by Octavia Kore
The length of his tongue slid over the wound on her neck, helping to heal the flesh and stop the bleeding. She sighed beneath him when he rested his forehead against hers, running her fingers over the sides of his face and over his ears as she caught her breath.
His female. His mate. Oshen felt his throat tighten with emotion as he closed his eyes, seeing their future take shape the way he had always hoped. They would be bringing pups into the world and raising a family together. Living without Amanda would never be an option. He was wholly and unconditionally hers until the day he drew his last breath.
“Are you ready to go, gynaika?” Oshen asked as he walked out of his office carrying a small bag that contained the few personal items he had brought with him from Venora. Amanda turned from the window with a smile, her bag slung over her shoulder, and reached down to scoop Hades up into her arms.
“Shuttle time, big guy,” she said as she followed Oshen out into the hall.
The shuttle bay wasn’t as busy as it had been the night before, but even so members of the flight crew moved back and forth between the small fighter crafts in the center and the larger shuttles that lined the outer edges. He narrowed his eyes, scanning the names and numbers on the crafts before he found the one he was looking for. Starmaze was painted on the side in blocky letters. It was tinier than all the other crafts surrounding it, but according to Vog, it was the fastest and most reliable.
“This way,” Oshen told her, placing a hand on her lower back to guide her down the stairs that led toward the walkway. The lights on the outside of the shuttle were blinking white and red and the hum of the engines told him that the crew had already begun the systems check. Oshen felt her steps slow as they approached the entrance and he ran his hand up her spine, settling his palm on the back of her neck. “A bit farther now, gynaika,” he whispered before dropping a kiss on the top of her head.
Amanda drew in a deep breath, blowing it out as she stepped through the open door. They followed the short, narrow corridor until it opened up into the center of the shuttle. Directly ahead was the cockpit, large enough for one Venium to man the controls. He watched as his mate stepped forward, her eyes touching on every one of the blinking lights and buttons that were spread across the panel.
“Do you know how to operate this?” she asked, setting Hades down in the pilot’s chair.
“I know the basics, but I don’t believe you would want me to be the one in charge of getting us home safely,” Oshen said, nudging the cat from the seat. Vog would have a fit if he saw Hades there. The little beast glared as he jumped down, wandering off to inspect beneath the control panel. “Come. We will get the chambers set before the commander arrives.”
“This is sort of terrifying.”
Oshen grinned as he keyed in the code on the cryochamber, releasing the lid so that it popped open with a soft hiss. “It’s completely safe.”
She frowned as she looked inside, running her hands over the padding. “Why are we getting in these again?”
This was at least the fifth time she had asked. “Tiny ship with two full-grown Venium, a human female, and a little beast.” He gestured around the cabin that contained the upright chambers as well as a very small, uncomfortable cot attached to the wall. “We would drive one another crazy over the course of travel. You and I will go into the cryochambers while Vog remains out here to keep an eye on the ship’s systems and Hades.”
“Have you done it before?”
“A few times.” Oshen pulled her into his arms, dropping a kiss onto her head. “There is nothing to worry about, gynaika. I would never put you in there if I thought for even a moment it could harm you.”
“I know.” She pulled back with a sigh, smiling up at him as she traced a path down his chest with her fingers.
The bite on her neck was still a little pink, and the sight of it sent a jolt of lust and need through his body. He had felt a pinch of sadness at the fact that she couldn’t mark him, that he would never carry her mark on his skin in the same way she did his, but this morning when he had woken up with her wrapped around him, it didn’t matter all that much.
“The beast is on my bed.”
Oshen lifted his head to see Vog staring over at the cot where Hades had just made himself comfortable.
“Where’s he supposed to sleep?” Amanda asked.
Vog motioned toward his feet. “There is a perfectly good floor right beneath us.”
His little mate snorted, her eyes rolling up. “Good luck getting your bed back, bud.”
The commander mumbled something under his breath, glaring at the cat as he stepped into the room. “It’s time.”
Amanda peppered kisses on Hades’ head and nose before she turned to Oshen, tilting her face up for a soft brush of his lips on hers.
“All will be well,” he whispered, stroking her cheek.
Oshen helped her inside, squeezing her hand before latching the door. He watched as sleep slowly took her before stepping into his own chamber.
“Safe journey.” He nodded to Vog before the darkness closed in.
Chapter 14
Vog
“I would appreciate it very much if you did not do that!” Vog growled as he scooped the animal off of his control panel. If the beast kept stepping all over everything, he was going to end up sending Oshen and the human into space.
“You are a braxing menace,” he grumbled.
Hades, as the human had called it, looked up at him like he was the one being an absolute inconvenience. Just this morning, the beast had almost initiated the self-destruct sequence and taken solars off of Vog’s life.
This had to be what it was like to have a pup. His poor dam.
“If you touch these controls again, I am going to have you for dinner.” He sneered, displaying all of his sharp fangs, but Hades only tilted his head and meowed.
