Alan

 

“It’s time,” Toran said as he stood with his hip resting against the entrance of Catalina’s quarters, his arms folded across his chest.

My eyes flickered his way briefly. Of course I’d known this day was coming, but I didn’t want to let her go. I swallowed hard at the thought. Without her companionship, I would’ve been lost. But she was a true friend, family. The only family I had left. But how could I be selfish and ask her to stay? I couldn’t. I couldn’t lay that guilty burden on her. She deserved to be happy, to marry, and if she was lucky, have a few kids, a house, and a white picket fence.

With the best smile I could muster and a heavy heart, I said the words that were so very true. “I’ll miss you, Cat.”

She threw her arms around my neck, squeezing me tight. I could feel them tremble and hugged her as tight as I could. I’d tried to distance myself a little these past few days, but she’d never complained. She just put on a happy face, but I knew it was a façade.

“I’ll miss you too.”

It broke my heart when I heard her sniffle. Instinctively, I stroked her hair. What else could I do? I couldn’t ask her to go with me. I didn’t want to leave her all alone on a new planet, and for just a moment, I contemplated going there with her.

She sniffed again and smiled with watery eyes. “I hope you find your sister.” And then I remembered why I had to stay on the ship and look for my sister. If I never found Krista, I could always come back to Curaz. But if I didn’t give it a shot, I’d never forgive myself.

Releasing Cat, I gave her a sad smile and kissed her forehead. She tried to smile back, but it came out more as a smirk. I chuckled low, cupped her face, and wiped her tears with my thumbs. “Thank you for everything.”

She nodded then pushed up from the couch, shot me a half smile, and walked over to Toran. In Catalina fashion, she put on a good show, straightening her shoulders and saying, “I’m ready.” Toran nodded, but before Cat left, she glanced over her shoulder one last time.

“Bye Alan.”

Not able to speak, I wiggled my fingers and watched her walk away. I never thought I’d feel this immense loss when the door slid shut behind them. How many damn people did I have to lose? I jumped to my feet and paced. Unable to control my anger, I reared back and slammed my fist into the wall. “Shit!” My hand hurt. It was a brief distraction, but I knew I’d kill every fucking redheaded monster I could get my hands on for taking everything from me.

I’d lived through their torture, watched helplessly as Catalina was taken away day after damn day for their invasive tests. My sister was still missing and, thinking the worst, the anger boiled over, spilling out into my bloody knuckles as I once again pounded the unforgiving wall, hurting only myself.

Raking my hand through my hair, I yelled, “Agggh!” The past week or so I’d distanced myself from Catalina. I wanted it back. I wanted my time with her back. Was it for the best? Hell yeah, but that didn’t make it any easier.

For just a moment, I wanted to run to the shuttlecraft, beg her to stay. But I couldn’t. It wasn’t fair and I couldn’t do that to her. So I paced. And cursed. And paced some more. No, letting her go was the right thing for her. For her. I couldn’t, wouldn’t be that selfish.

I spent the rest of the day in my quarters, and that night I tossed and turned, wrestled with the covers, and tried to push away the horrible thoughts running rampant in my head. Was Catalina okay on the new planet? What was happening to Krista right now? It went back and forth between the two women. Catalina. Krista. Catalina. Krista.

Red-eyed from lack of sleep, I eventually threw off the covers and climbed out of bed. My mind wouldn’t leave me alone and I needed something, anything, to give my thoughts a rest. Training would be the perfect distraction. There were so many alien races, hostile races. I needed to be in shape. Be able to defend myself.

Each day passed slowly, and Toran always joined me in the training room. I showed him some of the techniques used in martial arts, while he showed me the Curazin fighting techniques.

My shirts fit tighter with my bulging muscles. But my mood was still bad. There was still no sign of Krista, no hint of finding her. Hell, we hadn’t encountered any species yet. I liked Toran, but I felt like my life was headed nowhere. And fast.

