“People need help.” I throw up my hands even though Ceredes can’t see me. “It’s not like I took off with Gavros or something.”
“It’s not safe. We should be there to protect you.” Jeren’s voice is edging into worried territory.
“Onin has four arms and the kindest heart in the fleet. I’ll be okay.”
“Are your Alphas losing it?” Onin shoots me a sideways glance.
“Definitely.” I sigh as all three of them talk in my mind at once. After a moment, they come to an agreement, and I can’t help but smile. “Now they’ve decided to hop on a ship and follow us.”
Onin nods. “Smart. But I’m afraid they won’t be able to track us.”
“Why not?”
The blackness ripples ahead of us, and I try not to get creeped out again. “Does the wormhole do something? I thought we can still ping a ship once it’s through and back in regular space.”
“Usually, that’s true.” He pilots us straight for the shimmering circle.
“But not now?”
“No.” His answer is clipped, and he’s even paler than he was earlier.
“Is something wrong?” I keep my eyes open as we go through the wormhole. It’s just a dark, silky haze that quickly snaps away.
I gasp as an enormous black ship comes into view right in front of us.
“Lana!” All three Alphas yell my name.
“I knew who you were when I took that first blood sample.” A sting on my arm makes me whip my head around to Onin, his kind eyes now shuttered with a look of despair.
“What was that?” I reach for the spot, but my fingers don’t seem to be working right.
“I sent a false sample to the council, though I suspect they already know who your mother is. The real sample, I sent it to Warverian. I had to.” He reaches out and gently grips my wrist. “Your pulse is slowing. You’ll be asleep soon.”
“Why?” I can barely focus on him. “Why would you—”
“They were supposed to take you when I disabled the barrier. But they failed. So, I had to do this instead. I never wanted to hurt you, but this is the only way.”
I can’t seem to grasp what he’s saying as my eyelids flutter.
“I’m sorry.” His voice shakes. “But I need you to remember me. Remember my Alpha Tarinion. Remember I’m doing this for him. For you. And for the fleet. Save them. And save myson.” His voice cracks. “I have faith in you, Lana.”
“Onin, what …” I can’t speak, my tongue huge in my mouth, and then I’m deep in a dream about my Alphas, safe in their arms, wrapped in their love.
38
Ceredes
“No, no, no!” I slam my hand on the console, leaving a sizeable dent.
“Focus.” Kyte closes his eyes. “We can find her.”
Jeren stills and concentrates on Lana.
I pace and do the same. The link is still there, burning bright between us, but she’s in a deep sleep. Only her subconscious is there, and she’s dreaming about us.
“Lana, where are you?” I call.
“Snow cones for puppies? That’s silly.” She prances past and blows me a kiss.
