11. Jax

11

Jax

I catch myself smiling when I wake up to the ache between my lips. It’s the oddest sensation. However, when I press my thighs together and the deep throb inside reminds me how it felt to have Runar inside, I can’t help but let out a satisfied sigh.

Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I look next to me and see the bed is empty. Reaching out, I discover the sheets are cool to the touch. I’ve been alone in this bed for a while now. As my muscles ache when I move to sit up, I look toward the bathroom. It’s empty and dark, lacking any signs of life.

What time is it? From the weight against my eyes, I may have slept in for the first time in ages.

Needing to get up and face the day, I push down this longing sense clawing at my chest at his absence. I’m sure I’ll see him again in no time. The guy can’t stay away long enough if he tries.

Cleaning up in the bathroom, I immediately notice how much livelier I look in comparison to the last time I looked in the mirror. Not to say all my problems have been solved, but the usual weight grounding me at all times doesn’t feel as heavy today.

Noticing the mark on my throat, my cheeks grow warm as my fingers graze the wound. Already healed over, it’s more of a scar than anything. However, unlike the rest of my magically disappearing marks, this one remains.

Sighing softly, I let my eyes linger for only a moment before digging around for a medkit. If I’m going to see people I know, there’s no way I’m going to let them see this mark. Finding a big enough bandage to slap down on it, I move on and get dressed.

Leaving the room, I planned on making my way toward the common area to grab a bite. What I don’t expect is to find a member of Runar’s fighting force to be sitting on the ground patiently waiting. It’s not Varrum, and I honestly don’t know any of the others’ names.

“Galior,” he introduces with a smile as he moves to his feet. From the cracks of his limbs, I can bet he’s been waiting for a while. “The king ordered me to accompany you for the time being.”

Despite everything, I’ve been given a babysitter. Fighting the urge to roll my eyes, I’m the one leading him as we head in the direction of food. I’m ready to devour whatever I can get my hands on. After burning so much energy yesterday, my body is thriving for nutrients.

“And what is he doing?” Picking at the sleeve of my shirt, I frown ahead.

“He’s dealing with the death of Kellan.” I don’t need to ask who Kellan is, I remember clearly enough about yesterday. “It seems he was the one to start the battle.” His face is grim, the betrayal clear. “His hatred for the humans caused his downfall.”

“The fighting was going to happen one way or another. As long as Hendrick remained alive, death would continue. Despite how many died yesterday, so many more will live today because of their sacrifice.” The words taste sour coming out of my mouth, but they’re the truth.

He grunts at my side, agreeing with me.

We make it to the common area and the tempting smell of food isn’t what makes my steps quicken.

Huddled together at two of the tables are the members of my crew. They’re sharing a meal, chatting away.

Relief fills my chest as I see their smiles. Before I run over and make a scene, I slow to a stop.

“Have they been filled in with everything that has happened?” I don’t want those closest to me to call me traitorous.

The word from a man I despised was one thing, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle hearing it from those I fight with.

“They were given the choice to come on board with the promise of their safety remaining intact. None have caused us any issues as of yet.” His eyes follow mine and he shifts. “We don’t know what communications have gone out. As of now, none have asked about what happened. However, many have asked for you.”

I suppose if I’m going to tell my entire species what is going on, I can get my practice speech out of the way on these guys.

Hating how nervous I feel, my fingers curl at my sides before I continue walking toward them.

Dasha is the one to notice my arrival and she chokes on her food. Immediately standing up, she salutes and addresses me by my title. It’s hard to take her seriously when she’s got sauce on her fingers.

“At ease,” I order before the others get the idea to do the same.

They all look at me like they’re surprised. If I have to guess, they probably think I’ve been tortured through interrogation after these last couple of days. If my arm were still broken and in some sort of sling, I’m sure I’d fit closer to what they were expecting. However, I’m completely fine.

“I’m sure you all have many questions, and I plan on telling you everything.” Deep inside, the fear of their rejection nips at me. If I confess my plans to stick close to Runar’s side, I don’t want to betray these people. I’m hoping I still have the chance of finding a happy ending here.

“Join us and eat something.” Dasha scoots closer to the guy to her right, opening up a seat. “Even if this stuff looks gross, it’s pretty good.”

At the start of a smile on my lips, there’s no denying the way their brows lift in surprise. Can’t even smile without throwing them off. It’s been an intense last few days.

With Gailor at my heels, I go to grab a platter.

“The king wants you to eat plenty,” he explains behind me. “He mentioned you may have exhausted yourself through the night and wants to make sure you are well-fed for today.” Ever so nonchalant, he points out a dish that is full of protein.

“Thank you,” I hiss, hoping he won’t say another word.

If Runar hadn’t made himself scarce, there’s no question that I would’ve killed him by now. He’s going to get an earful once he’s freed his hands.

Filling my platter, I huff as I join my crew. Ordering Galior to give me a few feet of space, he stands with his hands resting on the handles of his daggers. I’d think he was preparing for the worst if it weren’t for the boredom written all over his face. Good to know we both think he has better things to do.

As I sit down next to Dasha, I feel many eyes point in my direction. Despite making a deal about eating before talking, I realize these guys aren’t as relaxed as I originally thought.

“What is the plan, commander? How do you intend on getting off of this vessel?” One of them asks, whispered low enough to possibly avoid being picked up by the enhanced Medarian hearing.

