Tha-lah Read online

  “Do it.”

  Just then, Q’alor II’s warning alarm blared. “Attention red alert, red alert. Detecting multiple explosions. The asteroid has been destroyed.”

  The warship moved just in time to avoid most of the impacts. Its superior shield absorbed the rest. The entire crew was shocked when they learned Xy, O’frahm and four elites were gone. A cry for toq’ma’lal echoed through the ship.

  “Rag’mar, bring your systems back online.” If there was even a remote possibility of their survival, Groo’lat wanted to be there. “We’re going back. Disengage docking clamps.”

  “Warrior, I am afraid there is nothing left to go back to. Everything was destroyed by the blast,” Rag’mar countered with its cold, logical voice.

  “I don’t give a frackking flying piece of heqriu’l crap.” He sent his fist flying to connect with the display. “Check the area for life signs. That’s an order.” He wasn’t leaving until every last piece of dust was checked and analyzed a hundred times if necessary.

  “Scanning completed. Warrior, I have searched the area twice. There is no evidence of life.”

  No, he refused to let it end that way. Those warriors deserved more than a passing thought. He was going back, even if he had to use an escape pod and a handheld scanner.

  Groo’lat felt her as soon as she entered the command center. Her rich scent was intoxicating. His entire body came to life every time she was near. He craved her taste more than bak’liin. What he’d felt for Gaal’ya all those months ago had been insignificant compared to this.

  “They’re gone, priestess,” he whispered, placing his forehead on hers. “Some of the best warriors I’ve ever served with gone just like that.” He closed his eyes, savoring her body pressed closely to his.

  “Blessed is the warrior who gives his life in battle to save others, for he knows the true meaning of love. All hail the brave ones who are now arriving at the goddess’ feast. They shall enjoy her company and sit at her table for all eternity.”

  His chest tightened, and he took comfort in Tha-lah’s voice. How she had known that was his favorite passage from the scrolls?

  Many planets in the twin galaxies had similar scriptures. Pendo’rah religion and warrior culture went hand in hand. It was difficult to distinguish where one ended and the other started. His mate knew exactly what to say to bring everything into perspective. Those warriors were indeed among the fortunate.

  The next few hours were marked by a solemn mood. Everyone had a funny story involving O’frahm’s and Xy’s exploits. The pair had become legendary among the young cadets. Males wanted to emulate them while females praised their hip-hop moves.

  When lives were lost in battle, it was customary to have a formal ceremony to honor the fallen ones. Usually, it was the first commander’s duty, but Dru-lah was by Mah’yanna’s side. He’d refused to leave her, even after Ha’an had threatened to neutralize him. Third Commander Kyr-lee asked him if Tha-lah would be willing to do it.

  “Priestess, would you send these warriors off with a blessing?” He couldn’t think of anyone better suited for the task. She nodded. “Q’alor II, open a ship-wide channel.”

  “Hear me now, my children, as the rivers flow red with the blood of my warriors. My heart sings with pride, for they were fearless beyond measure. The battle they fought, the enemies slayed, the lives they saved, a true testament to their skills. Honor shall be their guide, loyalty their shield and strength their battle cry. Do not weep for those who have fallen in battle, do not dishonor their memories. Raise your ro’traals and rejoice, for the day shall come we meet again. In my wisdom, they shall thrive.”

  * * * *

  “Tha-lah,” Groo’lat whispered in the darkened room. They’d spent a grueling couple hours helping Dru-lah and Mah’yanna. A tenuous bond had begun between the officers by the time they’d left. “I’m not good with words or feelings. A warrior knows how to wield a ro’traal, how to kill. I want to learn words to tell you how I feel.”

  “Hush, my love. As long as we’re together, I’ll always know.”

  Their union had grown stronger after the healing session. He’d never thought of sex as anything more but a physical need. He’d been wrong. Thanks to her, he’d learned the shared energy between two deeply caring beings was the most powerful force in the universe.

  “I thought Trac’xian females liked to hear such things. You know, pretty words about love and devotion.” He nuzzled her neck, breathing in her spicy scent.

