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Trex

SHE’S GONE! Orin’s groggy voice announced in my mind. I picked up my stride. “Something has happened to Grace.” I said aloud as Krin and I ran to my suite where I’d left Grace.

We arrived to find Orin on the floor, leaning against the wall with his feet straight out in front of him.

“Tell me what happened?” I asked.

Krin and I stretched out our hands to help him up, but he shook his head. “I can’t move.” His voice was laced with anger.

“Who has Grace?”

“The new medic from the infirmary came up and said he needed to speak with Grace. I informed him he would need to wait for your return. After he sprayed something in my face, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I couldn’t move. It seems likely that he injected me with something.”

I called for Rekna to report to my quarters to look after Orin.

The warrior’s eyes filled with remorse. “I yelled for Grace, but she didn’t answer.” Frustrated, he growled, “He has taken her and I couldn’t stop him. I am sorry, Prince.”

I roared not because I was upset with Orin but because I knew something was off with the new medic and said nothing.

“How long ago did he leave with her?”

“I don’t know.”

I took off down the corridor, following the now faint sweet floral scent of my K’sha while I called out to her with my mind.

‘Trex?’ Grace’s voice echoed in my head.

‘Yes...where are you?’ I didn’t stop moving.

‘I’m not sure. It looks like a lab of some kind. Maybe underground. Hurry Trex! He is planning to take me away from Alara to a ship cloaked above the planet.’

Gods. My mind raced to what I’d just learned from the prisoner. He was a shapeshifter. I wondered if the medic was one as well. I hadn’t tried to listen to his thoughts earlier, so it was possible he was one of them and I’d missed it.

Flutz.. It’s my fault Grace is in danger .

The trail abruptly stopped at the exit of one of the corridors. It led to the royal gardens.

I called out to Grace once more while stopping. ‘ Hold tight, I’m coming for you.’ I could sense her fear and anger, and I prayed for her forgiveness for my inability to protect her once more.

Krin halted and rested his hands on his hips. “Have you lost her scent?”

My chest rumbled. “She’s not in here. I believe she’s being held somewhere beneath the palace in the old tunnels.”

We hurried toward the palace walls and began searching carefully for hidden entrances.

“Here,” said Krin, charging ahead. “I found a door.”

IN THE TUNNEL’S DARKNESS , Krin and I silently made our way through the maze while I sensed Grace’s presence as I got closer to her.

My stomach burned like a small fire at the thought of being too late.

I needed to find her and destroy the male who dared to take her from me.

I called out to her in my mind as we went. Grace’s voice echoed in my head, telling me she was still there, attempting to delay her transfer.

We need to find her. NOW.

HER PRESENCE BECAME more noticeable to me than her scent.

Halting in front of the very first wooden door we spotted, I clutched the handle with the expectation of it being locked, only to find it open.

“Trex!”

Grace attempted to run toward me, but was yanked back by her hair. She cried out, wincing in pain.

“Wait,” Krin grabbed my arm, stopping me from lunging forward.

My chest heaved with rage as I took in the creature that was threatening her.

It was no longer Nivar the medic, but the same type of shapeshifter alien we had encountered in the cells. He held a full syringe to her throat.

His lips curled back as he hissed at me. “Come near me and she dies,” he declared.

‘I think it’s just a sedative,’ Grace said in my mind, struggling against her captor.

I would not gamble on Grace’s life.

She kept her eyes fixed on mine as she explained why she thought it was just a sedative. ‘He implanted something inside me. He was going to use me as a breeder for their species.’

My anger burned hotter as she revealed what his intentions were.

Interrupting our internal dialog, the being glared at me with the same air of arrogance he had earlier.

“If you want to keep your mate safe, you will allow us to leave the planet without coming after us.”

“Not happening,” I warned, gritting my teeth.

Grace let out a brief gasp when he moved closer with the syringe.

“Release her,” I ordered.

My mate’s eyes flicked to the table next to where she was standing, then she shot me a look. ‘It’s a sedative. I’m sure of it,’ she insisted.

Krin was bristling next to me, his hands clasped at his side.

‘I can get a clear shot,’ he said.

I stepped closer to Krin to hide the fact he was going for his gun.

Looking at the flutzing grik, I sent a message to Grace. ‘ When I signal you, duck.’

‘Okay.’

I took a step forward and put up my hands. “Fine. Put down the syringe and I will let you leave.”

