Anton's Grace : Sci-Fi Dark Romance (Dark Tales)

by Regine Abel

  “This is excellent news, Anton,” Pattel said, with his usual friendly demeanor. “The Magnar wants us to move quickly on this. But I understand there were a few proposals you wished to discuss tonight?”

  “Correct,” I said. “The gladiator arena your own clan submitted is of great interest to me. You’ve been very thorough. It’s solid and well thought out.”

  Pattel puffed his chest at the praise and cast a smug smile at his companions. Gerwin nodded but pursed his lips.

  “Well done, Elder Pattel,” Toran said, grinning.

  “Indeed,” Jarvis said with an enthusiastic nod.

  Those two took brownnosing to another level. That they would lead their clan after their fathers was a joke in and of itself. They weren’t particularly smart and confused leadership with bullying. This was largely due to their enduring childhood friendship with Gerwin, their little group’s leader, and role model. Removed from his toxic influence, Toran could possibly be redeemed. Jarvis, however, was a lost cause.

  “Your arena concept falls perfectly in line with my entertainment network,” I told Pattel. “As such, I would like to propose an exclusive partnership with your clan. Instead of one gladiator arena, it would be seven; one for each of my Hives. The biggest one will be here on Venus Hive and hold an annual championship.”

  As expected, my four guests gasped. This offer was beyond generous and would completely turn around the future of the Veelan Clan. As their leader, Pattel had done well for them and managed to maintain their elder clan status. However, like my father’s own clan, Veelan was mainly a warrior clan. Fertile agricultural lands saved them when Pattel’s father swiftly leveraged them. The Veelan Clan wasn’t struggling per se, but this contract would propel them to the top.

  Pattel raised his massive hand to rub the nervous twitching of his broad, flat nose. “This is an unexpected offer and a most generous one. Obviously, I must discuss it with my clan’s council, but I’m sure we will work out a positive outcome.”

  I liked the old man. He was a behemoth, like most men of his clan. His bloodline produced some of Braxia’s greatest warriors. It was smart of him to devise an economic plan that would help leverage the strengths of his clan. I couldn’t wait to see his clansmen in action in the arenas.

  “Naturally,” I said. “Take all the time you need to review my partnership proposal. Please note that as the arenas will be part of the Hives, I will absorb the construction costs; you merely need to state what your requirements are.”

  And with that, I sealed the deal. The construction cost of the single arena represented fifty percent of their investment. Now, there would be seven at no cost to them. They also knew I didn’t do half-measures so their arenas would be state of the art, above and beyond anything they could have built themselves. What he didn’t realize is that with this contract, his clan, like so many others throughout the empire, would now be beholden to me for their status and prosperity.

  “My clan will be most pleased with this information. We will get back to you promptly on the matter,” Pattel said bowing his graying brown head.

  “As for Clan Caldes,” I said, looking at Gerwin, “I’m afraid yours will not work… at all.”

  Gerwin’s nostrils flared, the muscles of his arms bunching with anger. “Like hell it won’t! Our material is lighter and cheaper than titanium. Customers will want it.”

  “Except no one will build their ships with duralium because it cannot handle the tremendous thermal and pressure requirements of frequent light speed travel,” I said. “Selling duralium sheets to shipyards isn’t an option. Your clan needs to come up with an alternative market, or transform it into internal spaceship parts.”

  Transformation would translate into a huge financial nightmare. First, they would need to figure out which parts to make, come up with a design that wouldn’t infringe copyrights and build the manufacturing facilities. And that still didn’t guarantee customers.

  A muscle twitched on Gerwin’s temple. “That’s crap and you know it, half-breed!”

  Pattel narrowed his eyes at Gerwin, while Jarvis and Toran gave him a nervous look. Gerwin was walking a fine line. Disrespecting your host in his own home constituted a huge offense. If he did, the other guests would side with the host or become offenders as well. That is, if the host called out the offense. Until then, they would sit back and watch.

