Cyprian wasn’t sure what to expect as Sundara stood incredibly still in front of Kagan, letting the news sink in. She then placed a fist to her chest and bowed to Kagan, the way a warrior would.
“I am honored and will serve the people well, Daimio,” Sundara spoke proud and clear.
“You already have.” Kagan turned to everyone. “Now, let’s take a break and prepare for a mating ceremony.”
Cyprian turned to Riley as everyone stood.
“I think I like your leader,” Riley commented.
“I do not envy his position, but I support him.”
“He is lucky to have you at his back,” Riley said with a smile as she rubbed his chest.
Cyprian merely grunted at the compliment, though inside he crowed. The way Riley beamed at him with pride and admiration made him feel invincible. Riley was a force all her own. As a pair, they were indomitable.
“Wild Manx, you should go freshen up with the females, because I plan on claiming you in front of everyone soon,” Cyprian husked, resisting the urge to kiss her.
“Okay,” Riley whispered against his chest.
She cast him a demure smile as she walked toward the females, who were congratulating Sundara. It took everything in his power to approach Kagan and the other warriors, instead of following her.
“We have some unfortunate news,” Tytus spoke to the Daimio. “According to Ion, the Jurou Biljana took some vital parts from the Miran Sona ship.”
“Jyk,” Cyprian growled.
“He wasn’t among the Jurou Biljana killed last night?” Vintor asked.
“No,” Cyprian replied. “Jyk is the leader of those reptilian bastards,” Cyprian informed the group.
“This is not good,” Kagan grumbled.
“The Jurou Biljana may not have the specific location of Earth, but I’m betting they now have the technology to breach the wormhole, putting them in the same quadrant of space,” Tytus said grimly.
“Then it’s just a matter of time before they find the defenseless planet,” Dagaa interjected.
“This is rare technology. It cannot remain in Jurou Biljana hands,” Aculus growled.
“Agreed. They must have taken it, when they couldn’t get the Miran Sona ship to function,” Cyprian mused.
“Then we need to hunt them down,” Kagan snarled.
Everyone present took a deep breath. It appeared there was another mission in their future.
“I will contact my people. We possess this technology, however we have yet to map all the various rifts. I will need your assistance,” Aculus stated.
“You will have it,” Kagan replied. “Enough grim business for one day. There are three males present who will be announcing their bond.”
Cyprian grinned as he slapped Tytus and Metcor’s back.
“Are you sure our females will like what you’ve got planned?” Tytus asked. “You don’t have the best track record with the females.”
Everyone chuckled.
“That’s an understatement. When you shared the pictures, it looked like the humans were just standing, not dancing,” Dagaa said dubiously.
“Thanks for the show of faith. I think they will like it,” Cyprian replied, hoping he was right.
Riley
I’m getting married. It was too wild to believe.
Riley couldn’t believe she almost let some terrible misunderstanding and her painful past get in the way of the best thing to ever happen to her.
Cyprian loves me, she grinned.
“Does my hair look okay?” June asked as she smoothed her bob and fidgeted with her dress.
“You both look great.” Riley smiled at June and Sundara, then turned to peer out at the scores of people.
“That is Ismat, a cleric in service to the venerable Goddess.” Sundara pointed out.
The old Cadi man in a floor-length black robe stood up front, next to a roaring bonfire. He had the look of a priest, solemn and devout.
A bass drum began a slow repetitive beat. The sound was something one might hear on a Viking ship, to keep the oarsmen in line. The single drum was joined by others. The cadence quickly worked its way into Riley. It kept pace with the rhythmic pulse of her heart, or maybe it was the other way around.
“Are you ready,” Cyprian’s deep voice sounded in her ear as his arms snaked around her waist.
Riley smiled up at the gruff, commanding warrior who’d made it past her hardened exterior and captured her heart. He was almost entirely naked, save a swath of leather that hung low on his hips. The ceremony that was about to occur had her excited, but now she looked forward to the honeymoon that would follow.
“I am,” Riley answered before her thoughts of the night they would share, derailed her ability to form rational words.