by Isabel Wroth
“Warranted as it was,” Kalix began, “that is not the purpose for why we are here. It was the initial encounter with Jonas’s mate, and the manner in which Alec delivered her reprimand.”
Tarek blinked again. “The manner?”
Alec wiggled in her seat uncomfortably, clutching the hand Kalix sat on her thigh.
“D’nora challenged Alec with rudeness and disrespect, and Alec responded by overpowering D’nora’s beast. Alec didn’t move a muscle, yet caused Jonas and his mate both to change.”
“Fully change?” Clary asked, unexpectedly excited for some reason.
Alec cleared her throat. “No. Jonas popped his claws, and his eyes changed. D’nora too. Seriously, though. I don’t know how I did it.”
Kalix tried not to smile at his mate. Truly, the threat they posed to the pride aside, Kalix could not help but be proud of her.
“They would have, had Alec pressed further and the two not acquiesced to the command of her beast.”
“Oh, thank god,” Clary said in a rush of relief.
Beside him, Alec’s eyebrows shot clear into her hairline, yet Kalix remained uncertain as to why the Asho’na was relieved by the news that Alec held the power to take Clary’s place. Kalix looked to his commander in confusion, put on edge by the total lack of his reaction.
“You were concerned my mate and I would consider this a threat.” Tarek made it a statement rather than a question, but Kalix answered anyway.
“Yes.”
“Do you want the pride?”
Kalix opened his mouth to deny he did, but Alec beat him to it. “Not a chance in hell.”
Clary laughed at the vehemence in Alec’s tone, further confusing them. Tarek rocked back in his chair, still giving nothing away to say one way or the other if he felt differently.
“The Breeding Festival is in two days,” he commented.
Kalix inclined his head slightly, rubbing his thumb over Alec’s thigh when she squeezed his hand tightly.
“We have not made arrangements to attend yet. In light of what occurred, I wished to ask permission to go, and to ensure both of you held no doubts about our continued loyalty to the pride. To you. Neither Alec or I have any desire to challenge your place as pride rulers.”
Clary took a breath to answer, but frowned sideways at her mate, likely receiving a silent instruction to be quiet.
“I had not and do not doubt your loyalty.” Tarek stated gravely.
Kalix could feel the immediate rush of Alec’s relief, and could not say he did not feel a measure of it himself.
“I gladly give you my blessing to attend the festival. However, there is a matter I would discuss with you.”
“Should I leave, then?” Alec offered, earning herself a gentle snort from Clary.
Tarek gave a careless wave of his fingers. “There are no secrets between mates, and what I ask will affect both of you.”
Kalix purposefully shoved his amusement toward Alec, feeling her jolt a little in reaction.
She frowned, no doubt searching her emotions for the cause of it, but to his delight looked at him askance when she realized where the amusement had come from.
“Until my plans are finalized and put in motion, what I tell you now is not to be shared with anyone else.” Kalix and Alec both agreed to keep their silence, and Tarek continued with an annoyed curl of his lip.
“After much discussion, I have decided to give the traitors of the Original Council what they claim to want.
“They claim my fore sires are to blame for the uprising that led my sire to unite the clans, thereby weakening the pride as a whole.
“They also claim the poisoning of our females, allowed by my great-grandsire, is the reason why our population continues to decline every hundred cycles or so, and why taking mates outside of our species will only weaken the pride further.
“The Original Council make many such accusations as to how I and those before me are to blame for the problems which plague our species.
“Hypocritically excusing the murder and usury of their own people, importing banned technology and weapons created by our enemies and all manner of treasonous crimes, to be the only way to save our declining way of life.
“While I find the majority of the human legislative system to be ridiculous, my mate has provided me with some rather valuable insight on how I cannot only strengthen the pride, but also undermine the foothold the traitors have gained through their supporters.
“I can say with confidence, none of them will be pleased with my plans, and I expect there will be more unrest for some time to come.
“There is in truth simply too much ground for me to cover without the assistance of those I know I can trust, to ensure the traitors have no place to go to continue their infiltration.
“Discovering your mate’s ability to command beasts the way my mate is able is actually quite timely.
“It is my decision, that just as the armada has commanders, so too will the corresponding planets. Clary has used the term governor, and for now that title suits our purposes.
“It is my wish that you govern over one of the planets, the commander of the corresponding warship with report directly to you, and you will report to me. Thereby increasing the efficiency of how we maintain control of our system wide territory.”
To say Kalix was stunned would have been glaringly inaccurate.
What the Asho was proposing was indeed a brilliant plan, giving the population as a whole the certainty that their pride ruler had their best interests at heart and was willing to do whatever necessary to protect and provide for them.
While at the same time giving the Original Council no option to continue using the uprising and forced unity of the clans as an excuse for their terrorism.
Kalix was honored, humbled, that Tarek would even consider him to play such a vital role in his plans. But the frank truth was no one would recognize Kalix as an authority figure, simply for the color of his clan markings.
He intended to say so, but before he could even push the thought from his lips, Tarek went on with a purpose.
