Page 63 of Radakk's Mate
“And? Am I a candidate for the same treatment you used on theRorrsa?” My mate stills as he awaits the doctor’s response. In fact, he holds his breath.
“You’re not a candidate for the treatment,” the doctor says, “because it’ll never be needed. The markers that indicate an increased risk offorlonggsaare now missing from your genetic makeup.”
Hope flares inside me, and I grasp my mate’s hand, not caring about his aversion to public displays of affection.
“How is that possible?” Radakk asks.
Excitement brims in the doctor’s eyes, and he gestures to another screen. “The same thing happened to Officer Tannall. He possessed an even larger risk than you, and the markers are now missing from his genetic makeup as well. The common factor, of course, is that you both recently mated and developed a heartbond with a human female.”
Radakk and I exchange a shocked look, and I tighten my hold on his hand. Relief and joy flow freely between our shared bond. He won’t get sick. He won’t succumb to the same awful disease that claimed his father, the illness his uncle is currently recovering from after having lost ten full years to a tragic, violent madness.
“I’m still running tests to discover the science behind it,” Doctor Zahhn continues, “but it appears a heartbond with a human can alter the genetic makeup of a Darrvason. It’s an amazing development.”
“This is wonderful news.” Radakk flashes a rare smile, displaying his pointed white teeth. “Thank you for making the discovery, Doctor Zahhn, and thank you for developing the treatment that’s helped my uncle and so many others. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—your service to the Darrvason Empire has been invaluable. I hope perhaps this development will encourage you to consider the offer I made you recently.”
A shadow crosses the doctor’s face. “Perhaps, Emperor. I am still deliberating the matter.”
We exchange farewells and depart the medical bay. As Radakk guides me toward our quarters, we cross paths with Admiral Tornn and Ellie. In my excitement over finally seeing another woman roaming the corridors of theHaxxal, I’m tempted to run toward her and hug her, but I restrain myself. The admiral has a firm grip on her arm, though when he notices our approach, he releases her.
The males exchange a greeting in Darrvason, while Ellie and I move to the side and start whispering in English.
“I was so worried about you.” She scans me up and down. “I haven’t seen you since that day in the docking bay. Over three moon cycles ago. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” I say in an assuring tone. “It took a while for the heartbond to form between us, and as you probably know, Darrvason males can be stubborn and overly possessive.”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh, I know.”
I glance at the ancestral markings on her arms. While mine glow purple, hers gleam bright red. “What about you? Are you okay?” I think of the firm grip the admiral had on her and wonder if he always leads her around like that, or if perhaps they were in the middle of a disagreement.
“I’m fine too. Really, I’m good. The heartbond… it changes things.” She sighs. “I’ve run into very few women in the corridors. I hope the other Darrvasons finally start letting their mates out. From what I understand, all the mating pairs from the original thirty have developed heartbonds, which means it would be perfectly safe for all the women to come out.”
“Hopefully it’ll happen soon.” I glance at Radakk and the admiral as they move closer to us.
My mate clears his throat, and, switching to Galactic Common, says, “Emperor Radakk, I would like you to meet my mate, Thalia.”
Oh.Ohh. He’s giving me a formal introduction to the admiral. I notice Radakk occasionally glances at Ellie, which means they must’ve already been introduced at some point. Likely when I was still locked in my mate’s quarters.
Admiral Tornn dips his head in my direction and says, “Good morning, Empress Thalia.”
“Good morning, Admiral.”
Radakk’s wrist comm buzzes, and he glances down at the device. He grips my arm and peers from the admiral to Ellie. “Excuse us, there is an urgent matter we must attend to.” With that, he starts guiding me down the corridor, a bit too rough for my liking.
I peer over my shoulder at Ellie, and we share a look of farewell. I hope we see one another again soon. Perhaps we can explore theHaxxaltogether while our mates are busy with work.
“What’s going on?” I ask as we enter our quarters.
Radakk practically drags me to the video comm. He pushes me down in the seat, and I give him a confused look. The screen flashes blue with an incoming call, though I don’t recognize the comm number.
“Trust me, little empress,” my mate says, “you’ll want to take this call.”
My confusion deepening, I press the button to accept the call.
At first, I think I must be dreaming. Or hallucinating. Surely the blonde woman staring at me couldn’t be my mother. She’s… young. She looks just the same as when she disappeared sixteen years ago.
“Mom?” I venture. My throat burns, and I start trembling.
A tear rolls down the woman’s face, and she shudders and wraps her arms around herself. “Thalia,” she finally says. “Is that really you? You’re so grown up. So beautiful. My sweet baby girl.” She covers her face, sobbing.
