Thank you, WarDog says with a happy chuff and perks his ears forward to hear Willa while his tail is thumping in a frenzy of delight and anticipation.
“What things did you promise yourself, Love?”
“That making you and a certain furry someone happy is the most important thing in my life. That if I were lucky enough to have you come back to me I’d never let a day go by where I didn’t show you how much I love you both.” WarDog’s tail is wagging so hard his back end is doing a happy dance. I can’t help but smile at his exuberance and joy.
She sees my smile and presses her palm to my cheek. I turn my head to kiss her hand. Then her fingers lodge in the pelt at my shoulders. She loves to pet me there.
“It was selfish of me to stay on Fairea and fight Khour, Willa. I know it terrified you. I—”
“I understand, Bayne. I do. Even though I was terrified I was going to lose you, I’m also proud of you for holding fast to your convictions. You succeeded in ridding the universe of one of its most ruthless and dangerous males.
“He wouldn’t stop. He continued to threaten our lives and take away the freedom we’ve all fought so hard to achieve. When everyone else was ready to admit defeat, you and WarDog persisted and won. I couldn't be prouder of you both.”
My chest expands in pride as WarDog and I bask in our mate’s praise.
“All that’s behind us now. We can both just look ahead. You said you’d be my mate. Do you still mean it?”
“Yes.” She snuggles closer and kisses me. It’s a chaste kiss, but it promises so much more.
Willa
Even though Bayne was at death’s door yesterday, miraculously he’s fine now. He tells me it’s his shifter nature that allows him to heal quickly. Wow, it would be amazing to be able to do that.
He pulls me onto his lap as we wait for the meeting to begin. I have no complaints. Besides, it’s standing room only in here. Between the inhabitants of both ships, the women from the dorm, and seven of the eight males who had been locked in that horrible underground dungeon, we’ve got a full house. Even though most are still too weak to be up for more than a few hours, all of them wanted to be here.
“Thank you all for coming,” Zar says, a clutch of handwritten notes in his hand. “A few announcements first, some recreation I think you all will enjoy, then we have serious business to discuss.
“First I want to thank all the males of both ships who risked their lives on the mission yesterday. What a great success that all of Khour’s males at the compound were eliminated and we were able to rescue the males and females who are with us today.
“The evil Daneur Khour, the male responsible for the capture, pain, and torture of almost everyone here and thousands more across the universe, died a death he deserved.”
“Good wishes and profound thanks to Bayne, our very own WarDog, who killed the dracker with his own hands—and teeth—and escaped death.”
The noise of cheers, clapping, and stomping feet erupts in the room. Every male in the room stands, faces Bayne, nods, and thumps his chest with his fist in the gladiator show of respect. Bayne’s humble nod of acceptance has my eyes filling with tears of pride.
When everyone settles down, Zar continues, “Many of you have asked about Wrage who was injured in the attack on Fairea. In case anyone failed to notice, he’s recovering well and is with us today.”
He nods toward the Wryth’N male who looks to be in great health when he stands and, just to show how strong he is, lifts his mate Elyse, who squeals in surprise. Although the group bursts with laughter, by the look on Elyse’s face, he’s going to get reamed out for that little stunt when they return to the cabin they share.
“Regarding So’Lan, the Ton’Arran we rescued from the dungeon, Dr. Drayke says the male is still in . . .” Zar shuffles through his notes, “critical condition. For those of you who have a relationship with your Gods, I’m sure the male would welcome your prayers.”
The room grows silent for a moment. Every one of us has heard of the deplorable conditions in which he and all those males were held. It’s brutally obvious looking at the emaciated, injured, and sickly males scattered throughout the room. The women we rescued look to be in better physical condition, but their hollow eyes suggest there’s more to the story.
I can hardly fathom what they all have been through. I know many in this room can relate to the abuse they’ve endured. I imagine I’m not the only one thinking, ‘there but for the grace of God go I’. We’re all so lucky to be free. And now liberated from the MarZan cartel that has been pursuing us and preventing us from feeling the true peace of freedom.
“I thought we’d all enjoy a bit of entertainment. I believe there isn’t a soul in the room who wasn’t abused or terrorized by Daneur Khour and the MarZan cartel. We pulled the vid feed from the mansion.
“Anya told me to warn you . . .” After consulting his notes, he says, “This is R-rated and those of you with . . .” he shuffles again, “weak stomachs may want to close your eyes or step out of the room. That’s because we’re going to watch what Bayne and
