Page 13 of Sevan
“Because he realizes that should any of you be compromised, himself included, that you would have access to the females and could possibly harm them,” Lorelei said as she teared up. “Thank you, Captain. Should the worst happen, I can assure you that we will see them to safety and do everything within our power to break the hold on any males that have been used.”
Nina glanced at Sevan and then Lorelei. “I think it best we get them in and out as fast as possible. I can feel your energy circling them all, protecting them from Stegian. He’s powerful, Lorelei. You can’t keep that amount of energy up for an extended period, and you know it. You already exude enough strength just to keep Christian semi-guarded at all times.
“You sleep longer than you should and eat less than needed. It’s not healthy, and our concern for you grows daily. If you fail and your personal shields crumble, he will have open access to your mind. I don’t even want to imagine what he’ll do to you. He hates us, Lorelei. But mostly, it’s you he blames for his defeat in the last massive strike. And I think we all know that you are the first one he wants to see dead. In his eyes, you pose the biggest threat.”
Lorelei stood tall. “I will never submit willingly to him, Nina. I’ll leave him no choice but to kill me.”
“What?” Sevan asked, suddenly panicked.
Lorelei smiled. “Tell me, Captain, if you found yourself in hostile territory and in the enemy’s hands, would you submit to them or not?”
Sevan’s brow creased. “No, I wouldn’t submit to them.”
“Neither will I.”
Sevan went to question her but stopped when Lorelei put her hands in the air and closed her eyes. Nina and Christian stiffened. Her breathing grew shallow as her lip began to tremble.
Nina gasped. “You’re picking up on his powers again, aren’t you, sister?”
She faced him fast. “Yes, he knows off-worlders are here. He fears this group for some reason,” she said, staring at Sevan with wide eyes, seeming to search for something. Her eyes flickered closed briefly and she gasped. “He believes many mates for our people reside upon the vessel. He’s not waiting for suns set to attack. He’s doing it now.”
A loud howling noise sounded all around them. Sevan watched as the women grabbed their sides, each touching weapons that were slightly different from his own. He grabbed his sidearm, uneasy about how close the animal sounded. “What was that?”
Lorelei and Nina exchanged weary glances and Christian moved in closer. “Nina, do a full security sweep of the perimeter and I’ll double check that the compound computer system is still in operation. I don’t want a repeat of last time.”
Nina looked towards the corridor junction and put her hand out. A small panel slid back, revealing controls. “All guards on full alert. This is not a drill. I repeat. This is not a drill.”
Christian nodded before turning to leave.
“Christian, wait,” Lorelei said, taking a step closer to him.
Sevan wanted to sweep her up in his arms and take her as far away from the blond Adonis as he could, but he held back. He didn’t expect to compete with a man who looked to be cast from stone. Sure, he was fit. In fact, he was rather bulky in the way of muscles too, but nowhere near Christian’s size.
“I’ll check the computers. You know who you need to protect. Jacquelyn needs you near. I’ll be fine and you know I can do it. Or at least get them all to spit blue sparks at me.” She laughed softly and rubbed her cheek where the mark had been.
Nina stopped dead in her tracks, and spun around to face Lorelei. “Do you think that’s wise, Lorelei?” There was an edge to her voice that told Sevan she knew damn well it wasn’t wise, but wasn’t about to call her sister out on it in front of the group.
Red lights flashed in the hallway and an alarm went off. Nina shook her head. “We have a security breech.”
“Captain Janelle, this is Until Leader Essen. I have three injured and one missing. We’re in the fourteenth section along back climate control boosters. We don’t have a visual but they’re near us,” a voice said over the compound sound system.
“UL Essen, I’m on my way.” Nina glanced at Christian and then Lorelei. “If they’ve made it that far, they could make it to the education facility.”
Lorelei gasped. “The children are still in session.”
Nina nodded. “Christian and I will head to section fourteen. Lorelei, you’ll need to check on the computer system. We’ll cover the children.” She lifted her hand toward the open panel. It was then that Sevan noticed the slight buzz in the air. “Jacquelyn, I know you’re listening. Lock down your room and allow no one to enter until you are told otherwise.”
Christian pushed past Nina and grabbed Lorelei’s arm. “Promise that you’ll be careful. You know what he’s after, and what he will do to get to you.”
Sevan saw the array of emotions move over Lorelei’s face—and knew that whatever came out of her mouth would be a lie. He felt so connected with her, and he didn’t even really know her. It was unnerving to say the least. “I promise. Be careful.”
Nina and the large man ran off in the other direction. He looked at his brother and found him staring off in the direction Nina had gone. “Stay here and supervise the repairs and our men.”
“What are you going to do?” Jordan asked.
Sevan met Lorelei’s gaze and smiled. “I’m planning to go with her to check the compound’s computer systems.”
“Right. Then I’m going with Nina and Christian,” Jordan replied.
