Broken: The Discordant Earth Series 1.0 Read online

“What is ridiculous is your behavior. You will treat me with respect, Alyssa.”

  Pinching her lips tight, she swallowed her rage, and softened her face, trying a different tactic.

  “Kayn, please. I am very unhappy here. I need some time to myself. You told me, after my parents’ deaths—” Murders! “—I could take a leave of absence until the baby is born. That’s all I’m asking for now. I’ve been under a great deal of stress, and that’s not good for our baby.” Play that baby card, girl!

  Kayn contemplated her request, rubbing his chin while Alyssa waited, her insides screaming with fury.

  “That is acceptable.” He lowered himself to his chair. “Your health is vitally important.”

  “Thank you. I’ll return for my belongings in a few days.”

  “What belongings? From your desk?” Kayn flicked his wrist at her desk, looking down at a file in front of him. “Take them now.”

  “From my quarters, of course.”

  His head sprang up, fire in his eyes. “You do not need to move out of your quarters.”

  “Yes, I do, Kayn. I want to keep my stuff at Granny’s, and until you decide if you want me to stay or be shipped off to the Nursery, I don’t see any reason to maintain living quarters I’m not using.”

  “Alyssa, I-”

  The intercom buzzed, and Isa’s voice projected from the speaker. “Commander, the general is here to see you.”

  Thank you, Isa!

  Kayn clamped his mouth shut and nodded at her as Ras strode in, looking pleased as punch. His gaze slid over her, like an oily film.

  “What happened to Katie?” Alyssa blurted out before Ras could open his vile mouth.

  “Alyssa—” Kayn’s angry voice boomed throughout the office “—you are excused.”

  “No! I saw him punch her, Kayn. She was bleeding, and he might’ve killed her baby.” She clenched her fists, anger roiling in her stomach as Kayn’s furious eyes pierced her.

  “The baby is gone.” Ras responded without any signs of remorse.

  “What the hell do you mean, ‘gone’?”

  “Alyssa! Leave—now.”

  She snatched her bag from her desk, and bolted out of the office, stopping at Isa’s desk.

  “I think Ras killed Katie’s unborn baby, and she might be dead, too. What the hell is happening around here, Isa?”

  “I cannot say, Alyssa. The general seems to be taking many liberties with his station. Our commander has not included me in his meetings for several days.”

  “Be careful. I’m worried things are getting out of hand here.”

  “I concur.”

  “I’ll see you at Granny’s for ‘book club’?”

  “Yes. I will be there.”

  Alyssa hightailed it out of there before Kayn could change his mind.

  Chapter 25

  “Alyssa, you must call your friend, Jess, immediately,” Isa said over the phone the next morning.

  “Why? What’s happened now?”

  “The commander and the general just returned from questioning her and her family. I do not know why.”

  “Okay, I’ll call her right now.” Alyssa ended the call and dialed Jess. The line only rang once.

  “Hello?” Jess’ shaky voice answered.

  “Jess, is everything okay?”

  “Yes. Everything is fine.” Nope, she doesn’t sound fine at all.

  “Oh, good! I was thinking you and your parents should have dinner with me tonight. How’s that sound?”

  “That sounds great, Aly. What time and where?”

  “Eight o’clock? Marly’s? I’ll call him, and reserve the party room, so we won’t have to talk over the dinner crowd.”

  “Yes! I’ll tell my parents. See you then.”

  One more phone call to make.

  “Hello?” Sebastian’s smooth, mellow voice soothed Alyssa’s aching soul.

  “Sebastian, I need a favor.”

  “Anything for you, darlin’.”

  ***

  Granny’s phone mocked her, a stony-faced gremlin squatting on the small wooden table in the hallway. Alyssa paced between the living room and the kitchen, little snores marking each circuit. She paused to lay an afghan over Granny, who napped in her armchair.

  The phone rang, piercing the silence, and Alyssa dashed to grab it. “Hello?”

  “It’s done.”

  “Oh, thank God. Are they okay?”

  “A tad shook up, but Jess has things in hand.”

