“LIU, I need you to work with Euouae and keep me updated on Selena’s vitals,” Kaede ordered. “Work with EYN on formatting a nutritional drink for her to be ready when she wakes. I won’t allow her to be neglected under my watch, especially after everything she’s been through.”
“Yes, Captain.”
“Affirmative.”
The galley doors opened, revealing Selena’s whole team of ambassadors surrounding the gathering table. The room fell silent as each halted what they were doing and stared at him worriedly.
Glancing down, he checked to make sure he was fully clothed this time, knowing he had left his room in a rush. When he didn’t see anything amiss, he shook his head and studied the guests.
“What’s the matter?”
As soon as his eyes landed on the lone female, Tori, her eyes widened. Her lavender-eyed emerald mate, Luwyn, wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her body against his. Her Cosmic Soul, Celyze, leaned closer to his mate, glancing at their clan’s leader, Auro, who studied him with pursed lips.
It was as if they were protecting her from him.
Growling, he glared at the Ezzaska and pointed to the Swynemi clan. “Why do they fear me?”
The crimson male tightened his coils and straightened to appear taller as he faced Kaede, blocking the others from his view. Crossing his arms, Zyxel scanned Kaede’s body while avoiding his gaze.
“You are an alpha,” he explained matter-of-factly. “They are protecting what’s theirs.”
“The only soul I am interested in is sleeping in my bed at this very moment,” Kaede clipped, fists shaking. “There is no other, and there never will be. They have nothing to fear.”
“I have warned them about your genetics and potential instincts,” Zyxel explained. “They had the right to know that you may not be able to control yourself and may seek another female to sate your mating lust. Since she was the only other female on the vessel, I decided to let her whole clan know.”
“I am not a monster,” Kaede growled, stepping closer to the crimson male. Their height difference didn’t scare him after working for Z all this time. The Ezzaska doctor didn’t have the confidence nor the aggressive demeanor of his boss. “If I could deal with my mating heat, then I have enough control to know whom I mate with and when. I didn’t fight this hard to finally get the female of my dreams, the one whom the Stars themselves have given to me, only to throw my newly formed connection with her away for the next female I come across.
“I understand that you want to protect Tori from threats you might anticipate if I were fully Ezzaska, but I am not. You already addressed this with me, and I told you that my eyes were only on Selena. Now I repeat: No soul could compare to Selena’s brilliance.”
“You haven’t told us why you are here alone. We haven’t seen Selena since that morning you both appeared with marks on your necks.” His fiery eyes lingered and narrowed at the juncture of Kaede’s neck. “It appears that you are sporting a fresh wound.”
“Indeed,” Kaede hissed. “And I will sport it proudly.”
“We wonder where Selena’s been,” the dagger-wielding twin commented as he stepped beside Zyxel with arms crossed. “We worry about her health and wellbeing.”
“She lives,” Kaede snorted, rolling his eyes at their concern. “She’s well taken care of in the comforts of my room. It’s insulting that you are insinuating I harmed the very female I have traveled across galaxies to rescue from the likes of your brother. She is free to do as she pleases, and currently, she desires to sleep.”
“Would you allow me to check on her?” Tori asked, her voice meek compared to her usual loud, cheery tone. “I’ve been worried about her, and I miss the chats that we had up until—”
“Absolutely not,” Kaede snapped. “I will not tolerate any visitors within my private access hall. If she feels social, she can come to the galley. I haven’t bound her to the bed or denied her anything.”
“How do we know this?” Luwyn spat. “This is your vessel. You are capable of anything against anyone’s will.”
When he waved his hand, the display on the gathering table came alive, projecting a live feed of Selena in the condition he had left her a few moments ago.
“Do you see anything amiss?” Kaede challenged the room. “Does she appear abused? Trapped?”
Silence met him.
“REI, can you request that Euouae appear before us and confirm the truth in my words?” Kaede asked aloud for all to hear. “Tell him it will only require a few moments of his time.”
A golden, ethereal, robed male shimmered into view beside him. Smiling, he bowed his head.
“Your Oetsae stated you requested my assistance regarding my host,” he said, surveying the room. “How may I aid you?”
“Can you please let the room know that Selena is well and not trapped within my room?” Crossing his arms, Kaede jerked his head toward Zyxel. “It seems the doctor made them believe that I’ve been ravishing Selena all this time and that I’m only here to find my next target. The true reason I am here is to get a quick meal before I head for the bridge.”
“My host is not trapped,” Euouae confirmed, eyeing the others. “While my host has copulated many times over the past few days, her body is receiving the treatment it needs. I’ve been regulating her vitals and reporting any nutritional needs she may not be meeting. It has been quite an experience—”
“That’s enough.” Kaede waved off the golden Oetsae. “They don’t need to know the fine details. Only that you’re taking care of your host, and she is free to do whatever she wants.”
“Correct.” Euouae nodded at the group. “Currently, my host is resting.”
“Thank you, Euouae. You may leave.”
“I’m glad to be of service.” Smiling, he bowed his head once more before disappearing.
“Thank you, REI.”
He felt a gentle caress from his
