Karac: Kaldar Warriors #1 (22 page)

Soon the food arrived and Merrik and I ate.  He was content to ask questions about Earth and I happily obliged him.  Anything to keep my mind off our impending departure. 

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Karac

Karac returned to their room a short while later to find Merrik just inside the door, keeping a watchful eye on his pacing mate.  He nodded to Merrik who left without a word.  Finally, Ashley noticed Karac by the door and stopped pacing.

“Everything ready?”  She asked without meeting his eyes.

“Yes, we can leave anytime.”  He replied quietly, watching her carefully.

“Ok.”  He watched her take a deep breath.  “Let’s do this.”  She walked towards him and gave him a quick hug before turning toward the bags.  A hug wasn’t quite enough for Karac.

“Come here.”  He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her.  Oh, how he loved having her in his arms.  His mate.  Finally, they broke apart, each breathing a little harder than normal.  “We will have to save the rest for tonight.”  He teased reaching for a smile and loving the way her cheeks turned bright pink.  She hit him on the arm before reaching down for her bag.

“That one’s yours.”  She said, pointing toward the other bag still on the floor.  He picked that bag up, then pulled the bag off her shoulder.  She looked at him questioningly.

“Merrik will carry your bag.”

“I’m perfectly capable of carrying my own bag.”

“I know you are, little one, but you don’t have to.”

“Fine.”  She rolled her eyes before walking out into the hallway.  Karac just grinned.  He handed her bag off to Merrik then caught up with her to grasp her hand. 

“You ready to see Kaldar?”  He questioned while they navigated the main hall. 

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”  Was her mumbled reply.  Karac decided not to press for the time being.  They passed several warriors along the way who all saluted or bowed, showing their respect to the newly mated pair.  Karac didn’t stop along the way but acknowledged each salute.  Soon they were walking into the cargo bay.  Ashley looked at the sleek looking ship, taking in the different angles and aerodynamic style before she turned to him.

“What is that?”

“That is our ship.  This one is more battle ready than the one we flew up in.  This one is called a fighter.”

“A little different than a shuttle, huh?”

“Yes.  These are designed for combat.”

“Does that mean we will be in combat?”  Ashley asked nervously. 

“Hopefully not, but I would rather be prepared.”  He passed off his bag to another warrior to stash on the ship.  He saw that Calzen and Darrok were walking toward them.  Calzen had a pack with him which made Karac frown. 

“Where do you think you’re going?”  He asked Calzen.

“You think I’m going to let you go off on your own to battle with the Degrens?”  He scoffed then smiled.  “I’m not going to let you have all the fun.”

“Shouldn’t you be looking for your mate?”  Karac regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth.  A shadow passed over Calzen’s face before he answered. 

“Nothing has come up in the database.  I can look after this is taken care of.”  He shrugged before covering his feelings with a smirk.  “Besides, Darrok will be on the surface and let me know if he runs across any beauties that would fit me.”  He joked. 

“I’m not sure there is any female in the seven galaxies that would put up with you.”  Darrok returned.  It felt good to Karac to laugh just to lessen the tension even for a second.  Karac turned to Darrok and clasped arms with him.

“The best of luck to you in finding your mate.  Thank you for your help with mine.”

“Any time.”  Darrok nodded and let go.  “You need me, let me know.  I will come back.”

“Your place is here, looking for your mate.”  Seeing the frustrated look on his friend’s face, he added with force, “You will find her.”

“I hope so.”  Darrok replied.  Calzen clasped Darrok’s hand in farewell before both he and Karac turned toward the ship.  Karac glanced over his shoulder to see if his mate was coming, and saw Ashley approach Darrok.  He stopped so he could wait for her, but also to hear what she said. 

“When you find Sam, don’t go all caveman on her.  She will react badly to that.  Try using your technology as a lure.  Remember, she’s as much a computer whiz as you are.  She’ll come around with time.”

“And that is exactly why I’m having such a time finding her.”  Darrok sighed.  “I’ll remember what you said.  Thank you.”

“Good luck.  And tell her hi for me.”  Ashley smiled and patted Darrok’s arm encouragingly before turning toward the ship. Karac caught her hand and raised it to his lips. 