  “I want to hear what’s in your heart. When you’re ready, the words will come. Until then let your body show me.” She gave him the sultriest look. “If you want me to know, you can always use this.” She grasped his ro’traal, and he forgot how to breathe.

  “I love you, priestess,” he whispered as he sank deeply inside her warm sheath. Such simple words, and yet they carried his entire ul’naah.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Judgment

  Tha-lah tried to keep busy by teaching relaxation and meditation techniques to the crew. A few hours after returning, Groo’lat had filed a report, assuming full responsibility for the theft of confidential information. Her future as a wandering priestess depended on the outcome. His crime carried a death sentence. So far, the council hadn’t replied.

  Try as she may, she couldn’t meditate in such close quarters. The Divine Light was a small shuttle designed for one or a least two. Worse, their link made it impossible for her to hide her fears. Her expressions were too easy to read, like a holo display, he’d said once.

  “Priestess, warrior, please report to the main deck conference room.”

  Ready or not, this was it, the moment they’d all waited for. No matter the consequences, she would support and stay by Groo’lat forever.

  The conference room was large with vaulted ceilings. It was covered with tiny holo-receivers. Everyone appearing there looked and sounded almost real. Tha-lah was surprised to see not only Briq but the jid’rahal and their mates. The transmission originated from the family chambers at the council building. Their father, Ooh-Baak, was one of the leaders.

  “Warrior Groo’lat, the council judgment is as follows. In the matter involving the theft of classified information, the sentence is suspended. However, I still reserve the right of swift justice. You’ll pay financial restitution to the family you wronged.” One by one all the charges were dropped or resolved agreeably.

  Not one, but all the members of the Q’alor II gave evidence of Groo’lat’s exemplary conduct. Briq had taken on the role of supplicant, staunchly defending Tha-lah’s mate’s life. Amada and Gigi testified in his favor, arguing it would be cruel to subject branded mates to any type of separation.

  The most powerful defense came from Dru-lah and Mah’yanna. They pointed out that if not for his skill as a warrior and pilot, the rescue mission would’ve failed.

  In the end, her lover was granted a full pardon under two conditions. First, he must agree to be monitored. Appointing someone to follow him was impractical and time-consuming. Onno’e, the Glaxian chief medical, suggested linking her mate’s neuro implant with an AI. That way all his activities could be recorded. With the exception of intimate moments, the interphase would always be active.

  The second condition was a ten-year exile, during which he would work as part of the elite stealth forces. Notification had already been sent to all their outposts and allies. Their cover was so simple but brilliant, because it was partly true. She was a wandering priestess, traveling with an exiled warrior as a bodyguard. Under the Protectorate refugee agreement, he could still travel and stay anywhere.

  “Enough. Giant, stop hogging the transmission. Gigi and I want to talk to the priestess.” Amada pushed forward to face her.

  How could so much energy reside in such a small body?

  “I wish unto you the goddess’ grace, Lady Amada, Lady Gigi.” Tha-lah grasped the tri’lu between her palms, curling her fingers around it. “May your years be many, your household prospero
us, your wombs fertile and your bodies sing your lovers’ songs.” The stone glowed as she chanted the traditional blessing.

  “Priestess.” Gigi was taller than Amada, but still tiny by twin galaxies standards. “May I call you Tha-lah?” She smiled, instantly liking both females. “I just wanted to thank you for giving me your tri’lu.” Her hair was flaming red, her body thin and delicate.

  “I’m glad the stone is tuned to your song now. Under Ha’rrra’s guidance, you can continue to help Mah’yanna.” Tha-lah recalled the time she’d helped Briq pick out female clothing for his mate. She looked stunning in a perfectly fitted long-sleeve green tunic and simple slippers. Now she understood why the big warrior was so enamored of his lady. They were made for each other.

  “Yes, thanks to her teachings I was able to connect and use its powers.”

  The stone glowed deep rich colors just like her hair. That particular tri’lu was meant for Gigi all along. She’d been merely its keeper. The goddess’ plans weren’t always discernible to mere mortals.

