by Ciara Lake
Saleeya gaped at him in surprise. “Are you kidding?”
“No, I think he could hurt you. I think he’s dangerous. Saleeya, I’m not asking this to win. It’s not about victory. I want you to be happy. I want you to be safe. It’s never contest between us. It’ll never be. We’re one. I’m your protector, lover, and mate. Do you understand me?” He hugged her.
Studying him, she saw the fear, the uncertainty in his gaze. That seeming weakness eased her mind, soothing her worries. With a small smile, Saleeya nodded her understanding. She placed her head against his chest. “Let’s go now, before I undress you and make love to you again.”
Chapter Seven
The rain started again as their transport sped through the jungle. Kael was a remarkable pilot. His gaze covered the panels with ease, fingers moving lightly over the controls. Like he’s making love. The thought drifted in her mind as she watched him navigate back to the Palace. Since they boarded the ship, he had seemed stiff, too quiet. When they reached the edge of the Ziriacan Jungle, the sun came out from behind the tress and clouds. Saleeya could see that it was exceptionally humid. They made the entire trip in comfortable silence. Saleeya paid little attention to anything beyond the male next to her.
Her curiosity pricked when he landed away from the usual landing spot. A quick quirk of his lips kept her questions to herself as he released her seatbelt. He jerked his chair around and his belt flicked back away from his body. Rising swiftly from his pilot chair, he headed for the hatch. At times like this, Saleeya felt shy or leery of him. Although she realized he would not harm her since he liked her well enough. He was so big and powerful she had forgotten how formidable he was. He seemed different when he was at the jungle house, out of uniform and out of his clothes. Now he was behaving differently from the man she had shared amazing intimacy. Kael’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Saleeya, this is the Palace’s family residence. My mother, sisters, and Mia will be waiting for you inside our common living area.”
Striding with a controlled grace, Kael led her into the Palace’s family wing. She nearly had to run to keep up with him. She really needed to talk with him about patience. Once again, he was in his military leader persona. He was rigid and aloof. As soon as a group of women spotted Kael, squealing voices rose anxiously. They all ran to greet them.
“Oh, Kael she’s lovely,” they squealed in unison. “We’re all so happy for you.”
“Saleeya Braeden, these are our excited sisters.”
It surprised Saleeya that he had given her his surname. “This is Kalista, my twin.” Kael motioned to each as he introduced them to Saleeya. “This is Mariel, my brother Klayvin’s mate. They’re recently mated. My younger sister Kaie, and my youngest sister Kalinda. She’s barely twelve years old. She’s the baby of the family.” Kael allowed Kalinda to hug his side.
“It’s wonderful to meet you all.” Saleeya smiled sincerely. She took Kalista’s hand in hers.
“Hello, I’m Kalinda.” She stepped away from Kael to stand right in front of Saleeya. “I’m not a baby anymore.” She shook her head defiantly. “Mother is about to explode with children younger than me.” Kalinda put her hands on her hips, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “We’ve been so excited to meet you. You’re so pretty.” Kalinda smiled brightly and reached for Saleeya’s hand.
Kalista interrupted, “Kael didn’t tell us enough about you. We’ve been dying to meet the female who captured our most difficult and short-tempered brother. My mate’s certain you must be magical. He’s an Alpha Prime beast, you know.” Kalista rolled her beautiful amber eyes. “Come on with us. Kael’s going to meet with Father. They have to attend to government business.” Kalista dismissed Kael and led Saleeya away. She led Saleeya by the hand toward their mother’s chamber. Saleeya looked back at Kael and waved. He nodded, turned, and left. His sisters converged upon her with thousands of questions.
“The babies are going to come today,” Kaie excitedly told Saleeya, clapping her hands together. “I’m pregnant, too, for the first time.” She rubbed her hands over her slightly curved belly. “My mate and I are so pleased. We’ll have a big nursery full of babies in the Palace. I hope that Kael will give you a baby soon. Kalista had her baby only four months ago. Father said the big Council meeting would have to wait for him to see his children born and his mate well. Kael and Thyson, Kalista’s mate, will keep the Council members engaged. They’re enjoying themselves with our food, entertainment, and drink. Minister Vitalion is the only one who isn’t happy. Father doesn’t like him at all. He says he’s not to be trusted. Mother’s concerned that Father may become feral and attack the man if provoked any more. He says Kael was right to despise Vitalion.” Kaie had a flurry of information.
