Page 4 of A Mate for Haax

“Thank you. I will require a room for myself and possibly my mate, and can you tell me if my things have arrived from the ship?”

He frowns. “No, we have not received any gliders from the ship. They are still trying to clean up the casualties. Many of our men died today. Some brethren were able to get back to the ship in time to get into the capsules so they may heal, others were not so lucky.”

“It was indeed a tragedy. Be grateful you were not there to witness such abhorrent actions in person.”

Silence hangs in the air, thick and heavy like a blanket, and I can see the sadness as it consumes him with just the thought of all the senseless loss from earlier today. I understand it well. “The glider is in route, Commander, and should be there in exactly ten minutes. We shall be ready for you and your mate when you arrive.”

“Very good. Thank you.”

The glider arrives shortly after we disconnect, and we hop in. The ride seems to take no time at all, and we’re arriving at the compound sooner rather than later. I’ve only been here once before, but my designation as Commander does not allow for much opportunity to leave the planet.

Prince Axxon had given me leave to find a mate of my own, and as soon as I saw Esme in the bride guide, I knew she was to be mine. The way her caramel eyes looked into my soul is something I just couldn’t shake, nor do I want to. She smiles, and her eyes get that adorable crinkle in the corners, almost like the smile is reaching out to touch them.

Silver gates open to a long driveway leading up to the facility. It comes to a slow stop before the front door, and my heart rate ticks up a beat. It’s finally happening. We’re here.

I offer my hand to Esme as she steps out of the cruiser, and then I grab her bag to carry it for her. “I can carry that myself, you know.” She says it teasingly.

“You can, this is true. But while I am here, you shall not have to.”

The wonder and amazement on her face as we walk through to the compound is like that of a child seeing something for the first time. It makes me smile knowing that our compound is that aweing.

“This place is incredible. Where do you get all the colorful plants?” The words fall from her lips, but not once does her gaze leave our surroundings.

“These are seeded and grown in Grekaria. They were brought over with the first group of brethren who came to reside at the compound. It alleviates the homesickness that some of our kind experience when we first come to Earth.”

“Why Alaska?”

“Why not?” I smile with a shrug. “We like colder climates, and it’s out of the way enough that not many people come across and notice it.” We approach the door, and her hand slides into mine, and I can’t fight the tingle that runs down the mate bond with just a simple touch.

A few minutes later, my hand regretfully slides out of hers, moving it to the small of her back as I open the door before us. She steps into the lobby of the compound and freezes. Her shocked gasp greets my ears as she takes in the surroundings.

Neon colors envelop the walls everywhere, and there are metal pieces of artwork scattered throughout. A giggle comes from Esme. “It looks like a glow stick exploded in here.”

My brows furrow. “What is this glow stick you speak of?”

She shakes her head, laughing. “You know what, don’t even worry about it.”

I reach for her hand again, and she doesn’t pull away, making me proud. She is not ashamed of me.

One of the command center’s ensigns approaches and gives a salute, his station proudly worn on his chest. He is not Grekarian or Merink, he must be an Osslander. I have not seen one up close, but it closely matches the shape and description of the creature standing before me now. The ensign is shorter than myself by probably a foot, and his four toed feet are exposed. The ears attached to his head stick out and look like small fins. A pointy nose centers between his high cheekbones. He is black and white striped like a Zebra and sparkles when he moves in the light above us. “Commander Haax, it is good to see you again, sir. We spoke briefly via comms earlier. Your room is prepared, and your bags have just arrived from the ship.”

“Great news…” I draw it out to see if he’ll provide me with his name.

He gets the memo and nods. “Oh, Paaxion, sir.”

“Very well, thank you, Paaxion. Will you please escort us to our quarters?”

He bows in respect. “Certainly, Commander.”

He turns to leave, and I place my hand to the small of Esme's back again.

Caramel-colored eyes meet mine as I glance down to my mate. Her brows are furrowed in confusion. I reach up to touch her cheek. “What is it, mate?”

“Don’t I… well, don’t I get my own room?”

“As much as I wish to fulfill your desire for privacy, I cannot. You are my mate, and I almost lost you once today. You will stay where I can keep sights on you to make sure you’re protected. There was a breach here several months ago, and the former commander's mate was almost kidnapped. I do not wish for a repeat.”

Crescent shapes come from the balls I’ve made my fists into just thinking about those slimy creatures. A growl slips from between my lips, and I can’t seem to care. I will kill anyone who tries to touch a hair on her head, even though I have only just met her.

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