Page 55 of Asmodel

Jaltaar grabbed Talira into a tight hug as they rode out the rolling earth.

When it subsided, Viscount Syrin rushed to Jaltaar and bowed. “Sire, we need you to address the populace.” He glanced around the room, wringing his paws. “Before things get out of hand.”

Most of the scikvak in the room ran around like crazy cats. Hissing and snarling at each other as if they’d devolved into a primal species.

“Oh dear. I’m afraid he’s too late.” Izzy observed from her comfortable position in Asmodel’s embrace.

One of the older adult females howled as she raced by them on four paws, her back arched with puffed-up fur.

Asmodel tightened his grip around her. “I agree.” His rumbling reply vibrated against her.

Izzy tightened her hold around his neck and tugged him to look at her. “I’m fine now. You can put me down.”

He put his forehead on hers. “But I don’t want to.” With his eyes half closed, he sighed. “But I will if you insist.”

Izzy giggled. “This is becoming a bad habit of yours.” She kissed the tip of his perfect nose. “I insist, Mister Macho Man.”

Before she squirmed out of his hold, he captured her lips with his in a scorching kiss before setting her on her feet. She pulled away and wobbled, putting her hand at the side of her head to get her bearings. When she steadied, she narrowed her eyes at him. In retaliation, she licked her lips, enjoying his flavor.

His eyes mirrored hers as he repeated the gesture.

Darn man was lethal.

“We have to go, Jaltaar.” Talira’s soft tone caught Izzy’s attention.

The powerful female kept her paw steady on Jaltaar’s shaking shoulder. “Your people are dying, and they need you.”

Sucking in a hiss, Jaltaar raised his bloodshot eyes to her. “I can’t. I…”

“Jaltaar.” Talira stepped back. “It is time for you to do as your father decreed and take your rightful place as Supreme Alpha Regent.” Her tone left no room for argument.

Jaltaar closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. With paws clenched, he hissed and opened his eyes. “You are so right, mytsuki.” Throwing his shoulders back, he rose, leaving behind the frightened boy and stood as a mature male of worth. His sturdy stance and firm expression told everyone in the room a new monarch was born.

“Oh wow,” Izzy said under her breath. She’d never witnessed anything so profoundly moving in her entire life. Watching someone grasp the reins of leadership in one quick motion was a beautiful thing to witness.

“Indeed.”

JR13’s agreement from Asmodel’s shoulder made Izzy grin. Little bot was growing on her.

“Enough!” Jaltaar’s command was loud and clear.

As though a switch flipped, all the scikvak in the room stopped, eyes wide as they focused on Jaltaar standing tall by his dead father’s bedside.

“Chief Jenara.” Jaltaar pointed to a female zaltrixan standing against the wall with her arms crossed.

One of the few scikvak in the room who hadn’t run around like the others.

“You and your guards need to assess what is happening within Panterion Prime. I want a detailed report on where the critical areas are within the hour. Talira will be your commander, so synchronize your Lumiview Prisms with hers.”

Some guards started to rumble and hiss.

Izzy caught the cursezihuifrom more than one in the room.

“As regent, it is my right to decree who does what.” The pupils in Jaltaar’s bright-emerald eyes expanded. “As of this moment, the scikvak race is one.” He waved his paw with the claws extended. The thick tips shone in the low light. “No more pardalion or zaltrixan.We are one.”

Izzy held Asmodel's hand while gripping his forearm with her other hand. She’d always wanted to be part of some historical act. And here it was, a new day dawning. Darn if she was lucky enough to be here for it. Even if it was on an alien planet.

Jaltaar approached Talira and cupped the sides of her snout between his paws with his claws retracted. “Talira Cyndor of Nekojin. Will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my ever-mate? My Queen Regina? To aid in ushering in a new age for the scikvak on all CeluriaVO?”

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