Page 38 of Revealed

And Maxxon was gone.

What in the ever-loving fuck had I done?

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

Maxxon

My head was still spinning from my conversation with Mandy and Serge as I made my way through the familiar corridors of the Boat. The disappointment and heartache threatened to overwhelm me, but I forced myself to push it aside. I was a Drexian warrior, trained to face any challenge. This was just another obstacle—and one I would overcome.

There was only one Drexian who could help me now—Varek. Not only was he my friend from our days as cadets at the Drexian Academy, but he was also the officer in charge of staff assignments. If anyone could get me off this station quickly, it was him.

Memories of our time at the Academy flashed through my mind as I headed towards the command deck. Varek and I had both been Blades, part of the School of Battle. We'd trained together,fought together, pushed each other to be better warriors. If there was anyone I could count on now, it was him.

As I reached the floor housing the command deck, the doors of the inclinator opened, and I nearly collided with a familiar face.

"Zayn!" I exclaimed, stepping back to avoid running into the officer. Although the Drexian had escaped from a Kronock prison and had a rough time returning to the Boat, he’d found happiness with the bride I’d procured for him. We’d been friends ever since he’d realized I was the one who’d brought her to him.

Zayn's eyes widened in recognition. "Maxxon! I didn't know you were back on the Boat."

"Just got back. Have you seen Varek? I need to speak with him."

Zayn jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "He headed down to the Promenade a little while ago. Seemed in a hurry."

I frowned. The Promenade? That was usually the domain of the tribute brides, filled with shops for wedding cakes, gowns, and flowers. Even the coffee shop was something that appealed to the humans. Well, after hearing Mandy complain, I wasn’t so sure about that assumption, but I did know that Drexians did not drink the stuff.

What business would Varek have on the Promenade?

I stepped into the inclinator as Zayn exited.

“Mind if I ride down with you?" He asked as he joined me inside. “It’s been a while since we talked.”

It had been. Up until the reveal, I’d been working overtime to bring brides to the station.

"How's Katie?" I asked, referring to Zayn's human mate.

A smile spread across Zayn's face. "She's doing great, especially now with the Reveal. She's excited about the possibility of visiting Earth again."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Any specific plans?"

Zayn chuckled. "She wants to take me to a place called Disneyland. But I have to admit, the images she's shown me have me a bit worried. It seems to be controlled by a giant rodent."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Like the Ratlings on Parsus V?"

Zayn's eyes widened. "Grek, I hope not. Katie assures me it's just a costume, but…” He shuddered.

The inclinator slowed to a stop, and the doors opened onto the bustling Promenade. "Well, best of luck with that," I thumped a hand on Zayn’s shoulder. "Maybe bring a plasma rifle, just in case."

Zayn laughed as I stepped from the compartment. “Not a bad idea.”

I left him in the inclinator and started down the busy stone path, weaving between excited women and Drexians who looked overwhelmed by the exuberance of their matches. So far, I didn’t spot Varek in the crowd.

The air was filled with chatter and laughter, the scent of flowers and sweet pastries wafting from nearby shops. Under different circumstances, I might have found the atmosphere infectious. Now, it just made my chest ache. I swept my gaze to take in the entire area. Where was my friend?

As I passed the bridal shop, something made me stop short. Through the large glass front, I spotted a familiar figure inside.

Varek!

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