Word reached us that Catalina was happy and had found someone of her own. That little bit of news made me smile.

~~~~

One endless day turned into another without the sun to tell me when to sleep, but I got used to it. Until today. Today, everything changed.

I climbed out of bed, slipped on some clothes, and was headed to the dining hall for first meal when I heard and felt a loud explosion. The ship rocked violently, slamming me against the wall. When I regained my balance, I changed direction and ran for the bridge, dodging people or shoving them out of the way.

The door slid open and I strode in, heading over to where Toran sat in the captain’s chair. I scanned the room, my eyes landing on the view screen and the black alien ship with its menacing hard edges. It looked like a deadly star. “What’s going on?”

“Two Tureis ships are firing at an Azziarin vessel. We have a longstanding treaty with them and have decided to join the fray.” Toran flashed a wicked grin. He was enjoying this shit.

When another blast rocked the ship, I grabbed the back of Toran’s chair to hang on.

“Return fire,” Toran ordered.

My heartbeat picked up its pace as I watched the view screen, a little worried about being on a ship in outer space and getting shot at. What if they ripped a hole in the side of the ship? Would we get sucked into space?

The battle lasted only minutes. When the Azziarin’s face filled the screen, I gulped at the sight of the woman standing next to him—the first human I’d seen since saying goodbye to Catalina.

When the Azziarin spoke, I gave him only a quick glance. “Thank you for your help, Commander.” He sounded very formal, standing with the authority and confidence that only a leader would exude.

“You are welcome.” Toran said with the same formality. “I am Toran.”

“I am Zekke, prince of Azziar.”

I desperately wanted to talk to the woman beside him. She was my first hope at finding Krista. I stood stoically, hands laced behind my back, but internally I was hoping, praying, that Toran would somehow find a way to get us over there so we could talk to her.

“As payment for our assistance, an invitation to visit your ship will suffice.”

Knowing the Azziarin wouldn’t be able to hear, I whispered from the corner of my mouth. “Thank you.” This was the first lead we’d had on any humans, and Toran would be just as interested as I was.

Zekke’s eyes stayed glued to mine when he asked, “Will you join my mate and me for refreshments?”

“Accepted,” came Toran’s immediate reply. “We will see you soon.”

When the view screen went blank, I asked, “Is she with him?” She looked very comfortable standing next to Zekke, but he looked like a hard man. Not knowing much about their race, I could only hope it was by choice.

“Yes, I imagine she is. I have heard rumors about Zekke. He is strict military all the way and would never allow a female on his ship unless she was his mate.” Toran pushed up from his chair and cupped my shoulder. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”

A quick nod and the two of us walked briskly down the corridor, heading for the shuttlecraft. The cargo bay doors slid open and we climbed into the seats behind the pilots. I was anxious to talk to her, which made the trip to the other ship feel like forever. So many questions were whirling in my head, and I didn’t know which to ask first. Would Zekke even allow me to talk to her?

The shuttlecraft landed with a soft thud, and when we climbed out, my eyes locked with the woman. Short blonde hair, a confident stance. She wasn’t afraid at all. I was doing a visual inspection, looking for any kind of injuries and must have stared too long as Zekke stepped sideways, blocking most of her from view. His voice was stern, his face hard when he said, “You will show my mate respect.”

All eyes shot to his, and Toran bowed his head. “My apologies if we made your mate uncomfortable.” His eyes slid over Zekke’s shoulder. “We have much to discuss.”

Zekke’s eyes landed on me, the other human in the room, and with a tilt of his head, he said, “I agree.”

The Azziarins escorted us to the meeting room, which held a rectangular table and six chairs. A large window made it feel open, yet private. Refreshments were served as the two groups sat at the table and faced each other.

The woman stared at me as much as I stared at her. I didn’t know if I was allowed to ask questions, but I wanted to. I desperately wanted to. She broke the ice first.

“I’m Ava. I was living near DC when everything happened.”

Silence. Everyone stopped talking. I guess they wanted to hear the two humans talk. It didn’t bother me; I wanted to talk to her and find out everything I could.

“My name is Alan. I’m from Nashville.”

“How did you end up with the Curazins?”

My smile was half-hearted as I thought about the events leading up to this moment. Losing my sister, being held prisoner, and then letting Cat go.

“I might ask you the same question.” My eyes slid briefly to Zekke’s, gauging his reaction.

“I don’t mind.” She smiled. “I’m a sergeant in the army. Only a handful of us made it out alive when the Tureis attacked. I patrolled with my squad each night. The Azziarins showed up to help”—she smiled over at Zekke— “and here I am.”

It sounded so simple. And to think the Azziarins were on Earth to help. Hope flared inside as I asked, “You’re happy?”

“Yes, I am.” She smiled again. “Now it’s your turn.”