The shapeshifter tilted up his bony chin. “She comes with me.”

I nodded once. “Put it down. Just don’t hurt her. I’ll let you both go.”

The foolish alien removed the syringe and put it in his pocket.

‘Now!’ I called out to Grace as I moved and Krin fired at the shapeshifter.

The scrawny alien screamed and fell back having been shot in the upper body. He clutched at the wound and began to beg for his life.

Grace stumbled as I charged forward to catch her in my arms.

“He killed your father,” she blurted.

Narrowing my eyes at the shapeshifter, I released Grace, pushing her behind me.

Krin stepped up and led her toward the door while I lifted the scrawny creature off the floor until his feet were dangling.

“What were you doing to my K’sha?”

His mouth opened and closed as I shook him. He put up his hands, clawing at my arms. “Not...telling you,” he choked out.

Grace was next to me again. “He said there are cloaked ships above Alara...is there a way to detect them?”

I glowered at the spindly creature as he bled out. “How many ships?”

He raised his hand, holding up two fingers.

“Tell me how to find them.”

His eyes bulged. “Can’t.”

I squeezed his throat, furious. The shapeshifters eye’s closed just as his neck snapped and I dropped him to the floor.

TURNING TO GRACE I ran my hands along her body. “Did he hurt you?”

“No,” she declared, her voice unwavering. “But I want to get this bloody implant out asap.”

With a swift motion, I lifted her into my arms with her body pressed against mine. Her arms encircled my neck as she leaned her head against me.

Although she didn’t appear upset with me, I would still ask for her forgiveness once she was attended to.

I side glanced at Krin who kept pace with me.

“We need to locate those cloaked ships orbiting the planet and eliminate them,” I ordered.

“Yes, Prince Trex.”

REKNA’S FACE WAS ETCHED with concern as I entered the infirmary, cradling Grace in my arms.

He pointed to one of the beds. “Put her down over there.”

I placed Grace on the medical bed, and she immediately began relaying what had happened.

He nodded and glanced at me. “There was a nagging feeling inside me that something was off about him. The object will be scanned and removed promptly.”

I nodded, but didn’t move.

“How is Orin doing?” I asked.

Grace’s eyes grew wide. “Orin? What did the medic do to him?”

I smoothed her hair. “He gave him some sort of paralytic as well as knocking him out.”

Rekna frowned. “I have seen him and there are a few side effects. He has been sent to rest. Whatever Nivar gave him interfered with his nervous system.”

“No. He has to be okay,” Grace cried.

Rekna spoke. He blames himself for Grace being taken. I am concerned about his state of mind.

Grace narrowed her eyes and looked back and forth between the medic and me.

“What are you two saying to one another? I can tell you are communicating telepathically.”

“Just that Orin blames himself for you being taken,” I revealed.

Rekna frowned. “There seems to be plenty of self-blame to share between you and Orin.” Pausing for a moment, he waved his hand to signal me to go away. “Your K’sha will be okay. No need to hover while I work.”

A possessive growl escaped my throat unintentionally.

The medic was aware that I would observe his every action.

My instinct was to protect my mate . ‘I can’t just leave her alone after everything that happened.’

Rekna’s lips pursed. “She won’t be alone. I am with her. Now go.”

Grace reached out her hand to me. “I’m all right. No need to worry.”

Holding her hand, I noticed angry red welts on her wrist for the first time. I reached for the other one and gently kissed the inside of each wrist.

Despite being minor, seeing the injury made my stomach turn. This should never have occurred.

Rekna was right about me blaming myself for her being taken by the shapeshifter. I’d broken my promise to protect Grace. Of course , I was to blame.

I couldn’t manage to tear myself away from her as I stroked her head.

Grace looked at me and tilted her head to the side. “It’s okay Trex. I trust Rekna.”

Leaning down to speak just to her, I whispered. “So do I, but I don’t want to leave you. I’ve already failed you twice.” Emotion made my voice sound harsh.

Her hand gently touched my cheek. “This isn’t your fault, and you have never failed me. You have rescued me...twice, not to mention when you found me on that planet.”

Grace’s eyes were filled with a compassion I wasn’t sure I deserved. I kissed her forehead, then stepped back, swallowing hard.

“I will wait outside for you.”

She smiled, and I turned to leave the infirmary.

KRIN WALKED OVER TO me when I entered the corridor. “Is she going to be okay? Is it possible for Rekna to remove the implant?”

