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Orin

THE DOOR TO KING TREX’S private office slid open, and I stepped inside. Positioned on one wall was a sizable viewscreen, while Trex was seated at the table across from it.

I saluted him, placing my right fist across my chest to my left shoulder. In return, he mirrored my actions and signaled for me to sit across from him.

Following the demise of his father, King Trex took the throne, and I had accepted a job at the palace. He had been my Captain on the Chetok, and I held him in high esteem. Trex was an honorable leader and warrior.

My position at the palace granted me the chance to make up for failing to protect Queen Grace from a shapeshifter.

Although I was incapacitated, I still felt shame for not stopping her abduction.

Afterward, they both reassured me it was not my fault.

This only increased my admiration and respect for them.

Thankfully, the Queen was unharmed. Yet, it did not ease my guilt.

My desire to remain on Alara went beyond my loyalty to the new King. One of the most extraordinary females I had ever laid eyes on resided within the walls of the palace.

The feelings I experienced for her while serving as her protector on the ship were unfamiliar and unexpected. My mind was consumed with longing as I imagined the enticing feel of her curves, picturing the gentle caress of her soft skin against my fingertips.

Before meeting her, all my focus had been on being a warrior. I knew nothing else.

But from the moment I met Olivia, I felt a deep connection to her that confused me. At first, I didn’t know if my suspicions were accurate or if they were due to my loneliness influencing my emotions. Despite exchanging glances and brief greetings, I found myself unable to speak to her.

I knew very little about humans, especially females. My lack of experience with relationships stopped me from pursuing her.

From the moment we arrived on Alara, I’d been observing Olivia’s expanding belly. I knew she was expecting a youngling. This only made her more stunning in my eyes. But I was inexperienced in the matters of being a mate, let alone taking on the role of a father to a youngling.

Seated upright with my hands on my thighs I bowed my head once before speaking. “You wanted to see me, majesty?”

“Alaran groups calling themselves purists are targeting individuals who are not pure-blooded Alarans. There have been a series of physical assaults on hybrid Alarans.”

Tensions in the city had escalated following the coronation and the unearthing of shapeshifters on Alara.

One had killed Trex’s father, the former King. While another attempted to kill Trex.

I’d heard about the problems within the city, from my fellow palace guards.

Vendors at the marketplace, who were attempting to sell their products, had been suffering from blatant abuse by groups of Alaran males.

We’d never had this problem in the past, and it was very troubling.

Trex continued. “I have reason to believe the purist group is receiving their instructions from within the city guard itself.” King Trex ruled the Alaran Empire, which included the Protectorate Alliance and many planets within Alaran space.

The King had a Council to assist him in running the Alliance, but all final decisions or rulings were up to him.

Until recently, no one had challenged the Monarchy.

But with the discovery of an Unknown race of aliens, things had become unpredictable. His concern about the situation on Alara was understandable. “What would you like me to do?”

“I’ve arranged for you to work with the guard.

They think I have dismissed you. They won't suspect anything. While you are there, I want you to monitor Commander Tinuk. Get what information you can about the purist group. Report only to me and only at my private quarters. I do not know who can be trusted.”

I stated firmly, “I won't let you down, sir.”

Trex smiled. “I know you won't. I’m asking you to do this for that reason.” He sat back and sighed, his posture relaxing just a little.

Then he sat forward with his arms on the desk. “You're a good and loyal warrior, Orin. I have no doubt you have Alara’s best interests at heart.” He sighed. “Sometimes I wish I was back on the Chetok. Things seemed more straightforward there. We knew who the enemy was and I could trust my crew.

Since I've been here, it’s been nothing but one problem after another. I'm worried things will only get worse.”

We teetered on the brink of war with an Unknown alien species, who were partnered with the Krilex. The reptilian aliens were slavers and pirates, which made their alliance with the Unknown all the more concerning.

I nodded my head in agreement. “Have you heard from Captain Krin?”

I too missed the crew on the Chetok where I’d served for several tenri. But the thought of leaving Alara now filled me with sadness. It would mean leaving Olivia...the one female I yearned to claim as my mate.

“We are trying to find out where the Unknown aliens are hiding their ships. Commander Krin received news that one of the moons of Jaxia might house a base for them. They are headed there now. If Krin can locate their base, we have a chance to stop them before they do any more damage within our system.”

I frowned. “I've heard the Protectorate Forces are having a hard time keeping up with the attacks on some of the smaller planets?” In fact, it was common knowledge among my fellow guards, but I hadn't heard it from Trex himself yet.

“The Unknown are no doubt behind the attacks on vulnerable planets. Even with extra ships, it is difficult to keep up with the onslaught of problems. The Krilex appears to be backing off...I guess that is something.” Trex’s mouth twisted.

“Have there been any new discoveries of shapeshifters?” I asked.

“Not that I know of. Council member Vimur and advisor Xilta are doing their best to keep me informed. Ixul leaders have become more accommodating as they realize the severity of the threat.”

A shudder ran through me. We were aware of the two shapeshifters found on Alara. Their confessions proved they were not only after mining resources on the planet, but wanted females to use as incubators for their offspring. Gods only knew what they had planned for Alara and the Protectorate.

Their threats about removing the Monarchy and taking down the Protectorate Alliance were being taken seriously. The warriors and leaders on Alliance worlds were more diligent than ever in trying to stop the encroaching enemies.

LEAVING THE PALACE for the city guard even for a short while, made me apprehensive. After meeting with King Trex, I found myself tempted to take a detour past Olivia's suite. It had become something I did more than I cared to admit to myself.

As usual, I found myself lingering outside her door, hoping to catch a whiff of her one-of-a-kind, soft, powdery fragrance. It was as essential to me as the very air I needed to survive.

The incredible human had captivated me. There were instances where I almost found the confidence to approach her, allured by her glances and sweet smiles. But I hesitated because I lacked confidence.

Instead, I did my duty as a warrior, hoping I could move past my feelings for her. However, they had only become even stronger. The desire to hold Olivia consumed me. I wished I could convey all the love and admiration I had for her while getting lost in her sparkling brown eyes.

Despite lacking personal experience with female intimacy, I had a thorough grasp of the essential aspects of mating. I knew that beneath her clothing lay a coveted prize, beckoning me to claim it.

My thoughts and dreams were haunted by Olivia. Each time I contemplated going to her, I stopped myself, fearing I would only end up losing her. What if I was unable to keep her safe? The thought of losing Olivia was too much.

Being rejected by her would be even more painful.

I found myself making excuses instead of summoning the courage to talk to her. The turmoil I’d been feeling gnawed at me, leaving me restless and uncertain. Deep down, I suspected she was my K’sha. But I felt powerless to act on it.

Each time I contemplated approaching her, my fears constructed an unbreakable wall that appeared impossible to overcome. With every passing cycle and the growth of the youngling inside Olivia, my concerns about being a worthy mate for her grew.

I had no memory of my own parents. What knowledge did I have about fatherhood?