“Why am I not monitored?”
“As of yet, our commander does not suspect your loyalty. He still holds you in high regard.”
Alyssa narrowed her eyes. “But he still wants to kill me with all the other humans on this planet.”
“That is the final goal,” Nait said.
“So, we have to figure out how to stop the attack.”
Sebastian stood at the head of the table. “We have some ideas.”
***
When the meeting ended, Sebastian asked Alyssa and Zirena to stay behind. She’d noticed Zirena watching her throughout the strategy meeting, and it had made her uncomfortable, but she ignored the woman as best she could.
Rubbing her palms over the knees of her jeans, Alyssa kept a wary eye on the peculiar woman. Zirena stared blatantly, hands in her lap, face unexpressive except for a twitching lower eyelid.
“Alyssa, I wanted you to meet Z because she’s like you.”
“Like me how?”
“Z, would you please show Alyssa?” Sebastian lowered his lithe body into a chair.
Sticking her arm straight out in front of her, Zirena pushed up the long sleeve of her fleece jacket, exposing her wrist. She rose to stoop over the table, sliding her arm over the surface, and Alyssa leaned forward, shortening the distance between them.
The pale skin of Zirena’s thin, bony arm displayed a web of dark veins. A small gasp burst from Alyssa’s lips when she spotted the raised, white lines of a brand on the woman’s wrist, the mark matching her own. While she knew other humans had received brands, she never expected to find another favored human amongst the coalition.
Sitting back down, Alyssa turned up her wrist, inspecting her scarred flesh, and her heart ached at the loss of joy she used to feel when looking at her brand. Now, it filled her with a mixture of anger, determination, and sorrow.
“As you can see, you’re not the first favored—”
“Who gave you your brand?” Alyssa searched her memory, trying to place Zirena’s somewhat familiar face. Not the general, he doesn’t like humans. Maybe an officer under him, or one of the directors from the lab…
Zirena’s eyelid fluttered as her upper lip rose in a tight sneer. “Kayn.”
Blackness filled her vision for a millisecond as Alyssa gaped, unable to comprehend what she had just heard. But he said…
“That can’t be right. Kayn told me I was the first human he favored, the first he’d experienced Asen’Sha with.”
“You’re not the first, and neither was I.”
“Wait, what? No—”
“Yes.” Zirena narrowed her eyes, the corner of her mouth twitching.
“I… I don’t be—”
Sebastian leaned forward, clearing his throat to draw their attention his way. “I know this is hard for you to hear, on top of all the other stuff we’ve told you about the aliens, but the thing is, you’ve been lied to. Kayn used you, is still using you. Z was his assistant before you—”
“That’s why you look familiar! I remember there was some sort of scandal, when I was in school. Kayn mentioned it was the reason he waited so long to get another assistant.”
Zirena turned her head, with a snort, and a low growl in her throat. “There was no scandal, other than I couldn’t give him a child. He tossed me away and got himself a newer, fertile model.”
Taken aback, Alyssa glared at the hostile woman. “You’re jealous. Why? He’s a murderer, and you should feel lucky you got away before he killed your family.”
“Of course, I’m not jealous. Don’t be stupid.”
Alyssa bristled, ready to take a chunk out of this woman’s stubborn ass. “That is uncalled for—”
“Ladies, please,” Sebastian said, slapping the table with his palm. “We’re on the same side. Z has been loyal to the coalition for years, working with Cecily in California, helping convince others to accept the truth.”
“Right.” Zirena sniffed, twisting her lips in an arrogant smile as she plopped back into her chair. “I’ve been here for the coalition—” she glanced sidelong at Sebastian “—helping wherever they need me.” Her eyes slid towards Sebastian again, but a longing sadness filled them.
Alyssa looked at him, curious if he was aware Zirena had a thing for him, but a hot spike shot through her chest as she realized Sebastian watched her, his body angled toward her. Determination set in the lines of his strong features, but his piercing cobalt blue gaze hinted at unfulfilled desire, a desire she knew she felt in return.
