by KD Jones
She looked around, grateful that her people were occupied and no one else could hear them. “I don’t just care for him—I love him.”
Mabel clapped her hands together in excitement. “I knew it!”
“Shhh...I don’t want anyone to know yet.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not sure how he feels about me, and I want to get that worked out between us first. We have a lot of things we need to make decisions about.”
Mabel nodded her head. “I understand. Will you be leaving with him to travel to Drasta?”
“I’m not sure. He asked me to consider it.”
“He did? That’s got to mean he’s serious about you.”
“I don’t know. We haven’t talked about our feelings for one another yet. What if I go with him to Drasta and things don’t work out?”
“What if you stay here and let him go and never find love again?” Mabel countered.
Heather sighed. “I took a chance once and it ended up in a horrible loveless marriage. I can’t take that risk again without knowing that Devlon feels the same way about me that I feel towards him.”
“What if he decides to remain here with you?”
“I could never ask him to stay. He has family that he’s close to, and they can’t remain here forever. His grandchildren deserve a better life than living underground or in a dome. Going to Drasta will allow them to live aboveground in fresh air and sunshine. He really tried to sell me on the idea of going with him and I have to say...I’m tempted.”
“Maybe when we get all this stuff with the tribe leaders settled, you two will have time to talk and figure it all out.”
“I hope so. Come on, let’s get the subcars ready for our visitors.”
They had been preparing subcars for the tribe leaders coming there later that day to sleep in. They were doubling some of them up just to make security easier, which was one of the requests that Devlon had made. She felt very uncomfortable about having Mark come there. It would be the first time that she’d seen him in person in years, and on top of all that, Devlon would be there too. She groaned.
“What’s that sound for?” Mabel asked as they entered the next subcar. Her people had already come through, stocking and cleaning, but she and Mabel were doing spot checks.
“I was just thinking about how uncomfortable it’s going to be with Devlon and Mark in the same place at the same time.”
Mabel snorted, trying to hold back her laughter and failing miserable. “Sorry, Heather. I’ve not seen your Mark, but I for one can’t wait to see Devlon stake his claim on you.”
“He’s not staking anything.”
“You are so wrong. That is one very alpha male if I ever saw one.”
As much as she agreed with that, she also knew that Devlon was good at keeping his calm. “Devlon is good with keeping his emotions in check. He has to be, as commander of the fleet.”
“We’ll see how well he holds up.”
*****
Three hours later
Heather ignored the smirk on Mabel’s face as she stood between Mark and Devlon trying to make the introductions. Mark’s blond hair was a little too long, and he wore some of the clothing that the domes had offered them. It was just a plain grey sweatshirt and pants. The pants expanded a bit at the waist, showing that he had a bit of a beer gut. Not that they really had beer. Mark once reminded her of a sexy California surfer; now he just looked washed-out, old and soft.
“Commander Devlon, I’d like to introduce you to the tribe leaders. You know Jerry Lee, the South Tribe leader is Rick O’Donnell, the Southeast Tribe leader is Phillip Taylor, the Southwest Tribe leader is Regan Cook, and the Northwest Tribe leader is...Mark Bates.”
Each leader moved forward to shake hands with Devlon. When Mark stepped forward, they clasped hands, but Devlon didn’t let go right away. He applied pressure, tightening his grip painfully.
“You’re Heather’s ex-husband?”
“Technically we’re still married.”
“Not for much longer,” Heather added, moving to stand next to Devlon and putting her hand on his arm. He finally let Mark go. The small gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Mark. He glared accusingly at her and Devlon.
“Why are the Drastan warriors here?” Jerry asked, rubbing his bald head.
“We’ve increased security for everyone’s protection during your meeting.”
Heather and Devlon had debated whether to tell the tribe leaders why there were coming there. Heather wanted to, so that if some didn’t feel safe with the plan that they could back out. Devlon argued that there might be a traitor among the tribe leaders and that this might be their chance to uncover who they were. So she told them that they were coming for further discussion of all the Drastans would do for their tribes.
Mark snorted. “I don’t need your protection. I was captain of the football team in both high school and college. I was also in the Army Reserves.”
Heather laughed. “You were inactive and never had to serve!”
“I still trained for my service, in case I was called to it.”
“If you did I didn’t see you do any of it. Besides, that was years ago, and you are definitely not…” She looked him up and down and decided to not finish that sentence.
Standing there looking between Mark and Devlon, the physical differences alone were stark. Mark was a few inches taller than her, but Devlon towered over him making him shrink in size. Where Mark was out of shape, soft and pudgy, Devlon was toned and muscular. She knew from experience that there wasn’t an inch of fat on Devlon.
Their differences weren’t just physical, either. Devlon was generous and caring. She’d seen him pitch in to help his warriors with things, never acting like any job was beneath him. Mark had acted entitled for as long as she knew him and it was clear watching look down his noses at everyone that he still believed in his own importance. Her fear that Devlon would eventually turn into another Mark was completely blown out of the water. Devlon would never be like Mark, and Mark couldn’t hold a candle to Devlon. She loved Devlon, and as soon as she had a chance, she would let him know it. For now, she had a job to do.
