Jax smirked and turned as soon as the doors of The Reina clanged shut. Cellie’s reaction could go two ways. She’d either chew his head off for interrupting her work then reward him with angry sex or they’d go straight for the angry sex.
Both options worked for him.
Chapter 4
His Chief of Security greeted Jax as soon as his transport shuttle landed on the Z. “Welcome back, Jax. Hopefully your trip was rewarding.”
Jax paused mid-step and pivoted on his boot heels to face Aran’s grinning face. The Argoran made no effort to hide his amusement or the sharp fangs pressing against his lips. With his arms folded over his chest, Aran waited for a response, one brow lifted.
The comment pulled Dar away from his conversation with a fellow crewmember. “What’s that mean, Chief?”
Heat stained Jax’s cheeks as he sent a dark look in Aran’s direction. “Don’t you need to sniff around Ellie?”
Aran only grinned at the mention of his mate, arms dropping to his side. “She’s in my quarters. Her stomach is queasy.”
Jax’s annoyance melted away. Aran’s mate was expecting their first child and not managing well at all. “Is there anything Medic Joohn can do for her?”
Aran pushed at his multi-streaked hair and adjusted his black and grey uniform. “No, but I left a message for my mother to see if this is normal. I don’t remember anyone mentioning this.”
Dar and Aran fell into step behind Jax as he left the shuttle bay and followed the path of the familiar corridor he could navigate with his eyes closed. “Do you think it’s because she’s not Argoran?”
Aran shrugged his broad shoulders. “More than likely. Pregnancy is a dangerous thing for our kind to begin with.”
Aran had once shared with Jax that Argoran babies shifted into their cat form as a self defense mechanism in utero when labor started, and only the calming presence of the father at the birth could convince them to shift back to prevent killing the mother during delivery. A scary prospect.
“It might be a good idea to let her stay with your parents on Argora as they’ve pleaded.”
Leeza and Kye T’Kar loved their son’s mate and wanted her to stay with them for the duration of her pregnancy while Aran served his time on the Zanian until his leave started. Unfortunately, the very idea sent Aran’s cat in a rage and so far he’d refused to even consider it.
Right on cue, Aran growled and his green eyes ignited. “No. Ellie stays with me.”
Jax shrugged. “Remember it’s an option, and I’d never deny you leave to be by her side when her time comes.”
Aran’s brows dipped low. “No, Commander.”
Jax let the matter drop. He and Aran had been friends too long to let his stubborn persona impact their working relationship. He tapped the sensor on the door separating the bay from the main corridor of the Z. Dar and Aran took up position on either side of him as he made his way to the lift that led to the bridge.
“Was the visit to the surface uneventful?”
Aran’s question prevented Jax’s thoughts from wandering to Cellie. “The usual. Queen Cordelia’s one of the less arrogant among the royal set.”
The doors slid open on a ping and they all stepped forward.
“Bridge,” Jax said in a clipped tone.
‘Verification required,’ intoned the automated system.
For security reasons, access to the central domain of the Zanian IX was limited to the senior level crew who worked with Jax on the bridge, in addition to Aran and Dar.
“Brom, Jaxon, Commander.”
‘Verification approved.’
The lift rose smoothly.
Aran leaned against the back wall and Dar took up station on the opposite side. The silence weighed heavy on the air until Jax faced Aran. “What?”
The smug cat grinned and shook his multi-streaked brown hair. “Wondering if you’re going to mention seeing Senior Guard Manx during your visit.”
Dar choked and turned his gaze skyward.
In a fair fight, Jax was reasonably certain he could take Aran. Jax had a few inches in height and more bulk, but the Argoran didn’t believe in fighting fair. During their past matches Aran hadn’t hold back his claws and fangs. Plus when his Chief of Security shifted into his all white cat form, he presented a deadly opponent.
Deciding all that in a matter of seconds, Jax fell back on his last resort. “Shut up, Chief T’Kar. That’s an order.”
