“I will come back.”
A painful gasp slipped from his throat as he pulled her tightly to him.
“I know you will.”
Someone drew a shaky breath behind her, and she turned to see the reptilian blinking his inner eye rapidly as he turned his head away, his chest rising and falling. Her eyes swept her escort, and she was surprised to see that many were struggling against their own sentimentality. The reptilian finally faced her, his expression carefully controlled as he spoke.
“We should depart, Jennifer Stacey. The chancellor is waiting.”
She bit her lip but nodded in acknowledgment. She turned again to Eyuul only to find him pulling away, his comm in hand, looking at her with a fierce expression. His sadness was swept under a look of savage pride.
“You do what needs to be done, my mate. Reveal the secrets of Agraadax. I am authorizing a transfer of funds from my personal account into an account on Earth for you. You will have plenty of credits to allow you to either live a happy life on Earth, should you choose to do so, or return to me. Whichever the case may be, I will always be waiting for you. And I will always love you.”
She gave him a watery smile, tears once again threatening to spill.
“I love you too.”
With great effort, she turned away and walked back up the boarding ramp, the reptilian at one side and the man who’d spoken at the other. She could feel Eyuul’s eyes following her progress into the ship. It was only with great strength that she was able to resist turning back. She drew strength from the support of the beings who surrounded her.
It wasn’t until she stepped into the ship that she turned around, searching the gathering crowd for Eyuul.
Spotting him still standing by the guard, she raised her hand in farewell. Eyuul lifted his hand as well as the ramp retracted, and the portal finally closed in front of her. Staring at the solid wall, Jenn wrapped her arms around herself and choked on ugly sobs.
A gentle hand steered her to a chair and strapped her in place. She didn’t even notice that a sedative was brought out until she felt the sting of the drug being administered and the world around her mercifully blacked out, relieving her for that moment of her sorrow.
EYUUL WATCHED AS THE spaceship portal closed between them and dropped his hand. He’d wanted to beat back the guards and the escort until they would allow his entry, he’d wanted to take her up on her offer, he wanted to beg her to stay. There were so many things he’d wanted to do, but he hadn’t. He forced himself to put aside his own desires and think clearly of what Jenn truly needed. Yes, she was frightened, but she would be well taken care of.
What she needed was time to do what she’d set out to do, and to figure out what she really wanted and needed without his influence.
Great Mother, he wanted her to choose him, but he was satisfied that even if she could not bring herself to leave her home and return to him that his mate—the only mate he’d ever have, ceremony or no—would be taken care of, even if he was not there to care for her himself.
A hard hand squeezed his shoulder and he turned to face Shaagra.
“You did a difficult thing, Eyuul, but I think your actions were more honorable than any other I have seen. Not many would be so selfless and risk potentially losing their mate. Though I would like to think I would be, I am not certain I would have had the strength to do what you did.”
Eyuul grimaced. “It is nothing I wished to have done, and my feelings and thoughts that I warred with were hardly selfless.”
Shaagra gave him a small understanding smile. “Yet you conquered them. I think that your clan would be impressed.”
“I would think my clan would be more eager for fodder for their gossip. Just another case of Eyuul attempting to mate with those who must leave.”
“No, brother, in this case I think they would be in awe. She did not slip away, leaving you to be mocked. You let her go for her to fulfill a greater purpose and to see to the needs of your mate. This is the thing of legendary love stories among our people.”
“It doesn’t feel like such a grand gesture.”
“Naturally, it would not.” Shaagra laughed. “I doubt any of the heroes of our past felt any particular grandeur in their moment of truth.”
“What of Veemoae?”
Shaagra snorted, sounding suspiciously like Reggie in that moment. “As my mate pointed out when I recounted the tale, Veemoae was an idiot. Who jumps into a shoyla nest all to impress a female? We put so much value on males who are willing to die to attract their desired mate. It is about time we have a worthy male added to our lore who sacrifices everything for the happiness of his mate.”
Eyuul laughed despite the ache in his hearts and followed Shaagra through the crowd of curious Vori who lingered to watch the Intergalactic fleet ship depart.
“Take heart, Eyuul. She looks at you like Reggie looks at me and my nestmates. She will return.”
He held Shaagra’s words close to his heart. Maybe one day, she would.
Chapter 24
The space station was another world for Jenn. The lifting anti-gravitational platforms and rotating decks aside, it was like being inside a giant metal bazaar where various species gathered to exchange their goods and conduct other business pertaining to the Intergalactic Union.
Jenn tried not to stare at the countless species she saw haggling over goods or walking past her. Some strolled leisurely with their families, while others had the harried air of an employee or civil servant. There were furry aliens of various types with different hues, fur patterns, and builds. Some species were horned, and others were not. There were a few with wings soaring through the massive domes of the space station. There were species with tentacles, and species that had strange fins or spines. There was even one that looked like a strange take on a centaur. There were also scaled aliens, from humanoid to those who looked even stranger than the reptilian commander whose rank she learned shortly after waking.