Vog pushed himself up and out of the command seat, looking around the black interior of the ship for something to distract the cat. His tail was littered with tiny punctures from where Hades had pounced on it. He ran his fingers through the loose strands of his dark hair, thankful that he could forgo the classic braids that had become the military standard. Here, on this tiny ship with this mischievous little creature, he was actually more relaxed than he had been in solars, safe from the demands of the royalty and the council.
It was dark and comfortable within the ship, but the walls were beginning to feel as if they were closing in on him already. Being cooped up in the mothership for so long hadn’t helped, but at least he could move around there. He looked back at the cryochambers, his eyes falling on the human’s face where she slept peacefully. If they could safely reproduce with humans, this would be a breakthrough for his species. It could save them. Perhaps this news would loosen the council’s chokehold on him.
“Commander Vog,” the ship’s AI broke through his thoughts. “There is a discrepancy within the perimeter.”
“Project onto the main gazer,” he commanded, stepping back toward the panel. The screen lit up before him and he focused on the little flashing dot on the left-hand side. “Can you identify the object?”
“Not at this time, Commander.”
“Keep working on it.” He watched closely, frowning as the AI went quiet. If it was a ship, the AI should have been able to discern that. It didn’t move like space debris. This thing, whatever it was, moved with purpose. Uur after uur passed like this, Vog watching while the AI tried to sort out what was going on. The object had stuck with them, getting closer and closer as time went on. “Send out a ping. Let’s see if we get a response.”
“Sending ping.” There was silence and then a soft crackle as the communication was accepted. “Transferring video to main gazer.”
The face that appeared on the screen was not one he had been expecting. “Who am I speaking with?” the Tachin male asked.
Vog shuddered as the alien’s large black compound eyes stared at him. This species reminded him of some of Earth’s ins
ects from the database they had been given, with their narrow, needle-like snouts, green iridescent bodies, and transparent wings. “I am Commander Vog of the Starmaze.”
The buzz of his voice filled the room. “Greetings, Commander. You seem to be carrying something of ours aboard your ship.”
Vog had to stop the shiver of disgust that worked through him as the Tachin’s tongue slithered out of its mouth to wet its face and a hooked hand scraped over its head. Watching the creature made him feel like there was a layer of slime sliding over his body. “I can assure you that I have nothing aboard my ship that would interest the Tachin.”
“That is where you are wrong. If it is not handed over, we will wipe you out of the solar system.”
“What exactly do you believe I have?”
“The human female.”
Vog shook his head, arms crossing over his chest. “She does not belong to you.”
A loud snarl came from somewhere off screen just before a large scarred Grutex shoved the Tachin aside. Despite the male’s visible rage, Vog stared back unflinchingly.
“You will hand over my female!”
“She is not your female. She is the mate of the Venium male also on this ship.”
“She. Is. Mine!” The Grutex slammed his hand down on the control panel in front of him and Vog felt his ship lurch. “I will have her.”
Something flashed in front of them, and Vog stared into the center of what could only be a black hole.
“Commander, I am detecting a spatial anomaly.”
“I see it.” Vog gritted his teeth, trying to override the system and take control. The ship began to turn, but they were too close.
“What are you doing?” he heard the Tachin male hiss in frustration.
“What I must.” The Grutex growled before the communication was severed.
“Brax!” Vog strapped himself in as the ship began to shake and the pressure increased. He squeezed his eyes shut, listening to the alarms that rang out, and hoped the Grutex wanted the female enough to know not to send them some place that was going to kill them all. He felt his entire body stretch and compress as they passed through the void and were deposited on the other side.
An uncertain yowl drew his attention to Hades, and he grinned when he saw the cat sprawled out on the floor beneath the cot. “You’ve survived. Wonderful.” He looked around at the unfamiliar depths of space and sighed. “This is going to take us a bit longer than expected.”
Five weeks later…
Vog wanted to sigh with relief when Venora appeared on the main gazer. He was home. Hades looked up from his position in Vog’s lap and meowed.
“You doubted me, but I told you I could get us here.”
The cat made a chirping sound and Vog huffed.
“I don’t appreciate your attitude.”
“A ship has been detected,” the AI informed him.
When he switched the viewer, he shouted a curse, startling Hades.
“Braxing Grutex.” They were so close to the planet that he swore he could smell the salty waters. He couldn’t risk increasing their speed for fear that they would burn up upon reentry, but the hostile ship was gaining on them.
“Hold on tight,” Vog whispered to Hades as the cabin began to shake. He hadn’t survived six weeks inside this ship with this little beast to die in orbit above his planet. Flames licked up the sides as the exterior heated and alarms echoed in the cabin.
Then the shaking calmed, and they dropped from the cover of the clouds. The okeanos spread out before them, blue and glistening in the light of the sun. Something shot past them moments before the ship lurched to one side.
“We have taken fire, Commander,” the AI informed him.
Vog snarled, shifting his grip on the controls. “Brax it all.”
