“Perhaps humans need more time in matters such as these,” Privanax continued slowly.“Regardless, it would be best for her, and her health, that she does not become heavy with offspring at this time.”
Rixavox went still, looking down at the healer with a cold gaze before thrusting the metal band back at him with force.Privanax took it with surprise.
“Despite what you may think of me, healer,” Rixavox said slowly, “I am an honorable Luxirian warrior.I am not a beast, bent to the will of my Instinct.And as the Ambassador ofVelraxaand a war general of Luxiria, on my honor, her safety and well-being is my only priority until she is returned to your care.I swear this on the Fates.”
Privanax shocked him with a glare.“With all due respect, Ambassador, I know of your reputation.Rumor has it that you’ve mated half of the remaining female population on Luxiria and only the Fates know how many more off planet.”
“You will watch your tongue, healer,” Rixavox said, his voice deadly quiet.
Privanax seemed to remember himself, to remember his rank, because he inclined his head down, although begrudgingly.He remained silent.
Rixavox called on his warrior training to calm the quiet rage that was building, building.Mostly, it was rage at himself because he knew that the healer had a right to be concerned, had a right to question.Rixavox had dealt with his brother’s exile and his parents’ subsequent deaths with mating and pleasure drugs and war.It was all he’d known for the past ten rotations.
But his life had literally changed in one span.He would never be that warrior again.Not even if Sessela rejected his courtship, not even if she chose to return to Earth.Because he wouldknowwhat he was missing.He would know that nothing could ever replace a fated mate.
“Have you ever seen your mate, Privanax?” Rixavox asked, the hum of the hovercraft drowning his words.“Your one mate that the Fates have gifted you above all else?”
“Nix,” Privanax admitted, raising his gaze slightly, his jaw still set in defiance.
“Then you understand nothing.Words cannot and will not ever explain it,” Rixavox told him, holding his gaze.“Think what you will of me.You will not be the first to judge.But know this: there is a reason why Vaxa’an chose me as an Ambassador, why he befriended me all those rotations ago during warrior training.Tev, I have a reputation, but I am also loyal to those I trust and I keep my word, no matter what.So take my word on this, Privanax, and trust it.She will be cured of herhellixaxavabefore we ever consummate our matehood.If we ever do,” he forced himself to add, even though it tasted like rancid brew on his tongue.
Privanax held his gaze and Rixavox had the stray thought that the older Luxirian should have continued with his warrior training instead of leaving to become a healer.He would have made a damn good warrior.
Privanax finally jerked his head in a nod.“I will trust that you keep your word, Ambassador.”
Rixavox didn’t know why the healer’s opinion mattered to him in that moment.But it released a weight off his shoulders and he tilted his head down in acceptance.
Gruffly, he said, “I will contact you through the Coms when we arrive atVelraxa.”
Rixavox didn’t wait for the healer to reply.Instead, he guided his hovercraft off the ground and shot off towards the command center, towards his mate, towards his future.
SEVEN
“Are you sure about this?” Lainey asked, her gaze flickering to the door that Cecelia was currently making her way towards.She’d told the group about her cancer, about how Privanax believed he could heal her, and that she would be leaving them for a short time.She’d already said her goodbyes to most of the women in the group, trying to reassure them since many had expressed their doubt.
Lainey, true to form, was expressing hers the loudest.
Cecelia was resolute as she stopped just in front of the closed swooshing door.Kate and her towering Luxirian mate, Vaxa, were waiting just beyond it, ready to see her off to these northern lands.
“It’s not like I’m leaving for good, Lainey,” Cecelia said, turning towards the redhead once more.She tried to make her smile seem nonchalant.“I think I’ll only be gone a week or so.It depends.”
“What if this is just some set-up?” Lainey questioned, frowning.“What if it’s just a ruse?And what about this Kate chick?I mean, we don’t know if she’s telling the truth.This could just be a severe case of Stockholm Syndrome!They probably brainwashed her or something.”
Cecelia sighed.“She sounded perfectly sane to me yesterday.And she really does seem happy.Who are we to judge what she chose?And you know you sound crazy, right?”
Lainey made a sound in the back of her throat.“Okay, fine, a little crazy, yes.But I’m just trying to look out for you.”
Cecelia felt tears prick the backs of her eyes.Strangely enough, she’d never really had this many people looking out for her.She was having trouble handling it all.
“I need to do this,” Cecelia finally told her, reaching out to take her hand and giving it a slight squeeze.“If there’s the slightest chance this could work…”
“I know, I know,” Lainey said softly, shoulders sagging.
“Thank you though,” Cecelia murmured.Over Lainey’s shoulder, she could see the rest of the women watching them from the fire pit.“For looking out for me.”
Lainey let out a soft breath and nodded.“Take care of yourself.And hey, if these sacred pools are as good as this doctor claims, bottle some up for me, okay?”
“Lainey,” Cecelia said, bursting into a small, unexpected laugh.
