Page 124 of Taken By the Aurelian Warriors

The Aurelian sits back down, and I take the far seat, all the way across from him.

“I want to start by apologizing for the actions of my species. The triad that abducted you brought shame to the Aurelian Empire. I promise you justice for that.”

His eyes dart down to the Bond Disrupter Ring, and I put my hands on my thighs, so the ring’s hidden beneath the table.

I pull myself up to my full height, mimicking Taggar’s confident posture.

“It’s not what you think it is,” I explain. “I’m not here to tell you to chase them down with guns drawn. I’m here to negotiate on their behalf.”

The Lieutenant nods slowly. His slate-grey eyes pierce me, as if searching for any clues in my expression that might give away what I might be thinking.

“So,” the Lieutenant muses, “they just let you go? I was wondering how you managed to get that Reaver flying, and escape.”

“Yes. They let me go. They were planning on turning themselves in, too. I convinced them to let me go first, to plead for the charges to be dropped.”

The Lieutenant’s eyebrows raise.

“Impossible. They took you from your home. They kidnapped you in front of a witness,andvideo feeds. These are serious charges, and we have them dead to rights. They’ll face the consequences of their actions, or the Aurelian Empire’s reputation will be tarnished permanently. Not only that – but we have investigations open on them for other crimes.”

The Aurelian Empire’s reputation? That’s all he cares about?

The Lieutenant is devoted to his species, and his Queen. I need to find a way to use that against him. I wish I could draw on Lazar’s intelligence. I even wish I had my father’s experience with negotiation tactics. However, instead, I’m all alone – and I must trust inmyself.

Instead of anxiety crushing down against me, though, I draw on my inner strength – strength I never knew I had until today.

Before I can do anything else, Ineedto know who it is I’ve been Bonded to – for real.

I need to know the true nature of Brennan, Otho, and Lazar – without the Bond clouding my judgement. Ineedto know the depths of Brennan’s darkness.

“What did they do?”

Lieutenant Taggar pauses for a moment. Legally, he might not be able to speak to me about an investigation that’s currently ongoing.

In these circumstances, though, I feel like he’ll make an exception.

He gestures with his head toward my hands, hidden under the table.

“The ring you’re wearing. Is it what I think it is?”

I take a deep breath.

“It is.”

The Lieutenant stares at me with wonder in his eyes. A smile comes to his lips. I can see the reverence in his gaze. “When I saw that ring – well, I didn’t even dare hope. By the Gods. You’re a Fated Mate?”

I nod, my cheeks turning pink.

“You’re one of just a handful of women who can save our species. Thank you –thank you.”

He repeats his gratitude again, and he’s got a far-off look in his eyes. I realize he’s imagining his own Fated Mate – aching for her, and hoping desperately to find her one day.

He may only look at me with a hundredth of the dedication of my triad – but now, there’s that same look of worship in his eyes. I don’t feel like I’m a Goddess, worthy of such adoration, and it makes me uncomfortable.

From now on, though, all Aurelians will look at me in this way – like I’m their savior. I still feel like a normal, average person, but to them I’m a Fated Mate – giving hope to their dwindling species.

Lieutenant Taggar clears his throat. I can see him coming back to reality, after losing himself in the fantasy of what the Bond promises.

The Lieutenant’s eyes grow narrow.

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