Page 11

Trex

UPON REACHING THE brIDGE , we made our way to my private room in the command center to contact the palace on Alara, despite my reluctance.

Instead of reaching my father, the call was intercepted by Xilta, one of his royal advisors.

I crossed my arms as I updated Xilta. “Not exactly. A Drakkari Calti was abducted. We found her and are returning her to her people. I am calling to report there is no good news regarding the Ixul. They are still refusing to join us. ”

Xilta’s eyes widened for only a moment before he became stoic again.

“We need more ships and warriors out here patrolling,” I insisted.

Xilta stared back at me with a frown. “I will inform the King and get back to you.”

“All right. But this situation needs to be addressed, Xilta. We cannot keep Alaran space and its citizens safe without more ships.”

I ended the call and cursed, my nostrils flaring. I sat down across from Krin, who looked at me with raised eyebrows.

“Father will be angry that I did not contact him straight after the meeting on Targus 4. That’s likely why he is refusing to speak to me.”

“How can you be sure he is avoiding you?” Krin asked while tugging on his earlobe.

“I’m not. It’s just a hunch. He doesn’t understand how bad things have become out here and refuses to discuss it.” I shook my head and pinched the bridge of my nose.

“You know what he’s like. Impossible to please.” I rolled my eyes. “He constantly questions my abilities during away missions, as if I can’t do my job. When he’s not occupied with that, he is busy criticizing my performance as his son and heir.

On Alara, he never ceases to make my life miserable by constantly complaining about my failure to produce an heir. It’s impossible to win with him.”

I side glanced out the window next to us.

Alaran females were infertile because of the virus that struck our planet when I was a youngling. This meant I would have to find a suitable partner from a different planet.

Until today, it was not something that had even crossed my mind to consider. I hadn’t been looking for a mate, fated or otherwise.

Alaran spirituality taught us that Tenage and Veshar, our god and goddess, wove the Universe as an intricate web.

The tapestry encompassed all destinies, with the gods guiding fated mates toward their shared purpose.

Though many Alaran males no longer followed our spiritual beliefs and customs, my belief in the gods remained. But it did not mean I expected to meet my K’sha.

I chose to dedicate myself to being a warrior, with the purpose of protecting the people of Alara.

My duty on the Chetok was to patrol and confront anyone who threatened Alaran space.

My father had me also play the role of an emissary for the King in diplomatic meetings without revealing I was heir to the throne of Alara.

Letting out a rueful laugh, I said aloud, “If he knew I leave the ship to fight the enemy, I am sure his heart would fail.”

Krin grinned and raised his brows. “Yes. I am sure he would.”

We sat for a long time in silence both of us staring out the window into space.

KRIN SPOKE UP, WEARING a sly grin. “The human females are attractive, don’t you think?”

It surprised me when a deep growl rumbled from my throat along with the sudden urge to choke my friend and first officer.

For what, I wasn’t sure.

I wasn’t jealous. I didn’t get jealous.

Krin ignored me, acting oblivious to my unusual response.

At his mention of the females, my thoughts returned to the fiery-haired beauty with the milky skin.

During the shuttle ride back to the Chetok, I heard her talking to Joele and sensed her gaze on me throughout the trip.

I couldn’t get her face out of my head. I had never laid eyes on a more beautiful female.

Which was why I had forced myself to walk away from her.

The very idea of the human female being my K’sha baffled me.

Besides, I had no time for distractions.

Once other matters were seen to, I could focus on getting to know her. Which gave me another thought, and I put my fingers to my temple.

“Trex?” Krin was watching me with curiosity.

I raised a finger, asking him to hold on, and directed my attention to Orin, sending him a telepathic message.

‘What do you need, Captain?’ Orin replied.

‘Where are the females now?’

‘I just dropped them off at guest quarters as you ordered.’

‘ How are they?’ I asked, wondering how She was doing.

Orin’s response conveyed concern. ‘Out of the three, one of them seems to be more upset. They’re asking when we’ll bring them back to the Sol system. I let them know I do not have any information.’

I tensed. Flutz.

‘Do not promise them anything. Their relocation is still to be determined. We will be diverting to the Javar Outpost to reunite the Calti with her people first.’

‘Understood,’ Orin said.

I broke off communication.

“Problems with the females?” Krin cocked his brow as he watched me.

“Nothing to worry about right now.” We stood and walked onto the bridge, where we sat down next to each other and observed the viewscreen while Dril provided an update on the ship’s course.

The magnificence of space always evoked a peaceful feeling within me. This made me contemplate the most mesmerizing female I had ever encountered.

I clenched my hands on my thighs.

My imagination haunted me with thoughts of her lying next to me, hair strewn around her face, lips pressed to mine.

I scolded myself for losing focus, the sound of my own voice echoing in my head, reminding me to stay on track. It wasn’t the moment to dream about such things.

Krin disrupted my train of thought. ‘ Captain. Will you be accompanying the Calti upon our arrival at the Outpost?’

‘No, I won’t.’

I wanted to see the attractive female again. I had to verify my suspicion that she was my K’sha.

A low growl resonated from my chest. Despite my efforts to rid my mind of the thought that she could be my mate, my body tensed and desire heightened.

Krin’s glance at me was accompanied by raised eyebrows. Sensing my frustration, he didn’t question why.

‘Will you be allowing the females to leave the ship while we are there?’ he inquired.

‘I hadn’t planned on it. They might attempt to flee or hide, and that would only put them in danger again.’

I could not risk any harm coming to my potential mate.

We Alaran’s would never resort to abducting or buying females like some races would. My expression turned into a scowl.

The thought of someone else taking my fated mate made my heart race and my shoulders tighten.

Females were considered nothing but a valuable commodity by some, but we treasured them.

It sickened me that some pleasure planets allowed enslaved males and females to work there. While others were careful to only hire those who volunteered to work for them willingly.

It was too dangerous to let the females wander the Outpost alone.