by Zara Zenia
“Do as I order, Sendrin.”
“Yes, my lord,” he said. His face was white with shock, but he moved off. Under the lid of the medical bay, Cat’s eyes fluttered, and I was so relieved that my knees wobbled and I could finally breathe.
I switched on the microphone.
“Hello, my Cat. Lie still while the medical bay repairs fractures in your skeletal structure. It has already repaired a small bleed in your brain which could have caused a stroke.”
“My head hurts,” she said.
“Don’t talk, my Cat. Stay still. When the medical bay finishes repairing your bones, then it will make and administer the drugs for your body chemistry that will reduce inflammation and pain. Now for what happened, I will only tell you if you promise to lie still. Otherwise, it will have to wait until the machine finishes.”
“Akrawn,” she growled.
“Please,” said the AI, “do not speak. Movement may cause a misalignment in the skeletal structure while you undergo repairs.”
Her expression morphed to one of fear.
“Do not worry, my Cat. The machine will not make an error it cannot fix. It is because it is more difficult to repair a machine error than to correct an injury that you should lie still. We do not have time for added repairs. As soon as it finishes, we will leave this place.”
Her mouth tightened with unhappiness.
“There was an explosion at SFPD.”
Her eyes flew open wide, but to her credit, she made no other movement.
“I pulled you and David to safety. I left David with medics, but I feared you were more injured than you appeared. I brought you to my lab where I have this medical bay which I thought might help you. It did.”
“Now, my Cat. Whoever wants to frame me now has pinned other crimes on me, and I fear some of your colleagues died. And I’ve kidnapped you. So, I am a criminal in your people’s eyes many times. But what’s worse is now that someone attempted to assassinate President Darling, support for Trilyn immigration will evaporate. Someone indeed is looking to destroy us as a people, and I must get to the bottom of this. It is up to you whether to go with me or to return to your people, though I tell you, I request your help. Not only can I not bear the idea of being parted from you, I need your investigative skills to help me figure out who is behind this.”
Cat rolled her eyes expressing her opinion about my words. But I did not care. She was healthy now.
“Procedures as authorized are complete,” the AI announced.
The lid lifted, and I offered my hand to Cat.
She grimaced but took it and swung her legs over the side.
“I feel lightheaded.”
“That effect will dissipate.”
She gingerly slid her feet to the floor while I held her. Now that I wasn’t panicked, holding her was even more glorious and if our situation was not dire, I would take her to my bed. I sincerely wanted that, but then Sendrin burst into the laboratory.
“My lord! Your father is on the ship to ship communication channel asking for you.”
“AI, display incoming communication.”
My father shimmered before me in three-dimensional holography, and he glared at me.
I loosened my grip on Cat and bowed.
“My king,” I said.
“Akrawn! You fool! What are you up to now! Return to the Earth Authorities at once! Your actions endanger Trilyn objectives.”
“Father—” I started.
“Don’t appeal to me as your father. You are a prince of my realm and tasked with important duties, the most important of which is to make sure we gain more immigration rights to Earth. You’ve ruined that.”
“No, he didn’t.”
I turned my head to see my Cat step forward with her eyes blazing.
“Cat, don’t,” I said. One did not challenge my father, and certainly not when he was in this mood.
“No. It’s his fault. You would have warned him if he took your calls. But no. He’s trying to play Earth politics, and he does not have the knowledge to do it.”
“Cat,” I said in warning.
“Who is this person,” snapped my father.
“Inspector Catherine O’Shea of the San Francisco Police Department.”
His eyes flickered with recognition.
“And what are you doing with my son?”
“Now you want to play Father?” she said snarkily.
“Cat!” I grew more alarmed by the second. My father was a temperate man, but he wouldn’t put up with this for long. “Please show my father the respect he is due.”
“Respect?” she said. “When he shows you none? Do you know what you have done for Earth with all your work, Akrawn? Before the Trilyn arrived, we were tearing ourselves apart with civil and international wars. Why do you think the mission district is a disaster?
“We hated on each race and religion, and yeah, we did not tell you because an even bigger enemy appeared— your people. It’s very convenient to blame your people for our problems even though we’ve created so many of our own. And yet you’ve offered your technology for nearly nothing. And I know you’ve told me how much your culture values women and how you’d give everything for your mates, but that doesn’t track with greedy humans. No. You must want more than women to mate with and have your children. But your father here thinks that capitulation will gain what he seeks.”
“Well, you are wrong, King. We see capitulation as a weakness, and we take no prisoners. We, as a people, will resist even the idea of subjugation. Keep doing what you’re doing, and you know what will happen? We’ll take as much technology as you give us and turn it against you. You don’t need an internal threat when you have us.”
My father’s lips turned up slightly in an enigmatic expression that I couldn’t parse.
“Akrawn, Rawklix tells me this is the woman you think is your mate?”
“Yes, Father.”
He nodded.
“Good luck to you then.” His image winked off suddenly.
Cat whirled to me with her eyes wide.
“Good luck? What does that mean, good luck?”
I shrugged. “He’s a king. He need not explain himself.”
