Pawn To King: Red Knight, #2

By Martha Sweeney

Amazon BESTSELLING Series

Paperbacks available via my website

 

Red:
The males will definitely challenge Jagger's rule now even though he permitted me to publicly castrate Breaker. It didn't matter if I killed him or not. The males will want me to hang. Jagger sends Knight and me away for a while but tempers are heated when we return.

There are several attempts on my life, killing many of my sisters in the process. I learn more about Jagger, the dacked up mess my world that is far worse than I could imagine, and I've not only fallen for Knight and can't imagine leaving without him.

 

Knight:
The men weren't happy with how Jagger's been running things, and now with his public display between Breaker and Red, it'll just be a matter of time for his death to occur. I should sit back and watch it happen yet there's something to his actions and words that are making me question everything I was taught and trained about in my home sovereign.

 

There is a new rising taking place and it's not because Jagger allowed Red to challenge Breaker publicly and allowed her to live. Words haunt me each day since they've been spoken and I wonder if this is the final demise to all of Jaru: old blood must pour for new blood to be born, lies are truths and truths are lies.

Is our journey just beginning or will be perish as a species.

 

WARNING: This series contains sensitive material. Reader discretion is advised.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WWN Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201991579

Martha Sweeney

Pushing boundaries across genres. Martha Sweeney is a Best-Selling, multi-genre author who writes in a variety of genres: romance, suspense, thriller, coloring books, romantic comedy, and science fiction. She strives to push herself as a storyteller with each new tale and hopes to push her readers outside of their comfort zone whether it be genre or the stories themselves. With a B.S. in Psychology, Martha utilizes her knowledge of human and animal behavior successfully in the business world and in her writing to present realistic characters and situations. She's been creative since she was little, always drawing, coloring or making crafts, so her venture into being an author was a natural transition.

Book preview

Pawn to King

PAWN TO KING

RED KNIGHT SERIES BOOK #2

MARTHA SWEENEY

WWN Publishing

Pawn to King (Red Knight #2) written by Martha Sweeney

Copyright © 2022 Martha Sweeney

Publishing 2022 WWN Publishing Group

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Cover Design: Martha Sweeney

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All rights reserved. This book was self-published by the author, Martha Sweeney, under WWN Publishing Group. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any means without the express written permission of the author. This includes reprints, excerpts, photocopying, recording, or any future means of reproducing text and stories.

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If you would like to do any of the above, please seek permission first by contacting the author at: www.marthasweeney.com

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Published in The United States by WWN Publishing Group

ISBN:

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CONTENTS

Also by Martha Sweeney

Acknowledgments

Jaruian Language Index

Forty

Forty One

Forty Two

Forty Three

Forty Four

Forty Five

Forty Six

Forty Seven

Forty Eight

Forty Nine

Fifty

Fifty One

Fifty Two

Fifty Three

Fifty Four

Fifty Five

Fifty Six

Fifty Seven

Fifty Eight

Fifty Nine

Sixty

Sixty One

Sixty Two

Sixty Three

Sixty Four

Sixty Five

Also by Martha Sweeney

About the Author

ALSO BY MARTHA SWEENEY

The Just Breathe Series

Breathe In

Breathe Out

Just Breathe

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Bookish: Adult Coloring Book

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Because Beards - anthology

One Kiss

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The Killmore Series

Killmore

The Killmores

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Love Happens - anthology

Wild Pumpkin

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Cop Tales- anthology

Hollywood

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The Red Knight Series

Knight Takes Pawn

Pawn to King

Queen Takes King

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Hot Georgia Rein

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Snowed In With Him

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and many more to come

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you, my best friend, my partner, my lover, the love of my life, my husband, Thomas Sweeney, for being you and being in my life. Here’s to our love, our laughter, and our never-ending journey through the cosmos together. I love you!

Thank you to all of my readers and fans! You make writing a blessing and fun in so many ways.

Thank you to a bunch of other people who I’ve been connected with online. Thank you for all the funny and hot posts, thank you for reading my books (if you have), and thank you for being a part of this awesome book community!

JARUIAN LANGUAGE INDEX

These are a list of words you’ll find a different points in the story.

