"Alright. How long?"
"Long?"
"Do I have to get First Meal prepared."
"The base must be completely sealed down within the next hour."
"Sealed down?" she asked, frowning at him in confusion.
"The dust Pontus ground storms carry can be deadly, and the sand... it will destroy everything exposed to it if not quickly contained."
"Oh. Well then I'd best get to it. Your warriors are going to be hungry." Rising on to her toes, she gave him a quick kiss then turned to walk away only to be stopped by his arms still around her waist. Looking up at him she asked, "Treyvon?"
"I'm hungry too," he growled, "and I'm going to need more than that miniscule meal to satisfy me."
"Really?" she asked, her eyes blazing into his as she licked her lips. "So what else would you like? To eat that is."
"You," he growled. "All. Of. You."
"I think that can be arranged," she whispered. Reaching up, she gripped his braids and pulled his mouth down to hers.
"General, the storm..." Onp trailed off as he walked into the office seeing Jennifer in his General's arms. What in the name of the Goddess was going on?
"What is it, Onp?" Treyvon asked, and while he refused to release Jennifer, he did turn his head to look at the Warrior.
"I... umm... the storm is advancing even faster than expected, General. We will only have communications for approximately another fifteen minutes."
"Understood." Slowly he released Jennifer. "I have to contact Liron before the storm makes it impossible."
"Of course you do." She gave him an understanding smile. "I expect to see you at First Meal. Otherwise I'll be hunting you down."
With that she turned and left the room.
• • • • • •
Jen stayed close to the wall as warriors rushed up and down the corridor. They moved with a sense of urgency that she was beginning to understand the closer she got to the storage room where the crates from the Zaludian ship were. Pontus was normally a quiet planet. It was something that had taken her a long time to get used to, not hearing birdsong or the sound of insects. The wind was the only constant you really heard as it moved the sand around reshaping the landscape. And right now that wind was howling louder than anything she'd ever heard before.
Reaching her destination, she went in and quickly filled the hover cart she'd grabbed when leaving Treyvon's and had just cleared the door when a her arm was grabbed in a punishing grip.
"What do you think you are doing?"
Turning, she found Spada glaring at her.
"Not that it's any of your business," she said trying to jerk her arm free. "But I'm retrieving some supplies to cook with."
"Impossible!" Spada spat out tightening his grip.
"Let go of me!" Jen exclaimed trying not to let him see how badly he was hurting her.
"What's going on?" Gulzar demanded coming up from behind Spada, his eyes widening when he saw Spada had his hands on Jen.
"This doesn't concern you, Gulzar," Spada spat out.
"The fuck it doesn't!" Gulzar grabbed the wrist of the hand that was holding Jen and forced Spada to let her go. He then twisted the arm up and around Spada's back, shoving him face first into the wall. "You don't touch a female like that! You especially don't touch Jen like that!"
"Let go of me! I'm..."
"I'm Elite Warrior Gulzar Nye." Gulzar growled, twisting Spada's arm harder. "And I will not allow you to abuse a female!"
"I wasn't abusing her!" Spada denied through gritted teeth, furious that he couldn't break Gulzar's hold. "I was denying her access to supplies she hasn't been given permission to use."
"I have been given permission!" Jen instantly told him.
"Untruth!" Spada argued back. "Only the General has the authority to do that!"
"Correct!" she fired back.
"Jen, are you saying that General Rayner gave you permission to use these supplies?" Gulzar asked, turning his head to look at her while still holding Spada in place.
"Yes, he's allowing me to use the supplies from Earth to make a hot First Meal before they become inedible."
"What?" Gulzar couldn't believe it. He'd never heard of anyone ever having hot First Meal, not even the Emperor.
Gulzar's momentary distraction gave Spada the opportunity he needed to break free and move away. "Again you speak an untruth! The General would never allow such a thing!"
"Then call him," Jen challenged.
"What?" Spada asked.
"If you're so sure I'm lying then call Treyvon and ask him."
"The General has better things to do right now..."
"Yes, like informing the Emperor about the huge ground storm growing, but I'm sure he'll be more than happy to have that comm interrupted so you can confirm his order." Jen wasn't going to back down from the much larger Warrior. She wasn't going to let him see that he'd hurt her. She didn't like Spada, didn't like how he always treated her and Mac. She especially didn't like how he was always acting like he was better than Gulzar.
"Go ahead." She leaned forward slightly and taunted, "I dare you."
Spada growled taking a step toward her only to have Gulzar step in between them. "I trust Jen. If she says the General has given her permission to use what's stored in this room, then I believe her."
"You are a fool to ever believe a female!" Spada spat at him. "But it's your career." With that, Spada turned and stormed away.
"Jen?" Gulzar made sure Spada had rounded a corner before turning to face her.
Jen knew instantly what he was asking and it didn't bother her. After all, he had basically trusted her with his entire future and the future of his family. "I vow to you, Gulzar, Treyvon gave me his permission."
"You are truly going to make a hot First Meal?" He couldn't keep the amazement out of his voice.
"I truly am," she smiled up at him. "When you showed me the refrigerated food earlier, I noticed that there was some ground meat that needed to be used. So I'm going to make a hot, filling meal that on Earth is normally eaten in the morning."