Aran’s chuckles filled his ears as the doors slid open onto the bridge. His nav officer tilted his head in their direction and greeted them with a wave of one arm, the other three moving over the desktop screen of star charts and maps with synchronized ease. Jude was an Antare whose genetic nature dictated he constantly work to achieve physical and emotional satisfaction. He had to be sedated on his Alliance mandated down hours.
Jax slid into his chair and console at the center of the space, the seat automatically adjusting to contour to his height and weight. He gripped the arms of the chair and keyed the release sequence on the finger pad.
‘Commander Brom. Verification confirmed.’ The ship computer stated.
“Assuming command.”
His team consisted of his second in command Witt, Jude at navigation, Manala—the Z’s weapons specialist—and Swelita at communications. They spun in their designated seats, giving him their attention. Their fists pounded their chest in the customary military salute.
“Commander,” they said in unison.
Jax acknowledged them with a nod. “Swelita, reach out to The Reina and make sure they’re ready.”
The dark haired female turned and keyed communications to the Queen’s ship. The response played along the Z’s overhead sound system. “The Reina is ready, Zanian IX. On your mark.”
Two of Jude’s four hands pulled up the viewing screen, allowing them all visibility of the Zephil ship. Jude tapped on more buttons before announcing. “The Reina is in the lead, Commander.”
The six royal fighter jets flanked the vessel in a V formation.
Jax relaxed and leaned back in his chair. “Chart our course for Xenol, Jude.”
“Course set, Commander.” The Antare swiveled in his chair, fingers sliding over multiple screens, his face lit with pleasure as he hummed while he worked.
***
“I wish you could come to me tonight.” Jax stretched out on his bed, eyes staring at the ceiling of his dimly lit quarters.
“You’ve had a busy day,” Cellie agreed in a low murmur. “Anything I can do to…help with your stress.”
Jax found himself grinning at her strategic pause. While using the main comm of the Z to connect to the comm in Cellie’s room on The Reina wasn’t the same as having her next to him, he was tempted to take her up on her not-so-subtle hint. He shifted to his side, leaning his weight against a discarded pillow. “Not tonight. I have a meeting with the engineering crew in fifteen minutes about the latest upgrades the Z received.”
Cellie’s heavy sigh came across the connection. “Too bad.”
It was. His cock agreed as it thumped against his thigh in protest. “I appreciate your generous offer.”
Cellie snickered, drawing forth another grin from Jax. “I’d hate for you not to be relaxed.
He lowered his voice. “I can’t wait until we reach Xenol.” Silence. “Cellie?”
“When we arrive on Xenol, my attention needs to be on the Queen, Jax.”
“I never doubted it.” Jax planned to make sure they found time for one another while there. He needed Cellie, and their brief interlude on Zephil hardly satisfied his hunger for her after so many months. He checked the time and bit off a curse. “I have to go.”
“Later, Commander.” She disconnected before he could say something he’d probably regret.
***
Two days into the journey Cellie was sure she wouldn’t make it. Her heart thudded against her chest as she half-trotted down the narrow corridor of the main thoroughfare. The Reina wasn’t
an extremely large ship and manning it required only a small twenty person crew, thus she didn’t run into anyone during her hectic flight.
Her finger tapped the personal comm attached to her uniform collar. “Calm down, Talire. Where did you last see the Queen?”
“When we boarded,” Talire gasped, then sniffed loudly. “She said she wanted to rest for part of the journey, and she’s been out of sorts lately so I had no reason to doubt her.”
Cordie was more than out of sorts. She’d lost her flipping mind. Cellie turned to her right and banged on the door to the Queen’s room. The panel slid back, revealing Talire, tears ravaging her normally composed face.
“Where are Efan and Cranz?” Cellie questioned as she stepped into the room.
Magda stood inside, ringing her hands. More tears stained her features as well. Cellie sighed.
“First, let’s all calm down.” She turned toward Talire. “Efan and Cranz?”