“Thank you.”

“For what?”  She looked up at him in surprise. 

“Not letting him give up hope.”

“I don’t think that’s possible with you warriors.”  She teased.

“True.  But it can be frustrating when your mate is MIA for months.”

“Personal experience?”  She asked innocently.  Karac growled and pulled her into him.  He covered her mouth with his own, quickly claiming her lips.  He pulled back before he whispered in her ear.

“The chase might have given the warrior some pleasure, but nothing compared to the finish line.”  He chuckled as she pulled away, blushing.  He loved to see her cheeks turn pink.  They made their way to the passenger deck and strapped themselves in.  Reminiscent of their first flight together, he watched as she looked around, taking the ship in.  The safety harness slithered into place and she looked up at him and smiled.

“This thing is going to let me go, right?”  Chuckles could be heard all around as they were all reminded of that exact same question a month ago.

“The seat might.  I never will.”  Karac leaned over and gave Ashley a quick kiss.  Soon, everyone was aboard and they were ready for takeoff.  The bay door opened and the pilot maneuvered them into space.  Ashley got one last look at Earth, before they slowly turned out to space.  Karac leaned toward her as far as the safety harness would let him.

“We will be back.  Okay?”  He assured softly.  She smiled in return.

“I’ll hold you to that.”  She teased lightly.  A flash of light had her looking forward.  A tear in space was rippling in front of them.  “What is that?”  He could hear the apprehension in her voice as she took in the darkness that looked like it crackled. 

“That,” he said with a nod, “is our gateway home.”  He sat back in his seat and held her hand.  “This could get a little rough, so hold on.”

“Now you tell me?”  She gasped as the ship started vibrating as they approached the gateway.  “You sure this thing won’t kill us?”  She gritted through her teeth.

“No, not a chance.”  Karac promised. 

“Well, there’s a chance.”  Calzen put in.  He sat in front of them and gave a wink over his shoulder.  “There’s always a chance something malfunctions.”

“Not helping, Calzen.”  Ashley growled.  Karac smothered his chuckle before she heard. 

“Hold on to your seats, everyone.”  The pilot yelled.  “We are going through in three, two, one.”  The fighter shook violently and Ashley closed her eyes.  Karac kept one eye on her and the other on the gateway.  Within seconds, they were through and it shut behind them.  The fighter settled and everyone took a collective breath.  Karac wasn’t sure if Ashley was one of them. 

“Ashley?  Are you all right?”  He heard her release a big breath she’d been holding and take another.  Then she turned and glared at him.

“You,” She said forcefully before continuing, “need to explain things better in the future.”  Karac could hear Calzen chuckling from in front of them.

“I’m not sure I follow.”

“You said it would be the same as before.  THAT was not the same.”  She jabbed her hand behind her to imply the gateway. 

“I may have exaggerated a little.”  He conceded. 

“A little?”  Her eyes bugged.  Karac hid his laughter, barely.  Now was not the time to show she was amusing him.  “A little?  That was like a 9.0 earthquake that you can feel in the air with nothing to stabilize you!” 

“Would it have made it any better if I told you it was not a pleasant ride?”

“No,” She huffed and shook her head.  Then she turned back to me and nailed me with a glare.  “But you should warn the other women that will be coming through.  Others might get more motion sickness than me.”  Karac knew that she had a point. 

“Noted.  Calzen, make sure the shuttle occupants are forewarned.”

“Will do, Karac.”  Came Calzen’s reply. 

“Are you okay now?”  Karac asked Ashley.

“Don’t pretend I can’t tell you’re laughing at me.  You can’t hide anything from me.”  She said fake snootily. 

He leaned in closer before whispering, “I would never hide anything from you.  But you have to admit, it was a little funny.”  A small smile was his only response.  He leaned back and grinned to himself.  A life, forever, with her was going to be fun. 

“Did you tell your father we were coming today?”  She asked after a few moments of silence. 

“Yes, I managed to contact him right before we left.  Him and Mother plan to meet us at the ship dock.”

“Oh, ok.”  He could hear the hesitancy in her reply. 

“It will be fine.  You know they adore you.”

