Chapter 10
Erik
“What is Steen hiding?” My tone was gruff, my patience worn thin. Steen was a powerful man, capable of violence on several levels. He was far too guarded to be as concerned as he should be about another attack.
“He’s not hiding anything. He was kept locked away in a basic prison for almost weeks along with our second in command. How could he be hiding anything?” Brexin retorted as he burst through the door of another building, one I’d yet to see. “Need I remind you of that?”
I was surprised at Brexin’s sudden change in demeanor, no longer the happy-go-lucky Galerian who’d fought by my side.
I could tell how much he already cared for Cassia.
I scanned the perimeter, impressed with the surroundings as well as the equipment flanking the walls.
The various consoles held the appearance of a warship instead of a direct communication link with the other clans.
Another red flag. “How are you communicating with the other cities?”
He glared at me before walking toward one of the larger consoles. “When our ships were forced down, we were able to salvage some of our navigation and radio equipment, piecing them together. They enable us to maintain contact as necessary.”
“How many Galerians live on this planet?”
Brexin didn’t answer for several seconds as he concentrated on the switches, his hands moving quickly. “What are you afraid of, Erik the Viking?” Snorting, he shot me an amused look. “What our little human calls you, at least according to Dak. I believe I heard that in the cave as well.”
I ignored him, walking closer. “What I’m concerned about is sabotage. We have no way of knowing what the humans can and will do.”
When he didn’t challenge me or throw a punch, I could tell he had his own fears.
“I no longer know the numbers, Erik. I do know that hundreds have died in the last ten years.”
“Old age.”
“I’ve been told that is the case.”
“But you don’t believe the story.” I inched closer, lifting an eyebrow. “What are they dying of?”
“There have been predatory attacks from animals and some have died from old age.” He shot a glance toward the door. “But I’ve seen some of my fallen brethren. They were… very sick. Then they disappeared.”
“What kind of sickness?”
“A terrible disease.” He shook his head. “I’m not a doctor, just a soldier, but I’ve seen the effects before.”
“What are you talking about?”
Brexin paced the floor. “On our planet. Once they acquired the disease, it was like they turned into animals, predators killing indiscriminately. I do remember that hundreds were locked away in our own prisons, although we were told a cure had been found. Then we heard nothing.”
“Interesting.” I wasn’t certain what the information could mean. “The disease followed you here, which could mean it’s carried in your… genes.”
“Maybe. You’ll have to ask Steen.” His hand was shaking.
“I don’t think he’ll divulge that kind of information, Brexin.” Secrets. Both species had them.
“I’ve known Steen since I was a boy on the real Galerius.
He was and is a masterful leader in many ways.
He cares for our people and would fight to the death.
Oddly enough, he wasn’t supposed to be commanding one of the ships, but our government required him to, a change in plans.
” Brexin took a step away from the consoles.
“Everything about this trip was considered top secret and I wasn’t privy to the information. ”
“Was that different than normal?”
“Very much so. His ship had a specific mission, leaving prior to ours. Two weeks in, there was a distress call. To have five of our finest battleships going to rescue a single ship was unheard of. Leaving our galaxy was also strange, but as I mentioned, I was given no details, simply orders to follow.” Brexin’s face was pensive.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
He exhaled. “Just a thought.”
“And?”
“If our DNA was spliced with that of humans and if we are carriers, what would happen to the humans?”
A cold chill shifted down my spine. “There could be a possibility that if the disease was dormant, it would become active again. It’s also possible that humans would be susceptible to the disease.”
“That’s what I thought. With any large numbers carrying the disease, they could possibly annihilate all of us in a short period of time.”
“Then we can’t allow that to happen.” I clenched my fist, every muscle in my body tensing. What had Dr. Forrester and his scientists created?
The door was opened, Klar walking in, Dak following closely behind. He stood with his hand on his weapon, studying both of us before speaking. Dressed in more formal attire, his clothing regal in design. “It is time for the celebration. Have you initiated contact with the others?”
“Yes, sir. They will be ready as necessary.” Brexin stood at full attention, but I could still see a tic in the corner of his mouth. He was as terrified as I was.
My gut told me we were on borrowed time.
