by A. R. Ford
Badass, Mia. I adored the sound of that title.
Chapter 11
Mia
I knew the sentence fit the crime committed. Borloff was a weak man, one that would lead Kade’s empire to destruction if allowed to continue with his agenda of treason, and subterfuge. Hull was just as weak, yet too dense to understand the consequences of his actions.
Kade hovered almost constantly after we returned to Barkjour. Gorn disappeared with some muttered excuse. I understood that he did not want to linger in my presence in the event things went horribly wrong, as they had after Gabel’s execution.
I insisted on eating dinner in the dining hall with those who joined us routinely. The room grew quiet when Kade, and I, entered. Servers immediately brought food to the tables. Wine, and ale, flowed freely. Gorn sat to my left. Berenger sat on Kade’s right side. My king’s hands rotated position occasionally. I wondered at times if it served as a game of cat-and-mouse for those gathered in the hall. Perhaps they sought to keep everyone guessing. I realized men, especially Alphas, were more complicated than anyone could know.
The baby’s first insistent kicks came during the first course consisting of a light cream of celery soup, and salad. I caught my breath, both hands going to cup my belly. Tears of joy filled my eyes.
“Mia?” Kade’s concern came almost immediately. A furrowed brow, and clenched jaw, indicated as much.
I caught his hand, guiding it to the place where the baby stirred, yet again. His grin lit the room. “Our son is strong.”
Our attention returned to the meal at hand. I scanned the faces of those present. They were quieter than usual, whispered conversations taking place across the room. I knew the direction of their thoughts. It was time to end rumors, and conjecture.
I stood, the melodic sound of a knife against the side of my glass catching their attention. The room grew silent. They were curious yet afraid to question us. The people deserved to know the fate of the traitors.
“Mia, what are you doing?” Kade whispered.
“I’m addressing our people, at least those who are here,” I replied in a voice intended only for Kade’s ears. Drawing my shoulders back, I turned my attention once again to those dining with us. “Some of you may wonder what took place after we delivered Borloff, and Hull, to the selected island. I will tell you, so that the stories told will be truthful, and not filled with conjecture or rumor. Know the same fate awaits anyone who betrays your king, and queen, or the people of this island.”
“Is it best to do this, now?” Kade growled.
I took my mate’s hand, fingers tightening in hopes of silencing him for a few minutes. I continued without looking at him. “Not wanting to be seen as cruel, and heartless, I provided the men with a gun, and bullets. Surely seeing they had the means for hunting could be seen as a compassionate measure. Borloff turned the gun on himself. He now lies dead on the frozen tundra of an island to the north. Hull has the weapon at his disposal. We can only hope the gods will give him strength to survive there. When you speak of this day, speak only the truth. Let all know that betrayal will not be tolerated here.”
Everyone in the room stood up. Gorn was the first to lead the chant, paired with stamping feet that filled the dining hall with a people’s voice spoken in unison. “Hail to the queen! Hail to the king!”
I spoke after the chant died. “Hail to the people of Barkjour Isle. May you know peace, and prosperity.”
Kade sat silently when I resumed my seat. His thick fingers drummed on the tabletop. “You took a great risk.” Hooded eyes hid his emotions.
“The people deserve to know what happened out there today. The truth will help keep the history of the event accurate,” I replied. I knew this for certainty. Failure to record the history of our people led to Alphas, and Omegas, who did not understand estrus, rut, or the importance of the pair bond.
“Only you, Mia,” Kade grumbled.
Berenger, and Gorn, laughed at the same instant. “You have a wildcat on your hands, Kade,” Gorn explained with a shrug. “The gods have a wicked sense of humor. One of the fiercest warriors I know, finds a mate who is equally fierce in other ways.”
“I can’t wait to see what labor is like. I almost bet there will be Omega on Alpha violence at some point,” Berenger chortled, a fist pounding on the table. He offered an option upon seeing Kade’s irritated expression. “I think birthing classes will be a necessity.”
