Zaureth: A SciFi Alien Romance (Enigma Series Book 4) Read online

  “What if what?” Amy prompted when his voice trailed off.

  Zaureth cupped the sides of her face. “What if I cannot make you comfortable in Aukrabah? I could not bear to see you miserable, sweet Amy. It would kill me inside.”

  The deep rumble of his voice turned her insides to mush. She wanted to see his face once more, to look into his pale green eyes.

  Zaureth must have read her thoughts. He threw his legs over the side of the bed and took hold of her hand, pulling her up with him.

  “But your wound!” Amy exclaimed, allowing him to lead her toward the bathroom.

  Zaureth stopped and adjusted Amy’s smaller frame in front of him. “The wound does not pain me nearly as much as your desire to see.”

  Amy’s breath hitched as Zaureth’s handsome face came into view. She could stand in that position for the rest of her life, drinking in his expressive features. “You become more beautiful with every passing second.”

  The corner of Zaureth’s mouth lifted. “You think I am beautiful?”

  Amy returned his humor. “Not that I have anything to compare you to, but yes.”

  Zaureth laughed. A deep, booming sound that caught Amy off guard. “You do not count Oz?”

  “Oh yeah,” Amy teased. “He is sort of beautiful as well.”

  That brought a growl from Zaureth’s throat. “I do not like you looking at other males.”

  Amy turned in his arms. “If not for you, I would have never known the joy of sight, the brilliance of colors, or the beauty of gazing upon your face. No one will ever come close to you in my eyes, Zaureth. No one.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Zaureth had never experienced the level of emotion he felt in Amy’s arms. She soothed him, tempted him, tested him, and freed him all at once.

  The trust shining in her eyes humbled him. She felt safe with him, and that scared him more than anything.

  How was he to keep her safe on the surface with men like Acosta running amok with human weapons? Zaureth had no choice but to take her to Aukrabah and hope that she could adjust. “I will take you to my home.”

  Her face lit up, making her appear even more precious to him.

  “I won’t be a burden to you,” she swore in a small voice. “I swear it.”

  Zaureth’s heart cracked a little inside. He wrapped her tightly in his arms. “You could never be a burden to me, sweet Amy. I only hope that I do not drive you to insanity with my possessiveness toward you.”

  She hugged him back. “I like your possessive nature. It makes me feel like you care.”

  He backed up a step and tucked a finger beneath her chin, tilting her face up. “I care more than I should. I have gone against everything I have ever believed in to be near you. Never doubt my feelings are true.”

  The phone next to the bed began to ring, interrupting Zaureth’s confession.

  He wrapped an arm around Amy’s shoulder and led her to the bedside table.

  She lightly touched her fingertips to the table’s surface and felt around until she came in contact with the phone.

  “Hello?” she answered, placing the receiver against her ear. She held it there for several seconds before responding. “We’ll be right down.”

  Replacing the phone on its cradle, Amy turned to face Zaureth. “Klause has called a meeting on the beach. He wants us there at once.”

  Zaureth reached for her hand, but she pulled back and asked, “Are you feeling up to this? I mean, you haven’t had any rest since Abbie dug that bullet out.”

  “Do not worry for me,” Zaureth began. “As I said before, I have already begun to heal.”

  It suddenly dawned on him that his body felt stronger than ever before. Not weak as he’d expected it to be after giving in to his urges with Amy.

  Perhaps Laurel spoke the truth, he thought, taking hold of Amy’s elbow. Maybe he really was different than the healers before him. And maybe it was time to change a few laws.

  * * * *

  Zaureth arrived on the beach with Amy tucked in close to his side.

  He glanced down at the top of her blonde head and opened his mind to her. “Are you ready to see the gulf?”

  Amy’s steps faltered. Zaureth could feel the nervous excitement building inside her. “Yes. Oh yes.”

  Zaureth tightened his hold on her and opened the pathway to his sight.

  Her mouth dropped open, and tears filled her beautiful eyes. “Oh my God, Zaureth. It’s more amazing than I ever imagined it to be. And it’s the same color as your eyes!”