“What the hell are we supposed to do now?”
Chapter 16
Cat
King Zavir’s holo image winked out, and the suddenness of the action shocked me.
“Good luck? What does that mean?”
Maddeningly, Akrawn shrugged, and his expression was as unreadable as his father’s was. Nice to know the branch doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“He’s a king. He need not explain his actions.”
What the hell kind of answer is that?
“He’s your father, and you don’t know what he meant?”
Akrawn gave me a rueful smile and damn it, it was sexier than his smirk. I wanted to brush away the curl that fell onto his forehead because I couldn’t take how gorgeous he was. How could I guard my heart against this man?
An older Trilyn appeared in the doorway. Tall but lean, the gray-haired gentleman moved with incredible grace.
“My lord, the crews uncoupled the moorings.”
“Thank you, Sendrin. Tell me when the rest of the staff straps into crew seating.”
“Yes, my lord. And where shall I have Countess Tormund sit?”
“What? What the hell is she doing here?” Akrawn’s voice sounded throughout the room in a sudden burst. Akrawn’s explosion shocked me because up to now I hadn’t seen him lose his temper.
“Disembark her at once!”
A tall, buxom woman too beautiful to be a human woman appeared behind Sendrin. She dressed like a goddamn Barbie doll, with her hair piled high on her head, and showing as much skin as possible. She wore a skin-tight gold lamé dress, the top nothing more than an “x” that crisscrossed her overly ample breasts.
“My love,” she said smoothly. “Why would you want that?”
My love? My eyes narrowed as I stared at thi
s intruder and my vision turned red as I instinctively reached for my missing service weapons. I then contemplated different methods of dismembering her. When I got to pulling each finger from her hand, shock ran through me at my response. This wasn’t like me. Why the hell did I react so severely to this woman?
“Bella,” said Akrawn. He spoke smoothly, but his voice held a dangerous edge, “I did not give you permission to be here.”
“No, your Highness,” she said with a bow. “But with you missing, I thought it prudent that someone watched out for your interests.”
“As you can see,” said Akrawn, “I’ve returned and in good health, so it’s best if you leave. I have dealings of which you are not a part.”
Bella slinked toward Akrawn radiating a pure animal magnetism that even I felt. “My lord, I only wish to be of service to you.”
“I’m sure,” he said coldly. “Just as you’ve always been for which I am forever grateful. But I have found my mate.”
Bella stepped backward but clapped her hands in mock delight. “You have, my lord? How wonderful. Who is the lucky woman?” It didn’t escape me that the countess pointedly ignored me. Nor did it escape Akrawn.
“Bella,” growled Akrawn. “Meet Inspector Catherine O’Shea, my mate.”
Bella turned a flinty gaze toward me and smiled at me with the delight of a cat ready to pounce on a mouse.
“A working woman? How positively democratic of you, Akrawn. This will play well with the human population, just as Gardax’s mate did. What was she? A baker? How adorable that was? From Amy, I heard human women take great pride in their professions.”
Akrawn continued to keep his gaze on her steady while she babbled. His lips curled in disdain. The over-the-top hauteur with which she spoke spiked my scorn too.
“Trilyn women do not deign to work professions. We have hobbies as I do with engineering biotech, true, but work? That is a male domain. I’m sure when Akrawn formalizes your mating, you will take up the activities of a normal Trilyn woman. It is the only proper comportment of the consort of one of our princes.”
“Bella,” said Akrawn. “I am warning you—”
“Of what,” she said with angelic innocence. “Have you not informed her of the expected behavior of your mate? Oh, my dearest, whatever shall I do with you?”
Akrawn’s nostrils flared as he stared at her and his eyes blazed with anger.
Why he doesn’t toss her out on her ass?
“Countess, I’m grateful for your past service, but should you continue showing disrespect to my mate and your princess, I will take matters in hand.”
“My princess?” said Bella with a laugh. “Oh no, my dearest. No human will be my princess.”
Akrawn’s glare deepened, and he waved his hand toward the STS transport. “You have two choices. Use that STS over there, or one of the crew will escort you to the brig.
Bella smiled, leaned forward and kissed Akrawn on the cheek.
“When you've finished with her, I’ll be waiting,” she whispered these words, but just loud enough for me to hear. Bella winked at Akrawn.
Akrawn glared at her, and I don’t know which was worse—the disregard he showed her or her smarmy smile that communicated their intimate history.
“Until later, my prince.”
Bella turned and entered the STS transport and disappeared in a flash.
“Sendrin,” snapped Akrawn. “For what are you waiting? Secure the personnel. We do not have the time for dawdling.”
“Yes, your Highness.” Sendrin disappeared as quickly as Bella.
I turned toward Akrawn. “How dare you!” I said. “How dare you tell her I’m your mate?”
Akrawn’s eyes grew wide with surprise. “My Cat, it was important she understood—”
“It is you who doesn’t understand. That woman will never give up whatever claim she thinks she has on you!”
Akrawn’s jaw set. “And I told you that I ended my affair with her.”
“Right. Because that worked so well.”
