Page 20

Trex

WHILE WE RESUMED OUR journey to the Outpost, my blood began to cool and my mind wandered back to Grace.

I wish I could have gone to her when she called for me, but I had to be on the bridge during the attack.

It was possible that she was even more upset with me than before. I felt a bit lost and unsure of myself.

I became unsure of my next move because of her vexation toward me. Nervously tugging at my earlobe, I hoped the brief Krilex encounter didn’t scare her.

My chest rumbled. I wanted to go see her to ensure that she was okay. Yet, my responsibility as the Captain of the ship left me feeling conflicted.

‘Are you troubled by something? ‘ Krin glanced my way as his thoughts entered my mind.

Troubled wasn’t the word I would use.

My encounter with Grace was having a profound impact on me, and I was prepared to take on the Universe to keep her safe.

My smile grew as I looked at him. ‘I think I have found my K’sha.’

Krin did a double-take and then spoke aloud. “Captain?”

Some of the crew cast a quick glance at us before redirecting their focus.

‘My mating marks have been triggered .’ I showed him, moving the leather straps that crossed the center of my chest. ‘ When I am near her, I feel them searing my skin.’

Krin’s mouth fell open in astonishment as his gaze fixated on my chest. The faint etching in my skin was unmistakably visible, serving as evidence of my honesty.

He spoke inside my head. ‘It’s one of the rescued females?’

My response was a simple nod.

I was mindful of my responsibilities to my fellow warriors on the ship and the entire Alaran sector. However, the meaning of my mating marks being activated couldn’t be ignored.

Grace was a creation of Tenage and Veshar, the talented weaver’s behind the grand tapestry. Our destinies were now intertwined, bound by a common purpose.

All that was needed was for me to claim her, sealing our eternal bond through the sacred mating ritual.

Having found her, I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.

On Alara, males had etchings on their skin when they were born.

Various castes indicated distinct locations on the male’s body. They were designed to change color and become more visible when a male met his K’sha.

‘I am pleased the gods have sent her to you,’ said Krin.

Just like me, Krin also yearned to locate his fated mate.

Many had lost hope, but most men of Alara still wished to find their K’sha. The one they were fated to be with until death.

‘It will happen for you .’ I reassured.

Krin sighed, his eyes locked on the viewscreen before us.

In my mind, his voice carried a wistful tone. ‘Perhaps...only time can provide the answer.’ He paused, then spoke again. This time, his tone was curious . ‘Captain. Which female is your K’sha?’

‘Grace. The one with long fiery hair.’ And the most beautiful female in the Universe.

Krin breathed out what I took to be a sigh of relief.

I chuckled and noted, “I hope you’re not attracted to the female who is always angry. She makes my head ache.”

Krin’s mouth opened as if to speak, but he stopped himself. He cleared his throat to speak out loud. A slight grin etched his face. “Why do you assume I’m interested in one of the females?”

My lips curved in the corners, but I said nothing further about my observations.

After reflecting for a moment, Krin asked, ‘Does Grace know who you are?’

I scratched my temple. ‘No. Not yet.’

From a young age, I knew that one day I would have to fulfill my role in the Ul family by providing an heir to carry on our legacy. My family ruled Alara and this section of space for millennia.

Because of my future role as King of a star system, only my most trusted crewmen were aware of my true identity.

My lips pursed as I bowed my head in thought.

‘ Trex? What’s troubling you? Are you not pleased about finding your K’sha?’ Krin inquired with a tilt of his head.

My brow furrowed, pondering the question for a moment. Trusting Krin, I knew my friend and first officer wouldn’t perceive my admission as a weakness.

‘I am both happy and troubled at the same time. But if Grace remains here with me, I fear I won’t be able to protect her. The Krilexs’ overconfidence is evident in this recent confrontation. If we cannot manage the situation, it could lead to a full-blown conflict in this section of space.’

Krin’s brows knitted. ‘ But you will not always be on this ship. Once we’ve reunited the Calti with her people, won’t your father expect you to go back to Alara? The planet is well protected and she will be safe there.’

I pressed my lips, nodding. ‘That is true. But I do not know if Grace will even accept me as her mate.’

Krin placed a hand on my shoulder and gripped it. “Spend time with her. You will find out soon enough.”

Several minutes passed in silence, and I was growing impatient to see Grace. To reassure myself she was truly my K’sha. And not a product of my imagination.

