Page 68 of Chieftain
My mate was correct. A smaller cruiser or skiff could catch up to Nansar more quickly. I glanced around the command deck. With my council gone, we were shorthanded already, but perhaps I could find one….
“I will go after Willa.”
Emmy’s shocked gasp echoed through the command deck.
Charick stood stiff and straight, hands clasped behind his back as his eyes met mine. He was my loyal friend and Sage. I would trust him with my life—even with Emmy’s life should the need arise, but never in all my years did I expect this.
“You?” My brows drew together as I spoke.
“You will?” Emmy echoed, her voice faint with surprise.
"I am the best choice. My personal cruiser is the fastest of our smaller fleet. It should catch up to Nansar before he reaches the Ajaxian system. If not, and Nansar makes it to the Duke'scitadel, we will need a political solution to rescue Willa, not a military one. I am best qualified for negotiation.”
“Bullshit!”
Emmy's voice trembled with amusement, and she stepped from my side to glare at my Sage more closely, arms crossing over her chest, which made her breasts plump up rather enticingly. To Charick's credit, his demeanor didn't change under her scrutiny. But I'd known him longer than anyone and could tell by the set of his muscles that she perturbed him.
"I saw you when that Kerzak attacked Willa," Emmy leaned closer, peering into Charick's face. "You were like a man possessed."
I laid a hand on my mate's shoulder, intending to tell her that Charick only fought in the Vaktaire way. It was our nature to defend those more helpless than ourselves, but the shifting of my friend's stance and his deep sigh stilled me.
“There was… her scent.”
Charick's eyes met mine, and I recognized the emotions he was trying to hide - fear that the precious thing just discovered might be lost and the determination to fight against that outcome.
“Bartuk, have Charick’s ship prepped. He will leave within the hour.” All I could do as his friend and chieftain was help him with this quest. “Make sure we equip his vessel with the latest version of cloaking technology.”
“Cloaking technology?” Emmy asked, her gaze never leaving Khaion.
“It is akin to the stealth suits we wear. Cloaking will render his ship invisible to all types of radar and scans,” Bartukexplained, putting my command into action with the punch of a button.
My gaze shifted from the console to Emmy as she took another step forward, her hand landing on Charick’s arm. Their relationship could hardly be described as friendly, but Emmy's beautiful face showed her gratitude.
Charick shifted, gazing down at her curiously, his expression morphing to surprise when Emmy slid her arms around his waist, head pressed to his chest.
“Thank you,” she whispered, voice thick and trembling. “Thank you for going after Willa.”
My Sage’s glance flickered to me for permission before his hands lifted to rest on Emmy’s shoulders, dark head dipping to press a cheek against the crown of her head. He seemed as shaken by her gesture as I was proud.
I watched the two of them standing in an embrace made of worry and understanding. Charick's hand tightened on Emmy's shoulders, and his eyes closed, almost like he was willing away the emotions boiling beneath his skin. There was no jealousy or rage on my part—no need to rip the touch of Charick's hands from Emmy's body. I felt a wash of tenderness in watching my best friend and mate comfort each other over worry for one they both held dear.
Watching them, I felt strangely whole.
Chapter 20
Emmy
I can’t move.
I don’t want to move.
I might never move again.
I'm draped over Khaion's chest, my thigh resting between his while my fingers move idly along his chest muscles. The only movement that appeals to me is tilting my chin upward to catch the smug smile playing on Khaion's face. He looks like a man who knows he has pleasured his mate well.
As well, he should.
The light flickers, the Bardaga signaling that night is upon us. I should be exhausted, but I’m not. Although my body feels sated—I’m practically liquid at this point—my mind spun.