The men left the table to mingle with others who had finished their meals. The good-natured tone of the conversations taking place in the hall were vastly different from those that took place not long ago. It felt good to see our kingdom settling down, becoming a cohesive unit.
I stood up with the intention of joining Berenger, and Gorn. Kade caught my arm. A second later, I landed in his lap. An inferno of emotion was revealed in his eyes. He caught my chin with one hand. He claimed my lips unapologetically, fiercely devouring as he left no doubt of his intentions for later.
When I could finally break free, I gasped, “What was that for?”
“For being the perfect mate, and queen. Barkjour Isle is fortunate to have you, Mia. You are not only a role model for my people, you are a savvy woman determined to do what is best for the people.” Kade’s admission brought my grin. He kissed my forehead tenderly before helping me stand.
We mingled with those in the dining hall. I made a point of talking with each person for a few minutes. I realized this was a sensitive juncture. Those who supported us should be made to feel appreciated. Those thoughts lingered in my mind over the next few days.
The next council meeting took place a week after Borloff, and Hull, were sentenced. Their absence from the council presented a problem. The room was filled with tension--almost palpable, and unnerving. Within minutes of the meeting being called to order, bickering began over who should assume the empty council seats.
Jald, and Anteros, the youngest members of the council, shouted at each other across the table. I winced when Kade slammed a fist on the table. “Enough!” he roared. “Members of the council do not behave in this manner!”
A few moments passed as Jald, and Anteros, glared at one another. Kade remained standing, serving, no doubt, as a visual message that additional outbursts will not be tolerated. I hesitated, but gathered my courage.
“If I could speak, gentlemen?”
“Absolutely,” Gorn offered with a pointed glance at Jald, and Anteros.
“Why not allow the people to elect who will serve as members of the council? If we allow that, then everyone can rest assured their concerns are heard on the council.” I stood when Jald snickered behind a hand. A withering glance in his direction preceded my words. “And you could do better, I suppose? After that outburst earlier, I feel the need to behave as a mother would. You need to be spanked for misbehaving.”
Jald’s snicker evaporated at my words. He sank down in the chair, eyes lowered.
“Mia has a valid point,” Kade explained. “Perhaps we could look at the democratic model used by what once was the United States. Why not allow each settlement to have an elected representative to serve on the council? I would ask that we adopt a decree where the king, and queen, are mandatory council members. Others, such as the leader of the military, and other important governmental divisions, could fill the remaining seats on the council.”
Silence followed Kade’s explanation. Jald tapped a finger against the bridge of his nose while Anteros hummed thoughtfully. Gorn broke the silence.
“We should have a vote on Kade, and Mia’s, plan. I vote yes,” Gorn said while raising his cup.
I gasped when the others voted for the motion. Kade, and I, cast our votes in favor of the motion. A unanimous decision. Something unheard of with the council.
“All we need now is to determine how an election will take place,” Gorn groused. He drained his cup then immediately refilled it. I understood his distress. Council meetings could make the most devout person want to drink. “G
ods! What if it turns into a fiasco like the election in the United States where one person won the popular vote, and the other won the electoral college votes?”
“We accept only the popular vote,” I mused. “It’s the only way to ensure the people’s voices are heard, and respected. Anything other than that could lead to strife, something we must avoid, at all costs.”
After nearly two hours of discussions, the remaining council members developed a plan to hold elections for the empty council seats. A dull ache throbbed in my temples. My attention drifted from matters at hand, to the headache. I wanted only to retire to the cool darkness of our room, and rest for a few hours.
As if sensing my needs, Kade called a halt to further discussions. “We can continue this tomorrow, if needed,” he advised the council. He escorted me from the council chamber without another word.
When we returned to our room, Kade pulled back the blanket, watching as I changed into a thinner, more comfortable gown. His hands cupped my belly, lips coming to rest on my forehead. “You should rest.”
“Will you stay with me?”
“Of course.” Kade’s massive body cradled me. His purr lulled me to sleep.
