Page 66 of Fated to the Dragon Warlord

“Additional guards have been posted, Lord Darax.”

“The incursion has been identified as Veseli, Lord Darax.”

I grab hold of the nearest warrior. “Get me a link to the warlords,” I snarl. “Bring me the warriors who came into contact with Dexx.”

In no time, three warriors are standing in front of me. Each one keeps his eyes steadily on the wall behind me, not daringto meet my gaze. They’re all good warriors. One sports a freshly healing wound across his chest which was definitely inflicted by a Sarkarnii. I don’t want to draw the conclusion it was Dexx, given warriors fight all the time, but chances are it was the dirty nevver who broke into my sector.

“How did he enter?” I growl.

“He used the broken exhaust port,” the first warrior says. “We were fixing it.”

I snarl silently under my breath. “Did he say anything?”

“He asked where the females were,” the second warrior says. “We didn’t tell him anything.”

My eyes slide to the injured warrior. “Nothing?”

“Nothing, Lord Darax,” he says, teeth gritted.

I slam my hand into his throat, extending my claws to their full extent.

“I have your bond?” I growl in his ear. “That nothing was said.”

The entire control room has gone completely silent. They all know I could take the warrior’s head off if I choose.

What he says will determine what I choose. My rut has to be at its peak. I am both in control and have none. My blood is both on fire and turned to ice.

“You have my bond, Lord Darax. Lord Dexx asked where the females were, and we did not tell him. But I believe he may have scented them,” the injured warrior says.

“Then the three of you get a jewel from my hoard for your service.” I release my warrior and pat him on the shoulder.

The tension in the room drops instantly.

“Make sure you shift as soon as possible to heal. I need all the fit warriors I can muster.” I glare at him. He taps his fist over his heart, grinning wildly.

“The Lords are on the comm,” Dalat informs me.

“Nev,” I growl.

“I’ve stalled them for half a nova-hour already, my Lord,” he says.

I don’t even want to imagine Dalox being stalled. They will all know there is an issue in my sector, even if they don’t know what it is. I would prefer to investigate further, to have more answers for myself before speaking to the warlords.

“Put them on screen.”

“They wish to link via holo, my Lord.”

I release a stream of curses aimed at my ancestors. “Do it.”

There’s a shimmer in the air in front of me and full-sized images of each warlord appear. Dalox snarls instantly.

“Why are you avoiding us, Darax?”

“I am busy.”

“Our sensors show Veseli.” Driok growls at me. “Is it true?”

He’s always been paranoid, even before we came through the wormhole. The biggest Sarkarnii I’ve ever encountered, his ability to cause mass destruction is legendary. Not a single other warlord is prepared to trust him.

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