Page 125 of Decadence

“Well, since Ikriss’s mate apparently has some nano-fraction of some ancient gene that supposedly makes some of our kind better than others, and since she’s been targeted once by a Silent One—and survived—she qualifies for first-rank security when the Commander himself isn’t around. That consists of only me or one of nine other individuals… and Ashrael.”

Sienna looked the big, imposing warrior up and down. He was smiling, but he reeked of danger. “You’re like the General,” she said flatly. She didn’t really know why she got that vibe from him. Maybe it was the way he moved; the way he seemed to log every little detail and movement in the room, even as he focused entirely on her with laser-like intensity. “Same squad, or group, or whatever.”

Nythian tapped the side of his head with his finger. “You’re very perceptive, human, and gutsy to stand up to a mean old war-varhund like Zarken. I’m betting you’ll get along well with my mate.”

“You have a…?”

“Yep, I’m his mate,” said a woman from beyond the doorway. Moments later, the speaker appeared, striding purposefully into the room. She was tall and athletic, with regal features and piercing brown eyes and cropped tightly coiled hair. A curious smattering of blue scales glittered on her cheeks, contrasting with her deep brown skin.

She looked like a woman in her element; confident, composed, and powerful. She was impossibly beautiful. As she reached Sienna, she held out her hand, which was encased in a soft black leather glove. “Hello, Sienna. I’m Alexis.”

“Nythian’s mate.” Sienna took her hand. Alexis’s handshake was firm, and it tingled a little. “I’m starting to get the feeling there are a lot more of you than I’d thought.”

“Well, we number in the double digits now, so that’s a good thing. I’m pretty new too, so I thought I’d come down with Ny to make sure they didn’t go overboard with the Kordolian-ness.”

Sienna laughed; she couldn’t help it. She could just imagine Ikriss acting very Kordolian about a number of things that might piss him off.

She shook Alexis’s hand vigorously. “You sound like the voice of reason around here. Welcome to the Fortress.”

“See what I mean? I’m sure it wasn’t necessary to create a five-mile exclusion zone around your restaurant, but they went and did it anyway, just because they could.”

“F-five miles?” The blood drained from Sienna’s face. “But… you mean nobody can get in right now?” She thought of all the workers and ordinary people that lived in tiny apartments on the Lower East Side.”You mean they’ve locked out a whole bunch of people? In the middle of winter?”

“Security comes first,” Zarken growled. “The Federation has made temporary arrangements for the affected Citizens. We will allow them to return when we deem it safe—and when they have been thoroughly screened.”

“I think that process can start a lot sooner,” Alexis argued. “Like, right now. There are people who clearly have nothing to do with this, and we can’t keep them locked out of their homes forever. It’s simple enough to do an ID check and get them to log their movements through their Links so they can be tracked as they move in and out of the safe zone. Your techs have the AI and the datapower to do it, I’m sure.”

The way Zarken looked at Alexis, one might think she was asking him to cut off his big right toe. “Perhaps I will present your suggestion to my superiors,” he said gruffly. “But first we wait. Nothing happens until Commander Ikriss returns. You should be grateful, human. Thank the stars of fortune that he is on your side.”

“Oh, I am extremely thankful for all of you, believe me,” Alexis said sweetly, giving Sienna a wink.

Sienna stared at the human, wondering how she could be so at-ease amongst these fierce, domineering warriors. “How do you know all this stuff?”

“I used to be a cop,” Alexis shrugged.

“For some reason, I get the feeling that I want to work really hard to get into your good books,” Emmett said lightly, turning toward Alexis. “And I don’t mean to stereotype cops or anything, but do you want some coffee and donuts? I made the donuts myself from Sienna’s secret dough master recipe. And the coffee’s the best in the district, if I say so myself.”

Alexis laughed. She took a deep breath. “How can I say no to that when your kitchen smells this good?”

A little of the tension evaporated.

Both Kordolians were staring at the humans as if they were a completely alien species that they’d never encountered before.

“I don’t know you people enjoy that smell,” Nythian muttered. “Me and Zarken are going outside for some fresh air. Give you all a little time to talk about your human business.”

“Much appreciated.” Sienna gave the Kordolian a gracious nod.

As the warriors silently exited the room, Emmett glanced at Sienna. “So your, uh, man’s gone to get Eva?”

She nodded, pride and trepidation coursing through her. “He has.”

“And these guys are here to protect us—well, mostly you—and contain the fallout… and keep this place in lockdown for however long because of, um, assassins?”

“Something like that.”

“Oh. That’s nice.” Emmett ran a hand through his thick hair and let out an exasperated laugh.

That’s when Cleo emerged from the back corridor, bleary-eyed and yawning, her hair arranged in neat twists. Immediately, her gaze locked onto Sienna. “Oh. Hey.” She didn’t say another word. She just rushed up to Sienna and pulled her into a tight bear-hug.

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