Daughter Of Ethos: Deadly Betrayal Book 5

by L M Lacee

  I thank you, Beloved.

  So I had an interesting dream.

  ‘Dream or vision?’ Avana asked as she walked out with a cup of tea and a bowl of tea for Lott in her hands. She placed the bowl down on the table and sat in the lounger opposite Peyton and Lott. It was too quiet a morn to speak out loud, Peyton mind-sent. Greetings Avana.

  Sensing her mood, Avana returned the greeting the same way. Greetings Peyton, you are well?

  I am, thank you for looking after the ladies yesterday.

  It is what I do. Greetings Lott.

  Greetings Sevna.

  Peyton asked Avana. You are well?

  I am thank you, so dream or vision?

  I do not know.

  So tell us about it!

  Aww Avana, do I have to?

  With humor shadowing her words, Avana scolded. Yes, now do it, impossible female.

  Peyton took them through the dream or vision, telling them most of the conversation Kardan and she had indulged in. Touched on what he had said about the children and their bondmates and going to the Capital.

  Lott said. It seems Madam you are mated.

  Peyton frowned in confusion. Really?

  Lott and Avana saw the young female she usually kept hidden emerge in her question.

  How can I be? I have never physically met him and that seems to be the trigger which starts the mating ritual.

  Avana smiled as she said. You are forgetting something!

  What? And yes, she knew she sounded sulky.

  You are the Star Daughter, he was made for you as you were made for him. The mating ritual, as we know it, will not apply for you.

  Well, that sucks. I want it all and I told him that and he said he accepted the challenge. She looked at them with a baffled expression. What challenge?

  Avana said. Oh dearle.

  Lott murmured. This could be amusing.

  In her agitation, she spoke out loud. ‘What... What is amusing? I said I never challenged him.’

  ‘He is an Elite... The Elite.’ Avana said pointedly as if she was talking to a child which Peyton heard and noted. ‘So?’

  Lott laughed. Little Peyton, whether or not you intended it. He is the one male in the Universe to take it as such.

  ‘Well, that doesn’t sound good.’

  ‘Depends on your point of view.’ Esther said as she arrived, tea cup in hand. ‘Peyton dearle, I see you are well.’

  ‘I am,’ she rose and hugged her, ‘I am so happy you were not hurt.’

  ‘Oh girly, as if I could be with you all protecting me.’ She sat next to Lott and Peyton took the seat next to Avana.

  Esther said. ‘Keylan is still sleeping and do not be surprised if Suna and her Henri come and visit.’

  ‘She is well?’

  ‘Yes, she has had an attitude adjustment since the attack. I think she realized how dangerous your life has become, and how hard you work not to allow it to change you.’

  Peyton shrugged and looked at the lightening sky, not wanting to say how heavy the weight of leadership and everyone’s concern could be at times.

  Avana commented softly. ‘I think you will find that the anger and bitterness Suna suffered, which was caused long before you arrived in our Universe, has dissipated. Her mate thanks you, as will everyone that comes in contact with her in the future.’

  Peyton smiled. ‘I sort of liked that about her.’

  ‘Seriously, you must get pass this grouchy thing you have going on.’ Darby said as she walked out. ‘I see you are well.’

  ‘Yep, feeling good.’

  Darby hugged her. ‘I am pleased. Greetings everyone.’

  They responded in kind as Darby straightened and told Peyton. ‘The boys are still asleep, as is Reeve because…’

  They interrupted her as they chorused. ‘He is an Elite.’

  ‘Aww, hush.’ She giggled. ‘No, it is because he did not get to bed until early this morn.’

  She took her seat, and they spent the remainder of the morn until just past second rising, talking and enjoying the calm before the storm. Because all of them knew the storm was coming.

  FORTY-FIVE:

  After first-meal Peyton and her family drifted into the lounge where she greeted her many visitors. It appeared everyone on Prime wished to make sure their Star Daughter was alive and well.

  Netta finally woke late in the morn, with a very happy Knife snuggled in bed with her. When she made it to the lounge where everyone seemed to have gathered, she grabbed another cup of tea and a plate of food. Telling Knife to go have fun.

