by Regine Abel
He turned towards us when he heard our footsteps approaching. His eyes rested on Amalia first, and a small smile stretched his lips. It softened his otherwise overly serious and mature expression. His gaze drifted towards me and his smile broadened. Although there was no actual competition between us, it tickled me that I was Vahl’s favorite. That warm, fuzzy feeling quickly died, though, when our son looked beyond my shoulder before frowning. This marked the third day that Khel didn’t attend our daily ritual of morning greeting to our children.
Despite their young age, both Zhara and Vahl showed a maturity level and mental development well beyond their five months. Veredians matured faster than Xelixians who, in turn, also matured faster than humans. But according to Amalia and Maheva, even by Veredian standards, our children were far ahead of the normal curve by at least seven months in their motor control and nearly a year in their mental awareness and comprehension. We didn’t know what to make of it.
“Daddy?” Vahl asked.
I took him into my arms and tried to give him a reassuring smile. His eyes latched onto my dimples. For some reason, he loved poking his fingers at them. Unable to resist, he did it yet again, as he often did to his sister. Amalia chuckled and caressed Vahl’s hair.
“Daddy is very sick,” I said with a sigh.
Early on, Amalia, Khel, and I had agreed we would never lie to our children when they asked us difficult questions, unless the truth would be too damaging to them or beyond their comprehension. My protective instincts dictated I should tell them Khel was on an off-world mission and wouldn’t return for a while. But we didn’t know what state he would ultimately end up in. It was better we began preparing our children slowly for the hardships ahead.
“Nana?”
Once more, our son’s keen mind impressed me.
“Nana and Dr. Minh are doing everything to help Daddy get better. But it’s going to take a lot of time.”
Movement at the corner of my eye made me notice Zhara had awoken and stared at me with wide eyes identical to her mother’s.
“Daddy misses both of you very much and will come see you as soon as he is better. We just need to be patient, okay?”
He didn’t answer and turned to look at his twin instead. They didn’t speak, nor did their facial expression change. Yet, I was convinced that some form of communication took place between them. This seemed to be occurring more and more frequently of late. Zharina frowned, then both children turned to face me.
“Okay,” Vahl said, although it sounded more like ‘o-hay.’
Jhola walked into the nursery. The housekeeper’s usual smile didn’t hide the strain the last days had put on the elder female. She had been with our family for decades and considered both Khel and me her sons. Seeing him brought low had been a severe blow to both her and her mate, Sivh, our groundskeeper. Still, she kept her chin up and made sure the house continued to run smoothly. She and Maheva had become close friends and Jhola nearly lost it when she saw how wrung out Maheva had been following her healing marathon.
She walked over to us and caressed Vahl’s head before I handed him to her.
“Breakfast is ready on the patio,” Jhola said then rubbed noses with Vahl.
“Thank you, Jhola,” Amalia said with an affectionate smile.
Jhola winked back at her. She had all but adopted Amalia as her own from the moment Khel brought her home. Seeing how Amalia and her great-mother Maheva shared such similar personalities – and appearance – it was no wonder Jhola also took an instant liking to Maheva.
After kissing our daughter, Amalia and I headed down for breakfast.
* * *
I shifted once more in my Council seat, berating myself internally for my inability to focus. Visiting Khel’s cryo chamber after breakfast had messed with my head.
President Frebhin summarized the conclusions of the morning’s discussions on how best to smooth the rocky diplomatic relations with our allies. In light of the severity of the injuries sustained by Khel, finger-pointing and accusations against him were kept to a minimum but muttered behind closed doors. If not for his critical state, though, Xelixians and allies alike would descend upon him with rabid fury and lay all blame at his feet for ‘mucking up’ the mission.
This session needed to end so that I could reconvene with Ghan and Detective Gravhin to assess our progress – or rather painful lack thereof – in the search for Zhul. Just when I thought we would be released at last, Whil Dervhen – ‘slime ball’ as Amalia called him – rose from his seat, requesting the right to address the council.
