Saven Defiance (The Saven Series Book 4)

by Siobhan Davis

  G picks up his head and holds my gaze with a shared sense of understanding. “It’s devastating to grow up without your mother. To never again feel her loving arms wrap around you or experience her tender kiss, her nurturing comfort. I missed everything about her. Her full-bellied laugh, the shine in her eyes when she was happy, and the songs she used to hum when she was making dinner in the kitchen. She loved music, and it was always playing in the background in our house. After she was taken, the silence was crippling, unbearable.”

  A sorrowful stain glints in his eyes. “It seemed to me, at the time, that our house mourned her as much as my father and me. What’s worse is that the memories faded as the years rolled by, until I could no longer see her clearly in my mind’s eye.”

  I can relate to some of those sentiments, although I’m figuring out the puzzle pieces, and if I’m right, his loss was very real whereas mine was more of the figurative sense.

  I had a mother; she just wasn’t present.

  “Are you saying your mom was abducted by aliens?” I tentatively ask, tasting the edge of my bloodstained mouth.

  “Yes. King Adjani stole her from me.” His nostrils flare.

  Oh my God. I’m right. I know who he is! Now it all makes sense. I don’t understand how he’s so well informed, but gosh … “You … you’re Glenn Taylor?”

  Jarod’s jaw slackens while Ax observes everything with sharp, keen eyes. G sits up straighter in his chair, looking startled and suspicious at the same time. “What do you know?” He stalks toward me, putting his face right into mine. Flashing emotions ghost across his eyes as he holds my arms. “Tell me!”

  “You’re talking about Evana? You’re Evana’s son?” He falls back, his body trembling, shock and hope rippling across his face as he plunges to the ground. He doesn’t need to confirm it; it’s written all over his face. Despite what I’ve suffered at his hands, I take instant pity on him now that I understand his motivation and what has been driving him all this time. He’s waited years to hear this news.

  “She’s still alive, G. Your mom is alive.” Tears pool in his eyes as he stares incredulously at me. “I know her. I’ve met her, and she’s a wonderful lady. She gave me a letter for you, and Jarod was helping me track you down”—I glance briefly at Jarod, incredulous that Glenn Taylor was under our noses this entire time—“but we didn’t have enough time to locate you before the invasion. She never stopped thinking about you and hoping that one day you could be reunited.”

  I stop talking when I observe the broken man in front of me. G is rocking on his knees and openly crying in front of my chair.

  We are all quiet as we watch him try to process the news. When the door opens and one of the soldiers steps inside, it’s only for a fleeting moment. Once he sees the state of his leader, he backtracks quickly.

  I use the opportunity to my advantage, filling Logan in on the latest revelation. The news floors him, but he races off in search of Evana.

  After what seems like forever, G slowly starts to compose himself. “Do you have my letter?” His eyes beseech me.

  I shake my head forlornly. “I lost it when the aliens attacked. I’m sorry, but I can bring her to you. I can arrange it straightaway if you give me your word that Logan won’t be harmed. That you’ll cease your plan to destroy the Saven.”

  His head bobs vigorously. “Yes. Just reunite me with my mother. Please. I need to see her.” He’s like a lost little puppy, nipping at my heels for attention, but he appears to have capitulated rather quickly, and that makes me suspicious.

  “Can you release us, please.”

  “Of course.” He sniffles as he clambers to his feet. Bending over me, he tenderly wipes some of the blood from my face with his sleeve. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intentionally set out to hurt you. It’s just …”

  “It’s okay.” Given the circumstances, I think I can afford to be charitable.

  Opening the door, he beckons the head soldier in and instructs him to remove our restraints. “And we need to set up a holocon,” he adds. “Bring me a D-pad.” He’s all business-like again.

  I gingerly prod my tender, bloody hands and wrists. The restraints had sealed over the incendio deflective bands, pressing them into my already damaged skin. Raised, red welts are sore to the touch, but I’ve no doubt the pain won’t last long once my unspecified self-healing ability kicks into play.

  A sudden commotion emits in the corridor outside. Doors clang, slapping loudly off walls, and lurid voices raise the alarm. G dashes to the open door and peers out. Sounds of fighting reach my ears.

