by S. E. Weir
She lost track of her surroundings as her thoughts swirled. She hadn’t found any reason not to trust Maxim. He had taken every opportunity to show her he was kind and considerate, even wanting to be careful with Alina so he wouldn’t be taking advantage of her. She had come in contact with a few other Wechselbalg over the years, and while she wouldn’t want to be friends with all of them since she was still coping with the enlarged circle she currently had, they all seemed to have their duty and protecting their teammates forefront in their minds.
The very idea that Weres couldn’t be trusted didn’t compute for her. She slowly tapped her screen, not sure how to respond.
Etheric Empire, Vermott, Planet of the Baldere, Governing Center
Geirik and Halvad sat waiting to be called in for their appointment. Geirik couldn’t help his eyes roving around the room in the newly constructed Governing Center, taking in the elaborate furniture, gaudy decorations, and tacky pictures. The material used in the building and its design showed off the owner’s importance. It made Geirik feel sick to think about how much of their people’s money had been used to create this beautiful monstrosity. This was not the Balderian way.
He heard faint steps approaching and turned to see a female in light armor with sheathed fighting discs on either hip. He saw the same coloring and fierceness in this female that he saw in his Fastel, but where his bondmate also had a warm and good-natured spirit, this female’s face appeared closed and cold. He couldn’t help wondering if Velof had tried to replace Fastel with an imitation, then felt bad that he was dismissing this woman as if she had no value of her own.
“Come with me.” She gave them a look of disdain before turning to retrace her steps.
Then again, with that kind of attitude, perhaps she deserved a lesser estimation.
She led them into a room that was even more opulent than the one they had just left. Its design was focused on a wooden desk that seemed overly large for its purpose—just another example of wasting money on trivialities to show off Velof’s importance. Geirik kept his senses trained on the woman behind them and was grateful when she left the room. He wouldn’t have been able to concentrate on Velof if the woman had continued to stand behind his back. He knew how dangerous the female of the species could be.
The male watched the two from a chair as oversized as the desk he sat behind. He wore armor polished to a gleam and a black cape, both of which appeared extremely pricey. His expression was shuttered, as cold as that of the female who had shown them in, though without the fierceness. Seeing this display solidified Geirik’s opinion of the Baldere in front of him. The man had grown greedy and weak and did not deserve to be the leader of the people.
“Sit down.”
Halvad appeared surprised by Velof’s cold, biting tone, but Geirik merely kept his eyes trained on the man set on ruining everything that he valued. Velof’s eyes had shown him the truth: this man had become addicted to the power his position wielded. It was no longer about what the people wanted but what Velof wanted. That was not the kind of thinking Geirik desired in a leader, nor what his people deserved.
“I know what you are attempting to do, and it won’t work.”
Geirik stared at the male, holding his gaze and saying nothing.
“Did you hear me? I’m telling you I know!”
Velof leaned forward, gripping his desk with his hands. The lines on his face were more prominent when he snarled at the two Baldere who opposed him.
“I know about your plans for the Rikhar games, Geirik. Don’t think I’m a fool! I’ve known what you planned for weeks now! I’ve set my own plans in place, and they certainly don’t have anything to do with either of you winning!”
Halvad took his cue from Geirik and remained silent, which was a relief. Geirik had determined a few different ways to play this, depending on why Velof had brought them here. He had to admit that gloating and trying to poke holes in their confidence was not one of the options he had foreseen, but it did tell him something immensely valuable.
Velof was afraid.
“Well? Say something! I am your leader, and I demand that you treat me with the respect I deserve!”
The Jeskir’s face showed aggression and anger, but his bondmate had been right. His eyes showed only weakness and fear. Geirik shook his head sadly. Velof’s eyes narrowed, and his mouth turned up in a snarl. Geirik didn’t pay any attention but held the other man’s gaze as Velof sneered.
“How’s your little bondmate? You are drawing close to the ten-year mark, aren’t you? You ready to have your life invaded by a brat? How’s it feel to know that the only reason she’s with you is to get a kid?”
Geirik let his former best friend’s comments pass him by. He knew Fastel from the inside out, just as she knew him. Their bond had proved to be one of the strongest of their friends and acquaintances. From the first moment he had seen her, he knew she was meant to be his bondmate. Balderian females were only fertile ten years after the bond had formed, which would happen just after the next Rikhar games. Neither Geirik nor Fastel could wait.
Finally, Geirik stood up and spoke. “I have seen your actions and the results of your actions, but never did I think to stand this close to you and see what I see in you now. You won’t win, Velof. Your time as Jeskir of the Balderian people is at an end.”
Velof rose and leaned forward over the desk, sneering. “You can’t win, Geirik. I’ll make sure of it! I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and train for hours each day. If you even make it to the games, I’ll tear you to pieces. Fastel will be all alone and needing comfort, but don’t worry. I’ll make sure she’s taken care of.”
Though his rage burned at Velof’s words, Geirik ignored him and turned to walk to the door, Halvad a step behind him.
“You hear me, Geirik! You can’t win! I won’t allow it!”