  As the day progressed, she, along with everyone else, alternated between watching vids in the screen room and talking in the main lounge. She enjoyed the food that was plentiful and being with Jorge and Amelia as well as the children and kits running in and out of the lounge.

  Earlier that morn, Peyton had hugged Carrick and thanked him for what he had done the day before. Then given him and Kate the day off, no one saw them for the rest of the day, although Kitolin stayed with Netta or his brothers.

  Ipeara and Mina stayed all morn with Peneria and Willian in their apartment, but by early afternoon they ended up in the lounge with everyone else.

  Prowlers continued to patrol the grounds and the Hexes. Rage with Fanharr, Rave and Salmah, lounged either on the balcony in the sun or in the lounge saying they were having a day off too. No one believed them, especially as Rage or Rave were no more than three feet from Peyton throughout the day.

  Hawk told Peyton when they had a moment alone about the captured prisoners from Terra, secured in the Hex they had used the day before. Jarrod had nulled the power of the Master and the Sene who were captured. Peyton decided later that night would be soon enough to deal with them.

  Kent and Sarn arrived mid-morn and staggered into the lounge, collapsing on the floor. Every now and again they would groan in pain along with Sedeen and Alexx who had shuffled in after them.

  No one trusted Alco now, so a lot of Warriors were suffering their first hangovers. Peyton looked at Hue, Iaan and Raley as they arrived, looking ill-used for their night of revelry.

  ‘Poor guys, the first hangover is the worse.’ She said to Netta when she joined her in the little area she had carved out for herself. There were couches and chairs grouped around a long coffee table. Netta grinned in agreement, having suffered a few hangovers in her time.

  Peyton said thoughtfully as she looked at a groaning Hue. ‘You know how you all need something to do in your down time?’

  Netta raised her eyebrows as she asked. ‘Do we, when did this become a thing?’

  ‘Well, if you are not interested!’

  ‘Oh, go ahead. I want to know?’

  ‘Are you sure, because I could tell someone else.’

  ‘Guess I do.’

  ‘It’s a good idea.’

  ‘So you say.’

  ‘I do because it is.’

  ‘What is it?’ Asked Ipeara as she made herself comfortable in an empty chair.

  Peyton smiled a welcome and asked. ‘You and Mina are well, Ipeara?’

  ‘Yes we are good.’

  ‘I heard you were superb yesterday.’

  Blushing Ipeara nodded as Jorge said when he joined them. ‘We have recommended her for a commendation.’

  Peyton asked. ‘What is that?’

  ‘A pay rise.’ Netta told her.

  ‘She needs a certificate too.’ Peyton stated.

  ‘Okay and a ceremony to receive it.’ Melody put in.

  ‘Oh no I…’

  ‘Hush female you are getting rewarded, so suck it up and enjoy it.’ Melody growled.

  ‘Way to encourage her.’ Netta grinned.

  ‘I agree. Let’s give that to Kerol to sort out.’ Peyton said.

  ‘I will see to it.’ Melody assured her.

  Ipeara was blushing deeply now, Jorge took the attention off her by asking. ‘So what is your idea?’

  Smiling Peyton said. ‘I think we should open a bar. We
don’t have one and seriously, where can we all go to get a drink if we want one?’

  ‘Plus socializing and company.’ Jean said as she came to where they were sitting and wiggled in beside Peyton, who moved over.

  ‘Yeah, see that too.’

  ‘Were you just fixated on the booze?’ Jean asked as she shared a laugh with Netta.

  ‘Maybe?’

  ‘I like the idea, I am in.’ Zenerra said as she pulled a chair over to sit on.

  Jean asked her. ‘Do you know what a bar is?’

  ‘Not a clue, but it sounds fun.’

  ‘I as well do not understand but I would like to own a bar.’ Ipeara told them.

  Netta explained what Peyton was talking about, before Peyton could launch into a long rambling explanation that would leave the females even more confused. ‘A bar is a Terran term for a drinking establishment. We could staff it with people who are off duty.’

  ‘We should have one or two permanent bartenders and managers.’ Brenda pointed out as she and Helen joined them.