  The look on Amy’s face sent Zaureth’s heart into a tailspin. The open pleasure and sweet innocence brought out every protective feeling he possessed.

  Zaureth wanted to show her everything the world had to offer. Every tree, flower, and mystery of the deep. “Wait until you see Aukrabah.”

  “I can’t wait,” Amy gushed through their mental link. “I might not want to return.”

  Zaureth’s heart clenched. “I might not let you.”

  Amy slowed her steps and tilted her face toward him. “What are you trying to say?”

  “Zaureth? How are you feeling? Do you think it wise that you are out of bed?”

  The sound of Klause’s voice brought Zaureth back to reality. A reality he didn’t want to face without Amy by his side.

  “My king,” Zaureth murmured, guiding Amy to the mass of Bracadytes lining the beach. “I am better. Thank you for asking.”

  Klause waved him over, indicating a chair to his left. “Sit. You should not be moving about this soon.”

  “I am fine,” Zaureth assured him while keeping an arm around Amy.

  The king nodded. “Very well. Now that everyone is here, I will begin.”

  Zaureth kept his mental link open with Amy. He continued to soak up the different emotions coming from her while attempting to concentrate on the king’s words.

  The joy, the awe, and the excitement of seeing the world around her seeped from Amy’s mind and into Zaureth’s. It washed through him to settle inside his heart.

  “Braum will not be joining us on our journey home, as he has returned to the States with the human president,” Klause announced, holding up a hand to quiet the murmurs that ensued.

  Zaureth glanced at Gryke to gauge his reaction. A muscle ticked along the Bracadyte’s jaw, telling Zaureth that he wasn’t on board with the idea.

  “Silence,” Klause barked, his voice booming above the throng of displeased Bracadytes. “President Pratt and I have come to an understanding. Not only did Braum go willingly, the idea was his to begin with.”

  “How can we be sure that the land walkers will not harm him?” a voice cried out from the crowd.

  “Because they sent one of their own as insurance that no harm would befall Braum.” Klause turned his head and spoke in a low tone.

  A female emerged from a tent positioned behind Klause. She strode up next to him with her posture straight and her head held high. She didn’t speak, only stared straight ahead without blinking.

  Klause tilted his head toward her. “Fiona Henagar is a top-ranking officer in the human military. They have entrusted us with her care as I have entrusted them with Braum’s. She will be treated with dignity and respect for as long as she remains with us.”

  Zaureth couldn’t get a good look at the human female. She hid behind camouflaged military clothing and a hat pulled low over her eyes.

  “I don’t trust her,” Gryke snarled, taking a step toward Fiona.

  Klause positioned himself in front of the female officer. “She is not to be touched. That is an order.”

  Gryke stopped, but didn’t back down. “I cannot believe that you are willing to take her to Aukrabah. Humans cannot be trusted, sire. You have seen more than enough evidence of that already.”

  Klause narrowed his eyes. “Stand down, Gryke. Your king has spoken.”

  Spinning on his heel, Gryke quickly turned and strode back toward the hotel without another word.

  “What was th
at all about?” Amy questioned through her link with Zaureth.

  Zaureth glanced down at Amy’s upturned face. “I am not certain, but I will find out before the day has ended.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Amy listened intently as Klause gave account of his meeting with President Pratt. Klause had agreed to speak with Abbie about blood donations to help the humans with a vaccine for the Incola virus. In return, Pratt not only agreed that the Bracadytes would come to no harm, but that the government would supply them with weapons to defend themselves and would help with procuring a safe entrance to the backside of Aukrabah as well.

  Abbie stepped forward once again. “You told them I would give them Arcanum’s blood?”

  The king pinned her with a hard stare. “I said no such thing. Arcanum is my grandson. I assured President Pratt that I would speak with you about donating a small amount of blood from you both. It will not harm the child, and it very well could save thousands, even millions of human lives.”

