Page 31 of Alokar (The Alliance Rescue #2)
Ewok
We emerged from Jupiter’s shadow, Saturn’s rings materializing in the infinite velvet of space—a celestial crown suspended in darkness.
Beside me in the co-pilot’s chair, Hannah released a sigh of pure wonder. Though I’d noticed her blinking back tears as we left her beloved mountains behind, the moment we pierced Earth’s atmosphere and entered the cosmos, her face became luminous with awe.
Once we’d traveled beyond Earth’s surveillance reach, I disengaged the shuttle’s cloaking system, allowing the Historia’s scanners to register our approach.
The battleship’s acknowledgment pinged through our systems, and I relinquished control to the autopilot, allowing it to integrate with the Historia’s guidance systems.
“We’ll be landing soon,” I murmured to Hannah, noting the delicate flutter of nerves across her features. “Are you alright?”
“Yes,” she whispered, rising from her seat to settle into my lap like she belonged there—which she did, completely and eternally. “I’m just about to meet my mate’s family, that’s always a little terrifying.”
“They will adore you,” I assured her. How could they not fall in love with the extraordinary female who had captured my very soul?
My gaze drifted momentarily to where Yaard’s severed head lay sealed in a metal container—grim proof of my mission’s success. Yet the precious female nestled in my arms represented something far more valuable than any battle trophy.
Hannah followed my gaze and shifted against me. “Okay, don’t be offended, I just want to know what to expect. Do all aliens look like you?”
Laughter rumbled from my chest. “No, most are nowhere near as handsome.”
She giggled, her small fist connecting playfully with my shoulder. “Seriously, Ewok. I don’t want to embarrass myself by screaming if I encounter something that looks like a cross between an octopus and an aardvark.”
Though the Earth creatures she mentioned were mysteries to me, I accepted her assessment of their apparent hideousness.
“Throughout the universe, species vary as infinitely as the stars. But most of the Historia’s crew are Aljani—surprisingly human-like except for the horns.”
“Horns?” Her eyes widened.
“Perhaps the most unusual crew member would be Rickon. He’s Gudari.”
“What does he look like?” Curiosity painted her voice.
“My mother once said he resembled what humans call the devil.”
Hannah’s laughter sparkled through the air. “As long as he doesn’t look like Yaard, we’re good.”
“No,” I chuckled, my arms tightening around her. “Currently, I’m the only Kerzak aboard.”
“Perfect.” She melted deeper into my embrace, and my body responded instantly to her nearness. “I’d hate to get confused and start kissing the wrong alien.”
“Amusing,” I growled against her ear before capturing her lips with mine.
We lost ourselves in each other, time dissolving as the shuttle carried us home through the star-drunk darkness.
“Docking is complete. Passengers may disembark.” The shuttle’s mechanical voice crackled through the comm system with crisp authority.
Hannah sprang from my lap, her squeal of pure excitement echoing through the cabin.
A cold tendril of nervousness coiled in my chest. This homecoming represented much more than a simple return.
It was the moment when my actions would be weighed and measured, the culmination of my warrior’s trial.
Though finding Hannah proved the ultimate prize, though her presence at my side carried its own set of dangers.
I would protect her, no matter what happened.
I rose from the pilot’s chair, my fingers intertwining with Hannah’s smaller ones, before retrieving the cold metal case that contained the grisly proof of Yaard’s demise.
Her fingers tightened around mine like a lifeline, and in that simple gesture, I found absolute certainty. Whatever path the fates carved for me, she would walk it beside me, step by step. My mate, my anchor, my future.
The shuttle’s ramp descended, revealing a bustling docking bay sparking with activity.
Several other craft rested in berths like sleeping metal birds, including the familiar ship my parents and I had piloted to the Historia , along with a sleek, modern vessel bearing the unmistakable insignia of the Alliance Prime.
An informal welcoming committee assembled at the base of the ramp. Duke Ako stood at the center, while beside him, the Duchess Helene radiated warmth and grace. Captain Adtovar stood at attention alongside War Chief Xabat, both exuding the tenets of loyalty and duty.
I felt Hannah’s body tense slightly at the sight of them, but when I glanced down at her, she wore a smile that could have melted the coldest star.
Ako had chosen an interesting combination of attire—his formal uniform tunic paired with what I now recognized as Earth jeans and a pair of hiking boots.
I glanced down at my own feet, noting the similar footwear, and gave an appreciative nod.