“I’m just here to convince you you’re not as special as you think you are,” Zirena declared, breaking the intense connection between Alyssa and Sebastian.
Processing the snide woman’s comment, Alyssa flushed, embarrassed and angry all at once. “I never said I was special—”
“Z, come on. Play nice.” A touch of pink colored Sebastian’s cheeks. “Alyssa needs our help, and we need her.”
“Whatever. Just know that baby won’t protect you forever. He’ll drop you like a rotten apple the first chance he gets.” Zirena vaulted out of her chair, rushing out the door with her arms hugging her waist, and tears brimming her trembling eyelids.
“What the hell, Sebastian?” Alyssa spun to face him, ready to dash out of the room herself.
“I’m sorry about Z. She was crushed when the commander dumped her. She really is loyal to us now, but the pain is still there. That’s why I sent her to Cecily, to get her away from the Command Compound.”
“She’s jealous as hell. I didn’t become Kayn’s assistant until after she was long gone. None of this is my fault!”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry.” He hung his head, frustration straining his voice. “I seem to be apologizing to you a lot. I wish this could be easier. You have so much going on, and you have a baby growing inside you. This should be a time of joy, celebrating, resting, and eating lots of weird foods…”
“It’s fine, Sebastian. Nothing’s been normal or joyful since my parents died, and honestly, the stress started as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I’ve lost so much. I can’t count on Kayn to be a good father, and my parents won’t be around to help me raise this baby. It’s just me and Granny… well, and Jess. Lorn too, I guess. It’s starting to feel lonely in my little world.”
“You’re not alone, Alyssa. The coalition can be your family. Jordan and I are here for you, and I think Cecily has taken a liking to you, as well.” He grinned with a twinkle in his eye.
“Well, that’s good. I don’t think I want to be on that woman’s bad side, like ever. Besides, she’s cool. I like how outspoken she is.”
***
After the meeting, Sebastian, Jordan, and Alyssa ate lunch together, engaging in pleasant conversation, the tension from Jordan seemingly gone. Alyssa searched the cafeteria for Zirena, but didn’t see her, and when they finished eating, Jordan excused himself, leaving her alone with Sebastian.
“Would you like to take a walk?” He asked, offering his elbow.
Alyssa smiled, sliding her hand along the underside of his arm. They meandered through the hallways, eventually stopping at a small gymnasium, where he led her to some benches at the side of a basketball court.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call you after the funeral,” Sebastian said, in his deep, silken voice that set butterflies aflutter in her belly.
“That’s okay, I wasn’t really in a talking mood. I don’t think I said two words to Granny that first week.”
“You look like you’ve shrunk. Aren’t pregnant women supposed to get bigger?”
“Uh, yeah...” Flattered that this handsome man had noticed her body, Alyssa stuttered, flustered. “Morning sickness, and you know, depression really did a number on my appetite.”
“I’m really sorry about your parents. If there’d been any warning, we might’ve been able to prevent their deaths.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. Everything is Kayn’s fault. He murdered them and intended for me to die, too.”
“So, you believe us?”
“Yes, I do, and I’m sorry for eavesdropping on you and Jordan. I completely misunderstood and shouldn’t have leapt to the wrong conclusions.”
“Apology accepted. Are you willing to help us? Join the coalition?”
“I can’t promise anything. I don’t know if I can still get into my mother’s office, or if I even have my normal access to the compound. I’ve been on leave since my parents died. Kayn could’ve revoked my privileges, for all I know.”
“Are you planning to return to work?”
“Kayn insisted I go on leave until the baby’s born. I’m not sure what he intends for me afterwards since I’m supposed to go to the Nursery.”
“I won’t let that happen.” Sebastian’s firm tone comforted her in a way she didn’t think possible.
Alyssa gazed into his eyes, fully believing in him, as his stunning blues searched her face. She marveled at the pull she felt to this man, a man she barely knew. His lips twitched and his jaw ticked sporadically, and Alyssa wished she could reach up to brush her fingertips along his stubbly jawline.