I diverted, my eyes touching on everything in the room, buying time as I tried to decide what to say. How much did I want to reveal? “My sister and I retreated to a cabin when the first attacks started. For months, we isolated ourselves. One day we decided to drive into town, see if the Tureis were still there.” I shook my head, still angry for listening to Krista. “It was my fault. I knew better. The Tureis were everywhere.” My hands trembled as I thought about that awful day. The one I’d relived over and over in my head. The one that drove me mad most of the time. “I crashed the car and knew that it was the end of the line for me. I was dead.” I drew in a quick breath. “I woke up on one of the Tureis’s ships and was later rescued by the Curazins. I know the Tureis took my sister. And Toran has agreed to help me search for her.”

Toran spoke up, telling them the things I had purposely left out. Dammit.

“The Tureis had started a new breeding program. There was one other human there, a female. She was held in the same cell as Alan. We think they were trying to impregnate her.”

Zekke’s eyes widened slightly. “Did they?”

“No.” Toran leaned back and crossed his arms.

Zekke leveled his gaze on me and stared in silence. He was a prince in his own right. Power radiated from every pore in his body. He finally spoke. “We have several human females on Azziar whom we rescued from the Tureis. Your sister, what is her name?”

As much as I wanted to believe it was possible, I couldn’t. There was no way he would know my sister. It couldn’t be that easy. But still . . .

“Krista.” I swallowed hard, just thinking about her. “She looks like me. Same hair color, eyes, light skin.”

My heart thumped in my ears as I waited for Zekke to speak. I knew it was damn near impossible, but my hands grew sweaty anyway. Zekke’s intense stare and utter silence made me squirm in my chair. Feeling uncomfortable, I reached up and pulled the collar away from my neck.

“She thinks you’re dead.”

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my lower lip from quivering. With my emotions in check, I raised my chin.

“You know her?”

Zekke shrugged. “If it’s the same Krista. My brother rescued her from the Tureis.”

I released the huge breath, unable to hold it in any longer. It was still a slim chance, probably just someone with the same name, but it was still hope. The only hope I had right now. “Can you take me to her?”

Zekke leaned back in his chair, and with his arms crossed he said, “We’re headed there now. You are welcome to join us.”

“I have a request,” Toran interjected.

Zekke’s head swiveled to him. “I’m listening.”

“Although he is from planet Earth, he cannot tell me its coordinates.”

“You want Earth females?” With his arms folded across his chest, Zekke cocked his head to the side and pursed his lips.

“The Earth female we rescued, Catalina, is living with a male of her choosing on Curaz. She carries his young.”

Zekke smiled, his face transforming to something friendlier. “You have found a compatible species.”

“Yes.” Toran leaned back and grinned. “Do you have the coordinates?”

“Yes. But know that the Tureis are still there, and our fleet is also there to help the Humans fight.”

Toran’s eyes lit up, his grin menacing. “We will also send ships. If the Tureis want a fight, we will give them one.”

Zekke drummed his fingers on the desk. “The planet is located in the Dreama sector. I’ll send the exact coordinates over to your ship.”

“The Dreama sector? I didn’t think any life existed there.”

“Neither did we.”

Both groups pushed up from the table, Toran clasped Zekke’s forearm, saying, “Thank you for the information.”

Zekke’s eyes slid to Ava momentarily. “Thank you for your assistance.”

Ava rounded the table and stepped in front of me. “Do you need to get anything before we leave?”

I opened my palms and shook my head. “I don’t have anything.” Everything I had on the Curazin vessel was either borrowed or not worth the trouble of retrieving, not with the advanced technology of replicators. And to be honest, I was ready to get this trip over with, find out if the Krista Zekke spoke of was really my sister.

Pity flashed in Ava’s eyes before she said, “Okay. I’ll show you where you can stay.”

“Just a minute.” I wasn’t leaving without talking to Toran. Thank him for everything and tell him goodbye. He was a friend I would miss. His guidance, training, the friendship he offered to an alien. I extended my arm. “Thank you for everything.”

We clasped forearms. “You are welcome. Good luck, my friend,” he said. “I hope you find what you are looking for.”

I grinned. “Thank you,” and then I headed back over to Ava. “I’m ready.”

“Okay.” She nodded toward the door. “Let’s go.”

We walked down one corridor and then another. Ava was explaining how things worked, but to be honest, I tuned it out. My mind was consumed with thoughts of Krista, and I wanted to be on Azziar, like yesterday. I still couldn’t fathom the idea that my wait might soon be over.

“Here you go,” she said with a smile.

She stepped back and allowed me first entrance. A standard room, much like my Curazin quarters. Living area, bathing area, sleeping area . . . all the same but with different colors.

I turned with a smile. “Thank you, Ava.”

“You’re welcome. If you need anything just let me know.”

“I will.” But right now, I couldn’t think of anything. I was just . . . overwhelmed.

