Nikhil(69)

"No."

"You never saw them?" Luol found that hard to believe. The mine wasn't that big.

"Only in passing. The Zaludians separated us by species. I can't believe a female was able to survive there, especially one as kind and as delicate as Mackenzie."

Luol raised an eyebrow at Blag's words. Nekeoks were a species that few intentionally dealt with because of their temperament, but they were loyal to those that earned their respect. It seemed that Mackenzie had earned Blag's with just a few kind words. It was something he hadn't given Blag.

"She is an exceptional female," Luol agreed, moving to where Blag could see him easier. "If you are resting comfortably, I will go contact the General and see if your wife has been notified."

"I am fine. Go!" Blag ordered impatiently and turned his gaze back to the ceiling.

Luol gave Blag an annoyed look at his order and subsequent dismissal of him. He was about to tell him he could go to Daco when Luol remembered that Blag's wife had been with offspring when he was abducted. Spinning on his heel, he went to contact Treyvon.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Nikhil watched as the sparring match between Gulzar and Nroa progressed, his expression revealing none of his satisfaction at how well Gulzar was doing against the Elite Warrior. The male had great potential and Nikhil knew it wouldn't be long before Gulzar attained the Elite status he so desired. All he needed was more experience, which was suddenly apparent when Gulzar overextended himself. Nroa swept Gulzar's feet out from under him, and the tip of his sword was at Gulzar's throat before he even landed on his back.

The two warriors stared at each other for a moment, both breathing heavily, their bodies gleaming with sweat before Nroa withdrew his sword and held out a hand. Gulzar gave him a frustrated look but reached up and took it, allowing Nroa to pull him to his feet.

"It will come, Gulzar," Nroa reassured the younger warrior. "You’re just letting your impatience get the better of you."

Gulzar nodded his head in agreement. "Thank you for your insight and advice, Warrior Nroa."

"Good. Again," Nroa ordered, and they began.

‘Yes,’ Nikhil thought, ‘Gulzar will make a fine Elite Warrior.’

"It won't be long," Treyvon said stepping up next to Nikhil.

"No, it won't. He will make a fine addition to your Elite Warriors."

"Agreed. How is your True Mate today? I was informed you did not take her to last meal."

"She rested through it. I thought to wake her, but Luol assured me her body knew what it needed and to let her rest."

"Was Luol correct?"

"Yes. She woke well rested and hungry."

"That is good. Has she agreed to be your Ashe yet?" Treyvon asked looking to the bead that Nikhil still wore. The only bead a male was able to freely offer a female.

"I... I have not yet asked her," he hesitantly admitted. "She has been through so much and is still adjusting to wearing my True Mate bead since it is not the way of her species. I wanted to give her time to adapt before I asked her for more."

"You can't think she would refuse you?!!" Treyvon gave him a disbelieving look.

"We have had... misunderstandings, because of our differences. I do not want there to be one when I make my request."

"Are there many differences?" Treyvon asked quietly.

"Yes."

"I..." The ringing of Treyvon's comm stopped him from asking more. Stepping away from Nikhil, he answered.

"General, this is Luol."

"What is it?" Treyvon demanded.

"A request has been made to know if the families of the survivors have been notified of their status."

"By who?"

"By Blag, a Nekeok. His female was with offspring when he was taken. He is concerned about her welfare."

"A Nekeok disclosed this to you?"

"No, he disclosed it to Mackenzie, who told me."

"A Nekeok spoke to Nikhil's Ashe?" Treyvon turned his gaze to Nikhil and saw he had moved to give Gulzar more instruction.

"Yes. He was very respectful to her," Luol quickly reassured him.

"I see. All I can state as truth is that I contacted the Minister in charge of the Nekeoks’ home world when they were discovered and gave them the names of the survivors. Whether they contacted their families, I do not know."

"I see. I will relay that information, General, but I don't believe it will appease Blag."

"It will have to, for it is all the information I have."

"Yes, General."

Luol looked up from his comm to see Mackenzie silently watching him through the open doorway of his office. It was obvious she had heard both sides of the conversation, and she wasn't happy about it. "We've done all that is required, Mackenzie."