  I wanted Gerwin to cross the line. He had no idea what I had in store for him. Although bigger and stronger than me, he didn’t have my agility and quick wit. It didn’t hurt that William and a security detail stood at the ready in case things got ugly. While I expected Pattel to intervene, Jarvis and Toran could go either way.

  “Careful, Gerwin,” I said. “You’re in my house and I’m doing you the courtesy of advising you on—”

  “I don’t need your shitty advice,” he shouted, rising from his seat.

  The rest of us all stood in response.

  “You may have the Magnar fooled, but we all know better,” Gerwin said, taking a step forward. “I know what you’re doing, mutt. You’re trying to get back at me because I have the balls to tell you what an abomination you are. You do not get to claim host privileges, Myers. Had he any honor, your sire would have killed you like the dog you are. Time for me to rectify his mistake.”

  Gerwin lunged at me. I dodged his lumbering attack. After slamming my elbow into the back of his head, I dashed back out of his reach. Pattel barrelled into Gerwin to restrain him. I hailed William on the com. I didn’t need to say anything; he would know to come immediately. Jarvis and Toran stared at the scene wide-eyed, uncertain what to do.

  “Get off me, old man!” Gerwin shouted at Pattel, trying to shake him off.

  “You will not dishonor my clan, you stupid fool,” Pattel roared, twisting Gerwin’s arm up his back.

  “Mutts don’t count!”

  In an unexpected move, Gerwin twisted free of Pattel’s hold. He swung a meaty fist at my face. I barely managed to dodge the blow. It would have crushed my skull, killing me on the spot. Instead, his momentum carried him forward. I whipped around and kicked the back of his head, sending him crashing into the wall. At that same time, the lift’s chime announced William’s blessed arrival.

  Gerwin turned around with a roar, but Pattel and Toran jumped on him before he could come after me again. A good thing too. I probably couldn’t do enough damage to knock him out, while a single blow from him could kill me.

  “Stand down,” William said, storming into the room with four security guards. His blaster, set to stun, aimed at Gerwin.

  “You’ve done enough, Gerwin,” Pattel said.

  I stood in front of Gerwin, with Pattel and Toran still holding him down. William and the guards closed in on our position, ready to intervene. Gerwin bared his teeth at me, breathing heavily, his hard face twisted with fury.

  “Gerwin Caldes,” I said, “I have welcomed you into my home, provided you with food, refreshments, and comfort as was my duty as a host.”

  “You are no host! You’re a mutt!”

  I ignored him. “And you have thanked me by insulting me, and attempting to harm me bodily, with the intent to kill.”

  “Your father should have killed you in your whore of a mother’s womb!”

  “For this offense to my honor and that of my clan, I banish you and every member of Clan Caldes from all seven of my Hive space stations, be it for leisure or work.”

  All four Braxians froze. Gerwin’s eyes widened, the repercussions of his actions dawning on him.

  “All trade agreements and business contracts with Clan Caldes are, as of this minute, null and void,” I continued. “William, see that they are all expelled within the hour.”

  “It will never hold. You hear me mutt?” Gerwin said. “It will never hold!”

  “Get this trash out of here,” I said to William.

  “Apologies for this unfortunate turn of events,” Pattel said while dragging Gerwin to the lift with Toran’s assistance.


  I nodded. Jarvis, clearly shaken by the fall of his leader, followed in silence. This had been a long time coming. My clan needed to be informed of the situation. I was done getting bullied. It couldn’t be delayed, but it would wait for me to check on my woman.

  CHAPTER 15

  Anton

  Grace rested peacefully when I entered our bedroom. Her skin still looked too pale, but her breathing sounded significantly improved. Her fever had broken. She no longer shivered and her hands and feet had returned to a normal temperature. I wanted to see her eyes, talk to her and make sure she felt fine. However, I reined in my selfish desire and let her sleep.

  Despite my reluctance to leave her, I needed to reach out to my father before Gerwin’s clan did. I doubted Gerwin fully understood the impact of his banishment. After one last kiss on her cool lips, I went to my office to com my father. Although I was the offended party and well within my rights, I couldn’t help the worry bubbling in the pit of my stomach.

