Chapter Seven #3
“Congratulations! It’ll be good to have more of us on Morrakan.”
Elaina looked uncertain as Serenya leaned down to give her a hug. She likely thought she spoke quiet enough for only the other female to hear, but I didn’t miss her mutter.
“It’s a little early for congratulations. Things might not work out.”
Serenya laughed softly as she pulled back, studying Elaina’s face.
“I suppose that’s true, but we can always hope.”
Some of the tension left Elaina's face as she returned Serenya’s smile. Kael’s mate had become the ambassador to her people for a reason. It was clear her happiness wasn’t faked, and it was good for Elaina to see someone who had survived the process and bonded.
“Is it worth it?”
The question surprised me, but Serenya considered it before nodding.
“Things are different there. I spent a lot of time worrying about what other Humans would think, but Human opinions don’t matter on Morrakan. It turned out a lot better than I’d expected.”
Elaina blinked. Apparently it wasn't the answer she'd expected, but Dr. Keene stepped forward with her own response.
“It might seem like you’re giving up a lot, and I know the bond is hard to believe in before you feel it, but you won’t regret it.”
Serenya smiled again as she returned to Kael’s side, his tail looping around her waist to hold her close. Elaina watched her, watched the way Serenya’s kethra flared as she took Kael’s hand, and the soft look he aimed down at her.
Many warriors believed bonding made an alpha weak, but he’d proven them wrong.
An omega provided something to fight for.
“You don't have to figure everything out today. There’s time.”
Elaina's expression eased at Serenya’s words, and she nodded. There was still hesitance in her eyes, uncertainty when she looked at me, but she was too intelligent to discard alternate possibilities without proof.
My stomach flipped at the thought that she was partially right. I hadn’t chosen her on simple attraction, or because I believed in the bond.
I needed a lure to draw the rebels to me, and she was the best choice. Claiming her was an unavoidable bonus to the plan, but that didn’t mean she’d be getting those soft looks from me.
With the appointment complete, there was no reason to linger on Earth. Kael and Serenya escorted us to the rooftop, but they were continuing on the Zeydrassk to Halcyon while I took Elaina to Morrakan to solve our anti-Human problem.
Elaina sat beside the viewport as we ascended through the atmosphere, watching Earth shrink behind us. She remained quiet, as if deep in thought, and I found myself studying her once more.
For the first time, I wondered if my plan was unfair to her. She was leaving everything behind, not for an alpha she chose and wanted as a mate, but to be used. She would end up claimed either way, but I wasn’t sure I could offer the reassurance and connection omegas naturally sought.
The realization sat in my chest like a stone. I hadn’t even claimed her yet, but something about her distress bothered me.
Below us, Earth shrank. Buildings and cities were lost to nothing more than the difference between land and water, with clouds obscuring even those lines. The distance grew and darkness took over before stars emerged around a shadow beyond the viewport.
The Zeydrassk was massive. The might of the fleet, carrying warriors to defend another planet claimed by Humans. One not yet spoiled, but at risk of annihilation by the Skarashk.
Even after years aboard her, the sight stirred pride within me. The great warship dominated space, armored plating stretched across the vast hull. Weapons lined her flanks, lights glittering against the darkness to warn she was there.
Beside me, Elaina stared, her lips parted as she took in the sight.
“The Zeydrassk is impressive. In other circumstances, we would have boarded her for our trip.”
Elaina swallowed, blinking at the massive ship until it disappeared from view as we turned.
“It’s enormous. We don’t have anything like it.”
A grin spread across my face, and I huffed at the thought of her comparing the Zeydrassk to the pitiful Human spaceships. I still didn’t understand how Humans had made it to space with their primitive vessels, much less across the galaxy to claim other planets.
“That is true.”
The shuttle turned farther and the Zeydvorrash appeared. It seemed tiny next to the dreadnaught, the sleek black metal almost invisible until the lights came on to guide us forward. It was far less impressive, but sometimes speed and stealth were more important than size and might.
The shuttle connected with a gentle bump, and for a moment I let her digest the changes that were coming, then I stood and held out my hand. Elaina looked at it, and then up at me, suspicion lurking in the tightness of her brows despite the fact that she accepted my help.
There was my little thorn.
I almost laughed at how accurately the description fit her. The tiny Human who claimed too much of my attention, digging in more and more.
“Come, rethari. You need more rest, so let me show you our room.”