“What more has Vitalion done to irritate your father?”
“Well, he continues to be insulting. But I think it’s just a feeling my father and Thyson have. The more they’re around him, the more they sense him as dishonest somehow. Father reads people well,” Kaie explained.
They entered an attractive bedchamber similar to the other open-air rooms. Balconies lined the room. It was large but comfortable. Carlista looked so tiny in the big bed that occupied the center of the room.
Mia saw Saleeya, rushed to her, and hugged her tight. “Saleeya, I’m so happy to see you. This is a wonderful place. I love your new family. They’ve been so sweet to me. Was Kael kind to you? Are you well?” Mia’s excitement showed on her sweet face.
“Oh yes, I’m wonderful, Mia,” Saleeya assured her cheerful friend, hugging her back.
“Saleeya, come here so I may see my new daughter,” Carlista called from the bed and waved her hand, beckoning Saleeya to her. “Come close to me. I can’t get up.” She held out her hand. The females gathered all around the bed. “Saleeya, you’re worthy of our son. You look so lovely.” Carlista smiled up at Saleeya. “After I have my twins, Kliven and I will provide you and our Alpha Prime Son the most marvelous Joining Ceremony. Did you enjoy yourself at the relaxation house? Was Kael romantic and kind?” Carlista’s enthusiasm was contagious.
“Yes, the house was very comfortable and we had a wonderful time together. He was very romantic.” Saleeya warmly squeezed Carlista’s hand.
“Oh, I’m so happy. There’s much to be celebrated. We’re delighted our Alpha Prime Son has joined with a mate. My son has done well.” Carlista affectionately squeezed Saleeya’s hand back.
“Thank you. You’re most gracious. I’ll be a good mate to Kael. I appreciate you all welcoming me into your home.” Saleeya bowed her head respectfully.
A male voice interrupted from the doorway. “Well stated, my daughter. I welcome you, too. Our home is your home from this day forward.” Saleeya turned to see the imposing Kliven watching them from the bedchamber’s doorway. “My daughters.” He walked toward them. “Saleeya and Mia will need to come with me. Did Kael explain not to reveal your mating to Vitalion or any other outsiders?” He studied them, waiting for their answer.
“Yes, he did. I don’t fully understand, but I’ll tell no one,” Saleeya confirmed. Mia nodded.
“Very good, I’ll take you back to the group. Try to stay close to Kael, Thyson, Kalista’s mate, or me at all times. Stay within sight, never go anywhere without Mia. Don’t trust Vitalion. We grow more leery of him. He seems secretive and uncooperative even with the other Council members. Plus, there are just too many strangers in our Palace. Do you understand, Saleeya? I’ll give you a few more moments here with Carlista and your sisters. When I come back, we’ll leave to attend the first official Council meeting. All members from the Council planets have arrived and we are ready to commence our official meetings.” Kliven left into an adjacent room. Saleeya could not help but ask a provocative question in her mind.
“Kalista, what does Alpha Prime Son mean?” Kalista and the others regarded Saleeya oddly.
Carlista answered, “Oh child, we didn’t realize you didn’t know. We would have explained.” Carli
sta softly laughed. “Kael’s an alpha, as are all of our sons and daughters. All children born to an Alpha Prime are alphas. Kliven’s an Alpha Prime, and that’s why at times Kael and Kliven clash. Kael, too, is a Prime, meaning he’s the biggest and fiercest of Wolftons. When he shifts, he’s far larger than the rest of us, except for his father. Primes are more volatile, magical, and feral. Our kind greatly respects Prime shifters. There’re not many born. They’re special to our Xihirian races. They’re born to be leaders. Kael will be the next Sovereign of Xihirah. Even if I birth more Alpha Prime males, Kael will be the oldest. He’ll be the next ruler of Xihirah when his father steps down.”
“Father won’t be stepping down for a while.” Kalista looked warmly at Saleeya. “So you both will be free to have fun and travel about for a long while. We weren’t being flippant when we were anxious to meet the brave female who tamed our most difficult brother. He’s very difficult and moody. It’s a rare female to cool his temper, capture his attention, and manage his petulant ways. He suffers greatly from impatience.” Kalista winked at Saleeya. “I should know. I’ve known him since the womb. He even pushed me out of the way to arrive first.”
