Page 47 of Orin

My pace picked up, and I pounded into her fast and hard. My vision blanked, and I heard myself roar as I exploded my release. I pushed myself deep into Olivia, feeling the intense pressure asher inner walls clenched around me, milking me for every last drop.

Gods, this was nirvana, and I was suspended in a state of pure bliss. Then I heard her voice in my head, bringing me back.

My heart swelled with an indescribable joy as the realization sunk in. Her voice reverberated in my mind, echoing through our connection like an unbreakable bond.

I love you Orin.

To kiss her, I dropped her legs to the bed and leaned over her belly.

“My K’sha, I love you too,” I replied with a beaming smile.

The claiming worked. We were bonded.

20

Orin

FOR THE FOURTH TIMEtoday, I stood in the meeting room where King Trex consulted with the Protectorate Council and his royal advisors. This time, an emergency communication from one of the Protectorate Captains had everyone on edge.

Appearing on the large viewscreen on one wall was Captain Stusa. His face showed the stress that all warriors working in Alaran space must have been feeling right now.

There was a wave of shock from the males in the room when Captain Stusa gave us the news. “No one was expecting the attack on the human colony, majesty.”

Being the King’s personal guard allowed me access to information that most citizens did not have. Knowing the dangers we were facing didn’t make it any easier now that I had claimed Olivia.

The weight of concern pressed down on me, intensifying with each passing moment as I contemplated the repercussions that a conflict with our enemies would bring.

With increased sightings of Krilex ships over Alara, it was only a matter of time before they tried to land or attack one of the villages or cities.

“Do we know what happened?” asked King Trex.

Stusa wearily scraped his hand down his face, the lines of exhaustion etched on his features, before letting out a heavy sigh.

“From what I've been told, a civilian witnessed one of the guards being killed. Afterwards, they saw the murderertransform into the security guard before escaping. The witness notified another guard who raised the alarm. However, by that time, it was already too late. The assault on the colony was already in progress. The Voletti seem to have discovered a method to infiltrate the Terax 2 colony.”

With a regal bearing, Xilta, the senior advisor to the King, sat tall and exuded an aura of dignity. “Did they find the shapeshifter among the survivors?” he asked.

“Not yet. The guards are looking for shapeshifters now. Everyone they find alive is being tested.”

The King expressed his annoyance with an angry grunt but otherwise remained silent.

I could perceive his anger, even from where I stood. He no doubt wished he could be back on the Chetok, kicking our enemies’ asses. He was a warrior, through and through.

Captain Stusa stated, “In addition to the casualties among both civilians and soldiers, there are also hundreds of people unaccounted for. Though a handful of our ships have rescued many survivors, it appears the Voletti have taken some of the females.”

I watched as King Trex brought his fist down hard onto the table where it remained clenched, startling some of the Council members.

His voice boomed as he spoke. “Finding the humans that were taken should be your focus. If the Voletti have them....” He didn’t finish his sentence, shaking his head.

Trex and I both knew firsthand what the Krilex were capable of. Not to mention what the Voletti intended for the females they had taken.

Thesedevarashad to be stopped.

Stusa gave a single nod. “They are, majesty. There were four vessels tracking two Voletti ships, but they cloaked. Our ships are searching the area for them. There is one Krilex vessel thatis being boarded as we speak. Three more Protectorate vessels have taken refugees aboard, including my ship. We are making arrangements for the humans to be taken to safety.”

Angling his head, Protectorate Council member Brek turned to face the King. “Your majesty. I can have accommodations prepared if you want them brought here?”

Trex nodded in acknowledgement. “Do it.” He turned his gaze back to Stusa on the screen. “Bring them here and instruct the other’s ships that we can receive them as well.”

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