  My father’s image appeared on the vidscreen. Like Elder Pattel and most men from warrior clans, my father was a massive man. He stood over seven feet tall with four hundred pounds of pure muscles. Once again, I felt small. Weak. I inherited his pitch-black eyes and raven hair, though gray streaked through his. Humans often compared the Braxians’ broad and flat noses to that of baboons, hence the monkey sounds the girls made back on Jeruna. I never understood it. If you tried hard, you might compare our noses to a grizzly bear’s snout, maybe. However, I always thought it looked more like that of a feline – a lion’s in my father’s case.

  “Anton.” My father’s voice boomed like rolling thunder.

  “Clan Leader.” I bowed in respect. “I’m sorry for disturbing you, but there is an urgent matter I must bring to your attention.”

  “I’m listening.”

  His face remained impassive as I recounted what happened. That was the thing with him. You never knew what he thought, whether he would pat you on the back or punch your lights out for fucking up. He should play poker. I folded my hands on top of my desk to hide their twitching while awaiting his verdict.

  My father nodded. “You have taken the appropriate actions under the circumstances.”

  I could have whooped in relief. “He will challenge my status as a host.”

  “And he will lose. A host has nothing to do with genetics. He was in your home after you welcomed him before witnesses. Whether you are a pureblood, Halfling, human or any other species, the rule applies. And besides, you are clanned.”

  “That was my understanding as well, but I wanted to confirm.”

  “Any other response to his actions would have shamed you and our clan. You did right.”

  “Thank you, Clan Leader.”

  “The Council and I will need to prepare for Clan Caldes’ retaliation against us,” my father said. “Be on the lookout. They might come after you as well.”

  “No, Clan Leader, they won’t.” I smiled at his raised eyebrow. This was the most emotion my father ever showed. “When Raylor Caldes comes demanding you lift the banishment, you can tell him that the next time his son wishes to disrespect someone, he shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds him and his clan.”

  My father narrowed his eyes. “How so?”

  I reclined into my chair, feeling smug. “Over the past three years, I have acquired every duralium shipment contract issued by Clan Caldes.

  “Why?”

  “Control. Few people want duralium due to its inability to sustain frequent warp speed jumps. Caldes can only find a handful of customers on this side of the galaxy. I can use duralium for my Hives since they’re stationary. As I own every single one of Clan Caldes’ contracts, they are now beholden to me. I can easily find another duralium provider. They won’t find customers unless they try to sell below cost. They will come begging for forgiveness or they’ll starve.”

  My father lips stretched into a ghost of a smile. “Well done, son.”

  Son…

  My heart thumped in my chest. He seldom acknowledged our blood bond. It was deemed inappropriate. How I longed to call him father.

  “Just so you know, Clan Leader, almost every elder clan is beholden to us in one form or another.”

  He nodded and a glimmer of pride shone in his eyes. I reveled in this too rare display of approval.

  “You have done very well for yourself and for our clan, Anton.” Despite his casual tone, my father was paying me a great compliment. “Elder Pattel spoke highly of your performance taming that human female. I recall she was a great beauty on Jeruna.”

  Cold dread spread down my spine. While the offense had been against me, it affected my entire clan. It fell to me to cleanse our honor, which I had done. But technically, the clan could wish to exercise its own revenge.

  “I have already punished her for her offense against the clan and me.”

  “Yes, I am aware. That matter is closed.” I swallowed my sigh of relief. “What are your intentions?”

  I shifted in my seat. There was no good answer to this. “I own her for the next five months.

  My father waved a dismissive hand. “That wasn’t my question.”

  My face heated at being called out on my attempt to dodge. “I will release her, as per our contract.”

  Like hell I will.

  “Why? Why not use this time to bind her to you?” my father asked. “She’s beautiful and obedient. Why not keep her as your mate?”