“She drugged them, Cellie.”
Cellie’s eyes widened. “What?”
Talire burst into tears again and wailed. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her!”
Cellie shoved the distraught woman aside and entered the suite further. Through the door leading to the Queen’s bedchamber, she could make out a pair of boots. Cellie strode forward and came to a halt in the doorway, her hands propped on her hips. Efan lay on his back, arms spread on the bed and Cranz stretched upon the floor, head tilted at an awkward angle. Loud snores came from both guards.
If she wasn’t pissed, Cellie would have laughed. But nothing about Cordie’s antics were funny right now. She went back to Talire in the outer room. At least, she’d managed to quiet her cries to rough sniffles. “Is she wearing her tracker?”
Talire flung her arm out to a small table set in the corner where a jewel crusted bracelet lay. “She snatched it off and tossed it. I tried to stop her but she stormed pass and commanded me to stay behind.”
“Carpa have mercy.” Cellie lowered her head to the floor and gripped the back of her neck with both hands. “What’s she wearing? Her favorite earrings?”
“The blue pendants trimmed in mechite? Yes. She never takes those off.”
Cellie lifted her head and smiled. Ripping the scanner from her hip, she activated the tracker on the Queen. A subtle beep emitted from the device and a blue dot appeared on the screen. “I have her. Stay here.”
Cellie rushed from the room, following the unmoving blue circle. Her steps led her to the ship’s galley. Seated at a cramped table shoved against the wall, spooning sweet cream into her mouth, was Cordie.
“I can’t believe you did this.” Cellie stomped toward her, coming to a halt beside the table. Cordie knew better than to disappear from her guards. And drugging the men went beyond practical jokes.
Cordie tossed her spoon into the empty bowl and lifted watery red eyes. Her puffy nose matched it perfectly. Cellie’s breath caught in her throat as she dropped into the only chair across from her friend. She reached atop the table for Cordie’s hand.
“Tell me.”
Cordie’s fingers clamped on hers. “My f-father died.”
“No!” Cellie stood up and moved around until she squeezed her hip on Cordie’s chair and wrapped her arms around the crying woman. “We can go back.”
“I can’t.” Cordie’s voice trembled. “He gave orders for Cha-Cha not to tell me because he didn’t want me to cancel the trip to Xenol.”
Only Cordie could get away with calling the man that. Cha-Cha was Charismon, the King’s long standing advisor during his reign on the throne. Cellie retrieved her chair from around the table, placing them side by side.
Cordie instantly rested her head on Cellie’s shoulder. “He’s not been feeling well for ages and it was only a matter of time, but he’s my father.”
“I know.” Cellie released the Queen’s hand and rubbed her arm.
“Now I’m truly all alone, Cellie.”
Cellie straightened and gripped her shoulders. “You’re not alone. Zephil loves you. Your people love you.”
They adored their Queen. She was the most popular reigning sovereign in over one hundred years.
Cordie wiped the back of her hand across her nose. Tears glistened on the tips of her lashes. Despite the sadness, Cordie’s natural beauty shone through. “It’s not the same as having someone there for you, Cellimina. I don’t know how you do it.”
Cellie flinched. She didn’t talk about her years in the public orphanage and didn’t plan to start now. “What do you need from me? What did Charismon say?”
“No one will know until I return.” Cordie took a deep breath and released it. “The announcement will go out once I’m back on Zephil soil.”
“Of course.”
“An estate funeral with all the plumage my father would want will be planned and I will receive the scepter of power.”
As ruling Queen, Cordie had already received the crown of honor when her father stepped down. The scepter made things official in the last and final step.
Cellie pushed back the red streak of hair and tucked it behind Cordie’s ear. “What do you need?”
Cordie pulled back, gaze darting around the room. “I’m sorry about the guards, but can I just be alone for a bit? I needed to mourn without questions.”
Cellie rose to her feet immediately. “Absolutely. I’ll stand at the door and make sure you’re not disturbed.”
