Page 38 of Alien Legacy

“Haven’t you already discussed this?” Zamush’s growl was rough.

She never saw him move close to her. Damn, the man was near enough that the slow burn of his body heat warmed her. Why was he so hot? Er, physically speaking, of course. Had to be because he wielded that fireball as easy as she did an ice bomb.

“Yes, we have.” Abiditan glanced at Zamush. His pale neck darkened as he addressed Katsuki and Qhasheik. “Is there a reason you’re bringing this up again?”

Katsuki went to Abiditan and cupped his face. Her solid-turquoise eyes moved as if she studied him. “Have you contacted anyone in your family since we landed? I would feel so much better if you did. After all, you’ve been gone for a very long time.”

Abiditan’s mismatched eyes softened. “Yes, of course I did. I spoke with my eldest brother, Warad-Mushtal, who gave me the coordinates.” He took her hands in his and kissed the top of her knuckles. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

Let’s hope those aren’t famous last words. BoD’s tone was dry.

After going through the Transkip, they entered a room unlike anything Jelena’d ever seen before.

The rust-colored round ceiling had to be at least thirty feet high. The walls started out in the same deep color but faded to a lighter beige toward the floor. Along the walls were intricate hieroglyphics and deep etchings of mythological creatures in bright colors. Dragons, sphinxes, and various humanoid figures with a multitude of animal heads. Standing proudly next to the Transkip platform were two massive Lamassu statues—stoic bull-men, straight out of ancient Babylon.

And straight in front of them was a contingent of Akurn soldiers. A commanding man stood with his fists on his hips.

He looked like a typical Akurn. White-blond hair woven tight to his shoulders. His hair was the same platinum along his jawline and tapered to a compact rectangular beard that drooped from his chin to the middle of his throat. His blazing turquoise eyes were narrow, his mouth pursed into a thin line. His clothing and jewelry matched what Abiditan wore.

Except his clothes were bronze and his jewelry included an elaborate golden conical headdress. The figure of a roaring manticore, half-man and half-lion, adorned the front.

Jelena’s eyes widened at the thick black collar he had in his clenched fist. Were those spikes along the inside of it?

The man strode straight to Abiditan. “Abiditan, how dare you bring something like that to our sacred halls!” He stared at Qhasheik with a sneer. “This abomination must be restrained!” He thrust the collar in Qhasheik’s direction.

Qhasheik’s red eyes widened as he backed up with his palms out. “Hey, wait a minute...” He sent Abiditan a pleading glance. “You promised I wouldn’t have to wear one of those fucking things!” He turned as if to escape through the Transkip, but an Akurn guard caught him by the arm.

“Doesn’t matter what little brother said to you. Anyone who dresses as obnoxious as you has to be restrained for everyone’s protection.”

The silence in the room was heavy until the man let out a booming laugh.

Qhasheik stared with his mouth wide open.

Now that was something Jelena never thought she’d see in her life. She chuckled. Looked like Abiditan caught Qhasheik by surprise for once.

“Ha! Got you!” Abiditan slapped his upper thigh as he laughed and pointed at Qhasheik. “You should see the look on your face.” He turned his attention to the other Akurn. “Warad-Mushtal, brother!” He rushed to embrace the taller man.

They clasped each other in a tight hug, man-slapping each other’s back as tears flowed. When they pulled away, they wiped their faces with shaky smiles.

“I can’t believe you’re here. But how? We’re not in transportation range with Earth yet.” The older man clasped Abiditan’s shoulders as his gaze roamed over him. “How have you really fared all these years?” The man’s dark-turquoise eyes filled. “The communications between us have been so sporadic.”

“Yes, I have so much to tell you. But where’s Father and Mother?” Abiditan searched the room.

Warad-Mushtal’s face fell, the pain clear to see. His eyes dulled. “I’m afraid I have sad news to tell you, brother. Our esteemed father is dead, murdered by that bastard, sub-Prince Murduk.”

Abiditan gasped as his complexion blanched. “Dead? But how?”

His anguish was hard for Jelena to witness.

He’d always been the calm one, rarely losing control.

Warad-Mushtal patted his younger brother’s shoulder. “During one of Murduk’s rallies, he shoved Father over the royal balcony, along with Warlord Ziyatum.” He looked at the rest of them. “Come, I’m afraid I have more bad news to relay.” He shoved the collar at Abiditan. “Here.” He glanced at Qhasheik with an up-and-down look. “Unless you’d like me to put this on him?”

Jelena laughed with Katsuki when Qhasheik sputtered.

Abiditan shook his head with a grin. “No. But give it to me just in case.”

Qhasheik’s black brows furrowed. “I have a better use for it when we’re alone.” His threat came with a bite of heat.

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