Cali & Drake (The Alliance Book 1) (15 page)

In the end, only Vathral came to their home in Renari. The other members
of his away team had been transported to
The
Maxon
for
return
to
The Apoxis
.

Ignoring Drake’s attitude from the courtroom, she rushed to Vathral and
embraced him. Drake growled softly behind her, and she released Vathral but
kept a hold of his hand.

“It was instinct.” Drake defended before she could say anything. “I’m
working on my reactions when you touch that male.”

Cali couldn’t keep the frustration out of her voice, “I don’t snap and
growl when you embrace Nevir.”

“That’s different, s
he
is my
sister.” Drake’s eyes were an ominous shade of blue.

“It’s okay Cali.” Vathral tried to pull his hand free, but she held
tight.

“It’s not okay,” she denied, her gaze still centered on Drake. “I feel
about Vathral like you feel for Nevir. Remember, our society only allows one
child in every partnership. It’s normal for us to feel sisterly or brotherly
for our classmates since we don’t have them in our family units. I wasn’t romantically
involved with every male on Cestori, but you’re sure to run across a few of
them. If what you said was true, and we engage in diplomatic dealings with my
home world.”

Drake’s
eyes flared again and she
knew she had made an error in bringing up her past lovers. No matter how
irritated he got, she would hold her ground. He needed to come to terms with
this before they left for Cestori.

“I don’t think that helped,” Vathral whispered, still struggling to
remove his hand from hers.

“As interesting as this is, can I move out of the doorway? The little
female is only holding the males hand Drake, have some trust in your chosen.”

Cali blushed hotly at the realization that Mica had been waiting
patiently to be invited in. Dropping Vathral’s hand she tried not to laugh when
he scooted away from her, in the pretense of making room for Mica.

 
“Please, come in.” She backed out
of the way so Mica could enter the room. She saw the humor flashing in his warm
brown eyes and took another look. She had only ever seen him with flashing blue
eyes, how had she missed that they were naturally brown? Her initial assessment
of him had been accurate. When he wasn’t glaring and growling, he was actually
very handsome.

 
“How did you end up on Titus?”
Cali looped her arm through Vathral’s. Leading him toward a set of couches and
chairs where everyone could sit and talk.

Vathral took a single
chair
while she
sat next to Drake on a couch facing him. Cali had never seen him looking this
tired, with a wave of guilt, she knew he’d come to this point because of her.
Rubbing his hand over a growth of beard, Vathral sighed.

“We followed your trail of communication pods and the CD drive. I kept
just enough distance between us to make it look good, without risk of catching
you.” Vathral’s amber eyes were bloodshot and weary. “When we picked up a
distress signal in your path, we figured you would get there first, so I
increased speed in case you would need our assistance.”

“That was Drake’s pod.” Cali offered in case Vathral didn’t know any
details. “We found him first, then another four in the orbit of a moon.”

“We were right behind you, then suddenly
The Reliant
was heading on a new course to Cestori. Instead of one
ship, there were now two to deal with. We were able to read one Cestori
life-sign on the spacecraft returning to Titus, and not sure who was being
brought here, or why, we continued to this planet.
The Reliant
would be fine making its way home, but we figured the
person being brought here might need assistance.” Vathral paused and looked to
her.

“You thought there was the possibility that the person you detected was a
hostage?” Cali knew Vathral wouldn’t stand for someone being held against their
will.

“Yes, my away team was dropped off at a water
source
since that is protocol on where to begin a search. I sent
The Apoxis
to hide on the dark side of a
distant moon. They were to return to communication range in four days. If I
don’t respond, their orders are to return to Cestori.” Turning his gaze to
Drake, Vathral continued, “Your Metari clan found us after one day. Since we’ve
been here for three days total, that would put
The Apoxis
returning tomorrow.
The
Maxon
will be able to intercept them, and we can arrange for my ship to
assume a normal orbit. If that is what you would like.”

