by Ciara Lake
“New daughter.” Saleeya’s melodic voice echoed in the room. “Rejoice, you are with child.” She patted her stomach. “There isn’t more joy in our universe. You’re mated to a wonderful man, my only son.” Saleeya smiled at her son. “Val, take your mate, comfort her. She is pained by her father’s words. We welcome you, Zalora. We welcome you to our family. We will never depart from you. Our family is most important.”
“Thank you.” Zalora nodded. She wiped her face with the back of her hand. She hiccupped. Val gripped the side of his desk. She heard the desk groan. Kade walked up behind Val. He patted him on his back. Val loosened his grip, relaxing as if on cue. “Don’t be upset, Val. I’m fine.” He turned to look at her.
“I love you, Zalora. It hurts me to see you upset like this. I feel I have caused this.”
“No you haven’t. You saved me.” Zalora felt fresh tears roll down her face.
“Mother, Father, we’ll see you as well as the others in four hours. I will do as you advise, comfort my mate. She is in need of comfort.” Val terminated their communication. Zalora sobered, and her tears stopped flowing as soon as she realized she had just heard him proclaim he loved her. Val took hold of her arm, leading her from his office. “Come, let’s go to my quarters.” He put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to him. His sweetness made her weep more. “Zalora, what can I do to ease your grief?” He kissed her again. “I hate to see you sad and hurt. It makes me furious.” He clenched his jaw. She looked up at him as they walked. He could be a hard and gentle man all rolled up into one sexy package.
“I’ll be okay. I just don’t understand why my father is so angry. I mean…” She sniffled. “It’s not that bad. I’m still his child. I’m not a slut.”
“No, of course you’re not a slut.” Val’s eyes blazed. “To think of what he said pisses me off.”
“I knew he would be upset, but I never imagined this reaction. The anger he was feeling was so hurtful.” She wiped her eyes. “It hurts me he would allow his narrow-mindedness to stand in the way of loving me.”
“I know.” He hugged her.
“After all, I could have died. I just don’t understand.” Zalora shook her head as she looked down. “I’m embarrassed about all of this, too. I feel ashamed in front of your family.”
“They’re your family, too. You should feel not shame.” He ran his hand through her hair.
“I can’t explain all of the emotions I feel. I can’t stand the emotions of others bombarding me. Another reason it’s good to be with you. I can’t feel your emotions. It’s a relief.”
“You’re an empath?”
“Yes, I’m one of the ones Realmist hate and fear. They blew my planet to pieces because of me, or people like me.”
“No, they didn’t. They attacked your planet because they’re insane, cruel, prejudiced idiots.” Val’s hands fisted. Zalora smiled at his words.
“I know. Yes, I’m a strong empath. I’m supposed to be able to tell if a person’s lying. But it doesn’t always work. Some people’s emotions are too mixed up. Don’t worry, I can’t read a thing from Xihirians. It’s a blessing.” She sighed. “You have no idea how hard it is to be like this.”
“I wasn’t worried. We’re home.” He pushed a button, his door to his quarters opened. “You would only feel how much I care for you.” His room was enormous, bigger than his office. A whole wall covered with windows from floor to ceiling made up one side of the room.
“This is wonderful to be able to see stars like this. It must be fun to sleep in here.” She walked into the room in awe. Slowly walking over to the window, she gazed out.
“Not as fun as it will be with you. With you here, it’ll be fun, for sure, but not because of any stars.” He winked at her. “Before, it was just me alone here with the stars.” He took her into his arms. “You’re more beautiful than any star I know.” She pulled away to look over the room. Carpeted in a plush dark gray, it begged her to take off her shoes. Kicking her slippers off, she allowed her feet to sink into the soft fiber.
“Wonderful carpet, so soft, it feels almost as good as your fur.” She grinned.
“Thanks, I’m a carpet now.” He grinned.
“No, I said almost as good.” She walked with him as she inspected the rest of the room. All of the walls in the spaceship were shiny silver. The same was true in this room. She could see their reflection on every wall even ceiling. At the far end of the room was a large bed. Comfortably made with pillows thrown all around, the bedding cover was different shades of gray.
