“Everyone has a different reaction.” He ran the scanner over her body once again. “She should be fine in just a few standard minutes.”
Still holding Mara’s hand, Chloe turned her attention to Sakku. “Thank you for bringing food for us.”
“You’re welcome,” he smiled, and she felt her heart lighten now that she was getting along with Dazz’s friend.
After Stavven put his scanner away, he came back over to them. “How is she?” Chloe asked.
“She is extremely malnourished, but otherwise healthy. The youngling is small and also malnourished, but otherwise healthy. The youngling seems to be taking all the nutrients from the mother. Another standard day or two and I believe neither of them would be alive. Make sure the female eats and drinks a lot. If she’s unable, I may need to put her in the medi-chamber.”
“I’ll make sure she does. Thanks, Stavven,” Chloe said with relief and determination.
Chloe hated asking the next question, but she needed to know what the Tureis had done to the Mara. “Is the baby…is she human?”
“Human, you mean from Earth?” When Chloe nodded, Stavven answered, “Yes, the youngling is human.” Chloe let out the breath she’d been holding as she closed her eyes in relief. “I will give her something to help her if she’d gets anxious, and something else to help her heal. Don’t worry, it’s a fraction of the dose I would give an Azziarin female.”
“Thanks, doc.” At his confused look, she added, “That’s what we call healers on earth. Doc or doctor.” He smiled, before grabbing his bag and heading out the door.
Sakku uncovered the food tray before resuming guard duty outside.
“Mara, wake up.” She was once again sound asleep. Chloe shook her small shoulders. When her eyes slowly opened, Chloe said, “There you are,” smiling at her.
Mara slowly sat up, and as Chloe went to the table and the tray of food, Mara’s eyes followed her every move.
“Sakku brought food for us. Do you want to eat on the bed, or at the table?”
Mara didn’t answer, but she slowly rose from the bed, deciding to eat at the table. As the two sat across from each other, Chloe started explaining the food.
“This blue one is called Bana, and is very sweet,” and pointing to another, “this one is called Tul, and is kind of salty…umm…well, there’s nothing bad on here. It’s like eating a tray of vegetables back home. You should just try them all and see what you like. There is a red vegetable called mucchal, and I’m deathly allergic to it. It’s not on here, but if anyone ever offers it to you, just say no. It’s very bitter.”
Mara’s eyes would dart to Chloe’s while she ate, and Chloe could tell she was listening. That was a start.
“Stavven, the doctor, left some medicine for you to take after you eat. I’ll be right across the hall if you need anything tonight; otherwise, I’ll be back in the morning.”
Chloe made Mara eat a good portion before giving her the medicine the healer had left, and then helped her to bed. Before Chloe picked up the tray and left the room, Mara was already fast asleep.
Dazz
Relief washed through him when he’d found Chloe unharmed in the holding cell, but it didn’t tame the rage that churned inside. He fought the urge to hunt down and kill every Tureis on board the enemy ship. The need to get Chloe away from there was the only reason he controlled his urge for vengeance.
The young girl he’d found with his mate needed medical assistance. He closed his eyes for a mere moment and then slightly shook his head. She was thin and weak, and looked to be around the same age as his youngest brother, Takkeo.
After they boarded the shuttlecraft, Chloe had thrown her arms around him, and he’d held her tight, but his laser-sharp eyes watched the view screen, searching for any sign they’d been detected. He’d breathed his first sigh of relief when he ordered the ship destroyed.
After they’d landed in the Cargo Bay and exited the shuttlecraft, Dazz took Chloe’s lips with his, letting her feel all of his emotions with a passionate kiss. He wanted nothing more than to carry her back to their quarters, ravish her body, and never let her out of his sight again! But duty called.
Back on the Bridge, he grabbed a holo-pad to look over reports. So far, he had three dead, including the traitor, and he needed to know of any damage Trevvin might have caused before Dazz delivered retribution.
“Chasse, status!”
