Page 52 of Tornn's Mate
“A theory?” I pause in the corridor, and we face one another. “Tell me about this theory of yours.”
“They could disrupt the hyperdrive bubble we’re traveling in, then quickly create a new hyperdrive bubble that only surrounds theHaxxaland theJansonna. Before the remaining vessels could recover from the sharp slide out of hyperdrive, they could disappear, taking our largest, most technologically advanced ship with them.”
“That’s quite a theory.” But then I remember that Nathan was able to penetrate our shields in order to send messages to Ellie. Perhaps the humans are more capable of fighting us than we would’ve ever imagined.
Paddax frowns. “I hope I’m wrong, of course, but as I considered the many methods the humans might use to take over our ship, it seemed like the most logical one. They didn’t want to spread the plague just to kill us. They want our ship and its technology so they can find a habitable planet on their own and keep all their females. They wouldn’t settle on planet 58-Z out of fear that we would come looking for them, but with the resources aboard theHaxxal, they could survive for decades longer in open space.”
“You have a sharp but creative mind, Officer Paddax,” I say, meaning it. “Perhaps the next time Emperor Radakk has an opening for an advisor, I will offer him your name.”
Paddax gives me a deep nod. “It would be my honor to serve the Darrvason Empire in such a way.” He glances over his shoulder in the direction of his quarters. “I believe I’ve told you all I know, Admiral Tornn. If there is nothing else I can assist you with at this time, I am eager to return to my mate.”
“One more thing,” I say, raising a hand. “Did Sheila tell you the names of the two traitors who forced her to join their cause?”
“Actually, yes, she did. One was an engineer named Corey Whittaker, and the other was a security officer named Nathan Gonlaz.”
* * *
The moment Brute’sbearded face appears on the screen, I know he’s already had some success in the investigation. There’s a victorious glint to his dark red eyes.
“Admiral,” he says with a nod.
“Officer.” I lean closer to the screen. I’m seated at a communication console in the command room, but there’s no one nearby to overhear our conversation. “Well?” I ask. “What can you tell me?”
“There are several groups of traitors among the humans who wish to overthrow Captain Warren, though the groups are poorly organized, and they often fight with one another. The male you asked me to investigate—Security Officer Nathan Gonlaz—belongs to a group known as The—”
“The Saviors,” I say, cutting him off.
Understanding dawns on his face. “Ah. Officer Paddax must’ve been reunited with his rebel mate. I trust he extracted a full confession from her?”
I nod and tell him everything I recently learned, including Paddax’s theories about how The Saviors planned to kill all the males aboard theHaxxalwith a virus and steal the large vessel.
“That is a wild, ambitious plan,” he says with a wide grin. “Only one problem—we defeated their little virus before it had a chance to destroy a single one of us.” He chuckles. “But The Saviors likely have no way of knowing the plan hasn’t worked. None of them are on the command team, and even if they were, it’s not as though we speak with Captain Warren and his comrades about the happenings on our vessels. If an illness was spreading on any of our ships, we wouldn’t complain to thefluxxinghuman captain about it. Humans possess inferior medical knowledge and technology. They wouldn’t be able to help us in any way.”
I snort and give a derisive shake of my head. “They probably intend to proceed with their plan regardless of this uncertainty. If they manage to disable our shields, they will likely attempt to board theHaxxal.”
My cousin’s eyes glitter with bloodlust, and his nostrils flare as he straightens and his muscles tense. “With your permission, Admiral, I would like to gohunting.”
I chuckle. “Cousin, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but even if we had definitive proof that The Saviors were planning to try boarding theHaxxal, the terms of the alliance dictate that we must turn any and all traitors over to Captain Warren rather than taking justice into our own hands.”
Brute narrows his eyes. “You always ruin my fun, Admiral.”
I wave a hand at the screen. “Remain on the Jansonna and continue as you were. If you learn anything new, contact me at once. I must consult with the emperor and his advisors before I make any decisions regarding The Saviors, but I suspect Emperor Radakk will want us to follow the terms of the alliance and turn the traitors over to Captain Warren. But it’s my understanding that the worldship captain is quick to execute traitors. Perhaps he’ll let you watch, cousin.”
“Very well,” Brute says with a dramatic sigh as he leans back in his chair. “I will continue to play the spymaster. But you owe me a strong drink when I return.” A dark look enters his eyes. “And a bride. If it’s not too much trouble, I would like to claim one of the human females from the next batch we receive.”
“Your name is already on the list.”
After we say our farewells, I schedule an emergency meeting with the emperor and his advisors for the early morning. If I thought the threat from The Saviors was imminent, I would rouse the males from their beds, but I believe we have more than a moon cycle until the rebel group attempts to board theHaxxal. According to our scientists, had the virus managed to spread, it would’ve taken nearly two moon cycles for the majority of our people to become infected.
When I return to my quarters, I find Ellie sound asleep, curled up on her side underneath the covers. I strip off my clothing and join her, spooning her from behind, though I’m careful not to press against her punished ass. Tomorrow, I’ll apply numbing salve to her bottom before I depart for the meeting.
I’m still a bit shocked that she asked for ten lashes. Given the circumstances, I would’ve let her off with a stern scolding, or perhaps a hand spanking, if not for the immense level of guilt I’d detected radiating through the bond.
At first, I’d been furious with her, but the bond had provided me with a better understanding of her motives. She’d been truly sorry, and I’d sensed the desperation that had led her to keep such secrets in the first place. I’d forgiven her long before I’d brought the strap down across her bottom.
As I hold her close, I stroke her hair and breathe in her fragrant scent. I shut my eyes and focus on the heartbond, sending warmth down the everlasting tether. She stirs in her sleep and emits a soft sigh.
“You are precious to me, sweet human,” I whisper into her ear. “So very precious.”
