“I don’t mind.” Sebastian laid a kiss on her lips before they snuggled up and passed out together.
Chapter 17
“What makes you so special?”
Alyssa spun around to find Zirena skulking in the dim hallway that led to the garage. With her overnight bag in hand, she’d been waiting for Jordan to tear himself away from Kora’s side to drive her back to Granny’s. Startled by the sudden appearance of this peculiar woman, Alyssa’s heart raced, but she leaned against the doorframe, acting aloof, unwilling to show any weakness.
“What did you say?”
“I was wondering what Kayn and Sebastian could possibly see in you. I suppose Kayn chose you for your fertility. You know, they start testing us females when we’re little.”
“Why would they do that?”
“To see if you could be a breeder. Sometimes, they find women like us who test compatible with the commander line. Obviously, the tests aren’t perfect, or I would’ve gotten pregnant long ago.” Zirena winced, her shoulders slumped forward for only a second before she straightened, facing Alyssa with derision. “I just don’t understand how you hooked Sebastian so fast.”
“I didn’t hook him, Zirena. He makes his own decisions,” Alyssa said, eyeing the insolent woman. “I don’t know why you’re so jealous of me. I didn’t steal Kayn from you, and I didn’t steal Sebastian either… he was never yours. Besides, aren’t we supposed to be on the same side? Isn’t that why all of you have been trying to convince me to join the coalition?”
Zirena took a step towards Alyssa, her hands clenched, her eyes glaring slits. Ready to drop her bag, Alyssa widened her stance, preparing to fend off this crazy woman.
“Am I interrupting something?” Jordan emerged from the shadows behind Zirena.
Startled, she wilted as her cheeks flushed bright red, avoiding eye contact with him as she retreated.
“You okay, girly?”
“Yeah, fine. What the hell is wrong with her? I know you said she’s into Sebastian, but it seems like something else is going on with her.”
“She always been that way. I think the commander really messed her up.”
“If that’s what all his ex’s turn into, I’m glad you got to me when you did.”
“She’s the only ex to survive Kayn… that we know of.”
Chapter 18
“Jess, I swear, Lyssa is the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.”
“That is unbelievable,” Jess said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “When can I see her?”
“Well, here’s the thing... Kora and the baby are hidden away, right now. Sen can’t know where they are.”
“Oh, I see.” Jess’ face fell as she stopped bouncing. “Well, how soon can I see them? Can I sneak my way to wherever they are?”
“Maybe, but I can’t tell you about it here. How about we go into the town for some lunch?”
“Sure, I just need to let Lorn know.”
“Jess, ask him to meet us at Marly’s.”
“Really? We never take Lorn with us.”
“Please, just ask. You’ll understand when we get there. I need to call Kayn before we leave, too.”
“Okay, then. I’ll run to my place, grab my purse and Lorn, and meet you at the front gate in twenty minutes?”
“Sounds good.”
Alyssa grabbed her phone as Jess rushed out the door, pausing to take a deep, centering breath. She dreaded talking to the murderer but knew the importance of keeping up appearances.
“Alyssa dear, what can I do for you?”
“I need to speak with you. Do you have a few minutes to meet with me?”
“Of course, I will be waiting for you.”
She hurried to the office, waving at Isa on her way in, finding Kayn lounging on the sofa.
“Come. Sit. What is it you wish to speak to me about?”
“Two things... First, I’ve moved back into my quarters during the week, and I’d like to return to work on a part-time basis. Second, would you permit me to borrow one of the business vehicles for a while? I’m spending so much more time in town, and the bigger I get, the harder it’ll be for me to walk back and forth.”
“I can agree to both.” Kayn laid his hand on her knee. “Since you are having my child, I think it would be appropriate for me to gift you a vehicle.”
“Oh, Kayn, that’s not necessary, I can buy a car for myself. I’ve just been too busy.”
