Helion

by Olivia March

  “Yes, High Commander, the issues I am bringing forth are of great importance. I will start by saying that last night I engaged a large contingent of Scourge who were heading right for my camp as if they knew where to find it. That in itself was suspicious enough but my sensory Keeper, Mithrain, detected the threat and we were able to call on Commander Melithan to reinforce us and defeat the Scourge. However, during the course of the battle, a large party of Scourge were able to not only penetrate the veil over our camp but quickly located and attacked my tent, where I have housed a human female and her daughter.”

  High Commander Bron’s eyebrows shot upward at the last.

  “You have a human female and child living in your tent, Commander? What do you mean by that?” Bron’s voice was hard, demanding Helion give a full accounting.

  “We found the female on an earlier attack against the Scourge. She was holed up in a small room, surrounded by the filth. My men and I rescued her and had plans to take her to a refugee camp but at the mention of one she became terrified. I couldn’t take her to a place that made her reek of fear. Nor could I leave her to fend for herself against the Scourge. She has no fighting ability. The only solution was to bring her back to camp with us.”

  Helion felt the insane urge to squirm under his Commander’s stern eye. He was an old, experienced Keeper but in that regard Bron surpassed him by far and somehow could still make him feel like a stripling.

  “Why do I get the feeling there is more to that situation than you are telling me, Commander Helion?”

  Helion could feel the tension in Melithan as he sat next to him. Melithan wouldn’t out him on his physical relationship with Gwen but Helion had no intention of keeping it a secret, in any case. He wanted to shout his mate’s name from every rooftop in Arthaneas, his heart quickening with pride and exultation whenever he thought of her. Bron’s mercurial eyes showed none of his thoughts but there was a wealth of ferocity in his body language. Now was clearly the time for complete truth.

  “I won’t prevaricate, High Commander. I’ve mated the female. I intend to marry her and against all odds we have made new life together, a son. She has a daughter of her own as well, whom I will now claim as mine.”

  Helion waited, outwardly at ease but under his skin extremely tense. He hadn’t missed the widening of Bron’s eyes at the news of his mate’s pregnancy before the expression was wiped away. He met Bron’s silver gaze without hesitation, willing to fight for his right to keep Gwen and their children in his life.

  “You are certain of this, Commander Helion? You know our species doesn’t interbreed. It’s been tried before, with our allies the shifters and the wizards. Is it possible this female was impregnated by a human male before you had her?”

  Bron’s voice was even but Helion could hear his skepticism. He didn’t blame him not believing. He had had doubts when Nathal had delivered the news. But Helion had faith in Nathal, an exceptionally gifted healer, a Keeper he trusted wholeheartedly with his own life and those of his men.

  “There is no doubt, High Commander. Healer Nathal has performed the deep scan. Lady Gwen’s body took my seed and now carries my son, a child Nathal assures me is Keeper, not human. He needs my essence to survive, something human babes apparently do not require.”

  “Do not require?” Melithan broke in, his voice intrigued. “How could they not require essence? How do their offspring grow strong and healthy?”

  “The lady Gwen informed me the health of the child is dependent on the actions of the mother. Eating the proper foods and resting, and so on. In fact, she mentioned many males on earth don’t even remain with their women when they conceive. She spoke from experience on this. The father of her daughter apparently left her once she informed him he was to be a father.”

  Melithan and Bron both wore incredulous expressions now. Helion could hardly believe it himself. On Arthaneas, one of the greatest joys in life was to be a husband and a father. If a female Keeper got with child, it was a glorious event for all. The pregnant mothers were pampered and adored, the children loved and cherished.

  “This is significant news indeed, Commander Helion. I will relay it to the lords of the council. I’m sure word of mouth will see it reaching the foot soldiers around Earth but I will inform the other Commanders so they can inform their men of the possible consequences of a dalliance. What other news?”