  The cavalry has arrived.

  I quickly connect to Rylan, instructing him to cease attack. G races down the corridor out of sight.

  Standing up, I stretch my creaky arms and legs. Ax paces the room, lost in thought, his eyes burning ferociously. Jarod is twisting his head from side to side, attempting to loosen up.

  Zoning out, I quickly link to Logan, providing a further update. I’ve only just disconnected when Rylan, Izzy, and Vin burst into the room, needing to see with their own two eyes that we’re okay. Izzy locks me in a crushing embrace. G returns, standing at the edge of the room. Soldiers pour into the room, firing questions at G, and a multitude of different conversations are ongoing at once, frying my ears and frazzling my brain.

  Izzy goes off to find the bathroom, and I flop into a chair beside a clearly seething Ax. I don’t know why he’s so mad. If anyone is entitled to anger, it’s me. He was prepared to sell everyone out to protect me, and I’m not comfortable with that. But now isn’t the time to address it. I knead my stiff shoulders. His fluctuating mood swings are becoming worrisome, and his unpredictability has me a little on edge.

  “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this,” Vin says to G. He has a dazed, disbelieving look on his face.

  I spin in my seat. “Wait? You didn’t know about Evana?”

  “Dad never said a word. Never explained why he had a personal vendetta against the Saven though I asked him enough times.” Vin looks angrily at his father.

  “I’m sorry, Vin,” Glenn says, clasping his son’s shoulders. His eyes glitter with excitement. “It’s the reason I adopted you,” he admits in a soft timbre. “You were the same age as me when you lost your mother. I saw a kindred soul.” A tender look passes between them.

  A soldier enters the room with a D-pad and Jarod quickly sets up a holocon. Logan and I converse as if he has no idea what’s going on. It’s important to maintain the charade, because I don’t want to acknowledge the advantage that Logan and I have with our ability to mindspeak.

  And given Ax’s strange mood, I’m all kinds of keen not to fuel his imagination. The last thing I need right now is him figuring out that Logan and I are bonded for life.

  After a little bit, Glenn ushers us all into a larger room equipped like a casual living room. Two big comfy couches beckon to me with invisible arms. Soldiers congregate at the far side of the room, lounging against the wall or seated at the wide oak table, chowing down. While everyone is skeptical of one another, and there’s a definite edge in the air, there’s also a tentative sense of hope. This could be the very thing we need to unite the government and the rebels, to obtain everyone’s commitment to a cohesive strategy to protect Earth. Optimism bubbles inside me.

  A short while later, Logan, Haydn, and Evana teleport into the room and everyone mutes. My heart pings around my chest as emotions supercharge the space. Evana cries out as she walks on shaky legs toward G. Tears flow unashamedly down his face, and he’s rooted in place, clutching onto Vin’s hand for dear life. Every pair of eyes is fixated on the scene, and the collective intake of breath is audible.

  Evana reaches Glenn and cradles his face in her hands. Her eyes gleam with unshed tears of joy. “My baby.” Glorious sunshine trickles through the pocket-sized window flooding the room with radiant light, emphasizing the fiery coppery strands in both mother’s and son’s hair. Glenn lets go of Vin’s hand and pulls his mother into his arms
. They cling to each other, tears gushing freely from their eyes, as Evana whispers in his ear.

  As one, we start shuffling out of the room to give them some privacy. Glenn tugs Vin’s sleeve to keep him by his side, and Evana clutches Logan’s hand as we pass.

  “I’ll wait outside for you.” I smile at him, and my heart is chock-full of gratitude to Evana for wanting to include him in this moment. For cherishing him, as if he is her flesh and blood. And we need this. We need her to broker relations, to ensure that Glenn will stick to his word and relinquish his quest to destroy the Saven.

  We follow the others out to a small open-air courtyard tucked unobtrusively into the side of the building. Leaning back against the wall, I tilt my face up to the sun, treasuring the luminous gold, orange, and yellow tones that paint resplendent strips across the midday sky. I close my eyes. Glorious warmth seeps through my skin into my bones, and I savor the feeling as it heats all the frozen parts of me.

  For a brief moment, all is right with the world.