With each passing moment, I wished more desperately for her acceptance, my mind racing with apprehension over the alternative. On the other hand, if she really was my K’sha, it changed everything for me.

My lips pinched. Perhaps if I explained my mating marks to her and the customs of my people, she would give me a chance? Her fleeting desire for me was evident in the way she bit her lip and looked away. Not to mention how her fragrance had changed. Had she also sensed the bond between us?

Filled with hope, I fantasized about claiming Grace as my own.

The idea of being close to her, feeling her warmth against me, stirred something deep within me.

Yet, my first step was to convince her I posed no threat.

Clearing my throat, I stood up and met Krin’s gaze.

“You have command. I have matters to attend to.” I marched out of the command center.

Grace’s face flashed in my mind as I walked down the corridor, amplifying the connection I had with her. If I could just get her alone, I could show her my mating marks and explain their importance, and maybe, just maybe, she would accept me.

When I reached the females’ quarters, I discovered Orin was not there, and the door went unanswered.

I reached out to him . ‘Where are the females?’

‘They asked me to escort them to the Calti’s quarters, sir. They are inside, speaking with her.’

I uttered a curse and proceeded to the dignitary’s quarters.

UPON MY ARRIVAL IN the Calti’s quarters, I detected a moment of surprise on Grace’s face before she avoided eye contact.

With a sly grin, Calti Joele inquired. “Captain. What brings you here?”

My jaw tightened. Why was my K’sha refusing to make eye contact with me?

I moved closer to her, while the rest of the females sat across from Joele. “Is everything well?” I asked Grace in a low voice.

“Yes.” She glanced at the other females before returning her gaze to me.

Something was troubling her. I hoped she wasn’t still upset with me about earlier.

I squinted my eyes, studying the group of females. “Why have all of you gathered here?”

“They are just visiting.” The Drakkari female smiled, but I knew they were adept at lying when it benefited them.

I had a feeling there was more to their meeting, but chose not to probe. If some of the females wished to leave, I would not stop them.

My gaze shifted to Grace as Calti Joele resumed speaking.

“The females were worried when they heard something striking against the ship’s hull. Is there a problem?”

I raised my chin. “There was a minor problem, but it has been resolved.” I stated.

Grace’s voice cut through the tension in the room. “Are we prisoners here?”

My eyebrows lifted. Did she lack trust in me? “What leads you to think you are held captive?”

Grace placed her hands on her hips. “Orin is stationed outside our locked door.”

I caught sight of Orin, who gave me an apologetic look.

The golden-haired female who was most outspoken gave me a glare while crossing her arms. “Well? Can you explain why there is a warrior outside our door?”

I straightened my shoulders. These females were tougher to reassure than I expected.

“You are not captives. Some areas of the ship are not safe. If you’re interested, I’ll show you around the ship after we leave Javar Outpost.”

Even though I had already mentioned it to her, Grace looked surprised at my offer.

Granted, I had only offered to show the ship to her.

“Can my friends visit the Outpost?” She quizzed, running her fingertips along her eyebrow and barely making eye contact.

“If they follow orders, it might be possible.” I allowed a small grin to form on my lips.

The female pilot scoffed. “Excuse me? Follow orders?”

Calti Joele signaled with her hand for her to relax, and the female said nothing else.

I continued to talk. “Commander Krin will be your escort. He has volunteered to accompany you for your safety.”

A shared look passed between the golden-haired pilot and Drakkari female.

I addressed the Calti. “Our arrival at Javar Outpost is on schedule. I will have Krin come get you once we reach our destination.”

My eyes sought Grace before heading back to the door. She was watching me with her lips slightly parted.

A wide grin spread across my face when she followed me out of the room.

IN THE CORRIDOR, I slowed my pace for her to walk next to me.

She ran her hands through her hair and cleared her throat.

“Sorry for getting upset with you earlier.” She spoke in a low tone.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” I assured.

We silently continued down the corridor.

“Is everything alright?” She blurted.

I looked down at her in confusion.

She tucked hair behind her ear. “I’m referring to the ship. It felt like something hit us.”

I paused and cast a glance down at her. “There’s no problem with the ship. The shields sustained a hit, that is all.”

Grace’s head snapped backwards. “Did someone attack us?” Her voice shot up an octave as she asked.

“There’s no need to worry,” I reiterated.