“Kalista, don’t make her have trepidation with your words. Kael, like his father and his brothers, will always be kind to you. He has chosen you. You’ve joined as one. You’re our family as if born to us. You’ve nothing to fear from him or any of our family’s Alpha males. Kael will treat you well. Better than he treats us all.” Carlista grinned. “He protects and loves each one of us. You’re especially dear to him,” Carlista chastised her oldest daughter. Kalista bowed her head in respect but smiled knowingly.
Kliven entered the room. He walked over to his mate. The females parted, stepping back so that he could approach their mother’s side. “Mate, how do you feel?” Kliven gently kissed her check.
“Like I’m having two more of your babies.” Carlista made a funny face and kissed him back.
“All right, you take care. Our daughters will summon me when the time is here.” He kissed her again and looked to Saleeya. “Daughter, let’s go take care of this. I wish to be done with this ridiculous endeavor. I grow tired of all of these politicians in my home. Kael’s being on edge is eating at my nerves too. Mia, our dear friend, please come with us.”
The three left the family wing to head to the Great Hall. The Great Hall had been set up to host a large meeting of people. There were twenty-three politicians along with their assistants mingling, awaiting the Xihirian Sovereign’s return to begin the meeting. As they entered the room, Saleeya felt Kael’s eyes on her. Vitalion immediately noticed her. He looked angry. Almost as if he was going to explode.
When the crowd noticed Kliven’s appearance, they quieted. “Council members, thank you for waiting. My daughter, Kalista, has just returned with the Council’s Communicator and her assistant. They attended a Xihirian woman’s charity meeting my daughter hosted on behalf of my mate in the Ferileson Capital.” Kliven spun his story, paused, and gestured toward Vitalion. “I thank the Minister Vitalion for his support of this diplomatic overture. Relations between our people and Kritons are important for both our worlds’ futures. Females are natural diplomats and work best to bring cultures together. Miss Stayvel and Miss Tiller did a magnificent job representing your culture and people. We are most pleased.” Vitalion nodded to Kliven in acceptance. Vitalion seemed somewhat appeased for now. “Now, we’ll commence our political discussions.” Kliven gestured toward Kael. “Council members, this is my Alpha Prime Son, Admoncor Kael Braeden. He’s the leader of our Xihirian Military and Security Elite Force. Let’s take our seats so we may begin this meeting.” Kliven finished his introductions and took his seat. Kael seated himself next to his father near the head of the table.
Saleeya and Mia sat with the Kritons at the opposite end of the enormously long, narrow table. Saleeya immediately missed being near to Kael. The meeting lasted for hours. Saleeya grew hungry and bored with the redundancy of the conversation. Fortunately, all she had to do was listen to ensure there were no miscommunications among the participants. Misunderstandings could cause hurt feelings, or worse, unpleasant political incidents. Dealing with so many representatives from so many worlds and cultures, communication issues could easily develop. If unchecked, they could become extremely serious. To avoid tragic miscommunications, communicators were necessary to assist in such meetings and events.
Even a representative from Earth was present. During this first meeting, the group decided that the meetings on Delore Moon would go forward. There would be a limited number of Council representatives to actually go to the Moon to have face-to-face contact with Clitax Tomron. It was confirmed that it was a risky meeting. Many were reluctant and fearful of the jeopardy involved. The Xihirians agreed to utilize Kriton ships, the ships that Xihirah manufactured, to wait in space near the Delore Moon in case there was any disturbance. In addition, they would use smaller Xihirian soldiers to blend in with the Kriton security force on the Delore Moon to offer added protection to the participants. These Xihirians would be able to mask their identities as shifters yet have their special skills of strength, speed, and other unique abilities to aid the Kriton’s security force. Saleeya was about to pass out when they announced the break for a meal. Saleeya was so grateful. She needed to visit the cleaning chamber, drink some water, and eat before she caused an episode by fainting in front of these gathered people. Her appetite had become fierce. “Mia, I need to go to the cleaning chamber to relieve myself.”
“Okay, but we should be quick. There’re many strange people here.” Mia nervously looked around. “We aren’t to be alone. I know where a close cleaning chamber is. Follow me.” Mia led Saleeya down a hallway hidden by potted plants. The guests’ cleaning chambers were clearly marked. Mia ushered them into one and locked the door behind them. “You go ahead first, Saleeya. I’m going to refresh my face.” Saleeya finished and came up to stand next to Mia at the mirror.