We woke around noon, just in time for a messenger to arrive at our door, announcing that an emissary from Jade Island had arrived with important news regarding One World. Kade, and I, ventured to the entryway of the Garrison, where a strange, white-haired Beta, with piercing blue eyes, stood.
“My name is Joseph. I am an emissary sent on behalf of a group of Alphas, and Omegas, on Jade Island,” Joseph said when he saw us. He bowed before continuing. “The group I represent wishes to notify other groups of Alphas, and Omegas, that One World has been destroyed.”
“Destroyed?” Kade chortled. “I highly doubt that. Where is your proof?”
“If you will allow me to use a COMM unit, I have a digital recording with all the information you will need. I also have a history book written by Hailey Michaels, an Omega who wants to preserve our history.”
Kade snorted derisively, but led Joseph to his private study. “Please, show us the evidence of One World’s destruction.”
“I understand this may be difficult for you to process. It is our understanding that you, and many of your brethren on Barkjour, were held in One World prisons.” Joseph turned toward the COMM unit’s screen after the digital recording was inserted in the appropriate slot.
The screen sprang to life. A massive Alpha with dark hair, and eyes, stood in front of a large bank of COMM units. He spoke seconds after the recording started.
“Greetings. My name is Baron Michaels. I bring the joyous news that One World has been destroyed. I assembled a group of like-minded Alphas who willingly explored two One World prisons on the mainland. The information gleaned from their exploration, paired with intelligence obtained from a dying comrade, gave us the edge we needed. We were able to prepare a biological weapon from a sample of Beta Hemorrhagic Syndrome. That weapon was delivered to One World’s command center in what once was the United States capitol. I realize you may not believe us. Video evidence of a secondary mission, revealing One World’s sensitivity to the biological weapon, follows.”
The video flickered briefly as the first segment ended. Almost immediately, a segment showing bodies lying in the decaying streets of a once great city, filled the COMM monitor. The video continued for nearly half an hour as members of the reconnaissance team explored the streets leading to the command center, and the command center itself. Hundreds of bodies clad in One World’s gray jumpsuits lay in pools of blood.
My eyes flicked from the COMM monitor, to Kade. His eyes widened when the destruction of the virus became apparent. He collapsed in a chair before raising a shaky hand to his forehead.
“It’s impossible,” Kade muttered. “Isn’t it?”
“The secondary mission was quite thorough. Our operatives explored any buildings linked with One World’s headquarters. We learned there was an extensive network of underground tunnels, and rooms. There is no cure for Beta Hemorrhagic Syndrome,” Joseph replied.
“Thank you for bringing the news,” I interjected. “You said something about a history book?”
“Ah, of course! My apologies for not giving this to you as soon as I arrived.” Joseph opened a briefcase. He handed the book to me. “A great deal of effort went into dissecting the history of Alphas, and Omegas. Evan Quinn found additional information when he journeyed to the mainland. A man named Luca Walker was the first undifferentiated Alpha. It is suspected his wife, Nyssa, was the first undifferentiated Omega. Everything is contained in the book. Mr. Michaels spared no expense in assisting his wife, and Mr. Quinn, to conduct research, write, and publish the book.”
Kade remained silent. He stood after several minutes, walked to a miniature bar near a window, and poured a shot of whiskey. Not once had I observed him drinking alcohol. He swallowed the amber liquid, and poured another drink without pausing.
“You realize how difficult this is for me to process?” Kade finally admitted. “The bogeyman, the thing that goes bump in the night, has finally been destroyed. They took me from my parents, but not before they murdered them. So many of us were held there. Omegas were murdered by feral Alphas. Innocent blood is on my hands, Joseph. I’m not certain I deserve this gift.”
Kade’s admission made my gut clench. There was never a discussion of the horror that took place in the prison. He avoided the topic, at all costs. I could never imagine what he experienced at One World’s hands. I moved behind the chair, my hands resting on his massive shoulders. He caught one hand, turned his head, and kissed my knuckles.