Jaru: a planet in the Gatanemi Galaxy

Jaruian: the native, humanoid population on the planet Jaru

dack: a vulgar expletive in Jaruian language that means intercourse; in other words, it closely resembles the word fuck (dack = fuck, dacker = fucker, dacking = fucking)

ginamo: a drink makes from giana beans which is similar to coffee

temmia: a drink made from leaves which is similar to tea

whimana: a fermented myaldia (fruit) that is make into a liquor drink

tekinemia : a potentially deadly illness on Jaru that attacks the lungs

tackibeans: a sweat flavored bean

hepora: a large boar-like, horse-like animal that’s ridden

lejamae: a large, rodent-like and bird-like animal

kyguda: a large, field grazing animal that is a main meat Jaruians eat. It’s considered a delicacy food.

matdika: a green vegetable

spumei: a yellow vegetable

patirye: a potato-like vegetable

frubejah: an animal that is similar to a wolf

druimas: a Jaruian term for a druggy or drunkard

bimea: a small bird like creature

cajuga: a large, cat like animals that has long fangs

potaya: a large acquatic mammal

boga: a rat-like rodent

ru (plural: rus): small Jaruian coins

ja: Jaruian dollar currency

hudo: the measure of distance (the equivalent to one kilometer)

Inanna: ancientJaruian Goddess

arammu: ancient Jaruian term for love

pulaga: Jaruian insult for an elderly person who appears to be senile

betova: derogatory word towards women for bitch

FORTY

KNIGHT

What the dacking dack did I just witness? I blink several times to make sure my eyes aren’t deceiving me. Blood trickles down the blade Red just used to castrate Breaker, soaking slowly in the dry dirt that surrounds it. The night is silent other than the wind whipping around and not a single Jaruian in attendance is uttering a word.

Red moves toward the gate with her head held high and her gaze forward. Her face is stoic and her eyes are void of emotion. She stops before the door of the arena. As if having cast a spell, the metal door squeaks open and slams into the adjacent fence. The two guards who were instructed to make sure only one victor leaves the area stare in awe at the unmoving body inside. My head jerks back and forth between Breaker and Red as she walks toward the house.

What the dack was that? Ronin inquires lowly in my ear.

My head shakes as I’m uncertain how to answer. I knew the plan for today, but I didn’t expect this. I didn’t expect Jagger to actually let Red do as she pleased with Breaker, especially right in front of the males. I thought Jagger might let her toy with Breaker for a bit before he intervened to prove a point and make sure none of his other men overstep. I expected Jagger to jump in and deliver the final blow, or better yet, to allow me to do so since Red is mine. I honestly did not expect this. What has transpired brings a lot of questions as well as a lot of uncertain possibilities. Is Jagger testing us? Is Jagger testing his people? Is Jagger setting Red up? Is he setting us up?

I thought…dack…we all thought Jagger was making up his stories, Ronin states.

I don’t comment.

Breaker and the few assigned to clean up after Red never uttered confirmation of Jagger’s stories of Red’s killing conquests. I wouldn’t doubt, by the expression of the crowd, that they can’t believe what just transpired.

This has never been done…never been allowed in all of Jaru, Ronin states as if it’s uncommon knowledge.

I’m not sure how to explain anything right now so I don’t bother replying as my gaze stays transfixed on Red.

Why is he letting her go? Ronin checks nervously. Did you know about this? Do you know what this means for our people? Do you know what this means for you…for Red?

My head bobs slightly as his words bounce around in my ears, clouding me from being able to think clearly. If Ronin already sees the implications, how many others do as well? Whatever comes of this, it won’t be good. I’ve got to be ready for anything and everything.

This is not good, Ronin states the obvious. This is not good at all…for you…for Red.

I nod, unable to speak.

I’m not sure if Red was smart or stupid to let Breaker live.

You both will have targets on your backs, Ronin continues. I’m sure Jagger will too.

Knight? a voice barks.

I note in my peripheral a body to my left striding toward me in a fury.

What? I snap, barely turning.

Did you know this was going to happen? Dog pries.

I look up to find Jagger with a wicked grin as he stares at Breaker’s unmoving body. My eyes scan the rest of the crowd who remain motionless. Everyone is either sitting or standing in place. They look like statues, still in shock and probably confused by what just unfolded before them. Their eyes haven’t swayed from Breaker who remains passed out. I’m not sure if the crowd is willing him to be alive or dead. I’m not sure what any of them could be thinking at this very moment. Red didn’t kill Breaker, but the fate she left him with is far worse than if she had.

In the history of Jaru, nothing like this has ever happened. No male has given a female the ability to kill for any reason. Sure, Red has been killing for Jagger for a while and he’s been bragging about it, but it’s obvious by their reaction that no one has believed him. The few tapes that caught Red in action were always blank or destroyed to the point where Jagger couldn’t reveal the truth.

Jagger has made a significant precedence by not only allowing Red to challenge Breaker but to do it so publicly. Sure, females have killed, claiming it was for self-preservation when they or their children’s lives were in danger, but they’d end up in prison or hung for such crimes. Females of our species have always been seen as property by males since the dawn of our existence. Throughout the planet, males have always been superior and females were means of just expanding our population and our status.

