by Ciara Lake
“Captain, we’ve received Tomron’s instructions. We’ve forwarded them to the Admoncor, and Kade is waiting in your office. Thyson will be available by com.”
“Thank you, Jerrian. I’ll be right there. Com out.” Val sat up. He hovered over her. Pressing her into the soft mattress, he kissed her.
“Hey, Father says you aren’t to touch me until we’ve married.” She gently pushed at him again.
“Oh yeah?” Val raised his brow. “A little late for such a rule.”
“Well, yeah.” She playfully pushed him away. “But that’s his rule.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Val covered her mouth with kisses until she stopped resisting. Pressing his full body against hers, he moved his hips, imitating sex. She could feel his hard cock against her. It strained against his uniform. “I want you now.” He gently nipped her neck. “Damn Tomron for everything wrong in this universe.” He continued to pump against her. He nuzzled her neck and kissed her shoulder. He ran his hands over her breast, gently squeezing. “Nice, feels so good.” He nipped her shoulder.
“Val.” She playfully nipped him back.
“Hmm? I like what you’re doing.”
“They’ve called you. We don’t have time for this.” Val rested his forehead against hers. After a moment, he sat up on the side of the bed, his head in his hands. He huffed.
“I’ll come to see you before we leave. If I can take you, I will. But I’m still thinking about it.” His eyes looked sad. “I don’t know if it’s a wise decision. In fact, I’m sure it’s not.” He shook his head. “It’s not.” His bright eyes looked at her. “It’s really not. I’m allowing my feelings for you manipulate my better judgment. I really shouldn’t.” He shook his head.
“Trust me. My skill is what they fear.” She sat up next to him, taking his hand. She caressed the back of it. “Let me show you how I’m skilled when I’m focused.”
“Fine, I’ll be back after I read Tomron’s demands and discuss it with the others.” Val stood and walked into the cleaning chamber. Zalora heard water run followed by splashes. When he came out of the room, his face and hair were wet. His wet hair glistened in the dim overhead lighting. “I hope I’m not sorry about taking you. I am still not certain that’s what I’m going to do. Just saying.” His eyelashes looked long and thick, making his unusual eyes stand out. Zalora felt her body respond to him. Her pussy dampened, and her breasts ached to be touched. She wanted him. She craved him. But there were more important things besides satisfying her needs. “I’m leaving for my meeting. I’ll keep you informed.” He moved away. “Oh, we’ll have to delay going to the Med-Vac camp to see your friends, too.”
“I know.” She smiled up at him. “Don’t have any stress over that.”
“I’ll have Tantia set up a com link with the camp. You can at least speak to them while you’re waiting.”
“Okay, I’d love that.” She smiled. “That’s very thoughtful of you.” She followed him. He bent down to kiss her cheek.
“I’ll be back.” Quickly he strolled toward the door, and then he was gone.
* * * *
“Fucking crazy man.” Kade’s face distorted as it began to transform into his beast. Even his jaw jutted out oddly. His fingernails grew, looking as claws. He looked monstrous in his between state. Val could feel Kade’s fury. It rushed through him.
They constantly spent time together. They fought side by side. They knew each other so well. Since they both were born, the war with the Realmist terrorizing the universe had raged on. There had never been a time of peace. He knew Kade and all of his moods as Kade knew him. Others near a partially transforming, fury-filled Alpha Prime Wolfton would be frightened, moving away from him. There was a bit of unpredictability in the situation. It would not take much for Kade to become unreasonable, irrational. But Val was his equal, so he did not fear him at all.
“Kade, let’s focus.” Val swallowed hard, pushing back his need to join Kade in his rage-filled transformation. “We can’t both allow our beast to take over in this. We have to talk about our plans, confer with Father. This has to go smoothly to make sure all is well. It’s likely not to be.” A beeper sounded.
“Yes, computer.” Val knew he sounded exasperated. He rested his elbow on the table, his head in his hand.
“King Zambali is at the door.”
“Fuck that.” Val hit his hand on the table. It shook as if it could fall to the floor. “I don’t need to deal with him now.” Val curled his lips, baring his teeth as he felt irritation ripple through him.