  “What a relief. Pick me up in the morning?”

  “Sure thing, girly.”

  ***

  The next morning, Alyssa kissed Granny on the cheek, and with buttered toast in hand, she slipped out of the kitchen door. Jordan reached over to push the door open for her, and she climbed in, grinning at Jordan’s goofy smile.

  “So, what am I heading into?”

  “Be prepared to answer lots of questions. Jess kept them locked in a room all night, so they’re probably none too happy.”

  “You’re kidding. Did you at least feed them?”

  “No, we thought we’d starve them out. Just for fun.”

  Alyssa slapped Jordan’s shoulder and scoffed.

  He regaled her with tales of an ever-growing baby Lyssa on their drive to coalition headquarters, taking her mind off darker things. He parked in the garage, and led her to Jess’ room, across the hall from her and Sebastian’s room.

  Before she ventured into chaos, Alyssa stopped in to arrange baby-time with Kora, and snuck a peek at sweet, little Lyssa while Jordan and Kora beamed with parental pride.

  Knocking softly, she waited, anxiety eating her up. The lock clicked a second before Jess poked her head out, and Alyssa waved at her frazzled friend.

  “I’m so glad you’re here, Aly. They’re driving me insane!” Jess said under her breath, dragging her into the room.

  “Alyssa! What are you doing here? Did they abduct you, too?” Maira’s hand fluttered at her throat as she paced a three-foot section of floor near the sofa. An older version of Jess, Maira had the same frosty-blonde hair, but shorter and straighter. Her heart-shaped face lined with worry wrinkles as her hazel eyes searched the room for answers.

  “Uh, no, Mrs. Sanders. I’m here of my own volition.”

  “Explain yourself.” Jess’ dad, Edward, stood in the center of the room, arms crossed. This man, a second father to Alyssa, was average height with a stocky build, and dirty-blond hair hanging in a low, loose ponytail.

  “We brought you here to keep you safe, Mr. Sanders.”

  “I don’t understand. Jess keeps telling us the same thing, but she won’t tell us why.”

  “Yes. It’s all so very frightening.” Maira slumped on the sofa.

  “Mom, Dad, please listen to Aly. She can explain everything.”

  For the next hour, Alyssa recounted all the recent events and revelations she had endured. Maira listened without comment, but Edward grunted often, peppering her with questions for clarification. Afterwards, he began pacing the fifteen feet between the door and the bed area while Maira sat with glazed eyes.

  Jess pulled her aside, whispering in her ear. “Aly, I think you broke them.”

  “You might be right.” They waited, watching Jess’ parents slowly process their new situation until a knock on the door drew everyone’s attention, and Jess ushered Sebastian in. He carried a tray of snacks and a bag full of bottled juices, and Alyssa rushed to help him.

  “How’s it going?” Sebastian planted a firm kiss on her lips.

  “Not sure yet. I think they’re still absorbing everything I told them.”

  “Well, maybe some food in their bellies will help with that.”

  “Who are you, young man?”

  “My name’s Sebastian Roberts, sir. I’m the leader of the Coalition for the Freedom of Humanity.”

  The group spent another good hour with Sebastian answering a myriad of questions from both of Jess’ parents. Alyssa and Jess, bored with the ordeal, lay on th
e bed together distracting themselves with gossip. Occasionally, she peeked over at Sebastian, who winked or smiled her way. Remembering the reason for the abduction of Jess and her parents, she asked about Kayn’s impromptu visit.

  “So, what did he ask you guys?”

  “He was asking about you mostly. Wanted to know if you were actually sick the last few days, and what kind of stuff you’ve been telling people. He also asked if you have any new friends.”

  “Huh...”

  “He also asked about Kora.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “I covered for you both. I told him you were sick, like you told him, and Kora’s always resting so I don’t see her.”

  “Did he seem to accept your answers?”

  “I guess. You know how the Szu’Kara are... especially the commander and the general.”

  “Yeah. I thought I could read Kayn, but obviously, I can’t tell the difference between his truth and his lies.”