  Some of the tension visibly left Abbie’s body. “Of course I will help. I will donate a safe amount, enough to create a vaccine. But know this, it will take a hell of a lot more than a vial or two of Arcanum’s blood to make enough of a vaccine for the entire human race.”

  Klause nodded. “Pratt is aware of that. He has assured me that he is taking steps to keep the virus contained.”

  “If it goes airborne,” Abbie quietly stated, “they won’t be able to contain it.”

  A hush fell over the crowd.

  “If the land walkers are made aware of Aukrabah’s entrance, what is to stop them from invading?” Zaureth pointed out.

  Klause shifted his gaze toward his healer. “Pratt has promised to position his military outside the entrance. No one will pass through without our permission.”

  With her heart hammering in her chest, Amy looked upon the faces of the hundreds of Bracadytes through Zaureth’s eyes. Though grumbles could be heard, no one else spoke out against the king’s decisions.

  Amy’s gaze touched on some of the women scattered throughout the crowd. The Bracadyte females were astonishing with their long dark hair and gorgeous eyes. They were the complete opposite of Amy. Where Amy was short and small, the Bracadyte women were tall and muscular.

  Insecurity quickly set in. What if Zaureth grew tired of leading her around like a child? What if her lack of sight became a burden to him? She couldn’t swim, cook, or even fight if she had to. Amy was useless to Zaureth, and she knew it.

  Zaureth’s arm tightened around her. “Do not ever think that you are useless,” he mentally admonished. “You are kind and beautiful, Amy. Being in your presence makes me stronger somehow. I feel needed. But most importantly, I feel wanted.”

  Amy’s heart melted. She stepped in closer to his side and leaned her head against him. He was so tall the top of her head barely reached his ribcage. “You are wanted. If I had to choose between being whole and being with you…I’d choose you.”

  A slight shudder passed through Zaureth’s tall frame. “Amy…”

  Klause’s next words cut off Amy’s response. “Vaulcron, Mallory, and her sister will remain here at Playa Pilar.”

  “I would ask your permission to bring Amy with us,” Zaureth stated, locking his hand onto Amy’s arm. “She cannot return to her home, nor is she safe here in Cuba.”

  The king shook his head. “I cannot take responsibility for her life, Zaureth. Aukrabah is no place for someone like…” His voice trailed off.

  “For someone like me?” Amy challenged, taking a step forward. “You can say it, King Klause. I’ve heard it all my life. Being blind doesn’t make me an invalid. It makes me more alert, more in tune to the feelings of others. I don’t have to see you to know that you have pity in your eyes. I can hear it in your voice.”

  Zaureth stepped up next to her, a strong ally in her moment of uncertainty. “If you refuse to allow Amy to go with us to Aukrabah, then I will remain here with her.”

  Klause’s jaw flexed in anger. Amy could see the muscles tightening as he ground his teeth. “You forget yourself, Zaureth. As a healer, you have a duty to the Bracadytes. It was for this very reason the laws were put in place to begin with. The gifts you were given do not come without sacrifices.”

  “Klause!” Laurel admonished, resting her hands on her hips. “Zaureth has made more sacrifices than all of Aukrabah combined. His entire existence has been about sacrificing. He has lived his life serving everyone but himself. It is time that he finds happiness.”

  Klause ran a hand down his face. “But the laws—”

  “Can be revised,” Laurel snapped, cutting off any argument he may have had.

  The king’s gaze softened before it shifted to Zaureth. “I do not feel this is the right thing to do. But I will allow it. If trouble arises from this, I will hold you solely responsible.”

  “Thank you,” Amy blurted before Zaureth could respond. “I won’t be in the way.”

  Klause cleared his throat. “I meant no offense, sister of Vaulcron’s mate. I only want what is best for Aukrabah. And sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the good of the whole.”

  Amy decided she liked Klause. She couldn’t imagine the enormous burden he carried daily, being responsible for so many. “I understand, King Klause. And I appreciate you giving me a chance.”

  “We leave an hour before sunrise,” Klause announced. “Oz will take the humans by boat to the entrance. Their mates may accompany them. Zaureth? You will be responsible for Miss Brighton’s safety. See that she arrives unharmed.”