“Come with me and Mabel, we’ll show you to where you’ll be staying until we have our meeting.” She smiled at Devlon before turning to lead the other tribe leaders away.
*****
Devlon wanted to kill the male named Mark Bates—Heather’s husband. How could a male let someone as beautiful and wonderful as Heather go?
He moved to give an order. “Keep your eyes on that male.”
“Yes, Commander.”
With that he turned and headed back to his tent, where Sr. Commander Bond and his warriors were waiting. He’d advised them to remain hidden so that the rebels, in case they had spies, wouldn’t be expecting reinforcements. Entering his tent, he noticed the viewing screen on the table was turned on. They’d set up video cameras throughout the tunnel and tribe’s square so they could monitor everything from a distance. The senior commander was sitting in the chair and turned to Devlon as he entered.
“Who is the blond male you had words with?”
“Mark Bates—Heather’s soon-to-be ex-husband.”
“Husband is like an amahlo?”
“Yes, but they were not hala asawanis. Their union was weak and abusive. Heather had sought to end the it before the nuclear disaster happened. Technically she’s still tied to him, but not for much longer.”
The senior commander looked disgusted. “Do these humans not honor unions as our people do?”
“Some do, but if their unions are weak or abusive they’re able to end it with what is called a divorce.”
Senior commander turned to his warriors. “Go assist patrolling the perimeter.”
“Yes, sir.” The warriors left the tent.
“I noticed your connection with the female. Are you sure you can trust her to want the same things as you?”
His relationship with Heather wasn’t really Drake’s b
usiness, but Devlon knew he was asking more out of concern about bringing humans to Drasta when they might not hold the same values. “I can assure you, there are many humans who value unions. These people in the tunnels, for the most part, care for each other and fight to live their lives the way their want to.”
“I certainly hope you’re right about the humans. The high chancellor is planning to approve their citizenship if they choose to come to Drasta.”
That was good news. He felt relief that his sons’ mates and his grandchildren would be safe. With approval from the high chancellor and the Drastan council, humans relocated to Drasta would have full citizenship. Any Drastans who attempted to harm the humans would be dealt with harshly. Heather would be protected if she agreed to come with him. He wished he had more time to convince her that Drasta would be the best home for her. He wasn’t giving up yet.
“Did you notice anything out of place on the viewer?”
“No, but then I don’t know what would be considered usual. Are you sure that the rebels will make an attempt?”
“It’s an opportunity that they just can’t pass up. They’ll come.”
Chapter 19
“Heather, I want to talk to you in private,” Mark said as he followed her back out of the subcar.
She felt a headache coming on and Mark hadn’t been there more than twenty minutes. “Mabel, could you take the rest of them to their subcars?”
“Of course.”
She walked a short distance from everyone else but could feel their eyes on them. “What do you want?”
“I got this sent to me yesterday.” He held up a piece of paper. She suspected it was the document that Lt. Colonel James said he would send about finalizing their divorce.
“Good, you got it.”
“I won’t be pushed into signing anything.”
“It’s a notification of our divorce.”
“I won’t sign it.”
“Why not? It’s not like we’re together. We haven’t been together in years.”
“You just want to run off with your alien lover boy.”
Heather rolled her eyes. “What I do and who I do it with is none of your concern.”
“Well, I’m not signing it.” He crossed his arms over his chest. That move used to intimidate her, but no longer. She stood her ground.
“I don’t need your signature. You were notified. That’s all that’s required. Your opinion and participation isn’t even needed. Now, I have a job to do.” She turned her back on him and walked away. She held her head high and felt more confident than she had in a really long time. Soon her divorce would be final on paper, but it wasn’t needed. She’d moved on a long time ago, and now she was ready to start her new life with Devlon. Whether it was here on Earth or on Drasta, she couldn’t wait to get started.
*****
Devlon waited inside Heather’s subcar after watching her talk with her ex alone. He didn’t know what they said but it looked like a fight from the way she stormed away and the male glared after her angrily. She stopped as soon as she came in and saw him, and when he stood up she rushed to his arms.
“I couldn’t stay away from you,” he confessed, pulling her into his embrace and kissing her soundly. They broke apart, breathing heavily.
“I missed you last night and today. Being in your arms is addicting. I couldn’t sleep well at all.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I didn’t sleep well either. I missed your scent and your curves. I’m becoming addicted to you too.” He pulled her over to the bench and sat down, then lifted her onto his lap. “I noticed that you had some kind of altercation with your ex. Are you okay?”
“Yeah. He was pissed that he got served the papers.”
“That was fast.”
“The lieutenant colonel is good at what he does.”
“So...will he fight it?”
“He only has forty-eight hours. Mark won’t have time to get back to his tribe and contact the dome in order to make the forty-eight-hour window.”
