Page 39 of Interlude

“Maybe we should leave Echo and Nikos out of this for now. They are both in delicate conditions, and I don’t want to alarm them,” I suggest, and both Silac and Tirrian nod their heads, agreeing with me, but Saxon just raises an eyebrow.

“Fine, but we are telling them it was your idea when they are upset about being kept in the dark.”

I wince and run a hand through my mane in agitation, but I finally nod my head, willing to take the fallout he is most likely correct is coming.

When we get to the suite, Caspian has the same reaction Tirrian and Silac did, jumping to his feet, his beast surging into his eyes.

“Where’s Lila?” he demands with a growl that’s almost worthy of a lightning cat.

“Hey, easy, my friend.” Xavier releases another wave of reassurance, and Cas’s body shudders before he relaxes back into his seat. “She’s fine. We’ll explain what’s happening when everyone arrives.”

While he says this, Saxon uses the communicator on the wall to establish the whereabouts of the Adams brothers, asking them to join us in the suite.

“I’ll just go retrieve Link and Ghosie.” Xavier doesn’t wait for an answer before he disappears. Saxon shakes his head and makes another call to Broderick, also requesting his presence in our suite.

The living area is much larger now due to the expansion, and there is enough seating for us all, but I’m too wound up to get comfortable. Instead, I pace back and forth, waiting for everyone so we can hear the news.

I’m so caught up in my worry, I don’t notice Brannock approach me, and I almost fry him with my lightning when he puts a hand on my shoulder.

“Easy, Alpha. Your omega is fine.” Brannock’s voice holds a hint of power. The Aaz’axians can mesmerize, but I don’t feel like my mind is being taken over, just that he made me feel a little calmer. “Trust us. If we were worried, we would have launched an attack on the being who has our Lila.”

“Someone has her?” Tirrian’s voice is deep and rumbly, his dragon merging with the male, driving his aggression higher.

“Yes, but if you take a moment to breathe and let us explain, you will understand she is perfectly safe… I think.”

“You think?” Tirrian bellows, and I start to growl, all the tension returning to the room.

“Yes, Xavier believes she is, and I trust the warlock. If he is comfortable leaving his mate behind, then I have to be.”

The room to the suite opens, and the Adams brothers hurry in, looking heart broken and worried. They see Brannock, and panic enters their eyes.

“Where are Lila and Xavier?” William demands as John collapses onto one of the sofas, Eric taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.

Brannock tries to calm the room again. “She’s fine. That warlock better hurry up, because this is ridiculous,” he mutters, rolling his eyes at the dramatics.

Thankfully, the warlock appears with Link, Ghosie, and Broderick, and everyone turns to him.

“We have information on the being who controls the planet’s occupants.”

“Was Lila able to mimic him?” Link asks, remaining calm as he and the bear find seats. I’m not sure why the bear is actually needed for this conversation. Sure, he and Lila are wearing each other’s attraction marks, but they have barely spent any time together. I growl quietly under my breath when I think about what his shipmates wanted to do to her. He gives me the side-eye but says nothing.

“I’m not sure, to be honest,” Xavier says, wincing slightly, “but I do know who he is.”

“Well?” Eric prompts before anyone else can. “For fuck’s sake, Xavier, spit it out, and where is Lila?”

“The being is the forgotten earth elemental god, Zeydan, and Lila is with him. He claims she is his mate and requested she stay on planet. Her Elementi form is sick, and she would have perished had she returned to space in that form.”

“Why didn’t she just change?” Caspian asks.

“Because it still won’t help that form in the long run, and she knows that.” Xavier sighs. “Zeydan promised that he would protect her with his life.”

“Does he know she is a mimic and not an actual Elementi?” Saxon asks, rubbing a hand over his chin. He is just as calm as the cyborg. I guess the lack of a beast inside makes it easier to stay levelheaded despite the situation.

I grit my teeth and retract my claws as I try to do the same.

Xavier shrugs. “I’m not sure. He didn’t say anything, but he did say that the dragon was welcome to return tonight if we were worried.” Xavier’s gaze locks onto Tirrian. “You weren’t exactly stealthy,” he scolds.

“What did you expect? I’m a giant dragon. It’s kind of hard to stay hidden when there is no cloud cover.” He doesn’t sound apologetic. “Send me down now. I will protect our mate. It’s the least I can do to make up for my behavior.”

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