“In a private room at the command center.We want to keep them sequestered and hidden, in case any males decide to do anything rash.”
“Who is watching over them?”
“Vikan and a few other warriors whose Instincts have, luckily, not reacted.”
Lihvan looked down at his hands, wondering if he should tell Vaxa’an his suspicions.
Quietly, he said, “I believe that Vikan’s Instincthaschosen a female for him.”
Vaxa’an’s voice sharpened.“When?”
“On the vessel.My Instinct had reacted with Beks and he knew.In passing, he made mention that perhaps his Instinct had chosen for him as well.I do not know if it was just as a Breeding partner…or more.”
“Vrax,” Vaxa’an cursed.“He is unpredictable.Ever since Nitav’s death…he has not been the same.I need to take him off that duty, as a precaution.”
Lihvan sobered and then said, “He told me he was still loyal to Nitav, that he wouldn’t act on his Instinct’s will even if it had chosen a female for him.Perhaps we do not need to worry.”
Vaxa’an leveled him with a knowing gaze.“Couldyouhave stayed away from Beks, even if you wanted to?”
Lihvan clenched his jaw.“No.”
“Then we will find another to take his place,” Vaxa’an said, to prove his point.“We must.For the female’s safety.”
Just then, Beks and Kate emerged from their seclusion, beaming, effectively ending their conversation.Lihvan’s heart thundered in his chest at the sight of her and he rose, needing to be near her.
“Hi,” she whispered up at him, giving him a soft smile.He brushed her hair back from her face, his muscles not as tense, since there was a possibility that she wouldn’t be leaving tomorrow.He would grab onto that hope with both hands and not let go until he had to.
Her stomach growled just then and he started, brows furrowing.“I am sorry,luxiva.You are hungry.”
Beks smiled.“Just a little.”
He was just about to suggest that they have a meal delivered to his dwelling when Vaxa’an’s Com chimed with an incoming message from the command center.
Immediately, Vaxa’an read it and turned to Lihvan.“I am sorry, my friend, but we are needed.Our vessel just made initial contact with the Jetutians in their territory.A battle has begun.Rixavox is head commander.”
Lihvan hid his frustration and jerked his head in a nod.As much as he wanted to spend time with his female, she probably wanted to be with Kate for a little while longer.They would have time later that afternoon and night.
“I will take her to the meal hall,” Kate said, eyeing Lihvan with a smile.His disappointment probably showed on his features.“I will get some food in her and then I will show her your dwelling, okay?”
Lihvan inclined his head in agreement.He hadn’t left yet and he already wanted to return to her.
Vaxa’an nodded and said to Kate, “But take Bidan with you.”
Bidan had worked for Vaxa’an’s family since before he was birthed.The older Luxirian had become quite close to Kate, from what Vaxa’an had told Lihvan.Plus, after the unrest on Luxiria from some factions once Vaxa’an announced his human mate, they needed to be alert.Just in case.
Bidan wouldn’t let anything happen to them, so Lihvan agreed.
“I will see you soon, female,” he purred.
“Okay,” she whispered.“I’ll be waiting.”
* * *
It took longer than they expected, but after hours and hours of tense transmissions and updates from Rixavox on the nature of the battle, Lihvan was finally released from his duty for the night.
The battle was small, but drawn out.By the end of it, Rixavox had commandeered a smaller Jetutian vessel, not Gribrak’s unfortunately.It was a message, nothing more.It was a message to the Jetutians that Luxiria would not tolerate their advances any longer.Since the Uranian Federation would not help them, Luxiria would advance their position on their own in this war.
All Lihvan could think about, as he flew his hovercraft to his dwelling from the command center, was getting back to his female.Kate had already taken her there, last he’d heard, and he was anxious to see her.