  Klause continued to speak, but Amy no longer listened. She was going to Aukrabah with Zaureth.

  “Zaureth?” she sent through their link. “Thank you for standing up for me.”

  “I will always stand up for you, little one. You do not need to thank me for that. You are mine to protect.”

  Amy’s chest constricted at Zaureth’s words. He thought of her as his. She returned to her place beneath his arm.

  The next hour was spent listening to the Bracadytes plan for the future. Some voiced their concerns over Braum’s decision to stay in the States, while others discussed the possibility of Fiona’s presence bringing war to Aukrabah. In the end, they put their faith in Klause, trusting him to keep them safe.

  The crowd dispersed to ready themselves for the early morning trip home. Amy clung tightly to Zaureth as he led her back to her room.

  “You will have to pack lightly,” Zaureth informed her, opening the door and guiding her inside. “Everything will need to be sealed inside a waterproof bag.”

  Amy nodded. “All I need are my clothes and toiletries.” A thought suddenly struck her. “Do you have shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other bathroom items in Aukrabah?”

  “Vaulcron makes the trip to Cuba every thirty moons. He trades with Oz for supplies.”

  Amy could barely hold a thought for glancing at everything in the room. Sight would never get old to her. “What does he trade Oz for the supplies?”

  Zaureth shrugged. “Human jewels, coins, and the like. Objects that have been found along the gulf’s floor.”

  Amy nearly swallowed her tongue. “Do you have any idea how much that stuff is probably worth? You could get a lot of money for those treasures.”

  “We have no need for human money. Everything we require is at our fingertips. The supplies are normally for Vaulcron. He has become quite enamored with the land walker’s ways. Once Abbie and Anthony Vaughn arrived in Aukrabah, Vaulcron began gathering supplies for them as well.”

  “How come Vaulcron makes the runs?” Amy questioned. “Isn’t he the next in line to be king?”

  Zaureth closed the door and moved toward the bathroom. “He is. But Klause did not trust any of the others with Oz’s safety. The two of them are blood related.”

  Amy followed carefully behind, marveling at Zaureth’s reflection in her bathroom mirror. She loved looking through his eyes. “Oz is royalty?”

  The narrowing of Za
ureth’s eyes, told her she’d struck a nerve. “In a sense, I suppose that he is.”

  The corner of Amy’s mouth lifted. “You’re jealous.”

  “Yes,” Zaureth admitted, pulling her in front of him. “I do not want to lose your affections to another male.”

  Amy could see both their reflections in the mirror. She couldn’t take her gaze off Zaureth’s handsome face. “That’s the way I felt when I saw how beautiful the Bracadyte women were. How can I compete with that?”

  “I have no interest in any other but you,” Zaureth confessed, crossing his arms across her shoulders and tugging her back against him. “You have captivated me.”

  Amy opened her mouth to tell him how much he meant to her, but a light tap on the door cut her off.

  “Zaureth?” Oz’s muffled voice called out from the hall. “We must ready the yacht, and Abbie insists on checking your wound before we go.”

  Amy inwardly cringed. Though she wanted nothing more than to stand here all night and listen to Zaureth confess his inner most feelings, his injury came first.

  “Go, let Abbie check you over,” Amy insisted, pulling free of Zaureth’s embrace. “The sooner we get ready to go, the quicker we’ll be safely in Aukrabah.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Zaureth returned to his room shortly after the sun had already risen. He gathered his few belongings, took a quick shower, and hurried to check on Amy.

  “Are you awake?” he sent through their connection, not wanting to startle her.

  The door immediately opened. “I’ve been awake for hours,” Amy verbally responded with a chuckle. “Is the boat ready?”

  Zaureth found her grin contagious. He smiled in return, even though she couldn’t see it. “It is. Oz arranged for the special dive gear that you will wear. He is concerned that you are not familiar with diving, but I assured him I would be with you every step of the way.”

  “I trust you,” she murmured, touching him on the arm. “How is your injury this morning?”