Soul of Eon (Eon Warriors #8) - Anna Hackett Page 0,52
things on our own terms.
Kaira moved away, and Thane saw her nodding and smiling at a smaller, shy Kantos.
Take care of your brave mate, Thane.
“You don’t have to worry about that. Goodbye, Nisid.” Thane clasped the Kantos’ bony shoulder.
Goodbye, Thane Kann-Eon. My friend. The alien’s gold eyes glowed.
Thane stood with an arm around Kaira’s shoulders on the observation deck at the front of the ship. Through the huge, glass windows, they watched the shuttles leave the Desteron, taking the Kantos to the planet below.
“Next up, Earth,” Thane said, lightly.
Kaira turned to look at him. “You worried I’m going to ditch you?”
He swallowed, and reached to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I know you love me…”
“I do. You think there might be any jobs on the Rengard for me?”
His pulse leaped. “We can talk to Malax. He’d be crazy not to find a use for your skills.” Thane gripped her arms. “You’re sure?”
“I want to be with you, Thane. I enjoy my job with the Air Force, but I won’t lie—” a smile lit her face “—I like the idea of exploring the galaxy with you.”
He kissed her. “We’ll talk to Malax. I promise you the most amazing adventures, Kaira.”
“As long as they don’t involve getting abducted by the enemy and surviving on a dangerous, alien planet, I’m in.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Kaira stepped out of the shuttle and onto the orange-red dirt outside the main Woomera Range Complex buildings. She felt a little rush of relief. No matter where she went, Earth would always be her home.
Then Thane touched her lower back and smiled at her.
Correction. Earth would always be her old home, but Thane was her new one.
“Kaira!”
She saw Finley, and her assistants, Ian and Gemma, waving at her. Sabin stood behind Finley, his hands resting on her shoulders. War Commander Malax Dann-Jad and his mate Wren were with them.
When Kaira strode over, Finley hugged her hard.
“We’re so glad you’re okay,” the scientist said.
“Thanks. I do not recommend alien abduction.”
The scientist snorted. “We hear you’ve been quite the badass. Fighting the Kantos, destroying a base, and uncovering a Kantos pathogen.”
Kaira shrugged. “Believe me, I’m not planning on being abducted by the Kantos again.”
Finley grabbed Kaira’s hand. “I totally didn’t enjoy my abduction either. We’re really glad you’re back.”
“I’m not staying. I need to call my commanding officer. I’ll be resigning from the Air Force.”
Finley’s eyebrows rose.
Kaira looked at Thane. “I’m hoping to join my mate on the Rengard.”
“You’re mated?” Sabin broke out in a grin, and grabbed Thane’s hand. “I’m so happy for you.”
Thane smiled. “We both got very lucky, my friend.”
“We sure did.”
“It happened during your abduction?” Gemma sighed. “How romantic.”
“Not exactly,” Kaira said. “It’s a long story.”
Malax stepped forward, and the war commander gripped Thane’s arm. Then he met Kaira’s gaze. His black eyes were threaded with gold. “It would be an honor to have you aboard the Rengard, Kaira. I hope you might be interested in a position with the Rengard security team. We happen to be without our security commander.” He shot a pointed look at Sabin. “The team needs good people.”
Her chest swelled. “That sounds great. I’d be honored to join.”
Thane hugged her to his side.
Suddenly, an Eon shuttle swept in overhead.
“Who’s that?” Finley asked. “Is it from the Rengard?”
All the warriors straightened.
“Thane?” Kaira asked.
The shuttle landed, kicking up dust.
“That’s the royal shuttle,” Malax said in a hushed voice.
Royal? The side door of the shuttle opened.
Two warriors stepped off—one male, one female. They wore typical, black Eon uniforms, but they also wore a blue sash across their chests.
They were both alert; clearly lethal. They scanned the area.
Then, another warrior stepped off behind them.
Oh. Wow.
He was tall, with a warrior’s powerful body. He wore a sleeveless shirt in a deep blue, and a gold cord circled one of his muscled biceps. His handsome, rugged face was framed by the typical long, brown hair of an Eon warrior.
King Gayel Solann-Eon strode toward them. All the warriors bowed their heads.
“Your Highness,” Davion said.
“It’s a pleasure to see you all,” the king said. “And meet some of you in person for the first time.” His voice was deep and melodious, with an authoritative edge. His gaze—black with filaments of rich purple—swept over them and settled on Eve. “Ambassador Thann-Eon, I hope you and your baby are well.”
“We’re well, and getting huge.”
A smile edged the king’s lips. Then he turned to Thane and Kaira.
“Medical Commander, Commander Chand, I’m very happy you survived your abduction.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Thane