  After much convincing by Sebastian, Jess’ parents agreed to stay put, on the grounds that Edward be included in coalition meetings. Sebastian assured them he would notify Edward of all meetings personally. Poor guy already has so much on his plate.

  Sebastian offered to take Jess and her family for a tour, so she popped in for much needed cuddle time with baby Lyssa. Her precious little face brought joy to Alyssa’s heart, allowing her a few moments of peace, a break from the anger that plagued her since Kayn’s assault. Kora and Jordan snuck away for a baby-free lunch when Sebastian returned.

  “Can you believe I’m going to have one of these little angels soon?”

  “Sure can, darlin’. You’re finally getting a little belly there. Have you felt any movement yet?”

  “No, nothing yet. I thought I’d be bigger by now. Kora was five months along when I met her, and she looked like she had twins in her belly.”

  “Well, that girl was stick-thin. It’s a wonder she didn’t topple over every other step.”

  “I know, right? This little angel is kind of big for Kora’s tiny body. I guess I can understand why she screamed so much.”

  “Hello?”

  Alyssa giggled at the sight of Shar’s bald head poking almost sideways in the door as Sebastian waved her into the room.

  “I heard you were here. Would you mind if I examine you?”

  “Okay.” Alyssa handed the baby to Sebastian.

  “You have not been to the clinic since the attack. Are you well?”

  “You didn’t tell her about Kayn?” Alyssa glanced at Sebastian.

  He cocked a brow at her, frowning. “No. Was I supposed to?”

  “Uh, well, no, I guess not. I appreciate you keeping it to yourself.”

  “Of course, darlin’. It happened to you, and it’s up to you if you want to share it or not.”

  Shar took her blood pressure while waiting patiently as Alyssa hesitated, wishing she didn’t ever again have to remember what happened.

  “So, Kayn raped me.”

  “Pardon me?” Shar halted in the middle of ripping the Velcro cuff open.

  “He raped me. He used his Valene to drug me so I couldn’t resist. Then he had the gall to tell me I’m his mate and he has a right to do whatever he wants to me.”

  “He said what?” Sebastian balked, jaw ticking.

  “This is not unusual.” Shar continued with her examination, shaking her head.

  “Hold on one damn minute. Did you consent to becoming his mate? If not, then he has no claim over you. He can shove that right up his horse’s ass!”

  “I would rather not contradict you, but in our society, it is standard practice for the commander to automatically lay claim to any female he consorts with.”

  “I don’t give a rat’s ass what your society considers standard practice. No offense to you, Shar.”

  “None taken. I do not agree with many of our cultural norms. My people have always favored gender-equality and free choice, but our commanders are the exception. They are always male, and may choose to take any female without consent. It is barbaric.”

  “So, do you think Alyssa’s safe at Ms. Willows? I’d rather they both come here.”

  “That’s sweet, Sebastian—” Oh, how I love this man “—but I’ll be fine. Kayn agreed to let me continue my leave of absence and stay at Granny’s.”

  “How gracious of him.” Sebastian rolled his eyes.

  “I am sorry the commander committed such an atrocious assault upon you.”

  “Thanks, Shar, but it’s not your fault. By the way, do you know anything about Katie? I saw Ras punch her. She was bleeding—a lot—when he dragged her away.”

  “What the hell?” Poor Sebastian’s getting a lot of shocking news today. I shall ply him with kisses later.

  “I am afraid I cannot answer that. Kelly and I performed triage on Kathryn, but Ela took over her care. She was sedated, strapped down, and wheeled out of the clinic.”

  “So, they just took her away?” Poor Katie!

  “I won’t let them take you away, darlin’.” Sebastian kissed the tip of her nose.

  “What about Angie? Is there going to be a funeral?”

  “I do not believe so. She has been cremated. The fetus has been taken to the laboratory for study.”

  Alyssa threw her hands in the air. “Is there nothing sacred anymore?”

  “I am sorry for all that my people have put you through. It is shameful.”

  “Can I ask you something? Zirena told me something that’s been bothering me, and I don’t know if I should believe her.”

  “Ask.”