“The bed looks inviting, too.”
“It is. Want to try it out?” He tugged her hand, tugging her toward it.
“No, not now.” She shook her head, pulling back. “I’m hungry, too. I thought I was going to get dinner and didn’t.”
“Oh, Zalora, I’m sorry.” He walked over to his desk. “So much has happened I forgot to feed you.” He pressed a button. “Computer, connect me to the kitchen.”
“Yes, Captain,” the computer replied.
“Hello, Captain, this is Officer Tamson, kitchen and dining.”
“Officer Tamson, please bring my mate and me a tray of dinner. The princess is very hungry.”
“Yes, sir, right away.” The communication terminated.
“They’ll be here shortly.” He led her to a dining area. “I’m sorry. So much has happened. I forgot you hadn’t had dinner yet. All you’ve had lately is leaves.” He laughed.
“I had some food on the loaddisk.” The dining room consisted of a long black rectangular table with eight matching chairs. He pulled a chair out. He motioned for her to sit. “Please make yourself comfortable. This is your home, or at least one of them.” She sat down. He sat in the chair next to her. He continued to hold her hand.
“Val, are you going to take me to see Anya and Cora? I promised them I would come to the Med-Vac camp. I don’t want to let them down. I want to tell them good-bye before I go to Xihirah with you. They’re my best friends. I guess I’m not welcome on my father’s planet. But I’ll be quick.”
“Yes, I’ll take you after the ceremony, is that okay?”
“Yes, thank you.” She rubbed his hand. “You do seem to keep your promises. That’s an excellent quality in a husband.” A beeper went off. Zalora jumped.
“I try. Hey, relax. They’re here with our food.” He got up from his chair to let the server in. A man dressed in white brought in a tray of food. He sat it on the table. It was loaded with delicious-smelling food. Her mouth watered. “You can leave it. We’ll serve ourselves. Thank you.” Val directed the server out.
“Yes, Captain.” The server nodded, making his way back to the door.
“Thank you.” Zalora waved after him. He turned and bowed his head.
“At your service, Princess.” A buzzer went off just as the door closed behind him.
“Captain to the flight deck, stat.”
“Damn, it must be important for them to call me now.” Zalora watched him move to his desk. Agitation showed in his movements. He hit a button.
“This is Captain Val Braeden. What’s the emergency?”
“There’s a Realmist battleship making contact with us. It’s Felix Tomron, sir. He wished to speak directly to you.”
“All right, I’ll be right there.” He hit the button again, hard, to terminate the communication. The entire desk shook with the force of his punching the button. “Zalora, I’m sorry.” He turned to look at her. Distress etched his features. “I’ll return as soon as I can. Please eat all you want. If you want more or need anything, push this button. Just ask the computer. Officer Tantia is assigned to be at your service. You can call for her as well.” He walked to her to kiss her on her head. “I love you.” He looked over his shoulder as he walked toward the door. “After our ceremony, we’ll have plenty of special times together.”
“I love you, too,” Zalora called after him. Val stopped, turned, then walked back to her.
“Zalora, y
ou make me very happy.” He hugged her. “I don’t want to leave you now. I want to be with you. Damn Tomron.” He shook his head, and his bangs fell down into his eyes. “I want to hold you in my arms and kiss away your pain. But there’s a damn crazy terrorist on my com.” Zalora patted him on his chest, pushing him a way a bit.
“Go talk to the insane man, tell him what for. I’ll see you when you get back. I understand there’s a war. We’ll get married when you are done. ” She smiled, hugging him again. “Now leave so I can eat. I’m starving. Plus, I have our baby to feed.”
Chapter 6
“What’s the status?” Val entered his Command Deck. It was fully staffed. He took his command chair in the room’s center in front of the main com screen.
“There are three Realmist ships in Tallusian space. They arrived only minutes ago. They’ve positioned themselves in front of us and on our flanks. Our weapons have them targeted.”
“Good.” Val nodded.
“We believe there are more on the other side of Tallusia.” Jerrian came around to the side of his chair to update him. “Thyson and Kade have just returned to their ship. They have the Realmist ships targeted as well.”