Why in Gharah’s name they’d appointed Whil instead of his father Rhik or his uncle Nhed boggled my mind. After all, they didn’t know of Nhed’s involvement or that we held him in custody. Granted, Nhed was no longer the charismatic Councilor and Ambassador he had once been. However, despite his fall, he still held the respect of many foreign ambassadors. In truth, no one better than he could have smoothed over the tensions with the Terran government who held him in high esteem.
For the time being, we had agreed to keep Nhed’s confession secret. Until we had a clearer understanding of what was going on, we wanted to avoid starting an even bigger witch hunt than the one that had already begun.
“President Frebhin, dear fellow Councilors,” Whil said, puffing his chest with the arrogance of a novice who saw his role as a status rather than the serious responsibility it truly was, “I stand before you today to request a new vote on two motions previously rejected.”
My spine stiffened as an impending sense of doom crawled through me.
“In light of recent events, it seems reasonable to reopen the matter of medical research on Amalia Praghan, her mates, and offspring,” Whil said, staring at me with a defiant glimmer in his eyes.
Grumblings echoed through the room.
“This motion has been rejected,” I said, rising to my feet. “It was your own cousin, Zhul Dervhen, who argued against it being considered further.”
“No doubt a tactic to get you to lower your guard while he prepared his treacherous attack against those poor females and your own cousin.”
I flinched, rendered speechless by this statement. A thick silence descended upon the room, all eyes trained on me. Although the media had hinted at Zhul possibly being the mastermind behind the events, no official statements in that sense had been made by the authorities.
I leveled him with a hard stare. “That is a serious accusation against your own blood,” I said, my voice clipped. “One might call it defamation, considering even the police and the First Division aren’t ready to make such a claim.”
Whil paled and swallowed hard.
Rookie.
With a full quorum, there were twenty-five witnesses to confirm he had indeed slandered Zhul. One only had to file a complaint to get him into serious trouble. But until I knew more about the deal with Zhul, it wasn’t my battle to fight.
“Whatever his reasons for standing against the motion, his arguments are no less valid,” I said.
“Yet, had his arguments been overturned,” Whil argued, “your Gem wouldn’t be in critical condition right now. Your own life hangs in the balance should the worst happen to him. Where will that leave the rest of Xelix Prime when the only Tainted males who have been cured both die?”
The muttering took on a more supportive edge. Loathe as I was to admit it, his argument had merit. Casting an uneasy look around the room, I made a quick count of those who seemed open to reconsidering the vote. This needed to be nipped in the bud. We weren’t ready to reveal Maheva’s existence or abilities. Getting locked up now would create a world of trouble for us. And without Maheva’s healing, Khel was doomed.
“Xelix Prime will be in the same place it has always been,” I said. “Caging Khel and me in a lab will not give you any additional answers than the ones gathered so far. Our samples have revealed nothing new in months. There is no further evolution. The changes our mate triggered in us are done.”
“The
n maybe it is time other males drink from Amalia Praghan to see if she cures them,” Whil said.
The room exploded in angry shouts, the other Councilors taking offense on my behalf at the outrageous suggestion. My fangs descended and a feral growl rumbled in my chest as blind fury surged within me. I pulled out my celesium sword, a priceless gift from the Tuureans that never left my side anymore. The hands of the four other Councilors from my district holding me back saved that wretch’s life. How dare he even imply drinking from a mated female? MY female?
Whil withered under the general animosity targeted at him. Even his fellow Xelhen Councilors showered him with scathing words. I took in deep breaths, trying to control my anger.
“SILENCE!! CALM!” President Frebhin shouted.
The ruckus slowly ebbed but the entire chamber continued to glare at Whil. Frebhin leveled him with a stare filled with disdain. That, more than anything else, sobered me. Few males exerted self-restraint and managed to remain as neutral as President Frebhin. While he might display his disapproval at overly loud and flamboyant behavior, he usually kept it to a frown or gentle scolding. For him to show such blatant distaste proved Whil had crossed a line.