“You’re telling me to pull it together.” Kade glared at him. “I’m going to have to pull you off of your mate’s father if the man says the wrong thing again. Try to remember he’s still your mate’s father before you go for his throat. It could make her mad at you if you killed or damaged him.” Kade smirked.
“Yes, I know. Very true.” Val closed his eyes, exhaling. “I really was close to losing my cool. But we have to pull it together for Kara and Kristal, and the others. I’m letting Zambali in. I’m going to get rid of him quick. If I go for him, take me down.” Val looked to Kade, then stood, counting to ten. “Some of Zambali’s people are involved, too.” Val looked toward Kade, waiting for him to relax, too. Kade took a few deep breaths, and his face shifted back, except for his eyes. Kade nodded, indicating he was ready for Zambali’s company.
“Computer, allow Zambali to enter.” The door opened. Zane Zambali walked into his office. His expression was friendlier, which instantly relaxed Val. He nodded to each of them as he approached their conference table. Thyson’s image was on the com screen. He also looked agitated.
“Come in, King Zambali. Have a seat.” Val motioned to a chair next to his. “How can we help you?”
“Excuse me, Captain Braeden.” He nodded to Val. “Captain.” He nodded to Thyson. “Commander.” He nodded to Kade. “I do wish to speak to all of you. This is in regards to Clitax Tomron. I’ve heard what has occurred. I’m sorry about your sister and aunt, your guards. I wish you success in getting your people and family home. I am also concerned about my citizens.”
“Thank you.” Val nodded. “We are working at resolving this crisis.”
“Also, I would like to speak to you on a personal note.” He directly looked at Val then smiled. “Concerning my daughter. May I take a seat?” He put his hand on one of the chairs.
“Yes. I’ve invited you to do so.” Val nodded again toward the chair. His legs tensed under the table as the man sat down.
“Captain Braeden, I want apologize to you regarding my behavior earlier. I was out of line. My emotions were unleashed from all I have been through recently.” He looked down at his folded hands. “I deeply regret my actions. I’ve embarrassed my daughter. I regret that mostly.” Tears glistened in his eyes. “I’m grateful you brought her back alive. I owe you much for doing so. I love my daughter. I’ve already lost one child and cannot stand to lose another. It was unbearable.” A tear rolled down the old man’s face. “She reminds me so much of her mother. Zalora’s a beautiful and talented woman. She is exceptional. You don’t even know, you couldn’t know, the extent of her talents.” He shook his head looking down. “At least not yet. She’s creative, intelligent, and compassionate. She’ll make a wonderful mother and wife…mate to you. Please forgive me for my actions. Let’s start again. I accept you as my son. I want you to make my only daughter happy. She has chosen well.”
“King Zambali. Please call me Val.” Val’s hands gripped his thighs as he tried to remain unemotional.
“You may call me Zane.” The older man nodded.
“Zane, it is forgotten.” Val nodded. He smiled at the man. Zane seemed to loosen up, too.
“Very well. I hear Tomron wants to conduct a prisoner exchange.”
“Yes he does.”
“Also, he has twenty of my citizens or at least twenty more in his custody he didn’t already kill.” Zane buried his head in his hands. “This is a nightmare.” He wi
ped his brow as he refocused on Val. “What I’m about to tell you will seem odd. You will struggle with it. But I tell you in truth as well as out of concern. I think it can help.”
“I’m listening.” Val laid his hands on the table leaning forward.
“Take Zalora with you.”
“To the prisoner exchange?” Val cocked his head as he looked at Zane. “Is that what you’re telling me?” Zane paused, looking at Val, then to the other men.
“Yes, I told you it would seem odd. Of course, keep her as safe as possible. I know it has danger. But listen to her counsel. She’s extraordinary, especially with Earthen humans. She can practically hear their thoughts. It’s really their emotions, but they’re so powerful she can predict their behaviors. She’ll be an aid in this. I hate sending her into danger. But she is as her mother was, a most powerful empath. She has many talents.” He looked down again. “In times past, Tallusians practiced openly our extraordinary abilities. But those like the Realmist have made us hide.”