Finding out that she’d been sedated had not been among her favorite things. When she’d asked whose ass she needed to kick for that choice, a human officer with dark eyes and an easy grin informed her that it had been carried out under the orders of Commander Vish. He’d been happy to point out said commander at her request. The easy bantering between the human officers and the other species in the Intergalactic fleet revealed that the commander was what another officer by name of Smith described as a hard ass, but one of such distinction and admiration that people vied to be assigned to his ship.
Devoted to the peacekeeping assignments of the Intergalactic fleet to protect the union, he’d given up all opportunities to have a mate and a family to serve as Commander. It was not because the fleet was incompatible with family life; the battleships were structured to house families due to the long periods patrolling assigned sectors of space. Rather, it was due to Grwali females refusing to mate with males who lived offworld. Because he gave it up without regret, it earned him much respect among those serving under him for his unfailing commitment to their fleet.
She eyed the Grwali commander as he led the team through the confusing labyrinth of walkways. She supposed he wasn’t too much of a bastard. He’d obviously gotten worked up when she parted from Eyuul. Maybe he considered his actions to be kinder than leaving her to grieve inconsolably.
But she wasn’t going to be able to hide from her feelings. They didn’t just magically disappear even if he thought that he was acting in the kindest possible manner. No, when she was alone in her room, she would have nothing to distract her from having to leave Eyuul behind.
For the time being, the overwhelming newness of the space station captivated her attention. Luminous holographic signs appeared everywhere alerting the casual shopper, visitor, or resident what wares that could be had within. Everything from ship repairs to the adult entertainment was readily available. There was so much going on around her that it barely gave her much time to think of anything. It certainly didn’t give her the opportunity t
o dwell and sink into the mire of self-pity waiting for her.
Jenn appreciated being able to lose herself, even if it was only for a little while. She watched the levels of the decks fly past her at a dizzying speed from where she stood on the antigravitational lift, a cacophony of flashing colors that came to an abrupt halt when the lift arrived to a nondescript deck that seemed just like those following above it.
“Residential quarters,” Officer Rodriguez offered as he followed the track of her gaze. His armor had retracted to a thick collar and bands of metal around his biceps and wrists. All of the officers had done the same, and the relaxed garb set her at ease. It screamed that the area they entered was utterly safe. “They paint everything the same golden-tan color because it tends to be the most restful across the spectrum of species for some inexplicable reason. Reminds me of sitting on my ass in the desert personally, but it’s not bad.”
Jenn really didn’t have anything to compare it to. Bellingham was wet and green, just as Agraadax and Vora had been. She didn’t have any experience with sandy hues, but she did find it a little relaxing, so maybe it worked without reference.
Commander Vish stopped outside a door that seemed identical to every door in the long hallway and placed his palm on the panel. The door chimed and slid away to reveal a luxurious apartment interior. It was more of the same color intersected by hints of a dull bronze from the rug to the plush coverlet on the bed.
She stared at the bed. The simple platform supported a thick cushion for a mattress. Curious, she sat on it and felt it form around her weight much like Reggie’s chair. She stood up and watched it bounce back the moment she shifted off it. Like memory foam, but better. Jenn walked around the small apartment, idly touching everything. Commander Vish cleared his throat.
“I have been informed that you are to remain here tonight. Ambassador Eliza will be comming you on your room’s comm-link in the morning after you have had a chance to rest. Afterward, she will be escorting you to speak with the chancellor and the Intergalactic Council. We won’t meet again until it is time to take you to Earth, where you will be assigned a caseworker to help you with all official documentation required on Earth.” He grimaced. “From what I understand, it will be a lengthy process.”
“And if I want to return to Vora?”
“That will be something your caseworker will be able to discuss with you. I have no answers on Earth policies. From my understanding, they are not allowing females who are not brides to leave the planet. However, since you have already mated, it is possible that they will allow you to book transport after providing the necessary fees.”
“That sounds like a scam.”
His brow ridge flexed as he stared at her helplessly. “Is there anything else you need?”
She looked around the room at a loss. There was only one thing she needed, and that was far out of her reach. She shook her head miserably.
“No, I have everything anyone here can provide for me.”
The commander inclined his head and made as to leave but hesitated mid-step. He didn’t meet her eyes, but she heard the sincerity in his words.
“For what it may be worth, I am not happy that we were required to leave your male. He should have taken you as his mate long before you arrived in Evath. If it had been me who’d been blessed with a mate, I would have made sure that my female had been secured. It gave me no pleasure to separate you.”
Jenn swallowed back her pain. She didn’t want to talk about Eyuul just yet. At the same time, she wanted to let him know that she appreciated his candor and obvious reluctance to do what had been outlined as his duty.
“Thank you for that, Commander.”
He inclined his head again and left the room, the door sliding shut behind him.
Alone in the room, Jenn couldn’t think of anything to do but strip and fall into the bed. She had no interest to see what entertainments might be available over the comm-link in her room. All she wanted was to sleep.
