Invaded (Alienated, #2)(25)

The guard detail in the hallway shouted muffled commands and then began ramming the front door. David ran to let them in while Stepha shuffled into the living room, clad in his bathrobe and rubbing his eyes with one fist.

Aelyx froze when he realized the ramifications of this attack. He recalled what Stepha had told the director-general: Any further attempts on our lives will terminate all relations between us.

Bleeding gods, no.

In the wake of Eron’s murder, this was mankind’s second chance. Once The Way discovered the truth about the bomb, they would abandon the human race to their fate. Cara’s people would die—billions of innocents, wiped out as if they’d never existed.

“What was that noise?” Stepha demanded, scanning the suddenly crowded room. “It woke me from a dead slumber.”

Aelyx’s first instinct was to lie, despite his previous conclusion that the truth was underrated. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t summon an explanation to erase the evidence scattered across the street.

David’s arms trembled as he stood at attention, addressing his commanding officer. “Sir, the girl got ahold of a fan letter before I had a chance to screen it—from the looks of it, a homemade shrapnel device.” His voice cracked, and he paused to draw a calming breath. “I assume full responsibility. I shouldn’t have brought in the mail before inspecting it.”

All eyes turned to Syrine, who remained kneeling on the rug among hundreds of multicolored envelopes. “You saved me,” she whispered to David. “You took the bomb in your own hands.” She shook her head in disbelief and repeated, “Right into your own hands.”

“Let’s go,” the commander barked, snapping his fingers. “Everybody out. I want the hotel evacuated.” He ordered one of his men to contact the bomb squad, then told David to remain with “the aliens” until they’d reached the safe house.

“But I’m not dressed,” Stepha objected. “And I need my sphere.”

“Sorry, Ambassador. It’ll have to wait.” At the commander’s signal, a pair of soldiers surrounded Stepha and half escorted, half dragged him into the hallway.

Aelyx’s hopes lifted as he took Syrine’s hand and followed. Without a com-sphere, the ambassador wouldn’t be able to contact The Way. Between now and the time they returned to the suite, Aelyx would have to convince Stepha not to make that call.


“In your own hands,” Syrine repeated for the tenth time. She shifted on the safe-house bed, peering at David like she expected antlers to spring from his temples. “You could have lost both your arms and bled to death. Do you know that?”

David broke formation long enough to pinch the bridge of his nose. He sucked in a loud breath and exhaled slowly. “It’s my job to protect you. If I’d blown my head off, it would’ve served me right for being so stupid.” He threw a pleading glance at Aelyx before resuming his sentinel at the door.

“It’s all right,” Aelyx said, handing Syrine his pillow. “We’re safe—no harm done.” He spoke extra loud for the ambassador’s benefit. “Why not close your eyes and practice your K’imsha?” The meditative art had often helped her cope with emotional upheaval. If she’d made greater use of it on Earth, she might have avoided her breakdown last month.

In an unusual move, she glanced at David as if seeking his input.

“Definitely,” David said with a nod that nearly dislodged his camouflage hat. “Do that kismet thing.”

“K’imsha,” she corrected.

“Right. You should do that.”

“Okay. I’ll try.” But as soon as she placed a pillow beneath her knees and lay back on the bed, she sat up and announced, “I can’t. My mind is spinning.”

David hung his head while Aelyx turned to Stepha, who sat on the other side of the room brooding in his fluffy robe.

“Ambassador,” Aelyx said cautiously. “As Syrine has pointed out, Private Sharpe saved both our lives, at great risk to himself.”

“Indeed.” Stepha pulled his lapels together, covering his spotted pajamas. “And as I pointed out in the car, Private Sharpe has my gratitude.” He lowered his brows and asked, What is it you wish to say to me, brother?

Since Aelyx couldn’t lie, he figured he should get to the point. I’m concerned that The Way will misinterpret tonight’s events and prematurely call us home.

There’s nothing to misinterpret, Stepha said. This marks the third attempt on your life.

Actually, the fourth, but who was counting? We’re safe…because of a human. Would The Way leave him to die?

Perhaps, Stepha said. Or they may recruit him for the colony and let the rest of his kind face a well-deserved extinction. Regardless, they will hear of this, and soon.

Aelyx sensed the ambassador’s resolve and knew he couldn’t dissuade him. It was time to change strategies. Then I request an audience with The Way to plead my case. It’s my right as a citizen.

Absolutely. Stepha’s certainty was clear—he didn’t believe Aelyx’s petition would sway the Elders. We can summon them now if you like. We’ll speak in our native tongue—the human soldiers won’t understand. Do you have your sphere?

Aelyx kept his sphere in his pocket at all times, and the ambassador knew it. He produced the object and held it up, giving his answer.