Lacey's Warriors (Bondmates #6) - Ann Mayburn Page 0,2

tearing at him.

“The NevShoo need someone to come fix the crystal implants they are using for the Earth women. Evidently, whoever smuggled them in put in defective implants, or just implants that do not work properly with a non-transitioned Earth mind. I am going to assume the role of a Smuggler Prince and gain access to the women and replace their implants.”

“Then what?” Chel asked with a sarcastic snarl. “What in the name of the Lord’s balls are we supposed to do then? How do we get them out of the Baladium?”

“The NevShoo are in desperate need of a Baladium win,” Lord Rell murmured, his eyes darting about as he spoke. “They will not release the women to us, so that is not a road we can take.”

“And, even if they were willing?” Gwarnon’s grim image added. “The Baladium will not. The women are registered combatants, under the Baladium’s protection. Getting them out of there will be next to impossible. Perhaps, if I had an armada or two, we could fight our way out, but that is not realistic.”

“No,” Lord Rell agreed. “Are you sure there is no way to get them out?”

“I won’t know until I see the conditions they are being kept in, but from what I know of the Baladium’s security forces, it would be unwise. Chance of failure 98%.”

“First things first…” Lord Rell glanced over his shoulder toward the manor, then went silent for a moment before returning his attention to Chel and Gwarnon’s image. “We have to fix whatever has gone wrong with their crystal implants. They could easily destroy both women’s minds.”

“Agreed,” Chel quickly said. “If I may, my Lord, I request permission to travel with Gwarnon to the Baladium. I have experience with Earth women’s reactions to their crystal implants and have been working extensively with Lady Casey to fine tune hers.”

“Agreed,” Lord Rell said after a moment. “I don’t need to tell you both, but this is a Top-Secret mission. If you’re caught, I’ll protect you the best I can, but you must be careful. The majority of the High Congress will approve of the rescue of an Earth bride who has already begun the Transition to Matriarch, but some members of the High Congress would happily ban every Earth woman from Kadothia, if they could. None will be happy that I’ve kept this information from them.”

“We have a very short window of time. I’m preparing the ship and assembling our crew as we speak,” Gwarnon said, and his image looked off to the side for a moment.

Lord Rell was gazing at the orchard again, his strong profile standing out in sharp relief against the turbulent sky on the outside of the bubble. “You are right. Time is of the essence. Chel, grab what you need for the crystal implants.”

“Yes, my Lord,” Chel said as his mind was already assembling the tools and supplies he would need for their journey.

“Only contact me on the channel I’m sending you. Tell no one, other than your crew, where you’re going.” Lord Rell’s unyielding face softened for a brief moment. “You are two of my best men—loyal, brave, and honorable. It would greatly trouble me if we lost you as well. Please, be safe, and may the Lord of Life bless your journey.”

Hours later, Chel lay back in the wide bed on Gwarnon’s specialized smuggler ship. The sleek craft was made for speed and fabled to be all but invisible in the hands of the right pilot. They needed that stealth as they flew deeper and deeper into unfriendly territory hidden in the far reaches of the Bel’Tan Galaxy. Chel was glad to note his bond with Lady Casey easily held up across the distance, and he sent a prayer of thanks to the Lord of Life. Though the Hive wasn’t particularly active in this section of the Galaxy, the Baladium’s conglomeration of planets made formidable enemies that even the Hive didn’t want to face in battle.

Gwarnon exited the small cleansing room to Chel’s right. The soft amber lighting made the deep blue streaks in his blood brother’s black hair appear almost as dark as ink. Bare to the waist, Gwarnon’s body was a testament to strength and physical fitness—sculpted muscles covered in scarred golden skin, with two dimples on his lower back right above his ass.

Turning to watch Gwarnon ready himself for bed, Chel marveled at the rare moment of shared intimacy.

Keeping their bond a secret from Lady Melissi was one of the most