Page 72 of Champion
“Charick, tell me the truth,” she whispered after a while.
“Of course, my heart.” I let my hands tangle in her hair, tilting her head so I could gaze into her eyes.
Willa’s blunt teeth rested on her lower lip for a minute. “I know your mother wants you to join the Alliance governing council. Diplomacy and politics are what you’re trained for. Why didn’t you say yes?”
I moaned, giving a faint chuckle. My mother was not subtle about voicing her wishes.
“It is not time yet.” I let my fingertips trail over Willa’s cheek, noticing her eyes brighten as I spoke. “One day, I will be Prime, and you will be Lady Prime, but my mother is still young and vital. There is no need for my presence in that world yet.”
“Are you happy on theBardaga?”
“TheBardagais my home, the crew are my brothers,” I told her. “To be honest, I’m excited to be part of the Alliance Rescue Mission.” I shifted on the bed, rolling onto my side so our faces were close enough the tips of our noses touched. “But if you are not happy here, my heart, we will leave and go elsewhere,” I said and meant it.
“I like it here, with my friends… and you know I’ll follow you anywhere,” she reassured me quickly, then added with a faint downturn to her lips, “I’m just wondering... what do I do now?”
I found it a strange question. “What do you mean?”
Willa sighed, grinning wryly. “Everybody on board seems to have a job, even my friends. What will I do?”
Willa was right about her friends not remaining idle. Emmy took on the role of Chieftain’s mate with relish and handled many of the day-to-day issues that once plagued Khaion. Daisy, while not a warrior like her husband Daicon, found her place in caring and educating the young ones aboard. Clara acted as the liaison between theBardagaand the planet Tau Ceti, where many humans found a new home. Agnes used her skills as a healer to help the crew, and Pearl whipped up delicious meals in the galley for everyone to enjoy.
I couldn’t help but smile at my mate’s restless nature. I’d already spoken to Khaion about an idea… hoping it would pique Willa’s interest.
“Of course, you will be instrumental in the rescue mission,” I insisted, then teased, “but I had another project in mind if you are interested.”
“What?” Willa’s eyes widened for a moment before she rolled them playfully. “I must warn you—I suck in the kitchen.”
“But not in the training ring,” I told her, watching surprise widen her eyes even further.
“What do you mean?”
“Your fighting skills are quite impressive,” I reluctantly admitted. While I’d never put my mate in danger, it didn’t negate the fact that she possessed prowess. Her fighting style with the spins and kicks made her effective against opponents twice her size. My mother showed me the video—more than once, and quite proudly—of my mate breaking Nansar’s nose. “I wondered if it was something you could teach the crew of theBardaga.”
“Seriously?” Willa sat up, a broad smile creasing her face. “You’d let me teach fighting techniques to the other males?”
I found myself sidetracked by the sight of her luscious breasts for a moment. “I won’t say I’ll like it, and I may need to see Hakkar for a nerve tonic. But you are a soldier. I would never take that away from you… just no battles, please.”
Willa squealed happily, flopping down on me, her breasts pressing against my chest as her lips found purchase over my face and along my jaw. I laughed, capturing her face between my palms and kissing her thoroughly.
“I promise to try to stay out of battles,” Willa feigned seriousness, although her eyes danced with delight. “Although I might need to punch somebody every now and then.”
“I think I can live with that.” If I were completely honest, I’d watched the video of my mate breaking Nansar’s nose a few dozen times on my own, enjoying it more with each viewing.
Willa sighed happily and kissed me softly.
“I love you, Charick.”
Love.
The Earth word I’d once thought too puny to encompass what I felt for my mate. I had to admit; it was growing on me.
“And I love you, my mate.”
Chapter 23 – Willa
Charick and I lingered in bed all afternoon until a different, higher-pitched tone from the same siren that drew Adtovar away summoned us. After dressing quickly, Charick led me to what was basically a conference room, holding a long oval table, screens on every wall, and a console at the far end set with a pitcher of water and other refreshments.
It took a few minutes, but soon, the room filled with those considered the inner council. Khaion, the Chieftain, sat at the head of the table, with Charick taking a seat to his right. Daicon, the War Chief, sat on his left, and beside him sat Tarook, the Weapons Master. Hakkar, the Healer, sat to the left of Charick, and at the other end of the table sat Jutuk, the Wayfinder… or navigator as I learned that meant.