Plunging my fork into a bluish-colored slab of meat, I purse my lips.

“I do not plan on leaving.” Getting the words out there, I realize I can’t avoid this conversation any longer.

What if these guys only came on the vessel willingly because they hoped to rescue me? I don’t want them to think I need saving.

As their confusion makes the table quiet, I take a bite of food. Dasha’s right, it’s delicious. Unfortunately, Galior is right as well. I need the fuel.

“Our fight with the Medarian’s is over.” Now it’s quiet enough to hear a pin drop. “Captain Hendrick and his men were once warned that the planets we’ve been trying to inhabit were unlivable and poisonous. Instead of taking their warnings with gratitude, Hendrick gave the order to start the fight.” As I stare at the meat on my fork, my stomach clenches. “If you haven’t already gotten a report, then know that Hendrick is dead.”

There’s a gasp or two that plucks at my chest. Unable to hide my grimace, I straighten up.

“Therefore, I will be drafting up a message for an invitation to all those willing to put their weapons down. You all have been invited to give you a chance to live as normal of a life as you can. I don’t know about you all, but I’m tired of fighting. The leader of these aliens will take care of us.” Thinking about Runar being willing to forgive despite everything leaves a warmth dwelling in my stomach.

“What’ll happen with the Inferno? ” Gunner is the one to break the silence after a few slow seconds. As the pilot, flying the ship is all he’s ever known ever since this fight started.

“We’ll still protect our own. The universe is vast. I’m sure there will still be a few species who will want to pick fights. Our ship isn’t going anywhere.”

More questions come my way. Are the Medarians trustworthy? What about those who don’t want to stick around? Can this vessel truly be called a home to our kind?

Making a mental checklist for later, I address whatever I can. Without Runar to help reassure my answers, my word is the best I can give. Though, I’m sure if I ask him something, he might be willing to bend some rules.

As the shock slowly disappears and everything starts to settle, I get to finally eat. My food has grown cold, but I hardly notice. I’m too busy clinging to the relief of not being abandoned by this bunch. While I’ll completely respect their decisions of staying or leaving, it feels good that none have made a scene.

Dasha sighs at my side and attempts to sneak a glance at Galior. “I’m curious to know what it was like to stay with these creatures for the last few days. Are they just as savage-like when they aren’t fighting?”

“They eat, sleep, and train as far as I can tell.” Not wanting to admit that I’ve been distracted by Runar for most of my time here, I shrug. “They’re not monsters.”

She hums softly. “Is it bad to think that when they aren’t covered in blood they don’t look too bad?”

“He can hear you, you know.” I point out with a scoff. Distracting her to avoid answering, I watch her quickly turn away with flushed cheeks.

“Good luck on telling everyone else,” she continues as if she wasn’t just staring at Galior like he’s eye candy. “I hope we truly can call an end to this fighting.”

Nodding my head in agreement, I enjoy what time I have before I have to go through with repeating this on a larger scale.

* * *

Galior continues to follow me as I try to look for Runar once I’m full. He’s not in his captain’s chair, and he’s not in that meeting room either.

“Can’t you make this easier by just telling me where he is? It’s been over an hour. If he’s still not done, then at this point, I’m going to think he’s purposely staying away.” Grumbling that last bit, I cross my arms. “Can you take me to Flora? Her company has to be better than yours, no offense.”

He tilts his head, his eyes squinting. “Why does it feel like you’re avoiding your responsibilities?”

I don’t think I like this member of the Sixth. Feeling like he’s the leader of the group, he’s got this smugness about him. He’s right and he knows it, calling me out with ease.

“The king will want this fighting to be resolved before his return.”

My frown grows at his words. “And what happens if my words are enough? What if humans don’t want to call an end to this mess?” Sighing softly, I stroll over to the glass panes and enjoy the stars as I usually do. “What if I make it worse? How forgiving is your king?”

He leans against the wall and crosses his arms as he thinks about the answer. “In truth, I have never known him to be forgiving.” At the slump of my shoulders, he dares to chuckle. “However, you are not just anyone. You are his Rhis. I believe he will not hold it against you.”

At the mention of the word, my fingers lift to graze the bandage.

“Okay.” Sighing softly, I pull my attention away from the stars. “Fine, let’s do this and get it over with.”

We head off in the direction of my ship. When we enter, the strangest thing happens. I expect to feel a sense of relief being back on my ship. Instead, all I can think about is how much further I am away from Runar.

Is this what love is, always missing the other? This is a sensation that’s going to take some getting used to.

We make our way toward the meeting room, and I feel his eyes watching as I type keys.

“You may want to step out on this one. No offense, but you might make them think you’re holding me hostage.” Taking in the way he’s touching the handles of his blades, I fight the urge to chuckle.

Parting his lips to defend himself, he pauses before nodding. Without a word, he drifts out of the room leaving me by my lonesome.

Taking in a deep breath, I type away until I’m ready to record my message.

Something tells me it’s going to take a few attempts to get the perfect take.

Many know me as a hothead, but most respect my word. The amount of times I’ve thrown myself in the face of danger for the survival of humankind has gotten me where I am in the first place.

My sister has been put through the wringer to fix this poison our kind has created.

Now it’s my turn to finish this fight. No matter the outcome, I’m the one who needs to lead those who are willing to put down their weapons.

Reaching forward, I tap the button to start the recording.