“Valtus thinks she has Braxtharian blood in her veins.” Rexnor placed a hand on my shoulder to soften his next words. “The information he found is classified but there appears to be a connection that the council wants to eliminate.”
No, how could this be? “What kind of connection? How could Kerra have Braxtharian blood? She’s myone, regardless of her humanity, but . . .” I trailed off as the realization sank in. “That’s why we have such a strong bond.”
“Possibly,” Valtus agreed.
“We’ve been told our whole lives that the only possible mates we can have are other Braxthar women. What if that’s not true?” Orion shook his head. “What if we’ve been trained to believe a lie? What if Vindar isn’t under any threat other than corruption?”
My head felt light and I nearly stumbled into the wall. “What are you saying?”
“Your mate has combined blood, a breed of human and Braxthar. We’ve beendeceived.”
Shocked, I drew in a ragged breath. “Why would the council lie? Why would they send me off on a mission to retrieve human captives? Our people are in danger, threatened by the Galactic Conclave.”
“Are we?” Rexnor pushed off the wall and ran a hand through his hair in agitation. “What evidence has the council provided? I’ve seen no diplomats or ambassadors. No threats or sanctions have been issued. The suns and moons rise and set as they always have here on Vindar. Nothing proves our people are at risk. The Elders haven’t been forthcoming at all.”
“Nothing other than rumors and the council’s word has been disclosed,” Valtus added. “Theyarehiding something.”
Orion was skeptical. “How do you know? Other than conjecture and your feelings.” He held up a hand. “I’m not saying I don’t trust you. I’m being thorough.”
Valtus nodded, not the least bit offended. “There are files and missing databases, encrypted code that I can’t crack, and we all know there’s not a single level of intelligence I’ve ever been unable of figuring out. I’ve found strange correspondence and communications with the Zhorn and Tylons. Suspiciously vague comm calls between the Galactic Conclave and the Senators prove they’re engaged in suspicious activity. I’m worried. Vindar and the Braxthar peoplearein danger, just not the threat we originally thought.”
“And my mate?” I already knew the answer, but I stiffened with his response anyway.
“The most vulnerable of us all.”
“I knew something wasn’t right. Since the moment they showed that footage of the human female I’ve been uneasy.” Walking up to the computer, I began clicking files until I found the correct video I was looking for. “Watch this but I warn you its graphic and disturbing.”
The video began to play, and I had to look away as the young female’s screams caused my entire body to shudder. There was something so familiar about the tone of her voice and her similarity to myVenya. Shock settled into my system when I realized why they had such a strong resemblance.
I paused the video as my brothers andFirstshouted to end the feed. I gripped the table so hard I was afraid of snapping it in two. “She bears a remarkable resemblance to my mate.” I swallowed hard as my head lifted. “She even sounds like Kerra when she screams. I think,” I paused and fought a wave of nausea. “I think she’s my mate’s sister. Kerra doesn’t know.”
Valtus snarled as Rexnor and Orion both growled low, their fists clenching.
“I don’t know how to confirm this without showing Kerra. I fear it will devastate her. She must not see it.”
“Then we destroy it,” Valtus declared as he started clicking.
“You can’t,” Orion interrupted, “it’s evidence of a serious crime. Those who raped and murdered that poor human female will go free without the proof to convict.”
“I will save a copy to my personal files and destroy all others,” Valtus agreed. “Although I don’t like that it exists at all. That video wasn’t made by accident. This was meant to be seen and used. Others may have personal copies I can’t locate.”
“Made by who? The council? Why?” Rexnor headed toward the door and turned back to us. “I’m getting my new sister out of holding and bringing her into the med bay. We need to know the truth.”
I was right behind him as we slipped into the silent corridor. Valtus’s voice echoed as he informed us the cameras would be malfunctioning. I watched the A.I. shut down and moved faster as I listened for any hint of Kerra’s whereabouts. The comm in my ear beeped.
“Cell TN42. Hurry!”
My brothers and I ran at the sound of panic in his voice and reached the cell as a loud noise from within made my hearts beat faster. A male grunt could be heard followed by Kerra’s cry for help. Someone was trying to hurt myVenya.
Rage filled my entire body and I rushed forward, hoping I wasn’t too late.