“Commander, we’ve located and fixed several tampered programs, as well as damage to the ship’s sensors. We’re running a full diagnostic now.”
“Commander, Trevvin worked in maintenance; he did not have the knowledge to tamper with the computer programs.” Dazz’s sharp mind had drawn the same conclusions before Chasse voiced his concern.
Dazz stood there with his arms crossed and a look of determination on his face. How many more traitors were on his ship? Was this the work of two or three, or was there an uprising on Azziar? Why now and not after the attack first happened? There were so many questions left without answers.
“At top speed, how long will it take us to reach Azziar?” Dazz asked.
“At top speed, it will take four standard days.”
“Let’s head home.” He grabbed the discarded holo-pad again. “I’ll be in my Ready-Room.”
Chapter Nine
Dazz
Looking at the holo-pad, Dazz’s eyes grew tired as his need to hold his mate grew stronger every standard minute. Deciding he’d worked long enough, he dropped the holo-pad on the desk and headed out the door.
As he entered his quarters, he stopped just inside the door when he spotted his mate asleep on the bed. She looked like a goddess with her beautiful red hair splayed across the white pillow, her eyes closed, and her luscious lips slightly parted. His eyes traveled down her bare body, taking in her beauty. She was so different from Sassha and Britt, and in a short time, she had changed him, changed his ways of thinking. He couldn’t imagine life without his strong-willed mate.
Shucking off his jumpsuit, Dazz crawled into bed and started tenderly kissing every inch of her face.
“Dazz, you’re back,” Chloe said as her eyes slowly opened and a sleepy grin spread across her face.
“I missed you,” was all he said in return before taking her lips in a desperate kiss.
When he broke the kiss, she looked up at his handsome face. “I missed you, too. I was afraid I’d never see you again.” For the first time since she’d been taken, tears filled her eyes.
“I’ll always find you, or die trying,” he took her lips again as his large hands roamed her toned body, showing her with every touch, every kiss, just how much he loved her. When his body joined with hers, even his hips slowly rocked as he enjoyed the feeling of being inside her, two halves joined together, until they both found their release.
Lying on his back with his mate in his arms, he enjoyed the feeling of Chloe tracing circles on his chest with her fingers.
“We’re heading to Azziar. We should be there in four standard days.”
“I still don’t understand the whole standard thing,” Chloe said, as she relished the feeling of lying in his arms.
“Not knowing anything about your planet, there’s no way for me to calculate the difference.” Dazz was quiet, and then remembered what Jakke had told him. “I think my brother’s mate is like you. She may be able to explain the time.”
Chloe raised her head off his chest, and with a look of surprise, she said, “I won’t be the only human there?”
“I don’t think so. And don’t forget the other human girl who is now traveling with us.”
“That’s right. Her name is Mara.”
Chloe laid her head back down on his chest. “Are you nervous?” he asked.
“A little. Tell me about Azziar.”
“Again, I’m not sure how to explain my planet. Let’s see, we have two suns, two moons,” he shrugged, “trees, a marketplace.”
“A marketplace? Like in one total?”
/> “No,” he laughed. “A marketplace near my home.”
“Shew…that’s good to know. Now tell me about your family.”
“Hmm, I have five brothers and one…”
“Five?” she gasped in awe.
He grinned when he heard the tone of her voice. “Yes, five. I also have a sister, Kattlyn.”
“Where are you in the pecking order?”
He laughed, “Pecking order? That’s an odd way to put it.” He felt her shrug in response. “Jakke is the oldest, then Kollin, me, Zekke, Kattlyn, Rasshi, and then Takkeo.”
“Wow. You told me about your mother. Is your dad still alive?”
Dazz chuckled, “Yes, he’s still alive. He’s also king of Azziar.”
“What!” she raised up and looked him in the eyes, “You’re kidding me!”
“No,” he said with a smile. “Jakke is the eldest and will one day rule.”
“I can’t believe you’re a prince!”