“Mr. Michaels’s wife, Hailey, along with a group of Omegas, were taken hostage a few years ago by One World. They somehow managed to build a prison on Jade Island, fill it with feral Alphas, and begin their breeding program there.” Joseph tilted his head, eyes wavering between Kade, and me, as he spoke. “Hailey was pregnant at the time. Thankfully, she, and the baby, survived. You can understand why Mr. Michaels was determined to route the evil from this world.”
“Thank you,” Kade murmured. “Pass our thanks on to Mr. Michaels. Perhaps we can travel to Jade Island for a visit one day. Mia is pregnant, or we would visit now.”
“I understand,” Joseph chuckled. “One thing I have learned is that Alphas are even more protective of their mates during pregnancy. I wish you both the best.”
Kade, and I, walked with Joseph to his transport where it sat on a landing pad not far from the Garrison. “Please visit any time you would like,” I offered before Joseph entered the transport. “We will count you, and your friends on Jade Island, among our allies.”
“That was our hope,” Joseph replied. “We must unite to protect the world from evil. One World was evil. Given that history repeats itself, we must prepare to defend ourselves against the next threat, when it rises.”
The strange bow followed by Joseph’s hand held aloft, palm facing out toward us, was his farewell. We watched as the transport rose in the air before we returned to the Garrison.
Kade disappeared after Joseph’s departure. I could locate him within the Garrison. I ventured to his study, only to find the door locked. I knocked but heard no response. A tiny tendril of worry gnawed at my gut throughout the day. The next few weeks passed in much the same way. My mate pulled away from me. He rarely joined me in bed at night. When I questioned him, he brushed it away as concern that he might injure the baby in his sleep.
One night, when Kade joined me as I readied myself for bed, I sensed that something was horribly wrong. I could not discern the problem, but something was off. That night, I lay in Kade’s arms, my head nestled on his broad chest. Turmoil was communicated through the tendril. I worried that he blamed himself for the deaths of Omegas in One World’s prison. A finger traced the outline of his lips before I spoke.
“You’ve been quiet since Joseph’s appearance.” I waited for Kade’s response, the tendril of worry growing exponentially.
A wave of nausea came unbidden. The tendril writhed with something I could not decipher.
“You miss nothing,” he grumbled with a huff.
“I don’t place any blame upon you for the deaths of the Omegas. The horrific nature of the situation…”
He cut me off mid-sentence. His voice was cold, tinged with steel. This was the Kade I once knew, not the man I now knew. “I could not fight the need to rut. None of us in a cell with an Omega in estrus could. We killed them. Nothing can change that.”
“No! I trust you.” Tear-filled eyes blurred my Alpha’s tormented expression.
His determination to convince me he was an unfit mate continued. Words painted a picture of past horrors. “Their screams echo in my mind at night. No one can erase that. Innocent blood is on my hands, Mia. I think of how I claimed you. Of how I forced you to watch Gabel’s execution. Gods! Can you not see that I cannot be trusted?”
His chest heaved. Eyes narrowed. Lips compressed in a thin line. His fingers curled and stretched. Kade’s distress would be evident to anyone who saw his behavior.
His pain was my pain. I could not stand to see him suffer. An Omega’s instinct to soothe pushed its way to the forefront. “You are a changed man, Kade. Please, don’t torment yourself with the past.”
He stood up before prowling to the narrow window. He stood there staring out at the night sky. Every inch of his body held a tension that foretold of an imminent storm. But what storm? What was Kade hiding from me? “It is my past. How can I trust myself to treat you, or our child, well?” He stood without moving, eyes glued on whatever he could see out the window.
His words horrified me. I sat up, a cold chill filling my heart, the tendril vibrating with tension. “What are you saying?”
“I can’t take the chance that I might harm you, Mia. What if my feral nature takes over, yet again?” He scrubbed his face with a hand, jaw clenched. He refused to look at me. I could feel him withdrawing until his end of the tendril went silent.