Chapter 15
Gulzar
The little goddess had been eluding him since their last shared dream, and he was more determined than ever to find her. There had to be some way to open the connection they shared. He was sure they had done so as young ones, but the memory escaped him. Perhaps he could find one of the flying metallic domes the wayward offspring of Ven used. Surely he would be able to reach her then.
He gathered a few supplies, tucking them into the small pouch at his hip. The house was quiet this early in the morning. Kyra had yet to rise to prepare the morning meal, and Ky should have already left to begin her duties at the temple. Gulzar crept out of the house, carefully closing the creaky door that had gotten him caught more times than he could count.
“Gulzar?”
He winced when he heard the younger female’s voice from across the open courtyard. “Yes.”
“What are you doing sneaking out so early?”
“I am not sneaking anywhere.” He grumbled. “I could not sleep.”
“What kept you up?” She probed, shuffling after him when he turned toward the gates.
“The little goddess needs—”
Her xines rustled with impatience as her fushori flashed. “Did you strike your head when you fell in the woods? I thought you were past this. You told me yourself that you have not seen her in days.”
“I have not,” he agreed, but he didn’t care to explain to her yet again why this was important to him. “I was going to take a walk, clear my mind.”
“I could walk with you,” she offered cheerfully. “My duties at the temple will not take very long.”
“It is kind of you to offer, Ky. I know you mean well, but I would like to be alone for this.”
A gentle smile tipped her lips and she nodded. “I understand.”
He swung the gate open for her, closing it softly behind them before turning in the opposite direction of the temple.
“Gulzar?” She called before he had taken more than a couple steps. “You are the closest thing to a brother I have ever known, and I care about you, but…” Ky seemed to struggle with her words. “Mitera still holds out hope for the two of us, but I wanted to let you know that there is a male that I—”
“Kyra is holding onto the last pieces of my dam and sire that she still has. She will have to face the truth eventually.”
“Maybe so.” She sighed, plucking the basket from the hook on the outer wall.
“I wish you all the love of a happy bonding, Ky.”
“Thank you.” She pressed a kiss to the palm of her hand and held it out to him. “Be safe, brother.”
“Always.” Gulzar watched as she turned her back on him and headed toward the other end of the village where the temple resided. There was something so final about their conversation, and it sent a shudder down his spine. Around his shoulders, his xines wriggled restlessly, and he shook his head as he turned away from the only home he had ever known.
He picked his way along one of the lesser known paths, cutting through the dense foliage as he put as much distance as he could between himself and the village. There was no way to know if he would ever return, but he couldn’t allow himself to think about what he was leaving behind; his little goddess needed him, and he was going to do everything in his power to make sure she was safe.
Having spent many days within the forest over the course of his life, Gulzar was familiar with the paths that the wayward offspring of Ven took when they flew their domes overhead. Once, when he was very young, he had let his curiosity get the better of him and followed one such dome out to the shores. He had watched from the trees as it descended from the sky, but fear propelled him back home before he could see exactly where they went.
The hours passed silently, and he stopped a few times to drink or gather small plants he thought might be useful. He was close enough to smell the salty air of the shore when a loud bang rang out from above. Through the cover of the trees, Gulzar could just make out an object plummeting toward the ground as it fell free of the main dome.
His entire body tingled in a way he had never experienced before, and a compulsion aome over him that was so strong that he had taken several steps bef
ore he even realized what he was doing. Another dome followed the first, red blasts flying from the front and slamming into the back of the other as they careened through the sky.
Anxiety gnawed at his gut as he raced through the forest, scattering small prey animals as he crashed through the underbrush. The air switched direction and blew downward, causing the boughs of the trees to actually bend, their leaves fluttering against the violent gale.
Above him, red lights flashed, and he winced at the whine of metal sliding over metal. Pressure grew around him, like a powerful storm about to erupt. And, then, a booming blast rippled through the forest. In the shock wave, he lost his balance, falling to his knees. For a moment, the earth continued to tremble beneath his feet. Then, all lay still.
Rising to his feet, the pull dragged at his consciousness. He had to follow it, had to know where it would lead. He wasn’t sure what or who was pulling him just yet, but the prospect of finding out almost made his feet glide over the ground in his haste.
When he reached the edge of the trees, he skidded to a stop, panting heavily as he watched a tiny figure stumble out of the wreckage. His whole body stiffened in shock when he caught sight of the creature’s face.
His little goddess. She was real… She was here.
His instincts screamed at him to run to her, scoop her up and carry her to safety, but the memory of their last encounter filled his mind and he hesitated. The goddess had been scared of him and pushed him away. They had no way to communicate, no way for him to assure her that he was doing this for her own good.
He would watch and wait, he decided. If she had need of him, he would be there.
Chapter 16
Amanda
Her head was pounding and her whole body ached. Amanda pushed up against the broken lid of the cryochamber, sliding it all the way off before sitting up slowly and glancing around. Sun, sand, and water. If it weren’t for the green sky and the odd trees in the distance, she would swear they were on a beach somewhere on Earth. Waves crashed against the sand as she pulled herself up, taking a few deep breaths.