“You look radiant, Saleeya. Mating has caused subtle changes in you that I can detect only because I know you so well. How do you feel?” Mia smiled at Saleeya.
“Happy.” Saleeya fixed her face and hair.
“I’m so happy for you. Obviously Kael’s battering ram wasn’t so bad?” Mia giggled.
“No, it’s exquisite.” Saleeya watched her face turn red in the mirror. “Vitalion looked livid when we entered the Great Hall with Kliven. He’s displeased that we were gone. He’ll probably chew us out regardless of what Kael’s father said. Oh well.” Mia shrugged. “He better not do it in front of the Xihirians or he’ll be toast, or I should say burnt meat.”
“Hmm, meat sounds good. I’m hungry. Let’s go get something to eat.” Saleeya opened the cleaning chamber’s door. She held it open for Mia to step out. They ran directly into Vitalion.
His face red and blotchy, he leaned closer, his knuckles white with the force of his anger. “Miss Stayvel and Miss Tiller, so nice of you to both finally join us to do what you’ve been retained to attend to,” he ground out. Saleeya shivered at the jealous rage in his eyes when he fixed them on her. “Both of you will be reprimanded for your behavior. Especially you, Miss Stayvel, deserting your post without my permission. You’re foolish, stupid girls. I’ll see you both punished for your oversight and disrespect for me. When this venture is completed, you won’t work again for the government of Kriton or any other Council member’s world. Do you hear me?” Spittle ran down his chin, spraying across the small space between them.
Saleeya felt her face flame with anger. “Minister, we’ve done nothing wrong. We’ve attended the Council meeting and will continue to attend the meetings. My role is to assist the Council in correct communication to ensure there are no misunderstandings,” she stated between clenched teeth. “I’m doing that. It appears to me that you have forgotten your place. Perhaps you should remember that I’m not your personal secretary or assistant. You have Jarvin Manntree for that. I have performed and will continue to
perform my function. Mia isn’t your assistant, she’s mine.” Saleeya jabbed him in the chest with her finger. “The Kriton government isn’t the only planet paying my fees. I’m not intended to be at your personal disposal. I’m an independent professional retained to offer my expertise to the entire Council. Mia and I accepted an invitation from the Xihirian Sovereign’s mate. We’re honored guests and should respect their extensions of hospitality. My duty’s to help smooth relations between Xihirah and Kriton. Mia and I have done just that.”
“How dare you.”
“You can try to ruin us professionally, but I’m sure the Kriton Congress and the Council of Planets will see your error. I don’t fear you or your threats. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to eat. We’re hungry from actually paying attention to the meeting instead of slipping into catnaps as you continued to do.” Saleeya struggled to regain control of her temper, her blood boiling at the tone and threats spewed from Vitalion.
Saleeya and Mia tried to slip around Vitalion. He grabbed Saleeya’s wrist, his fingers sinking in enough to send shards of pain lacing up her arm. “Let go of me,” Saleeya demanded, twisting to get out of his hold.
“You listen here, you animal-loving whore.” He twisted her arm more. “I see how you make eyes at that unpleasant Admoncor bastard. I see how he watches you. You disgust me with your admiration for that rutting beast. You had best beg my forgiveness for your unruly and disrespectful tongue. Perhaps you should put your skillful tongue to use in ways that’ll ensure my forgiveness. If you’re a whore, use your skill on someone who’s more deserving and human.” Vitalion repulsively spit into Saleeya’s face. He leered suggestively at both Saleeya and Mia.
Saleeya wrenched her wrist away free from Vitalion’s painful grip. Without thought, Saleeya slapped Vitalion across the face with her other hand. The slap echoed loudly in the hallway. For a moment, it looked as if Mia was ready to fight too. Saleeya thought for sure that Vitalion was going to strike her back. “You’re a bigoted, deceitful, and disgusting man. You label the Xihirians as animals. The truth is that you’re the rutting beast. If you touch me again, I’ll use your teeth as a necklace.” Saleeya grabbed Mia and rushed past him, returning to the Great Hall. The Council guests were being slowly ushered into the dining area. Saleeya could smell the aroma of deliciously prepared food wafting through the air, yet her appetite was gone.