  My heart stopped for a moment, and I blinked. Why would he ask me that? He knows I can’t.

  “She’s human. Braxians are forbidden to mate outside our species.”

  “You’re not Braxian.” His face was void of emotion. “And you’re not on Braxia.”

  I flinched. I’d heard this many times before, but coming from him…

  “Right,” I said, proud that the hurt didn’t show in my voice. “But the clan would never accept it.”

  My father stared at me, his expression unreadable. I shifted once again under his scrutiny. For some reason, it felt as if I had failed him.

  “You are correct. The clan will never approve,” my father said at last. “Goodnight, Anton.”

  “Goodnight, Clan Leader.”

  My father extended a hand to end the com but paused at the last minute.

  “I kept you,” he said, then terminated the com.

  I stared numbly at the dark screen. Yes, to my eternal gratitude, he kept me, despite the clan’s outrage. However, in spite of our clan’s lesser status at the time, my father was well-respected and a formidable warrior. Hence his detractor’s couldn’t remove him from power when he refused to kill me. Did he just give me his blessing to do what my heart desired? The clan though… I didn’t have his strength. They would hunt her down and any offspring we had.

  Frustrated and confused, I got up with a sigh and made my way to our bedroom… to Grace.

  Why couldn’t I have been born human?

  Things could have been so much simpler. After checking that my alarm was set for Grace’s next injection, I discarded my clothes and crawled into bed next to her. She shifted and mumbled my name when I pulled her into my arms.

  “I’m here, Grace,” I whispered in her ears. “Everything is fine. You are safe. Sleep.”

  She snuggled against me without waking. It felt right. She belonged in my arms, in my bed. I wasted one month on my wretched revenge. That stupid pet cushion would be gone in the morning. Whatever lay ahead for us, I was done squandering the time I had left with Grace.

  * * *

  For the second time, the alarm’s soft buzzing woke me, this time to give Grace her third shot. Reluctant, I untangled myself from her embrace and loaded the hypospray with a fresh dose. I brushed her hair aside and leaned over to inject her neck. Her eyes snapped open and locked with mine before drifting to the hypospray in my hand. While still a little sluggish, she no longer acted dazed and confused. She frowned and gave me a suspicious look.

  I paused. “You’ve
been very sick. The doctor came by last night to treat you. This is an antibiotic to help you fight the infection. You have to take it every six hours, which is now.”

  Her eyes took on a faraway look, probably trying to remember feeling ill. She touched her cheek as if to check her temperature.

  “Yes,” I said, kneeling on the bed beside her. “You were burning up with fever. I had to put you in cold water to help break it. Okay?” I asked, gesturing at the hypospray.

  She nodded. “Thanks.”

  I performed the injection then went to fetch her some water. “Here, drink this. You need to stay hydrated.”

  Her grateful smile brightened the room. She drank it all down without pause. I almost told her to slow down. Eyelids drooping, Grace handed me the empty glass. I got back in bed and cradled her body against mine. She stiffened and opened her mouth as if to say something but was too lethargic. The injection probably contained a sedative.

  “Sleep, Grace. We’ll talk later.”

  She mumbled something before falling asleep again.

  It was a little before six a.m. I didn’t need to be up for another couple of hours. When I woke next, I would cancel or postpone everything on my schedule. Too much happened in the past few weeks, and especially the past couple of days. I needed to reassess my situation.

  Things that used to mean everything to me – honor, clan, acceptance – didn’t matter all that much anymore. William’s voice echoed in my mind.

  “Even now, light years away, Braxia is still fucking with your life.”

  And it was. For a smart man, it seemed stupid that I always accepted this as normal. Something had changed. I had changed.

  No. I am changing.

  More importantly, I couldn’t go back. Even though the uncertainty of what lay ahead scared me, I didn’t want to go back. Thankfully, I had five months to figure it all out. I looked down at Grace’s beautiful face as her head lay on my shoulder.

  “I love when he’s affectionate like that. It makes me want to stay with him forever.”