Invaded (Alienated, #2)(9)

Before she had a chance to change her mind, Cara blurted, “I’ll do it.”

“This isn’t a choice to make in haste,” Aisly warned. “Becoming a citizen means accepting and supporting our customs and following The Way in all things. We’re not a democracy.”

Cara knew that. She and Aelyx had spent hours debating the differences between their governments. Minor offenses such as mouthing off—just a matter of time for her—would result in the electric lash. When she considered the penalty for other crimes, her mind wandered to the brushed chrome iphal holstered to the capital guard’s hip. This place was no utopia, but if she wanted a life with Aelyx on his planet, she had to abide by his people’s rules and respect their culture, even if she didn’t agree with it. Cara stiffened her spine. She was a lot of things, but a coward wasn’t one of them.

“I understand,” she told Aisly. “And I agree.”

“Then I’ll tell the others,” Aisly chirped. “I know The Way will be pleased.”

Jaxen pressed two fingers to Cara’s throat in the standard farewell. “We’ll schedule your Sh’ovah for next week.” Ducking down to meet her height, he added, “As they say in your country, sleep on it. There’s no shame in changing your mind.”

Cara returned the good-bye and pulled her hand free. “I won’t change my mind.”





Chapter Three


Aelyx watched the L’eihr ambassador sweep a wrinkled hand across the surface of the dining room table, knocking the newspaper to the floor. It landed face-up and revealed a mocking headline: HALO Denies Attack on L’eihr Youth.

“Humans Against L’eihr Occupation,” Stepha said through clenched teeth while he glared at Director-General Kendrick. “On my planet, we would have terminated those savages after their first rebellion—rooted them out like the cancer they are.” In a rare display of emotion, he slapped both palms on the glossy mahogany. “How many of our young must die before you assume control of your people? Or perhaps this alliance isn’t a priority for you. In which case, we’ll return to L’eihr on the next transport.”

The ambassador’s final words chilled Aelyx to the core. Without L’eihr technology to decontaminate Earth’s water supply, the planet would cease to sustain life within a decade. But the release of that technology hinged on the alliance, and everyone in the room knew it. Even Syrine looked nervous, and she despised humans.

“I can assure you,” Kendrick said, shifting in his seat, “there’s nothing’s more important to the World Trade Organization than this alliance. We’ve partnered with the milit—”

“Whatever you’re doing, it is ineffective.” Stepha sat back in his chair and folded his hands, resuming his usual monotone. “Negotiations cannot continue while our safety is threatened.”

Kendrick scratched the back of his neck, then splayed both hands in a gesture of helplessness. “Ambassador, there’s nothing to negotiate. The world’s leaders have voted unanimously—they’ll agree to an alliance on your terms.”

In other words, We’re at your mercy. Aelyx didn’t want to take pleasure in the supplication of humanity, but a smooth negotiation process meant he could return home to Cara. He couldn’t deny feeling a rush of excitement at the news.

Stepha considered the director-general’s words, then slowly stood from the table and collected his com-sphere. “Before we can proceed, I must confer with The Way.”

Kendrick stood, too, nodding in assent as Stepha made his way to the master suite in sluggish, labored strides. Aelyx considered offering the director-general a cup of coffee, but the man’s dewy forehead and labored breathing said he was anxious enough without the aid of a caffeinated beverage.

“Can I get you some water?” he asked instead.

“No, thanks.” Kendrick used his phone to point toward the foyer. “I need to make a few calls myself. Think I’ll step outside for a minute.”

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Aelyx offered, since Syrine had chosen to remain seated and ignore the man.

The two strode to the front entrance, and when Aelyx opened the door, a pair of familiar faces greeted him—Colonel Rutter, head of the L’eihr security detail, and David, who waved a friendly hello. Kendrick scooted past the soldiers, and Aelyx stepped aside to let them in.

Colonel Rutter nodded his gray head and greeted Aelyx with a curt, “’Mornin’.” He removed his camouflage winter hat, and David did the same, revealing a crop of shorn blond hair. Rutter glanced around the open living area, acknowledging Syrine with a dip of his head. “Is the ambassador here?” he asked. “I need to talk to all three of you.”

“He’s in a conference, but you’re free to wait.” Aelyx led the way to the living room and gestured for his guests to sit on the sofa. He noticed that while Rutter wasted no time in making himself comfortable, David remained standing, one arm folded against his lower back, brown eyes scanning the room to take in every detail. Aelyx had never met a human youth so dedicated to duty.

“How’s the shoulder?” Aelyx asked him.

“What?” David asked with a smile, pointing to his upper arm. “This mosquito bite? I’ll be fine once the stitches come out. It takes more than a .22 to bring me down. Your shooter didn’t know squat about guns, otherwise he’d have used a .45 to double-tap it. That’s how a real man gets the job done.”