Page 8 of Lorrd: Intergalactic Dating Agency (Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides Book 8)

Lorrd couldn’t believe it.

His fingers flew over the main navigation console on the bridge of the Kerrla , but the launch sequence wouldn’t activate.

What the fluxx was wrong with his ship?

He issued a verbal command, instructing the computer to perform a full diagnostic of the ship’s systems. A few moments later, the report appeared on a nearby screen.

He growled as he studied the results.

“Is something wrong?” Wren asked from the co-pilot’s seat.

“There’s a problem with the launch sequence,” he said, his voice tight, “as well as the environmental controls, the navigation system, and several other critical systems.”

He scowled at the array of screens and interface panels on the bridge, then quickly ran the diagnostic again to verify the results. Fluxx . He got the same result this time.

He took a deep breath and glanced at Wren. She appeared nervous, understandably so, but he didn’t like seeing her unsettled. Reaching for her hand, he laced his fingers through hers. He also endeavored to soften his expression, even as fury simmered inside him.

“I suspect the Kerrla’s systems have been infected with a virus,” he said, “though I’m having difficulty isolating the source of the interference. Whatever it is, it’s affecting multiple ship-wide systems.”

He aborted the launch sequence and powered down the ship.

“A virus?” Worry tinged Wren’s voice. “How could that happen in Hillsboro?”

“It likely happened not long after I landed here, though that doesn’t necessarily mean anyone from Hillsboro is responsible. Hold on. Let me check something.” His fingers flew over the console as he searched for recent transmissions, including unsanctioned ones.

He frowned at one of the screens as new information was suddenly displayed. Fluxx . It was just as he’d suspected.

“Yes, I’m afraid it appears that not long after I landed, my ship received several transmissions from Poseidon—one of Earth’s many planetary broadcast systems—but the transmissions triggered unauthorized system updates on the Kerrla .

Those updates introduced destructive codes into the ship’s systems.”

“I won’t pretend to understand all that, but it sounds serious. Why would this broadcast system—Poseidon—intentionally infect your ship with a virus? Do you have… enemies from Earth? Do you think someone is trying to hurt you?”

“I have no enemies from Earth. Not that I’m aware of. This is my first time visiting your planet.”

Lorrd hurriedly entered a kill command, attempting to expel the virus from the ship’s systems. But it didn’t work.

A savage growl built in his throat, but he didn’t want to frighten Wren, so he held it back.

“Since your planet’s governments are often in conflict, Earth lacks a unified global broadcast network.

Instead, there are dozens, and while most are tied to countries or businesses, some are operated by wealthy individuals.

Poseidon, however, is privately owned by an interplanetary corporation that specializes in the trade of alien technology. ”

Lorrd’s mind worked quickly as he tried to decipher the problem he faced—not just the problem of the shockingly sophisticated virus that had infected his ship, but the reason the Kerrla had received the tainted transmissions in the first place.

Had Poseidon targeted his vessel by mistake? Or was the attack deliberate? Did someone want to keep him grounded on Earth, and if so, why?

He thought of the guards who wanted to take Wren back to the compound. Earlier, they’d been loitering in the street, their gazes fixed on the bakery. But not long after his arrival, they’d disappeared. At the time, he’d assumed they’d fled because they were intimidated by his presence.

But perhaps they hadn’t gone far.

Perhaps they were still watching.

Could the Harmony guards have instructed someone at Poseidon to send the corrupted transmissions? The possibility was unnerving.

He realized he knew very little about Harmony, the home Wren had fled, which she’d referred to as “the compound” several times.

From what he could gather, it was an oppressive, isolationist group led by a male known only as the Prophet, who was likely a religious zealot.

He’d read about similar sub-cultures in Vaxxlian history, as well as in the histories of other alien races.

But could an isolationist place like Harmony possess the resources to influence Poseidon into launching an attack on a Vaxxlian ship?

Privately owned planetary broadcast systems didn’t go around disabling Vaxxlian cruisers for free.

Such an attack would’ve cost the Prophet, or whoever had ordered the hit, several thousand galactic credits.

From his studies of similar groups in history, Lorrd recalled that most isolationist factions weren’t very wealthy. At least the general population of such groups wasn’t. The followers of such harsh, power-hungry leaders usually lived in poverty.

He turned his chair and faced Wren fully, and he tightened his hold on her hand. She peered at him with those enchantingly soulful dark brown eyes of hers. Star God, he might become lost in those eyes one day.

“Wren, I need to ask you about the Prophet.”

She paled and a sudden tremble affected her body. The physical reaction revealed she feared the male, and Lorrd resolved that if he ever encountered this crazed leader, he would make him pay for inciting fear in Wren.

