Our bond was becoming stronger every day, even though we hadn’t been together for long. There were occasions when we could hear each other’s thoughts without speaking.
With just a look, or a touch, we understood one another’s needs and desires. I tugged at my ear lobe unable to stop staring at her.
Sometimes, I still found it hard to believe that the Gods selected her to be by my side.
Riley glanced in my direction and smiled, as if she could feel my eyes on her. I grinned at her as I continued to take her in.
The command center’s overhead lights accentuated the highlights in her hair. And made her eyes sparkle when she looked at me. Her pouty lips filled me with temptation, knowing what those lips were capable of, and the way she’d explored my body with them.
I redirected my eyes to prevent my mind from wandering and my body from responding. Although she was tempting, my attention had to remain on our mission.
Even so, I found myself smiling.
My mate exuded confidence in the way she carried herself. I admired her dedication to work, as she effortlessly adjusted to her new role.
Riley’s rapid learning skills didn’t go unnoticed by Rothr, the security chief, who now held her in higher regard than before.
My heart swelled with pride as I watched my K’sha in action.
The closer we got to what we hoped was the Voletti base, the more resolute I became in my mission to eliminate them. The race was too dangerous to stay in Alaran space.
“CAPTAIN, WE’RE APPROACHINGJaxia’s Moon,” announced one of the helmsmen.
If the enemy did have an actual base on the planet, we would finally have the chance to deal with them all at once.
Fortunately, the Krilex were apparently already headed out of Alaran space. Now we needed to ensure the Voletti were dealt with as well.
The bridge crew and I eagerly fixed our gaze upon the holo-screen, observing the Chetok’s gradual approach towards the Moon.
I could feel the tension building up inside me, like a tightly wound spring.
The Voletti’s advanced technology included vessel cloaking capabilities, allowing them to move undetected. Which meant they could be present, carefully observing and preparing for an imminent attack.
“Raise shields.” Leaning back in my chair, I kept my gaze fixed on the holo-screen, where Jaxia’s Moon gradually came into view.
The planet was in our sights, and I couldn’t ignore the suspicion that we were walking into a trap. Despite lackingface-to-face combat skills, the shape-shifters asserted they had advanced technology and powerful weapons.
We’d witnessed one such weapon on our previous mission when Trex was Captain of the Chetok. It incapacitated the crew and allowed them to take the females we had rescued, which included Riley.
The memory of it was still fresh in my mind. I thanked the Gods she’d not been harmed during that incident. And that we’d been able to locate the females quickly and rescue them.
We needed to remain vigilant and careful. Even with our own advanced weaponry, the Protectorate Alliance had not gone to war in over a hundredtenri.
With the Ixul people from planet Gracuux now part of the Protectorate, their battle, and patrol ships further strengthened our advantage against enemies.
Next to Alara, Graacux were considered highly advanced technologically as well.
My gaze was drawn to Riley who was listening attentively as Rothr showed her something on the security control panel.
A sudden rush of dread filled my heart as I forced myself to swallow it down. I refocused on the holo-screen.
“Scan the planet. Maintain a safe distance,” I ordered the helm.
A few moments passed.
“There are three buildings close together on the Moon’s surface,” said Dril. “The scans indicate several hundred life signs.” The helmsman paused and glanced back with a worried expression. “Sir, I can confirm at least fifty human signatures among them.”
“How long before any other Protectorate vessels arrive?” I asked.
