Page 33 of Dreikx

“No, I think you’re extraordinary. There’s a difference.”

Tamey leans toward me. “I think you’re going to do whatever I ask you to do. You’re gonna do what I ask of you because you love me and want me to be happy.”

“Not at the risk to your safety.”

“Love. I feel it.”

I climb into the pod and take my seat. “Tamey,” I warn. “Control your ability to read my feelings.”

“I can’t help it. It’s so much fun, and you’re so expressive.”

“Really?”

“No, not really. But you only seem controlled on the surface. Inside, you’re a wildfire of emotions.”

“Buckle up,” I order.

Tamey squeals again.

I wince.

“I’m so excited!”

“Me too,” I deadpan and lift the pod, scanning for my ship and leaving the lawn, speeding over the city and toward the Stronghold because, of course, Raven made my crew hover over the Stronghold so he can descend from the ship and show his people the baby. I’m fairly certain celebrations are underway. Tamey rocks in her chair, giddy with anticipation.

I pass the major highway, gunning for the Stronghold when she claps. “There.” She points. “Look at that big picture.”

I look. And, oh my ancestors, Tamey is on a billboard at the intersection. I circle the damn thing twice. On both sides. On one side, she’s in her pretty dress with a tiara shielding her eyes. On the other side is her and Raven. I echo his murderous gaze.

“I know this upsets you,” she says, “but it makes me happy. Look at all the cars that are stopping.” She waves. “Hello, my people.”

I scrub my face. “Disaster.” I imagine having to deflect a mob of agents, journalists, and millions of socialites as they attempt to get ahold of her. I did not predict Tamey would be so open to people and, likely, highly extroverted. I’ll need to make adjustments to better suit her personality. I have much work to do.

I maneuver the pod away.

Above the Stronghold, I scan for an empty patch to land but find none, so I land on the flat roof and exit. As I close the pod, Tamey walks to the edge of the building. I join her. Regha Alphas fill the yard, and when a few spot her, they kneel. An avalanche of movement. They all kneel. I could get used to this. Most definitely.

“The heir is born,” Tamey says in a soft, intimate, titillating lilt, quiet but they all hear.

“The heir is born,” they shout and rise.

Tamey looks at me, and I take her hand, noting the grumbling from below.

A pod disengages from the ship and descends, landing next to mine. My crew member gawks, barely able to keep his eyes on me long enough to greet me with a nod. His gaze moves to Tamey and stays there, long after Raven, holding a bundle in his arms, exits the pod. I’ll have to get used to this and restrain my murderous thoughts. Tamey will command adoration everywhere she goes. She certainly has mine.

“Dreikx,” Raven says, then uncovers the bundle.

“Awwww, he’s so big,” Tamey says and practically melts.

“Gigantic,” I say.

“Yes,” she says.

So now it’s not offensive. I shake my head and peer into Raven’s arms. Hard shells of armor cover the baby boy who is the size of a human toddler. His eyes are wide open and as black as night. And I can’t look away because the boy breaches my mental walls and projects images straight at me. He’s showing me his birth, his mom who cried when she saw him, his dad who took him away from her, and outside, where it’s too bright. I shield my mind, then look away.

“He worries about his mom,” Tamey blurts.

Raven frowns. “What?”

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