  “As I stated, it seemed as if the Scourge knew where to find my camp and where exactly to find my tent. On top of that, my sensory Keeper, Mithrain, has been missing since the battle. I can only conclude there is a traitor in my camp, that he led that large contingent of Scourge to our location and when thwarted killed Mithrain to ensure the success of his future plans. Not having a sensory Keeper makes us more vulnerable to surprise attacks, especially if the traitor brings them to our camp in such huge numbers.”

  High Commander Bron’s face went from impassive to full-on rage in the space of a heartbeat.

  “You cannot be suggesting one of your men, a warrior Keeper of Arthaneas, has betrayed our people and joined the Scourge.” The air fairly vibrated with Bron’s rage. The idea of any Keeper siding with the monsters who’d attacked their home world and countless others was too outrageous to be believed.

  “I didn’t want to believe it myself, High Commander, but too many incidences add up to one of my men being a traitor. A very conniving one at that. I cannot think of a single Keeper under my command who has been at all discontent or furtive. I treat my men well and they respect me fully. But there can be no mistake, not when you consider this large-scale sneak attack and Mithrain’s disappearance.”

  Helion gave his Commander a minute to compose himself. Bron’s chest rose and fell rapidly as he tried to get himself under control. He had a temper to rival just about any other’s. When they found this traitor, he would suffer untold agonies before he was allowed to die. Before he was allowed to die very, very slowly.

  “What do you need, Commander?” he barked out, still struggling to contain his rage.

  “I asked Commander Melithan here to this meeting because I no longer have a sensory Keeper and there is a traitor in my camp. I’d like to join forces with him, if he’s amenable. I cannot quit the field before my mission is complete but now I am down a valuable part of my team and I have much to protect. On top of that, with my mate breeding, I can’t go more than a few hours from her side, so all the missions I lead will need to be fast, brutal strikes not too far from camp. Combining forces with Melithan would give me the added security to protect my new family as well as providing us with access to a sensory Keeper who could detect any Scourge the traitor might lead toward camp.”

  “If this traitor killed one sensory Keeper, I wouldn’t put it past him to kill another. My sensory Keeper is still young, Commander Helion. This is his first campaign against the Scourge. I’m amenable to joining our forces but extra precautions will need to be taken so my warrior isn’t eliminated as well.”

  Commander Melithan looked outwardly composed, except for his eyes. Those red eyes burned with searing heat, the idea of a Keeper betraying, and killing, his comrades almost upsetting his composure. He clearly wanted to kill something, which Helion would be happy to assist with as soon as he got back to Earth. The Scourge would regret the day they turned a Keeper warrior to their side.

  “I understand, Commander Melithan, that occurred to me as well. I have an exceptional shadow Keeper under my command. On top of whatever protections you want to provide for your warrior, I will assign Nefarion to shadow him at all times. The traitor will soon come to regret it if he makes any moves toward your sensor, I guarantee that.”

  It was true, Nefarion was one of the most skilled shadow Keepers Helion had ever known. But also knowing Nefarion’s penchant for enjoying giving Helion grief, Helion fully intended to make his instructions extremely explicit this time. If Nefarion failed him on this mission, he’d show the cocky bastard the business end of his sword.

  “That’s se
ttled then. Commander Helion, I give you permission to relocate your camp to join with Commander Melithan’s. Your area is compromised and you shouldn’t linger there. Once you clear through the state of Kentucky, you will move north to Indiana. I will see to it the Commanders around your areas are fully aware of the situation, in case you need emergency reinforcements. Commander Helion, I want weekly reports on the progress of your mate’s pregnancy to pass on to the council. And you will find this traitor and bring him to me.”

  High Commander Bron’s tone brooked no refusal but Helion was tempted to gainsay him anyway. The traitor was one of his men, meaning Helion should by right be the one to interrogate and execute him. But the High Commander’s orders were law.

  “As you wish, High Commander,” he replied tightly, standing to execute a brief bow before turning to leave. He saw Commander Melithan do the same and follow him out of the courtyard.

  They walked in silence for a moment, both deep in their own thoughts. Melithan couldn’t keep his musings to himself for long, however.

