by Regine Abel
Ghan talked on the com, informing the warriors we were on our way. Lhor did the same with Detective Gravhin. We entered the shuttle and Khel got me comfortably installed before giving me a long goodbye kiss. As he was leaving, it suddenly hit me how wrong this was.
“Khel!” I shouted in panic, looking around the shuttle at the three other males with me.
“What is it, Falihna?” he asked, concerned by the blatant distress in my voice.
“You…You can’t leave me with all these males.” Heat burned my cheeks. “What…what if…”
Understanding dawned on him. “No, Amalia. Don’t worry. I spoke with Minh and he said you’d be fine for the next few hours since we’ve released the brunt of the tension.”
I blushed even more furiously. “But, what if it comes back sooner?”
“This morning, you felt it coming but ignored it. Now, you know better. Your markings changing color will also be a clear warning.”
Say what?
“Surely, you noticed that certain emotional states change the color of the larger spots on your markings?” he responded, to my confused expression. When I shook my head, he chuckled, whispering into my ear, “When you’re aroused, my heart, your markings become darker and it makes them erogenous.”
I was shocked. How had I never noticed that before? You were too busy having orgasms to pay attention. I blushed again.
“This morning, your markings were pitch black. You were too out of it to realize it. Lhor will keep an eye on you in case you can’t. As soon as your markings begin to darken – if they do – he’ll return you to the house and you can lock yourself in your room until I come for you. Alright?”
I nodded, eyeing my pale markings warily. What I wouldn’t give right now for a cup of Rehmannia tea. I didn’t trust myself, not after the way I’d attacked Lhor. With one last kiss, Khel exited the ship, leaving me with Lhor, Yhan, and Sohr. Lhor squeezed my shoulder before sitting in the passenger seat next to mine. Minutes later, we were airborne and headed toward what would be the beginning of the end for the Blood Houses of Xelix Prime.
CHAPTER 23
Lhor
Amalia tried hard to remain impassive, but I could feel the tension oozing out of her in waves. She was terrified her season would take control again. I couldn’t blame her. Part of me was worried too. Khel and I had a long talk with Minh. He was convinced we would be fine. But worst case scenario, I could use my venom to paralyze her. I hadn’t used it this morning because I worried what negative effects it might have on her system. Minh confirmed it would be fine in small doses.
I shifted in my seat and swallowed a whimper of pain. The Taint’s throb had reached near excruciating levels. Only years of living with constant pain and the large amounts of painkillers Minh administered to me daily allowed me to hide my discomfort. Earlier, when Amalia asked if I was fine, I lied. My Taint was progressing at an exponential rate but this morning’s tumble worsened it. Amalia’s claws punctured a large number of tainted capillaries. In turn, the gaping wounds had provided a direct path for the toxin into my blood stream.
Minh did everything possible under the circumstances, sealing the wounds and giving me as many extra painkillers as he could without harming me. However, I was living on borrowed time. Minh believed I had two to a maximum of four days left before I suffered massive organ failure. When the moment came, it would be sudden. My remaining capillaries would rupture and the toxin would slowly shut down my vital organs. A successful outcome to our current mission meant everything to me. I wanted this to be my parting gift to Khel and Amalia.
I made Minh promise not to tell them this morning’s attack had hastened my demise. I was already dying before that. It only shaved off a couple of weeks. To my greatest shame, I had to admit that beyond the horror of watching Amalia turn feral, I was fiercely aroused. When she rubbed herself against me, it took everything for me not to climax. Even the viciousness with which she claimed me as hers had been a turn on. Her hands on my chest… on my nipples as she displayed her power over me. I could feel myself harden at the thought. Although I had never been with a female, there was no doubt in my mind that I wasn’t sexually submissive. But I couldn’t deny that her show of dominance was erotic. I shook myself out of that line of thought.
