Page 5 of Carler

Back in Draconis

Carler knew he would have to handle his mate carefully. He hated to have to let her go, but he knew she was a warrior like him. She would never forgive him if he interfered with her job, and he would get nowhere in their relationship.

That didn't mean he wouldn't worry. He was really worried at the moment. He knew Viv and the group she was with had gotten information on the mob boss's location and his actions. There was no doubt they were headed into a dangerous situation.

Carler was puzzled by how an old man who couldn't fight could cause so much trouble. They had technology that humans couldn't even imagine, yet they couldn't use it to deal with the evil little man.

Joe Senior constantly escaped when they tried to catch him. It just wouldn't do. Viv was in constant danger until he was caught. And she wouldn't be the only one affected by what Joe did. They'd caught two more people entering the casino to cause trouble. Thankfully, their security was good, and the mobsters had been quickly caught.

"What is it this time?" He asked tiredly when his assistant appeared in the doorway. There was no doubt that Joe Senior had done something again.

"Kareth is communicating with us. He wishes to talk to you," his assistant informed.

Instantly, his heart felt like it was trying to burst from his chest. Had Viv been harmed?

Hurrying to the Communication Room that was set up to share information with anyone across the world or even on other planets, his feet wouldn't move fast enough. He knew everyone needed access to communicate with their Emperor, but at that moment, he wished it was closer.

It was rare that they would have good news at this point in their hunt. Joe Senior needed to be dealt with so they could get on with their business. It was true that, somehow, they had managed to keep slightly ahead of their schedule, but they should have been miles farther.

Carler rushed to the communication room, zigzagging down the hallway full of people who jumped out of his way. He would apologize later, but there was no time. At that moment, he had to know what was happening.

Pushing the door open so hard that it slammed against the wall and bounced back, he ignored the sharp pain when it slammed into his hand. Once inside, he shoved it closed. The room was empty to keep any and all information private.

"What is happening?" Carler demanded.

"Relax, General. This is neither good nor bad news," Kareth explained. "Since the situation was so urgent when we received information last night that gave us a location, we immediately went. All we could do was observe and participate from a distance in a fight between those loyal to Joe Senior and those supporting the new guy, Johnny. None of us were injured, and we did have the opportunity to discuss our concerns with Johnny. He seemed aware that we had assisted him and appreciated our help. Had we not been there, he would have surely been killed. Joe Senior never showed up in person. Although, it is possible he was hiding somewhere and watching the whole thing."

"How does he convince these people to risk their lives for him? He's no longer part of their organization. The same group that will go after everyone who supports him." Carler's voice was filled with frustration.

"I can't understand it either. Old Joe easily sacrifices them without a second thought. He is a worthless leader who hides behind his people and uses them for fodder."

"If we could understand why they support him, maybe we could change their minds."

"Your mate says they support him because they have given him their loyalty for so long that they know no other way," Kareth explained.

"She may be right. We saw a similar thing when some of the bad Lords fell. It was a combination of past loyalty and horrible fear of what would happen to them if they crossed them."

"Viv seems to have a good understanding of most of these things. Now, we must decide whether to stay here hoping to find another clue or return home and wait."

"Do you have any idea what my mate wishes to do?" Carler asked.

"It is my belief she is having a hard time deciding. She wants to continue but realizes it could take a very long time before anything else appears. Perhaps you should call her and see what she has to say."

"It would be reasonable to call her now that you have settled in and see how things are going. I prefer she not know that you and I have spoken before I talked to her."

"Yes, General, of course, I will say nothing," Kareth agreed.

After saying goodbye, he was left to think about how to contact Viv. Could he explain it so she wouldn't feel he was checking up on her? As her boss, would he normally even worry about such a thing? Maybe she would take it more easily if he explained that they still were having issues with people Joe Senior was sending in. Yes, that's how he would present it–as an exchange of information.

Putting her number into the device, he could hear the call connecting. "Hello?"

Her voice hit him hard. He knew he had to push his claim forward, or it would drive him crazy.

"Viv." His voice sounded breathy, something that had never happened in his whole life.

"Carler, can I help you?"

He could think of many things, but none he should say. "I wanted to get an update about what was going on there and to tell you what was happening here."

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