Chapter 26

ZAHHN

I'm back on the Haxxal with another scientific achievement to my name, probably my greatest yet. The trials on the Rorrsa were a huge success, and a treatment for forlonngsa now exists. All the patients who've been treated thus far have made full recoveries.

As I peer around my laboratory, the sense of pride I'd expected to feel at this moment doesn't come. Not fully. All I can think about is Leona. In a matter of days, she'll be given to my people. Also in a matter of days, I plan to take ownership of her.

Though I've spoken with Officer Brute a few times recently, he is not yet certain what will happen to the five females who aren't in the nineteen to twenty-five age range. He's suggested that perhaps they'll be used as servants, but I cannot fathom how that will work.

Because those five women won't be drenched in the scent of a mate, which means, through no fault of their own, they'll be a temptation to unmated Darrvason males who might encounter them. Perhaps Officer Brute doesn't want to admit it, but those five females will have to be kept in a secure location. Like the brig.

But that will not happen to Leona.

I will not allow it.

My wrist comm buzzes and beeps with a message from Emperor Radakk. Fluxx . I drag a hand through my hair. I've barely had time to settle back into my old laboratory, yet he's on his way for a visit. Not only that, but he's bringing his mate along. Empress Thalia.

I hurry to pull up the information on the screens that I know the emperor is seeking. He's not just visiting to thank me for curing forlonggsa , he wants to know if he's a candidate for the treatment.

Once the correct information is on display, I straighten my shirt and turn to the doorway, awaiting their arrival while praying they don't linger for long.

Emperor Radakk soon escorts his female into my laboratory, and I immediately avert my eyes from his mate. Tradition dictates I cannot interact with her in any way until he formally introduces us, but I'm pleased when he's quick to do so. Because it indicates he trusts me and values our friendship. Given that I'm planning to claim an unsanctioned female during the next few days, I am pleased by this outcome.

"Doctor Zahhn, this is my mate, Thalia."

I finally lift my eyes to the female and incline my head. "Good morning, Empress."

"Good morning, Doctor Zahhn," she says with a faint smile.

I clear my throat and gesture at a nearby screen. "As you are aware, Emperor Radakk, I decided to re-sequence your genes after noticing some anomalies in your most recent blood sample."

"And? Am I a candidate for the same treatment you used on the Rorrsa ?"

"You're not a candidate for the treatment," I say, "because it'll never be needed. The markers that indicate an increased risk for forlonggsa are now missing from your genetic makeup."

"How is that possible?" he asks.

Excitement fills me, and I feel as though I'm bouncing with energy even though I'm standing perfectly still. I gesture at a second screen. "The same thing happened to Officer Tannall. He possessed an even larger risk than you, and the markers are now missing from his genetic makeup as well. The common factor, of course, is that you both recently mated and developed a heartbond with a human female."

The emperor and empress exchange a hopeful look.

"I'm still running tests to discover the science behind it," I continue, "but it appears a heartbond with a human can alter the genetic makeup of a Darrvason male. It's an amazing development."

"This is wonderful news." Emperor Radakk flashes a rare smile, an expression so joyful I'm almost taken aback. "Thank you for making the discovery, Doctor Zahhn, and thank you for developing the treatment that's helped my uncle and so many others. I've said it before, and I'll say it again—your service to the Darrvason Empire has been invaluable. I hope perhaps this development will encourage you to consider the offer I made you recently."

My mood immediately darkens. Fluxx . I'm tempted to specifically request Leona, but then I stop myself. Because what if Emperor Radakk refuses my request? No, I must follow through with my original plan. Even if I must face harsh consequences in the aftermath of my crimes. My thievery. My violence. Yes, I will battle my own people if I must in order to obtain Leona.

"Perhaps, Emperor," I eventually force out. "I am still debating the matter." Lies. I'll say anything to make him drop the subject.

After Emperor Radakk and his mate depart the laboratory, an idea occurs to me. One that I feel foolish for not thinking of before. I hastily move about my laboratory, setting up the same test I used to analyze Emperor Radakk and Officer Tannall's genetic makeup. I extract a sample of my own blood and get to work.

The results are so shocking, I gape stupidly at the screens for a long moment, not quite believing what I'm seeing.

My genetic makeup is altered in several locations. Not as many as Emperor Radakk and Officer Tannall's, but it's enough to give me hope.

Hope that perhaps I'm no longer sterile. Or, if I still am, I won't be for long. If I stake my claim on Leona and rut her until a heartbond forms between us, perhaps I'll eventually be able to sire offspring.

Optimism continues to swell inside me, but then I quickly tamp it down. Fool. You don't possess all the information yet.

My sudden growl reverberates around the laboratory. I shouldn't allow myself to become hopeful when I am not entirely certain it will work.

Furthermore, there's the glaring fact that Leona was involved in a rebel plot against my people. If she continues to harbor hatred for my kind, having a child with her is likely a terrible idea.

But I cannot fathom the idea of her rotting in a brig. Nor can I stand the prospect of her becoming a mated pair's servant, for that would be the only way she could serve in a household—if the male was already heartbonded to another female.

Lee-oon-ahh. I plan to visit you tonight.

Zahhn? Her voice echoes in my head, and my ancestral markings immediately start tingling. I revel in the sensation even though I'm not yet certain of her true feelings for me.

Leona. Your obedience training begins tonight. I will see you soon.

I detect her nervousness through the… bond? Whatever it is that links our emotions on occasion. Then the connection goes silent, and I'm no longer able to sense her presence. But I will see her tonight, and it will be an interaction that pushes her limits.