“Hiding them in the gravity of a moon is very wise. That explains why we
didn’t spot your ship on radar.” Drake eyed Vathral thoughtfully. “I’ll get a
message to
The Maxon
to arrange safe
passage for your ship. I was telling the truth that we are leaving for Cestori and
would appreciate your company to that world when the time comes.”

“So, that part was true?” Cali leaned into Drake. “I wasn’t sure if you
were just telling the judges what they wanted to hear.”

“No,” Drake placed his arm over her shoulder. “I wouldn’t have
lied
to the court, even to save your
friend. Small embellishments yes, outright lying…no.”

“When are you planning on departing?” Mica asked. “I’m interested in
going as well.”

“We depart tomorrow, the next day at the latest.” Drake rubbed his chin
thoughtfully. “I asked Vareen to try to give us a week. If she can hold off any
action by Cali’s mother for that long, I’ll be grateful.”

“You asked Vareen to hold my mother off?” Cali was confused. “For what
purpose?”

“I didn’t want her racing a bunch of Cestori ships here to rescue you.
That would provoke the Council and hinder any attempts at diplomacy.”

“My mother isn’t going to change her view that I’m to be returned to
Cestori,
” Cali argued.

“I know, but at least her demands won’t be in front of the Council. Do
you see?”

Cali didn’t understand and was about to say so when Mica interjected.

“If your people were in front of the Council demanding you back, it would
force Drake to defend his mate. Lines would be drawn that couldn’t be undrawn,
so by meeting whatever Aicen Edal has to say on her own turf, it keeps the
Council from denying diplomatic relations.”

Cali turned to Drake excitedly. Had he done all of this so that her home
world would have better diplomatic relations with Titus? For her? It was
astonishing that he felt that deeply for her to go through all of this, and she
felt tears burning in her eyes.

“You are the best mate in the universe.” She threw herself into his arms
and kissed him passionately.

“Ahem.”

Cali drew away from Drake reluctantly. “Later.” She whispered. “Sorry.”
She said to Vathral and Mica.

“No apology
necessary,
” Mica
stated. “Mates are a special thing.”

Cali noticed his words were spoken with sad longing. He had been alone with
Vareen on the ship, and she wondered what had kept him from claiming her.
Something happened to separate them and Cali couldn’t imagine what it could’ve
been.

Their talk was interrupted by a sudden bang on the door followed by a muffled,
“Ouch!” Then a faint voice called, “Drake? Cali?”

“I forgot I blocked the access.” Drake jumped up and hurried to the front
door.

“Why did you?” Mica asked.

“Because that first night we got home, a naked female was draped on our
couch.” Cali offered when Drake just ignored his friend’s question.

“Ahh.” Mica nodded. “That would explain it.”

“Naked?” Vathral’s lips twitched with laughter. “On the couch you say?”
His eyes roamed over where she sat.

“Yes, Vathral. Naked.” Cali joined in his amusement.

Drake had opened the door and Nevir swept past him. “Really Drake. I’ve
never known you to lock the door. I think I broke my nose.”

Drake’s sister looked even prettier today than the first time Cali had
seen her. She was wearing the purple dress and sandals as usual, and her glossy
black hair was tied back off her face in braids and curls. The rest left to
flow down her back. Her nose wasn’t bleeding, but her eyes had been watering,
and Cali could see the moisture on her lashes as she walked toward the couch.

Mica and Vathral both stood as she got closer.

“Hello, Mica. How are things in Jataci?” Nevir asked politely.

“Fine,
” Mica responded. “How are
things at school?”

“Almost done now.” Nevir boasted. “Top of my class, of course.” Her eyes
swung to Vathral standing across from Cali and she jerked to a stop.

“Nevir,” Cali offered before she could wonder who he was, “this is
Vathral Dax, from Cestori. He’s the captain of
The Apoxis
and a very good friend of mine.”