  “Tha-lah, thanks for taking care of my sister.” Amada’s voice shook with emotion. “She would’ve never had a chance if not for you.”

  Only a few would ever know how close they came to losing Mah’yanna. The price Groo’lat had paid was forever etched in her soul.

  Mah’yanna was resting comfortably inside gly-urq. Just a few days ago, her body and mind had been racked with pain. Tha-lah had had to perform a sexual healing ritual to save her even at the expense of her mate.

  He’d asked her to, because it was the only way Dru-lah could join with the security chief. He’d shouldered her pain so she could concentrate on the task at hand. Every time she’d touched Dru-lah, it felt like a thousand knives piercing her skin.

  After a while, Mah’yanna responded until finally she’d whispered Dru-lah’s name. Tha-lah had felt the connection snap into place, and had stepped out of their way. She’d been shaking by the time her lover had carried her to their room.

  “I was truly honored the most gracious chose me to be in her service.”

  “Speaking of which.” Briq grunted, sending Amada a dirty look when she kicked his tail. “I’m transferring Rag’mar’s command to you.”

  Had she heard correctly? Was he giving them his custom-made ship? “It’s very generous of you, but I can’t accept payment.” It was strictly forbidden to accept any type of compensation. The temple gave their charges a living stipend, and sometimes family members helped. Receiving material goods or credit for healing was the worst kind of sin.

  “Who said it was payment?” The supreme commander frowned sternly. “We’re sending both of you on a mission to the Nan’karan sector. We’ve receive word of a consortium sponsored coup. The council wants you to make contact with one of our operatives. You can’t expect him to be linked to an inferior AI.”

  The balance of power was shifting in the galaxies after the breeders had signed a peace treaty with the Protectorate. With the Kreeh-nosh out of the picture, others raced to take their place.

  The mining consortium was the most dangerous, because they had large amounts of credits to buy entire governments. Tha-lah and her family had been victims of their greed. Many zones were now at the mercy of the Jog’nafan packs swooping in, picking apart the leftovers. The Protectorate was spread thin from patrolling its borders, which left the outermost areas virtually defenseless.

  “It’s already decided. The ship is yours, priestess.” Briq winked, “Groo’lat, the diagnostic interphase is already programmed. When you get the chance, just sync it to your neurochip.”

  That settled it. She was now the owner of a first-class, fully-equipped cruiser. Still she asked why they didn’t hand it over to Groo’lat. Simple, it would look highly suspicious for a traitor to own such a fantastic piece of engineering.

  “I think it’s a good cover story, priestess.” Groo’lat looked so young when he smiled. She wanted to kiss him right there. “Consider all the things you can do with it. We can travel faster, and bring much-needed supplies to outer sectors.”

  He was right. Together they could make a difference. “What about the Divine Light?” Her shuttle was still a hallowed place filled with the goddess’ energy.

  “Don’t worry,” her father joined in. “When the commander shared his plans, I filed the necessary paperwork for you.”

  Thanks to her father Rag’mar was a temple under Trac’xian law. She didn’t like the idea of traveling in a ship named revenge, but it could be worse.

  In regards to Divine Light, she asked her father to donate it to the temple. Perhaps another priestess would answer the divine call.

  “Thank you, Ne-yii. I only wish we’d had more time together.” A wandering priestess was expected to sever all ties. Most of them never went home to their families. The goddess had not only reunited her with him, but gave her a branded mate. What more could she ask for?

  “Don’t grieve, daughter. You and Groo’lat have an important job to do. I need to get my affairs in order, but I’ll come see you soon. I promise.”

  “I have an idea,” Gigi said quietly. “Why don’t we all meet at Pra’mm in a couple months? Amada and I love Fih’rra’s clothes.”

  Incredible, warriors would rush to their deaths, but groaned at the mention female clothing. Amada’s simple “put a sock in it” silenced everyone.

  Going back to Pra’mm would bring her life full circle. Tha-lah could find out once and for all if Dal’vyaa had had anything to do with her kidnapping.

