Cali & Drake (The Alliance Book 1)

by Stormy McKnight

  Cali blushed hotly at the realization that Mica had been waiting patiently to be invited in. Dropping Vathral’s hand she tried not to laugh when he scooted away from her, in the pretense of making room for Mica.

  “Please, come in.” She backed out of the way so Mica could enter the room. She saw the humor flashing in his warm brown eyes and took another look. She had only ever seen him with flashing blue eyes, how had she missed that they were naturally brown? Her initial assessment of him had been accurate. When he wasn’t glaring and growling, he was actually very handsome.

  “How did you end up on Titus?” Cali looped her arm through Vathral’s. Leading him toward a set of couches and chairs where everyone could sit and talk.

  Vathral took a single chair while she sat next to Drake on a couch facing him. Cali had never seen him looking this tired, with a wave of guilt, she knew he’d come to this point because of her. Rubbing his hand over a growth of beard, Vathral sighed.

  “We followed your trail of communication pods and the CD drive. I kept just enough distance between us to make it look good, without risk of catching you.” Vathral’s amber eyes were bloodshot and weary. “When we picked up a distress signal in your path, we figured you would get there first, so I increased speed in case you would need our assistance.”

  “That was Drake’s pod.” Cali offered in case Vathral didn’t know any details. “We found him first, then another four in the orbit of a moon.”

  “We were right behind you, then suddenly The Reliant was heading on a new course to Cestori. Instead of one ship, there were now two to deal with. We were able to read one Cestori life-sign on the spacecraft returning to Titus, and not sure who was being brought here, or why, we continued to this planet. The Reliant would be fine making its way home, but we figured the person being brought here might need assistance.” Vathral paused and looked to her.

  “You thought there was the possibility that the person you detected was a hostage?” Cali knew Vathral wouldn’t stand for someone being held against their will.

  “Yes, my away team was dropped off at a water source since that is protocol on where to begin a search. I sent The Apoxis to hide on the dark side of a distant moon. They were to return to communication range in four days. If I don’t respond, their orders are to return to Cestori.” Turning his gaze to Drake, Vathral continued, “Your Metari clan found us after one day. Since we’ve been here for three days total, that would put The Apoxis returning tomorrow. The Maxon will be able to intercept them, and we can arrange for my ship to assume a normal orbit. If that is what you would like.”

  “Hiding them in the gravity of a moon is very wise. That explains why we didn’t spot your ship on radar.” Drake eyed Vathral thoughtfully. “I’ll get a message to The Maxon to arrange safe passage for your ship. I was telling the truth that we are leaving for Cestori and would appreciate your company to that world when the time comes.”

  “So, that part was true?” Cali leaned into Drake. “I wasn’t sure if you were just telling the judges what they wanted to hear.”

  “No,” Drake placed his arm over her shoulder. “I wouldn’t have lied to the court, even to save your friend. Small embellishments yes, outright lying…no.”

  “When are you planning on departing?” Mica asked. “I’m interested in going as well.”

  “We depart tomorrow, the next day at the latest.” Drake rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I asked Vareen to try to give us a week. If she can hold off any action by Cali’s mother for that long, I’ll be grateful.”

  “You asked Vareen to hold my mother off?” Cali was confused. “For what purpose?”

  “I didn’t want her racing a bunch of Cestori ships here to rescue you. That would provoke the Council and hinder any attempts at diplomacy.”

  “My mother isn’t going to change her view that I’m to be returned to Cestori,” Cali argued.

  “I know, but at least her demands won’t be in front of the Council. Do you see?”

  Cali didn’t understand and was about to say so when Mica interjected.

  “If your people were in front of the Council demanding you back, it would force Drake to defend his mate. Lines would be drawn that couldn’t be undrawn, so by meeting whatever Aicen Edal has to say on her own turf, it keeps the Council from denying diplomatic relations.”

  Cali turned to Drake excitedly. Had he done all of this so that her home world would have better diplomatic relations with Titus? For her? It was astonishing that he felt that deeply for her to go through all of this, and she felt tears burning in her eyes.