~~~~~

The time it took to reach the planet crawled by. Keeping busy was the only way not to drive myself mad. Every time I worried about Krista, remembered what happened, I started to pace. Then the anger took over and I’d head to the training room. That worked during the ‘daylight hours,’ which were nonexistent in space.

Nights were the worst; my memories ran wall to wall. Every. Damn. Minute.

Each night, I would see Krista’s face, knowing that the Tureis would rip her from the car and do who knows what with their experiments. But I did know. I’d lived it and so had Cat. My dreams would be of Cat’s torture, but I would always see Krista’s face. That’s when I would reach for the bottle of liquor, hoping to sleep for just a little while.

During my waking hours, I could easily convince myself that Krista was happy with Zekke’s brother. And then I would tell myself that it couldn’t possibly be her. Finding one lone human in space? Damn near impossible.

Ava tried several times to engage me in conversation, and I tried, I really did, but it would come out as yes and no answers.

One day ran into another and I could no longer distinguish how long I’d been here. On this ship. Just one routine after another.

Sitting alone at first meal, I picked at my food. Ava ambled over and slid into the chair in front of me. “In a couple of hours, we will be on Azziar.”

My head whipped up in surprise. Ava was grinning when I asked, “We’re there?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t know we were that close.”

“Yep.” Ava smiled a little wider and then bit her lower lip. “I’m a little nervous.”

I laid down my utensil and huffed. “You shouldn’t be, you have Zekke.”

“Yeah, but I’ll be the alien.”

For the first time, I wanted to laugh. “So will I, but I will apparently be the only man.” My gaze swept the room and after noticing we were really alone, I leaned in and admitted, “I keep telling myself that this woman is not Krista so I won’t be disappointed.”

“I can’t even imagine how hard it’s been for you.” Her obvious concern made me feel like an ass. We were the only humans on this ship and I could have tried to be a little more social. I should’ve tried.

“I’m sorry that I’ve been so distant. You and Zekke have been very accommodating and I really do appreciate it.”

A smile teased her lips. “But?”

I shrugged. “I just can’t stop worrying that this is not Krista. Then what will I do? Live on Azziar for the rest of my life?”

Ava sit back and sighed. “You might like it. And if you don’t, I think they keep sending ships back to Earth. Maybe you can hitch another ride.”

Now there’s a thought. I was pretty sure the cabin would still be standing. At least it would be familiar surroundings. “Maybe.”