“Councilor Dervhen,” Frebhin said, “I realize you are new to this role. However, I will remind you that this Council’s purpose is not only to define and uphold our laws, but also to set the example for our people to follow. What you suggested is not only highly inappropriate, it makes me question your moral values and, therefore, your suitability as a Councilor.”
Whil opened his mouth to argue.
“Quiet, Councilor Dervhen,” Frebhin interrupted. “I have not given you leave to speak.”
Wow!
A few coughs to disguise laughter echoed through the room, while others covered their mouths with their hands to hide their smirks at this unprecedented chastising.
“From this day forward, and until I have further assessed your ability to fulfill your role, any further motion you wish to present in this Chamber will be first submitted to me in writing with your supporting arguments.” Looking around the room, Frebhin continued, “This session is adjourned. You all have your duties to help resolve the current crisis. We will reconvene tomorrow.”
“But this motion hasn’t been voted on and I have a second one to present!” Whil exclaimed.
“And you have been given your instructions,” Frebhin replied in a cool voice. “Submit both motions to me in writing and, should they meet quality and morality expectations, they will be presented at the next closed session.” The President turned to the rest of the room. “Good day, Sehrs.”
We filed out in a cacophony of loud conversations. On their way out, my fellow Councilors proved particularly clumsy with many of them bumping rather roughly into Whil as they passed him. I wanted to go give him a piece of my mind, but Bhek Zirthen intercepted me on my way out.
“Lhor,” Bhek said, “Please accept my apologies on behalf of that ruthless idiot. I can’t believe this is the best alternative their bloodline has to offer. Zhul may have his faults, but Whil…”
“Do not apologize, Bhek,” I said with a gracious smile. “You are not responsible for that bastard.”
“Still, he shames my district. But enough about him. How is Khel?” Bhek asked, a look of deep concern on his face.
I rubbed my palm over my chest as the all-too-familiar constricted feeling seized it.
“It’s bad, Bhek. Really bad.”
“But he’s going to make it, isn’t he?” Bhek asked, his wise eyes filled with sorrow. “You two are the sons I’ve never had. Tell me he will be fine.”
Bhek and his mate, Fhara, had lost their only offspring during childbirth. Fhara had always been a free spirit and a wild creature. She was a seasoned sword and hand-to-hand fighter and loved every form of hunting. Bhek had been away on his second Ambassador mission when Fhara, lured by her lust for adventure, decided to go on a guided tour of the Sinesha Rings where giant creatures, comparable to the humans’ dinosaurs, were known to dwell. The tour itself was safe and Fhara hadn’t been due for another week when her water broke.
The delivery proved far too complicated and the premises weren’t equipped to handle it. In despair, they tried to fly her to the nearest planet but the child died enroute, leaving Fhara barren. Bhek never blamed her for the tragedy that befell her and their child. However, he never quite got over the sad reality that his bloodline would end with him. By law, he could have repudiated her over her inability to bear him a child, but he adored his mate so he’d stayed.
Although it was unbecoming, I placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it an encouraging squeeze.
“We are confident he will make it,” I said, gently. “He may not be back a hundred percent to his old self, but we have faith he will make a proper recovery.”
Bhek exhaled loudly, his shoulders dropping in relief. My heart warmed for the older male.
“Minh does not allow visits for now, but as soon as he gives the go-ahead, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you, son. Please give Khel and your mate all my love. Your family is in both Fhara’s and my prayers.”
“Thank you, Bhek,” I said, placing my hand against my heart and slightly bowing my head.
* * *
I arrived first at the Situation Room in the military compound on the estate. Taking a seat, I tapped my fingers on the massive conference table that occupied the center of the rectangular room with enough seating for twenty people. Large vidscreens covered the walls, except where tinted windows overlooked the training grounds.