“I thought these idiots left the area.” Val tapped the arm of his chair. “I guess they have death wishes. I am tempted to just blow them out of existence. They deserve to be ended.” He bit down hard on his teeth. A tic was in his jaw.
“They’ve returned in bigger ships with their leader.” Jerrian frowned.
“Damn.” Val hit his console. “What do these damn idiots want?”
“The lead ship has contacted us. Felix Tomron has specifically requested to speak with Kael Braeden’s son. I guess that would be you.” Jerrian looked at him. Val stood up to circle the room.
“Okay, put the bastard on the screen.” Val nodded toward the com screen.
“Very well.” Jerrian nodded to the com engineer. “Realmist lead ship, this is Xihirian Black Beast. Come in.” A picture materialized on the screen. The huge screen displayed a balding, small man. His face had an ugly sneer. He was sitting at what appeared to be his command chair.
“Greetings, wild beasts, I’m Felix Tomron, Supreme fully human leader of the Realmist. What animal am I addressing?”
“Grow up, Felix.”
“Ah, I recognize you. You are exactly the beast I am wishing to speak with. You beasts all look alike though. Sometimes it’s hard to tell.” He rolled his eyes. “Are you Steval Braeden?”
“I am Captain Steval Braeden. Heard you wanted to speak with me. About what? Hurry up. I don’t have all day to spend with you.”
“Hmm, busy doing animalistic things are you?” He had an evil grin on his face. “You’re a Prince of Xihirah. Kael Braeden’s son?” Tomron got closer to the com. “You father is a curse upon the human race. How is it to be a curse’s son?”
“Don’t waste my time, Tomron. You’re the Realmist terrorist leader. The war criminal Clitax Tomron’s son. Now we’ve established our parentage, tell me what you want.” Val tapped his fingers. Felix chuckled, making his face distort further, adding to his ugly façade. “I am Clitax Tomron’s son, but I am not a terrorist. I’m a cleanser of impurities such as you.” He motioned toward the screen. “I seek to preserve the human condition in its purest state. It is disgusting how you animals pollute our population. The humans who allow it are just as disgusting. They, too, should be eliminated. Like your animal-loving mother.”
“Okay, I understand your agenda. I have heard it many times. I grow bored with this conversation.” Val tapped his fingers harder on the arm of his chair. Tomron broke out in uncontrolled laughter reminiscent of his insanity.
“Val Braeden, this is an interesting occasion. Don’t you think?” Tomron wickedly smiled. “Our fathers had much history.”
“No, not really. This is not an occasion of any sort. It’s a waste of my time. Our father’s contact was very limited. Your father was insane, and my father stopped him.”
“Well, I think so. This is a momentous occasion. Do not doubt our fathers have a history for sure worth remembering. You see, your father caused my father’s death. He destroyed a hero of the human race. This shall not be forgotten. Now I’m going to make him sorry. This occasion is one of revenge. It is not in any way a waste of time.” He grinned evilly. But death’s too simple for your kind.” He shook his head. “You believe afterlife rewards shall be granted to you by some silly Xihirian deity. I seriously doubt this deity is real. Would one really exist for beasts? Nevertheless, I can’t send you to your rewards too soon. No.” He shook his head. “I need to make you suffer now. Most importantly I need to make your father suffer, a lot.”
“What is it you want, Tomron? Again you are wasting our valuable time.” Val cut him off. “You like to talk a lot, too much.”
“Yes, I have been accused of that.” He grinned. “It’s my charm.” He motioned to himself. “The women find it charming.”
“I don’t have a lot of time to chat with you. We’re busy cleaning up your mess or should I say mass murder you left behind on Tallusia. I would have thought you would have left already. Cowards usually run while they have the chance.”
“Oh well. I’m no coward. I’m not running today. There is no need. You see, I went shopping on the Calypso Moon Colony. They have a wonderful shopping and eating area.” Felix leaned forward. “I found some really good buys. Did you know they let animals shop there? Of course you knew.”
“Why do I care about any of this?” Val stood to walk closer to the large screen.