I still couldn’t decide how to handle this mess. The selfish part of me wanted to die surrounded by my loved ones. It made me reconsider my decision to leave town tomorrow to spare them the spectacle. I shuddered at the thought of collapsing in front of Amalia or Khel as they helplessly watched me go through my death throes.
Over the last few days, I’d gotten the family’s affairs in order so Khel wouldn’t be overwhelmed after my passing. Initially, I’d hoped to get Amalia interested enough in the business to train her to take over my duties. But, while Amalia was smart and could undoubtedly take on the job, it wasn’t her calling. She had incredible charisma and a way of touching even the most closed off people – Ghan? She would be better suited in a role caring for others. So instead, I’d lined up a list of candidates for Khel to interview as my potential replacement.
We flew slowly to give Khel and Ghan a chance to get into position before we initiated contact with the Blood House. A few minutes later, Khel, Detective Gravhin and Ghan each confirmed they were in position. Yhan sped up while Amalia went to hide behind the panel near me.
A quarter of a mile from our destination, Yhan informed us we were being scanned. I cast a nervous glance toward Amalia standing in the corner. I didn’t doubt the effectiveness of the camouflage technology Khel had installed in the ship. Yet, I couldn’t help fearing something would go wrong.
Her face had that faraway look again, her eyes dark. She was having a vision. There was no tension in her body, though. Seconds later, as Yhan slowed on approach, her eyes refocused and she turned to face me with an ecstatic smile. All tension bled out of me.
“We’re being hailed,” Yhan said before opening the vidcom.
The image of a Norm Xelixian male appeared. “This is a private property. Please state your business.”
“Apologies for intruding,” Yhan said. “We’re on our way to the Xelhen District. Unfortunately, we’ve suffered an electrical malfunction which caused a power surge to fry our GPS systems. I’m currently piloting this shuttle manually and flying blind.”
The male nodded in understanding. “Are you requesting mechanical assistance? Because I’m afraid we’re not set up for that.”
Yhan shook his head. “No, we’re not. This is an old shuttle and I doubt you have the kind of parts we need. Can you tell us if we’re headed in the right direction for Xelhen or would you know of any mechanics nearby?”
“For the kind of problems you have, the closest mechanic would be back in Capital District. Considering you’re already halfway to Xelhen, turning back would be pointless,” the male said.
“I suspected as much,” Yhan said.
“I suggest you keep going if your craft is sound,” the male said. “You’re slightly off course. You’ll want to adjust your trajectory by three degrees northeast. Another forty to forty-five-minute flight should get you into Xelhen District. You won’t encounter too many estates along the way, but there should be a couple for you to verify that you’re still headed in the right direction.”
Amalia gave me silent confirmation that she was in.
“We thank you kindly, Sehr,” I said from my passenger position. “And apologize once again for disturbing you and intruding on your lands.”
“No problem at all. Safe journey,” the male said with a nod before terminating the com.
Yhan flew the shuttle away toward the halfway point to the Hold. As soon as we began to move, Amalia came out from behind the panel. I opened my mouth in panic to tell her to go back. She placed two fingers on my lips to quiet me with a reassuring smile.
She plopped herself on the passenger seat next to me with a satisfied grin. “I’m in control of their systems including their scanner. They
see what I want them to see.”
CHAPTER 24
Khel
My armband interface vibrated as I received a set of schematics from the Blood House. Ghan and Gravhin each confirmed also receiving the schematics.
“Amalia, were you able to take control of the Hold’s systems?” Khel asked over the com.
“Yes, sweetie, I did!” Amalia’s excited voice said through the com.
Sweetie? Oh Goddess…
There was a slight cough behind me. I turned to glare at my squad, daring them to acknowledge the pet name. They kept their faces straight. Despite my annoyance, I couldn’t help the sliver of pride looking at my warriors. Clad in their black uniforms, swords and blasters ready, my squad was as fierce as it was fearless. Delicate pet names had no place here. Still, sweetie was better than Kel…
“Excellent. Please confirm you received the manual input on the first systems I would like you to disable at the Blood House.”
