Page 48 of Revealed

Maxxon

Istrode onto the bridge, my heart pounding and my palms damp. At least the space was dimly lit, with dark walls and consoles and the familiar beeps and static-laced transmissions of a working command deck.

Heads swiveled in my direction as I entered. Warriors in crisp uniforms manned the standing black consoles, their gazes curious but quickly returning to their duties. The wide, glass wall at the front of the bridge offered a breathtaking view of the star-studded expanse beyond our ship. For a moment, I allowed myself to appreciate the view and the disciplined efficiency of the station’s control center.

I swept the space for Varek. I’d been told he was on the bridge, but instead Dakar stood at attention, overseeing the officers with his hands clasped behind his back. He cut an impressive figure in his dark Drexian uniform, and his brown hair was pulled backin a neat topknot, belying the untamed nature of an Inferno Force warrior.

"Maxxon.” He pivoted and cocked his head at me. "This is an unexpected visit."

I inclined my head respectfully. "Dakar. I was hoping to speak with Varek, but..."

Dakar's eyebrow raised slightly. "Varek left a short while ago. Is there something I can help you with?"

I hesitated, glancing around at the officers manning their posts. "Actually, if you have a moment, I'd appreciate a private word."

He studied me for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. Let's use the captain's ready room."

I followed Dakar across the bridge to a door that slid open at our approach. The captain's ready room was a stark contrast to the hub of incoming transmissions and continual scans we’d just left. Decorated in dark tones, it exuded an air of authority and calm. A glossy desk dominated the center of the room, its surface reflecting the soft lighting from above. My eyes were drawn to a tall, narrow window that offered a private view of the star-filled void outside.

Dakar moved behind the desk but remained standing, his posture relaxed but alert. "So, Maxxon, what's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "It's about Allie—the woman from Earth."

"The one nothing happened with?” Dakar's tone was carefully neutral, but I caught a glimmer in his eyes.

I took a deep breath. I knew from talk on the Boat that Dakar had taken a mate who’d previously been living on the reject section of the station, with other women who’d rejected the idea of being a tribute bride. He was no stranger to flaunting rules, which made sense. He was, after all, Inferno Force.

“I was not completely honest about what happened on Earth. I did not know the extent of her feelings—or mine. But now I do.”

To my surprise, a small smile tugged at the corners of Dakar's mouth. "I see. And you're worried about the complications this might cause?"

That was an understatement. “Varek has been my closest friend since we were cadets at the academy. He is the last person I wish to hurt, but I also cannot deny my love for Allie.”

Dakar moved around the desk, leaning against it as he faced me. "Maxxon, let me tell you something. I engaged in a forbidden romance for quite some time before it became public.”

He didn’t wait for me to feign surprise.

"It wasn't easy, and it wasn’t wise. When we finally decided to be honest with each other and the world, it was almost too late.” He stood. “Be honest. Talk to Varek. If you and Allie both wish to take each other as mates, no one in Drexian leadership will stand in your way.”

Relief washed over me, but it was quickly followed by a new wave of anxiety. “I need to find Varek.”

Dakar nodded, his expression solemn. “You do.” Then he walked back behind the desk. “I will take care of the administrative end of things.”

With renewed determination, I left the ready room and made my way off the bridge. My mind raced as I formulated what I would say to Varek. How could I explain that I'd fallen in love with the woman he thought might be his future mate without hurting him?

But before I found Varek, I needed to go to Allie. I needed to reassure her that it was all going to work out. That, and I longed to hold her again and reassure myself that she was really mine.

I made my way to her suite, my fingertips already buzzing as I imagined touching her. I stood outside her door for a moment then noticed that the panel was ringed in green, so I pressed my palm to it, and it slid open

"Allie?" I called out, stepping inside and starting to unfasten my uniform jacket.

"I couldn't find Varek, but I couldn't wait any longer to see you.”

My words died in my throat as I rounded the corner into the bedroom area. My blood ran cold, and I froze mid-motion, my jacket half-unbuttoned.

There, standing in the middle of the room was Varek.

I stared at my friend, mouth open and any words of explanation dying in my throat. Varek's gaze moved from my face to my partially exposed chest to the bed, where Allie was sitting in a sheer black negligee.

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