Chapter 32
Wrexxon
Iemerged from my strategy room, my head buzzing with the reverse trap that we were setting for the Zagrath. If all went according to our plan, this would be a crippling blow to the enemy and a warning to those who tried to trick the Vandar.
If it didn’t…I refused to think about the risks if we did not succeed.
Mymajakand battle chief flanked me as we returned to the command deck where my warriors dutifully studied their readouts, checked navigational systems, and scanned space for any threats. As I took my place overseeing the warbird’s operation, Venik cleared his throat.
“It is time, Raas.”
For a beat, I was unsure what he meant. Then I remembered what I’d set in motion before I’d sequestered myself with my two most trusted officers, embroiling myself so deeply in the battle strategy that all other thoughts had been banished to the recesses of my mind. Or maybe I’d just wanted to forget.
“I have warriors at the ready for the gauntlet,” he continued. “If you wish to go alone, I under?—“
No.” I cut him off. “You should come.”
Before I could explain to my battle chief that he would need to remain on the command deck in case we encountered any issues before we arrived at Lexxona, Kolt pivoted to me.
“One of us needs to stay here. It should be me.”
I did not argue with him. It only made sense for the chief of battle to take command on the cusp of battle, but I also suspected he did not altogether approve of my decision. For Kolt, females were a pleasant diversion and little else. It was hard to imagine him ever taking a bride, much less a human one.
I gave him a curt nod, sweeping my gaze across the hushed tension of the warriors flying into battle before turning on the heel of my boot and striding away with mymajakby my side.
Once we were free of the double doors leading from the command deck and down the wide steps, Venik stole a glance at me. “You are ready, Raas?”
I almost barked out a laugh. Ready to bind myself forever to a female who, up until a day ago, had sworn to never forgive me? Ready to link my life to someone I barely knew and who knew next to nothing about my people or her role to them? Then I remembered the feel of her soft skin under my lips and my hands, her wet heat sheathing my cock. “I am ready.”
When Venik led me to the doors of my own quarters, I hesitated. This was where we were to be bonded? Vandar ceremonies were typically held in large spaces with room for a walking labyrinth as an aisle. Not that we had that on a warbird.
Then the door slid open, and every coherent thought in my head fled.
The room was darker than usual but also lit with glow stones that created a winding aisle that ended in front of the wide glass and view of space. That was where Jasmine stood waiting for me.
She was draped in a rich green fabric that spilled over her body like liquid, hugging her curves in ways that made my mouth go dry. The neckline dipped low, showing the curve of her breasts, the waist was cinched with a golden cord that emphasized the flare of her hips, and the skirt fell in layers that pooled around her feet and behind her.
Her hair had been left loose, falling in dark waves around her shoulders, with small golden beads woven through the strands that caught the light when she tilted her head at me.
My breath refused to leave my chest. She looked like something from a dream-spun fantasy, and I could scarcely believe this was the same creature I’d first seen in the modest bakery, covered with as much flour as muslin.
Desire rocketed through me, hot and overwhelming. The hunger was so intense it was almost painful, making every muscle in my body tighten with the effort of not tearing across the room, not pulling her flush to me, and not claiming her right here and now before the ceremony even happened.
Jasmine's eyes met mine across the distance, and I saw my own desire reflected there. Maybe she had forgiven me, after all.
Venik cleared his throat behind me, snapping me back to reality. It was only then that I noticed a pair of Vandar with battle axes, as well as the green alien mymajakhad sourced from the colony. But there was no Vandar scribe to conduct the ceremony.We did not keep one of those on the warbird, and there clearly hadn’t been one for the taking on the colony.
“Who will—?” I started to say before mymajakstraightened.
“I will do it, Raas. Since it is your bonding ceremony, I can stand in as temporary Raas.”
My throat tightened, and I thumped him brusquely on the arm. Then I turned and pinned Jasmine with a claiming look, unwilling to delay being bonded with her for a moment longer.
“Vaes,” I said, my voice rougher than I'd intended.
Then I stepped forward to claim my war bride.
Chapter 33
