Page 58 of Radakk's Mate
“What happened? How did they manage to attack us?”
He carries me into the bedroom and sinks into a chair, cradling me in his lap. He strokes my locks and peers at me with a gentle expression that belies the violence he must’ve just displayed. I’d heard the screams of human men in his quarters, and I know he must’ve killed them.
He explains that a group known as The Saviors used Xorrshanan technology to disable our shields and weapons systems, then stage an attack. He tells me about the two hundred human males who boarded theHaxxalexpecting to find the inhabitants too sick to fight back.
“The virus,” I say, my eyes widening. “Sheila’s hypospray. This was all planned.”
“Yes,” he says. He hugs me closer, and I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady, reassuring beat of his heart. “I don’t believe Captain Warren or his command team had anything to do with the attack, though I’m looking forward to the worldship captain’s groveling.”
I take comfort in his familiar, masculine scent, breathing deep of him as I wrap my arms around his waist, hugging him back. “I suppose that’s a good thing. Especially if most members of the rebel group are dead.”
Two hundred human men. I can scarcely believe it.
“I’ve heard of The Saviors, though I didn’t know they possessed such high numbers. I thought there were fifty of them at most. Their membership must’ve grown in recent weeks,” I say. “I suppose they had an easier time amassing power when so many people on theJansonnawere upset about the two thousand plus females that would soon be surrendered to your people. In my recent conversations with my friends, I learned about the protests in the corridors. It would seem tensions are high on the worldship.”
A ringing noise echoes in Emperor Radakk’s quarters, and footsteps sound in the entryway. Someone calls out what sounds like a concerned greeting in the Darrvason tongue. My mate growls and casts an annoyed glance toward the corridor.
“I must speak with my advisors and contact theJansonnasoon,” he says, though he shoots a regretful look at me.
“It’s all right. I understand. I’ll be here when you get back.”
“Good. In my absence, Closta will remove the bodies from my quarters.”
I suppress a shiver.
He kisses my forehead and sets me on the bed. Heat flares in his purple depths, and his lips quirk in a half-smile. “When I return, my mate, we will resume your daily feeding session.” He places a hand on my stomach. “I want to spill my seed down your throat so many times, your stomach swells with the fullness.Stay here. Do not leave this room under any circumstances.” Another kiss to my forehead, then he departs the bedroom.
* * *
RADAKK
It’s latewhen I return to my quarters, but I know Thalia is well. Physically, at least. Data from her bio monitors continually transmits to my wrist comm, and I’ve been checking the live feed constantly since leaving my quarters.
The Saviors are no longer a threat. All those who stormed theHaxxalare dead, though Captain Warren is dealing with those who remained on theJansonnaduring the attack. I suspect they’ll be put to death in the near future.
TheJansonnaremains under Officer Brute’s control and will for some time. Damage to theHaxxal’shull has been repaired, and the fleet has already achieved hyperdrive. We lost little time during our journey to Planet 58-Z.
I find Thalia in my bedroom where I’d left her. She’s pacing in front of the viewscreen, and her dark eyes brim with relief when she sees me.
She hurries toward me, and I’m shocked when she places a hand on my arm and looks me up and down. “Are you certain you’re not hurt? Did you take any blaster fire?” Concern flickers in her gaze.
“I’m certain. I didn’t endure a scratch.” I place my hands on her shoulders and wish I could erase the worry in her eyes. “The blaster fire didn’t hit me, though even if it did, it wouldn’t have done me any real damage. All the Darrvason males who sustained blaster fire are making full recoveries. Most didn’t even need to visit the medical bay.”
“Your people’s armored skin.” She draws a hand above the neckline of my shirt. “I’m glad none of the blaster fire hit you, even though it would appear you’re impervious to it.”
Shivers rush through me at her touch, and a low growl leaves me. I settle my hands on her lower back and step closer, needing to feel her body pressing against mine.
“I am sorry the human males entered my quarters,” I say, fury burning through me at the memory. “That is unacceptable, and I will have our engineers strengthen the door. I will ensure nothing like this happens again. My quarters—our quarters—are supposed to be your safe haven. The one place I know you’ll remain unharmed. That’s why I keep you locked in, little empress. Because I cannot fathom the danger of letting you leave.”
She stares up at me with a stricken expression, though she doesn’t offer up an argument. Too close. What just happened was too close for both of us, and I suspect she’s just as unnerved as I am.
Comfort, I decide. She could use comfort. I sweep her up in my arms and carry her to the large plush chair near the viewscreen. I sit down and place her upon my lap, holding her close, running my fingers through her golden locks.
“I will die before I let any harm come to you, little empress.” I kiss her forehead. “You are mine, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I’ll murder every male on theJansonnaif it means you’ll be safe. I’ll commit the gravest atrocities and not feel an ounce of remorse.” Meaning every word, I hug her closer to my chest.
Chapter39
THALIA
