“She’s got us there.” Qhasheik, laughed with his fists on his trim hips. “You know if we don’t let her go, she’ll crash our party anyway. She gets my final vote to go. At least we can keep an eye on her. Later we’ll figure out what to do with her little friend.”
“All right. While you’re at it, Jelena, find out his name. Can’t go around calling him ‘hey you’ all the time.” Katsuki turned sharply and went back into the spaceship.
Jelena got caught in Abiditan’s penetrating glare. “Bring him inside, and we’ll lock him in one of the unused crew’s quarters. Then you can go and grab your personal stuff. But be back here within a click. If you’re not here by the time we’re ready to go, we’ll leave without you.” His no-nonsense tone didn’t leave room for argument.
Yes! She fist-bumped the air at their retreating backs. Heart racing, she turned to the dark-haired man. “Come on, you. Let’s go to your new home.”
She gripped his upper arm and led him up the steps to the inside of the spaceship. Katsuki was right. She had to find out his name. She frowned. Drinking his blood should’ve given her clear access to his recent memories, but it didn’t. Dear Goddess of Love. Hopefully, this wouldn’t come back and bite her in the ass.
Chapter Three
~Zamush~
What have you gotten yourself into, brother?
Zamush winced at his elder brother’s calm tone. Anyone else would think Raiden wasn’t upset. But he knew better. Whenever the man used that silky voice, someone got hurt. Raiden normally directed that tone at one of their younger brothers when they did or said something stupid. He resented having the tone aimed at him.
While Jelena argued with the others about the merits of bringing him with them, he’d contacted Raiden telepathically to give him an update. One of Julienne’s sisters, who apparently lives here at Azadi, has kidnapped me. Why do you suppose our new friends never told us about her? Especially since she’s like me and drinks blood. Zamush broadcasted along their mental pathway.
Is that so? How interesting. Maybe that’s why Damuzi kept staring at you.
Zamush opened his recent memories for his brother to access. His brother wriggling through his mind made him nauseous. As Raiden exited, he left behind a soothing trail to lessen the queasy feeling he caused. It appears the people you’re with already know what Michael told us about a vision he had with our father.
Father is awake?
No. But he’s somehow gathered enough strength to communicate with Michael in a vision. He not only confirmed this rebellion on Akurn from the group called the WOTA, but also stressed we had to rescue their leader, Sychar. The man is one of our mother’s half-brothers, by the name of Amil-Shamash. It appears he is the only survivor of the targeted genocide Murduk ordered on all of King Du-Uru’s male offspring.
Did Father mention why it was so important for us to focus on Sychar?
He did not. But if our father felt it was important, I believe it is something we should adhere to. However, I would advise against allowing yourself to become bait. A tinge of amusement crept into Raiden’s tone. Wait, there’s something you’re not allowing me to see. What is it?
Nothing you need to worry about. To redirect Raiden, Zamush changed the subject. This motley crew has a way to get to Akurn before it reaches transportation range. I considered turning them in to the co-rulers of Azadi, but now I think we should take advantage of this opportunity. I doubt we’ll get a better chance of doing what Father wants us to, so I will join them.
Agreed. I trust you will not put yourself in unnecessary danger. And with you so far away, I cannot assist you.
Don’t worry. I can handle this group on my own. This sister, Jelena, thinks she has me enthralled. She doesn’t. I’ve never lost control. Zamush swallowed the partial lie. His brother didn’t need to know how he reacted when Jelena suckled his neck. A physical and emotional bond tightened between him and the captivating Jelena. His eyes unfocused. My biggest concern is we’ve never tested our telepathic abilities so far away. Do you think that’ll be a problem?
If it is, I’m sure there is some technology either from Azadi or FarDeep Base the Akurns use. I’ll search on this end while you discover the capabilities your new companions have.
Zamush grunted. While you’re at it, find out what you can about this sister Jelena. All I know is her first name. He chuckled. It’s not like we’ve been formally introduced. Not that he’d admit he couldn’t psychically read her. All he needed was one bite, and she’d be an open book for him.
I gather you were unable to reciprocate by drawing her blood.
Not yet.
He lowered his head and watched the alluring woman convince her friends to take him with them to Akurn.
But soon.
~Jelena~
After entering the spaceship, Jelena glanced at her prisoner. Satisfied he followed, she led him to one of the nearest unused crew quarters. His clear gaze as they walked through the corridor replaced that unfocused look. The man’s huge bulk remained relaxed, but his eyes moved back and forth as if he was taking in his surroundings. She frowned. He should be under enthrallment for at least another click. Maybe she’d better increase her persuasion and have him sleep for a while. That way, she wouldn’t have to worry about him when she left to get some clothes for the journey.
Think we should leave him by himself? BoD queried. Need me to stay behind?
Jelena considered BoD’s suggestion and glanced around the small room she planned to put him in. She shook her head. I don’t think that’s necessary. Besides, you’ll have to double-check and make sure I leave nothing important behind.
The spaceship Nergal boasted an entire floor of comfortable rooms the past crew must have used. It puzzled her why this ship had been the only one left intact. Other than a bit of neglect, everything was in working order and needed only minor adjustments.