“Nonsense. Go to the storage warehouse and choose any vehicle you like. I will inform the steward you are coming.”
“Thank you very much.” Alyssa’s chest ached. She hated accepting a gift from someone so evil. “Is there a specific schedule you’d like me to work?”
“Start with half days, three times a week, whichever days you prefer. We can determine a more structured schedule in a couple of weeks.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“When are you available for dinner?”
“Oh, uh...” Alyssa had forgotten about his request. “We can do it tonight. I’m meeting Jess and Lorn for lunch in a few minutes but my evening is open.”
“Wonderful. I look forward to it.”
They rose at the same time, but before she stepped away, Kayn reached for her, pulling her close. She held her breath, worried about what he might do as he swept his arm behind her, pulling her in for a deep, mind-blowing kiss.
Shocked, Alyssa forced herself to sink into him, trying to imagine Sebastian kissing her instead, but couldn’t. They’re just so different.
Pulling away, Kayn peered into her eyes, searching, then abruptly released her and strode to his desk.
“Enjoy your lunch, Alyssa,” he said, not looking at her.
With a shake of her head, she rushed out of the office, anxious to get away from this confusing charade.
***
Puzzling over Kayn’s actions, Alyssa jogged to the storage warehouse where the steward met her at the locked entrance, letting her in. The grumpy Szu’Kara led her to the vehicle section and ordered her to make a choice.
Ignoring his stern look, Alyssa browsed among the twenty or so cars, trucks, and SUVs. The vehicles were in good condition, which said a lot since all but two or three manufacturers went out of business during the war, the remaining factories only making limited quantities of vehicles, since they also produced replacement parts for Szu’Kara ship and pod maintenance.
Alyssa decided a mid-sized car would be best for towing around a baby and all the necessary baby gear, choosing a silver four-door with beige interior and lots of trunk space. It appeared older, worn in a few places, but clean, and satisfied with her choice, she retrieved the keys from the steward, who opened a rolling door to let her out.
Driving to the front gate, Alyssa blinked back tears as she remembered learning how to drive. Although she’d always enjoyed walking everywhere, her dad had insisted on teaching her to drive when she turned eighteen. He’d been so happy riding in the passenger seat, directing her as she carefully drove around the exterior parking lot.
Pushing the memory away, Alyssa pulled up to the gate where Jess and Lorn waited on the other side. When the gate slid open, Jess’ mouth went slack as Alyssa drove out, stopping to let her friends in.
“Holy crap, Aly! Where’d you get this?”
“Kayn,” she said through gritted teeth. “I tried to borrow a business car, but he insisted on gifting me one instead.”
Lorn gave her a troubled look from the backseat, and Alyssa returned her own worried stare.
“Well that sure was nice of him,” Jess murmured, inspecting the interior and playing with the various knobs and buttons.
Alyssa drove them to the Malt Shop, where Marly greeted them with his usual exuberance, and asked for a private table. He ushered them into the secluded party room at the back of the shop.
“So, Aly... what’s with all the secrecy?” Jess asked, sitting next to Lorn, across the table from Alyssa.
“We need to tell you something,
and I wanted to do it somewhere we could talk openly without any chance of being overheard.”
“Your quarters aren’t private enough?”
“Um, I’m not sure,” she said, looking to Lorn for help.
“Jess, dear, there are some things you should know. Things that are not actually safe for you to know. I asked Aly to help me talk to you because I know you trust her.”
Jess scoffed, patting her lover’s knee. “I trust you, babe.”
“Yes, I know you do, my love, but unfortunately, this information is likely to cause you distress.”
“You’re scaring me, you two.” She scowled, glancing at each of them.
“Jess, you’re my best friend, and I want you to be safe, always.” Alyssa clasped her hands together on the table in front of her. “I’ve learned some things recently, about the Szu’Kara. It’s been really hard not telling you right away.”
“You’ve been keeping secrets from me?”