“Why?”
“For fear.” Zane made a gesture with his hands. “Almost everything’s motivated by fear, hate, or love. In this case, it’s fear. It seemed, in ages past, more Tallusians had exceptional gifts. Now, these gifts are mostly dormant or perhaps more skillfully hidden.” He paused as if thinking. “The gifts have various manifestations.”
“Not all Tallusians are gifted?” Val closely watched the older man.
“No. Some gifts or powers can be frightening. Trust me, they can terrify you. Some Tallusians possess the Tallusian fire. It is a strong and very horrifying power. I’ve not known of anyone who’s had the power in ages.”
“What is it?” Kade leaned forward.
“It makes one’s blood boil.”
“Blood boil?” Val looked to Kade then to Zambali.
“Yes, the Tallusian wielding this power could make their victim cook from the inside out. Their blood literally boils. It melts its victim. If not stopped in time, it causes a tragic death, very painful.” He shook his head. “I’ve heard stories of a powerful Tallusian who used this power when filled with rage. It’s incredible and scary. A story to give outsiders nightmares.”
“No wonder others feared this power.”
“Yes exactly. This is why the Realmist targeted us, for this reason as well as our other gifts which can be like weapons when used as such.” Zane looked at each man nodding his head. “He fears us for our differences, our powers, as he fears your powers and differences. He calls us witches, an archaic word for someone who’s magical. He means it as a magic evildoer. Or sometimes they call us sorcerers. These terms aren’t meant to be complimentary.”
“Yes, I’ve heard Tomron use the word witch.” Val nodded.
“You see, an empath or physic who possesses Tallusian fire is a living, thinking weapon. In the wrong hands, it can be dangerous. Like I told you, I’ve not seen or heard of one for ages. Most stay in hiding, fearful of revealing their gift. As it’s dangerous to reveal this talent. Some don’t even know they possess this talent as they’ve never used it or had reason to. If they do, they’re ostracized out of fear or they would be taken by others to be used as an evil tool. If other worlds heard of them, they would disappear, drugged or blackmailed to do the bidding of their warden.”
“I can understand why some would want these Tallusians.” Kade sat back in his chair. “They do sound interesting, dangerous, and possibly extremely valuable.”
“There are other skills, too. Such as mind control. This is feared almost equally or more. A Tallusian skilled in this can make you take your own life. The weaker the victim’s mind, the more the Tallusian can control them.”
“Wow, now I understand much better why they targeted your otherwise peaceful world.”
“Exactly.” Zane nodded. “We believe the Realmist are looking for such a powerful Tallusian. War such as this will bring them into the open. Plus they want to destroy any threat.”
“Yes, I see.” Val pushed his hair back off his forehead.
“This is why for ages we’ve focused our energies on the arts. Relaxing, calming pursuits. War would open us up to using some of our skilled empaths and physics. It would not have been good for the rest of universe or ourselves. We tried to remain passive, keeping a low profile.”
“You’ve explained a lot.” Kade continued to watch him closely.
“I hope so. The skill Zalora has demonstrated since she was a child is the ability to detect lies. She reads people. She is amazing. She can predict future behavior based on projected emotions. You can ask her if someone is being deceitful or if they’re smiling in your face while holding rage in their heart. The benefit of this is amazing.” He paused. “Zalora’s very skilled. In fact, she suffers at times from the bombardment of others emotions. I’ve protected her from exposure. However, she has assisted me over the years. She told me she doesn’t feel Xihirians’ emotions. You’re wired differently. She’s relieved to be free of it. She suffers a lot on our world because her ability is so strong. Truly, she is never at peace. This is one reason she surrounds herself with children. Their emotions are simpler, less intense.”
“I see.” Val nodded.
“I’ll be upset if she loses the father to her child. So do as I suggest. And yes, I spoke to Zalora. She sent me here to you. She loves you very much. I’ve come to respect your relationship. I’ve calmed down. I do realize you’re committed to her. Your mating is as marriage. I am satisfied.”
