Page 54 of Revenge (Warriors of the Drexian Academy #6)
One month later
A dmiral Zoran walked the corridors of the academy, grateful for the relative quiet of the evening. He had plenty to think about, matters he’d been turning over in his mind since returning from the Island and attending Sasha and Deklyn’s wedding.
The revelations about General Bowman’s treachery had reverberated throughout Earth and the Drexian Empire, sending shockwaves through the alliance and shaking many citizens.
Once Bowman’s manipulation was revealed, the people of Earth had risen in protest. Not only had Morrison resigned in shame, but Bowman had been returned to Earth and court-martialed for his actions.
This had strengthened the admiral’s faith in the people of Earth, but it hadn’t made him any less weary of the politics of it all.
He’d weathered an attack by the Kronock, purged the academy of traitors, and integrated humans into the school’s ranks.
As he released a heavy breath, he thought to himself that he’d done enough.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
The soft voice snapped him from his reverie, and he smiled as his wife walked up to him, her long diaphanous gown flowing behind her.
“Isn’t a penny the smallest currency on Earth?”
She grinned at him as she slipped her smaller hand into his. “I might pay more.”
He chuckled at this, comforted by the warmth of her hand. “I doubt they’re worth much.”
“Have you decided?” She tipped her head to peer at him, the intricately braided bun at the top of her head unmoving.
Zoran knew there was no use hiding his intentions from Noora, nor did he want to. After all, she’d been the first one he’d told the moment he’d considered such a change.
He gave her a single nod. “It’s time.”
Her dark eyes glittered as a radiant smile took over her face. “I couldn’t agree more.”
They continued down the black stone corridor, shadows dancing across the weathered rock from the flickering sconces. Speaking his decision out loud made Zoran even more determined than ever.
He stopped and turned to face Noora, taking both of her hands in his. “You’ve been a wonderful Academy Master’s wife.”
She squeezed his hands. “And you’ve been a wonderful Academy Master.”
Before he could say anything else to his wife, quick footsteps drew his attention to the rapidly approaching Drexian.
“I got your message, Admiral,” Tivek said when he reached them. His shoulders were squared, and his gaze was alert.
We were only a few steps from my office, so I pressed a hand to the side panel and waved him inside. Noora and I followed him, but she dropped my hand as I moved toward my desk at the far end of the long room. Tivek followed me, but I paused before reaching the desk.
How many times had we talked across my desk? This time, I wanted to speak to him without a barrier.
“Much has changed since we returned from The Island,” I began, “and most of it for the good.”
Tivek grasped his hands behind his back. “The alliance with Earth is stronger than ever.”
“And your brother? Have you heard from him?”
A smile teased Tivek’s mouth. “He and Sasha finally ended their long honeymoon, and they have taken the positions offered to them.”
Zoran nodded. “Captain of his own Inferno Force ship with her as a pilot?”
“Gods help the crew,” Tivek muttered.
Zoran grinned at this, knowing that his adjunct was merely teasing.
“Change is in the air. I wanted you to know first that I spoke to Commander Vyk.” Tivek’s pupils widened, but Zoran continued.
“He feels he is perfectly suited to his role as security chief, which means he has no objection to working under a new Academy Master.”
Tivek’s jaw dropped. “You are…”
“It’s time for me to take some time for myself.” He flicked a gaze to Noora. “Juggling running the academy is enough work without adding fatherhood to the workload.”
Tivek swung his head to Noora, his gaze questioning.
She beamed as she bobbed her head. “We’re expecting a baby.”
Tivek found his voice. “Congratulations to both of you, to all three of you.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Zoran cleared his throat. “It’s important that I leave the school in capable hands, and there are none more capable than yours.”
Tivek gaped at him, opening and closing his mouth a few times without speaking.
“I hope you will take the position,” the admiral said. “I’ve cleared it with High Command, and I got authorization from your handler.”
He didn’t mention the Shadows, but it was implied.