“I’m not nervous about meeting them in person.  This is just all happening really fast.”

“I know.  But I’ll be with you the every step of the way.”

“Right.”  She smiled up at him.  They banked slowly and their planet, Kaldar, came into view.  She craned her head to try and see it better out the front view screen.  Their planet really wasn’t that different than Earth.  About the same size, just with more landmass.  The colors were a little different.  Kaldar held more greens since it was a lush planet.  Hardly any snow at the poles and no deserts.  They descended through the atmosphere without any mishap and landed at the ship dock.  The harnesses retracted into the seats, signaling that it was time to go.  He turned to Ashley and cupped her cheek.

“Welcome home, Ashley.”  She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him.  She tried to pull away but Karac held her a little longer.  Slowly, he retreated still holding her eyes.  “Let’s go meet our people.”

Ashley

‘Our people’ he said.  I gave myself a mental shake.  I guess that’s what they were now.  I was one of them.  This would be my new home.  Taking a fortifying breath, I followed the guards out the back of the ship, Karac right behind me.  I stepped out onto the ship dock and took a quick look around me.  It was so different, yet the same, from home.  The whole place reminded me of a busy airport.  Only there were spaceships and different looking people scurrying here and there.  Karac pulled me to the side to see a heavily guarded area that no one was crossing but was getting many curious gazes from onlookers.  I followed the cleared path with my gaze and came to rest on Junrik and Renita standing at the end.

They were both dressed formally, with flowing clothes that Karac had first worn on TV.  He was still in his battle gear which was fine by me.  He looked good in both, but he was a sexy warrior when he had his weapons on him.  Our guards filtered in with the guards already in place as we walked toward Karac’s parents.  As soon as we stopped in front of them, I was immediately engulfed by a hug from Renita.

“Welcome home, daughter.”  Renita whispered in my ear.  She pulled back and smiled before Junrik pulled me in for a hug just as tight.

“Welcome home, mate of my son.”  Junrik said gruffly.  I could tell both were extremely happy that Karac had finally found me and we completed the bond. 

“Thank you,” I smiled in return.  Looking around I added, “This is definitely going to be an adventure.”

“One where I will be at your side, always.”  Karac said as he pulled me back to him.  I grinned up at him in happiness.

“Come, let’s move this reunion inside.”  Junrik ushered us all toward a land vehicle that was hovering over the ground. 
Well, this should be interesting.
  We piled inside the middle vehicle while the guards split up between three vehicles. 

“How was your journey?”  Renita asked.

“A little rougher than I was told.”  I said with a raised eyebrow at Karac.  He just laughed.

“Ashley wasn’t very happy with the crossing.  She’s informed me that the shuttle occupants should be made aware of the rough passage.”

“Quite right.”  Renita said with a firm nod.  “All our prospective females should have a smooth transition and a bumpy ride through the gateway won’t help that.”

“So you are going to start the shuttles soon?”  Junrik asked.

“Yes, next week.  We have a sufficient number of mated pairs to return home.  I assume you have a group of warriors ready to cross to replace them?”

“Yes, they are anxious to leave.”  Junrik added and Karac nodded in understanding.

“Any news on the Degrens?”  I asked.  I was glad I didn’t feel weird asking about their enemies.  Karac explained to me that the Degrens could easily become Earth’s enemy if they ever gained control of the gateway.  Now that I was a part of both societies, I needed to understand what we were up against.  Thankfully Junrik and Renita were more than happy to include me on the discussions. 

“They aren’t openly claiming responsibility of the hostilities in the far Denteln Sector but every account says it is them.”  Junrik responded with a frustrated shake of his head. 

“So we gather the warriors and fight them.”  Karac said decisively.   “We have to protect our allies.” 

“Our allies have not requested assistance, yet.  I’m still not positive what the Degren’s motivation is.”  Junrik replied.  “Beyond greed and general hate for us.  They’ve made no demands.”

“They have never wanted anything besides the destruction of our race.”  Karac pointed out.
WHY???

“True.  But with every race there is some motivation behind the act.  Even if it is general hate.”

“How close is the fighting?”  I asked.