“Yes, the mating is a lasting relationship.”
“I understand.” Zane looked him in the eyes. “I complied with Zalora’s compelling request to come to see you. I do want what is best for you both. I apologized to her as well. I think you should know. She is and will always be my child.” The older man seemed tired.
“I see. You think it is truly wise to take my mate who is with child? ”
“Yes, I do. I know she will have risk. But this has to be stopped. She may be able to stop or at least slow the Realmist. She has convinced me.” He glanced down at his hands.
“I see.” Val studied him.
“If I doubted this, I would not ask you such a thing. Zalora is a very capable woman.”
“Yes, she is.” Val just stared at him. “Very well, we will take her with us. I’m taking Kade, four other soldiers, a medtor with his medadvisor. Plus there will be a crew on the loaddisk.”
“Yes, I think from what you’ve said she may be helpful,” Kade added. “We’ll protect her with our lives.”
“Thank you. I know you will find her an asset to your mission.”
“Regardless, I’m worried about the safety of our mission in general. I don’t want her to be hurt or our child. And neither does Kade or anyone else. We’re a close, loving family. But if Zalora can help us free our sisters as well as escape unharmed, it will be worth the risk I think.” Val tapped his fingers on the table.
“Tomron’s a madman. You’ll need all the help you can get.”
“You don’t have to tell us.” Val shook his head.
“Yes, my world’s in ashes due to his insanity and hatred.”
Tension rolled down Val’s back.
“We’ll be leaving in approximately twenty-four hours. We’re taking a loaddisk to Terrian. It’s two hours from here by loaddisk. Tomron’s supposed to be waiting there for us with our sisters and our guards. We’ll be taking the Realmist prisoners currently in custody on Thyson’s ship. My father will be meeting another Realmist group on Farstation to exchange Philio Starson at the same time. Then Tomron’s supposed to free the Tallusians they have on one of their ships.”
“No doubt he has it all set up. I won’t be surprised if he has plans to double cross you in a significant way. Zalora will be able to predict many things.”
“No, he can’t be trusted. But we have no other option.” Val rubbed his face with his open hand. “He’ll be broadcasting our meeting as well as the Farstation meeting where my father will be handing over Philio Starson.�
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“Oh, that one’s crazier than Tomron. To release Starson is a shame, a real danger to everyone.” Zane shook his head. “Tomron loves the drama as well as the attention.”
“Yes, we know. We plan to recapture him along with Tomron. We will end them both.” Val looked at Thyson then Kade. “But we’ve no choice but to turn Starson over and follow for the most part what Tomron has instructed. I’m just praying we all get out of there alive. My father and his crew, too. So, I’m still reluctant to take Zalora. She’s carrying our child. It goes against everything I know. Plus, I don’t want to lose our sisters or our men. This is a delicate situation.” He looked at Kade.
“Yes, this is true. But, I tell you, Zalora’s gift can prove invaluable. She can even feel emotions even through communicators if the humanoids are projectors. But the closer the better, the more accurate she can be. Anyone she has contact with except some, such as Xihirians, she can feel.”
“King Zambali, I mean Zane, I appreciate you speaking with me about this.” Zane smiled. “I want you to know I love your daughter. I’ll take good care of her. I want you to be involved with her life, with us, our children. Pray all goes well so we can have a future.”
“I will do so. I will pray to our Creator.” Zane stood. “I’ll allow you to continue to confer with your officers in private. I do appreciate your time along with you trusting in my advice.” Zane turned, heading to the door.
“We’ll see you when we return.” Val stood, following him to the door. “And thank you.”
“Take care of my child in this mission and in her life. I know you’ll do your best.”
“I will.” The door closed, and King Zambali was gone.
“Well, some questions are resolved, such as why Tallusia.” Kade raised his eyebrow.
“Yes it does.” Val nodded. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see you in the morning to prepare for our mission. Please confer with father in my absence. I need to spend time with my mate.” Val looked first at Thyson’s image then to Kade.
“Yes, you do,” Thyson agreed.
