Page 26

He nodded. “She’d was taken from your world by the Miran Sona. They are the benign species who are trying to save other species at risk.”

“That’s all well and good, but that sucks balls.” Abby scowled, wrinkling up her nose.

He burst into laughter at her colorful retort.

“It does suck balls,” he agreed when he calmed. “Even some of the Miran Sona aren’t amused with their people’s methods. Their ship was attacked, and your sister sacrificed herself to save the other humans, before they were discovered.”

“That sounds like Pro, too brave for her own damn good.” Abby shook her head. He decided not to mention Providence was found with stun burns all over her body.

“Providence killed a few of the reptiles, but they still captured her. And we found her along with the Toufik brought to Cadi. We then banned the Jurou Biljana from our planet but have been plagued by them ever since.”

“Good riddance to bad rubbish. You said Pro is married and has a baby coming?” Abby excitedly asked.

“Yes. That was an amusing event. Two warriors, Dagaa and Madhava, stepped forward to be Providence’s protectors. But our Daimio failed to name who would be Prime or Second. Your sister refused to choose who she wanted as her Prime and the males fought over the right.”

“Wait! You forced my sister to marry someone?” Abby’s cheeks suddenly turned red, and she looked livid.

“No, no, no. Let me explain.” He held up his hand to halt the impending tirade. “A Cadi female has her family until she chooses a mate, who becomes her Prime. Because of the war, it became tradition for a warrior to choose a Second who would take care of his family, should he die, which sadly happened a lot. If a female loses her family she takes a Prime and a Second, but not necessarily as her mate, but as a protector.”

“Okay.” Abby calmed. “But that still sounds odd. I’m sure Pro rebelled against the notion she needed a protector. She’s pretty independent and a badass.”

“Oh, she wasn’t pleased at all. Rather than accept it, Providence and Giselle found a crack in our laws. When Dagaa and Madhava challenged each other in a formal competition, she entered as well. Since no Cadi female has ever wanted to compete, we didn’t have a rule that said she couldn’t.” He laughed at the memory. “You human females are so precocious. Providence and Giselle manipulated Kagan into choosing events she was good at, knowing the Daimio wouldn’t want his friends to fight hand to hand combat.”

“Oh yeah, that’s Pro, challenging the status quo,” Abby snickered.

“Well, Providence won the position of Prime, another first on Cadi.”

“I’m not surprised. Pro has always been competitive.”

“That is true, but your sister didn’t compete to win. She didn’t want Dagaa and Madhava to ruin their friendship because of her.”

“She never feared a battle, but she’s always been a good peacemaker. Pro was really good at separating Hope and I when we were young.” Abby nodded, her eyes tearing up again. “So, who did she marry?”

“She mated both her Seconds.”

Abby’s eyes flew open. “She what?”

“It is not entirely common, we warriors can be rather jealous where our females are concerned, but it happens.”

“Way to go Pro. My sister has a harem,” Abby chanted with an ornery giddy giggle. “I sooo can’t wait to tell my sisters, and Dad’s going to shit himself.”

Ashtoret laughed at how Abby vibrated with excitement as they shared stories, passing the time till it grew dark. There was a time when he worried he’d never have anything in common with a female, being a warrior and pilot. But the human females were far from shy and reserved. Abby’s candid responses, unusual phrases, and questions kept him amused.