Ignite by Tana Stone

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Kalex

I stomped into my strategy room and slumped in my desk chair. What had I done? It had been a day since my encounter with Zoey in the fantasy suite, but I hadn’t been able to concentrate on anything since then. I’d nodded my way through breakfast with Vekron and Jax and listened to my bridge officers explain the latest developments regarding the station power outage, but I hadn’t been focused on either.

I rasped my fingers across the stubble on my cheeks, swiveling to stare out into the blackness of space. This was exactly what I hadn’t wanted to happen.

I’d spent most of my life running toward danger and excitement, which was why I’d joined Inferno Force and worked hard to rise in the ranks. Commanding my own crew of Inferno Force warriors to take on the most perilous missions in the galaxy had always been the goal.

It was a goal no one had ever thought I’d achieve, which is why I had to do it. I’d been too weak as a child, struck down by the Virillian virus that had ravaged our people and forced me to have multiple organ transplants.

I fingered the scar on my chest through my uniform, the words “fragile” and “delicate” echoing in my ears. Those weren’t words that could ever be used to describe me now. Not after I’d thrown myself into becoming an Inferno Force warrior. That damaged child was gone forever, but the fear lingered like a dark echo. Fear that I wouldn’t be able to measure up, that I wouldn’t be as strong as my Drexian brothers.

I shook my head. I’d proven them all wrong—the healers, my parents, the admissions director at the Drexian academy. But that didn’t mean I could stop. I had to keep pushing and keep proving myself. And taking a human lover—or worse, a human bride—did not fit into that plan.

Drexian warriors who took human mates inevitably slowed down. They took time off to spend with their new wives, they reveled in a fantasy suite on the Boat, they were granted a leave of absence that sometimes lasted for so long they retired altogether. It was almost unheard of that they continued to serve with Inferno Force, the one exception being Captain Brok who’d taken a mate who was as much of a thrill seeker as any Drexian.

Would Zoey consider joining me on an Inferno Force battleship? The moment the thought entered my mind, I pushed it away. She was an astro architect who wanted nothing more than to return to Earth. Not to mention, humans weren’t usually welcomed on Drexian battleships. It was too dangerous, and the thought of her being put at risk every day made my stomach churn.

I clenched my fist and slammed it to the glossy black surface of my desk. What was wrong with me? I was filled with worry and confusion, my usual confidence eroded by the words I’d uttered to Zoey in the fantasy suite. I’d been honest when I said I couldn’t give her up, but it was also impossible for me to keep her and my military aspirations.

A sharp beep drew my attention to the panel inset in my desktop. It was an incoming hail from Drexian High Command—a private hail. I tapped the surface to activate the three-dimensional hologram, standing and leaning my hands on my desk as I did.

“High Commander Dorn.” I recognized the former Inferno Force warrior immediately.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back and gave me a curt nod. “Captain Kalex.”

“You received my report?”

“Regarding the station blackout and the potential Kronock attack?” His brow was creased with obvious worry. “Should I be concerned about a repeat of the attack inflicted on the Boat?”

I walked around the desk and leaned against the edge. “I don’t believe so. We’re isolating the energy source and plan to strike the enemy before they can strike us. We’re also working around the clock to get every security measure and shield fully operational.”

He gave me another nod, but his furrowed brow didn’t relax. “We underestimated the Kronock before. I don’t want to be guilty of that mistake again.”

“Agreed. I suspect our enemy is more active than we believed, but Vekron thinks they haven’t honed the technology to control the energy rift yet.”

“Have we?”

“Weren’t working on it.”

He released his hands from behind his back, shifting his weight from one leg to the other. “I’m glad to have so many Inferno Force warriors on the Island. I know you’ll protect her—and all the souls aboard—with your lives.”

Pride swelled in my chest—and the heavy mantle of responsibility nearly crushed it. “With our lives.”

Dorn crossed his arms over his chest. “How is that human architect? I’ve heard she and Serge have come up with some things to set your station apart.” He tilted his head, and a grin teased the corner of his mouth. “Is it true you have a Zandoran fantasy suite?”

My heart tripped in my chest. Did he know? No, it was impossible. No one knew I’d taken Zoey to the suite. Did they? There were security cameras throughout the station, but none in the suites themselves. But who would have seen us enter the suite and passed that along to a member of High Command? I swallowed, telling myself I was being paranoid.

“Captain?” Dorn prodded, eyeing me with curiosity.

“That is true.” Then I took a breath, the question spilling out of me before I could stop it. “Do you mind if I ask you something personal?”

His smile faltered. “Personal?”

“You were an Inferno Force commander, but you took a tribute bride and left your command.” I barreled ahead, hoping that my question wouldn’t earn me a demerit for addressing a superior officer improperly. “Do you ever regret it?”

The High Commander rocked back on his heels. “I take it you’re considering taking a human mate?”

I didn’t reply but the question hadn’t been one he expected me to answer.

“I will never regret following my heart. It brought me my wife and son—and some of the happiest moments of my life. But I do miss the battles and brotherhood of my Inferno Force battleship. But now that humans know of our existence and are volunteering for the program, leaving your post wouldn’t be required. The brides understand they’re becoming the mates of warriors.”

“If you’ll forgive me, Commander. I heard you were not always a fan of the tribute bride program—or of your bride.”

He leveled a severe gaze at me, causing my heart to stutter. Then he barked out a laugh. “All the rumors are true. My wife was a thorn in my side and had no interest in being mated to me. I fought against the match until I couldn’t deny that I’d fallen for the maddening human for another moment.” His grin faded. “But I was so stubborn that I almost lost her. I don’t recommend following my lead when it comes to human mates. They might not all be as forgiving as mine.”

“But you did win her over?”

He twitched one shoulder. “I did, although other Drexians are better at romantic gestures than I am.”

There was that mention of romantic gestures again. “Understood, Commander. Thank you.”

He cleared his throat, resuming his official stance. “Keep me posted on the station’s progress.” Then his image flickered and disappeared.

I wasn’t sure if I was ready to take a mate, but I did know that I wanted more from Zoey than just hurried sex on my desk or in unfinished areas of the station. And I couldn’t lose her.

I headed for the door. I knew what I needed to do.