“I’m sorry, but it was necessary, for your safety.”
“Well, what could it be? I know as much about the Szu’Kara as you do.”
“Jess—” Alyssa paused to gather her thoughts “—the Szu’Kara are not as wonderful as we always thought.”
“I think Lorn is pretty great,” she said with a smile, and winked at him.
“Yes, he is. There are some aliens, like Lorn, who are good and want to stay that way.”
Alyssa stopped talking when Marly entered the room, approaching the table with their food.
“Look, the food’s here.”
“Feel free to keep talking,” he said. “I know what you’re going to say.”
“You do?”
“Sure do. If you need any help, come get me. Jess, you listen to what she has to say. You know she won’t steer you wrong. Enjoy the food.”
With that, Marly marched out, closing the door behind him. Jess watched him go, brows furrowed, then turned to Alyssa with a questioning look.
“Okay, Jess, here it is...” Alyssa inhaled deeply, capturing a mental picture of innocence before it was lost. “The Szu’Kara plan to kill us—all of us. Humans that is.”
“What?” Jess turned to Lorn, incredulous. “What the hell is she talking about?”
“Jess, dear, what Aly says is true. My people plan to rid Earth of all humanity, but there are a few of us who are opposed to this evil plot.”
“You’re joking! This is some sort of prank, and it’s not funny. Not at all. I mean it, Alyssa.”
“Jess, please listen,” Alyssa said. “Asen’Sha is a lie. Zion is one big hallucination. There is a chemical in the lab, in my mom’s office, that’s made of Valene. They modified it in a way to kill us. It’s what killed my parents.”
“No way!” Jess shook her head, tears brimming her eyes. “They love us! They wouldn’t hurt us, Aly. They saved us from killing ourselves. Lorn, please tell her she’s wrong!”
“I can’t, Jess,” he said, voice thick with regret. “She is telling you the truth. You are not safe, my love.”
“Kayn killed my parents, Jess. I tried to tell him I didn’t want to go to Zion, and he sent poisonous gas into their quarters to kill us.”
“This isn’t right...” Eyes glazed over, Jess stared at the table, swaying in her seat. “Kayn loves you. He’s always been good to you. You’re having his baby, Aly.”
“I know. Believe me, I know. I didn’t want to believe it at first either.”
“How did you find this out? Who told you? Did Lorn tell you? Lorn did you tell her this nonsense?”
“It is not nonsense.”
“I found out from Jordan. His brother leads a rebel group that’s trying to save us.”
“REBELS?” Jess swooned, almost falling out of her chair.
“Jess, breathe! Not all the rebels are bad. In the same way not all the aliens are bad. There are some radical groups out there with evil intentions, but Jordan and his brother are working on saving humanity, I swear.”
“Oh no, this isn’t happening. This can’t be true. Why are you telling me this?”
“You want to see Kora and the baby.” Alyssa deadpanned.
“Yeah, so?”
“So, they’re with Jordan. I had to get them someplace safe, away from the compound. Sen and Kayn can’t know about the baby. They have to think the baby died or they might go after Kora to steal Lyssa from her.”
“Oh, my God... I just don’t know what to think.”
“Jess, dear, I am worried about your safety living among my people. I wish to take you away.”
“Take me away? I’ve lived on the compound my whole life. My parents are there!”
“Yes. I wish to take them with us.”
“Where do you expect us to go, Lorn? Seriously, where else could possibly be safer than the Command Compound?”
“Coalition headquarters,” Alyssa said. “If you decide to believe us, we’ll take you there.”
“Where is it?” Jess looked doubtful. “How can you be sure we’ll be safe there?”
“Because I’ve been there, and so has Lorn.”
“Lorn, baby,” Jess said, cocking her head with a dangerous look in her eyes. “Why would you be with the rebels?”
“Because I am part of the coalition. I have been to many meetings. I want to stop the commander’s plans to kill you. I love you, Jess. I want you to live a long, happy life.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Jess stared at the floor, wringing her hands.