In the land of the Ones, their views have always been a little different when it came to Jaruian traditions. They are open and willing to try new things which pissed off all other sovereigns and could have possibly been one of the causes for the war. They don’t believe in killing, male or female, unless it’s for the betterment of the community. Before the war, when there were many more sovereigns, the Ones were seen as a lesser group by the rest of the Jaruian race. It has always been customary to mate for survival, not for emotions, though it was becoming accepted and practiced within the Ones’ sovereign.

The idea to mate for emotions rather than need was and still is seen as childish and useless to most Jaruians. The last I heard, the Ones still partook in it, yet conflict regarding it was resurfacing before I left.

Knowing all the challenges that plague Jaruians, and which most likely create never-ending conflict for us, why would Jagger risk changing things now? Why would he give Red such power publicly? Why would he endanger himself and his reign? What does Jagger know? What is Jagger planning?

Jagger is either really smart or really stupid. If he didn’t already have a target on his back for how he runs his sovereignty, by the Gods, he sure does now.

Knight, Dog clamors again, pulling me from my thoughts.

If you have any questions, take it up with Jagger, I instruct heatedly.

I’m taking it up with you, Dog returns snidely. "You’re second in command…and, she’s your property."

She’s not my property, I challenge.

Fine, Dog huffs. "She’s your mate. And, your mate just did something she shouldn’t have."

We aren’t mated, I claim.

Yes, you are, Dog returns.

There was no official mating ritual, Ronin interjects. Saying he and Red are mated is like saying you and all your whores are mated.

Dog’s mouth opens to rebut, but it shuts quickly.

Besides, I say. She did what Jagger gave her permission to do.

Females aren’t allowed to kill, Dog counters. They aren’t even allowed to kill each other.

She didn’t kill him, I defend.

She might as well have, Dog sneers.

He’s still breathing, I say, nodding toward Breaker’s body.

She’ll hang for this! Dog claims.

No, she won’t, I counter, fighting to maintain control. "A female only hangs for killing. She did not kill him."

Jagger is a fool, Dog grunts.

If anyone is a fool, it is you, Ronin snickers.

Jagger is king, I remind. King of this sovereign.

So, Dog groans.

So, he has the final say, I seethe, taking a step toward him. Have you forgotten that?

No, Dog whines begrudgingly.

If you don’t like his rules, you can always leave, Ronin adds.

This is not a rule, Dog argues.

It is now, I challenge. Unless Jagger says otherwise.

You shouldn’t have allowed her in there, Dog adds, trying to stand his ground.

I don’t dare challenge the will of Jagger, I quip. Do you? Because I’m sure he’d be perfectly content sending you in there for battle.

No, Dog claims, backing down.

Then, shut your snout and move on, I spit.

You and Red will pay, Dog retorts timidly.

Is that a threat? I inspect, taking another step toward him.

Ronin stays close, moving with me.

Dog looks back and forth between us. Anger rages through his gaze, but he’s smart enough to not push further and backs down quickly. Dog retreats away with another step back before turning away completely.

Be careful, Ronin warns lowly.

I nod, understanding how he’s putting himself, even Lolly, at risk, for siding with me. Anyone seen as a friend to Red and me will be seen as targets as well.

You and Lolly need to distance yourselves, I inform.

What? Ronin checks with a furrowed brow.

From Red and me…at least for a while, I clarify.

Not happening, Ronin claims.

It’ll protect you while we figure out how everyone reacts to all this, I say, gesturing to the scene around us. Red and I can handle ourselves, but I can’t necessarily protect you and Lolly.

No one said we need you to protect us, Ronin returns with a grunt.

I nod. Just give it a little time, I instruct. Let’s see what we hear and go from there.

Ronin’s head bobs slightly though there’s discomfort in his gaze.

Without a second thought, my feet start moving, following behind Red who’s already halfway to the house. I don’t bother to look back, hoping that if I don’t, it signifies that this was just a dream and I’m about to wake—though I know that’s not the truth. Willing my feet to move faster, I begin to jog in an attempt to catch up, but Red’s already out of sight by the time I reach the door. Knowing Red’s habits, I continue up to our room.

Hesitating when I get there, I ready myself for a variety of possible outcomes and what needs to be discussed between Red and me. We need to be a unified front to minimize damage. The men will hate Red for what she’s done, but she might have been smart by not killing Breaker. It could work to her advantage or it could not.

