Chapter 27

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

Maxxon

M y head was still spinning from my conversation with Mandy and Serge as I made my way through the familiar corridors of the Boat. The disappointment and heartache threatened to overwhelm me, but I forced myself to push it aside. I was a Drexian warrior, trained to face any challenge. This was just another obstacle—and one I would overcome.

There was only one Drexian who could help me now—Varek. Not only was he my friend from our days as cadets at the Drexian Academy, but he was also the officer in charge of staff assignments. If anyone could get me off this station quickly, it was him.

Memories of our time at the Academy flashed through my mind as I headed towards the command deck. Varek and I had both been Blades, part of the School of Battle. We'd trained together, fought together, pushed each other to be better warriors. If there was anyone I could count on now, it was him.

As I reached the floor housing the command deck, the doors of the inclinator opened, and I nearly collided with a familiar face.

"Zayn!" I exclaimed, stepping back to avoid running into the officer. Although the Drexian had escaped from a Kronock prison and had a rough time returning to the Boat, he'd found happiness with the bride I'd procured for him. We'd been friends ever since he'd realized I was the one who'd brought her to him.

Zayn's eyes widened in recognition. "Maxxon! I didn't know you were back on the Boat."

"Just got back. Have you seen Varek? I need to speak with him."

Zayn jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "He headed down to the Promenade a little while ago. Seemed in a hurry."

I frowned. The Promenade? That was usually the domain of the tribute brides, filled with shops for wedding cakes, gowns, and flowers. Even the coffee shop was something that appealed to the humans. Well, after hearing Mandy complain, I wasn't so sure about that assumption, but I did know that Drexians did not drink the stuff.

What business would Varek have on the Promenade?

I stepped into the inclinator as Zayn exited.

"Mind if I ride down with you?" He asked as he joined me inside. "It's been a while since we talked."

It had been. Up until the reveal, I'd been working overtime to bring brides to the station.

"How's Katie?" I asked, referring to Zayn's human mate.

A smile spread across Zayn's face. "She's doing great, especially now with the Reveal. She's excited about the possibility of visiting Earth again."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Any specific plans?"

Zayn chuckled. "She wants to take me to a place called Disneyland. But I have to admit, the images she's shown me have me a bit worried. It seems to be controlled by a giant rodent."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Like the Ratlings on Parsus V?"

Zayn's eyes widened. " Grek , I hope not. Katie assures me it's just a costume, but…" He shuddered.

The inclinator slowed to a stop, and the doors opened onto the bustling Promenade. "Well, best of luck with that," I thumped a hand on Zayn's shoulder. "Maybe bring a plasma rifle, just in case."

Zayn laughed as I stepped from the compartment. "Not a bad idea."

I left him in the inclinator and started down the busy stone path, weaving between excited women and Drexians who looked overwhelmed by the exuberance of their matches. So far, I didn't spot Varek in the crowd.

The air was filled with chatter and laughter, the scent of flowers and sweet pastries wafting from nearby shops. Under different circumstances, I might have found the atmosphere infectious. Now, it just made my chest ache. I swept my gaze to take in the entire area. Where was my friend?

As I passed the bridal shop, something made me stop short. Through the large glass front, I spotted a familiar figure inside.

Varek!

What was he doing in there? I shook my head as I noticed that his attention was focused on something I couldn't quite see.

I was about to enter the shop and ask my friend why he was surrounded by wedding dresses when movement caught my eye. Varek stepped to the side, revealing a figure on the platform. A beautiful female in a flowing white dress.

My heart lurched and then stopped beating entirely.

Allie.

She was even more breathtaking than I remembered. The white dress hugged her curves, making her look like some sort of Earth goddess. A delicate veil framed her face, and even from this distance, I could see the blue of her eyes.

But it wasn't her beauty that made time stop and everything around me—every sound, every movement, every breath—cease. It was the way Varek looked at her. The way he reached out and took her hand, an entranced smile on his face.

In that moment, everything clicked into place with devastating clarity. Allie's Drexian match, the one she'd come to the Boat to marry, was Varek. My friend. My fellow Blade. My brother-in-arms.

The station seemed to tilt to one side as all the air was driven from my lungs. How could this be happening? Of all the Drexians on this station, how could Allie have been matched with Varek?

I watched, frozen in place, as Reina bustled around Allie, and Varek beamed as if he had defeated a fleet of Kronock invaders single handedly.

This was why Allie hadn't rejected her match. This was why she'd agreed to be a tribute bride. Varek was everything a female could want—strong, handsome, kind. A respected officer with a promising career ahead of him. Of course she would be happy with him.

I stumbled back from the window, nearly colliding with a group of giggling human women. They gave me curious looks, but I barely noticed. There was only one thought playing on repeat in my head, only one cruel truth.

Allie would never be mine.