Retribution (Kall Alien Warriors #3) - Sue Lyndon Page 0,55

watched as the little human female straightened her dress and inspected her appearance in the mirror, smoothing her hands through her dark, wavy locks.

“I-I just woke up,” she said, catching his eyes in the mirror. “Could I please have a bit more time to get ready?”

“Of course,” he replied. “I don’t want to leave the Tammusha until the auction is long over. I’ll have my servant bring breakfast soon, as well. We have a long day ahead of us and you’ll need your strength.”

After eating a quick breakfast and leaving Layla to finish getting ready, Zamek strode down the corridors, heading for the hangar to ensure his airship was ready and that Shessema’s body had been brought aboard. Though the town of Sumlin was within eyesight, it was quite far away and not easily accessed from the warships’ landing platform, making airship travel to and from the platform a necessity.

As soon as he departed on his airship with Layla, Commander Vavvis would take the Tammusha to its official station in nearby Brutt District, which was a much larger district than Sumlin, where most of his warriors lived.

Zamek found himself looking forward to the downtime that came after victory. All the commanders and warriors under his command would also enjoy a full moon cycle of rest before returning to training.

After reaching his personal airship and confirming that the pilot was ready for takeoff at Zamek’s convenience, he joined his crew members on the bridge for his farewell address, a custom that made him uneasy, as he didn’t enjoy public speaking, but he kept it short and made sure to praise his crew members and warriors for their loyal devotion to Kall interests.

Once that task was completed, he made to leave the bridge, only for Commander Vavvis to block his path.

“Is there something you wanted, Commander?” Zamek asked, still on edge after his last encounter with Vavvis.

“A private word.”

“The last time you asked for a private word,” Zamek replied, keeping his voice low so only Vavvis could hear, “it did not turn out so well for you.”

The commander smirked. “I am willing to take the risk.”

With a sigh, Zamek gestured for Vavvis to follow him out into the corridor. The halls were crowded with warriors and they were forced to walk for some time until an alcove at the end of a corridor provided a private place to speak.

“Many more of our warriors have approached me and asked about your human captive,” Vavvis said. “Word has spread quickly that not only is she still alive, but she’s staying in your quarters rather than the brig.”

Annoyance flared inside Zamek, and before he could respond, Vavvis continued.

“But there’s also been a rumor circulating on the ship that you are planning to exact your retribution in the main training room for all the warriors to witness.”

“What?” Zamek was horrified by the very idea. “Who started this rumor?”

“I am not certain,” the commander said. “Is-is there any truth to it?”

“No,” Zamek replied firmly, protectiveness for Layla rising in him like a storm, ready to destroy anyone who threatened his female.

His female. His.

At some point, he’d started to think of Layla as belonging to him.

Commander Vavvis looked as though he wanted to say more.

“What is it?” Zamek said.

“That is all, General, I simply wished to ascertain whether there was any truth to this rumor.” Vavvis glanced into the corridor. “I must return to the bridge now and prepare for our eventual departure for Brutt District.” He gave Zamek a deep nod. “Serving with you during the war against Earth, as well as the battle against the Bexxanian warbird, has been an honor. It is my hope that we will serve together in the future.”

Zamek doubted the sincerity of Vavvis’s words, but he returned the deep nod and bid the commander farewell. Generals didn’t serve on the same warship during every mission or war, but rotated between vessels, depending on where their leadership was most needed.

During the next mission into space, it was possible Zamek would serve on another warship from Brutt District or even a ship from a district on the other side of planet Kall. The High Council determined the placement of generals, though Zamek secretly hoped he would remain with the fleet of Brutt District for some time. Not just for the convenience of being close to his home in Sumlin, but because Brutt warriors were among the fiercest and most loyal on the entire planet.

Which might explain the rumors and apparent bloodlust concerning Layla.