He had failed. Lastbite couldn't believe it. Not only had the humans proven an unexpected factor, but their technology was more advanced than the Lupine hybrid had led the Alpha to believe. He shouldn't have lost. Ten dreadnoughts to four puny Gatoan ships. It should have been easy pickings.
The humans had arrived and inflicted damage. That hadn't worried Lastbite. No, what bothered him was the red-haired human female that piloted the human flagship and destroyed his fleet.
When she appeared on-screen, he'd been astonished and furious. That pathetic hybrid Adam boasted of his prowess, but obviously lacked the skills necessary to contain one little female. It was amazing that the female known as Jewels commanded such respect.
"Beta Lastbite, we are nearing the galactic gate."
"What?" he snarled when the smaller male cowered.
"My Beta, we have located the hybrid Adam. He is dead."
"I guessed as much. Where is the signal coming from?"
"A space station in orbit around Jupiter."
"Any life readings onboard?"
"No, my Beta."
"Retrieve the body. Perhaps in death he'll be more useful than in life."
"Yes, my Beta."
Lastbite sat back and considered his next move. Bonebreaker did not tolerate loss. He had to be prepared to fight his Alpha if he wished to live. All of this was Dex's fault. That disgusting Gatoan prince was a thorn in Lastbite's side, one he was going to remove. First, he had to survive his Alpha. "I will pay you back tenfold, Dex, for what you've cost me."
He would make this work and he would be victorious. There was no other option. The bowing and scraping were over. He would be Alpha and his enemies would tremble. Yes, they would.
* * *
Jewels and Dex appeared outside the base's command center. She was still perturbed that she couldn't sense other psionics. True, she wanted to be able to shield her mind from thoughts, but not at the expense of becoming telepathically deaf.
::Mate, you are glowering.::
::I am not, Dex.:: At his pointed look, she sighed. ::All right, maybe a little. I don't like not being able to tell where others are.::
He put his arm around her and hugged her. ::I am here, and will keep you safe.::
::Thanks, just what I need, a cat in shiny armor.:: Jewels hated to sound peevish, but the unsettled feeling remained.
"Jewels! Dex! This way," Jeremy called from the doorway.
She slipped free of Dex's embrace and jogged over to her former anchor. "Jeremy, we have to..."
"...Talk. Yes, I know, but not out in the open. Come inside where it's shielded."
She nodded and went in. Jewels knew that Dex would follow. She could feel his displeasure at her eagerness to leave his side. She'd worry about his ego later. She needed to focus on herself.
They were met by Elenora who stood with med-scanner and data-pad in hand. "Good, you made it. Jewels, please sit on the bio-bed."
"Why?"
"Because it's an order, Lieutenant," Jeremy barked.
Jewels twitched, threw him a petulant glare and did as instructed.
::My Onugrass, sheath your claws. They are both concerned for you.::
::I don't need pity!::
::Jewels, it is not pity, only worry. Perhaps they have the answers we seek.::
::I hope you're right.:: She fought the urge to fidget during the medical scan. She didn't feel like being scolded.
"What's the verdict, Elenora?"
"It's what I thought, Jeremy, but this second set of scans proves it."
"Proves what?" Jewels demanded.
"That your mental bond with Dex is so tightly connected that severance of it will result in death for both of you."
Dex's growl of surprise echoed Jewels' own shock. "Why would we sever our bond? We just found each other. I was hoping for long life, happiness, etc. Unless you know something I don't? Or you had other plans?" She focused on Dex, unsure of his true intentions.
"Do you have so little faith in me, my human Onugrass? My people mate for life. However, I've never heard of a mate bond that would result in death for both if one died."
Jewels paled. "Oh great. I knew it! I really am a freak!"
"Jewels, you are not a freak and if you say that again, big bad cat husband or not, I will put you over my knee and tan your backside!"
She stared at Jeremy's furious expression. He had that I-mean-business look. She decided that meekness was the better part of valor. "Sorry. I won't say it any more, Jeremy. I'm afraid, ok? First my loss of telepathic hearing, and now the possibility of death if Dex dies is a bit much to handle."
"What do you mean loss of telepathic hearing?" Elenora demanded.
"Apparently, she can't 'hear' anyone's mind except mine."
"Oh, is that all?"
Jewels spun around and glared at the newcomer. "Colonel Manore! Why are you here? No, wait let me guess. You're my own personal little doom cloud come to rain on my head? Well, sorry, you'll have to get in line!"
"Jewels!" Jeremy growled.
Manroe held up a hand. "Colonel Lingley, it's all right. She's allowed to be angry, but really, young lady, you need to relax. Maybe another roll in the sack with your handsome feline will calm you down."
"Why you arrogant...." She lunged for him and was snagged by Dex who securely wrapped his arms around her, pinning her against his body.
"I like that male's idea," he whispered in her ear.
Jewels blushed and closed her eyes. She knew when she was defeated. "What did you mean by your comment?"
"Your ability will come back. Right now your mind is adjusting to Dex as your anchor and as your mate. It's suffered a double whammy, if you will, and, so to cope, shut down one avenue of your power."
"How long will it last, Colonel? My people have nothing like this."
"Not sure. It varies from person to person. Minimum is two months."
"Two months!" Jewels wailed, horrified at the thought of not having her abilities at full strength.
"And the longest?"
"We've had only one case where it was permanent."
"That should be a 'need to know.' You should tell psionics what happens when we find our one and only," she snarled at Manroe.
"Really? And have them all react like you did? I think not, Lieutenant. Besides, if you had known, you wouldn't have bonded with the Prince because of fear of the loss. It works much better this way. Now, I have a more pressing matter to discuss with the pair of you."
"Lovely, we're all ears."
"Sarcasm is not needed, Lieutenant. I am on my way to meet with the Psi-Ops Council. They want a full report on what has happened here. They will also decide that you will not to be allowed to leave the planet."
"What! They can't do that!" Jewels shouted and squirmed hard until Dex set her on her feet. "I have a right to be with my husband. I am not property!"
"I agree. So here is what I am going to do. I will report as ordered. You two will stay here. I will call Prince Dex to come and explain his position on the matter. Your Highness, I would advise you to use every ounce of power and command you have in you to make an impressive showing. It is the only way that they will back down."
Jewels studied Manroe's face. "You already know how this is all going to end, don't you?"
"Not really. You still have free will. That always changes the flow of possibilities. Is everyone clear on what we are doing?"
"Yes, we're clear."
"Good. I must go. Remember, Prince Dex, be ready." Manroe's form became transparent and then he was gone.
"He is an interesting human," Dex commented as he walked over to Jeremy.
"That's not the word I'd use, but he's very good at what he does.," Jewels muttered. "So what do we do now?"
"Well, Kid, we wait. That's all we can do until Manroe calls." Jeremy shrugged.
"That's just peachy." Jewels stalked toward the nearest chair and sat down. She hoped that Manroe did not fail. She couldn't contemplate a life without Dex.