The female stepped back into the room and sauntered toward the desk. She ignored the two of them as they passed by, but he detected an air of disdain in the way she carried herself. They continued into the hall, but he paused outside and heard her words before the door shut behind them.
“Velof, we’ve had a message from the Empire. They’re coming.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Etheric Empire, Vermott, Planet of the Baldere, Governing Center
Phina felt like she was out of place and in over her head. She had been fine for the past few days in the shuttle with the Gleeks. Once she had gotten used to being able to hear conversations in her head, she’d realized each mental voice sounded and felt different, which was likely how the Gleeks were able to tell each other apart, rather than by their physical appearance.
Braeden and Kroeden treated her kindly, which she appreciated, but Traekor was a jerk. Graeden had been somewhat stand-offish toward her at first, she assumed because he didn’t know what to think about her being able to communicate with them mentally, but when he opened up, he had a dry sense of humor.
However, while Draeget was a fount of information, in some ways he was hilariously oblivious in social interactions. Sometimes Phina didn’t know whether to laugh or try to explain things to him, so often, she did both. He took it well, and Braeden later confided that while the younger Gleek had learned everything in their information banks, this was Draeget’s first excursion off-planet.
Phina felt she had some things in common with Draeget, so she understood and strove to keep her amusement in check. For the most part, the Gleeks got along with Phina and the guys on board Stark.
When they arrived at Vermott, Phina paused for quite a while as she took in the details of the massive city. Many of the buildings were tall, though not nearly as high as the skyscrapers she had seen in movies from Earth. Most buildings were only a few stories, though many of the public avenues were very broad. Link had pointed out where the Rikhar games would take place in several days, an arena so massive she couldn’t keep her eyes off the building until it disappeared from view.
All in all, even though the te
ch was available in different ways for both of their cultures, the Gleek and Balderian planets were so different from each other that she couldn’t help contrasting the two in her mind. The buildings the Gleeks had shown them had been simple and basic, which were two words that wouldn’t be in a description for any of the buildings she had seen so far on Vermott.
The Baldere who had greeted them at the docks led them to the most elaborate building they had seen since they arrived. The furniture was oversized for humans, but since the Baldere were taller than the average human, that made sense. It did serve to make her feel like a child again.
Their party had been escorted to a large receiving room that displayed ornate decorations and furnishings so fancy Phina felt like she needed to take herself and her simple clothing elsewhere. Not that she wore her regular t-shirt and black jeans with her leather jacket. Oh, no. Those were deemed too informal for an assistant diplomat.
While Link wore something between a modified version of a military uniform and a suit, Phina wore a tunic dress of a similar style with leggings underneath. While there were many places for Link to carry weapons, the only places available for Phina, given the cut and fit of her clothing, were knife sheaths strapped to her thighs under the tunic.
Since Maxim had just started teaching her how to use blades, it had been impressed upon her that she should only take them out as a last resort for fear she might do more damage to herself than her assailant. Though she insisted it wouldn’t be a problem, Maxim had not been impressed. Therefore, the sheaths sat like lumps she didn’t know what to do with on her legs, and Phina struggled to refrain from waddling as she walked. The guys had snickered at her earlier, which had caused a traffic backup before she decided she would be the adult in the group and let it go…for now.
The receiving room they had congregated in was one of the most expensive and tackiest places Phina had ever seen. The Gleeks sat to her left, slumped awkwardly on chairs and couches they were too big for, while the three Guardians stood behind them, watching their back as it were. Phina didn’t think they needed their backs guarded, but she had to admit that it made her feel better to know they were there for support.
She perched uncomfortably on the edge of a couch between Link and Braeden, facing two men she didn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Well, the ambassador from the Etheric Empire to the Baldere appeared jovial but was arrogant. She found it very interesting that he sat on the couch facing his fellow diplomats rather than on their side facing the Baldere. However, the leader of the Baldere grabbed her attention. He rubbed her the wrong way almost every other sentence, and she couldn’t put her finger on why since his manner and words indicated he was trying his best to be helpful.
“Of course we would be glad to help clear up any unfortunate misunderstandings between our people and the Gleeks. I can’t imagine there would be an issue between our people, but I’m sure we can work it out.”
The ambassador nodded eagerly. “Velof has been agreeable in all our dealings with each other. You can’t imagine the lengths he has gone to make sure the Empire is pleased with his efforts.”
Link waved his hand impatiently at the ambassador’s pompous, ingratiating attitude. “Yes, yes, Charles. I would assume he has been agreeable enough since we have heard of no issues arising. No? Then let's get down to the issues that brought us here and see what we can iron out.”
Both men’s expressions changed as Link spoke. The ambassador straightened and leaned back, while Velof’s eyes turned hard and his jaw set before he went back to his congenial expression.
Phina activated the direct channel between her and Link while the ambassador spoke stiffly of helping as much as possible. Did you see that?
You mean, did I see the ambassador imitate a stick while Velof completely changed his attitude?
All you had to say was yes.
What’s the fun in that?