“Two galaxies over.  We have warriors at our border, trying to maintain the peace and more on their way to do border patrol.  If we have a large enough force in place, it might dissuade the Degrens from attacking us directly.”

“Is it worth it to go on the offense?”  I asked. 

“We could, but we would lose a great deal more lives and I’m not willing to risk it.  Our numbers are low and stretched thin as it is.”  Junrik replied. 

“The Degrens know this.  That is why they are attacking now.”  Karac noted.

“That and the fact that news of us finding mates among the Earth females must have reached them.”  Renita added.  “They know the tides are turning.”

“Which is why we step up security.  Increase the border patrols.  Call in our allies to help.”  Karac said.

“It may come to that, however, I am not ready to initiate a full scale war just yet.”  Junrik replied.

“We may not have a choice soon.”  Karac mumbled.  I watched as both Karac and Junrik regarded each other without saying anything.  Without a word, they each nodded and dropped the conversation. 
What did I miss?
 

I didn’t feel right in asking as it seemed to be a silent message between father and son.  Maybe Karac would tell me later.  Soon, we stopped in front of a huge building.  As I stepped out, the structure reminded me a lot of the Taj Mahal.  It was beautiful and majestic…and apparently my new home.  I looked to Karac and asked, “This is where you live?”

He looked at the building then back at me.  “Yes.”  I could see the uncertainty in his eyes, asking if I was comfortable with this.  I gave him a reassuring smile that I didn’t feel inside at all.  We followed his parents up the steps and inside. 

I can’t say that I took everything in at once, because there was simply too much to look at.  The floors looked like a polished marble, the walls extended over thirty feet in the air to vaulted ceilings, and there were tons of warriors with swords and males in formal garb walking here and there.  Once in a while I saw a female.  I knew the female was a Kaldarhn since I was the first human female to arrive.  It was nice to know that they weren’t sequestered somewhere out of reach.  But I bet they had the better senses just like the males.  What I wouldn’t give for super hearing. 

Our entourage consisted of the eight guards that were with us on the ship and then another twelve flanking Karac’s parents.  Needless to say no one missed our entrance.  As we made our way through the entrance hall, all motion ceased as every single person bowed as we passed.  I gulped and faltered in my step.  Before I could really start shaking, Karac reached down and clasped my hand, squeezing it reassuringly.  I lifted my eyes to him and found him smiling at me.  I couldn’t help but smile in return.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered.  “We just have to make it through this main hall then we will be in the royal wing.  Much more private.”  I nodded but didn’t respond.  Finally we left the entrance hall behind us and turned down a heavily guarded corridor.  There were fewer people here, and most of them seemed to be cleaning or running errands.  As we continued down the hall, our guards would periodically drop off and station themselves along the way.  When we finally reached a double door, we only had about six guards left.  They held back as Junrik and Renita turned to face Karac and me.

“These are your rooms dear.”  Renita said, motioning to the double door.  “We will leave you and Karac to get settled and we hope to see you at dinner.  It will be a small affair.  Just the four of us.”

“Oh that will be perfect, thank you.”  I sighed.  Both Junrik and Renita pulled me in for a quick hug before continuing down the hall with four guards.  I looked to the two left, Calzen and Merrik. 

“Still stuck with me again, huh?”  I teased Merrik. 

He smiled before answering.  “It is an honor to guard you, Your Highness.”  I scowled at the title which had him chuckling.  Karac pulled on my arm as he took my bag from Merrik.  He led me through the door and shut it behind us.  My first thought as I looked around was one of awe. 
And I thought his rooms on the ship were nice.
  This was living in style.  The first room was massive.  It was multifunctional in that it had a large sectional couch, full kitchen, and spacious dining room that seated at least ten.  What captured my attention the most were the floor to ceiling windows looking out into a lush garden beyond.  I felt pulled across the room and found myself almost plastered against the window.  I didn’t hear Karac come up behind me as he wrapped his arms around my middle and held me.

“Do you like it?”

“Like it?’  I breathed.  It was breathtaking.  There was a wall around the entire garden, tall trees that provided shade, a stream and small waterfall that ran through the middle of it, and hundreds of flowers.  “I love it.”

