Page 53 of The Blind Hordesman

“You cannot defend her alone against an entire hive.”

“That’s what the imposter thinks too.”

“Your uncle sent for the Horde. Sotay is manning the gate and configuring the coordinates for Horde transport.”

“Negative,” I snarl. “With no Horde, the imposter could invade the Stronghold.” Not that they could hold the Stronghold alone, but that’s neither here nor there right now. “Bring me the space gate. Just you and the gate. Bring it to me.”

Silence.

“Was I unclear?” I prompt.

“You are crazy.”

“I am, and I would rather die than fail this mission. You will do all I ask of you, because you know that when everyone leaves for Regha, you and I stay on Earth. It’s up to you how you want to build our new future. When I am king, I will remember what you did today.”

“You can’t be king if you’re dead.”

“Death can’t die, Telean.” I swallow against a lump in my throat. “I know you hate the idea of touching the gate or moving it, but I know that I don’t have to worry about securing the damn gate with you around. Am I wrong?”

“There is no reason to risk that much.”

“I’m risking my Omega so you can have your land. If you’re not willing to risk a piece of glass, then you can’t have the land either.”

“Don’t threaten me, boy.”

“I’m telling you what I will do. One way or the other, with or without your help, I will get that gate and lure the motherfucker to come and get it.”

Dreikx walks away.

Fuck.

“General,” Kiki says. “An alliance between your two people has been the reason you have prospered. Don’t walk away from us. Regha males are not the forgiving type, and I would hate to have to tell anyone you had a chance to help and refused.”

Dreikx taps a claw on the door. “I will consider your request.”

Dreikx wants land for his people, and I enjoy conquering. We both get something out of this, and Dreikx knows an alliance with me is necessary for peace on Earth. I’d rather not have to take this land for myself and war with him, but I will if he won’t step up his game.

Chapter 20

Kiki

Seer’s dad and brother moved him into the nest. He barely breathes, and I sit next to him, feeling helpless as hours go by while his armor dries, and we wait for him to get through the transition. Loven tried sitting, but keeps getting up to pace. Face grim, Arkin stares into space, sometimes glancing toward the nest.

Deep into the night, Seer’s breathing becomes labored, and I press a hand over his chest. Under my palm, his body feels like concrete. Moving concrete as his lungs labor to lift his chest. I bite my lip and look to Loven for reassurance that this is normal.

From his position on the floor, Alpha Loven snaps his head up. He stands and approaches, hands on his hips. “Permission to enter the nest.”

Seer stops breathing.

Loven tilts his head as if listening.

“He’s not breathing,” I say. “Is this normal?”

“Shhhh,” Arkin says and stands from behind the desk. “Dad, you hear anything?”

Seer breathes again, his chest moving rapidly, and he rattles, then chokes up.

“Oh Serpent, what can I do?”

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