Page 54 of Mated to the Vikings

“Very much so. His ship had a specific mission, leaving prior to ours. Two weeks in, there was a distress call. To have five of our finest battleships going to rescue a single ship was unheard of. Leaving our galaxy was also strange, but as I mentioned, I was given no details, simply orders to follow.” Brexin’s face was pensive.

“What aren’t you telling me?”

He exhaled. “Just a thought.”

“And?”

“If our DNA was spliced with that of humans and if we are carriers, what would happen to the humans?”

A cold chill shifted down my spine. “There could be a possibility that if the disease was dormant, it would become active again. It’s also possible that humans would be susceptible to the disease.”

“That’s what I thought. With any large numbers carrying the disease, they could possibly annihilate all of us in a short period of time.”

“Then we can’t allow that to happen.” I clenched my fist, every muscle in my body tensing. What had Dr. Forrester and his scientists created?

The door was opened, Klar walking in, Dak following closely behind. He stood with his hand on his weapon, studying both of us before speaking. Dressed in more formal attire, his clothing regal in design. “It is time for the celebration. Have you initiated contact with the others?”

“Yes, sir. They will be ready as necessary.” Brexin stood at full attention, but I could still see a tic in the corner of his mouth. He was as terrified as I was.

My gut told me we were on borrowed time.

“Excellent. Cassia will be brought to the main hall in ten minutes. You both are required to be there.” Klar’s eyes shifted over both of us once again, his expression one of distrust. There was a slight hesitation, as if he was prepared to pounce. Then he turned and abruptly left.

Dak lingered a few seconds longer, eyes full of anger staring at me. I was prepared to challenge him when he finally left.

“Whew. Very tense,” Brexin breathed.

“I ask again, what is Steen hiding?” Huffing, I shook my head.

“I don’t like what’s going on, Erik, any more than you do. It seems that Cassia is being used as a bargaining chip of some kind, but there is no way to know for certain. Trust me when I say that Steen is very cautious. He has his reasons. From what I can tell, she is far too… important. That will keep her life in danger.”

“Nothing I didn’t suspect, which means we have no choice, my friend. We must find answers and you will help me.” I glanced in Brexin’s direction, able to see the same adoration in his eyes as I had for the luscious creature. He cared for her deeply, perhaps too much so.

“If you’re wrong, Erik, we will be court-martialed.” Brexin’s words were haunted.

“If I’m right, there stands a very good chance we won’t survive.”

The clock was ticking. The time for reservations gone.

* * *

The great hall was also a location I’d never been in, the beautiful space filled with ornate decorations including colorful tapestry. A feast fit for a king had been prepared, tables full of food and drink. Everyone was in an excellent mood, laughing and talking as if this was indeed a special occasion. Steen was already holding court, a small stage allowing for three chairs. Steen sat in one, Klar in another, and the third was left unoccupied for now. Much smaller and less grandiose in design, the gilded piece sat several feet back from the other two. I hadn’t learned the hierarchy and wasn’t entirely certain I wanted to learn.

“The king,” Brexin commented, discontent in his voice.

“And the third chair?”

He smiled, tipping his head. “His mate.”

“And he’s taking another one?” I was incensed.

“Once mated, we are no longer allowed to touch another. They have been together since our arrival. He and Klar were the first to take one of our females as their own, along with the other selected males. All determined by Steen. The ceremony has only happened twice since then.”

A long breath escaped my mouth. “Then he will not be taking Cassia.”

“He would be punished by our own laws for attempting to do so. I thought you knew that since you seem to know so much about our customs.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “The brooding Viking was worried about the competition.”

“That’s absurd.”