“What would you like to know?” she finally asked.

“How wealthy is he? The reason I ask is because I want to know if Harmony, or the Prophet as an individual, could possibly possess enough wealth to pay someone at Poseidon to harm my ship.”

“Well, that’s a disturbing prospect,” Wren said with a shudder.

She fell silent for a moment, appearing to be deep in thought, and Lorrd didn’t like the worry in her eyes. He hoped his suspicions were wrong. He hoped Poseidon had sent the tainted transmissions to the Kerrla by mistake.

“The Prophet has the largest house in Harmony,” Wren eventually said. “He also has the nicest clothing and wears a lot of jewelry. But in his daily sermons, he condemns the use of money. He claims money is evil, and in Harmony, residents are supposed to share with their neighbors.”

Lorrd considered her response. It sounded like the Prophet was living in luxury compared to his followers. But even though the male denounced the use of money, that didn’t necessarily mean he adhered to his own rules. Corrupt leaders tended to ignore the guidelines they put in place for others.

“I am sorry for asking, it is only that I must consider all the possibilities,” he said, wanting to assuage her worries.

A glimmer of amusement suddenly entered Wren’s eyes, taking him aback. She leaned a little closer and tilted her head, appearing to study his features.

“What is so humorous?” he asked, and the question came out harsher than he intended. But he couldn’t help it. His beloved ship, the Kerrla , was currently inoperable.

As the glimmer faded from her eyes, Lorrd felt like a monster.

She shrugged one shoulder and gave a small shake of her head.

“Sorry, I’m not laughing about your ship.

I just remembered something else the Prophet frequently preaches about.

He claims beings from other planets aren’t really aliens.

He says they’re demons—demons sent by a fallen angel called Satan to trick humankind into thinking we aren’t our god’s only creation. ”

“Demons?” Lorrd sat up straighter and glanced out the bridge’s main viewport, as if he might glimpse Harmony, or the blasted Prophet himself, in the distance. But he couldn’t see much beyond the nearest houses and buildings.

“I’m not really sure I believe in demons,” Wren said slowly, “but the Prophet sure does. According to his teachings, demons are malevolent creatures led by Satan. They like to harm people, tempt them to sin, or encourage them to commit terrible acts.” She gave him a sheepish look.

“I guess I just remembered all that and found it a little funny. I mean… clearly you’re not a demon. Not even close.”

He considered her words, and despite the fury still burning in him over the virus infecting his ship, he could now understand the humor in her statement. He even managed what he hoped was a comforting smile as he looked down at her.

If he was to become her mate—and he had every intention of claiming her as his, very soon—he would need to learn to better manage his emotions.

“What do demons look like?” he asked, hoping to diffuse the tension he’d caused when he’d snapped at Wren moments ago.

She gave a delicate snort. “There are paintings of them in the basement of Harmony’s main worship hall. They vary, but most have red or black skin. Some have hooves for feet, claws for hands, serpent tongues, and even horns.”

“I’m not that ugly, am I?” Lorrd asked in an overly serious tone, trying his best to feign a look of worry.

To his delight, a laugh burst from Wren’s throat. It was the loveliest sound he had ever heard. The beautiful glimmer also returned to her eyes.

“No, Lorrd, you are not that ugly.” She grinned at him. “Surely you must realize how exceptionally handsome you are.”

Her eyes suddenly widened, and he began to suspect she regretted her words, though not because she hadn’t meant them. He’d glimpsed the truth in her eyes as she’d given him the compliment. Why then, did she appear so remorseful?

“Sorry,” she said quickly. “I hope that wasn’t too bold of me to say. I’ve never… I’ve never told a man he was handsome before. In Harmony, that kind of talk isn’t considered appropriate. Not outside the bonds of marriage.”

“To be fair, you didn’t just call me handsome.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “You called me exceptionally handsome.”

She laughed again, and the sound made his heart dance.

“But no, Wren, that is not too bold. I am glad you find me pleasing to look at.” He wasn’t normally so playful, but he couldn’t bear to see the sadness or regret in her eyes. He would resort to making silly faces if he thought it might help calm her worries.

He shifted closer, reaching out to touch her hair. His fingers slipped into her long, silken strands. So soft. She was so soft. He could spend hours just petting her.

“When I first saw you,” he murmured, “I was struck by your beauty, and I couldn’t look away from your soulful dark eyes. And your adorable, tiny nose… I had the overwhelming urge to draw you close and nuzzle mine against it.”

Before she could reply, he rose to his feet and swept her into his arms.

Then, leaning down, he finally did it.

He nuzzled his nose to hers.