Dark Empire Book Three: Secret War Chapter Three, Scene Five

 

Kila's not-so-happy homecoming

* * * *

* * * *

 

Alpha SpaceStation

 

Kila stepped in hisquarters and immediately felt a weight lift at the sight of Hope and Pirasstanding in the greeting room, safe and sound.

Because he was aNobek and a warrior, he hung back as Hope flew into their demonstrativeImdiko’s arms. Lokmi’s kisses covered Hope’s face, and she returned the favor.The weeks apart had been as difficult on their Matara as it had been on them.Kila wouldn’t have allowed her to be on his spyship during the trip to Bi’isfor anything, but he’d mourned their separation just the same.

As Imdiko and Mataracarried on, Kila’s gaze met Piras’. They stepped close and hugged.

“I’m glad you’re allright,” his clan leader sighed.

“I’m doubly so overyou and Hope. I heard there have been protests on Kalquor since you’ve beenouted as commanding the station’s defenses.” Kila stepped back and looked atthe smaller man.

It was easy to worryabout Piras, almost as much as he did for Hope. It barely mattered the Dramokhad been known as the “Terror of the Fleet” even before he became so hated. Thewily bastard had cheated death more than his fair share because he was thatdamned smart and that damned resilient.

Kila didn’t care howtough he knew Piras to be. He was still Kila’s Dramok, and therefore, hisresponsibility to keep safe.

Piras had a delicatebuild compared to many Kalquorians. His elegant features, except for anoverlarge jaw, gave him a fragile aspect when he wasn’t shouting at hisunderlings in a towering rage. Kila’s gut churned to think of those who wantedPiras’ blood.

His Dramok’sdismissive wave failed to ease his worries. “No one here has gotten in my faceyet. I received a couple of threatening coms, but they were traced and thecallers hauled in for questioning. One was on a colony at the other end of theempire, hardly an immediate danger.”

“It’s those who’dsneak up quietly I worry about.”

Hope and Lokmi hadfinally finished their reunion. The dark-haired woman who was the heart of theclan imperiously shoved between Kila and Piras to greet her Nobek.

“Ease up, big guy.Piras was well protected while you were gone, though it wasn’t needed. No onetried to approach him.”

Her lips were softon Kila’s, waking certain parts that had missed her special warmth. For asecond, he considered delaying his concerns in favor of picking her up andtaking her to the sleeping room. Then again, laying her on the rug there in thegreeting room would be just as good. Or bending her over the back of thelounger…

He regained controlover himself as the kiss ended. “Who kept an eye on our fearless Dramok? I’dlike a word, in case it’s necessary to tap him again.”

“It won’t be. He’sgone, and he isn’t returning.” Piras turned from Lokmi, whom he’d greeted inturn. “We’ve brought in a few more spies to operate locally here. A newbodyguard took over a couple of days ago when Lidon left.”

Kila froze. Lidon?Piras’ ex, the Nobek he’d courted to be his clanmate for fifteen years beforeAdmiral Tranis showed up? The Nobek Piras had still been stuck on when Kila hadcome on the scene?

“What the fuck washe doing, guarding you? He doesn’t live here…he’s all the fuck away onKalquor…why wasn’t I told you brought him in?” Kila’s shout made Hope cover herears, but he couldn’t rein it in.

A deadly calmsettled over Piras, and a small part of Kila’s mind registered how it wasusually Piras who yelled and Kila who countered problems with quietcalculation. Not this time. He was shaking and searching for something to throwand break.

“I had nothing to doas far as bringing him in, my Nobek. Tranis sent him. We were shorthanded herewhere spies were concerned—”

“Tranis couldn’tsend another bodyguard? Yes, he sure as shit could have. It didn’t have to be Lidon.”

“I agree, but he wasalready on his way when I found out. I couldn’t have—”

“Yes, you couldhave. You should have sent him packing the second you saw him. You’re equalrank to Tranis.”

“The order wascountersigned by Hobato. I wasn’t given a choice.”

“How convenient,”Kila seethed.

Piras’ temper was atlast kindled. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” he yelled, taking astep toward Kila, his fists clenched.

Lokmi grabbed him.“Enough, both of you. Settle down.”

Though hisdesignation was Imdiko, Lokmi had a generous helping of Dramok as well. It camethrough in his voice, the natural command that made everyone, including Piras,pause. For an instant, silence held.

It didn’t quiet thestorm in Kila’s head. Lidon had been Piras’ bodyguard in his absence, and Pirashadn’t told him. He’d had ample opportunity to do so during their frequentcoms, but he’d kept quiet. For weeks.

Kila turned on hisheel and walked out of the home he’d been so desperate to return to.

* * * *

Releases day after tomorrow! Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, print

Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26