  “Systems check complete. We are ready for departure.” Rag’mar had been running a routine diagnostics during the hearing.

  “Could you deliver a message to Mah’yanna?” While she wasn’t a seer, there were times the goddess gave her insight. Needless to say, knowledge of one’s future could be unbearable.

  “Of course,” Gigi and Amada replied simultaneously.

  “A deed of unconditional love can be misconstrued as betrayal. Sometimes, what we perceive as indifference is nothing but a broken heart in need of healing. The path of a warrior is wrought in violence, his ro’traal drenched in blood. Worthy is the mate who can pierce his armor and capture his ul’naah. From that day forth, they shall walk as one.”

  “Aww, that’s beautiful.” They exclaimed, holding hands and sobbing loudly.

  Such sensitive individuals, their hearts full of love and compassion. A perfect complement for their Pendo’rahn mates, indeed.

  “Until we meet again, may your path be full of happiness and your heart overflow with love. In her wisdom, we all thrive.”

  Tha-lah said goodbye to her new friends, promising to return and meet the babies. While Groo’lat went to sync his neuro implant with Rag’mar, she went to check on Mah’yanna. Only time would tell if the security chief would make a full recovery.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The Journey Begins Anew

  Dru-lah escorted her to the docking bay. His gaze kept darting to her every now and then. So much had transpired between them, yet they’d barely spoken. Throughout the healing session, Tha-lah had sensed the heavy burden he carried. What had happened that had turned him into an introverted, despondent male?

  “Commander, a secret revealed loses its power to enslave us with guilt. Without trust, we can’t expect forgiveness.” His love for Mah’yanna was written all over his face. He would forfeit his life for hers without hesitation. It was a warrior’s burden, to love his female even when she couldn’t return his passion.

  “I’m not able to give her what she deserves.” Weariness had taken over. The past few weeks had finally taken its toll.

  “I think you’re wrong. Give her the chance to make that decision. It’s your duty to strengthen the fragile bond between you.”

  “What if I fail?” Fear in the voice of a warrior was rare. They trained rigorously from childhood to face and conquer it. However, what if you’re afraid not for you, but another?

  “Then you must set her free.”

&nbs
p; They didn’t speak after that. It was up to him to discover he was the best thing for Mah’yanna. The love was already there, waiting to be awakened. Their feelings for each other were true. The rest would come. Tha-lah said a silent prayer for them.

  All off-duty warriors had come to say goodbye. To think just a few weeks ago, she hadn’t known a single one. Now, she couldn’t imagine her life without them. Those intrepid males had taught her more about friendship and loyalty than any elder priestess. She’d never forget how they’d turned to her for healing and meditation after the explosion. Their shared grief had brought them closer.

  “Priestess, give us your blessing before you go.”

  Third Commander Kyr-lee was a very young officer with a promising military career ahead of him. He was one of her most avid students, learning relaxation techniques better than any Trac’xian novice. Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked around the packed room.

  “You’re not alone as you travel the expanse, bringing order to chaos, light to darkness, hope to despair. Don’t forget you are divine instruments of righteousness. Hold your ro’traals firmly to protect the weak. The goddess will shadow your path, and after the long battle, you shall sit at her table. In her wisdom, you shall thrive.”

  Groo’lat stood by the door. She rushed into his waiting arms. “Ready, priestess?” Had his smile always been that handsome?

  “I’ve been ready my whole life.” A warm night on her third birthday, she’d woken up to a soft voice. Wake, my child, it’d said. Look at the vastness of the sky before you. One day you’ll travel far away, spreading my message.

  “Q’alor II, permission to depart.” Mixed feelings crossed his face and she knew. This was his last official communication as a warrior. Sadness was quickly replaced by happiness. He sought her hand with his, entwining their fingers.

  “Granted.” Kyr-lee squared his shoulders, clicking his heels. After pulling his ro’traal out, he saluted them in traditional military style. The warriors behind joined in with their battle cry—honor, loyalty and strength.