I wish this to be over in order that I might become battle ready as soon as possible.”
“It shouldn’t take that long once we get you stabilized.”
His soothing words cheer my very soul. “My old blood heritage ensures I will recover quickly from injuries.”
“You are correct about your old blood heritage providing you with a robust recovery system, my friend. However, you still need intensive medical treatment not available in our mobile units.”
Looking down, I watch him poke around in my wound. It makes me realize that pain is almost all I’ve known in my lifetime. Perhaps a break from fighting would do my soul good. It can’t take more than a few short cycles for me to heal properly. “My clade has been approved to relocate to our assigned quarters on the ship. Our queens cannot be made comfortable on the ground.”
“Wonderful. I’ll have my team pick you up shortly.”
When the healers leave, I close my eyes, intending to rest before they come for me. My Korak returns before our queens and the medical transport team. My eyes pop open. “Warriors make war all day. Why have you returned?”
“We got word the Sonadraid have been recovered and their Moltan handlers killed. Kryos’ team is in the field completing the investigation. It will be interesting to hear how he managed to pull that off.”
“Knowing Kryos, he’ll be pleased to tell us all the details.”
My scion grins. “He does love to orate better than any male I have ever known.”
“True. We must relocate our queens this day. The healers will come for me shortly.”
An expression of concern leaps onto his face. “What ails you, my sire? Did they say?”
“Too much blood loss. They plan to synthesize blood and send me on my way to heal. It is nothing. I will be battle ready within a few cycles.”
His hand comes out to grasp my shoulder, and he squats until we are face-to-face. “How do you feel? Are you truly going to be better soon?”
“All will be well. This I promise you. See to our queens. When I am down, you lead our clade.” Korak is the oldest so he well knows his responsibilities.
“I will do what I can to keep our clade safe and happy until you are well again. Truth be told, I wish this had never happened to you.”
“If I have words of wisdom to give, it is this. Often warriors walk through life dealing with one battle after another, rarely thinking about the future. The last cycle has taught me many more important life lessons which I fully intend to share when the time is right.”
My scion nods briefly. “Our kind is thought to be slowwitted and battle strong. You prove us capable of deep thinking and great wisdom.”
Before I can comment, the medical transport team arrives. Our queens rush into the room behind them, alarmed and all talking at once. It pains me to see such lovely queens in distress. Korak goes to them, speaking quietly. I know he tells them of my medical condition because they cast worried glances at me.
Queen Molly breaks down when they attach the stasis device. The last thing I remember as my world goes dark is her tearfully spoken words. “Don’t let him go alone. Go with him, Korak.”
I wake, not knowing how much time has passed. The first face I see is that of the lovely general who wormed her way so effortlessly into my heart only to crush my hopes of becoming her mate. I know not why she is here but reach for her anyway. “Greetings, General Watson. What brings you to my bedside?”
Taking my hand into her own, she draws near. “I just wanted to check in and see how you are doing.”
I sit up without effort or pain and take a deep breath. “I believe I am much recovered. How long have I been sleeping?”
“Five days. Molly and Penelope harassed the doctors about keeping you sedated until you could feel no pain.” Smiling down at me, she adds, “They worry over you like you’re one of their babies rather than the strongest man I know.”
My hearts beat a double thump at her nice compliment. “If our queens wished it, I am certain Korak followed their directives.”
She perches on the side of my sleeping platform to speak with me. “He had a tough time deciding. My daughter advocated for waking you and letting you make your own decisions, and he really wanted to make his mate happy. He