  “You are the best mate in the universe.” She threw herself into his arms and kissed him passionately.

  “Ahem.”

  Cali drew away from Drake reluctantly. “Later.” She whispered. “Sorry.” She said to Vathral and Mica.

  “No apology necessary,” Mica stated. “Mates are a special thing.”

  Cali noticed his words were spoken with sad longing. He had been alone with Vareen on the ship, and she wondered what had kept him from claiming her. Something happened to separate them and Cali couldn’t imagine what it could’ve been.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Their talk was interrupted by a sudden bang on the door followed by a muffled, “Ouch!” Then a faint voice called, “Drake? Cali?”

  “I forgot I blocked the access.” Drake jumped up and hurried to the front door.

  “Why did you?” Mica asked.

  “Because that first night we got home, a naked female was draped on our couch.” Cali offered when Drake just ignored his friend’s question.

  “Ahh.” Mica nodded. “That would explain it.”

  “Naked?” Vathral’s lips twitched with laughter. “On the couch you say?” His eyes roamed over where she sat.

  “Yes, Vathral. Naked.” Cali joined in his amusement.

  Drake had opened the door and Nevir swept past him. “Really Drake. I’ve never known you to lock the door. I think I broke my nose.”

  Drake’s sister looked even prettier today than the first time Cali had seen her. She was wearing the purple dress and sandals as usual, and her glossy black hair was tied back off her face in braids and curls. The rest left to flow down her back. Her nose wasn’t bleeding, but her eyes had been watering, and Cali could see the moisture on her lashes as she walked toward the couch.

  Mica and Vathral both stood as she got closer.

  “Hello, Mica. How are things in Jataci?” Nevir asked politely.

  “Fine,” Mica responded. “How are things at school?”

  “Almost done now.” Nevir boasted. “Top of my class, of course.” Her eyes swung to Vathral standing across from Cali and she jerked to a stop.

  “Nevir,” Cali offered before she could wonder who he was, “this is Vathral Dax, from Cestori. He’s the captain of The Apoxis and a very good friend of mine.”

  Nevir hadn’t taken her eyes off Vathral and Cali hoped she wasn’t offended by his presence. He wasn’t wearing the Cestori uniform. He was still in the white shirt and black pants from the courtroom. Cali hadn’t thought to wonder at the color of the shirt. Now by the look Nevir was giving him, she wondered at its significance.

  “A prisoner?” Nevir spoke softly.

  “It’s a long story, Vathral was taken into custody by mistake.” Drake moved to stand by her. “His ship was following Cali and is going to return to Cestori tomorrow.”

  “Hello,” Vathral held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Nevir placed her hand in Vathral’s distractedly. “You’re leaving?” Her angry blue eyes on Drake. “But you just got back! You can’t leave so soon. What if something happens again?”

  “Nothing is going to happen. I’ve spoken with father and he agrees with me that we need to settle things with Cali’s mother sooner, rather than later.” Drake confided while Vathral stood there with his hand holding Nevir’s, and Cali wondered why he didn’t take his hand back.

  “I said, it’s nice to meet y
ou.” Vathral moved in front of Nevir trying to get her to look at him.

  Cali had never seen her friend act this way.

  Nevir looked at Vathral. “I see nothing nice about this.”

  “Nevir!” Drake admonished, “There is no reason to be—”

  “It’s the truth.” She cried. “You’re going off into space again…all of us left to worry! It’s not nice.”

  “None of that justifies being rude to a guest in my home.” Drake snapped and Nevir looked like she’d swallowed that sour drink her mother made, without sweet nectar added.

  Facing Vathral she managed to blurt out. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”

  Vathral took the fingers in his and kissed the top of her hand. Just as his lips brushed her skin, Nevir snatched her hand back.

  Cali turned her head and coughed to hide her amusement. The way Vathral was looking at Nevir, Cali had to admit, she’d never seen his eyes glowing quite that way before. Even when he was around Diandra.

