“There is no need.” I waved her off. “Let’s not delay this any longer. I am here to see my nestmates. Pleasantries can wait.”
“Understood.” She nodded, her features transforming into a stoic, professional mask. “If you follow me, I can lead you to the Cryopod chambers in the infirmary.”
“Please,” I urged, stepping forward. “If things were different, I would love to chat with you, but—”
“I know, Selena.” She sighed. Her eyes dimmed as her hair darkened, displaying her stress. “We have done all we could while waiting for your return.”
“I thank you and your team for it.”
“Proceed, Agent K.” Zirene rubbed my arm affectionately. “Don’t draw this out any longer. My Nova knows what to expect.”
“Follow me.”
Chapter Five
Kaede
Kaede hated playing escort, like a fancy steward at one of those expensive invite-only resorts, to a bunch ofambassadorshe didn’t care about.
He couldn’t forget how they had treated him when they assumed he had been abusing Selena by locking her away in his room and having his way with her. They had dared to believe they knew her better than him after mere days.
His relationship with Selena was none of their business. It shouldn’t matter to anyone, other than perhaps their clan, and even so, he refused to let them label him the nestmate who caused problems.
He didn’t have time to deal with those petty concerns.
He was a killer, an assassin, and bodyguard to the only mate he would ever have.
This vetting task wasn’t in his job description, but he was willing to do it anyway, because it was his responsibility to make sure Selena’s newfriendsposed no threat.
But that didn’t mean he had to enjoy it.
“Oeta hasn’t reported anything concerning,”REI informed him as notes from each of Oeta’s readings popped up on his visor’s screen.“She says Ryzen reveres Selena since she woke him, and Celyze’s abilities intrigue Oeta. Outside of some interesting tidbits about Tori’s Earth, the others had nothing to report.”
“Zyxel is hiding something; I know it.”Kaede glared at the male in question, watching him stare in a trance at Oeta, his hand holding hers.“He acted oddly when I tried to inquire about his genome. If he were willing to discuss my genetics openly with the crew, then it’s only fair he answers my biological questions, especially since I share genes with his species.”
“If he is a beta, he hasn’t officially declared Selena his queen,”REI added, minimizing Oeta’s notes as she pulled up a map of the mountain base and placed it beside Kaede’s four feeds from the nearest drones following Selena inside.“He’s made his intentions clear to Selena, but she hasn’t accepted him into the clan. Until she does, it is best to allow the Stars to guide them. Once Oeta confirms he is safe, you must allow him to court her.”
“I’ll allow it, but I won’t let him pressure her.”
“Agreed. If he should try, I believe it’s not just you he will have to worry about.”
He’d have Z to fear.
Kaede could see the new Sovereign was struggling. His need to constantly touch her whenever she was within reach reminded him of his nestbrothers’ behavior when they were in their courting stage. His usually fluid movements had become jerky, as though maintaining iron control over every move.
Their Sovereign was one disaster away from snapping, and he hoped he wasn’t around when that happened. Even though Selena had told him not to fade into the shadows now that they were home, Kaede knew his place. He didn’t intend to take time away from Selena while she was comforting the rest of her clan.
They needed her more than he did.
Their time on theAbyss, as stressful as it had been bringing strangers with them, was enough for him, for now. He was content. Now that he was part of her clan, he would have plenty of private time to spend with her in his future.
Right now, the clan’s needs took priority, and he had accepted that and made sure she knew he was around whenever she needed him.
Even though Kaede personally didn’t care what happened to Zyxel and the others, he knew that Selena would, so he had to prevent Z from using the crimsonfraxas a chew toy. His boss couldn’t lose control and permanently injure the healer, no matter how much Zyxel deserved that.
He chuckled. He could still enjoy the mental image.
“You are a holder of many secrets,” Oeta breathed, shuffling her wings. “Why should I trust you around Selena?”