“Well, let me see.” Tomron tapped his finger on his chin. He raised his eyebrow. “Oh yes, your family members, especially the bitches, like to shop there, too. They’re the animals I was talking about. They just smell up the place.” He waved his hand in front of his face. “Can’t keep anything nice anymore. You animals want to stink everything up with your filth.”
“Shut the hell up. Stop threatening us. Your stupid insults are annoying. I should blow you out into space to be rid of your menace to our universe.”
“You won’t do that.” Tomron grinned, shaking his head.
“Give me one good reason why not? I am very tempted to.”
“I have six reasons.” Tomron smiled. “I have six reasons, and they’re on this ship. Plus I have some incidental reasons, too.”
“Okay.” Val held out his hands. “What do you have, Tomron? It seems you are baiting me.”
“I’ll give them back when you and your father turn over Philio Starson.”
“He’s a political prisoner held on our planet. He’s a prisoner of the Council of Planets. We’re not just going to release him to you.”
“Yes, you are.” Tomron nodded smiling. “Along with ten Realmist prisoners your people captured on Tallusia. I believe Captain Thyson Braeden is holding them on his ship. He’ll want to let them go, too. I assure you. All of you will be very cooperative.”
“Okay, I’m guessing you’re about to tell me why we would do this for you and more about the six reasons you have on your ship.”
“I am indeed.” Tomron chuckled. “I am indeed, Val Braeden.” He nodded. “Like I told you, I went shopping. I found two female beasts, I like to call them bitches, and their protectors at the mall. Inept protectors I must say. But we did drug their food.” He shrugged. “So they were out cold when we took them. I hope that eases your mind about your security detail.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Val put his hands on his hips, his legs spread apart. A deep growl rumbled in his chest. “Bring in my two favorite animals from our zoo. Keep the males locked up.” Tomron turned to his men. “The males are so disagreeable. You don’t need to see them. We don’t need the hassle of bringing those male animals in here. But the bitches are fun.” Tomron laughed again. The viewer pulled back, showing a larger area from where Tomron was speaking. He was on the command deck of his ship. It was a large ship but did not even compare to any of the Xihirian ships. “Here com
es lovely bitch number one. I believe her name is Kara Braeden. Yes, I think so. She doesn’t really talk much. So I’ll let your eyes confirm who she is.” Two Realmist guards manhandled her as they dragged her in front of the com. Her legs were shackled with her hands shackled behind her back. From what he could see, her clothes were in tatters, and she wore no shoes. Val made no comment, but he could feel his beast beg to be released. I’m gonna rip Tomron to pieces as I eat his carcass. This day’s gonna kill me or someone else, probably someone else.
“Recognize this one?” Tomron pointed. “They’re both real pretty when they look human. But it’s only a mask, hiding their true selves.” The guards pushed the women directly in front of the main com. Kara remained silent. With the closer view, her eyes flamed with rage. Her lovely face was bruised and swollen. Obviously, she’d recently been hit as there was no sign of healing. Her clothes torn, falling off, with her breasts exposed. They, too, were reddened. “We’ve treated her well. No worries, she has a luxury suite in our zoo. Would you like to see the other bitch? ”
“Sure.” Val shrugged. His fist clenched at his side. “This one’s feistier.” He shook his head. “She’s a wild one, a bit more devious, too. I believe she’s Kristal Braeden.” Two more Realmist guards pulled her into the room. She was also shackled. Her lips were bloody, her shirt soiled with bright-colored stains from past wounds. “Val Braeden, I’m thinking both these bitches are related to you in some way. I believe Kara’s your aunt and Kristal’s your sister. See, I pay attention to you animals and your litters.” The guards pushed both women to their knees in front of the com. “Now remember we have four of your palace’s guards, too. We’ve had to keep them drugged. They just weren’t cooperative. They wanted to eat me.” He laughed. “In fact, they killed five of my men when they woke up from the drugs. Their violence just was not necessary.” Tomron shook his head. “Such a shame to have lost my good men in such a way. But when you deal with wild beasts, these things happens. A zookeeper’s a hard job. I will have retribution for their deaths.”