Devlon smiled with satisfaction. “He’s a fool for letting you go, but I’m grateful for his stupidity.”
She laid her head on his shoulder. “Devlon.”
“Yes?” He caressed her shoulder and arm.
“I’m falling in love with you.”
He froze, fearing that he’d heard her wrong. “Say that again.”
Heather lifted her face so that their eyes were locked. “I love you, Devlon. I’m not sure about moving to Drasta yet, but I know I want to be with you, if you want me.”
His lips came down over hers trying to express what he was feeling, but she needed the words as he’d needed to hear them. He pulled away.
“Heather, I am completely and utterly in love with you. If you refuse to move to Drasta, I’ll remain here on Earth to be with you. I cannot lose you now that I’ve found you, my hala asawani—my soulmate.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a heated look. “Are you going to make love to me?”
Growling, he reached for the buttons of her shirt. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”
She laughed and he smiled at her with humor and awe. This was very different than what he’d had before. It was never fun and lighthearted, and it was definitely never as sexually heated as this. What he had with Heather was special.
“Do you have to go back to your tent tonight?”
“I’m having the senior commander use my tent so that he can help monitor things safely.”
“That’s good. I have plans for you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You do?”
“Oh yeah.” She pulled him up and tugged him the aisle so that they could lay on her actual bed. She had two bench seats welded together and a soft cushion as a mattress.
“When did you have that done?”
“While we were visiting the dome. It was just a minor adjustment, but at least your feet won’t fall off the bed.”
He chuckled. “That’s what I worry about, my feet falling off.” He started removing his clothes and felt her eyes on him the whole time. There was nothing sexier than having a female you cared about admiring your body.
“Are you joining me in bed or are you just going to admire my good looks?”
Just then she got a message on her communicator and sighed with regret. “I can’t. The other leaders are ready for the meeting. I have to go.”
*****
Heather was so frustrated. All she wanted was a little alone time with Devlon. The sooner she got this meeting over with, the sooner she could get back to him.
She headed to the subcar they were using as the meeting location. Mabel was waiting for her and followed her up the stairs. Everyone was already seated, and Mark was glaring daggers at her.
“Thanks for coming.”
“Heather, what’s going on here?” Tribe Leader Regan asked.
“I was attacked while visiting the dome the other day. The man was caught—he was one of the subway rats, I didn’t know him personally. Anyway, the rebels approached him and other rats wanting to hire them to do missions. This man was hired to approach me and get me to bend to the will of the rebels. If I didn’t agree, he was told to kill me and get me out of the way. I wasn’t the only one approached; Jerry has also been threatened.”
The other leaders gasped and whispered. She noticed Mark didn’t look surprised. “I called the meeting for two purposes. One is to let you know what happened to me and to Jerry. Has anyone else been approached or threatened?”
Everyone answered no, except Mark. “Mark?”
“It’s no big deal. Just agree to help the rebels and keep their presence known. They’ll leave you and your tribe alone.”
“You sold out, sold your tribe out!” Heather shouldn’t have been surprised.
“I…”
Just was Mark started to reply, the ground shook and a loud booming sound went off.
“Was that a bomb?” Mabel asked.
“What the hell!” She s
tarted to exit the subcar and found Devlon there at the door.
Devlon reached for his communicator. “Where did the explosives go off? I’ll be right there. Make sure the others secure the area. Has Lt. Estro arrived with the modified computers? Start using them to look for more explosives.” He ended communications and faced her.
“You won’t stay here even if I asked you to?”
“Nope.”
*****
They exited her subcar and Heather looked at her frightened people trying to send them a smile to ease their tension. Two of Devlon’s men rushed forward to report. She stood next to him listening.
“The improvements in the other end of the tunnel collapsed, it was most likely explosives.”
“Anyone hurt?”
“No sir. Lt. Estro is using his scanner to check for more explosives.”
“Very good. Spread out and cover the area carefully.”
“Heather, I’m going to go check on Kyle in the tunnels. I don’t want him there alone.”
“I’ll go with you,” she offered.
Devlon shook his head. “Your people need you to be here. Seeing you here strong and confident will reassure them that everything will be okay. Will you be okay if I leave?”
She knew he was right, but she didn’t want to be separated. She acknowledged his point. “You’re right, this is where I need to be. I’ll be fine, go. Just be careful. This attack may be aimed at me and the other tribe leaders, but they won’t hesitate to take a shot at getting you.” She watched him walk off toward the smoking tunnel with a sense of dread.
Chapter 20
As she watched Devlon walk towards the tunnel, movement to the right caught her attention. It looked like someone was moving through the smoke, heading toward Devlon before he too disappeared in the haze.
She didn’t think twice as she headed after Devlon. Never had she felt so totally scared in her life. Someone here wanted to sabotage her tribe, maybe even kill her to do it. She heard a gunshot and saw a flash; then she was dazed as she was knocked to the ground by a large body. She pushed the body off and scrambled out from underneath it, then recognized Devlon’s voice as he groaned.