Only Khel’s most elite warriors lived and trained here. The rest were all stationed at various military bases across every district. None of the warriors were training right now and it was a stark reminder of the severe blow the First Division had sustained during the raid.
The door opened and Amalia walked in. My heart melted, as always, whenever I saw my mate. Yet, this time, I also wanted to give her a serious spanking. She strutted her delectable stuff towards me before sitting on my lap. Her fingers combed through my hair, pulling my face towards hers. Our kiss was slow, deep, and had fire coursing through my veins. Ten lifetimes wouldn’t suffice for me to get my fill of this female. She tasted sweet, like ryspak dipped in honey. Purring with need, Amalia pressed her chest against mine. I pulled away, breaking the kiss. She frowned, the prettiest pout on her lips.
“The others will arrive any minute, love,” I said, silencing my own growing desire.
She sighed and snuggled against me and I tightened my embrace around her. I cleared my throat, trying to find the words to broach the subject that bothered me without setting her off.
“I hear you spent time with Lelah again today,” I said, hoping to sound casual.
Her back stiffened and she gave me the look.
“I most certainly did and I will again tomorrow, and every other day until this whole mess is resolved.”
“She’s Dervhen’s sister.”
“She’s a child caught up in far more drama than anyone that young should be.” Her tone brooked no argument. “Zhul sent her to us for protection. I will not have her treated like a prisoner. No innocent should be caged, let alone one her age.”
I flinched. Of course my mate would rebel at the thought of a young female held captive. But right now, my only priority was her safety and that of our children.
“But…”
She placed two fingers on my lips. “No Lhor, no buts. I know you worry for us, but I’m not reckless, not where the security of our children is concerned.” She made a funny face, halfway between annoyance and amusement. “Anyway, Ghan’s overprotective, big brother attitude has gone into overdrive since the raid. He doesn’t let me near her without a guard – or two – present.”
I smiled. Ghan adored Amalia even though he pretended to find her and her mischievous ways insufferable. He would never forgive himself if any harm ever came to her under his watch. And besides, Khel would skin him alive.
<
br /> Khel…
I swallowed the pain and sent a silent prayer to the Goddess that she would give him back to us as wholesome as possible.
The door opened again and Ghan marched in, accompanied by Detective Behn Gravhin. Amalia rose from my lap. After the usual greetings, we got right down to business.
“We don’t have any leads,” Ghan said. “Every stone we’ve turned led us to a dead end.”
“I’ve been tracking his finances,” I said. “Dervhen hasn’t attempted to retrieve funds or made any traceable payment since his disappearance.”
“We watched every piece of real estate he owns or has an interest in where he might have gone to ground. There’s been no sign of him,” Ghan said. “He also hasn’t contacted any of his known acquaintances.”
“Could he have left the planet?” Amalia asked.
Ghan shook his head. “No. Nothing and no one gets in or out without our knowing. The Tuureans did a pretty impressive upgrade of our scanners. Nothing gets past them.”
“So we know that he’s still here somewhere,” Behn Gravhin said. “The question is whether he’s hiding or being held against his will.”
“What of Valena?” Amalia asked, her voice thick with tension.
“We were tracking her implant throughout the raid,” Ghan said. “The signal suddenly stopped. This means someone either disabled it or setup some form of interference.”
“We believe it was disabled,” Behn said.
Ghan nodded and walked to the console with various blinking controls and holographic interfaces resting against the side wall. He turned it on and a large holographic replica of the Convention Center appeared.
“This is the entrance where Amalia unlocked the door for us.” Ghan pointed at the location on the display. “The raid entered here through the private corridor on level twenty-five. We blocked all parking lot exits so no one could escape. Yet, the autopsies indicate that aside from our soldiers, all the other victims were females.”
“That means the guards and customers all got out,” I said.
“Yes,” Ghan said, his tone hardening.