Nevir hadn’t taken her eyes off Vathral and Cali hoped she wasn’t
offended by his presence. He wasn’t wearing the Cestori uniform. He was still
in the white shirt and black pants from the courtroom. Cali hadn’t thought to
wonder at the color of the shirt. Now by the look Nevir was giving him, she
wondered at
its
significance.

“A prisoner?” Nevir spoke softly.

“It’s a long story, Vathral was taken into custody by mistake.” Drake moved
to stand by her. “His ship was following Cali and is going to return to Cestori
tomorrow.”

“Hello,” Vathral held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Nevir placed her hand in Vathral’s distractedly. “You’re leaving?” Her angry
blue eyes on Drake. “But you just got back! You can’t leave so soon. What if
something happens again?”

“Nothing is going to happen. I’ve spoken with father and he agrees with
me that we need to settle things with Cali’s mother sooner, rather than later.”
Drake confided while Vathral stood there with his hand holding
Nevir’s
, and Cali wondered why he didn’t take
his hand back.

“I said, it’s nice to meet you.” Vathral moved in front of Nevir trying
to get her to look at him.

Cali had never seen her friend act this way.

Nevir looked at Vathral. “I see nothing nice about this.”

“Nevir!” Drake admonished, “There is no reason to be—”

“It’s the truth.” She cried. “You’re going off into space again…all of us
left to worry! It’s not
nice
.”

“None of that justifies being rude to a guest in my home.” Drake snapped
and Nevir looked like she’d swallowed that sour drink her mother made, without
sweet nectar added.

Facing Vathral she managed to blurt out. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”

Vathral took the fingers in his and kissed the top of her hand. Just as
his lips brushed her skin, Nevir snatched her hand back.

Cali turned her head and coughed to hide her amusement. The way Vathral
was looking at Nevir, Cali had to admit, she’d never seen his eyes glowing
quite that way before. Even when he was around Diandra.

The thought of her former friend sobered her. Nobody knew that Diandra
wasn’t what she seemed. Now, however, wasn’t the time to tell Vathral. She
would try to tell him before they left for Cestori.

“I’m going with you.” Nevir came over to give her a hug. Cali returned
the embrace and remained silent. The men in the room all protested before she
could say anything.

Drake yelled, “You are not. You have final courses at school.”

Mica yelled, “This mission is no place for you Nevir.”

Most surprisingly Vathral scowled and yelled the loudest, “There is no
reason for you to be on this mission.”

“I can finish my finals tonight. My professors will understand.” Nevir
rejected Drake’s excuse.

“This mission isn’t dangerous for
Nevir,
”
Cali argued for her, shooting down Mica’s argument.

“You,” Nevir gave Vathral a stony glare. “Have no say in this.”

All three men began arguing over each other and Cali couldn’t make out
anything they were saying.

Drake held up his hands for silence. “I’ll speak with
father
. He’s the only one who has the right to
dictate to her.”

Cali thought that sounded ominous, but Nevir smiled widely. “Yes, you speak
with
father
. I’ll abide by his decision.”

Well, Nevir would be coming with them. Of that, Cali had no doubt. The
confident way Drake’s sister agreed to let Virrel decide the matter spoke
volumes.

“I’m sorry Vathral, Diandra had us all fooled.” Cali looked at her friend’s
pale face and felt a wave of sympathy for him. It had been six days since they
left Titus for Cestori, and unable to find a moment alone to tell him, she had
broken down and explained Diandra’s true
nature
while they were in the private recreation room of her ship. Imagine her
surprise, when they departed Titus, on the newly
commissioned
scout ship, and it was named after her.

The Council had gifted it to her for saving five of their sons. Each clan
had donated crew, and Cali was her captain. She was the same size and similar
configuration as
The Reliant
, though
her ship wasn’t as fast and it did have the added ability to cloak.

Vathral was taking the news like a true male of Cestori, with no
emotional reaction as far as she could tell.

“Thank you for telling me Cali.” The only sign that Vathral cared was the
slight darkening of his eyes.