“So you see, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Ha! Now I’m more worried. Everyone will be staring at me even more,” she sighed. “Wait, what about those two females living in your house. Will they be there when we arrive?” He heard the steel in her voice.
“No, I’ll have them moved out before we arrive. However, I will have to talk to them, explain about you. It would not be right to kick them out without an explanation. Please understand.”
“I don’t like it, but I do understand.” Chloe wouldn’t admit that she didn’t want him meeting with the two females. If she had it her way, Dazz would never see them again.
Chloe
Waking up the next morning, she enjoyed seeing Dazz lying beside her. He was still sound asleep, exhausted from the last day or so.
After making love the night before, they had talked for what seemed like hours. Now, she was even more worried about reaching Azziar. A prince! Now, more eyes would be watching her. That was the way it worked.
Before the aliens…Tureis came, every grocery store tabloid had stories about princes from other countries. You could even read about Hollywood scandals. Anyone famous had his or her entire life exposed.
Deciding to do something that would occupy her worried mind, she quietly got out of bed and dressed. She wanted to let Dazz sleep, so she skipped her morning shower.
Entering Mara’s room after the door chimed, Chloe was surprised to find her already awake.
“Good morning, Mara. Sleep well?” Chloe asked, not expecting her to answer, so she was surprised when Mara tried to.
“I,” she cleared her throat and tried again. “I did. Thank you,” she said quietly.
Chloe’s face lit up with happiness. “Good.” She went to the closet and retrieved a new black jumpsuit. “I wish that we had something different to wear, but at least it’s clean.” She turned around holding one for Mara to wear. “I usually shower every morning, just because I can. Do you want to take one?”
Mara didn’t reply, but Chloe could see the desire in her eyes. Mara slowly stood, and after taking the jumpsuit, she headed for the small bathroom.
“If you need any help with the controls, just let me know. Otherwise, I’ll be right out here when you’re finished.”
Chloe used the time to straighten up the bed. She knew from experience that Mara would be a while. Nothing like a good hot shower when you’ve gone without for a long time. Just one of the many things Chloe used to take for granted.
When she realized how much time had passed, though, she started to get worried about the young girl. She knocked on the bathroom door, “Mara, are you okay?” When she heard no answer, she called through the door, “Mara, I’m coming in.”
She found Mara standing in front of the mirror, staring at her gaunt body with tears rolling down her face. “Oh, Mara, honey, you’re gonna be okay.” Chloe wrapped a towel, and then her arms around Mara, letting her cry. “Everything will be better now, you’ll see.”
When the tears stopped, Chloe smiled while looking her in the eyes, “Feel better now?”
“I do,” Mara said with a watery smile and then sniffed. “I need a Kleenex or something.”
After Mara dressed, Chloe combed and then braided Mara’s hair before asking, “Are you hungry?”
“A little,” she replied.
“Do you want to eat here, or in the Dining Hall?” Mara just shrugged. “Okay, let’s eat in the Dining Hall. The food will be warmer than if we have it delivered. It’s not that far, do you think you can walk?” Mara just nodded.
When Chloe opened the door, there was still no guard outside, and after what had happened the day before, she wasn’t taking any chances.
“Let me see if I can get someone here to accompany us.”
She spotted the com-unit on the wall. She had seen Dazz use one several times, so she decided to try it. When she taped the button, a male voice asked, “May I help you?”
“Yes, can you send Sakku here, please?” she asked.
“Uh…I’ll send someone up.”
“No, only Sakku.” She waited, but he didn’t say anything else.
Chloe faced Mara and shrugged, “I guess we’ll wait and see if he comes. If not, then I’ll wake Dazz up.”
They two of them sat down at the small round table and waited. After an uncomfortable silence, Chloe finally asked, “How long were you held captive by the Tureis?”
She didn’t think Mara would answer, but the young girl finally said, “I don’t know. A long time.”
“How far along are you?” Chloe wanted to know.