  Helen agreed as she mused. ‘We could attach it to a diner so there would be food and seating outside for nice days and nights.’

  Jean nodded. ‘There have to be bartenders and managers on the worlds. We need to put a call out for applications.’

  Hawk and Karen walked over and Helen asked him. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘It is something we did not consider.’ He mused as he thought about it.

  Karen said. ‘Attaching it to an eating place has merit.’

  Alexx said from his seat. ‘It would be nice for those of us, like Raley and myself, who do not have mates or families. To have a place we could gather to talk and maybe meet others.’

  Frand walked in and handed Peyton a small gift accompanied by a kiss on her cheek. ‘A drinking establishment that sounds fun.’ He said after they told him what they had been talking about.

  ‘Netta I am in, I even have contacts for alcohol.’ He looked at the groaning males and shook his head in sympathy. ‘My cousin Teenarlo has developed a new type of Alco which is safe, it will be delivered within the weken.’

  There were groans of appreciation, Dinas and Patty arrived and they quickly went about administering a quick remedy to the pained males. Hue asked Patty. ‘How did you know?’

  She whispered. ‘Madam sent a Prowler for us.’

  Netta said. ‘Let’s go, all those interested in forming a bar.’

  She and half the room went to the dining table where Darby gave them a tablet and Penny produced a holo plan of the available Hexes.

  Raley said as he looked it over. ‘Let’s get something between here and the ship builder’s complex. Then we can include Kolin’s people, and if this works for Prime. We will talk to the other worlds about setting up bars.’

  ‘Sounds good, we should have enough Warriors and females to work them.’ Alexx agreed.

  Within mins there was lots of laughter and passionate opinions as they discussed details and made plans.

  ‘Mama, what is it?’ Rayvan asked as he looked at the box in her hand.

  Smiling, she asked in return. ‘Shall we look?’

  ‘Yes please.’ Rayvan nodded excitedly as Hope with Enara and Enuru came in from the kitchen and rushed over as she unwrapped the gift. Avana sat on the floor with both Keylan and Koana.

  Miko had gone with the people interested in the idea of a bar. She seemed enthusiastic and was heard talking. Frand watched his younger sister and thought about how far Miko had come since the days she was so shy she barely spoke.

  Peyton undid the box and tipped the ornament out on her hand and gasped in surprise. It was an exact replica of the Prowler I.

  Brenda said. ‘That is delightful.’

  ‘Thank you Frand, it is gorgeous.’

  ‘You are welcomed Peyton, I am happy you enjoy it.’

  Alexx called out, ‘Frand come on. We cannot order alcohol without you.’

  With a smile, he levered himself up and then bowed to Peyton. ‘Excuse me as you heard, I am needed, it is the sacrifice I make for my people.’

  Heather snorted with a laugh as she watched the dramatic male walk to the table. ‘Such a drama king.’ She muttered, then looking at the ornament in Peyton’s hand, and asked. ‘He gets them made right, because if not we have a leak here.’

  Peyton laughed and said. ‘Hush. Don’t say that out loud, he doesn’t think I know.’

  ‘Oh.’ Heather lowered her voice. ‘But he does, right?’

  ‘Yes, some he has found, others he orders.’ Rose quietly told her as she slipped into a chair.

  Heather’s frown cleared away. ‘Well that explains the kits then, wonder how he finds them.’

  Esther smiled. ‘Divine intervention perhaps.’ At their confused expressions, she said. ‘The Stars, probably.’

  Rayvan with Draykin took the ornament gently from Peyton and with a nod from her, walked over to show Marlo and Larson and then everyone else. Frand grinned at the joyous expression Peyton wore as she watched the boys display her gift.

  FORTY-SIX:

  Just before 20:00 hours Peyton went to the Hex that housed the traitors. Accompanying her were Netta, Hawk, Rage, Jarrod, Reeve and Harm.

  In the same room, the prisoners from the day before had been secured, six Terran females and a Master and Sene sat and waited for whatever was to come. No one spoke or looked at each other, it was as though they were trying to distance themselves from one another and where they were.