“Good.”  He pulled my hair aside and kissed his mark.  He let us stand there for a few minutes absorbing the view before he straightened.  “Would you like to see the rest?”

I turned around in his arms with a raised brow, “there’s more?”

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m not sleeping on the couch.”  I elbowed him in the ribs and slipped around him to see what I missed.  Tucked beside the kitchen and dining room, was a stairway that led upwards.  As I made my way to it, a thought struck me.

“Why do you have a kitchen?  I would think someone would make your meals like they did on the ship.”

“They still can and will.  The kitchen here is just in case I feel like making my own food.”

I glanced back at him as we walked up the stairs.  “You cook?”

Chuckling, he replied, “Yes, I have been known to cook once in a while.”

“Sorry.”  I grinned.  “Hard to imagine the heir to the throne cooking for himself or having the time.”

“You’re right, I don’t do it often, but it is relaxing.”

“Well you can cook for me anytime.”  I teased as we reached the landing.  At the top of the stairs, there were a number of doors lining the hallway.  I looked back at Karac for direction. 

“The first room on the left is ours.  It has its own bathroom so we don’t have to come out in the hall.  The three on your right are bedrooms, and the last door on the left is another bathroom.  There is also a bathroom behind the stairs on the main floor.”

“Why are there so many bedrooms?”  I asked as I looked in each one before heading to the master. 

“We like to plan ahead.”

“For?”  I asked, as I entered the master bedroom.  My thoughts were on the expensive looking furnishings in the master, otherwise I probably would have put two and two together.  I suddenly found myself swept up and placed in the middle of the bed.

“Why do you think?”  He asked with a smirk.

“Oh…Oh!”  I blushed at being so slow on the draw which just made Karac chuckle all the more.  He leaned down and kissed me, and I couldn’t help wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him close.  Finally, Karac broke away and stood up.  He smiled happily before returning for a quick kiss and then headed toward the door.

“I’ll grab our bags,” he tossed over his shoulder as he rounded the doorframe.  I sat up in bed and sighed.  I really was happy.  Karac was amazing and I loved him.  My family…well, at least I could still call them whenever I wanted.  And Karac said we would return to visit.  We just had to take care of the Degrens first.  I finally noticed a balcony that overlooked the same garden I was captivated with earlier.  This really was beautiful.  I heard Karac coming up the stairs and turned just as he was entering the room.  He paused when he saw me standing in front of the window and just stared at me.  A slow smile crept across his face as he dropped the bags and slowly sauntered over to me.  He wrapped me in his arms again and kissed my forehead.

“If I could capture this moment forever I would.”  He whispered to me.  I sighed, whole-heartedly agreeing.  I leaned my head down on his shoulder and closed my eyes.

“What else do we have to do before we meet your parents for dinner?”

“Absolutely nothing.  I told Calzen and Merrik that this afternoon was solely ours.”  He paused before asking, “Would you like to take a blanket out to the garden and rest?”

“That is the best idea ever.”  I smiled up at him.  I followed him downstairs as he snagged one of the blankets off the couch and a couple of pillows.  We spent the rest of the afternoon lazing under the shade of the trees in the garden.  It was peaceful and quiet.  Karac said the space was our own, no one else had access to it.  Sometime in there, I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, Karac was nudging me awake saying it was almost time to meet his parents.

Dinner was a quiet affair, as Renita had promised.  We talked a lot about my family, as both Junrik and Renita were curious about my large family.  I think they could tell I missed them already and promised they would try to make arrangements soon for us to visit them, even if it was only for a day.  I smiled my thanks.  I knew this situation with the Degrens was going to take up a lot of time and resources.  I just hoped we didn’t have a full scale war in our future. 

Renita hinted at a celebration in the near future but both Junrik and Karac were quick to change the subject.  I think both were trying to protect me from being overwhelmed.  I watched as Renita sighed and continued on with the new subject but I knew that wasn’t the last I would hear of the celebration.  When dinner was over, Karac and I returned to our rooms.  By then, the long day was catching up to me and I was happy to go to sleep.  Of course, Karac had other things in mind.  When we finally fell asleep sometime later, Karac held me cocooned in his arms and I couldn’t help the small smile of happiness that graced my lips as I drifted off to sleep.