“I did it because she’s ours,” Kit growls. “I smelled it on her when she was walking out of the mess hall. She smells right, Captain Aelon. She’s our Fated Mate – I know it in my soul.”
“So, you tried to take her by force?”
Kit’s eyes narrow. “Yes.”
He takes a deep breath.
“We left the Empire for a reason, Captain Aelon. Fuck their oppressive laws that restrain us! We’re men. We’re Aurelians! We take what is ours – and she belongs to us!”
There’s a rumble of agreement from some of my crew watching this scene unfold – but they’re quickly shut down by the others.
Not all Aurelians are happy with the direction the Aurelian Empire has been heading in. Some of our kind yearn for the old days – during which Aurelian triads swept the universe and grabbed up human women wherever they found them; forcing them to join their harems.
There are some within my very own crew who’d turn Rogue if the reward was good enough.
My entire crew is watching me. Everyone heard the news and gathered to see what I’d do.
It’s one of my most trusted triads standing before me. This moment will define the rest of my captaincy – and make or break the loyalty and resolve of my crew.
I understand Kit, too – even though I hate what he’s guilty of. I’ve nearly lost control with Tasha myself – back when I was spanking her, and afterward in my bedchamber. Every time I’m with her, I’ve felt the same mating frenzy threaten to overwhelm me – just as it must have overwhelmed Kit and his triad. I was only lucky because Tasha seemed as into it as me – and, if she hadn’t been, we’d been spared from crossing that line by the frantic pounding on my door.
I respect this man for our past.
I sympathize with what he did.
But I can’t stand for it.
Vinicus and Iunia stand behind me. They’re cold shadows that will do whatever I say, no questions asked.
I stare at Kit, and I growl: “We do not rape.”
Kit snorts.
“You stay that with your cock till at half-mast, Captain. You’re the one who forbid women on this ship – yet you take your woman back to your chambers the moment she’s got all squirmy and wet in front of us all. You’ll take her all for yourself, but don’t let us taste the other one?” Kit scoffs at me. “You’re a hypocrite, Captain! That human wench has made you soft!”
His words hurt. A man who I respected is calling me out in front of my entire crew.
However, I let him speak.
“She’s a fucking criminal, Aelon,” Kit roars. “You’re putting a target on all of our backs by sheltering her.” He shakes his head. “I mean, you were never one for half measures – so why not now? By your actions, we’re all Rogue now – so if you’re willing to ignore one set of the Empire’s rules, why not all of them?”
My crew is whispering to one another, dissenting voices rising and falling amid the crowd.
I narrow my eyes. Mutiny is always on the table with a crew of men like this. None of them rejoined the Aurelian Army after they’d served their allotted hundred years of service – because none of them likes rules or laws.
Anton, the second in Kit’s triad, tries to get to his feet. He jumps up in a display of athleticism, not needing his hands to stand. “If we’re going to be Rogue Aurelians for the sake of protecting your wench, then why not be truly Rogue? Women are meant for the taking, Aelon – so let’s take!”
The murmurs from the crowd are getting louder. I hold up my hands until they calm.
“Kit,” I say coldly, “your triad is found guilty of attempted rape. The sentence is death.”
The crowd suddenly falls silent. Dead silent.
No word is said. Every man in my crew holds his breath.
Kit opens his mouth, then closes it. He wasn’t expecting this.
After a stunned moment, his eyes narrow. His voice is a whisper as he sneers:
“We’ve fought together for four-hundred years, Aelon. I saved your life, remember? You’d throw that all away? For a girl?”
My voice is like ice: “The sentence is passed.”
There’s no fear in Kit’s eyes.
“Then, I’ll die standing – facing you. Will you have the courage to do it yourself? Or will you hide behind your triad?”
“I’ll do it myself. I owe you that.”
Kit takes a deep breath, filling his lungs with air. He exhales slowly, cherishing the feeling of being alive. The Aurelian then turns to stare out at the crowd in front of me.
“See your leader,” he says coldly. “A man who’d choose a human woman over his own brothers. This is who you follow.”
Then he closes his mouth, finished. Kit turns back to me, and there’s no hesitation in meeting my gaze.
His triad is as brave as him. Gaul jumps to his feet, standing behind his battle-brother. Gaul and Anton don’t speak. They just stand there, looking at me with hatred.
Kit continues to meet my gaze. His eyes burn against mine.
There’s no hate in them – but nor is there fear. I’ve looked into those eyes many, many times. Kit saved my life more than just that one time, with the Scorp Queen. In fact, he’s saved my life more times than I can count. He’s been among my most loyal men – leading one of the most valuable and trusted triads of warriors under my command.
I draw my Orb-Blade and activate it with a thought.
The beam of energy and violence ignites, shimmering into life with a deadly hum.
The sword vibrates in my hand, as if it’s speaking to me – calling to me. That’s what Orb-Weapons are like. I know it’s ridiculous to imagine it – because they’re objects, not creatures – but I often feel