Phina huffed as her eyes rolled, then glared at him. Fun for you, you mean.
Of course, kid. What other fun is there?
Phina loudly said a whole lot of nothing and turned her gaze away from him while he spoke. “Actually, perhaps we should take a break for the day and reconvene for lunch so we can relax and interact more with you Baldere in the meantime? It’s been a long journey here, and it would be really helpful to have our minds clear when we discuss this.”
While Velof and the ambassador showed surprise and a little reluctance, they still agreed. Phina’s head had turned enough to see Traekor’s eyes narrow. He looked to be about to object to the delay.
Traekor.
His head jerked to her in surprise, though he still seemed angry.
We noticed there is something off that we can’t put our finger on yet. We need more information before we talk to them about your brothers. If there is a possibility that Velof is involved, then we need to know more, or we are just going to get the run around from him. That doesn’t help us.
He still seemed upset, but the other Gleeks chimed in with their acquiescence to the plan to wait. Traekor didn’t want to wait, though, and continued to push. He didn’t want to be put off.
Where are we going to get more information? And how?
Oh, don’t you worry yourself about that, Phina replied with a smirk and twitched her fingers toward her tablet.
Etheric Empire, Vermott, Planet of the Baldere, Governing Center, Consulate
Ryan trailed after Phina into an open and empty room hours later. She paused to scan the interior, then sat down with her tablet at a small table on the far side of the room. Ryan passed her and leaned against the wall facing her. The better to see her and be seen by her. Oh, and watch the door, naturally.
He stood for a few moments, admiring the view. Velof was long gone. The Gleeks had gone out to search, though the aliens had little hope they would find their lost brothers. Greyson had the estimable job of keeping the ambassador busy. Maxim and Drk-vaen had stayed with them, and Ryan had accompanied Phina.
He couldn’t complain.
In fact, he thought about thanking them. He would if the hot chick he was alone with wasn’t ignoring him.
“What made you choose this lonely, empty room?”
“What?” Phina started and looked up from her screen, having apparently forgotten he was in the room with her. Well, that was a kick in the…ego. She grimaced, and he wondered what was bothering her. He didn’t even entertain the notion that he was involved in the thoughts behind her expression.
“We’re in a room together.” His smile flagged as she continued to stare at him. He knew she was smart, but maybe she was too inexperienced to understand what he implied. Not one to just give up, Ryan tried again.
“We’re all alone in an empty room.” He raised his eyebrows, which made her snort as she realized his meaning. Bingo!
“Don’t worry. I’ll restrain myself.”
“Well, that’s disappointing.”
She glanced at him and correctly realized he was only partly joking. “Sorry, bub, but I don’t fall into random guy’s arms just because they’re there.”
Ouch.
“What about a specific guy’s arms?” She had turned back to her tablet and appeared to be trying to concentrate, but he let her hear a note of hopefulness in his voice.
“Nah, not those either.”
Damn it. This was not going the way he had envisioned. If she wouldn’t fall into the arms of a guy who clearly had an interest in her, then…
“Oh. So you would fall into a random girl’s arms?”
She huffed and turned to face him. “No. No one’s arms.”
He blinked as he tried to process this unheard-of occurrence.
“No one at all?”
“No.”
He scratched his head in confusion as he looked at her body. She wasn’t as curvy as her friend Alina, but she still looked hot. However, she didn’t appear to notice how hot she was or his interest in her. Ryan was perplexed and uncertain, not normal emotions for him.
/> “Okay…”
She raised her eyebrows, inviting him to ask what was on his mind. Maybe she just hadn’t understood the first time he’d asked.
“So, to clarify, you aren’t interested in anyone?”
“Nope.” She popped the P, looking more irritated by the minute.
Yeah, right, Ryan. Dismissing her intelligence was a great move.
“Why not?”
Crap on a cracker! It had slipped out before he thought about it. Still, he kind of wanted to know. He had helped Maxim gather intelligence on her when he had first been assigned as her trainer, and none of this stuff was in the bio.
She answered impatiently as she continued tapping on her tablet. “I’m not interested in anyone in any way right now, and I’m perfectly content to wait until that changes, if it ever does. I’m not the kind of person to do casual hookups either, so no falling into anyone’s arms or whatever you had on your mind. Sorry. It’s not you. While I recognize when people are attractive, I’m just not drawn to anyone in that way right now.”
Yeah. He sighed and leaned against the wall, ready for a long and boring wait. Not how he had envisioned this conversation going.
Phina turned back to her tablet. After a minute had passed, she absently wondered if he had finally been stunned into silence. Or was he feeling hurt? She didn’t have enough experience to know, but it seemed like his bruised ego was keeping him quiet more than hurt feelings. Ryan had been talkative on the ship and didn’t seem to let too much silence build before breaking it, so this behavior was odd.
Before a second minute went by, she had forgotten about him, her mind focusing on her task. Her fingers flew over her tablet as she bypassed security measures one after the other and hacked her way into the system, making sure to cover her tracks and be able to back out of the system later with nary a ripple. The ease with which she accomplished the feat surprised her.
