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Planet Gikaet
Northern Base, Aluna
King Xeus’s Satellite Office
A day or two after Quin’s daring rescue.
For the thousandth time, Xeus replayed the sec vid Supreme Commander Xan had communicated to him. Xan finding his Dar Eth had pleased Xeus, but that initial surge of joy had dwindled to despair. And judging by the skills his female demonstrated, Xan was a blessed male. She had extensive military training, yet despite all her talents, she appeared soft and feminine.
Alodon’s balls. Her hair was the color of molten gold. The various colorings of these human women intrigued Xeus, and he had yet to see duplicated physical features. The pairings were happening rapidly, the more his males encountered human women. And when she’d fired the kill shot, ending the life of Prince Yada—the arrogant fool—anger had vibrated through Xeus. It still did.
He knew feeling anything was dangerous now, yet the anger still rose within him, strong, overwhelming. He had no right to feel anything this potent. Lady Quinlan had killed to survive, and her lack of remorse was clear in the words she’d spoken to the Durn. Xeus could recall them with perfect clarity.
“Illan, they would’ve tossed us into their arena and laughed as we died horrifically, so no, I don’t regret killing them.”
She was correct. The Yithians would have done so. Xeus scowled in response to his unreasonable anger. Nothing he said or did at the GC had made any difference. The Yithians continued to endanger humans. That Lady Quinlan had been placed in this situation lay on his shoulders. Perhaps he should direct his fury at the Yithians? The temptation was great.
He replayed the sec vid, more as a distraction from his depressing thoughts, opting instead to study the other two women with Xan’s Quinlan. They were dirty, their hair hung around them, their faces smeared with grime, yet their bright smiles were glorious. The vid had captured their energy and their ability to remain calm yet cheerful was truly a marvel.
Their shapes were different too and not in an unacceptable manner. One was lithe with light hair, the other was shorter with amazing curves and wild, dark hair. How Quin tasked them revealed aspects of their personalities. The one who ushered the prisoners to safety was adept at organizing, sorting, and commanding. And the woman accompanying Lady Quin was softer, more light-hearted with moments of steely determination.
She had an incredible voice too, husky, alluring, and she often spoke in birdsong. It was strange yet pleasing. Lady Macera Mitchell was her name. Her sense of humor had made Xeus’s lips twitch—it was something he appreciated. She’d been delighted when Etterians had rescued them, whispering ‘gorgeous aliens’ to Lady Quin, implying she found his males attractive. She’d make a wonderful Dar Eth to one of his warriors.
That the Yithian Prince Yada had died at the hands of a human woman jeopardized the well-being of Earth. Xeus wasn’t concerned should Etteria go to war, they’d bred for it. And now with Gika’s alliance, were more than prepared for it. His greatest concern was the possible destruction of Earth, more specifically their women. And in his opinion, the cost of war for the prevention of Etteria’s extinction was acceptable.
King Urio of Yithia had drawn forth further anger within Xeus when he kidnapped Enyl with the intention to kill. A son for a son. It confirmed that war was inevitable. The anger that had coursed through Xeus at Urio’s audacity still hovered under the surface. He had felt out of control, his vision stained with red.
Then there were the Durns.
Their presence pleased Xeus. As an endangered species, any sighting or interaction with them was a rarity. Xan would escort the Durn blood-bonds to Etteria where they would remain, protected. They weren’t Etterian prisoners and may have other plans. Xeus would share the Etterian archives on the Durn culture in the hopes that they’d accept his protection.
They were a remarkable race, one that needed cherishing since the annihilation of their planet and culture. None knew how their end had come about, though the buzz suggested the disease may have been at their own hands. It didn’t matter. They were welcome to make Etteria their new homeworld.
Cales had already commanded more battleships to protect Earth. Xeus took the opportunity to send communications to his allies on the Global Council including Citus in the requests. He had to notify his fellow councilmen of their salvation, issues, needs, and the possible outcome of Etteria’s struggles with Yithia.
Xeus returned to his chambers to request another set of Gika-proof armor, hoping to join the war room discussions with Remi. From there, he would launch the first strike. He prayed to the Maker that his restlessness would still long enough for him to decide wisely.
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