Page 11 of His to Protect
Chapter 7
Ka'el
Ihold the creature's heart in my hand and watch the blood flowing down through my fingers. It brings memories of the war with the Brakkhalii, a warrior race who tried to take over Valkrya 10 moons ago. It was a bloody war, and they almost won, but I fought with my bare hands for my people.
The two suns are shining brightly up in the sky and I make my way back to the aircraft. "Open the door," I instruct the computer through my wrist communication device. I must return to Jessica. She's alone, and she's scared. The creature's heart will make an excellent meal for her. I bite a small piece and entertain my taste buds with the sweet taste of raw meat. I almost forgot the amazing aroma.
Inside the craft, I put the heart in the freezing box to keep it fresh. Air makes its sweetness fade. I instruct the autopilot to start the engines and take off. “Full speed to the Old City.” I keep watching the holographic screen as the craft approaches destination. I’m almost there. I tap my finger on the control panel, waiting for the ship to prepare for landing. “Destination reached,” the autopilot says. A breath of relief escapes my mouth. I hope the female is safe. I gave her instructions to remain in the room, but I have my doubts. She likes to challenge me and show me she’s independent. She got really upset with me calling her my mate so I stopped. But she is my MATE and mine to protect and honor. My kahuni flickers as I descend from the ship. I’m almost there... just need to make my way through the ruins and into the building to my left. This one is almost in perfect condition.
I hold my right hand up and place it in front of the wall sensor. The sliding doors open and I enter the room in which I left Jessica. My eyes bulge and my temples pulse as I look all sides searching for her. She’s not here. She’s GONE. I get near the furs and a few drops of blood get my attention. I reach for the floor and wipe the blood with my finger. I inhale and sense her. It’s hers. It’s her blood. “Jessica,” I shout from the depths of my soul. I kick the furs projecting them to the wall and bang my fists on the floor.They’ve got her. I shouldn’t have left her alone. I clench my fists as hard as I can, my claws piercing my skin. I’ll kill them all if they touched even a single hair of hers. I’ll cut their heart out and shove it in their mouths. My vision blurs and all I can think about is my female being taken away from me.
The sound of sliding doors reaches my ears. I turn my head and I see Anil’ha going through the door. With a fast sway, I turn and reach him, grabbing his neck with my hand. “Where is she? Tell me or I’ll break your neck,” I groan and push him into the wall, my fingers feeling his blood pumping through the veins. I reach for my weapon with my other hand and point it to his temple, my right hand still clenched over his throat.
“Stop! Stop! You’re killing me,” he says, gasping for air. His eyes bulge as if wanting to escape his orbits.
“What have you done to her?” I release my grip for a moment, allowing him to take a quick breath. “It wasn’t me,” he says and tries to escape my grip. The more he tries, the harder I squeeze. “Who took her?”
“It was Veekhal. The Council sent him. The Queen wants the female. And they’re looking for you too.”
I release my grip and let him fall to the ground. He coughs and gasps for air for a few moments before coming to his senses. I keep my weapon pointed at him and take a step back. “What do they want with her? Tell me. How do I know you’re not lying?”
“Ka’el, trust me! I’m on your side.” He looks straight into my eyes and puts his hand out. I grab his hand and help him stand.
“It didn’t look like you’re on my side when we found the females. What happened to the other female?” I put down my weapon and look at him, my brows joined in a frown.
“Veehkal took her to the Council, and the Queen entered her in the Breeding Program. She wants to do the same to the one with red hair.” I flare my nostrils and clench my fists hard, my heart pounding in my chest. Breeding? I couldn’t bear the thought of another male breeding Jessica. She’s mine and should not be touched by another.
“Was the other female already mated with a male?” I ask.
“Not yet. She’s in a cell in the breeding facility. The doctors put her under observation to see if she could carry a Valkryan offspring. After so many failed attempts, they are positive about these alien females. You should know the procedure, Ka’el. You’re in charge of this program,” Anil’ha says.
“I hope for their sake they have done nothing to MY female. She’s mine, you hear me? We must go now. You’re with me in this or you’re dead. Your choice.” I grab his chin and tilt his head backward. “Those against me will die.” Anil’ha lowers his eyes to the ground and nods his head. “I wouldn’t be here if I were against you.”
“So be it. Just a warning, Anil’ha. If you’re lying to me and you’re still the Council’s pawn, you’ll be begging me to end your life.” Anil’ha nods his head. He knows me and he knows what I’m capable of. Yes, I am… was in charge of the breeding program. There are so few Valkryan females left fertile that our civilization will cease to exist in 100 moons. I abducted females of different races, searching for those that could carry a pregnancy to full term. All attempts failed. I did this for us, for Valkrya, for the future of our race. But this time… it’s different. This female, Jessica, is special to me. She brings out the best in me and she’s mine to mate, mine to protect.