The foot coverings had indeed proven surprisingly practical.
He wore silver caps over the tips of his horns—a practice that denoted his status as a happily mated male.
Helene stood beside him in elegant contrast, wearing a flowing gown in deep sapphire that complemented her slender figure.
Captain Adtovar and War Chief Xabat wore the Historia’s crisp uniform—tunics and trousers in the ship’s signature deep blue and forest green with Adtovar’s horns tipped with silver as well.
I straightened my shoulders, drawing upon every lesson in royal deportment I’d ever received, and descended the ramp with measured steps, Hannah moving in perfect synchronization beside me.
“Duke Ako,” I offered a curt, respectful nod that acknowledged both his rank and our personal connection. “Lady Helene.”
“Ewok,” Ako returned, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He shared a warm, meaningful glance with his mate before his attention returned to us. “And who is this lovely human female?”
Pride swelled in my chest as I straightened to my full height.
“This is my mate, Hannah Rainwater of Earth.” Beside me Hannah stiffened, and I realized that I’d completely blown our plan of not claiming her until I could abdicate the throne.
Yet, in the moment I realized there was no way I could not claim her as mine. Ever.
A radiant smile transformed the Duchess’s face, and she moved with fluid grace—first to envelop Hannah’s hands in her own, then drawing my mate into a warm, welcoming embrace that conveyed instant acceptance.
“It’s so wonderful to meet you. Welcome to the Historia ,” Helene gushed, her enthusiasm drawing an even broader smile from Hannah’s lips.
I seized the opportunity to hand the metal case to Xabat, noting how Ako’s piercing blue eyes followed my movements. He didn’t need to ask what grim trophy occupied the container. No one did.
“Was it difficult?” Ako asked once Hannah and Helene finished their greeting. My mate returned to my side, her hand wrapping around mine with familiar comfort.
I opened my mouth, prepared to confess my shortcomings—to admit to the Duke how Yaard had nearly outmaneuvered me by masking his scent, and how close I’d come to failure. Before the words could escape, Hannah’s fingers squeezed mine, causing me to falter.
“Yaard murdered my father.” Her voice carried the tremor of sadness that always surfaced when memories of him arose. “There’s no telling how many others he hurt or killed. He kidnapped me, too, but Ewok saved me, and now Yaard is dead.”
Ako absorbed her words, then turned to me with an expression of solemn respect. “Your parents would be proud—both Ardika Vey and Paluma Oy, as well as your adoptive parents.”
“Ewok!” As if conjured by Ako’s words, my mother’s joyous cry echoed through the docking bay, preceding her as she burst through the entrance at a sprint.
My mother cradled Jordan in her arms, and my little sister’s delighted laughter bubbled like a mountain stream.
My father followed in their wake, his face split by a grin that could have powered the ship’s engines, while George trailed behind, his own smile broad and approving.
I shared a meaningful glance with Hannah, noting how her eyes sparkled, her face shining with the kind of joy that comes from witnessing love in action.
“Ewok!” my mother called again, her voice thick with emotion as she launched herself into my arms. Her embrace was brief but fierce, conveying both worry and relief in those few seconds.
Then she pulled back, her keen eyes conducting a thorough inspection of every visible inch of me, searching for any sign of injury. “You’re okay. You’re not hurt.”
“I’m fine,” I assured her, though I briefly considered mentioning my encounter with Hannah’s marksmanship skills. I decided that particular detail could wait. I wanted my mother to meet my mate without knowing she’d tried to kill me.
A cascade of embraces followed as I reunited with my father and brother.
“I’m proud of you,” Daicon rumbled as he lifted me clean off the deck plates, his voice rough with emotion. Though I might prove taller by a couple of inches in height, his strength remained formidable. He would always be the immovable force who had shaped my character.
“I am glad you are not in need of healing,” George said, wrapping me in what began as a simple hug but inevitably transformed into a subtle medical examination as his practiced hands swept over my shoulders and back, checking for injuries.
“You seem bigger,” I observed, noting how the muscles of his torso appeared more defined, his frame carrying new strength.
“Dad has me on a training regimen,” George replied, keeping his theatrical eye roll for my benefit alone, though I could detect the underlying pride in his voice.
Jordan fussed and squirmed, finally launching herself into my arms like a tiny missile, her chubby hands immediately exploring my face with the focused intensity only a toddler could muster.
“Who is this beautiful woman?”