“No doubt you intend to say something ridiculous about your heritage, but the planet I would have you command, and the fierceness of the female beside you will swiftly reveal which of the warriors around you are trustworthy, and which are not.
“You will likely be challenged for the right to your command once it is established. If you are even half the beast Brennaugh claims you are, I have no doubt you will meet all comers and grind them into the dust.”
“Which planet?” Alec asked confidently.
Tarek continued to rock back and forth, Clary sitting in his lap with a happy smile on her face.
“S6.”
“The prison planet?” Alec clarified slowly, already gathering herself to defend him.
Tarek inclined his head in his regal manner, watching them both closely now. “I had initially thought to appoint my brother to the task, but his mate is unfortunately too soft and gentle for such an undertaking.” Clary elbowed her mate and shot him a dark look, which made him sigh with exasperation.
“Also, it was suggested it might appear as though I was punishing T’mai, or insinuating that for his perceived weakness, he belonged there.
“Neither is true, and because my mate is so concerned with everyone’s feelings, I will clarify my reasons for assigning you this post.
“S6 is, as you know, Kalix, not just a prison. It is the wellspring of our most valuable resource, and the most vulnerable to attack.”
Clary, finally seeming to be unable to maintain her silence, looked at Alec with kindness.
“It’s where the ore comes from. It’s used as currency in this star system and what we trade with for things we can’t manufacture. It’s also the metal used to make the warships, armor, and weapons for the Sarazen military.”
Alec made a sound of understanding, but within, she still maintained her skepticism.
“Thus, I cannot send a warrior or
a mated pair to govern the territory unless they are strong enough to hold it.” Tarek gave Kalix a questioning look, likely asking if he understood. Of course he did.
Without a capable commander to maintain order and control of a territory as volatile as that of S6, the Asho would constantly have to send more warriors and resources to hold the planet and keep it out of enemy hands. Not to mention the danger the prisoners themselves posed.
That Tarek was appointing Kalix to this command was not a punishment or a statement to say he found Kalix unworthy to control the territory. It was the complete opposite.
“What about the kids and the rest of my people? Will they stay here, or go with us to S6?” Alec asked.
Tarek jerked his chin up at them. “That will be up to the two of you to decide. Commander V’ar will likely object at first.
“No doubt he will feel slighted at first, having been charged with protecting S6 from orbit for so long, but he cannot hold the planet and command a warship at the same time.
“The odds of him calling for a challenge are good, and will potentially be the first of your obstacles as you take command of the planet.
“I have found him honorable thus far. His temperament is such that when you claim victory, he will cede graciously and be a strong ally.
“I intend to call a meeting of all fifteen warship commanders and the males I have chosen as governors to begin the transition process, after the breeding festival.”
“You’ll need a few days to recover,” Clary told Alec. “After the meeting, there will be time enough for you guys to have a little honeymoon if you want.”
Alec gave a strangled laugh, scarlet and radiating embarrassment for some reason.
“Honeymoon? Is this another human day of birth celebration?” Kalix asked seriously, confused as to why his mate was so mortified, and why his question made the Asho’na burst out laughing.
*****
Clary’s laughter followed them out of Tarek’s office and Alec was fairly certain she had never been more embarrassed.
She was trying to fend off Kalix’s continued curiosity about honeymoons, but she knew she was going to have to tell him.
If she didn’t, he would ask Zee, which would be even more embarrassing.
Worse, Alec could actually feel Kalix trying to figure it out. Feel his curiosity, the lingering sensation of his uncertainty regarding being given a promotion, the confusion, the amazement. Even his feelings of triumph and happiness.
Aside from having been surprised with Zhenya’s unbearably sweet effort into her birthday, it had taken her the entire morning to suss out why she had felt so emotionally whacked out.
It hadn’t been until she had been feeling seriously uncertain in Tarek’s office, then felt the urge to laugh come out of nowhere, that she realized what had happened.
The unexplainable mystery of the bond between Sarazens and their mates, finally manifesting between them.
First the erotic dream sharing, now this, which wasn’t bad. Just... confusing. More than a little overwhelming, and Kalix wouldn’t stop pestering her!
She made it to one of the semi-private balconies and grabbed him by the shirt, looking around hoping no one would overhear her when she smacked at his arm and hissed.
“Clary meant sex. Okay? That’s what she meant. That after the festival we should go to S6 and fuck like rabbits the whole time.”
Unsurprisingly, Kalix’s pupils jumped up to slits and back at the mention of sex. Except this time, she felt the punch of his own desire hit her right between her thighs.
As though he had reached down and touched her physically, despite standing perfectly still with his hands in plain sight at his sides.
“What is a rabbit?”
Alec blew out a breath, attempting to calm down her suddenly very excited vagina.
“A small furry creature they used to have on Earth. Put two rabbits in a cage together, a month later you’d have ten rabbits. Then fifty by the end of the next month.”
“So rabbits perform this honeymoon ritual in order to create a horde of offspring?”
