She nods, and Jozet helps me up onto the mishua. I still have one precious scale tucked beneath my pillow. It’s a gorgeous silvery blue that reminds me of the sun shining on those scales while he napped on the top of his mountain.
The next couple of hours pass quickly, all of us lost in our own thoughts. Since we left so early and our chat with Khax wasn’t exactly lengthy, we arrive back at camp by midafternoon.
Nevada is waiting for us when we slide off the mishua. “Rakiz is in a meeting with Dexar and some of the other tribe kings. We’ve had some…news.”
From the sick look on her face, I’m guessing that this isn’t good news.
Vivian frowns. “What happened?”
“They’re here. Our scouts spotted them near the Seinex Forest. They’re guarding their ship, but the rest of them seem to be spreading out and hunting. For us.”
Oh God. I wipe my sweaty hands on my pants. “How the hell did they land without anyone noticing?”
Nevada shrugs. “Dead of the night. One of Dexar’s sentries noticed some strange lights and reported it. When Dexar sent scouts back to the area…”
“What?”
“The aliens attacked. They killed two of the scouts. One of them was wounded but managed to get back to camp and warn Dexar.”
I stare at her. “They know that we know they’re here.”
Nevada nods, and for the first time, she looks exhausted.
Vivian steps closer and rubs her arm. “Why don’t you get some rest?”
Nevada shakes her head. “There’s something else. Alexis and Beth have both been putting off their mating ceremonies. They wanted to wait until we were all together.” Guilt hits me. If I didn’t know about this threat, would I have even left Dragix? I tune back in as Nevada continues, “As qatai and qatal, Alexis and Dexar should have a huge ceremony at their camp, but with this threat…”
I frown, not understanding. It’s Vivian that seems to get it.
“They want to be mated in case Dexar goes down.” Her voice is hollow.
Nevada nods, running a hand through her hair. She looks worn out, and I’m sure if Rakiz could see her right now, he’d be ordering her to rest.
Of course, she’d likely tell him exactly what he could do with that order. If there’s one thing I’ve learned watching Nevada and Rakiz, it’s that both of them are quick-tempered. But they’re also quick to make up—constantly dragging each other into dark corners and stealing private moments whenever they can.
I had that—briefly—with Dragix. We had that passion, that…need.
“Charlie?”
“Sorry. I blanked. What difference will it make if Dexar…falls?”
Nevada sighs. “Alexis will be able to rule their tribe without him. At least in the short term. God, I can’t believe we’re even talking about this. What a shitshow.”
Vivian sighs. “A shitshow is right. When is the ceremony?”
“Today. They thought it best to get it done. And then we plan for war.”
I shiver as we follow Nevada to the kradi that Alexis has been using with Dexar while she is here. She looks pale, but her eyes are hard and determined. Ivy, Beth, and Zoey are here, and from the looks on their faces, they haven’t managed to cheer her up.
“How are you doing?” I ask, and she gives me a tiny smile.
“I’m fine. It’s just…Dexar was so looking forward to this, to doing it properly in front of our tribe. He says we’ll have another ceremony, but it’s not the same. It shouldn’t be like this,” she finishes in a whisper.
I don’t know what to say. She’s right. It shouldn’t be like this.
Beth steps closer and kneels at her feet. “Do you love him?”
“Of course.”
“Then this is just a chance to show off that love to your family and friends. Don’t let them steal this from you. Don’t let them make it ugly.”
A tear falls from Alexis’s eye, and she wipes it away. “How’d you get so wise?”
Beth grins, and we all turn as Ellie walks in. Her bump seems larger today, and if she were on Earth, I’d say she was five or six months along. But that math sure doesn’t work.
She smiles as she sees me looking. “Braxian babies are big,” she says. “Moni says they also usually come earlier than our babies.”
“Are you feeling okay?”
“Now that I’m not throwing up everything I eat, I feel great. I just can’t wait to meet this little guy or girl.” She glances at Alexis. “How do you feel about a sunset ceremony?”
Alexis smiles, and this time most of the sadness is gone. “That sounds lovely. Tell my bossy Braxian that he’s not allowed to see me before the ceremony. Some traditions are still sacred.”
We all laugh, and for the next few hours, we talk about everything but the aliens who have just landed on Agron.
Chapter Fifteen
Charlie
Alexis looks incredible. Her long blonde hair has been swept up into an elegant updo, and her dress is an icy blue that perfectly matches her eyes.
Vivian did her makeup, which is apparently a tradition for mating ceremonies around here, and her lips are stained a deep cherry red while her eyes have been lightly lined with kohl.
On her head sits a crown, the shiny jewels glinting like they’re on fire in the sun.
She’s standing next to Dexar, and they only have eyes for each other as they speak the formal words that will cement their mating.
My chest is so tight it aches.
One of Dexar’s warriors steps forward, and I fan my face. For some reason, a fire has been lit, and while the sun is setting, the temperature is still warm.
I frown as the warrior lifts Alexis into his arms and walks to the fire. I tense, and Nevada puts her hand on my arm.
“Shh,” she murmurs. “Watch.” She slides her hand down to her stomach, and my eyes widen as I realize she’s also pregnant.
These Braxian warriors waste no time.
I return my