“Excellent. Cassia will be brought to the main hall in ten minutes. You both are required to be there.” Klar’s eyes shifted over both of us once again, his expression one of distrust. There was a slight hesitation, as if he was prepared to pounce. Then he turned and abruptly left.
Dak lingered a few seconds longer, eyes full of anger staring at me. I was prepared to challenge him when he finally left.
“Whew. Very tense,” Brexin breathed.
“I ask again, what is Steen hiding?” Huffing, I shook my head.
“I don’t like what’s going on, Erik, any more than you do.
It seems that Cassia is being used as a bargaining chip of some kind, but there is no way to know for certain.
Trust me when I say that Steen is very cautious.
He has his reasons. From what I can tell, she is far too…
important. That will keep her life in danger. ”
“Nothing I didn’t suspect, which means we have no choice, my friend. We must find answers and you will help me.” I glanced in Brexin’s direction, able to see the same adoration in his eyes as I had for the luscious creature. He cared for her deeply, perhaps too much so.
“If you’re wrong, Erik, we will be court-martialed.” Brexin’s words were haunted.
“If I’m right, there stands a very good chance we won’t survive.”
The clock was ticking. The time for reservations gone.
* * *
The great hall was also a location I’d never been in, the beautiful space filled with ornate decorations including colorful tapestry.
A feast fit for a king had been prepared, tables full of food and drink.
Everyone was in an excellent mood, laughing and talking as if this was indeed a special occasion.
Steen was already holding court, a small stage allowing for three chairs.
Steen sat in one, Klar in another, and the third was left unoccupied for now.
Much smaller and less grandiose in design, the gilded piece sat several feet back from the other two.
I hadn’t learned the hierarchy and wasn’t entirely certain I wanted to learn.
“The king,” Brexin commented, discontent in his voice.
“And the third chair?”
He smiled, tipping his head. “His mate.”
“And he’s taking another one?” I was incensed.
“Once mated, we are no longer allowed to touch another. They have been together since our arrival. He and Klar were the first to take one of our females as their own, along with the other selected males. All determined by Steen. The ceremony has only happened twice since then.”
A long breath escaped my mouth. “Then he will not be taking Cassia.”
“He would be punished by our own laws for attempting to do so. I thought you knew that since you seem to know so much about our customs.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “The brooding Viking was worried about the competition.”
“That’s absurd.”
“That’s understandable, but you must remember that there will be three and no matter who they are, the hope is that she will care for all.”
Issuing a slight growl, I found myself walking closer, pushing my way through the crowd, catching Steen’s eye. The customs were barbaric in my mind.
Steen nodded, a twinkle in his eyes. He stood a few seconds later, holding out his arms. He looked very much the part of a king, complete with a wide band of red adorned with medals from his shoulder to his waist. “Welcome to our celebration.”
Almost immediately the entire room quieted down, everyone crowding closer. Brexin found his way to my side. I could easily sense his tension was as significant as mine.
“This has been a long time coming, my friends, a new clan mating. A solid hope for the future, something we haven’t seen in years.” Steen closed his eyes, looking up toward the rafters.
There was some obvious dissention given the murmurs.
“Please remain standing.” Steen motioned toward the set of double doors. The two guards flanking the side obeyed his command, opening instantly.
I didn’t have to strain to see the women as they entered, the small group fanning off to the right and left before a female I’d never seen before walked into the room.
She was beautiful, although older, holding her head high as she was led to the stage, taking her place behind her king.
The few females I’d seen were usually sequestered, the majority out of child-bearing years.
My thoughts drifted back to the disease, so many questions burning a hole in my mind.
The booming sounds of drums, one hard thumping after another echoed in the great hall. So much pomp and circumstance.
Finally, Cassia was led inside.
I was stunned once again by her beauty, her long golden hair swept into a bun, the beautiful crimson dress accentuating her hourglass figure.
The jewels I’d carelessly dumped onto the bed now surrounded her neck, a necklace fit for a queen.
My heart raced as she was paraded in front of the Galerians, a prize to be feasted on.
My thoughts were dark, the hunger I felt burning deep within. I wanted her.
I needed her.
She belonged to me.