  “She said all human females are tested as children to see if they’re compatible for breeding with Szu’Kara, and some of us are more compatible with the commander line than others. Is that true? Have you been testing me since I was a little girl?”

  “I am ashamed to admit this is true. I do not know how she can know this, it is… confidential. The commander ordered the testing soon after our arrival, Ela and I had no choice but to comply.”

  “Is that why Kayn hired me? I was compatible, so he wanted to get me close?”

  “That is quite possible, Alyssa. I cannot apologize enough for all that has been done to you.”

  “I don’t blame you, Shar, you had to follow his orders. He’s been your leader for hundreds of years. You’ve always been kind to me, and I appreciate that.”

  “He has been our leader for nearly eight hundred years. In all that time, I have never cared for a species as I care for you. Unfortunately, I will need to limit my visits here for the time being.”

  “Why?” Sebastian cocked his head, his voice hardening to his leader tone.

  “I am concerned Ela has grown suspicious of my frequent visits to the town.”

  “I thought you covered that as house-calls?”

  “Yes, I did, but Ela has made observations that are difficult to explain. She would not normally exclude me from an incident such as Kathryn’s. It is best if I only leave the compound for emergencies, for now.”

  “Of course, Shar,” Sebastian said. “Do what you need to keep safe.”

  “I will excuse myself now. You are doing well, Alyssa, although I would prefer if you ate more, particularly iron-rich foods, please. I believe you may be deficient.”

  “I’ll make sure she does.” Sebastian poked her baby pooch. A giggle erupted from Alyssa’s grinning mouth, waking the baby.

  The two of them played with Lyssa for a while, shooing Jordan and Kora away. When Kora insisted she’d been away from her daughter too long, they reluctantly handed over the little treasure.

  On Nait’s request, Alyssa donated some of her unique blood for study, hoping it would help in the creation of a vaccine. Kelly performed the blood draw, informing them she would be taking over for Shar, and set down some strict rules for checkups, eating requirements, and vitamin intake.

  Afterwards, they lounged in the courtyard before having dinner with Jess and her parents, who seemed to be taking thi
ngs in stride. When night fell, Alyssa dragged Sebastian to their room, spending the night wrapped in his strong arms, letting his presence hold the nightmares at bay.

  The next morning, Jess’ father ordered their little group to attend Sebastian’s weekly coalition meeting where Alyssa recounted the radical attack and the assault on Katie. Cecily raged over the senseless deaths to an agreeable crowd, while Zirena scowled from the back of the packed room. By the end, the meeting had resulted in plans of retaliation, with Jess’ parents actively involved in the rebel cause.

  Relieved that Jess and her parents were safe, Alyssa reluctantly allowed Jordan to take her back to Granny’s, even though she was frazzled from the long meeting and only wanted to snuggle with Sebastian. Unfortunately, leading a rebel coalition required the leader to be present, so she grudgingly stepped aside.

  Chapter 26

  A fierce blast of light flashed through the windows, followed by a thundering boom, and Alyssa bolted up out of a deep slumber. Searching her room, she realized lightning had not, in fact, struck the foot of her bed, and flopped back, relieved.

  “Alyssa!” Granny hollered from her room down the hall.

  “Coming!” She forced herself to leave the warmth of her bed, entering the hallway to find the old woman tying her robe closed.

  “What the heck was that?”

  “No idea, Granny.”

  “Go take a gander out the front door, would you? Maybe the neighbors know something.”

  Sigh. “Okay.”

  Alyssa rubbed the sleep from her eyes while plodding down the stairs, where she slipped into a long sweater and poked her head outside. Unable to see anything, she stepped out onto the porch with Granny on her heels.

  “You see anything, Aly girl?”

  “No. Oh wait, there’s someone on the sidewalk.”

  They made their way down to where several of the neighbors had gathered together. Guesses were tossed around like coins, as the small crowd looked around for the source of the thundering light.

  Quiet voices chattered in the night when, with a roar, flames shot out of the front of a building down the road. The crowd gasped in unison, the women huddling together while the men scratched their heads.