Page 20 of Warrin
“Go ahead, Elora,” Warrin said.“Ask your questions.”
Chapter12
She was leaving him.Warrin’s sorrow deepened, and so did his anger.He wasn’t certain whether he was angry at Elora or the situation as a whole.Some of his fury was directed at the general, however, and he was still considering whether to order the drone to destroy the military leader’s hovercraft.How dare the male track down theRennsha?How dare he interfere in his mating union with a human female?Not just any human female, Elora—his sweet little mountain flower.
A savage growl built in his throat, but he wanted to hear every word of his would-be mate’s conversation with General Swanson, so he held it back.
Elora glanced over her shoulder at him, but he didn’t meet her gaze.He feared that if he looked into her soulful dark eyes, he might lose control and carry her back to his quarters.She still hadn’t announced whether she planned to stay on Earth or come to New Vaxx with him.
What would he do if she rejected him?He couldn’t fathom asking VAMOB for an alternate mate.He wanted Elora and no other.
Elora sighed and turned to focus on the viewscreen.“How did you track me down?How did you know I’d signed up for VAMOB and that I was on this ship?”
“My sister knew that you’d signed up for VAMOB—I believe your former roommate from Oakdale revealed the news to her.So, I asked a contact at one of the local VAMOB recruitment centers to look up the name of your mate and the signature of his Vaxxlian cruiser.As for how I tracked you down to this remote mountain, finding you even though there’s an invisibility shield that’s supposed to mask theRennsha’ssignature, well… I cannot divulge that information.Let’s just say that the U.S.military is a little more advanced than the Vaxxlians give us credit for.”
Warrin finally released the growl that had been building in his throat, a vicious sound that rumbled across the bridge and resounded off the walls.His hand crept toward the nearest console.With the press of a few buttons, he could destroy the general’s ship.But he paused when he considered that Elora was watching.General Swanson might be his enemy, but he wasn’t a threat to Elora.Quite the opposite—the human male was trying to help her.To the detriment of their potential mating union.Nevertheless, the general had tracked Elora down with noble intentions.
No, Warrin couldn’t kill the male.Not unless the male posed a threat to Elora’s life.It wouldn’t be honorable.And such a violent act would only frighten his little sarr’ahh.
Was she still his little sarr’ahh?His heart ached as he considered what he would do if she chose to remain on Earth.Would she mate with him if he offered to live on her home planet with her?He despaired over the thought of not returning to New Vaxx to continue helping his people during the aftermath of the war, but he couldn’t fathom leaving Elora behind on her failing planet.
“All right,” Elora eventually said.“Thanks for explaining how you found me—sort of.But I still don’t fully understand what Tobias did.Was anyone else from Oakdale arrested with him?Or was he working alone as he funneled money to the rebels?And why did he suddenly tip off the newspaper and try to frame me?Why not just keep quiet and keep sending money to the rebels?”
“I’m not permitted to discuss the details of the case we’re building against Tobias.Suffice it to say, the charges are serious, and he will likely be found guilty and sentenced to life in prison—possibly death.”
“You will answer Elora’s questions.All of them,” Warrin said.“Don’t make me blast you to pieces.You have no idea how tempted I am to destroy your hovercraft.Answer.Her.Questions.Fluxxingnow.”
Elora gasped and glanced back at him.He finally met her eyes, and just looking at her made him… soften.He endeavored to shoot her a reassuring look, one that was also filled with affection.He hoped she would finish speaking with the general soon.As soon as they were done, he would terminate the comm channel.Then he would do whatever he could to convince Elora to become his—he would barter his soul to a dark deity if only she would agree to become his.
Forcing her wasn’t an option.He wanted her agreement—her sweet willingness to become his mate for all time.
Before the general’s appearance, she’d agreed to consummate their mating union.But the news the general shared had changed everything.It meant she could stay on Earth and resume her old life without fearing arrest.
Not that he believed staying was a good idea…
Her country was at war.Her planet was in chaos.
“General,” Warrin said in a warning tone, on the verge of losing patience.“Answer the questions now.”
General Swanson glanced from side to side, then moved closer to the screen.“Four other individuals in Oakdale were arrested with him,” he said in a whisper, “including a woman with rebel ties whom we believe is his girlfriend.We suspect he suddenly tried to frame you because the last payment he attempted to send the rebels was flagged as suspicious by the bank.The money never reached the rebels, and the account was frozen.He must’ve realized it was only a matter of time before the rebel activity was tracked to him, even though the bank account was fraudulently opened in your name.Have I answered all your questions?”
“Yes, I think so.Thank you, General.”
“Do you need a ride back to Oakdale?My hovercraft can easily pass through the blockade, and I’m planning to go there anyway for a visit with my sister.”
Warrin’s vision blurred with red.Rage swept through him.His subsequent growl bounced off the walls of the bridge, an echoing vibration of anger mixed with sorrow.Then he felt like a fool.How could he convince Elora to stay with him if he kept losing control of his emotions?He was normally quite level-headed and not prone to outbursts, but the idea of losing her had awakened a possessive beast inside him.
Elora rose to her feet, and Warrin slowly approached her.He reached her side and stared into her beautiful soil-colored eyes.She blinked back tears and turned to face him.When she allowed him to clasp her hands, it brought him a tenuous bit of hope.
“I would cherish you forever,” he said.“Until the end of my days, my heart would beat only for you.”
Chapter13
I would cherish you forever.
Until the end of my days, my heart would beat only for you.
Warrin’s profession echoed in her head.
