Alien Warrior’s Treasure by Sue Mercury

Chapter 6

Molly staredacross the table at Gavvin, once again trying to think of something meaningful to say to fill the silence. She took a bite of the kollnat and nearly moaned as the flavors exploded across her tongue. She chewed carefully, then swallowed, wishing she didn’t feel so awkward.

The truth was she’d never even had a boyfriend before. She’d gone on a few dates while living in Baltimore, but nothing more. She’d kissed a total of two men in her whole life and that was it. Hell, she’d never even gotten to second base. She felt woefully inexperienced and wondered if Gavvin could discern her nervousness.

Of course, maybe he didn’t view what was happening between them as a date. Then she remembered that Vaxxlians didn’t date, at least not in the traditional way humans did.

She took a quick sip of water, then set her glass down. She drew in a deep breath and met Gavvin’s eyes. “This is delicious. You’re an excellent cook. Kollnat is one of my favorite Vaxxlian dishes.”

He nodded. “Thank you, I am glad you like it.”

She wanted to ask about his family, but she didn’t wish to spoil his mood. They were all obviously dead, otherwise he wouldn’t live here alone. It grieved her to know that his own twin brother had betrayed their people. She also wanted to ask what had happened to Stivv, but again, she kept quiet. He’d probably been executed long ago.

“I know what it’s like to be alone,” she found herself saying. Her throat burned. “I-I’m sorry that you’re estranged from your people. Is-is there anyone on New Vaxx that you ever talk to or visit with?”

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat and set his utensil down. Barely concealed pain reflected in his eyes, though he kept his expression calm. “Commander Vensinn has visited me a few times. He was there the day Stivv was captured, and he stood by me while Stivv was publicly executed.”

Molly’s chest tightened. “Oh, I’m sorry. About your brother, that is. But I’m glad you have someone who visits you now and then. So, you’re friends with Commander Vensinn?”

Gavvin gave a slight nod. “I was once a warrior assigned to his unit. Whenever I intercept and decode an Irrcon transmission, I send the information to Vaxxlian High Command, as well as Commander Vensinn, as he is technically still my superior.”

She glanced around the kitchen, as if looking for the high-tech spy equipment that would be required for what he’d just described. “I-I didn’t realize you still had a job. That’s good. You’re, um, contributing to your people, then. Maybe one day they will come to hold you in high regard.”

His cheeks colored, ever so slightly.

“So, tell me about these messages you intercept and decode. I thought the Irrcons were long gone. Are they trying to start another war?” Her gut twisted. Baltimore had practically been a war zone when she’d left, due to increasing civil unrest, and she had no desire to live through an actual war. Especially one that involved aliens capable of destroying entire planets, like the Irrcons.

“I cannot tell you anything detailed about the messages,” he said with a sudden wry smile that lifted her spirits, “as they are classified. But you can rest assured that it’s unlikely the Irrcons will try to attack New Vaxx. Even if they attempted it, our new planetary shield will hold up against their most powerful weapons, including the type of weapon they used to destroy Vaxxlia. Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared, wise to intercept their messages and discover any spies they have posted at nearby outposts, for example.”

Relief spread through Molly. It didn’t sound like they were on the verge of war or anything serious. That was good. Except… spies? She leaned forward and lifted her eyebrows in question. “Spies? How many spies have you discovered? Have they only been found on outposts? What about New Vaxx? Have you found any spies on New Vaxx?”

He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest, a severe expression taking over his face. “I have already told you too much, sweet human. You do not need to know anything further about this subject. But know that you are safe here on New Vaxx, I promise you that.”

Somehow, seeing his face grow stern even as he called her sweet human made her heart flutter. She swallowed hard and felt the pulsing between her thighs increase. Heated waves rolled through her.

“Well, I’m glad to hear we’re all safe on New Vaxx,” she finally said. “I’m sorry the planetary shield wasn’t invented until after the war. I can’t imagine what it was like to lose so many of your people.” Again, she refrained from asking about his family. If he’d lost a mate and children on top of dealing with Stivv’s treachery… she couldn’t comprehend the level of grief he must have endured. Clearly, he was still hurting. She could see it in the pain that occasionally flashed in his green eyes.

“It was a difficult time,” Gavvin said, his visage grim. His gaze turned distant, and after a few minutes of heavy silence, he resumed speaking. “My parents and three sisters perished during the Irrcons’ attack on Vaxxlia, all of them gone in a flash, along with millions of others. I-I wasn’t mated, though my betrothed, a female I’d never even met, perished too. Not long after that, I discovered Stivv was receiving messages from the Irrcons, and I learned of his betrayal.”

Molly reached across the table and took his hand, giving it a firm squeeze. “You have endured much heartache, Gavvin, and I am sorry for it. Truly, I am. I wish you weren’t being ostracized by your people. I wish there was something I could do to help you. Do you think Commander Vensinn could help you? Could he tell your fellow warriors about your efforts to intercept and decode Irrcon messages?”

He laced his fingers through hers and stared at their joined hands. She followed his gaze, and her heart performed a little flip. She was holding hands with Gavvin and God how it felt right. He brushed his thumb along the soft underside of her wrist, and she tingled all over, a sense of breathlessness coming over her.

“Since most of the messages I intercept are deemed classified by Vaxxlian High Command, it is not likely that my fellow warriors will become aware of my efforts anytime soon.”

“Couldn’t Commander Vensinn simply tell everyone you’re contributing to your people’s safety and, um, tell them to stop shunning you? It’s not fair that you’re here all alone, especially when it sounds like you’re doing more than the average warrior when it comes to keeping New Vaxx safe. You should be admired and thanked, not treated as a pariah.”

He squeezed her hand once, then released it and picked up his utensil. “One day, the messages will likely be declassified,” he said. “Perhaps then my situation will change. But until that happens, I will continue to do what I can to keep New Vaxx safe.”