“We’d like a trade,” Viriden offers. “Your infiltration skills for medicine and help transitioning into your own fleet to live above your world, free of Luna influence.”
Corzin lifts a hand. “I’m in. I don’t want my mate to have to stay on our world. I do not trust them with her, only our own M-pack.”
Everyone in the room turns to me: Zorin, Tessi, Corzin, Kren, Davarok, Onidus, Viriden, and all of their additional soldiers. I have never had so much attention before. It is the first time I feel like stepping backward and hiding in the shy manner of my brother. But I know it is long past time I take on the roll I was born for. Not the slaying role. I’m well-trained there. The leadership role.
If I want our lives to change, we can’t keep doing the same thing.
“I think we are ready. But it must be voluntary. And no Lunas get in.” I motion to Zorin. “Your thoughts, brother?”
“Agreed. However, I think we’ll need to make the move fast. Give them a wakeup call.”
I nod. “Then we make the move tonight, if possible. We’ll have to be prepared for attacks. I’m certain, now, that Lunas know what we’re doing, and they’ve just been using us to protect them, pretending to be disbelievers of the Nebulous Empire, when really, they just don’t want to be the ones to fight and die.”
A soft touch to my arm draws my attention to Tessi, who nods like she agrees.
Viriden highlights three ships inside the mothership floating in the gold holoschem. “I can send these, one to each base.”
“Thank you, sir,” I say.
Viriden looks over at me. “Thank you for saving her and for stopping the Nebs from seeing through our main advantage.
I can’t help but steal a glance at Zorin’s gorgeous mate. She is a fighter. Her scent is addicting, the kind that threatens my composure. I can bury my desire beneath the pain of losing Jezza, for now. But the way she draws me closer and stirs my Shifter, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to forever.
“I believe some of you have families to bring up here. So while you all go collect your pack, I’ll send the ships to collect what I can from the bases, and I’ll coordinate with your command staff. We’ve already discussed this idea. I just needed confirmation from you, Azrim.”
I nod. But I don’t see any point in returning. I have no ship and nothing but the armor and weapons our M-pack keeps on hand. I have never hadstuff. Zorin and Tessi are the ones who must collect Rhysan. Not me. They don’t need me down there.
“See you all back here tomorrow.” Viriden closes the holoschem, making the gold lights in the room wink out, then he turns to his assistant and Onidus and leaves the room, making plans for the additional lifecount aboard their ships.
Carnas peeks inside and walks up to Zorin as I do. “I’m staying.”
Tessi briefly takes his hand. “I will come visit Esrynne as soon as we’re back with Rhysan. Can we bring you anything from Mindor?”
“No, thank you. I have recalled my personal ship. It will dock soon.” Carnas dips his head and walks off toward the infirmary.
“What’s up with him?” I ask.
“Scent-bonded to Esrynne.” Tessi waggles her brows. “Should’ve seen him when he found her. He didn’t know until he picked her up to carry her. Nearly shattered that beast. And I now know what that looks like.”
She slides an arm around Zorin’s waist, and hesitantly looks up at me. “You’re coming with us to get Rhysan, right?”
“Please, brother,” Zorin pulls Tessi close. “I want you with us.”
I sigh and motion for them to lead the way. Tessi and Zorin steal loving looks at one another as we walk the hallways back to the hangars. I am happy for them, but achingly jealous.
Jezza, love. Forgive me for envying them. You were taken too soon. Rhysan needs a mother who will love him. I know Tessi will do a good job.
Tessi hikes up the ramp and waves me onboard.
I am sorry. But I am weak. You are gone. And I am so broken and empty.
“We’re going to need a few upgrades, but Viriden gave us some weapons. Any chance you can outfit us while we head back?” Tessi asks me.
I nod and look over the crates in the back of the ship.
Zorin throws himself into the pilot’s seat while Tessi hangs back with me.
“Azrim.” Tessi closes the ramp.