“They will release me?” Tivek croaked.
“I impressed upon them the sacrifices you’ve made and what you would bring to the position.” Zoran winked at his adjunct. “I did not mention any other reason.”
The admiral meant Morgan. Despite not mentioning the human, she was the main reason he’d pushed for Tivek to take his place. After years of dedicated and unrewarded service, he felt it was only fair that Tivek get the chance to live his life without it being shrouded in secrecy.
“Well?” Zoran locked eyes with Tivek. “Do you accept the position?”
Tivek moved his head up and down, still stunned. “How did you know?”
“Know what?”
“That it was my dream to lead the school one day. How did you know?”
Zoran leaned forward. “I have known you for a very long time, my friend.”
Tivek released a breath, his expression still dazed. “I promise not to let you down, Admiral.”
Zoran clapped a hand on his back. “I know you will continue to serve Drex with honor.”
Noora crossed to the long wall. “So, it’s settled?”
Before either Drexian could answer, she touched the wall, and it slid open to reveal the admiral’s private lounge filled with friends.
“Well?” Commander Vyk’s voice boomed from the bar that ran along one wall of the lounge. “Did he say yes?”
“He did,” Zoran said as he prodded a stunned Tivek forward.
“Yes to what?” Jess glanced around at her female friends sitting with her on the leather couches. “I still don’t know why we’re here.”
Noora walked into the lounge with a wide smile. “Tivek has agreed to be the new Academy Master.”
Morgan jumped from the couch and ran forward, throwing her arms around Tivek. “I can’t believe this!”
“You’re leaving?” Volten asked the admiral, who was also his half-brother.
Zoran came up to Noora and slid an arm around her waist. “I have more important things to focus on.”
Noora put a hand on her stomach with a grin. That was all it took for Fiona and Ariana to gasp with realization.
“You’re pregnant!” Ariana cried, putting her hands to her cheeks.
Fiona wagged a finger at the woman. “I knew you had a special glow.”
“Congratulations, brother.” Volten patted the admiral on the shoulder. “I look forward to being an uncle.”
“Does that mean I’ll be an aunt?” Ariana asked.
“Only after our double wedding,” Kann said with a wicked grin.
Britta’s cheeks flamed, but she didn’t correct him.
When Morgan unwound herself from Tivek, Jess sidled up to her. “Does this mean you’ll be the new Academy Master’s wife?”
“We’re not married,” Morgan reminded her.
“A fact I intend to rectify soon,” Tivek said in a low voice.
Morgan blinked at him. “What?”
“You know I don’t want anyone but you, Morgan. Not now. Not ever.”
Her eyes glistened with tears. “Are you asking me to marry you?”
He leaned down and kissed the tender flesh near her ear. “I am. Will you marry me?”
She pulled back, smiling but also shaking a finger at him. “Yes, but not until I graduate. No way will I be the only married cadet.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t have to be the only one,” Torq said as he walked up.
Morgan slid her gaze between Torq and Jess, whose cheeks had mottled pink. “What do you mean?”
Torq swiveled to face Jess. “I think it’s about time everyone knew just how much I adore you, Jess.”
Jess stared at him wide-eyed. “You’re serious?”
“Of course, I am.” He took her hands in his. “You’ve made me a better Drexian in every way, and I love you more than anything. Will you marry me?”
“Won’t your family object?”
“I don’t care what my family thinks. You’re the family I choose.”
She bit her lower lip as she bobbed her head. “Then yes!”
Torq swept her into his arms and spun her around as she squealed with delight.
Zoran laughed as he watched all his officers and cadets with their chosen human mates. “It looks like I have a few wedding ceremonies to officiate before I retire.”
Noora looked up at him. “Maybe I should call Reina to come help.”
He held up a finger. “As long as she doesn’t bring Serge.”
Noora giggled. “The academy might not survive him, but it would be fun to watch.”
The admiral groaned, wondering if fun was the right word for it.
Thank you for reading REVENGE!