Andi hummed a soft sound of amusement, glad when his hands started their familiar roam of her body.
“Very foolish. Why do you think Brennaugh was so thrilled to hear that your father and Tarek’s father used the same method to kill someone?”
“I don’t know. I suspect we will find out soon.”
Twenty Four
Upon returning to the citadel, she and Ohlen were asked to accompany Brennaugh and Ga’rae up to Tarek’s office. Falken was waiting for them, looking grim, yet morbidly delighted. It was a truly scary expression to see on his handsome face. One that made her swallow nervously when the door shut and loudly locked behind them. Ohlen pushed her down into a chair, standing right behind her with his arms crossed over his chest. His feet braced like he was waiting to take a hit. Falken looked at her and gravely inclined his head to her.
“We are very glad you are unharmed. Your ordeal was not in vain. Brennaugh and I believe that with what you saw and heard, we are closer to identifying the conspirators’ intent on harming our mates.”
Andi made herself smile a little. Thanked him, and then it was like she suddenly became invisible. Brennaugh, Ga’rae, Falken and Ohlen started to discuss what had been done. Right over her head.
“As a result of Andi’s sketch, we have identified this male as a primary player.” Brennaugh brought up her sketch onto a view screen. “The one Andi heard called, Amaro? Is in fact Ohlen’s sire, Ma’ta. He was believed to have been dead. I looked up his service record and it is reported by his superiors many times, his preferred method of killing an enemy was removal of the heart. Using only his hand.” Brennaugh reached out and made a fist.
Falken grunted and nodded. “Because of our growing suspicions and in light of Andi’s abduction. The information we have gained, I gave the order to take T’kalis into custody. I suggested to him that if he was innocent of any involvement in the attacks on our females, he would have no objections to further questioning. Regrettably, he did not go quietly. Ga’rae, you will scan the former Asho. I want to know every inch of that male, inside and out. Any abnormalities, I want them dissected down to cellular level if need be, until a definitive explanation is provided.”
Ga’rae gave a tight nod, biceps bulging as he too took a wide-legged stance.
“You suspect some kind of impersonation or deception?” The medic asked.
Falken’s brows jumped up suggestively. “Each of our beasts has a unique killing blow. It is well known that Tarek’s sire most often used his teeth to rip out the throats of traitors. There has been speculation over the years as to how T’kalis was able to overcome the madness after having lost his mate.”
Brennaugh nodded and picked up the story. “We are old enough to remember how crazed with vengeance T’kalis was for the first two revolutions after his Asho’na’s death. Then suddenly the rage calmed? It is not unheard of, but neither is it normal. I assumed that it was just further evidence to prove the strength of the unbroken line of our pride leaders. That his madness was vented during the wars. I would like to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that is the truth.”
The warriors all nodded. Each deep in thought until Ohlen sighed heavily.
“We know the traitors who took my mate have used banned technology. It is obvious they will go to any length they must, to gain their desired results. I for one am most curious about what they are seeking from Ga’rae’s data tablet. What research they are willing to kill a mated pair to achieve. Andi heard the males discussing how their attempts to acquire the research data from Ga’rae’s quarters had been foiled. The traitors are still within the fortress.”
Her mate looked to the dark haired medic. Ga’rae simply shrugged, frowning darkly at the unit on his wrist.
“This is the only data tablet I have recorded research notes onto. There is nothing on it save what I have devoted to the study of our unique bonding with the humans. How our blood affects theirs. What abnormalities and differences are present. I have disabled the up-link and all programs that could possibly be used to steal or transfer the data. It is protected and encrypted. Each file. I will not allow Gwen to keep notes of her own on any other tablet. Any research we do, it is together, and on this unit. Knowing the traitors are so bent on gaining our data, I will review it more thoroughly. After scanning T’kalis, perhaps I will have an idea of what it is they want from the research. Has Tarek been notified?”
Falken snorted, lips curving in an amused little smirk.
“No. Clary was quite clear on her desire to have no contact with anyone in the citadel. Not unless the territory was being invaded, or in danger of exploding. Our ruling pair will be returning this evening. Brennaugh and I will update Tarek then.”
****
Two days later it was confirmed that T’kalis was the one responsible for the leak of information to the traitors. Responsible, due to the intricate web of technology implanted in his brain. It was created and used by the same race of aliens responsible for having created the molecular displacement tech. The Adiveeze.
The implant in T’kali’s brain had in effect, turned him into a drone. The Adiveeze were known for implanting similar technology into slaves and selling them to be used as spies. Organic material surrounded the implants filaments, thereby making the tech nearly invisible to initial scans. Implants that controlled speech, emotion, movement, basically made the person into a puppet. The person on the other end of the strings could be in the next room, or across the solar system. It didn’t matter. So long as the person implanted was alive they were able to be manipulated. Giving the traitors the perfect way to infiltrate the citadel.
It was impossible to say how long ago T’kalis had been implanted. After having examined Niora’s remains once again, Ga’rae discovered an implant inside her mind as well. Which explained why, when T’mai had gone to his father with his concerns about their mating, T’kalis had brushed them off as no real concern. One spy, protecting another.