I aimed at two cameras in front of the Blood House with the targeting device on the armband. A second later, they became highlighted on the Blood House’s schematic displayed on my armband.
“You selected these two cameras,” Amalia’s voice crackled from the com.
“Perfect! We’re ready to proceed,” I said.
“Khel,” Amalia said, “I can set all the cameras in both the Blood House and the Hold into a looped replay so you don’t have to worry about any of them.”
“Go ahead, and tell us when you’re ready.” While waiting, I assigned specific sections of the Blood House to the members of my squad.
Amalia’s voice sounded once more through the com. “All done, I’ve also disarmed the alarm system. Ready when you are.”
“We’re going in.”
I ran up to the front of the house with part of my squad, the rest covering the rear entrance. Avoiding exposing ourselves to the windows, we crept up to the door’s control. Our scanners indicated only one Xelixian on the other side. I tapped the controls and the door slid open with a low swishing sound. Startled, the guard turned to face us.
I raised my blaster to his face. “Not a word. On your knees, hands where I can see them.”
He took a quick look at us and our uniforms and understood. The shock drained from his face, replaced by a grim determination. That spelled trouble. A wrist blade appeared in his right hand.
“Don’t try anything stupid. You’re outnumbered.” I pulled out my sword, my blaster still trained on him.
He gave me a sad smile before burying the blade in his throat.
Fuck!
Moving at lightning speed, two of my warriors caught him before he could hit the ground. They pulled the blade out, knowing he was a goner. Punishment for crimes against females, especially sexual crimes, were harsh on Xelix Prime. As thirsty as I was for blood, I wanted prisoners to interrogate. I couldn’t have the guards offing themselves.
The building only had two stories but it was a large estate. There were multiple rooms on the entire upper floor, which I assumed was the brothel. The scanners revealed a big room on the ground floor which held a large number of females, and a few other rooms, most of them empty. The big room was on the opposite side of the building; we would have to clear our way to it.
The vestibule opened to an elegant sitting area. There were three males present. One sat in one of the guests’ chairs, reading his datapad. Another sat behind a desk at the center of the room, while talking to a third standing beside him. The male behind the desk noticed us first. Recovering from his surprise, he tapped the controls on his desk, probably the alarm. When nothing happened – thanks to my mate – he frantically tapped a few more times before switching to his com. It didn’t respond. Admitting defeat, he looked at the monitors and the cameras in the room. Reality sank in.
His comrade pulled his sword and made a beckoning gesture. “Come on then, General.”
The male on his datapad finally realized what was happening. He squealed and jumped to his feet. My squad moved toward him and he dropped to his knees, raising his arms in surrender.
I marched forward, the sword-wielding male meeting me halfway. He swung his sword at me, which I deflected easily. I slammed the pommel of my sword against his jaw. He stumbled back and spit blood on the floor before throwing himself at me again. I parried his attack and dodged his kick intended to bust my kneecap. It was clear the male had no formal combat training. While a decent fighter, he was slow and left himself wide open. Under different circumstances, I would enjoy toying with him. I kicked him in the stomach, doubling him over and smashed my elbow into the back of his head. He fell to his knees. I signaled to my squad to tie him up.
From the corner of my eye, I saw the male behind the desk pull out a wrist blade. My warriors were on him before he could use it. They forced him to his knees. He whipped his head back then violently bashed his forehead against the corner of the desk. I heard the crunch of his Crihnin cracking, followed by the meaty thud of his body hitting the floor. After a few spasms, he stilled, dead. I glared at my warriors. One of them shrugged.
The first room’s door opened to a male frowning at his datapad. “Hey, Rhal! What’s wrong with the network?” he called out.
He lifted his head and saw us. His eyes widened and he dropped his datapad, reaching for his sword. “RAID!”