  “You really bred the human female, Helion? It just seems so…unlikely. Humans are so frail and weak compared to Keepers. I had my doubts we could even share sex with them, but breeding too?”

  “Not just breeding, Melithan. I made the lady mine just a day ago. I took her only a handful of times and she took my seed and made it grow. The little mother has owned my thoughts and obsessed my cock since the day I met her but I never expected this. Now I have a mate and a daughter and a son on the way. I’m more blessed than I can express.”

  Melithan looked pensive as he considered Helion’s words. A mate. Children. Helion knew Melithan craved these things as well. Even on their own planet, the women were scared of him. What chance did he have a human female could see past the red eyes of her nightmares, on top of a hulking body and hair as dark as pitch? What fragile human female would want to put her life in his hands? Helion did not feel the cause was hopeless, but he couldn’t blame Melithan for having doubts.

  “You know where to find my camp, Commander Helion. I’ll have a segment cleared for your arrival. Do not tarry. We need to make sure your little family is locked down tight. No Scourge will get so close to them again, my vow.”

  “Thank you, my friend, I welcome all the assistance you can give. Together we’ll make the Scourge sorry they ever came to this planet. And when my son is born, I will make you his Guardian.”

  Helion bowed and extended his hand to Melithan. When Melithan took it with his own, the vow was sealed.

  Chapter Nineteen

  When Gwen came to, she was tucked up in bed, the after-effects of her orgasms giving her limbs an amazing lassitude. She felt happy, content and satisfied, emotions she hadn’t felt in many months. In no hurry to open her eyes, Gwen smiled when she heard Evie’s happy grunts as Verdun played with her. Before long she would have two children to marvel over and love, a fact she could still hardly believe was true.

  Gwen reached down a hand and stroked it over her abdomen. If Nathal was right, Helion’s son was growing in there. If he was anything like his father, he’d grow strong and confident and could be Evie’s protector and confidant. That did a lot to soothe the worry constantly in her heart for Evie. For months the knowledge that if anything happened to her, Evie would be defenseless had worn her down. Now she would have a brother and she would have Helion.

  Helion. He was an honorable man. Gwen felt positive no matter what feelings he had for her, Helion would take care of his son and by extension his son’s sister, if anything should happen to Gwen. It was comforting, but also not…quite enough. Over the last few days Gwen had gotten to watch him, share meals with him, have conversations with him. And when they’d shared their bodies, the feelings she’d been forming for him had coalesced into pure, blinding love.

  She hadn’t told him she loved him. And he hadn’t told her. Gwen knew he desired her. Considering how sore her body was, that fact was not in doubt. He was protective and solicitous of her needs. Helion was her protector and her lover and now the father of her child. But what were his feelings? She couldn’t even begin to guess.

  “My lady, how are you feeling?”

  Gwen opened her eyes and saw Nathal standing by the bed. His lavender eyes really were quite stunning, particularly so paired with the dove-gray of his hair. Gray hair on her planet usually indicated advanced age but Nathal looked vital and in his prime. Gwen secretly hoped he wouldn’t want to examine her…intimately any time soon. She’d always had a female gynecologist and a female OB for Evie’s delivery. Was there anything more horrifying than having an attractive male between your knees clinically examining your private areas?

  “I feel fine, Nathal,” she finally answered, starting to sit up. It was then she realized she was still one hundred percent naked and quickly lay flat again, her cheeks on fire.

  “Verdun has a bath and a meal ready for you. You need to eat well, to keep up your strength. We will leave you for a little while so you may bathe in peace.”

  Verdun stood with Evie and both he and Nathal bowed deeply to her, leaving bemusement in their wake as they exited the tent. Both Keepers had always been respectful, had always been kind and always nodded to her when they came or left. That deep-bowing thing was new though. Shrugging, Gwen hopped out of bed and rushed through her bath. She really wanted to eat and if Helion returned while she was naked and bathing, then who knew when she’d be able to clean up again.

