Page 31

“Mm, intriguing,” Malo said. “Do as he asks, Nerx. I am most pleased the news is not as sad as expected. Informing Ambassador Brenin of the loss of his son would have fallen on the king’s shoulders.”

“Indeed. Which is why I commed you first as Ronin’s superior,” Nerx said.

Britt peeked into the room when Malo said, “Keep me posted on new developments.”

Nerx glared at Edon. “Alodon’s balls, I am pleased and furious with you.”

“My timing could have been better,” Edon said.

“So could Ronin’s.” Nerx smiled. “What is he up to?”

Edon shook his head. “Who can fathom how an operative’s mind works.”

“Indeed.”

Sensing an end to the conversation, Britt released a squirming Lily to run into the communications room.

“Nerxie,” she cried out, holding her arms up.

Britt trailed but leaned against the inside wall of the room, content to watch this big man handle his daughter.

“Nerxie, Britt says she’s my new mommy. Did you know?” She tugged on his braid, flicking it back and forth. “And her mommy’s my granny. And Uncle Aldur’s my gramps. Did you know?”

Nerx glanced at Britt, staring at her until Lily hit him across the chin with his braid. “Yes, minus susa . Are you happy about that?”

“Yup, I’ve a family now. Britt says I must ask God for a brother?”

Nerx’s head shot up to meet Britt’s gaze. “Yes,” he said without breaking eye contact. “You do not want a sister?”

“A brother would be more fun.” Lily grinned. “I’m hungry.”

“Come. What do you feel like?” Britt wiggled her fingers in a universal hurry-up-let’s-go gesture. “Pizza?”

“Tag Afred,” Lily called, running out the door as soon as Nerx put her down.

He caught Britt’s wrist, pulled her toward him, then kissed her. Warmth poured down her body like stepping into a hot shower. She moaned, gripped his arms, and melted against him.

“We need to start on that brother,” he whispered, his hoarse voice electrifying her senses.

Something heavy twisted her gut. “Let’s be this for now. Just us three.”

He jerked back, his brows knitted.

She cupped his face, holding him still. “I’m reeling from all this—becoming a wife and mother.

I need time to expand my heart before I add more.

If that makes sense.” She pressed her temple to his chin, unable to understand why she couldn’t explain how she felt.

The words escaped her when they were within grasp, burning her tongue.

“It’s too much. Too fast. I have to let go of my childish hopes and embrace my new life. ”

“What hopes?” he asked.

“I guess… Falling in love, to start with. A wedding where—” Her voice cracked, but she pushed on.

“My dad walks me down the aisle. Our first home, getting pregnant… In that order. Impossible, I know.” Her chuckle lacked mirth.

“Dad’s gone. You’re my husband, and I have a daughter now.

” She tried to shrug and failed. “I feel…like I’m losing parts of who I am.

Like I don’t recognize me anymore.” She stepped back as far as he’d let her.

“I better feed the bottomless pit that is our daughter.”

He let her go, yet the darkness in his eyes haunted her.

N erx blinked at the empty doorway, long after Britta left.

‘Falling in love’ had snagged all of his attention.

Yes, he wanted that too. The Ethera played havoc with his emotions.

He couldn’t tell whether what he felt for his Dar Eth was this elusive love or something the Ethera inspired.

He fully understood when she said it was too soon.

His mind and heart grappled with each other, but where she was losing herself, he was growing, becoming the male he was meant to be.

“Wedding,” he muttered. Having to speak the word to activate the O.D.I. had been his decision. Most Etterians left the default setting, but Nerx hadn’t wanted to be flooded with explanations for every strange word uttered by anyone.

Images flooded his mind now. The ecstatic brides said it all.

And his Britta deserved to have such a day.

That was doable. Perhaps at Berrann Falls.

His chest cinched. Yes, to include Kyerx and bid him farewell.

If Britta was up to the idea. Lily could be a flower girl.

A smile twitched Nerx’s lips at his imagination. She’d love that.

He glanced at Edon, his head dipped as he worked. “Pray forming a relationship with your Dar Eth is not as complicated.”

Edon grinned. “The Ethera will choose well for me as it did for you, Supreme Commander.”

That it had. For Aldur too. Nerx headed to the common intent on the medic in question. Britta sat with Lily at the table. Aldur was awake, Lady Dahlia in his arms.

“I understand why your males ogle Britta, but why the youngin?” Haiz asked when Nerx strolled past her to read the med-E.D.’s results.

“ Damu are rarely seen, and that Lily is a female adds to their awe.” Nerx smiled at his males trying their hardest to keep their gazes off his wife and daughter. “A female damu is a miracle in their eyes.”

