Page 29 of Alien Knight Teddy Bear Troubles

Her sharp mind began to spin. The missing pieces started to fall into place. “Is that why the Caldorian base was attacked by the Vilitos? They were looking for Lumerians?”

“Yes. We believe so.”

She wanted to slap him. “Why the hell didn’t you guys just tell us you were there? General MacGregor and Admiral Peltier are ready to bomb the Caldorian Base.”

“They would attack the Caldorians?”

“Yes! Because we know the Caldorians—and I guess the Lumerians—are keeping secrets!” Cassie started to pull away, needed to pace, to think, but Taeger pulled her right back into his warm embrace. She smiled, gave him a squeeze, and settled back into his arms, the only place she really wanted to be. “There have been multiple attacks on humans. People disappearing. Sightings of reptilians and the Dark Ones just like the ones I saw on that prison ship. It’s getting worse every week that goes by. My people know we’re being deceived. We’ve been receiving conflicting reports from the Caldorians and someone from the Intergalactic Council. Someone is lying, or everyone is, and humans are sitting ducks. We don’t appreciate being left in the dark. Not a good way to establish an alliance with humans.”

Taeger lifted his hands to her face, angling her head up to his. “I don’t care about other humans, Cassie. Only you.”

“You put me between a rock and a hard place, Taeger. I won’t leave General MacGregor in the dark. I’ve served with him for years. He’s a good man.”

“I understand. But I do not know this general you speak of. I know you. And I trust you.” He stepped back and waved his hand to indicate the ship, the Black Star in its case, and the empty pilot’s seat. “This is your ship, mate. I trust you to take this weapon to Earth and make sure it is placed in the proper hands.”

She was shaking her head before he finished. “It won’t matter. I lost the data chip, Taeger. When they took me on the prison ship, I lost it.”

Taeger reached into a pocket and pulled out a small, black object identical to the one she had lost. “It’s called an activation crystal.” He held it out and she took it from his with shaking fingers.

She wouldn’t have find another chip, or try to retrieve the old one, which would be nothing short of a suicide mission. Another priceless gift. “Why? Why are you doing this?”

“You must protect your planet. I must protect you. You are honorable and strong. A warrior. A soldier. You will make sure the right thing is done for your people…and mine.”

Cassie frowned, suddenly uneasy. There was something he wasn’t telling her. “What about you? What are you doing? Come with me.”

He shook his head. “I cannot. I must remain behind and ensure Ion’s ship has ample time to escape. I must make sure the Dark Ones do not get their hands on the Black Star weapon. I must protect you, mate, and ensure your safe return to Earth so you can protect those we both care about.”

“The royals? The other Lumerians?”

He took a deep breath. “And the human females. There is more I have not told you.”

Sheknew it!“What? Tell me.”

“The maju paste has a unique effect on the females of your race. Dagan’s queen, Sasha, as well as several other human females have transformed since using the paste.”

Cassie blinked hard. She’d used the paste. He’d asked her and she’d lied. Told him she had not because, at the time, she hadn’t thought it was any of his business. “What do you mean, transformed?”

“They have become very powerful, Cassie. Falden and Dagan tried to keep their power a secret, but somehow the Dark Ones and the Vilitos have discovered the truth. That is why so many of your people have been disappearing.”

She snorted. “They want human women so they can rub maju paste on them? That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it? Juliette can throw fire with her hands and create massive explosions with the power of her mind. Isabella is capable of bending any mind to her will. And Sasha…”

“The queen?”

“Yes. Dagan’s queen. She has brought ancient Lumerian technology back to life. Fueled the crystals. Restore their power. Healed wounds. She is truly powerful, like the Lumerian queens of old.”

“But she’s a Caldorian queen, right? Not Lumerian? And she’s a human.”

“Yes. Although Falden and the others have sworn fealty to her. It’s complicated now.”

“They sound like wizards.”

He smiled and she smiled back, lost for a moment in just being with him, talking about things that mattered. The truth. But one thing was bothering her. “What happened to all of the Lumerian women? If they were so powerful, where are they now?”

Taeger sighed. “Hunted and murdered by our enemies. We lost all but a handful.”

“Where are they now?”

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