She glanced down at my almost-full tray. “Finish eating. I’ll come and get you when we’re ready.”

~~~~

An imposing black castle loomed in the distance. On the outside, I remained stoic, but on the inside, I was a bundle of nerves as we headed toward the massive doors. This would be the defining moment, the answer to the big question. Was this my Krista or not?

I followed behind Ava and Zekke, letting them lead the way. The white marbled walls were smooth to the touch. The smell of something sweet baking, voices talking, female laughter—it was all inviting, but it wasn’t Krista’s voice. Wasn’t her laughter.

A male voice welcomed Zekke home, but I ignored it. I stretched my neck trying to look over Zekke’s shoulder. He was a tall motherfucker, just like the rest of them.

And then I heard her voice, the one I thought I’d never hear again.

“What? I wanted more. These are so good!”

Every suppressed emotion rushed forward. Struck with a paralyzing force, I bent slightly to catch my breath. It was her. I’d found her! When I could breathe again, I stepped around Zekke and got my first look at my beautiful, very pregnant sister.

With a choked voice and glassy eyes, I barely got the word out. “Krista.”

She froze mid-step. Her head shot up and our eyes locked. “Alan!” She dropped the plate of cookies and rushed toward me. When she threw her arms around me, I pulled her close in a bear hug.

“I was so worried about you!” A happy tear slid down my cheek. For so long I’d thought the worst. And now I had her in my arms. Safe and sound.

“I thought you were dead and it was all my fault.” I felt her sob into the bend of my neck before she straightened and wiped the tears from her eyes. “How can you be here? I watched you die.”

Looking down at her lovely face, I tenderly smiled as I swiped a tear from her cheek. “It’s a long story. What about you? What happened?” Taking her hand, I stepped back and glanced down at her belly and exaggerated my face, like what the hell? Krista laughed.

An enormous Azziarin walked up and placed his hand on her shoulder. She smiled lovingly at him and said, “This is Kollin, my mate. He was taken by the Tureis, and when he escaped, he took me with him.”

“Your mate?” I hoped she couldn’t hear the concern in my voice. This Azziarin was huge. By far the biggest male I had laid eyes on.

“Yes, my husband.” She smiled up at Kollin and told him through her happy tears, “My brother’s alive!”

Krista glanced at Zekke. “Glad you’re back, Zekke.” Her eyes then slid to Ava’s. “Welcome to the family.”

“Thanks,” they both said in unison.

“I think we will head up to our rooms. I have a lot of catching up to do with my brother.” Krista grinned at me and then motioned with a nod. “Come on.”

Feeling a little restless, a bit uneasy, my eyes swept the room. Just a quick look, searching for the source of my discomfort. I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, but my instinct told me I was being watched. Reluctantly, I followed Krista out of the dining hall.

The corridors in the castle were beautiful, sterile, with white polished walls, soft light, and intricate designs carved in dark wood crown molding. It looked like wood, but deeper, richer in color. The white walls also set off the dark wooden doors every time we passed by one.

Krista shot me a smile over her shoulder. “This is us.”

When the door swung open, I noticed more of the same. Most furnishings were oversized and made from the same dark wood. Thick curtains covered the windows, rugs lined the floor.

When Kollin shut the door behind us, Krista turned around and gushed, “I just can’t believe you’re here! How is that even possible?”

I dropped down into the chair, leaving the two of them to share the couch. “I don’t know. I woke up on their ship alive and well.”

Krista lowered herself down on the couch as Kollin filled two mugs with alcohol. The Azziarins called it Fire’s Breath; I called it medicine that soothed my troubled soul. When Kollin handed me one, I wrapped both hands around the mug. “Thank you.”

Leaning back in the chair, I crossed one leg over my knee and took a sip from the mug. Kollin took a seat next to Krista. “Now tell me what happened to you.”

One side of her lips curled up. “It’s a long story.”

I wanted to laugh but I smothered it by taking another sip and then saying, “I think I have time.”

When Krista and Kollin smiled at each other, I wanted to smile. She’d found someone to take care of her. But I felt like a third wheel on a two-wheeled motorcycle.

“The Tureis kidnapped me, but before they had a chance to do any of their experiments, my knight in shining armor came to my rescue. I didn’t have a translator and couldn’t understand anything Kollin said.”

Kollin shot her a humor-filled grin. “But I could understand you.”

She swatted his arm. “Don’t remind me,” and then shook her head and murmured, “That was so embarrassing.”

Kollin kissed her forehead. “I found it charming.”

“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes and then flashed Kollin a smile. “We were stranded on another planet, unable to talk to each other, but I fell in love with him anyway.”

Kollin wrapped one arm around Krista, pulling her into his side.

As I watched the happy couple, I drained my mug and offered a tight smile. “I’m glad I found you and that you’re happy.” And I was happy for them. Krista almost glowed when she looked at Kollin. Her beautiful smile, her shining eyes so full of life. Just seeing her like this made everything all right. And that’s all I needed to know. She hadn’t been experimented on and she was happy. She had moved on. All of my worries drained away and for the first time in forever, I thought I could sleep with a peaceful mind. She didn’t need me anymore.

“I am.” She leaned her head against Kollin’s shoulder. “And I am so, so glad you’re alive.”

We chitchatted a little about life on Azziar, about Krista’s other human friends, the way things work. But the later it got, the more tired I became. After yawning a couple of times, my eyes grew heavy.

“I think your brother needs to rest.” Kollin said to my sister and I shot him a thankful look.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Krista slowly stood in the way very pregnant women do. “Let me show you to one of the rooms. It’s part of our assigned rooms while we’re at the castle. Rikker wants us here until the baby comes. He says he can keep a better check on me.”

“How much longer do you have?”

“Maybe two weeks, or a month.”

“You don’t know?”

“It’s mixed and every pregnancy is different.” She opened a door and stood back. “Here you go.”

The room contained a large bed that took up most of the space. Off to one side was a bathing room. Another door on the opposite wall. As I grabbed the knob, I asked, “Where does this door lead?”

“It’s an exit. That way you can come and go as you please.” I jerked it open and glanced up and down the hallway. At least I would have some independence, so that was good.

“Thanks, sis.” I gave her another hug, just wanting to feel her in my arms. “I know it’s early but I’m gonna hit the hay.”

“See you tomorrow. And Alan? I’m so happy you’re here.”

“Thanks. Me too.”

I quietly closed the door behind her, stripped off my clothes, and fell back onto the bed. The relief of finding her alive and happy drained away the adrenaline of worry and left me exhausted.