to my father. “Now,” she added. The words held no command, but Erick did her bidding, removing the cuffs from Zara’s wrists before stepping back.
“The honor is mine.” Zara held out her hand in what I assumed was some kind of human custom. My mother looked confused then reached out with both of her hands to take hold of Zara’s.
Both ladies smiled until Zara spoke again. “Ma’am, I’m serious. Do not disrespect your son in front of me.” She looked up to glare at my father. “Either of you. It’s not his fault Malik died. I’m so sorry for your loss, but he lost someone too. His twin. He might not be the kind to sit behind a desk and talk politics, but if he hadn’t been out there, in space, I’d be with Cerberus right now and your precious city wouldn't’ stand a chance. You should be on your knees thanking him for being rebellious. Bertok’s one scary old guy and isn’t what you think. Isaak’s rebel ass is about to save a lot of lives.”
My father stared at Zara like she had three heads. My mother’s eyes widened, clearly stunned by her earthly manners. Laughter flowed into the silence like magic. “Oh, Isaak. I like this one. I approve of your choice in mate.”
“Oh, I’m not—I mean, Isaak is going to go back to space as soon as this Bertok thing is over.” Zara’s halting words reminded me that she was not mine. She had refused to call me master. Even now, she did not allow me to care for her, instead speaking out against my father directly. It was obvious she still did not trust me, had not given herself into my care, and there was nothing I could do to force her to accept me. She was not wrong. I had no intention of staying on Trion. My father’s stern frown solidified that truth. I was not wanted here. Not really.
I was the wrong son.
If Malik had come to father with Bertok’s scheme, he would have been believed instantly, without question.
“If you have proof, Son, present it now. I have a Councilor’s meeting to attend, and Bertok will be there.”
“No,” I commanded. “You can’t go.”
“Give me a reason not to,” my father insisted.
Fark.
My comm rang once more, and I turned from the drama in my living area to the screen on the wall. With a wave of my hand, Zenos and Ivy appeared.
Zenos took in everyone around me within two seconds then looked to me. “Isaak, Cerberus is on the move. I’m tracking the attack ship. It will be within range of Trion within the hour. That’s your time, by the way. We had the computer figure out the difference.”
My father moved closer to the screen and inspected Zenos and Ivy. “Who are you? I see the mark of Astra legion on your arm. Why are you communicating with my son?”
My father knew of the Rogue 5 legions?
Zenos ignored him as Ivy leaned around to look for Zara. As if she were in the room with us and trying to get my father out of the way. “Hey Zara, you good? We can be there in a few days, which is like ten hours for you. Get you off that rock if they aren’t treating you right.”
A sharp protest was on my lips, but my father beat me to it. “Trion males worship their mates, female. Do not insult my son again.”
If he expected Ivy—from Earth—to back down, he was about to be disappointed.
“Zara is my friend,” she countered. “No offense, but I don't know you. So, if you would kindly move out of my way, I’d like to hear from Zara directly. Otherwise, Zenos and I will come down there and cause problems you don’t want.”
Behind me, Zara chuckled. My mother gasped. I had no idea what my father’s reaction would be, but he looked at Zenos and Ivy on the screen. “I assume, female, that you and Zara Novak are from the same planet?”
Ivy’s grin was pure mischief. “You know it. Earth girls don’t put up with bullshit, so please let me talk to Zara.”
Zara moved forward. “I’m fine, Ivy. I promise. Thank you for wanting to come to my rescue. It means more than you’ll ever know.”
Ivy whistled. “Whoa, woman. You’ve gone full native with that outfit.”
Zara smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s temporary. Once Bertok is taken care of, Isaak is heading your way. He’s got more tech to hunt.”
She