awake? The ship was huge—about a quarter of a mile long. He could wander around for days.

He glanced at the comm unit, then stabbed his finger on one of the buttons. A light came on but nothing else. He tried another.

What is it? Rico sounded irritated. And where the hell are you?

I have no clue. Which way is the docking bay?

Rico laughed. I bet you’ve never been lost before. Left, he said, and then keep heading down. You’ll find us.

Us? So someone else was awake.

He eventually found himself outside a set of double doors. They were open and led into a large room cluttered with equipment and stores. No doubt for the new settlement. He could hear the murmur of voices, which grew louder as he listened. Someone clearly wasn’t happy.

I don’t want her to go. A man’s voice. Mal didn’t recognize it.

It’s just as well I don’t give a shit what you want, isn’t it? That was Rico. But as you’re a little slow, I’ll take a moment to explain myself. Someone needs to go because we need the shuttle back, and I don’t trust the autopilot. So she’s going.

Mal stepped closer, and the group came into sight. Three people standing beside what he presumed was the shuttle. Rico and a man, as tall as the vampire, with blond hair and pale purple eyes. Even with human senses, Mal could tell he was a relatively new werewolf. The third member of the group was a woman, small, slight, with black hair and green eyes. Mal recognized Katia Mendoza, the werecat he’d dealt with when he was negotiating his place on the ship.

Then I’m going as well, the blond man said.

No, you’re not. You have zero control right now, and we can’t risk it.

Then send—

Katia put her hand on his arm. Leave it, Logan. Rico’s right. Someone has to go, and I can pass as human. There won’t be any problems, and I’ll be back in a day.

Why is it so important that he gets off the ship? And if we need to ditch him so badly, then why not shove him out the airlock? Who is this guy anyway?

Here he is, Rico said. I’ll let him introduce himself.

Katia caught sight of him, and a look of—horror? crossed her face. Oh, hell, no. I’ve changed my mind. Shove him out the airlock.

Rico laughed. Mal was so glad the vampire was having fun at his expense. He came to a halt in front of the group.

About time, Rico said. You want to tell Logan who and what you are?

No.

Oh, well, I’ll do the honors, then. This is Malpheas.

What is he? Logan asked.

Can’t you tell?

Logan frowned. He looks sort of human. A big fucking human, but I can’t sense anything else.

Mal gritted his teeth, and Rico laughed again. I love it when a plan comes together.

He’s a demon, Katia said.

Like Sardi?

Sardi was a minor demon and a sidekick of Rico’s.

Not quite, Katia said. Sardi is a kitten compared to this guy. He’s one of the seven Princes of Hell. She turned to Rico. Shit, you really think this guy is going to pass as human?

Of course he will. For all intents and purposes, right now, he is human. Besides, people see what they want to see, believe what they want to believe.

I didn’t even know there were any Princes of Hell, Logan said. Actually, I wasn’t even sure Hell existed.

It exists though the inhabitants refer to it as the Abyss.

Mal crossed his arms. Can we get on with this?

Such a charmer, Rico muttered. Okay, just to address Logan’s understandable concerns, Mal is going to play nice because he doesn’t have a choice. Katia will be fine. Now, let’s get moving. Logan, load up the whiskey.

Logan opened his mouth to say something else, but then a look passed between him and Katia, and instead, he nodded, picked up a crate of bottles, and carried it up the ramp into the shuttle.

Mal turned to Rico. Are you going to tell me what’s going on?

Rico shrugged. "Why not? As I mentioned, I was contemplating what to do with you when we got the sad news that the security officer on board the Trakis Seven had met with an unfortunate accident."

That seems to happen a lot to security officers, Katia muttered.

Rico ignored the comment. "It occurred to me that in this time of change and turbulence, no ship should be without an experienced security officer. So I offered your services. Katia knows the captain. He sort of owes her, so we had a way in. Still, I had to spin them a bit of a story. I told them that you were in a love triangle and the woman picked the other guy and