Sebastian watched her, a hunger in his eyes. She unknowingly leaned toward him, her mind focusing on his glistening bottom lip, and sucked in a shuddery breath when his tongue darted out to swipe across the tender flesh.
Alyssa’s eyelids sunk closed when his hand cupped her cheek, a small groan escaping her as his thumb brushed the corner of her mouth. Her eyes slid open, connecting with his as they pulled at her aching heart, promising to fill the emptiness within.
Alyssa snapped to, sitting back, ashamed at herself. She avoided looking at Sebastian, not wanting to see any confusion or disappointment, and resisted the urge to wave her hand at her face in an attempt to cool her flushed face.
“Sebastian...” Alyssa could barely push air over her vocal cords.
“Hmm?” The sound rumbled deep in his chest.
“I can’t—we can’t,” she said, frustrated. “I’m with Kayn, err, well, I mean, I’m carrying his baby.”
“You are,” Sebastian said, giving a shallow nod.
“Things are obviously complicated—”
“Yes, they are.” His fingers grazed the back of her hand as it propped her up, while the rest of her body wanted to collapse and give in to her overwhelming desires.
“I had feelings for him...” Alyssa muttered with a touch of nausea. “I thought I might love him someday.”
“But not anymore, right?”
“Um... no, I guess not.”
“He did awful things to you.”
“True.”
“He plans to do more awful things to you.”
“Probably.”
Sebastian picked up her hand, stroking a thumb across the back, sending tingles up her arm.
“You are beautiful, Alyssa.” He pierced her with his stunning eyes and sincere words. “You have a strength inside you I don’t think you see. I admire your loyalty and dedication. You deserve to be with someone who’ll be loyal and dedicated to you.”
“But—”
“Just know I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. Don’t think about it. Don’t stress about it. Take your time. Figure out what you want, who you want. In the end, I’ll always be here for you in whatever way you need.”
Alyssa searched his face, trying to discern any hint of deceit, finding none. Satisfied with his sincerity, she leaned her cheek against his shoulder, breathing in his masculine scent. He slipped his arm around her, and she snaked her hand around his waist as they sat in silence, side by side, soaking in the afternoon sun.
“Thank you, Sebastian.”
“Anytime, darlin’.”
Chapter 13
“Hello?”
“Alyssa?”
“Yes,” Alyssa said, bewildered.
“Alyssa, it’s me, Kora.” Her voice came over the phone hushed and panicked.
“What’s wrong?”
“I need help. Sen hurt me, Alyssa. He hurt me bad.”
“Oh no, are you okay?”
“I think so.”
“Where are you? Are you someplace safe?”
“I’m in the clinic waiting room. The receptionist is looking at me funny.”
“Don’t leave the clinic. See if you can find Nurse Kelly. If you can’t, just find a human there, and tell them you need to lay down or something. You need to hide in one of the rooms until I get there. Can you do that?”
“Uh, probably. I think I see Nurse Kelly.”
“Good, good. Go talk to her. I’ll be there as soon as possible. Be safe.”
“I’ll try.”
***
“Thanks for picking me up, Jordan. I’m really worried about Kora.”
“No problem, girly. Happy to help. What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to bring her to you.”
“To me?” He jerked his head toward her, eyes big.
“Yes. I need you to take her to coalition headquarters. She needs to get away from the aliens.”
“Okay—” he nodded slowly “—I can do that.”
“It might take me a while to get her out. I have to contact Kayn, then get her out without her mate making a scene.”
“I’ll wait for you in the parking lot. You think the guards are going to be a problem?”
“I don’t think so. I’ll tell Kayn to let us out.”
***
Alyssa rushed into the clinic, stopping inside the door a moment to collect herself before approaching the receptionist.
“Is Nurse Kelly available?”
“Let me buzz her. One sec, honey.”
Alyssa thanked the woman, happy to see the clinic full of human staff today, glancing around the waiting room, wary of any Szu’Kara that might be in the vicinity. When Nurse Kelly appeared, Alyssa let out a breath she didn’t know she’d held in.
“Alyssa, please, follow me.” Nurse Kelly gestured for her to follow, keeping a calm air about her.