  The thought of her former friend sobered her. Nobody knew that Diandra wasn’t what she seemed. Now, however, wasn’t the time to tell Vathral. She would try to tell him before they left for Cestori.

  “I’m going with you.” Nevir came over to give her a hug. Cali returned the embrace and remained silent. The men in the room all protested before she could say anything.

  Drake yelled, “You are not. You have final courses at school.”

  Mica yelled, “This mission is no place for you Nevir.”

  Most surprisingly Vathral scowled and yelled the loudest, “There is no reason for you to be on this mission.”

  “I can finish my finals tonight. My professors will understand.” Nevir rejected Drake’s excuse.

  “This mission isn’t dangerous for Nevir,” Cali argued for her, shooting down Mica’s argument.

  “You,” Nevir gave Vathral a stony glare. “Have no say in this.”

  All three men began arguing over each other and Cali couldn’t make out anything they were saying.

  Drake held up his hands for silence. “I’ll speak with father. He’s the only one who has the right to dictate to her.”

  Cali thought that sounded ominous, but Nevir smiled widely. “Yes, you speak with father. I’ll abide by his decision.”

  Well, Nevir would be coming with them. Of that, Cali had no doubt. The confident way Drake’s sister agreed to let Virrel decide the matter spoke volumes.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  “I’m sorry Vathral, Diandra had us all fooled.” Cali looked at her friend’s pale face and felt a wave of sympathy for him. It had been six days since they left Titus for Cestori, and unable to find a moment alone to tell him, she had broken down and explained Diandra’s true nature while they were in the private recreation room of her ship. Imagine her surprise, when they departed Titus, on the newly commissioned scout ship, and it was named after her.

  The Council had gifted it to her for saving five of their sons. Each clan had donated crew, and Cali was her captain. She was the same size and similar configuration as The Reliant, though her ship wasn’t as fast and it did have the added ability to cloak.

  Vathral was taking the news like a true male of Cestori, with no emotional reaction as far as she could tell.

  “Thank you for telling me Cali.” The only sign that Vathral cared was the slight darkening of his eyes.

  “Is that it?” Nevir was seated next to Mica playing a holographic strategy game. Her voice mocking, she taunted Vathral, “’Thank you for telling me.’” Making a move on the board she turned flashing blue eyes on him. “Don’t you care that she lied and used you? Show some backbone.”

  Cali stiffened and so did Vathral. That was below the belt. Vathral prided himself on logical reasoning, and Nevir was being cruel to taunt him for trying to remain calm. Only Cali and a select few on Cestori had ever seen the other side of him. The loving, caring person Cali loved like a brother. When Drake squeezed the hand he’d been caressing lazily, she knew he had sensed she was about to say something. Deciding to let Vathral speak for himself she remained silent.

  “Because I’m not smashing things and yelling irrationally, to you that means I have no backbone? No feelings?” Vathral jumped up in outrage at her words. His emotions were definitely in play now.

  “Yes.” Nevir matched his stance.

  “So much for our game,” Mica turned the holo off.

  Nevir just waved a hand in agitation at Mica, turning her attention back to Vathral.

  “Let me get this straight,” Vathral choked out between clenched teeth and he moved until he was almost nose to nose with Nevir. “You think I’m spineless and without feeling?”

  Drake picked Cali up from her seat in the recreation room where they were lounging. “I think that’s our cue to leave, good luck little sister.”

  Cali agreed that Vathral might be at a breaking point. Let Nevir deal with the emotions she brought out in him. They’d been at each other’s throats non-stop for the last six days, and it was about time they resolved their issues. They were supposed to be arriving at Cestori tomorrow and who knew what the new day would bring.

  “I find it amusing.” Mica drawled, still spread out on a couch watching. “Keep bickering you two. I need the entertainment.”

  Vathral snapped his mouth closed on a retort.

  Nevir flipped her hair over her shoulder dramatically. “You know it’s true. Admit it.”