“I don’t know. I’d just found out I was pregnant when those aliens kidnapped me.”
Chloe was about to ask another question when the door chimed. “Hopefully, that’s Sakku. He’s a good guy.” They both stood and Mara watched as Chloe answered the door. When it slid open; Sakku stood in the entrance.
With confusion on his face, he asked, “Chloe, where’s Dazz?”
“He’s asleep and I didn’t want to wake him. He’s been working a lot of long hours.”
“I see. What can I help you with?”
“Mara and I are hungry and want to eat in the Dining Hall. Can you escort us?”
“I’m not sure I should. You should really let the Commander know.”
“I don’t want to wake him. Please, Sakku?” Chloe asked, sweetly.
“Very well,” he said reluctantly.
Sitting in the Dining Hall with Mara and Sakku, she could tell that Mara felt scared and nervous. “Just ignore them. They looked at me the same way, and I still get plenty of stares. They just haven’t seen humans before.”
“I’ll try,” Mara whispered.
“How’s your food?”
“It’s good, a lot better than I’m used to.”
Chloe smiled and kept eating. She wanted to know about Mara’s life, her baby, but the Dining Hall was not the place to talk to her about it.
They were almost finished eating when Chloe felt a strong hand on her shoulder. When she looked up, Dazz was standing there and he didn’t look very happy.
He slid into a chair beside her and gave her a peck on the lips. “Good morning, mate.”
She grinned, “Good morning, grumpy.” He smiled a little.
“I just didn’t like waking up alone. You should have woken me.”
“Ah, that’s sweet, but you needed rest. Mara was up and ready to eat, so I called for Sakku and he escorted us.”
Dazz looked to his friend, and said, “Thank you, Sakku.”
The four of them had first meal together, but only three talked. When they had finished, Dazz escorted Chloe and Mara back to the Mara’s quarters, “I’ll be back later, and we’ll have second meal together,” Dazz said before giving her a goodbye kiss.
“That sounds good to me,” Chloe replied, giving him a loving look.
“Sakku will be right outside if you need anything,” he added. Chloe nodded, and after one more kiss, Dazz turned and walked away.
“Is
he like your husband or something?” Mara’s question surprised Chloe.
She smiled before saying, “He is. He is very gentle and loving.”
“I can tell by the way he treats you. Are we going home?”
Chloe thought carefully about what she wanted to say. “The pasty gray aliens…the Tureis…are still on Earth. There is nothing left there except a life of hiding. Food is scarce. I wouldn’t want to go back there even if I hadn’t mated Dazz.” She let that sink in before she continued. “We are headed for Azziar.”
“I’m scared. What will happen to me?” Tears filled Mara’s eyes, and Chloe’s heart ached for the young girl.
“You’ll stay with me and Dazz. I’m sure he’ll want you to as much as I do,” Chloe said as she gave her a confident smile.
Dazz
Standard days past as normal, with Dazz working and Chloe spending the waking hours with the human girl. In the nights, after joining several times, they talked while he held her in his arms. Dazz loved Chloe more and more every standard day.
They were close to Azziar, and excited anticipation hummed throughout his body. When he’d left on a simple patrol mission, he’d never intended to be away for so long. Watching his father grieve his mother’s loss was one reason he’d gone himself instead of sending someone else.
The rest of his family had scattered, taking other missions, all except Kattlyn and Risshi. She’d gone to visit a friend, while Risshi went to his beach house.
Risshi was different from the others, choosing never to leave the planet.
Thinking about his family made Dazz eager to speak with them. Tapping the com-unit, he said, “Banne, see if we are close enough to reach King Mallik.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Shortly, Banne announced through the com-unit, “Commander, King Malik is waiting to speak with you.”
“Thanks, Banne.”
When Dazz tapped the view screen, his father’s happy face appeared. “Son, I’m glad you’re coming home.”
“It’s been a long time, or at least it feels that way,” Dazz replied with an excited grin.
Dazz Page 8