She led Alyssa through the clinic to the prenatal classroom where Kora sat in a rocking chair, crying. Alyssa rushed to her side.
“Kora, thank heavens!”
“She’s in bad shape, hon,” Nurse Kelly said. “Are you getting her out of here?”
“Yes. We have to go to my quarters first, so I can call Kayn and get him to authorize Kora leaving the compound. Then, I’m taking her to Granny’s.”
“That’s good.” Nurse Kelly exhaled, relieved. “She’ll be safer off-compound. If you need anything, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll expect an update at your next checkup.”
“You got it.”
“Kora.” Nurse Kelly knelt in front of the frightened woman. “You take care. If you need me, call and I’ll come see you at Ms. Willow’s house, okay?”
Kora nodded, lips quivering, eyes shiny with fear.
“Let’s go, Kora. We have to hurry.”
Alyssa led the terrified woman by the hand out of the clinic to her quarters, checking around every corner, pulling her along like a puppy. Kora stayed silent the entire way, clutching tight to Alyssa’s hand.
“Here, lay down on the sofa,” Alyssa said in a soothing voice, situating her with some soft throw pillows. “You rest while I call Kayn.”
Kora closed her eyes, wincing from the obvious pain of the black and purple bruise surrounding her left eye socket, as Alyssa cataloged the visible damage. Disgusted, she grabbed her phone, jabbing each number with a shaky finger.
“Alyssa.” Kayn’s smooth voice caressed her ear.
“Kayn.” Her angry words hissed through clenched teeth. “There’s been an incident. I need your help.”
“Are you hurt?”
“No, it’s not me. My friend Kora, from the prenatal class, has been abused by her mate Sen’Tasi.”
“I know of him. How do you know he has abused her?”
“She’s here with me, Kayn.” Alyssa snapped at him, rolling her eyes. “She’s got a black eye, swollen face, and bruises all over. He treats her like
a dog. You have to do something!”
“I will send guards to detain him.” His tone was clipped, annoyed.
“Thank you.” Sigh. “In the meantime, I’m taking her to Granny’s house. She needs to be away from the compound. Please make sure he can’t get to her again.”
“I will do what I can, Alyssa.”
“I appreciate it,” she said, trying to sound gracious. “When you have him in custody, I’ll need authorization to enter their quarters and get some of her belongings.”
“Unnecessary. I will have clothing and supplies sent from the commissary, as well as extra supplies sent to Ms. Summers in recompense for the care of your friend.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Alyssa said, wishing she could still trust Kayn.
“Do you need anything else?”
“Yes, can you notify the front guards? Kora doesn’t have a pass to leave the compound.”
“I will contact them immediately. Do you need a driver?”
“A friend from town is driving us.”
“Very well. Contact me when you are settled, I would like to schedule dinner with you.”
“Okay, but it might be a few days, if that’s okay?”
“That is acceptable. Goodbye.”
Alyssa scoffed at the empty phone line, irritated yet again by Kayn and his abrupt behavior, and just as she turned to check on Kora, the door buzzer sounded. Suspicious, she held her finger to her mouth while looking at a frightened Kora.
The buzzer screamed again, and again, until Alyssa touched the screen next to the door. It lit up, displaying an image of Sen glaring at her, and thankful for the one-way camera, Alyssa hustled Kora to the bedroom, shutting her in. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her sweater and leaned close to the door.
“Who is it?” She asked, loud enough to be heard through the metal barrier.
“Open the door!”
“Who’s there?” She stalled, trying to figure out what to do, watching him on the screen as he composed himself.
“It is Sen, Kora’s mate.”
Alyssa hesitated, taking in another calming breath, then placed her palm on the scanner to open the door. Sen stood with his long arms crossed, looking down at her with black eyes set deep in his stern, gaunt face. His dark, sallow gray skin seemed to block out any light that tried to shine in from the hallway, as he moved to take a step, stopping when Alyssa scooted forward into the threshold.
Broken_The Discordant Earth Series 1 Page 15
