Page 9 of Hope Forged
Sorry.Her unrepentant grin softened her features and made her appear more…approachable.I can’t fly this ship, can you?
No.
Well, fuck.And she opened the door.
Chapter Three
PlanetofEtteria
Royal City of Issneen
Two years later
Stumbling on a Durn distress signal was rare and one Illan couldn’t ignore. Not when so few of their species remained. If there was the slightest chance those seeking aid were indeed his people, he had to find out. Everything within him compelled him to leave without delay. He bounced his leg, desperate to be on his way. Instead, a gathering had formed with the intention of seeing him off. Though it was considerate of his friends and family, it irked him to have to wade through the protocol of farewells.
A cool breeze swept his hair back, grounding him to the moment. He closed his eyes and lifted his face to the heavens, soaking in the pink sunlight as it warmed his cheeks. The sweet scent of hahyt blossoms filled his lungs, coming from the direction of the royal gardens. He drew in a deep inhale,savoring the fresh crispness with a hint of saltiness from the nearby beach. Soon, all he’d be breathing was recycled air. And yet, he was excited for what this adventure might bring into the light.
He opened his eyes and focused on his brother weaving toward him, his hand locked on his mate’s, Cyndi. Her blonde hair trailed her, her features delicate. She was human, a fact that didn’t bother Illan, not when she’d played a role in freeing the prisoners from a Yithian slave ship, including Iddan and him.
Keeping her close, Iddan halted in front of Illan, his jaw hard. “Doing this alone is unwise,” he said to Illan, gesturing to the kuta behind them. “What are your contingencies? Have you considered all that could go wrong? Please reconsider mind-fusing with me.”
“Xeus has personally chosen the crew. I believe lima kuu are more than able to keep me out of trouble.” Illan squeezed and released his brother’s shoulder. “We are finally separate, Iddan. Enjoy this private time with your dhutya.”
“That’s what I said.” Cyndi pressed her cheek to Iddan’s upper arm, giving it a loving squeeze.
Illan’s heart twanged with longing for a mate of his own. He shook himself, knowing too much about their relationship than was healthy for him. No, he wouldn’t mind-fuse again unless he had no choice.
“You can handle yourself, Illan. You and Quin freed us from the Yithians. I keep reminding Iddan of this.” Cyndi’s smile was kind, as were her words when he hadn’t done much. “But he worries.”
“I know this.” Illan pinched a brow, then willed himself to relax. “Give him someone else to pester.”
“We’re trying.” She chuckled.
“One day soon,” Iddan whispered, lifting her knuckles to his lips for a kiss.
Having been in Iddan’s mind during those intimate sessions, Illan smothered a grimace. Now that he was free, he planned to stay that way.
“This is nothing more than a scouting mission.” He adjusted his tunic, eager to depart. News of the discovery only came through last night, and he hadn’t had the time to do a thorough assessment. “A Durn signal from an uninhabited planet? What danger is there in spending a week to reach the destination, investigate its origin, then return to Issneen more knowledgeable?”
Iddan scowled. “Much can happen in the deepness of space.”
“It is near to where Durn used to be and thus has validity. I would not travel for any other reason. We have discussed this at length, brother, and yet, I am fixed on going.” Illan gripped and released Iddan’s shoulder. “Carry on sorting the archives. I hope to bring much back from this journey.” A wealth of curls caught his attention. Only one human had such hair. His friend Macy approaching had him gratefully turning away from Iddan’s furrowed features. “My queen.”
She snorted and threw her arms around him, giving him a crushing hug as best she could. “Yeah, yeah, I know, it’s just a short trip. Still, I’ll miss you.” She rested her hands on her bulging stomach. Xeus slid his arms around her from behind and layered her fingers with his. “Be back before the twins arrive, okay?”
“I will be,” Illan said. She’d made him a godfather, whatever that meant, but he’d sensed the seriousness of the title and had accepted what seemed like an honor to the humans. After what they’d been through together, he was more than willing to be there for her and her offspring.
“I pray to the Maker that what you discover is what you hope for. Take excellent care of yourself, Illan. I do not like it whenmy Dar Eth is upset.” Xeus clasped Illan’s forearm, male to male. “And do not destroy my ship.”
“The way you all act, you would swear I am a destructive force when left to my own devices. I can defend myself.” Illan met Iddan’s gaze. “And I cannot make your ship explode on a whim.” He glanced at Xeus. “Elorach willing and with no unexpected developments, I will return in time. I have calculated the success of this endeavor, and it is favorable.” He smiled at Macy.
“I’ll tell Quin after you’ve left,” she said, giving him a wink. “She won’t stay angry for long.”
“My thanks.” Illan grinned. “Deceiving her does not sit well, but she would insist on traveling with me.”
“Xan will be grateful you snuck off.” Macy gave him a side hug. “Be safe, my friend.”
Turning on his heel, Illan strolled up the kuta’s ramp and stepped inside the compartment where a few lima kuu waited. He bowed his head in greeting, then chose a fold-down seat to strap himself in.