  Nimble fingers sweep carefully over my face, startling me. My eyes flutter open. Haydn is framed against a backdrop of dazzling light, his form bathed in a glorious ethereal glow. Almost like an angel.

  Concerned eyes turn menacing. “Who did this to you?” His fingers trace the bloody marks and bruising on my face and neck.

  “It doesn’t matter now.”

  He looks like he wants to argue but thinks better of it. “At least let me fix it.” He offers me his hand. I stare at it, and him, my eyes searching his face. He bridges the gap and laces his fingers in mine. “Come on.” He guides me back inside, my heart racing the entire time.

  Ax is standing in the corridor against the wall, all by himself. One leg is propped up at the knee. He stares at me with a dead look in his eyes. I move to go to him, but he shakes his head and pushes off the wall, disappearing around the corner.

  I want to scream in frustration. To bash my head against the wall. To yank tufts of hair from my scalp. To rant at the world for placing me in such a difficult position. But I do none of that. Because as much as I deplore the horrific things that have happened to me, there is also much to be grateful for. And after today, a lot more to be hopeful about.

  Haydn escorts me to a small kitchen, and I sit up on the table while he attends to my injured face. We don’t speak but it’s not uncomfortable. The animosity, which has been a constant obstacle between us lately, is lacking, thankfully. Instead, there’s a comfortable sense of familiarity. This is like all the hundreds of other times he’s taken care of me.

  When he’s done, he carefully repacks the medical supplies in the box. His mouth twitches as his eyes flit between me and the box every ten seconds or so.

  “Say what you need to say.”

  He wets his lips as he reaches over me to put the medical case away. Customary scents waft around me like a comfort blanket. With a barely there touch of his fingers, he gently supports my face between both his hands. “I’m sorry, Sadie.” His voice and his face are earnest, and he looks at me in a way he hasn’t looked at me for a long time.

  My lip wobbles as I stare into his intelligent, hazel eyes. I clasp his wrists. “I’m sorry too.”

  Our moment is broken when Logan comes striding into the room. He skids to a halt, faltering, when he sees us. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He backs up with an apologetic half-smile. He inadvertently drops his mental shield, and his emotions hurl through the line connecting us. He’s trying to be mature about this, but he’s still Logan. Envy and jealousy mingle with respect and trust.

  “You weren’t.” Hopping off the table, I fling myself at him. His arms snake around my waist, and he inhales deeply. Soothing calmness flows between us. My head rests on his chest, and the steady, consistent beating of his heart alleviates all my concerns. Habitual, hot tingles rip up and down my spine. It’s amazing how much at ease I feel. It’s instantaneous when he’s around.

  “I feel the same, Angel.” Whoops. Guess he’s not the only one who dropped his shield. He chortles, tweaking my nose.

  “Now I’m interrupting.” Haydn is sheepish as he attempts to maneuver past us.

  “Not so fast.” Logan turns serious in a heartbeat. “I was looking for you both for a reason.”

  Keeping my arms wrapped around his waist, I arch back and stare up at him. “Dali’s been in touch. She’s organized a group Heir’s meeting in the High Commission. We need to leave.”

  CHAPTER 26

  “What do you want to do?” Logan asks, pressing a kiss to the hollow of my throat. Grabbing his head firmly, I secure his mouth to mine, kissing him long and hard as I crush my body to his. He sighs contentedly. Vaguely, I hear Haydn leaving the room as I all but climb up Logan’s body. Firm arms lift me up and carry me to a table. Depositing me carefully, he kisses me quickly before pulling back.

  I pout, and he sends laughter down the line. “Missed you.” He cups one side of my face, and I lean into his palm.

  “Missed you too.” I stretch my hand over his. “So much, even though we haven’t been apart that long and we’ve been in constant contact. I fear we’re turning into one of those sappy couples, you know, the ones who are all grabby hands and lovesick expressions, the ones who make everyone else want to hurl.”

  He chuckles. “I’d say we’re definitely already there.” His face turns solemn. “I’m so sorry about Ella.” I fist a hand in his shirt and pull him to me, nestling into the warmth of his chest. “He’s going to pay for this. I won’t rest until we find him.”

  “Ready whenever you are, My King,” Rylan says, popping his head into the tiny kitchen. Logan nods. “I’ll round up the others, and we’ll teleport to the ship.”

