Page 44 of Keeping His Mate

I feel a sense of relief that the drill went so quickly as I jog out of the clearing, but when Varrek calls my name, my heart drops into my gut.

“Come to my dwelling for a moment. We must discuss a strategy to handle Bzzsil Chi,” he says when he reaches me. I want to give him an excuse as to why I cannot, but he says, “Queen Ekoya will be calling shortly, hopefully to assist us with this.”

I let out a sigh. “Very well,” I tell him.

“You do not have other pressing matters to attend to, correct?” he asks.

Yes, I must meet my mate, who has not indicated she is interested in becoming my mate, to feed a tr’gory and her pups that you still have no knowledge of.“No, certainly not.”

“Come,” Varrek exclaims as he clasps my shoulder. We meet Ahlvo in Varrek’s training room and strategize possible ways Bzzsil Chi could attempt to retaliate. If he shows up, I will be alerted via the perimeter scanners.

“We shall usher all non-hunters and non-warriors into the top level of Kaiva’s home,” Varrek says, running through the plan we decided on. “Apart from the few who have designated roles in the attack.”

Ahlvo nods, adding, “That is the most secure area in the village as it can lock from the inside. The rest of us will hide in our specified locations and attack from above once they enter the village.”

It is only after Varrek clears his throat, sending me a questioning gaze, that I realize my foot taps against the chair. “Are you well, Bruvix? Do you not think this plan will work?”

“It is fine,” I bark out, the tone harsher than intended. “I do not like envisioning Bzzsil Chi’s presence here.”

They seem to believe my story, nodding in agreement. “He is an utter waste of functioning organs,” Ahlvo says. “But we will make it through whatever he unleashes upon us. I am not worried.”

I am not either. Bzzsil fails as a formidable opponent. In hand-to-hand combat, I would best him with my eyes covered and my hands tied to a tree. The question remains who he will bring with him, and how much experience they have in committing senseless acts of violence. Because of the way Bzzsil works, he will want no witnesses, and he will gladly walk away from a bloodbath if it protects his empire.

Whatever occurs, Elle-noor lives. I will not have it any other way. I hope she is still by the ayy-corn tree. She would not go on her own, would she? Surely not after I asked her never to do so.

Just as her bright smile enters my thoughts, Varrek’s screen pad buzzes, and Queen Ekoya’s face appears in front of us.

“Ah, my friends,” she says in greeting.

“Queen Ekoya, it is an honor to speak with you,” Varrek says with his head bowed in respect. “Thank you for taking the ti–”

“Enough of this, Varrek,” she interrupts. “Do not address me as if we did not spend our childhood together using rags and furs to build fortresses in this very castle.”

The three of us chuckle at that, and I marvel at the sight of her––wearing a crown when, by all accounts, she should be dead. It still amazes me.

“I have been briefed by Nalba on the current situation,” she continues, and to that, Varrek scoffs.

“I realize she is your kin, but she should not be providing details on security concerns. That is my duty as leader of this clan,” he mutters, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ekoya shrugs. “It is what she does. If you wish to change her, be my guest.”

He scoffs again, this time with a half-chuckle. “That is a pointless quest that would only end in misery.”

She laughs. “Yes, I concur. Now, I have a contact at the Nu’Piix Enbalo tavern who says they can keep watch Bzzsil Chi’s movements over the coming days.”

“How did you manage to establish this contact?” Ahlvo asks with a grin, clearly impressed.

“I have many contacts all over the galaxy, Ahlvo. I am a queen, after all.”

“This is true,” he adds with a chuckle.

“They will track shipments in and out of port and can secure access to the travel logs if any of his ships leave,” she tells us. “There are many reasons I am acquiring ways to monitor the comings and goings of Bzzsil Chi. Assisting you is a delightful bonus.”

Varrek nods, seemingly pleased with this information. “If he sends someone this way, or decides to travel here himself, we will have two days to prepare for his arrival.”

“Correct,” Ekoya replies. “I shall alert you immediately with any updates.”

“Thank you for your help, My Queen,” I say, though it comes out as an impatient growl.

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