Page 57 of Queen Isabella

“Brace!” several people declared.

Bellator extended his leg between her and the missile, in case the weapon shifted despite being strapped down. The smoke cleared, abruptly revealing they were right in front of the rock wall. Isa flinched, thinking they were about to bang into the side of the volcano. Then there was a jostling bump as the basket touched down on the hundred-foot-wide plateau.

The instant they settled, there was a flurry of motion as the Vorto in their party landed then shifted into humanoid form. Bellator scooped her up and immediately hopped out of the basket. They were as eager as she was to be done with this terrible business.

“Carefully, let’s get this weapon out of the produce carrier and tie the ropes on,” Artifex instructed, pointing to the extra ropes they’d brought along.

It took six Vorto just to unload the missile and get the ropes attached.

“What’s happening again?” Isa asked while Artifex and Bellator double checked the knots.

“Similar to how we carried it here, we fly the weapon over the mouth of theignivoand let go on Bellator’s call. The moment the weapon is released the carriers will get out of there,” Phara explained, also reminding the others.

Her eyes widened as she gaped at the summit still several hundred feet up. Where they were standing was steamy and uncomfortable, so she could only imagine how hot it was up there with the volatile gasses and spitting magma. The ropes they were using to carry the missile were long, but whoever was flying the weapon up would still be directly in harm’s way.

“Okay,” Isa hesitantly said with a grimace. She didn’t like this, except it was the only viable plan to get the missile into the volcano. It’s not like carrying it up the steep side of the mountain and pushing it over the molten hot rim was a better option. “I—um—I should reset the missile before you lift off.” Isa shoved aside her reticence and made herself useful. She knelt beside the weapon and went through the whole routine. “One last time,” she murmured as she hit the buttons, ready to bring this horrific ordeal to an end.

“Good.” Phara nodded once she was done. He cast a grim look at Rego. “Get our queen out of here.”

“May Inana be with you.” Rego bowed low to Phara then picked her up.

Bellator, Artifex, Phara, Galis, Militus and Diligen grabbed the ropes attached to the missile. Isa’s heart sped up and panic set in when she realized they were the ones who’d be carrying the missile. Somehow she’d missed that detail.

“Wait!” Isa reached out for them.

Even though she was mated to the whole hive, she’d grown attached to certain members, especially her three alphas. Isa was about to ask why they had to put themselves in danger, but she immediately knew the answer. Phara, Bellator and Artifex were true alphas, true leaders. Back home, the supposed leaders were the ones who barked the loudest, bullied the best, and walked over the people they were supposed to care for and lead. Her alphas were literally about to go through fire and brimstone to protect their hive.

The men paused and turned to look at her. Despite understanding what needed to be done, she desperately wanted to tell them not to go. Instead, she swallowed the lump in her throat.

“You can’t go without giving me a hug first,” she said while trying not to lose her composure.

“Definitely.” Phara nodded emphatically, whole heartedly agreeing with her request.

She found herself quickly surrounded. “I can’t believe you were going to go without giving me hugs.” Her chin quivered.

“We’re fools.” Artifex kissed the top of her head as he caressed her cheek.

She pressed her face against his chest and stroked his arms.

“I didn’t want to lose my courage.” Galis pulled her into a hug.

Bellator nodded in agreement as she turned to him. He lifted her up and squeezed her tight. “This is not farewell, my queen.”He panned his brethren who had joined the group hug, so they understood he was speaking to them, too.

“You’re right.” Isa nodded resolutely, smiled, and kissed his cheek.

Bellator passed her to Phara, who cradled her in his arms as he walked to the large produce basket.

“We will see you very soon.” Phara’s lips descended on hers. His kiss wasn’t aggressive or desperate, just gentle and sweet, and she felt it to the depths of her soul. Isa clasped his shoulders as she kissed him back. “Oh, Isa.” Phara reluctantly pulled away and set her into the basket.

“I love you.” She squeezed his hand then peered around him at the others. “I love all of you. Be safe.” She forced a smile and willed her eyes to stay dry.

“I love you, my queen.” Phara smiled and stepped back.

“I love you, beautiful one.” Artifex bowed.

“I love you, too.” Bellator bowed.

The rest of her hive chimed in trading the sentiment. She felt truly loved. There was no comparison.

---