The general pursed her lips. “Did no one think to frisk him before letting him into the base?”
“Sorry, ma’am.” The soldier apologized from atop the device.
“I swear the recruits are getting dumber each year,” she muttered. “Have the item contained and, after you strip our visitor and ensure he doesn’t have any other surprises, put him with the other one.”
“You’re keeping me here?” Jaspar sounded shocked.
“Yes.”
“But I need to return to my ship to monitor the situation.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible. You will remain with us until we know more about the developing situation.”
“You are making a grave error in detaining me,” Jaspar growled, and while the situation might be dire, it was kind of sexy.
“Just for a short while, until we determine how to proceed.” The general signaled, and soldiers surrounded Jaspar.
Anger filled Colette. “What is wrong with you? He came here in good faith, and this is how you repay him?”
A cold stare met her that matched the general’s tone when she said, “I’m getting very tired of your attitude, Ms. Wilson. Since you are so enamored of the visitors, then you can stay with them.”
An order that led to Colette being shoved into Cade’s prison cell along with Jaspar, not willingly, though. Colette yelled at the soldiers that they were making a mistake, a contrast to the silent and rigid Jaspar.
As for Cade, at the sight of them, he grinned. “Well, at least I won’t be bored anymore.”
15
Cade might have acted flippant at the sight of Colette and Jaspar in his cell, but inwardly, he raged for more than one reason.
How dare they imprison Colette?
What had Jaspar been thinking, leaving the ship?
How would he manage seduction with Jaspar in close proximity?
What if Colette chose Jaspar over him?
All those queries paled in comparison, though, to what his partner had to relate.
“Earth’s about to be attacked,” a grim Jaspar announced.
“What?” Cade couldn’t help but exclaim. “By who?”
“A Krampusonian ship is headed this way.”
Cade’s stomach sank. “You’re sure it’s them?”
“Yes. At its current speed, it will hit Earth’s orbit in two of their planetary rotations.” Dire news.
“That’s bad. We don’t have a proper arsenal to counter their assault.”
“I’m aware,” Jaspar’s quiet reply.
“This has got to be a cosmic joke. Here we are, days from Christmas, and some aliens with Krampus in their name are coming to ruin it.” Colette shook her head and laughed.
“Hardly amusing,” Jaspar noted.
“Oh, this isn’t amusement, more like admiring the irony. See, we have a legend about a monster, a creature with horns and a horrible visage, who, according to stories, likes to punish naughty children.”