TRUE TO COMMANDER VISH’S word, late the next morning Jenn accepted a comm from Ambassador Eliza. A woman with an olive complexion and dark curls just beginning to turn silver smiled at her upon introducing herself. Despite her friendly demeanor, Jenn was certain the sharp gaze of the ambassador didn’t miss anything. Her questions were delivered gently but were quite exact for retrieving details. Finally, they arrived upon the heart of the matter that Eliza seemed the most interested in.
“Jenn, do you believe that the Agraak will attempt to come to Earth to retrieve humans now that they’re unable to acquire them from the Budo and you have information that will forcibly remove females throughout Agraadax?”
“Honestly? I doubt it. They seemed confident they’d be able to obtain women from independent sources also operating outside of legal channels. It’s possible that there are beings out there who are making a profit from stealing small numbers of people who wouldn’t be missed and selling them.”
“So, we’re not looking at a permanent resolution if we simply remove women from the planet?”
“I doubt it, ma’am. There would need to be an entire planetary overthrow of the power of the ruling families.”
Eliza sighed and rubbed her temples. “I was afraid you’d say that. I will advise the Intergalactic Council that the government needs to be completely restructured, but I must warn you, it will be impossible. The council can put limitations on Agraadax and make the planet answerable to them every quarter for their activities through an oversight committee, but their laws prevent them from removing anyone from power.”
“What you’re saying is that they need a revolution.”
“Yes, that’s what will need to happen to achieve any kind of long-term resolution.”
“So I came here for nothing.”
A surprised look flooded Eliza’s face.
“I should say not! Everything you can tell us will set things in motion for change. It will create a shift in power dynamics when Agraadax is removed as a participating member of the Union. And it will liberate many women.”
Jenn nodded and sucked in her bottom lip, determined not to cry about how unfair the whole thing was. She left Eyuul and little was going to change.
“After this is all over, can I just go back to Vora? I don’t need to go to Earth. Just let me go home.”
“Go home? What about Earth?” Eliza seemed concerned in the face of Jenn’s barely contained unhappiness. “Is there someone for you on Vora?” she asked delicately.
Jenn nodded her head miserably. The ambassador sighed and sank back into her chair, a look of defeat on her face.
“I’m sorry, Jenn. I can’t control the regulations. The Intergalactic Council promised to send all humans who were illegally acquired from Earth to their homes. You’ll be returned to Washington, whether you and I like it or not. I have no power to contradict Earth regulations on the matter. The only women allowed out of the jurisdiction of Earth are those who go through the Mate Index’s bride program or those like me, who are civil servants.”
“That is seriously fucked up.” Jenn couldn’t believe the load of crap she was hearing. “So it’s true then. Not only do I have no choice but to go, but the Mate Index will have to be compensated. That’s such bullshit! What’s stopping me from just leaving and going to Vora on my own?”
“I wouldn’t advise it, Jenn. It has happened before, such as the case of Doctor Vadal. Fortunately for him, they sealed their mating before the authorities on Earth discovered the location of Regina Whitlock. In your case, I doubt you would even make it to Vora before the Council recovered you.”
“Fuck!”
“I’m sorry, Jennifer. I wish I could give you a more encouraging answer.”
“You wouldn’t understand what sort of fresh hell this is for me. I feel like I’m being punished for finding someone to love after all the shit I’ve been through. All because he’s an alien. I doubt you understand that.”
Part of Jenn wished she could take back the words after the
y left her lips. Eliza’s friendly demeanor vanished under a hard look. The ambassador folded her hands in front of her and adopted a stern position.
“I understand you are hurting and angry right now, but don’t think there aren’t others who won’t understand and support you. I fell in love with a male of another species, and I got lucky that the conditions were appropriate for me to continue as an ambassador and be his mate without a lot of red tape. It could have easily gone badly. You must understand, Jenn, we are entering a new era for humanity, and it’s going to take a lot of painful changes before we get anywhere near what is fair or right.”
Eliza’s face relaxed into a pleasant smile again as if that tension had never happened. Once again, she was on Jenn’s side, the voice of calm reason and gentle persuasion as she picked up her comm pad and ran her thumb over it several times.
“I think that’s all I have for you. We have a meeting with the council in about an hour, so I’ll be there to fetch you in about thirty minutes, if that’s all right?”
“Yes, that’s fine,” Jenn mumbled.
“Good—and Jenn, please don’t worry too much. Just take one day at a time. You’ve gotten this far. I have a feeling you will accomplish anything you set your mind on.”
Jenn offered the ambassador a weak smile and exchanged a few more pleasantries before signing off.
With nothing else to occupy her, Jenn stepped into the cleansing unit and vented her anger under the soothing hot jets of water. By the time she was finished, she once again felt collected enough to face the council.
The ambassador was right. She would just take it one day at a time. No matter what it took, she would be with Eyuul again.
Chapter 25
The chancellor was far larger than he’d appeared on the comm screen on Vora, and yet he was kind and patient as the council questioned Jenn on all manner of things that had transpired since her arrival on Agraadax. Despite his size and the gruffness of his features, Jenn discovered a certain ease in his company, almost like a grandfather if she had to pin a label on it.
The Vori's Secret Page 19