Akrawn incredibly flashed a smile at me. “You’re jealous. Oh, my love, that is the best news.”
“I am not jealous!” I declared. “And I am not your mate!”
“I understand, my Cat. It sometimes takes women longer to recognize the mating bond, but I am patient because you are worth the wait.”
“Oooh,” I huffed in my indignation.
“My Cat, you are adorable when you are angry, but unfortunately, we do not have time for angry sex. That is a thing? I have seen this on the television shows.”
“I am not ‘your Cat’.”
“Of course, my darling. Now come. We must make our escape before Earth law enforcement comes for us. Damn Bella for delaying us.”
Akrawn took my arm and brought me to the left-hand wall and waved his hand. The wall dissolved showing a long room filled with holo screens. Two Trilyn sat at a forward section that appeared to be a control center.
“Status,” said Akrawn as he strode forward. He pointed to a chair behind the Trilyn.
“All secured. We are ready for lift-off at your command, your Highness,” said one.
“Lift-off?” I said. My voice rose an octave.
Akrawn smiled smugly. “Proceed.”
“Lift-off, Akrawn?” I demanded.
“Stay seated during the procedure. The lift against g-forces is not comfortable and when we reach space the lurch to weightlessness is disconcerting. But the chair will keep your insides in you, so do not worry.”
Keep my insides inside? Now I’m freaking out. Where was this crazy alien taking me?
“I’m a policewoman, not an astronaut,” I huffed.
“Then it is good I am with you to broaden your horizons.” He smiled his panty-melting smile.
I was embarrassed by how many butterflies took up residence in my nether regions. But I couldn’t say anything because Akrawn’s house shook and rose through the atmosphere. He was right. The pressure against my chest stole my breath and grew in intensity. Akrawn reached across the aisle and took my hand, gripped it, and smiled to reassure me. These Trilyn were made for space flight while I was not.
I may have blacked out.
I opened my eyes and found I lay horizontal under a viridian cover. I laid on a gigantic round bed centered in an organically shaped room lined in wood below the white of the curved ceiling. My head pounded and my body felt wrung. I eased myself up to my elbows and realized the wood of most surfaces held tiny green leaves and small white flowers. Although a bedroom, the whole room was tidy, rivaling even my occupationally derived neatness.
Last I knew, I sat beside Akrawn as we took off. Damn that alien, just where had he taken me?
“Good, Cat, you are conscious,” said Akrawn from an arched doorway I had not spied earlier. “I thought you might need another dose of healing by my medbay.”
“What happened?”
“Sorry, my fault. I was so eager to leave before anyone could stop me, I don't think took Earth physiology into account for take-offs. You blacked out.”
“So are we are in space? Are you kidnapping your mate and taking her to Trilyn?”
“No, my Cat, I would do no such thing without your consent. I did not even allow the medbay to heal you fully and without your consent.”
“Heal me? What are you— no, this is your usual strategy of distracting me with another issue while you fail to answer the first? Tell me, where are we?”
“Near to your home, my Cat. The dark side of your moon.”
“What the hell?”
I attempted to sit, but before extracting myself from the silky soft covers, Akrawn waved in the air and said, “AI, modulate bed to help occupant sitting.”
The covers fell to my waist, and I realized a silk emerald wrap-around bathrobe replaced my clothes. Seeing my confusion, Akrawn came to sit on the edge of the bed and gathered my hands and pressed his lips to them.
“My gorgeous Cat, believe me, please, although I very much wis
h for you to experience my wondrous homeland, I would never take you from Earth without your consent.”
“But the dark side of the moon?” I said. A small amount, no— a large amount of panic at the thought stuttered my heart.
“It should be much harder to track us here. Is there anything I can get you, my Cat?”
“Wait. What did you mean that you did not allow the medbay to heal me?”
His mouth quirked in a discomfort.
“You have chemicals in your system that prevent conception.”
“Yes? And so?” What the hell? Of course, I used contraception.
“I debated whether I should have them neutralized since your egg is ripe and fertilization possible—”
“What! You debated that?”
“My Cat, I would love nothing more than for you to bear my child, but it must be your decision.”
“It is my decision,” I said with indignation.
“Then we are agreed. Why are you angry with me?”
“I, well, it’s that you considered it.”
“The medbay presented me with information. Of course, I reflected on it.”
“It was none of your business!”
Akrawn arched an eyebrow. “Seeing as there is no good thing to say to your statement, I will as you say in your country, ‘take the fifth’.”
I peered at Akrawn as he pulled the covers back up around my shoulders. Akrawn’s fussing and the intensity with which he regarded my body rattled me. Hell, being in space freaked me. And then there was that explosion. Oh my god, my colleagues. What happened to them?
How dare this evil alien drag me away and stuff me on his spaceship and take me into outer space? How dare he take over? All this passed through my mind while Akrawn worked some controls and a window slid open revealing a receding Earth.
“Oh my God,” I gasped. “I’m in space. Holy—” The thought of me in the black void of airless space freaked me out. My breathing sped up.
“My Cat, are you distressed? I thought you’d like to see what your homeworld looks like from afar.”