“Ah, so it is true, that you cherish your females?” Haiz scowled. “That is far from what we were taught. All males disrespect their females. For this alone, we have for centuries only cultivated daughters.”

“It depends on the species,” Matir said, joining them. “Some worlds do not value their females or damu . Some do not value life at all.”

Haiz’s frown didn’t fade. “My thanks for your honesty, Sub-Commander.”

“There are Etterian males without honor.” Nerx grimaced, trying not to glance at his braid. “Good and evil exists in all of us. Some lack the strength to resist their dishonorable nature.”

“Something the Bronvol has taught me.” She pinched her lips. “There is nothing in our archives similar to this. No betrayals, no mutiny, no rebellions.”

“Odd, indeed. Great change comes through great discomfort. Come, let us comm your Kunakar and arrange a meeting. A neutral ground will be chosen.” Nerx nodded at Matir, indicating he should join them.

“You do not trust us,” she said as a statement.

Nerx met her gaze. “I do not because I have females on board. Had it been just my males, we would be arrogant enough to dock on your ship.”

“You are mated?” She glanced around the common. “And your males?”

“I am an Eth gifted with a Dar Eth…” His gaze rested on Britta teaching Lily how to twirl the food using a fork and spoon. “Too many of my males have not been as blessed yet.”

“Dar Eth?” Haiz made a clicking sound with her tongue against her teeth. “Our studies revealed as much.”

Matir twisted to look at her. “Tell me, how is it you speak Earth English?”

“With our scans, we found the language to be common across most inhabited worlds in this galaxy. All our warriors were required to learn it during the journey here.” She stepped toward the passage.

“Shall we? I am eager to return. As entertaining as this adventure has been, I long for my palette. I could sleep a whole cycle.” She laughed and trailed Matir to the comm room.

“Pilot Edon, comm the Kunakar ,” Nerx instructed once Matir settled behind him. “Have we chosen the location?” he grumbled.

“Of course. As per your security requirements,” Matir whispered. “When do you want to head down?”

“Within the hour.” Nerx clasped his hands behind his back as the screen flickered.

“Regent Haiz,” Primary Tarni exclaimed.

“Good tidings, Tarni. I’m well.” Haiz touched her brow.

“We have sixty minutes to meet on Luchur, one of six moons orbiting Aberdus,” Matir said. “Should the time elapse, we will return to the Surata with your warriors. Pilot Edon, convey the rendezvous co-ordinates.”

Edon tapped buttons, his focus acute. “Done, Sub-Commander.”

“Excellent.” Haiz beamed. “Send a yarva to collect us, Primary.”

“As you command, Regent Haiz.” Tarni tapped her temple. The comm ended.

“As easy as hitting znorgs in a basket.” Haiz chuckled. “My thanks again for the assistance. And deepest apologies for your lost male.”

Nerx bowed, not willing to reveal that Ronin lived. Whatever the male was up to, secrecy meant he might stay alive a little longer.

When they returned to the common, Aldur was kneeling, Lily hugging him tight. She jabbered at a steady clip amid Aldur’s laughter. “Gramps, we did… and then Britt helped me… and I have a granny too. I won at marbles… God will give me a brother to play with… Gramps, are you still sore?”

Nerx met Britta’s gaze. She smiled.

He grinned then glanced at Matir. “Sub-Commander, you have the comm.”

“Very well, Supreme Commander.”

Nerx faced the common. “Trav, Eriz, Karg, Sena, and Ziot to me. Arm yourself and the kuta for a trip planetside. We aim to deliver the Viqrians.”

Haiz crossed to her warriors and was welcomed with grins and brow taps.

“And me?” Britta asked, placing her hand on his waist. “I had better be on that shuttle.”

He grinned and laced his fingers through hers. “Of course, ensa . I made a vow.” With a firm tug, he pulled her along. “Lady Dahlia, Medic Aldur, I place Lily in your care.”

“That sounds official,” Lady Dahlia said. “And quit calling me lady, Nerx. You’re my son now. Mom or Dahlia will do.”

Nerx froze, blinked at her while he struggled to understand the explosion of emotions in his heart. “As in Mother?”

She nodded and scooped Lily into her arms for a dance around the table.

Tears burned the backs of his eyes. His nostrils flared, and a tickle scratched his throat. He’d never known his mother, and now, thanks to Britta, he had one. He glanced at Lily, truly understanding her elation.

“A responsibility I gladly accept,” Aldur said, resting his palm on Nerx’s shoulder.

Britta sliced worried glances at Nerx when he ushered her into Aldur’s old quarters. As soon as the door closed, she asked, “Did my mom say something wrong?”

“No, Britta, my Dar Eth. Our mom was perfect.”