Despite her embarrassment, Alec found herself laughing. She laughed so hard tears streamed down her cheeks.
When she was finally able to see, when the gut clenching laughter eased to giggles, she glanced up and saw Kalix looking down at her.
There was a softness in his expression to match the gentleness of whatever emotion he was feeling.
A feeling that tingled, that warmed her insides and left her a little unsteady on her feet. Alec had no idea what the feeling was, certain she hadn’t ever experienced it before.
“What?”
Kalix shook his head and reached up to brush the tears of her laughter from her cheeks.
“You should do that more often. Laugh.” She would have responded, but Kalix bent to give her a soft kiss, further throwing her off balance. “We need to collect Zhenya and return to the fortress.”
All she could do was shrug and nod, but because of her silence, Kalix stepped closer. That warm, bubbly feeling dissipating to one of concern.
“Is something wrong, mate?”
The stark truth rolled out of her mouth before she even considered stopping herself.
“No, I’m just overwhelmed. I have been since this morning.”
It felt so odd to be so honest, to not keep anything back for fear she would be perceived as weak. The only other person she would have confided in, been that honest with, was Meg.
Maybe it was the day.
Maybe it was their bond.
Maybe she was testing this alien in front of her to see just what he truly thought of her, because she was that defensive.
Maybe you’re doing what I said, and trying. It’s okay. You should confide in him.
Or maybe, as the voice of her dead sister suggested, she was simply going crazy.
You aren’t crazy. Don’t use that as an excuse.
Kalix lowered his brow to hers, radiating nothing but calm. “We do not have to go to the festival this time.”
“No, we need to. Your assignment—”
He barked out a quick laugh. “So you will go because of the assignment, but not because you want to?”
Alec tried to explain, stumbling and fumbling over trying to tell him all the reasons why she wanted to be his mate, but she could barely get the words out.
For god’s sake! Stop acting like some wilting flower. Fear ruled our lives for so long, please, please get over yourself and be happy.
Alec took a deep breath and closed her eyes, “I want to go. For me, for us. I’m just... I mean it’s not—”
“Look at me, Alec.”
Kalix took her jaw in his hands, his fingers sliding back along her scalp to knead gently. To urge her to tilt her head back so she had no choice but to look at him when she opened her eyes.
She couldn’t feel anything from him right now, so the jumble of emotions belonged solely to her.
“Is the fear you feel because of me?” Kalix held her gaze, held her steady, and offered no judgment.
Alec had to fight not to look around for prying ears, wishing to have the ability to speak to Kalix without words. Hoping no one would hear her confession.
How could she tell him she had been fighting for so long, that she no longer knew how to do anything else?
As an outcast among the other children she had grown up with, she had fought to prove she was the best so her father wouldn’t beat her.
Fought to make him believe she was Meg when it was Meg’s turn for a beating, so Meg wouldn’t know what that pain felt like.
Then their father had gone back into space to find the rest of their people, Sage took Meg and Alec in, and Alec fought to be normal. To be good like Meg, so Sage and Sully wouldn’t kick them out, or hit them.
It had taken Alec a year to believe Clary’s parents were the good, genuine people they appeared to be.
When the Scylla had attacked and Alec was left to lead everyone, they thou
ght she was fighting to keep them safe. The truth was, all Alec had ever wanted was to keep the only person who had ever loved her alive.
Alec had failed to do that. She had failed to protect the most important person in the whole world, and she had been fighting to accept that ever since.
Fighting to find her place, her purpose, how to live without her sister. Now she was fighting to figure out how to be a woman, and she had no idea what that meant.
Alec fought. It’s all she knew how to do and she was exceptionally good at it.
How could she possibly explain all that and not come across as weak? And why was Kalix smiling at her like that?
“Because, mate, I would never think you weak.”
*****
Something had happened in these precious few moments. Some thought or feeling Alec had experienced, some desire she had, had unlocked the last door between them.
Every word, the silent ache his mate fought so hard to bear, filled his mind while she had gnawed on her lips and worried he would think less of her.
“I don’t wish for you to be anything or anyone, other than you are,” he told her gravely. Then tilted his head to tease her just a bit. “Perhaps somewhat less argumentative.”
Alec gave him a look he interpreted to mean she thought he was delusional, but in truth, any frustration he suffered was justly earned.
Kalix rumbled for her and let his nose rub along her cheek, allowing her to decide whether or not she wished to kiss him.
She didn’t, but neither did she shy from his touch. Progress enough for now, more than enough as they now had the ability to speak to one another wordlessly, as mates.
“There are three other mated pairs who will be attending the festival and it would be wise for all of us to travel together.”
Alec rolled her lip through her teeth slowly. “Probably so. Um, about that whole breeding aspect of the festival?”
Already sensing her apprehension and uncertainty, Kalix quickly made the attempt to soothe her.
“It is not a requirement that we consummate our mating in the field. We already know we will find one another the day of the festival, thus, there will be three following days to complete the legalities and... fuck like rabbits.”
