Chapter 17 – Motok
“We need to leave. There’s been a security breach.” Valtus winked at Kerra as I frowned. “It seems that the council has sent guards to investigate.”
Annoyed, I didn’t chastise him in front of my mate but if he thought I was going to allow such freedom with my Venya he was about to be set straight. And it wouldn’t be with words.
“Where is Rymar?” Rexnor was arming himself with additional weapons as he turned to Valtus. “How much of the council is compromised?”
“That remains uncertain as this time. Rymar has fled with his brother’s capture. Bly is in custody and will remain there until the allegations against him can be substantiated or dismissed.”
“What allegations?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“The ones an anonymous source just sent to every member of the council, including evidence from the video and footage from the cell Bly escorted Kerra into and his attempt to assault her.”
Impressed, I nodded to my First. “Well done.”
“It’s not much but it’s a start.”
Armed with blasters and not much else, we moved through the complex and hid in the shadows until we made it to the landing deck.
Several large battle cruisers were docked as well as smaller vessels, many of which were convoys for the ambassadors and other high-ranking officials that traveled freely back and forth from the Galactic Conclave.
I approached my starship, uncertain if it was ready for travel. The outside was free of the carbon scoring and blaster holes from our previous altercation with the Tylons and Zhorn but that didn’t mean it was fully functional.
“The Vindicator has been repaired and awaits our arrival to board.”
I turned to my First with a frown. “Why am I hearing about it now instead of earlier?”
“An oversight due to recent complications.” His expression was far too innocent. “I accept responsibility for my distraction.”
Right. “We will discuss this later.”
“Valtus, I hope you took care of things.” Rexnor lifted his blaster and nodded toward the council’s Elite Guards running in our direction. “We’re out of time!”
I scooped up my mate and bolted forward as I headed for the Vindicator.
The ramp lowered as we approached and the five of us boarded, greeted by my entire crew.
“What’s this?” I asked, spying all of the warriors at their stations.
The bridge was full to bursting with additional Braxthar, every last warrior standing at attention and awaiting orders.
Orion cleared his throat. “This is my fault. Once I explained the treachery of the council none wanted to stay. They agreed they would rather fly with you, Commander and bring honor to Vindar.”
“And protect the humans,” Rexnor added. “There are twenty battle cruisers full of warriors awaiting your command. Another thirty remain in orbit. The Directive has been issued.”
Fifty battle cruisers . . . almost two thirds of the Braxtharian fleet.
Stunned, words fled as I held my Venya within my embrace.
“The ships in orbit will ensure Vindar and its people are safe. We’ll be hailed if and when there’s trouble.”
I nodded, straightening to my full height as I met the stares of my fellow warriors. “Battle stations!”
Valtus began yelling orders as the ship’s ramp lifted and sealed shut. “We have company. Prepare to engage thrusters and make the calculations necessary for these coordinates.”
I wasn’t familiar with the location or system. It wasn’t Altos or Pythos but nearly as far. “Where are you taking us, Valtus?” Slaver planets were the last place we needed to land with so many of the Braxtharian fleet following close behind.
“To safety. We need to reach the outer rim. It’s time the Conclave knew of the Braxtharian courage that will protect and serve our weaker and more vulnerable allies. Earth is at risk. We warn the humans and then,” he turned to my mate, “we seek justice for our dead.”
Kerra nodded, blinking back tears as she ran forward and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Valtus, you’re my hero.”
He blushed, smirking as she returned to my side, her small hand slipping into mine.
“Oh,” Valtus added, moving our way and pulling us to the side. “I found out why you and your sister were given the tattoos.”
Kerra’s shoulders slumped. “Yes, Valtus?”
“I hate to bring up the sad memory but it’s important.
There’s some kind of numbering system. Whoever is capturing human females is keeping track of their information.
I don’t know why but it’s an important detail.
My guess is that the tattoo also keeps your DNA a secret.
Senators Bly and Rymar are only pawns in a much larger game.
We need to find those responsible for orchestrating these crimes and find out why human females are such a coveted commodity. ”
“It’s only a starburst,” Kerra argued as she bit her lower lip. She was still fighting the truth and I didn’t blame her. It was ugly and filled with horrible nightmares.
“Imbedded inside the ink is a code. That code carries all of your personal information. Kacie’s was the same.” He shook his head sadly. “It’s too detailed not to be significant.”
Kerra gripped my hand harder as I brought her deeper into my arms, closer to my chest. Her voice wavered as she replied. “We never went anywhere to receive these tattoos. I have no memory of it.”
“You wouldn’t. Your memory was wiped the same night you and Kacie were taken, drugged, tattooed, and returned to your home in order to be monitored. When the time was right, she was taken. You would have been also. You met Motok a week prior to the date listed in the log.”
Growling, I nuzzled my nose into my female’s hair. “I nearly lost you before we ever met.”
“We would have found a way to one another,” she replied firmly. “We’re meant to be together, Tok.”
The strength of her conviction warmed my hearts.
My hoy’nva. My Venya.
Mate.
“We’ll find out who did this and why. I swear to you, my Kerra.”
“I know. I believe you, Tok.” She sighed as I placed a few soft kisses on her neck and Valtus discreetly walked away.
“They won’t get away with kidnapping and harming human females. We’ll seek the guilty and force them to answer for their crimes. Those who caused your sister’s death will face justice.”
“Agreed.” Her cheek rested over my hearts as she turned around.
“I have no doubt,” she whispered as her chin lifted.
I kissed her more thoroughly and swept Kerra up, carrying her from the viewing deck of the bridge and walking briskly to my private chambers.
“Finding your one true mate isn’t easy but I’m glad fate brought us together. ”
Touched, I nuzzled my nose to the cute, little upturned peachy one centered on her pretty face. “I would always seek you out and search to the end of the galaxies to find my one.”
She smiled, her small hand roaming the length of my chest as I shivered, desire instantly spiking in my veins. “I’m glad I’m not going through this without you. I’m terrified of what lies ahead.”
“I don’t know what the future holds either,” I whispered, placing a palm against her cheek as we entered and the doors slid shut behind us, “but if I only have right now to show my love and devotion. It’s enough for a start.”
“Right now is all we need.” The wicked gleam in her eyes betrayed the direction of her thoughts as I lay her back against the mattress. “I want to start with this moment and build our forever.”
Growling my approval, I lowered my body to hers and pressed my forehead to my mate’s. “Forever sounds perfect.”
“Then make love to me, Motok. Show me what forever looks like in your eyes.”
I could deny her nothing. “As you wish, Venya.”