Ohlen had told her all of this and immediately Andi had freaked out that she might have been implanted. She had no idea how long she had been unconscious for. What could have been done to her without her ever knowing. She practically ran into Ga’rae’s lab and demanded he check her for an implant. The total lack of surprise on Ga’rae’s face clued her in to the fact that he had been working up to asking for a scan for the very same reason.
She was practically vibrating with tension, waiting for the holographic rendition of her body to form in the air above her. Ohlen stood close to the table, trying not to look as tense as she felt.
“There is no implant. However,” Ga’rae’s sigh had her throwing her hand out towards Ohlen. Needing to touch him, needing him to help her prepare for the worst.
“Even after three days and three injections of the antitoxin, I see no substantial improvement to the area of your brain damaged by the flurra pollen.”
Ohlen helped her to sit up. Standing close enough to hold her, while Ga’rae continued.
“With your permission, I will take another blood sample. I am attempting to determine the exact components used to create the toxin. Once that is done I may be able to create the antitoxin specific to the potency of the pollen and counteract its effects. I cannot say with certainty that it will fix anything. The damage may be permanent.”
Ga’rae was gentle in his delivery of that news, but it did little to diminish the blow. Though Andi had already suspected it would be that way, deep down, she grieved the loss of that telepathic link. The closeness their bond brought. Her mate helped her up off the table, dropping a kiss to her hair once she settled at his side. She smiled up at him with all the strength she could muster. He was right there. Alive. His arms around her. Everything would be alright.
“What will happen to T’kalis? Does he know anything about who is behind all the intrigue?” she asked Ga’rae. Wanting to know if they were any closer to an end to the danger. Any closer to finding the rest of their enemies.
Ga’rae cleared his throat
uncomfortably. “Unfortunately, when I removed the implant T’kalis reverted almost instantly to a state of feral madness. The Asho and Asha are conferring with one another to determine their sire’s fate. It is my opinion-“
The medic stopped speaking when a trill sounded in the room. He muttered darkly and reached over to activate the view screen.
“Speak!” Ga’rae barked. The image they were seeing was one of a warrior’s face as he ran through the citadel streets below. Using his wrist unit to have directly made the call.
“Ga’rae, we have reports coming in throughout several sections of the citadel. Five warriors have without warning gone feral. Ten others have dropped to their knees screaming, clutching their head and bleeding from their ears. Three of those ten are dead. The Asho commands you to be ready for triage.”
Ga’rae confirmed he would be ready. Snarling while he called for Gwen and several other trusted medics to join him.
“It seems our traitors are cleaning up their mess.” Ohlen rumbled.
Twenty Five
It was another three days before Ohlen was able to tell her what was happening. From what Ga’rae was able to determine, all fifteen warriors triaged to medical had been implanted with the banned technology. Four of the five who had gone feral, had previously been assigned as guards in the five-story fortress of the Asho. They had been dismissed from their posts as soon as Tarek had taken control of the pride.
None of them had survived despite attempts to subdue and calm them.
The fifth who had reverted to a feral state was the head of the council, T’farro. He had attempted to kill three of the council members he had been in a meeting with and had died as well.
Andi insisted Ohlen be checked, terrified his sire had maybe implanted Ohlen with one of the sinister devices. He admitted he had already asked Ga’rae to perform the scan and that it was clear. She went directly to the temple within the fortress and spent the afternoon on her knees. Praying to the Sarazen’s beast god. Giving thanks for small miracles.
The ten warriors who had dropped to their knees in pain and bled from their ears had died almost immediately. The implant was placed in just such a way as to swell up and block the major blood vessels in the brain. It caused a pressure build up and eventually something resembling a cerebral hemorrhage. Only four of those warriors had been in positions to gather information. The rest had flown private transports or had access to the fortress itself.
Ga’rae reported the implants had been programed to cause the hemorrhage on command. Triggered by some kind of frequency or command phrase from whoever controlled them. One of the warriors had been guarding T’kalis in the cells. Before his brain had basically exploded, the warrior had murdered the former Asho.
There were no loose ends or people to answer questions. The traitors had indeed, cleaned up their mess.
Tarek had ordered every single Sarazen across all fifteen planets to report to the nearest medic to be scanned for the implant. Ohlen told her that reports had come back from several medics across the Sarazen territory. Reports of mysterious deaths due to random traumatic brain hemorrhage or a sudden onset of feral behavior.
Several more reports of the same, from every warship commander. In total, over six thousand males and females across the territory, and another five thousand from aboard the fifteen warships had died. Eleven thousand Sarazens used as spies. The traitors had been at the implanting process, placing their puppets here and there, for a very long time for it to have spread so far. The exact reason, why the presence of the humans had been a catalyst for the traitors to come out of hiding, was yet unknown. At least it was now that it wasn’t just the humans being targeted. A larger game was being played and had been for quite some time. For now, with Ga’rae’s specific scanning protocols, the traitors would have to find new ways to infiltrate the pride.