Alyssa reached across the table to touch Jess’ arm. “Just say you’ll think about what we said—and please, for heaven’s sake, don’t breathe a word of this to anyone. Not even your parents. It’s best if you don’t talk about this at all when you’re on the compound. We have no way of knowing how much they can listen in on us.”
“Is that true, Lorn?” Jess asked, her face ashen and startled.
“I’m afraid so. Our ships may have been converted into housing and office space but they are still operational. The technical team could have modified the intercom system for listening.”
“If you think about it... how could they have known when I was in my parents’ quarters to release the poison that was supposed to kill us?”
Jess looked at her, stunned, and they fell into a silence, picking at their food, while she ruminated on the things they’d revealed to her. Alyssa worried her friend, loyal to a fault, might not believe them, and searched Jess’ face for any signs she might turn against them, seeing nothing but a glazed over expression.
***
Approaching the outer office area, Alyssa grumbled to herself when she spied General Ras skulking by Isa’s desk, near the door. Her steps faltered as she slowed her pace, hoping to avoid any unpleasantness, but Ras immediately turned his attention to her, his large eyes squinting.
“Miss Rose.” His sinister voice practically purred.
“Hello, General,” Alyssa said, standing out of arms reach.
“How are you this evening?”
“I’m well.” The general’s politeness put her on edge.
“Are you here for the commander?”
She suspected Ras already knew of her date with Kayn.
“Yes, I have plans with the commander.”
“By all means,” he said in a sickly-sweet tone, stepping away from Kayn’s office door with a small bow.
Frightened by the unusual display of pleasantry from a normally cantankerous alien, Alyssa kept her eye on General Ras as she approached the office door. She reached for the palm scanner, stopping with her hand inches away.
Angry voices reached her ears, muffled by the metal door, and Alyssa lowered her hand to her side, still eyeing Ras. The general watched her back, a small, arrogant smile playing on his mouth. Suspicious and irritated, she tuned into the argument.
“It is unacceptable.”
“It is not for you to decide, Isa.”
“That may be so, Commander, but I have come to care for the humans. Particularly your human, Mis
s Rose.”
Alyssa tensed at the reference to her belonging to Kayn.
“You should not become so attached to them. It is inappropriate.”
“You yourself seem to be quite attached to Miss Rose. You have conceived offspring with her, have you not?”
“It was not planned, Isa.” Kayn growled. “It should not have happened.”
So, he’s lying to her, too.
“Yet, it has, and you attempted to dispose of Miss Rose and your child, along with her family. I cannot condone your actions.”
“I will again point out this is not your concern. Our plans for the humans remain the same. I will not allow this unexpected development to interfere.”
“You still wish to continue with this barbaric plan to commit genocide?”
“It is our way, Isa.” His tone softened. “It is what we have always done. Our people need a home, and the humans are parasites. They were on the brink of destruction when we stepped in.”
“They have improved their ways, Commander. With our help, the humans can thrive, so we can share this planet.”
“I do not believe it is possible. They procreate at a much faster rate than our kind. The human population would eventually overtake the Szu’Kara population.”
“The plan is unacceptable. The human species is different. We have not encountered such an intelligence in the past, and I do not wish to see them perish for our cause.”
“It is not your decision, my friend. The plan will be completed. It has been decided.”
“What of Miss Rose? Your child? Will you eliminate them as well, or will they move with us to the next colony?”
“I have not decided yet. Alyssa is willful and I do not know if she would survive a future with me. As for our child, I cannot say.”
“This upsets me, Commander. I must think about my role in your plans.”
“Very well, Isa. You may go.”
Alyssa shuffled back, away from the door, and waited for Isa to come out.
Calmly exiting the office, Isa halted, letting the door shut completely, staring at Alyssa as she composed herself before stalking off with a barely perceptible nod of understanding.
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