  Before long, clean, stomach full, Gwen sat on Helion’s bed with Evelyn and gave her food as well. Verdun always seemed to just know when the time was right to return with her precious girl. Too bad he was such a badass warrior, he could make a killing as a nanny. The image of Verdun taking care of babies all day brought a smile to her face and then a small chuckle to her lips. And with a start, Gwen realized just how happy she was.

  She’d been so obsessed with, well, obsessing about Helion she hadn’t really stopped to appreciate the other things she was feeling. They had a warm tent to sleep in, comfortable beds, Verdun to see to their every need and Nathal to monitor their health. They had good food to eat every night and protection from the Scourge all around them. Despite her worry about the relationship with Helion, this was truly the happiest she’d been in so long.

  Gwen was still playing with her content little girl when she heard a minor commotion outside the tent. Her breath caught when Helion came striding commandingly through the doorway, once again fully decked out in all that impressive armor, his hair perfectly arranged, his weapons gleaming and deadly. His eyes immediately locked with hers, assessing, slightly intimidating. But mostly possessive.

  “Little mother, we have much to discuss. How fare our children?”

  One of Gwen’s eyebrows lifted at that but since several of his men had followed him inside the tent, she decided not to question his phraseology.

  “Evie is happy as a clam, Commander, and Nathal told me the new baby is doing fine.”

  Helion nodded, then walked to the nearby table. He held out a chair with one hand, beckoning Gwen with the other. Every Keeper in the tent was watching her, saw her hesitate before climbing off the bed with Evie and sitting in the chair Helion held for her. Helion took the seat next to her, after moving it far too close to her own for comfort. He compounded the lack of space by casually putting his arm around her shoulders.

  “Little mother, I’ve just returned from a meeting with our High Commander. This latest attack from the Scourge was an anomaly. They shouldn’t have been able to find our camp, much less get right to my tent. On top of that, Mithrain has been missing since the battle. Mithrain’s special sensory abilities alerted us to the Scourge attack before they could take us by surprise. Can you guess what that means?”

  Gwen stared at him for a moment, working out the possibilities in her head.

  “I see two possible scenarios. Though I think it unlikely, Mithrain could have betrayed you all and left before his deceit could be found out. Or, more likely, t
here’s a traitor somewhere in your camp and he killed the threat to his plans.”

  When Helion smiled at her, Gwen nearly smiled in return. She hated herself for it, but a weak, female part of her basked in his approval. Gwen wanted him to see her as more of an equal, if not in physical strength, then at least in intellect.

  “Mithrain would never have betrayed me. You are correct. There is a traitor in our camp and with Mithrain gone, most likely dead, our camp is now vulnerable to more of these surprise attacks. I won’t risk you, our children or my men with those circumstances. High Commander Bron has approved my unit to join forces with Commander Melithan’s camp. We will have greater numbers and access to a sensory Keeper.”

  “So we’re packing up camp? When do we leave?” It seemed such a large undertaking, Helion had over three hundred warriors in the camp, with well over one hundred tents and a lot of equipment.

  “Yes, little mother, we will be leaving shortly, in about an hour. Verdun will organize the packing of this tent. I will need you to gather your and Evelyn’s belongings. You will both need to dress warmly as we will be lightstepping for many miles to reach Melithan’s camp. Go on and get started and call for Verdun if you need any help.”

  Gwen nodded and stood, happy enough to get away from all those watchful eyes around the table. She heard Helion address them all in low tones but didn’t try to eavesdrop. They were joining forces with another camp, adding to their numbers and the protection for her and Evie. That could only be to the good, especially if there was a traitor in Helion’s camp. A traitor who had probably killed Mithrain. Poor Mithrain. He’d been so gentle to her, so compassionate. Such a tragic waste of a life, to be felled not even by the enemy, but by one of his own.

  “We move out in one hour, men. I want no traces of us left in this area so make sure nothing is left behind. Our pace to Commander Melithan’s will be swift. I don’t trust this traitor not to have arranged another attack quickly and I want my mate and children safe inside Mithrain’s shield. You’re my guard and you’ll protect them with your lives, understood?”