Moving quickly, I dart inside and lock the door behind me. The room is silent for several long seconds until the faint sound of running water filters into my ears. I scan the room, making sure no one is hiding in the shadows. Several scents coat the air and it doesn’t take long for me to find the food that has been left for us. I guess Jagger was very confident in Red’s ability tonight, but I’m not sure either of us will be able to eat. Even if we are hungry, the food could be poisoned—by Jagger or someone else.

Carefully stepping through the room, I find Red’s clothes on the floor, leaving a trail to the bathroom where the door is wide open. I stand in the entryway, watching her for several moments, enjoying the sight of her naked body as the water cascades over it.

I let out a heavy breath and look back toward the main door, deciding to use a chair to prevent anyone from barging in. When I return to where I was previously, the steam from the water is already slipping beyond the doorway. Without hesitation, I remove my clothes, drop them on the ground, and enter the shower.

Red doesn’t respond to my presence nor does she flinch to my touch. She keeps her head low, letting the water soothe the muscles in her neck. I move closer, needing to feel her more than ever. I have been aroused by Red since the day I met her. I have been aroused every time I’ve watched her do Jagger’s bidding even when it has left blood on her hands. A this moment, I’m even more aroused by the woman standing in front of me. The power she wielded—commanded. The power she controlled. The power she enacted is far more sensual than I would have ever expected it to be.

Red’s head falls back against my shoulder and her mouth parts invitingly. Her eyes slowly open and I’m not sure what emotion lies behind them. It feels as if our souls connect beyond anything I’ve ever felt with another Jaruian. Desire consumes me and I take her mouth with mine. Red’s body relents instantly to my touch. With two large strides, I’ve got her pressed against the glass, keeping her back against my chest. My hands explore her silky, wet skin as my mouth devours her neck. Using my knee, I nudge her legs to open further as I restrain Red’s arms above her head.

You were…a goddess, I hum into her ear before nipping it.

Red whimpers in reply.

Taking my eyes off of her for a brief second, I’m able to catch our reflection in the mirror over the sink. Through the steam, I’m able to see the outline of her breasts as they’re pressed up against the glass. I slide myself inside her and we both pause for a brief second once I’m all the way in. My grip tightens on her wrist as my other hand slides around to her front, caressing her skin before taking hold of her hip.

Red pants with each of my thrusts.

My body presses into her more, desperate to unite as much as physically possible. You were a goddess, I repeat. In every way, darling.

Each time Red moans, I pump harder, deeper inside her.

Not just by how the moonslight glistened off your skin, I continue. I suck in another breath and thrust again. But, how you commanded that arena.

Red’s head shifts slightly and I catch her looking at me over her shoulder.

I wedge her between me and the glass even more and she doesn’t seem to mind.

You had no fear, I commend, burying myself deeper. You had complete control.

Red’s head bounces.

Yet, you give up your control to me, I declare. Right here…right now.

Red groans when I tug harder on her hip as I slam more forcefully into her body.

Yet, I sigh on a breath out. You still have control…complete control.

Yeah? she whimpers.

Yeah, I grumble with my next thrust. You control me when you give me your body. I push as deep as I can go, getting harder as she moans with pleasure. You maintain control even when you give it up, I share.

The glass vibrates a little from our passionate act.

I don’t want it, Red mumbles.

What? I check, stopping yet staying inside her.

I don’t want control, she explains. Not with you.

I chuckle. You don’t get it, I hum into her ear, pulling myself out of her. I spin Red to face me.

Red studies me while confusion resides in her eyes.

I grab her by her waist and lift her, wedging her against the wall before slipping back inside her. You control all of this, I repeat, driving myself in deeper. I give it to you.

Red nods though I’m not sure she understands.

I don’t think I fully comprehend what I’m trying to say to Red either, but it feels right saying it out loud. It feels right giving her something that can’t be put into words. Maybe this is what some say is more than just sex and mating.

FORTY ONE

RED

Iwake sometime in the middle of the night to Ryan’s warm, naked form draped partially over mine. My body aches in so many places from the pain and pleasure of the past few hours. I can’t tell the difference between the two other than the desire that has resurfaced between my legs. I study Ryan’s face as the moonslight shines through the large window that is to my right. All three moons are full, giving off a bluish-purple glow against the glass.

My mind races back through what transpired earlier. The memories haven’t surfaced until now. Perhaps, I wasn’t ready to acknowledge it all.

Slipping out of the bed, I grab my robe, something to eat, and then retreat to the large window. Though I can see most of the night sky, some raindrops start running down the glass calming me. My eyes focus on the moons and I thank the Gods for the strength, courage, and guidance for earlier and everything in my life up to this point. Things may have not been ideal, but at least I’m still alive.