Page 61 of Kameer's Mate
Kameer rubs my back.Doctor Zahhn possesses the ability to astral project, which he discovered several moon cycles ago when he inadvertently astral projected to theHaxxalto see Leona, who as you know, eventually became his mate, but that is a story for another time. He offered to be on standby today in case his services were needed. I regret that I wasn’t able to kill all four males myself, but he was the better choice to dispatch the males holding the Tretonnlian blasters.
“Ah, here we are,” Doctor Zahhn says in his trademark arrogant tone. “Back on theHaxxal. Please be mindful of the dead bodies on the floor as you exit the vessel.” He performs an elaborate bow, then disappears into thin air. I gasp.
Close your eyes, Mandy. Kameer stands with me in his arms, and I obey his order to close my eyes. I have no wish to catch another glimpse of the bodies on the floor.
My mind reels. I can’t believe how easily Kameer killed Officer Gorrsum, nor can I fathom Doctor Zahhn’s skill to astral project, and I’m a bit miffed that Leona never mentioned his unusual ability. I resolve that the next time I encounter my friend, I’ll demand a full retelling of how she became Doctor Zahhn’s mate. I imagine it’s an interesting story.
You may look now, pretty human.
I open my eyes to find we’re headed down a corridor flanked by a security team. When we round a corner, the guards disperse and head in opposite directions. I recognize the royal corridors and spot the door to our temporary quarters, and relief fills me to bursting.
The danger is over, Mandy. I promise. We’re both safe. Star Gods, I am sorry they managed to take you.I sense his deep regret through the bond.I am sorry they beamed you aboard the escape pod. I had no idea they would manage to get past theHaxxal’sdefenses, though I will study their methods and ensure such a thing never happens again.
It's not your fault, Kameer, and I’m okay. I’m just glad it was over quickly and that neither of us got hurt. But I saw a shuttlecraft explode earlier, shortly before I was beamed aboard the escape pod. Did someone die?
The shuttlecraft was empty. It was part of the trap Officer Brute set for the brothers. Gorrsum believed I was aboard. His brothers planted an explosive device on it. Gorrsum also hid anexplosive device in my Founders’ quarters aboard theJansonnatoday, just in case his brother’s device was unsuccessful.
There’s a bomb on theJansonna?I jolt in his arms.
Officer Brute has a team taking care of the second explosive device right now.He increases the comfort he’s sending me, and I instantly relax.No one on theJansonnawill get hurt. I promise.
He carries me into the bedroom and sinks down on a chair near a viewscreen. I lace my arms around his waist and hug him tight, while he strokes my hair and murmurs comforting phrases in Darrvason.
As we share this quiet moment, I become aware of another truth in my heart, one that would’ve scared the hell out of me just two weeks ago. Is it too soon to say anything?
Kameer once informed me that Darrvasons mated for companionship and breeding purposes. I could peek into his mind to see if he feels the same way, but would that be cheating?
Before I can reach a decision, Kameer answers my unspoken question, and the honesty that resonates in his voice warms me from the inside out.
“I love you too, Mandy Benton.”
Chapter 32
MANDY
58-Zallnanis fills the viewscreen,a blue-green planet teeming with life and promise. Kameer stands next to me in his home quarters aboard theRorrsa. He grasps my hand as we behold the sight. Our new home.
“It’s so beautiful,” I say.
“Breathtaking.”
The video comm dings, and we glance over to see it’s my family’s comm number. True to his word, Kameer had one of his comrades install a private video comm in their quarters, and I’ve enjoyed speaking with my mother and sister on a daily basis recently.
He releases my hand, and I rush to answer the call. Seated in front of the screen, I beam at my mother and sister. My father is nowhere to be seen, but that’s not a surprise. After his release from the brig, he’s kept largely to himself.
“Hi, Mandy! Hello, Chief Kameer! Oh, would you look at it? Isn’t 58-Z marvelous?” Tasha says. “A real planet. A real planet and we’re all going to live there.” She pauses and exchanges alook with my mother, who shifts in her seat in a nervous manner that puts me on edge. “Together. We’re all going to live there together.”
“What do you mean?” I glance at Kameer, then lean closer to the screen as I wonder what the hell kind of plan my sister has concocted now.
To my shock, a young Darrvason steps into view, and Kameer is quick to inform me of the male’s identity.That’s newly promoted Officer Harrek. He was a member of my crew aboard theJansonnaand he helped set the trap for Gorrsum and his brothers. He also happens to be the engineer who installed the video comm in your family’s quarters.
Thanks for the quick introduction, I send down the bond.But what’s he doing standing so close to my sister?
I have a feeling we’re about to find out, pretty human.
Officer Harrek places a hand on Tasha’s shoulder, and my sister gazes up at him with an affectionate look. Then she peers at me with mischief sparkling in her eyes as she allows the cardigan she’s wearing to slide down, revealing upper arms that are fully covered in Darrvason ancestral markings.
Oh, oh, my God. I don’t believe I’ve ever been more shocked.