He ran back into the room but was unable to close it before we were on him. There were two other males inside what seemed to be the staff room. They fired on us, forcing us out. I tossed in a concussion grenade. After the bang, we stalked into the room. The first male had slit his throat and the other two had shot themselves with their blasters. I cussed and headed for the large room in the back. As per the scanner’s readings, the other rooms were empty.
My com chimed. “Khel.”
“Upper floor secured. We’re bringing down the females, six total, and six customers.”
“Copy.”
I aimed at the room’s control panel with the targeting device. A second later, Amalia unlocked the door. It slid open soundlessly and over fifty pairs of eyes locked on me.
The females whimpered and huddled together. I scanned the room for threats. Finding none, I sheathed my sword before walking inside. The room was filled with bunk beds, metal chairs, and a few crooked tables with water flasks. I spread my hands in a non-threatening gesture and kept my distance from the females.
“My name is Khel Praghan. I’m the general of the Xelixian army. These are my warriors.” I gestured at the squad behind me. “We’re here to rescue you. My mate, Amalia, helped us find you.”
“Amalia?” A redhead Terran took a hesitant step forward. “Amalia from The Revenant?”
I gave her my most gentle smile. “Yes, Amalia Valis from The Revenant. Would you happen to be Shannon?”
Her lips quivered and her eyes filled with tears. She wrapped her arms around her midsection and nodded.
“Amalia escaped on the day you were brought here. She’s been trying to free all of you ever since. If you would come with us, we’ll take you to a safe place. You’ll be able to contact your families and embassies.”
The females looked at each other. One of them started crying, in what I assumed was relief. I gave them time to compose themselves before inviting them to follow us. As a group, they seemed hesitant to leave. One brave female with a sharp face took her neighbor’s hand and stepped forward. The others followed. Looking around, I noticed the absence of the blind Veredian female.
“Where is the female called Valena?”
Shannon stopped and shook her head with a sad expression. “You missed her by a few hours. They took her to one of the other Blood Houses this morning. She isn’t due back for another day and a half.”
I nodded and let her go with the others. Of course, they wouldn’t have multiple Veredians with her unique ability. That explained why all those rooms had been empty on the ground floor. They needed her present for drinks.
I tapped my com. “Rescue Shuttle One
and Two, ready for boarding at Blood House.”
While we finished securing the facilities, Amalia rummaged through the records for any information she could find. Though Amalia had only displayed a looped recording of the surveillance cameras on the monitors inside the Blood House, she allowed the recordings to continue.
We rescued eighty-one females, sixty-three Terrans, and the rest Aveans. They were too many to fit in the living quarters of the compound’s bunker. Fortunately, we had an agreement with Minh to welcome them at his clinic. A military contingent would stand guard until new arrangements could be made. The females could return to their families, settle elsewhere or remain here on Xelix Prime with the support of the Council and Family Welfare.
The eleven prisoners, all of them customers, would be held at the compound. It would be a tight fit, but we couldn’t risk them getting killed in the PD’s prisons like Dr. Lurphin.
As soon as we secured both facilities, Behn Gravhin and I jointly contacted the media to inform them of the events. The media frenzy and popular outrage were exactly what we’d been banking on. With all eyes turned toward the safety of the females in Minh’s clinic and the military squad protecting them, we felt confident no harm would come to them.
My warriors set up blockades at our spaceports to prevent guilty parties from fleeing the planet.
CHAPTER 25
Khel
The morning was as frantic as yesterday’s afternoon. The success of the operation exceeded my hopes. There were no casualties on our end, all the females were safely retrieved, and we had almost a dozen customers to interrogate. The major disappointments were the missing Veredian female and our miserable failure at capturing any guard alive.
The look on Amalia’s face when I entered our room last night was forever burnt into my memory. At that moment, I got a taste of what a mate’s true love felt like. I would fight Gharah himself for her to always look at me that way. She thanked me in the most passionate fashion, further enhanced by her season.