"What is it called?"
"Biscuits and gravy."
"What?"
"It’s a sauce with meat in it that is served over the biscuits you like so much."
"I..."
"What?"
"I would like to learn how to make this, but I need to help finish securing the transports."
"Of course you do. I will show you next time I make it because it can be served for Last Meal too."
"Truth?"
"Truth. Now, did I hear right? You're an Elite Warrior now?"
"Yes," Gulzar's face flushed with pleasure. "The General announced the promotion during drills yesterday along with that of Elite Warrior Nroa to Squad Leader and Squad Leader Nikhil to Commander."
"Nikhil took Gryf's place?"
"Yes. Commander Nikhil is a well-respected Warrior and will make a fine Commander."
"I have no doubt about that. I'm just surprised I wasn't told."
"Why would you be?" he asked, giving her a confused looked.
"I... it doesn't matter. Congratulations!"
Chapter Twenty-Seven
"You have everything you need for a storm such as this?" Liron asked, his face fading for a moment.
"Yes, it hasn't been that long since we were resupplied and with what was found on the Zaludian ship, we will be fine."
"So Warrior Gulzar was correct. Those food stores were from Earth?"
"Yes, Jennifer verified it. She also requested that she be allowed to make a hot First Meal as some of the food stores are starting to spoil."
"A hot First Meal?"
"Apparently it is quite common on Earth and she has assured me it wouldn't take much time or supplies to make. She also believes our warriors deserve it with all they have gone through recently."
"I cannot fault the logic in that, but I have to ask..." The storm caused the transmission to break up for a moment. "... about your relationship wit
h Jennifer."
"What about it?" Treyvon demanded.
"Are you sure she is not just using you? The way Rachana did?"
"Jennifer is nothing like Rachana. You saw that yourself."
"I did, but I also saw a female that still cares deeply about the male that she exchanged rings with. She refuses to accept your Ashe bead..."
"I have not yet offered it to her!"
"And yet she is willing to share your resting chamber with you."
"It is not an uncommon thing on Earth."
"Jennifer told you this?"
"Yes. What are you getting at, Liron?"
"I think she is just using you until we discover Earth's location then she will demand to be taken back."
"And I will take her."
"What?!!"
"I will escort her back to her home world. She has a younger sister that has been left there unprotected and she feels she has failed her. It is what drives her to survive. The chance to make it right. I more than anyone else understand that feeling."
"What our mutual ancestor did is not your burden to carry, Treyvon!" Liron ran a frustrated hand through his hair.
"Perhaps not, but still I do. Just as Jennifer does for her sister and her Todd. None of it was her fault. If anything it was ours, for not realizing sooner what was happening here on Pontus. Yet she doesn't blame you or me, just herself. I know she has strong feelings for me for she has told me so, but I also know she fears failing someone she cares for again. When the time comes, I will escort her back to Earth and when she is ready, I will offer her my Ashe bead and she will accept."
"You honestly believe this?" The transmission started to break up again.
"Yes."
"Then I will pray to the Goddess to make it so. For if there were ever a male that deserved such a gift, it is you." With that the screen went blank.
• • • • • •
Jen couldn't help but smile as she finished drying the last pot. The warriors had all been very hesitant when they'd first entered the eating area. She wouldn't have been surprised if they'd drawn their swords, just in case they were walking into an ambush. It had taken some coaxing from her, but finally Gulzar had stepped forward and taken the plate she'd placed two split biscuits on. He then allowed Mac to cover them with perfectly seasoned sausage gravy.
The others had slowly followed. Each taking a plate as if they expected the Goddess to strike them down. When that didn't happen they sat, and after sniffing what she had made, took a tentative bite. She wished she had her phone so she could take a picture of the shock and amazement that crossed each face.
There had been only one thing that over shadowed her enjoyment of the event... Treyvon hadn't been there. Neither had Nikhil for that matter, but Mac explained it was because they were both still in the Command Center, tracking the storm. Hearing that, she set aside their share of the biscuits and gravy and sent Mac off with it once everyone else had been through the line once.
Now with the kitchen put back to rights, she was headed for her quarters to gather up what she had and move them to Treyvon's. She thought about staying long enough to shower, after all she was still wearing her covering from yesterday and she was sure her hair was a tangled mess, but none of that mattered to her. What mattered was seeing Treyvon again. She found she missed him and she wanted to make sure he had taken the time to eat. Without a backward glance, she left the quarters she'd been given and headed for her future with Treyvon.
• • • • • •
Treyvon found himself impatiently studying the data Captain Matteo had been able to send down before the immense ground storm had cut off all communications. He hated not having more updated information but he also knew that wasn't what was causing his impatience. It was caused because Mackenzie was here and his Jennifer wasn't.
Rationally he knew barely three hours had passed since he'd seen her, but that didn't seem to matter to his heart. He wanted her here, sharing First Meal with him the way Mackenzie and Nikhil were. Just as he was about to get up and go in search of her, the door from the corridor to his office slid open and there she was.