“Yes.” For the first time, I wondered if I had acted too hastily in response to the shapeshifter. We were still in the dark about who the race was. There were more questions than answers at this point.

Sensing my mood, Krin put a hand on my shoulder. “Killing Nivar is not on you. I’m the one who shot him and he was dying, anyway. You just put him out of his misery. Besides, we still have the other changeling to interrogate again. I am certain we will find out more about these devaras .”

He explained, his look intense. “If my K’sha was in danger, I would have done the same thing.”

I raised my brows, and he dropped his hand and stepped back.

“No one will harm my Grace. Never again. I will die before I let that happen.” I vowed.

He gave me a look that said he understood even though he was not yet mated himself.

Fatigued and in need of rest, I leaned against the wall opposite the infirmary. There were still so many things to do and not enough time.

“Since we now have a better understanding of the Krilexs’ partners, we will alert our allies and the human colonies,” I declared.

“Do you think there are additional shapeshifters on Alara?” Krin asked.

I released a long breath. “I don’t know, but I am going to assume so.

At least we know they are not telepathic, and we can detect them that way.

We will have to speak to every cult member to ensure there are none left in their ranks.

When I meet with the council and the guards, I will warn them what to look for.

Right now, my biggest concern is this new weapon the Krilex has. It needs to be destroyed.”

Krin’s brows pinched as if he hadn’t considered the weapon the Krilex had used to incapacitate us.

“The Drakkari destroyed the Krilex ship that used it on us. Do you think the weapon was supplied to all Krilex ships?” he asked.

We’d been pursued three times since we found the females, but only once were we boarded and the weapon used.

Standing tall, I shook my head. “Let’s hope they don’t distribute their tech widely among the enemy’s ships. It sounds like this shapeshifting race doesn’t trust the Krilex, which could prove to be an advantage to us.”

Krin agreed. “Without a doubt. We won’t let the Krilex carry out their plans.” He positioned his hands on his hips. “If we’re lucky, the next time we capture one of these creatures, they might finally tell us who they are.”

“Hopefully.” I gave my head a scratch then folded my arms. “There is one thing that I find strange. If they’re becoming extinct, why commit suicide when captured? It appears to be counterproductive.”

Krin shrugged. “We will learn more about them in time. You have a lot to take care of in the coming weeks. Leave the new enemy to me.”

A smile crossed my face. “Now that you mention it, I thought I should inform you I’ll be transferring command of the Chetok to you.”

Krin scratched his chin and then gestured with his hands. “Was there ever any doubt?”

We both shared a laugh.

A moment later, I spoke again. “Once I am crowned and other matters are taken care of, I will reach out to those who previously refused to join the Protectorate Alliance. It is imperative that we get more warriors and ships.

We must prevent the Krilex from gaining control over any planet in Alaran space. I won’t let them plunder planets for resources. Everyone needs to stay alert.”

I ground my teeth, not excited about the prospect of fighting with another race. The Krilex, Zinids, and shapeshifters had to understand they were unwelcome in Alaran territory.

Krin listened and chewed the inside of his cheek. I knew that look. He was planning something.

“What are you thinking?”

“When our ship returns to space I will capture and interrogate as many Krilex Captains as I can. Learn everything about their pact with the shapeshifters. If there is a way to end their alliance and stop them from trading tech for females, we must find it.”

“Agreed,” I grunted.

Krin also noted. “When we gain more ships, we could send some out to find the moon this new race is inhabiting.”

I cautioned. “The shapeshifters must not see our ships approaching.” I put one finger up. “But that’s where I believe the Ixul can be helpful.”

There was a beat before Krin nodded. “Let’s hope they finally join the Protectorate Alliance, your highness.” He grinned.

“You will stay for my coronation?” I asked, redirecting the conversation.

“I wouldn’t miss it.” He performed an Alaran salute. “If you will excuse me I have someone to speak to about a job. I’ll catch up with you later.

IT WAS SATISFYING TO watch him assume the position I had left behind.

My role as King involved advising and consulting with the Protectorate elders and my royal advisors on Alara.

Even though I retained the position of Commander of the Protectorate warriors, Krin now served as my right hand in space instead of by my side.

Though I couldn’t help but feel wistful about having to rule from the planet, the thought of sharing the wonders and magic of Alaran space with Grace brought a sense of hope to my heart.