“Is that it?” Nevir was seated next to Mica playing a holographic
strategy game. Her voice mocking, she taunted Vathral, “’Thank you for telling
me.’” Making a move on the board she turned flashing blue eyes on him. “Don’t
you care that she lied and used you? Show some backbone.”

Cali stiffened and so did Vathral. That was below the belt. Vathral
prided himself on logical reasoning, and Nevir was being cruel to taunt him for
trying to remain calm. Only Cali and a select few on Cestori had ever seen the
other side of him. The loving, caring person Cali loved like a brother. When
Drake squeezed the hand he’d been caressing lazily, she knew he had sensed she
was about to say something. Deciding to let Vathral speak for himself she
remained silent.

“Because I’m not smashing things and yelling irrationally, to you that
means I have no backbone? No feelings?” Vathral jumped up in outrage at her
words. His emotions were definitely in play now.

“Yes.” Nevir matched his stance.

“So much for our game,” Mica turned the
holo
off.

Nevir just waved a hand in agitation at Mica, turning her attention back
to Vathral.

“Let me get this straight,” Vathral choked out between clenched teeth and
he moved until he was almost nose to nose with Nevir. “You think I’m spineless
and without feeling?”

Drake picked Cali up from her seat in the recreation room where they were
lounging. “I think that’s our cue to leave, good luck little sister.”

Cali agreed that Vathral might be at a breaking point. Let Nevir deal
with the emotions she brought out in him. They’d been at each other’s throats
non-stop for the last six days, and it was about time they resolved their
issues. They were supposed to be arriving at Cestori tomorrow and who knew what
the new day would bring.

“I find it amusing.” Mica drawled, still spread ou
t on a couch watching. “Keep bickering you
two. I need the
entertainment.”

Vathral snapped his mouth closed on a
retort
.

Nevir flipped her hair over her shoulder dramatically. “You know it’s
true. Admit it.”

“Mica,” Drake got the giants attention. “Don’t you have something you
could be doing on the bridge?”

“What?” Mica looked at Drake and at his exaggerated head nodding got the
hint, “Ohh. Yes. Duty on the bridge,” He pushed himself off the couch and
followed them out the door.

Cali heard Vathral snap, “I requested life-partnership with Diandra
before leaving Cestori. I have to speak with her before making any judgments.”

“Life-partnership?” Nevir’s voice went deadly soft. “Does that mean you
are taking her for your chosen? Even after all that she’s done?”

“Walk
faster,
” Cali whispered
frantically. If Nevir’s tone was any indication, it was about to get really
ugly.

Drake strode from the room, into a short hallway. There were six quarters
on this level of
The Cali
. Drake
walked toward the captain’s quarters, which were at the end of the hall.

“Do you think there is any hope for them?” Cali asked sadly. Everyone
knew that the pair was insanely attracted to each other. There was even a betting
pool going on with the crew to see if they resolved their issues before arriving
at Cestori or after. Cali knew
Vathral
and his reasons for keeping Nevir at arm’s length, and in so she had refrained
from betting. She felt it wouldn’t be fair with her inside knowledge.

“Vathral fighting his feelings is driving Nevir crazy. She isn’t used to
males that can hide their emotions from her.”

Arriving at her quarters Drake got the door opened and entered.

“I think his honor dictates that he keeps his request for
life-partnership with Diandra as valid,” Cali mused. “Even if it means he loses
a chance at happiness with Nevir.”

“They’ll figure it out.” Drake shrugged and Cali’s head bounced on his
chest with the movement.

“I hope so,” Cali then turned the topic to their meeting tomorrow. “I
still haven’t been able to get Vareen on the communicator. I was hoping for
some up to date intel before our meeting.”

“Is it unusual for communications to be blocked?” Drake sat with her on a
chair in their living room.

“No, not totally
unusual,
” Cali
admitted.

“You are still worried though?” Drake already knew her too well and
picked up on her hesitation.

“Yes, I’m worried. I don’t know what we’re walking into.”

“Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.” Drake pulled her more tightly
against him and Cali could feel his warmth seeping into her.