  The Master had asked a guard earlier that morning, when they would be seen by someone in authority and was told, when the Star Daughter decided. That was the last conversation any of the guards offered for the rest of the day.

  Now it was night again, and they had eaten once more and were now still waiting for someone to speak to them. The Terran females were taut with suppressed fear and nerves. The Master and Sene were relaxed and even slept on and off throughout the day.

  For Hawk, Jarrod and the others the entire scene was reminiscent of the day before, except Peyton was seated at the table asking the questions with Jarrod. Hawk had declined to have a seat with her. Netta stood with him, Reeve and Harm against the wall.

  Sarn offered. ‘Madam, we are ready.’

  ‘Thank you Sarn, so are you and Kent ready to admit you want to be in my guard.’

  With a sober expression on both their faces, Kent said. ‘Yes, we have decided to surrender to the inevitable.’

  Laughing, she said. ‘I hoped you would, and thank you. Do you like the bar idea?’

  ‘Very much, we are to help build and work the bar.’ Kent told her with excitement shining from his eyes.

  Sarn said. ‘Chef Helen has said she will teach me to cook.’

  Peyton raised both eyebrows as she asked. ‘Do you enjoy cooking?’

  ‘You say that like it is impossible to do.’ He returned amused at her question.

  Peyton grinned. ‘Well, to some of us it is.’

  ‘I have not found that.’

  ‘Really, well, I will enjoy a meal cooked by you some time. For now, let us have a Terran female, your pick.’

  Sarn and Kent with a nod left and walked into the holding room. Sarn pointed to a female with short brown hair, sitting with her back against the wall. ‘Female, come with us.’

  She struggled up and walked toward him, saying. ‘My name is Ell…’

  Kent cut her off. ‘We do not care, come.’

  She blanched at the curt response. They walked on either side of her, along the short hallway.

  Before they returned with the prisoner, Peyton asked Reeve. ‘Do you have all their names?’

  ‘Yes Star Daughter.’

  The door opened and Kent pointed to the chair as Peyton said to the female. ‘Sit!’

  She was of medium height with short curly light brown hair and soft oval brown eyes. There was nothing different about her, nothing to indicate she could be in a rebellion. She was just a typical Terran female in her mid-twenties,
not exceptionally beautiful but not plain.

  She took the chair, fear making her tremble, and swallowed twice, then started to say. ‘My name is…’

  Her voice petered away as she saw the flame filled eyes staring at her from the softly glowing figure. Peyton at any other time would have felt sorry for the frightened female. This was not one of those times.

  ‘What would give you the impression I would care who you are. That any of us would. Was it where you have been held since last night or the way you were taken from Terra?’

  The female shook her head, tears in her eyes. ‘I just thought you should know, it was all a terrible mistake. No one was meant to get hurt.’

  Peyton looked at her with contempt. ‘Hurt… you almost killed my family and friends and their children, my child. I do not care what your reasons were or why you agreed to do it or what you were promised. You should know that if it had just been me, I would have let it go with banishing you, but by placing that bomb on my shuttle. Whether you actually did so or not. You are complicit in endangering my family and friends as well as the Draygons, Prowlers and Warriors who had to defend our home.’

  Peyton looked at the female who had tears running down her face and shook her head as she said. ‘We came to this Universe to build a new life with honor and pride. To live under the protection of the Star Child and yet at the first opportunity you and your compatriots sold us out.’ Peyton’s voice became strained with her frustrations and anger.

  ‘If you had told us you were unhappy, we would have taken you somewhere else, even back to Earth, but you did not. So do not sit there and tell me now it was a terrible mistake. When we all know you did not care who you betrayed and killed or which one of the children you and your rebellion would have murdered. So for that alone you will reap my justice. Kail have you found anything?’

  ‘Yes, she was not coerced or implanted, she was a willing participant.’

  ‘Thank you.’ To the female who was sobbing into her hands, she said. ‘May the Stars have mercy for you, I do not.’

  With those quietly spoken words, the female disappeared in a flame of starlight. ‘Next please Sarn, oh and I would like you to save the Master and Sene for last.’

  ‘Yes Star Daughter.’