When she reached the door, Cordie called out. “Cellimina?”
Cellie glanced over her shoulder.
“Thank you.” Cordie’s smile quivered around the edges, but at least she didn’t look as devastated.
Chapter 5
They were only hours away from Xenol when his second in command paged him.
“Go ahead, Witt.” Jax unbuttoned the tight collar of his uniform and reclined in his favorite chair, listening.
“Commander, we may have a problem. Jude’s picking up another vessel on the sensors. Swelita’s tried to page them but no response. The ships identifier code has also been disabled.”
Jax jerked upright and knifed his hands through his hair. Only pirates and moded renegade ships deactivated their ship identifier codes, which contained important information about the owner, the crew, and the manifest.
“I’m on my way.” He shoved to his feet, fingers flicking over his shirt to redo the buttons. It wouldn’t be the first time the Z crossed paths with a rogue vessel, but his gut knotted on this one and Jax trusted his gut.
“Confirmed.”
Jax grabbed a handful of nuts to soothe his growling belly and hurried to the bridge. When he entered, Jude had the view screen on full display. A glowing red dot in the distance grew in increments as its speed implied it would cross paths with the Zanian IX and The Reina sooner than later.
“Go to yellow alert. Lita, contact the Queen’s crew. Continue trying to open communications with other ship.” Jax took his seat while spitting out the commands.
“Yes, sir.”
Witt came to stand behind his chair and gripped the back tight. “I don’t have a good feeling about this, Jax.”
He didn’t either. “Jude, how long before the unknown vessel reaches us?”
The Antare didn’t bother turning. “Less than an hour. It’s gaining quickly. Must have hyper engines on it. Class C cargo ship.”
Witt snorted. “With those mods, I think they have more than transporting cargo in mind.”
Silently, Jax agreed.
“Sir,” Swelita interrupted. “I have The Reina.”
Men sitting at the helm of the Queen’s ship replaced the view of the unknown Class C gaining on them. Jax got straight to the point. “We have a non-responding ship encroaching on the defined air space.”
Every pilot understood defined air space when a vessel carrying a royal or important figure crossed their path.
“Our sensors alerted us, Commander Brom. How would you like us to handle?”
The Queen’s safety and th
e safety of every one of her people traveling with them was Jax’s responsibility. “Yellow alert. Consider them a threat. Notify your fighters. If they don’t answer our hail in the next three minutes, go to red.”
The uniformed man paled and Jax could almost see his narrow throat swallow. “Yes, Commander. Notifying the Queen and the pilots. Defensive maneuvers employed.”
The six fighter jets launched from the belly of The Reina and assumed formation. Four took lead and the remaining two realigned to cover the rear.
Jax took a deep breath and reached for the calm he usually maintained in similar situations. For some reason, the meditative state eluded him. Jude switched screens and the oncoming ship didn’t show signs of slowing.
“Sir,” Lita spun in her seat, eyes wide. “I have the results from the scan of the partial serial number on the hull.”
Jax raised a brow, fingers tapping on the arm of his chair. “What do you have?”
“It’s a Marenian slave ship.”
Jax froze. Witt choked behind him, then spit out a curse. The Marenians had a well deserved bad reputation. The horned men came from a home world that openly supported the enslavement of women. Crossing their path when he had no team of Alliance fighter jets in the bay for this trip was not good.
“Red alert,” Jax snapped. The whump of sirens blared forth. “Notify The Reina.”
“On it, Commander.”
Jax ignored the nervous tremble in Lita’s voice and paged Aran. Overhead lights flashed red as the alert went out through his ship. Aran answered immediately. “What’s going on, Jax?”
“We have an illegal Marenian ship on our tail.”
Aran’s low growl, then the clump of his boots came across the comm loud and clear as he raced from his quarters.
Jax breathed out carefully in an effort to slow his racing pulse. “Jam their communication, set shields at full power.”
Love Like No Other Page 3