On a happier note, Clary’s pregnancy had been announced to the entire pride, as a metaphorical thumbing of the nose to the traitors. A territory wide celebration was actually still going on in the wake of the happy news. Clary was four months along with twins and was refusing to share the sex with anyone. Not even Tarek. If she wasn’t with Tarek, Clary was constantly shadowed by Ne’tare and Te’sha. Something the new Asho’na was not thrilled with. But as she was less thrilled by the idea of putting herself in danger, she found a way to settle with it.
Twenty-Six
In the weeks following Andi’s abduction, there had been no progress in repairing the damage made by the concentrated flurra pollen. Ga’rae had not given up on finding a treatment, but as busy as he had become overseeing the scanning of every warrior on the continent, Andi wasn’t surprised. Gwen had taken over, getting daily scans and blood samples from her. So far, no luck. Gwen had asked her to try and purposefully do a half shift, laughing at the horrified expression Andi had made in reaction.
“I don’t know why you’re so freaked out. Other than the whole snacking on entrails bit, you’re a badass. Mama always said it’s us little ones you gotta look out for.”
Andi was starting to think perhaps Gwen was deranged. Purposefully asking her to go berserk? Yeah. Not happening. She hadn’t even shifted to her full cat form since the incident in the bunker. Ohlen had taken her to a secured area to run, but she hadn’t been able to shift so much as a claw, terrified if she let her cat out there would be no putting her back.
Ohlen hadn’t pushed her.
Ohlen was helping in any way he could with the aftermath of so many deaths, spending the majority of his time at Tarek’s beck and call. Which meant unless she was escorted by one of the other mated warriors, Andi spent a goodly portion of her time holed up in her rooms. Alone, coming to terms with the fact that she and Ohlen would never get their mental bond back. Accepting that from now on, all that would bind them together was the love they had for one another. It was enough. It would have to be enough.
As observant as her mate was, Ohlen noticed her struggling, and had asked for a few days to themselves. He must have caught Tarek in a good mood to have gotten permission.
She lay now in the circle of his arms, in their bed on board their little cruiser, looking up at the play of moonlight spilling through the water above them. The ceiling of their cabin was equipped with some kind of holo-tech. Cameras on the outside of the hull reflected images directly into the interior of the cabin, so it looked like they were laying in a glass bubble on the bottom of the ocean. It was just the two of them, hidden in a grotto on the other side of the planet, completely submerged. Some kind of fish were swimming lazily over the hull. Their scales glowing, pulsing with every swish of their tails. It was a magnificent view. Made better by the aimless patterns Ohlen was tracing across her belly.
“I would discuss something with you, my one.”
It took some effort, but she tore herself away from the view and turned onto her side to face her mate. Stretched languidly with a little moan.
“Listening,” She murmured. Admiring how gorgeous he looked in the spill of moonlight through the water.
“You haven’t shifted to let your beast free since you were taken from me. I think because you are afraid.”
A dull thud of pain, pressure against the back of her eye, was the result of her trying to feel him through their deadened link. Andi had to take a deep breath to push the sorrow and the pain away. Ohlen must have caught the scent of it and assumed the worst. He curled himself tighter around her, as though he worried she was going to push him away. Silly beast.
“Allow me to explain, please.” his eyes were so bright. Such a lovely, deep purple. Far more fascinating to stare into than even the ocean above them.
“Go on,” she urged softly.
His throat worked loudly in the quiet. “I think you fear your beast and her power now. Fear the damage you could do in that form. The loss of control. The loss of your own mind. Yes?”
Andi nodded. Trusted he was going somewhere with this.
“Blood-lust is a horrifying feeling. Mor
e so for one such as you, who has a hard time bringing even small game down for dinner.”
She huffed a little laugh. Because she did hate hunting the cute little animals that Ohlen called ‘food.’ He stroked his hand over her shoulder. Moved a lock of hair aside to rub at the scar on her skin. His mating mark. Ohlen went so far as to lean down and kiss it with a reverent sort of smile on his face. A smile that dimmed to seriousness when he met her gaze again.
“You don’t need to be afraid of your beast, Andi. Changing into your fur, whether you go into full shift or half shift, will not cause you to lose control.”
“You can’t know that. Our bond-”
He shushed her gently. “It doesn’t matter if we are never again able to speak silently or feel one another inside our thoughts. Without our telepathic connection, without anything but the sound of my voice, you came back to me from the true depths of blood-lust. Proof that the bond we share goes far deeper than any mental link. If ever you doubt it, remember you are the only female to ever have come back from blood-lust. And you did that, for me. Because you trusted me. Because you love me. That, cannot be taken from us. It cannot be diminished or destroyed. It cannot be poisoned. Our bond is stronger than anything.”
Andi reached up, smoothing back that one lock of unruly hair that fell over his brow. He was right. About all of it. He couldn’t feel the love that made her feel like she was glowing from the inside out. He couldn’t feel her trust, her absolute and unwavering trust in him. But she could tell him. Show him. Andi took a deep breath and sat up. Let the sheets fall away from her and smiled when her mate frowned at her in confusion.
Sarazen's Vengeance: Book 1.1 Page 15