Page 90 of Aria's Ascension

“This is a slave planet, which means every single person outside these walls is to be considered an enemy. Do you understand? They have technology, or magic as my mate calls it,” she added with a wave to Tirox standing at her side, “that can turn you into a mindless slave. They can, and will, make you do anything they want, including turning you into a killing machine or forcing you to have sex, or mate, with anyone who has the credits to pay for it. That goes for the malesandthe females. No one is safe out there.”

That was enough to quell the remaining murmurs. She saw fear, horror, and shock on the faces she was able to read.

“I need you to understand the seriousness of this situation. I killed the slaver who ran this place, so you’re safe within these walls, buteveryoneoutside it is not to be trusted. Please, donottry to run away. You’re not prisoners, but I’ve got better things to do than save your asses if you get yourself kidnapped, because you panicked and ran. I will, but it will take time I really can’t afford to spend looking for you. So, don’t be an idiot.”

She let that sink in for a moment, waving down the shouts that started up.

“I’m sure your first concern is leaving this place and returning home. I understand. We are trying to repair the spaceship. If it is at all possible, I will do everything in my power to see that you’re returned to your planets. But, that is going to take time,ifit happens at all, so I need you to be patient. Again, I cannot guarantee that the ship can be repaired. Even if we get it working, we need a pilot to fly it. Then there’s the issue of whatever power or fuel it uses. All that to say, don’t get your hopes too far up. You need to start trying to accept that this may be your new home.”

That sent everyone into a fit. She let it go for a minute, but when someone started shoving people, she whistled again, the piercing sound echoing into the atrium above.

“Cut that shit out! NOW! I willnottolerate fighting! If you cannot control yourself, I can and will lock your ass in a stasis tube! Do you understand me?” she yelled. When they calmed slightly, she continued, “You’re scared and angry. I get it. But youwillmaintain control of yourselves. We are all in this together. Fighting and taking that fear out on other people who are victims, as well, is bullshit, and I won’t stand for it.”

Scanning the crowd, she frowned sadly and said, “Now, I know some of you lost people in the crash. I’m truly sorry for your losses. Come talk to me, and we’ll discuss your funeral rituals. I’ll do what I can to accommodate your customs, but it may not be exactly what you’re used to, so I need you to be understanding.”

Half a dozen people nodded or bowed their heads in response.

“Alright. It’s been a hell of a day. I’ll be here to talk to anyone with further questions or concerns, but I think we could all use some rest. If you don’t usually sleep at night, you’re welcome to hang out here, but please be considerate of those who do. The Gaelli have offered to help get everyone situated in the hotel rooms above,” she announced, gesturing to the yellow beings gathered on the edge of the crowd. “If you have any requests or need some kind of special accommodation, please let them know, and they’ll do what they can to get you set up. If you’re still hungry or thirsty, talk to Tirox, and he’ll get you taken care of. If you’d like to attend the funerals, just stay put. We’ll head into the arena for that after I’ve talked to those who lost people.”

With that, she moved to step off the chair only to be snatched up by Tirox before she could.

“Gods’ tears, female, you are glorious,” he growled into her ear as he let her slide down his body.

Smirking, she tipped her head back and gave him a wink. “I’m good at bossy,” she quipped.

“Mmm, yes, you are, and I adore it,” he murmured, leaning down to steal a kiss.

She snorted. “You, and only you.”

“Ha! You are greatly mistaken, my heart. I caught sight of many males, and a few females, gazing upon you with longing.” Dipping down, he brought his face within an inch of hers and half warned, half pleaded, “Do try to resist bewitching anyone else while I am busy, hmm?”

Aria sputtered, “I haven’t bewitched anyone!”

His answer was a look as dry as the damn desert and an extremely unconvinced, “Mmm.”

Chapter 49

When Kix and Rellik came back, Aria and Tirox were still trying to get everyone settled. She’d discussed rituals with those who’d lost people and sent them outside, into the arena, to perform their funerals. Quite a few other people joined them, surprising her but giving her hope that everyone could learn to truly get along, given time.

She felt someone come to stand behind her and knew without looking that it was Rellik. Aria nodded at what the male in front of her was saying, but reached back and acknowledged Rellik with a brush of her fingers over his lower thigh.

When the male finished speaking, she assured, “I understand, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re able to lay your eggs in comfort. If you’ll speak to that Gaelli over there and let them know what you need, we’ll try and get it for you.”

The male, who said his name was Greke, scrunched his wide nose and clicked profusely before turning and heading toward the Gaelli she’d indicated.

Blowing out a breath, she twisted around to face Rellik, rubbing the spot between her eyebrows where a headache was beginning to form.

“What’s up?” she asked tiredly.

In response, he smiled softly and produced a food pouch from behind his back. Saliva immediately pooled in her mouth.

Snatching it from his hand, she tore it open and breathed in the not-usually-appetizing scent of fish and… was that raw potato?

“How did you know I was starving?”

He chuckled quietly. “I could hear your stomach roaring for something to fill it from across the room.”

Gazing up at him drolly, she blinked when she realized he was sincere. “Wait, really? You heard that?”

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