  “Mica,” Drake got the giants attention. “Don’t you have something you could be doing on the bridge?”

  “What?” Mica looked at Drake and at his exaggerated head nodding got the hint, “Ohh. Yes. Duty on the bridge,” He pushed himself off the couch and followed them out the door.

  Cali heard Vathral snap, “I requested life-partnership with Diandra before leaving Cestori. I have to speak with her before making any judgments.”

  “Life-partnership?” Nevir’s voice went deadly soft. “Does that mean you are taking her for your chosen? Even after all that she’s done?”

  “Walk faster,” Cali whispered frantically. If Nevir’s tone was any indication, it was about to get really ugly.

  Drake strode from the room, into a short hallway. There were six quarters on this level of The Cali. Drake walked toward the captain’s quarters, which were at the end of the hall.

  “Do you think there is any hope for them?” Cali asked sadly. Everyone knew that the pair was insanely attracted to each other. There was even a betting pool going on with the crew to see if they resolved their issues before arriving at Cestori or after. Cali knew Vathral and his reasons for keeping Nevir at arm’s length, and in so she had refrained from betting. She felt it wouldn’t be fair with her inside knowledge.

  “Vathral fighting his feelings is driving Nevir crazy. She isn’t used to males that can hide their emotions from her.”

  Arriving at her quarters Drake got the door opened and entered.

  “I think his honor dictates that he keeps his request for life-partnership with Diandra as valid,” Cali mused. “Even if it means he loses a chance at happiness with Nevir.”

  “They’ll figure it out.” Drake shrugged and Cali’s head bounced on his chest with the movement.

  “I hope so,” Cali then turned the topic to their meeting tomorrow. “I still haven’t been able to get Vareen on the communicator. I was hoping for some up to date intel before our meeting.”

  “Is it unusual for communications to be blocked?” Drake sat with her on a chair in their living room.

  “No, not totally unusual,” Cali admitted.

  “You are still worried though?” Drake already knew her too well and picked up on her hesitation.

  “Yes, I’m worried. I don’t know what we’re walking into.”

  “Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.” Drake pulled her more tightly against him and Cali could feel his warmth seeping into her.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  “Calinae.”

  “Mother.”
/>
  They were faced off in the meeting room of The Cali. Vathral had transported to the planet this morning, to help arrange this meeting. Also, he was tasked with finding out if Diandra had confessed her duplicity to Nellia or Vareen. Cali hoped her friends hadn’t inadvertently said anything to Diandra that would make its way back to her mother.

  On her side of the room were Drake, Mica, and Nevir. Vathral was supposed to return with her mother but hadn’t arrived yet. On the other side of the table were her mother, the other two members of The Council of Three, Tonn Dax and Taspa Lor, her mother’s personal guards, additional guards, and more guards.

  “This is a diplomatic meeting mother. You didn’t need so much protection.”

  “With only vague information about the people of Titus, we felt it prudent to come prepared.” Her mother looked past her to Drake and Mica. “Vareen Nas didn’t have much to tell us about the males that had taken you. Or the ship The Reliant had encountered.”

  Drake went to speak and Cali hurried to say, “I’m sure Vareen told you I went willingly.”

  “There were…” her mother paused, “conflicting reports about what occurred on the bridge. That you had a relationship with the male rescued from the pod was widely known by everyone onboard. Not as many crew members agreed that you went ‘willingly’ with the male from Titus. Some say you teleported right off the ship, without a word to your crew.”

  This was true, Drake had taken her right off the bridge.

  “I’m to blame for Cali’s lack of communication with her crew,” Drake spoke in his defense, “The custom of my people when dealing with a chosen mate is to claim that person without question or reserve.”

  Her mother looked at Drake dispassionately, “I see, so my daughter is this ‘chosen mate’ to you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Even if she is promised to someone else?” her mother inquired calmly.

  “I would be forced to kill any male you tried to partner her with.”

  Tonn Dax went to protest, since it was her son Cali was betrothed to, but Aicen Edal held her hand out and Tonn closed her mouth.