  “I’ll follow in due course,” Logan replies as Rylan walks away. “Are you staying or coming with us, Angel?” He smooths a hand over my hair. I pause, unsure what I want to do. “It’s totally your decision. I’ll support you whatever you need to do.”

  I deposit a quick kiss on his lips. “Thank you.” I drag my lip between my thumb and forefinger as I contemplate my options. “What’s going to happen here?”

  “I’ve reached out to Dali’s father through the normal diplomatic channels, but he refuses to engage in meaningful dialogue, and now he’s cut all lines of communication. I don’t know what he’s planning to do, but I’ve instructed my troops to keep a close eye on the Amaretti ships here and to protect the humans at all costs. Jarod is currently trying to locate the whereabouts of the president and his cabinet so I can update him, and Glenn has agreed to support the government’s efforts. At least until the alien threat is averted.” A worried look crosses his face.

  “Wow. You’re a fast worker.” Pride laces my tone.

  “Not fast enough. Things aren’t fully contained on Saven, and so much is still up in the air. I’ll need to return there after the Heir’s meeting, but I will teleport to meet the president as soon as Jarod has made contact. I’ll probably need to act as a buffer between Glenn and him.”

  “Do you think Glenn is leveling with us or playing to some alternate agenda?” I cock my head to the side as I contemplate the rebel leader’s motives.

  “I’m not sure. Who knows how he’ll react once the euphoria clears?” He shrugs. “I guess time will tell. For now, I’ll just have to keep an eye on him.”

  A shallow crease furrows his brow, and his shoulders are tied into a million knots. He’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and that decides it for me.

  Logan needs me. Period.

  Besides, it’s not like there’s anything left for me here. And I’m sure I can be of some support to the stars still stuck on Saven. From what I’ve witnessed, it’s far too risky to consider sending them back to Earth now. “I’m coming with you.”

  “Awesome answer.” He grins, displaying a perfect set of gleaming white teeth. “Come on.” He gives me a quick peck while lifting me down off the table. “Let’s make our goodbyes and rendezvous with the others.

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nbsp; Evana and Logan have a tearful goodbye. Even though I can tell how happy he is for her, it’s still a bittersweet moment. She’s been like a mother to him for years, so I can understand how hard it is for him to face the prospect of letting her go. She gives me a massive hug, while Logan and Glenn tentatively shake hands. Vin watches from his position on the edge of the couch, a stunned look still cloaking his face. “Catch you later,” I tell him, leaning down to give him a quick embrace. “Mind that grandmother of yours. She’s a special lady.”

  Jarod sweeps me into a bear hug, smothering me. “Can’t breathe,” I splutter into his chest.

  “We didn’t have nearly long enough.” He drags a hand self-consciously through his hair.

  “I know.” I pat his arm. “But it’s not like this is goodbye forever. I’ll try and teleport back for a visit if I can squeeze one in. I still want to visit her grave. Will you be okay?”

  “Will you?”

  I shuffle uneasily on my feet. “I’ll have to be. Ella wouldn’t want it any other way. I can’t believe she’s gone. That I’m never going to see her again.” That it’s all my fault. Tears prick my eyes, and I’m helpless to stop my natural reaction. Honestly, I could start my own reservoir with the amount of tears I’ve shed lately.

  Comforting arms encircle my waist from behind. “I’ve got you.” Logan’s citrusy scent envelops me, and I relax, leaning back into him. He presses soft lips to my temple. “Ready?”

  I kiss the underside of his jaw. “Yeah. Beam me up, Scotty.”

  Jarod rolls his eyes at my obvious Star Trek reference. Logan chuckles, albeit with less enthusiasm than if I was quoting Will Smith. He quickly jabs a couple of buttons on his comport and the room fades away.

  A pang of guilt accosts me when we reach the ship, and I spot Ax sulking in a seat at the back of the cabin. I hadn’t given him a second thought back there. Izzy is sitting beside him with a sourpuss expression on her face. I’ve used up my drama quota for the day, so I drop into a seat beside Haydn and buckle up. Logan plants a chaste kiss on my lips before entering the cockpit to assist Rylan with takeoff.