Page 50 of Alien Captain's Prisoner

There’s no fear in Kit’s eyes.

“Then, I’ll die standing – facing you. Will you have the courage to do it yourself? Or will you hide behind your triad?”

“I’ll do it myself. I owe you that.”

Kit takes a deep breath, filling his lungs with air. He exhales slowly, cherishing the feeling of being alive. The Aurelian then turns to stare out at the crowd in front of me.

“See your leader,” he says coldly. “A man who’d choose a human woman over his own brothers.Thisis who you follow.”

Then he closes his mouth, finished. Kit turns back to me, and there’s no hesitation in meeting my gaze.

His triad is as brave as him. Gaul jumps to his feet, standing behind his battle-brother. Gaul and Anton don’t speak. They just stand there, looking at me with hatred.

Kit continues to meet my gaze. His eyes burn against mine.

There’s no hate in them – but nor is there fear. I’ve looked into those eyes many, many times. Kit saved my life more than just that one time, with the Scorp Queen. In fact, he’s saved my life more times than I can count. He’s been among my most loyal men – leading one of the most valuable and trusted triads of warriors under my command.

I draw my Orb-Blade and activate it with a thought.

The beam of energy and violence ignites, shimmering into life with a deadlyhum.

The sword vibrates in my hand, as if it’s speaking to me – calling to me. That’s what Orb-Weapons are like. I know it’s ridiculous to imagine it – because they’re objects, not creatures – but I often feel like my Orb-Blade isalive, and that it’s always eager for blood.

Ripples of energy spark from the shimmering, blue-black blade. It’s been too long since I’ve killed with it, and the weapon has grown hungry. That shard of Orb in the hilt of my weapon glimmers, like the eye of some otherworldly beast, aching to be sated.

Kit looks into my eyes. No fear flashes through them as I sweep the blade through the air…

…and take his head clean from his shoulders.

Kit’s headless body stands tall and proud for just one moment longer. Then, a stream of blood shoots from his neck, reaching the ceiling.

Finally, his body crumples to the deck; to lie alongside his severed head.

Gaul and Anton stare at me with wordless hate – but not for long.

With a single swing, I take both of their heads from their shoulders, too. They collapse to the floor, life blood spilling out across the deck.

There’s silence in the mess hall. There’s silence inside my heart. I just took the lives of three men I’d known for centuries. The blood of my most trusted warriors now pools at my feet.

I deactivate my humming Orb-Blade, and turn to address my crew.

“Does anyone else have a problem with the way I lead? Then, challenge me! My triad will take on any one of you!”

My voice booms out as I level the challenge to my men – but not a one of them can meet my eyes. There are no more rumbles of dissent. I’ve quelled them.

It only cost me the lives of three of the men I was closest to.

Tasha is standing behind me in disbelief. She’d been so angry with me earlier – so furious. Now, she just looks numb. I guess she wasn’t expecting such harsh judgement, especially after I’d been so lenient with her.

I turn and meet her eyes. It’s harder to look at Tasha than even the hundreds of warriors who’d witnessed the execution.

Tasha didn’t hate me after I spanked her. She’s smart enough to know why it had to happen – especially after she’d challenged my authority.

But for putting her best friend in danger? For letting Kit and his triad nearly claim Sawoot?

I can see the loathing in her eyes. The bond between her and Sawoot is closer than just a captain and her first officer. They’re as close to each other as I am to my triad. Even with the pathetically short life span of a human, and the lack of a true Bond between them, those two women share everything.

I step forward, and my voice is stern as I tell Tasha:

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