Page 64 of Bound

Under Rych’s claws, the male Voltes snorts. “She is not of my clan. She was disavowed many nova-years ago.”

I’m not sure what’s going to happen. The entire room seems to hold its breath.

“I can assure you, Axel is not a threat to you,” the Oykig says. “He might not be the brightest, but his loyalty is entirely to the resistance.”

Rych continues to press the sword at Axel’s throat for several more seconds before he flares his wings and backs off. Axel returns his glare for a beat, but then Rych offers his hand. Axel takes it and is lifted from the floor where he shakes himself like a dog.

“I am Gytha,” the Oykig says. “I understand you have information for us.”

“The procurator of the dome is working with the Drahon,” Rych says, not taking his eyes off Axel. “Or at the very least, taking their credits. They have a virus which can control any tech. Chances are they intend selling it to the highest bidder here on Trefa.”

“It was you at the amphitheater,” Axel growls at Rych, who lifts his sword again, and the Voltes backs off.

“What he means is we heard about the mess there.” Gytha sighs at the Voltes.

“That was the Drahon. They sought to hold me. I believe they have something to do with why I ended up in the dome in the first place,” Rych says, “but that is secondary to making sure the virus is removed from my mate.”

“You’re the one with the virus?” Gytha turns to me.

For the first time since I found myself on Trefa, I find I’m straightening my shoulders, taking my strength from Rych.

“I am.”

“Interesting.” Gytha’s eyes rake over me.

“What is?”

“Humans. You have so many qualities, although I wouldn’t have thought being a vessel is one of them.”

I look over at Rych, confused.

“Two of my former gladiator colleagues have human mates. That’s how I knew what you are. It’s how they know you are human.”

“Humans and gladiators we have assisted, Rych,” Gytha adds. “As well you know.”

“We can look after ourselves and our mates,” he retorts, spinning the sword in his hand to make a point.

A sharp point.

Why doesn’t it surprise me there are more humans on Trefa? Probably due to the cesspit mentioned earlier.

“It seems humans are whatever this galaxy wants of them,” I say. “But I don’t want this virus any longer.”

“We need to find the Drahon scientist, Felia,” Rych says. “She got away from their base at the amphitheater, and she’s the only one who knows how to extract the virus.”

Gytha looks over at Axel.

“The Drahon have another base, one they think is entirely secret,” he growls. “But I know where it is.”

“Then you will take us.” Rych takes a step towards the Voltes, who holds his ground this time, lips rippling with a snarl.

“First, we need to know about the procurator,” Gytha says sharply.

“Speak with the gladiators at the dome. They will tell you. The Drahon are the new sponsors,” Rych replies, pulling me to him. “I don’t have time for this. My mate needs assistance and we have to go.”

I feel my knees buckling as my vision dims but then comes back as quickly as it went. I look up into Rych’s handsome face,and my desire to fight warms me from within, heating up my limbs.

“Are you okay, little spark?” he asks in a low, sinful voice which goes directly to my lady bits.

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