"About time you got here. I was worried the food would be cold before you did." Mac told her then frowned. "Why are you carrying your coverings?"
Mac's words had Treyvon pulling his gaze from his Jennifer's beautiful face to her hands. In them she carried all her possessions, two coverings and the cape she'd been given when they'd first been discovered. That was intolerable. First because he should have been helping her move into his quarters and second because she shouldn't be able to carry all that was hers so easily.
Moving from behind his desk he immediately went to her. "You should have told me what you were doing. I would have been with you."
She just shrugged. "You were busy with the storm and its not like there was very much."
"Still you should have told me." Reaching down, he ran a gentle knuckle along her cheek.
"Umm, excuse me." Mac's voice had both of their heads turning to find both Mac and Nikhil staring at them intently. "What's going on? Jen, why are you bringing your coverings here?"
"Mackenzie..." Nikhil growled quietly giving her a warning look.
"What?" She turned questioning eyes to him.
"Because I'm moving into Treyvon's quarters," Jen told them causing both of their gazes to snap back to her.
"What? Why?" Mac demanded. "What's happened?"
"Nothing has happened," Jen quickly reassured her before moving closer to Treyvon. "But something has happened between me and Treyvon. That's why I'm moving in with him."
"Something..." Mac's eyes flew from Jen to Treyvon, taking in his protective stance and how her friend leaned into him, to Treyvon's braids then gasped. "Oh my God! You're his True Mate!"
"What?" Jen’s heart broke a little at Mac's assumption but forced herself to speak, "No, I'm not."
"Then where is his bead?" Mac challenged gesturing to Treyvon's hair.
"What are you talking about?" Jen's eyes shot to the braid Mac was pointing at. "It's right there." But it wasn't and her eyes widened.
Treyvon's hand went to the braid that had always held one small Elemental bead and his larger Ashe and True Mate beads. Feeling only one large bead, he lifted it and when he found his Ashe bead, his gaze began searching Jennifer's pulled back hair for his True Mate bead.
Was it possible?
He knew the bead had been in his hair yesterday.
How could it have transferred without either of them noticing?
Then remembering how they'd spent the night and how they'd been woken, he realized that it was possible. Reaching out, he sank his fingers deep into her hair, pulling so the silken strands glided between his fingers until something suddenly snagged between two of them. With bated breath he carefully separated the strands and revealed what he'd never thought he'd see.
Not for him.
His True Mate bead had transferred.
To Jennifer.
He had a True Mate.
Jennifer was his True Mate.
Jennifer could only stare at the bead Treyvon held so reverently between his thumb and forefinger. It was the crystal blue bead with silver swirling in it that she'd always thought matched his eyes so perfectly.
"Treyvon..." she whispered, reaching up to wipe away the tear that had escaped one of his glowing eyes, unconcerned as her coverings fell to the floor.
"You are mine, Jennifer," he whispered, gently framing her face with his large, calloused hands, his bead lightly brushing along the back of his hand. "My True Mate."
"Yes," she agreed with a watery smile. She knew without him having to say it just how much her wearing his True Mate bead meant to him.
Not because she needed it.
Not because he did either. They had already committed themselves to each other the night before.
No, it mattered to him only because it meant that the Goddess found him worthy... despite what Aadi had done.
"I lo
ve you, Treyvon," she told him then stepping forward so their bodies were flush, rose on her toes meeting his descending lips for a passionate kiss.
• • • • • •
Mac couldn't help but smile at what she was seeing. She'd known there was something growing between Jen and Treyvon, but she hadn't thought it would be that they were True Mates. After all, Nikhil's True Mate bead had transferred to her immediately, while Jen and Treyvon had been around each other for over six months now. Why had it taken so long?
"Does it matter?" Nikhil asked her quietly and turning to her True Mate, she realized she'd spoken out loud.
"No," she told him, "it doesn't. I'm just happy for her. Jen's survived so much. She deserves to be happy. As happy as I am with you."
Nikhil wrapped his arms around his Mackenzie, pulling her close to gently kiss her lips. He too was glad, but for entirely selfish reasons. With Jennifer being Treyvon's True Mate, his Mackenzie would never have to worry about her friend leaving her. Something he knew she feared even though she'd never expressed it. He also knew she would never ask Jennifer to remain as Jennifer's younger sister was unprotected back on Earth. His Mackenzie was an extremely kind and caring female. The Goddess had truly blessed him with her.
• • • • • •
Jennifer sank into Treyvon's kiss, letting it transport her to a place she'd never been before until finally she had to rip her mouth away and suck life-giving oxygen into her lungs. Looking up at him, feeling his chest heave against hers, she knew he was just as overcome with emotion as she was.
Meeting his gaze she saw she was right.
"Let's go into your resting chamber," she whispered.
"Our resting chamber," Treyvon growled.
"Ours," she breathed, but before they could take that first step, alarms sounded. "What's that?"
"Breach alarm," Treyvon told her.
"Breach?" She gave him an alarmed look. "As in we're under attack, breach?"
"No," Treyvon reassured her. "It is the sand."
"The sand?"
"Yes, it has worked its way through one of the door seals."
"Is that a problem?" she asked.