Page 35 of Zahhn's Mate
Grief darkens my psyche. I’ve never felt more hopeless or helpless before. But what the fuck am I supposed to do? Reportmy father’s crimes to the command team? My hands aren’t exactly clean. I would implicate myself in the process.
Staying out after curfew.
Engaging in fornication.
Running an unsanctioned gathering place.
Brewing illegal substances.
Add up all my crimes, and there’s a chance I would have a date with a depressurization chamber. Shivers rack my body and I wrap my arms around myself.
I can’t return to my quarters. Not when I no longer trust my father. I’ll have to sleep in the bar. I don’t want to spend the night with a friend. What if a warrant is issued for my arrest? I don’t want anyone I care about to be caught harboring me.
Lee-oon-ahh.
My breath catches, and hope rises in my chest.Zahhn. I peer around the bar, but he’s nowhere to be seen. I close my eyes and concentrate.
Zahhn, I send down what I assume is our bond,can you hear me?
Yes, comes his reply, and I revel in the feel of his deep voice vibrating through me.I can hear you. Thank the Star Gods. Are you all right?
Yes, I tell him.I am fine. Where are you? Why did you leave without waking me?
I am on theRorrsa. I awoke this morning on the…
His voice fades in my head. So does his presence.
I nearly scream in frustration. I still haven’t decided whether I truly want to be his mate, but I’m desperate to have a conversation with him. I need to know if he’s safe. I also need to warn him about the virus. He’s a skilled doctor. Perhaps he can help devise a treatment.
A hand clamps down on my arm, and I yelp and tug away. My eyes shoot open, and I find myself staring at Angelo’s concerned face.
“Hey, Boss, you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I bark in a tone much harsher than intended. I sigh and soften my voice. “I’m fine, really. I, um, just spaced out for a while. My dad and me haven’t been getting along. I was just thinking about our last argument.” It’s not a total lie.
“Why don’t you spend the night in my quarters? As you know, we have plenty of room. My mom won’t mind.”
“That’s very sweet of you to offer,” I say, “but I’ll be okay.” I don’t want to admit I would feel uncomfortable spending the night in Founder’s quarters. Angelo is a descendant of Founders, though like Jenny, he tends to hang with the non-Founder crowd. His offer is truly touching, but if another Founder, one who believes in a separation of the classes, so to speak, witnesses me visiting his quarters at this late hour, it could spell trouble for both of us. I watch as the last of tonight’s customers depart the speakeasy, then gaze up at Angelo and force a smile.
He sighs and drags a hand through his dark hair. “Well, let me help you clean this place up.”
I cast a quick glance around the bar. “It’s not that bad. It’ll just take me a few minutes. Go home and get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” I make a shooing motion toward the door. “Now go. Don’t make me call a security officer on you.”
He laughs and heads for the door. “Fine, fine. See you tomorrow, Boss.”
I watch as he departs, then sink down on a stool at the bar. I drop my head in my hands as a shudder of exhaustion moves through my body. I’m mentally and physically drained, andsomehow, I’ve become tangled in a mess I don’t know how to escape.
I have a mate I’m not sure I want, despite my intense attraction to him.
My father is indeed involved with rebels who would like nothing more than to take over the command of theJansonna. Apparently, they want to kill all the Darrvasons on theHaxxaland take ownership of that ship as well.
I have no idea whether my mate or his comrades are falling ill aboard theHaxxal, and unless our mind-connection starts working again, I have no way of contacting Zahhn to warn him.
Oh, and let’s not forget that I run an illegal speakeasy and suddenly customers are scarce. My stomach flips when I consider why. The bar has been a place for rebels to congregate. Maybe business has slowed because my patrons are worried about a raid.
