He left Mal with a handmaiden to finish getting ready. He checked with his advisors on the banquet preparation, and the arrival of the special guests.
He found Thadd organizing security. His captain was dressed much the same as Rhain, and looked his regular self, but Rhain still felt something wasn’t quite right with his friend.
“Everything going smoothly?” Rhain asked.
Thadd nodded. “The guards are in position.”
“After Krastin’s defeat, I don’t think my father will cause more trouble here on Zhalto.” Rhain frowned. “Besides, he appears to have switched his focus to Damar.”
Brodin had more missing hunters, and reports of the warlord Candela Salix lurking on his planet.
“Zavir won’t set foot in Citadel,” Thadd promised darkly.
Rhain gripped his captain’s arm. “Thadd, if you need to talk…”
“I’m fine.” Thadd looked away. “I need to check on some more things. I’ll see you at the banquet.”
Rhain watched him go. He vowed that he would get Thadd to open up, one way or another.
Then he heard the click of heels.
He turned and his heart stopped.
Mal walked toward him.
He’d selected the red dress, knowing that it would look wonderful on her.
But he hadn’t been prepared for this.
The fabric looked like liquid on her. The deep V neck showcased her gorgeous breasts and the energy jewel she wore, and the bodice was overlaid with silver metalwork that nipped in at her waist. The full skirt draped to the floor, but two long slits up each side showed off her long legs with each step. Her dark hair was piled up on top of her head, with a silver flower tucked behind her ear.
Rhain just stared.
Mal stopped in front of him, her gaze running over his chest. “I really like your outfit.”
He kept staring at her.
“You look like you just got hit in the head,” she said.
“You look…incredible.”
Her lips quirked. “It’s a hell of a dress. Thank you for picking something I’d like.”
“You’re a beautiful woman. I prefer you naked—”
She snorted.
“—but you look beautiful in this.” He yanked her to him. “I’m proud to have such a beautiful, strong, smart, and brave woman agree to be mine.”
A woman whose presence in his life meant he didn’t need to fear the darkness. There was no way he’d leave her to embrace his father’s way of life. And there was no way she’d let him. He knew she’d always fight for him, help him, and stand at his side.
She melted against him. “Just keep looking at me just like that.”
“I will, every day for the rest of our lives.”
Mal sipped her drink and looked across the elegant ballroom.
The tall, arched windows framed the auroras lighting up the night sky. Inside, there were flowers everywhere—mostly silver and red.
Carvia stood beside her in a column of blue. “Are you enjoying all this fuss?”
Mal smiled at the fighter and held her glass out. The other woman clinked hers against it.
“More than I thought I would.”
All of Citadel society was here. The women wore beautiful dresses, while the men were bare chested, with leather harnesses. People were dancing at the far end of the hall to some beautiful, evocative music. The dancers dipped and twirled in elegant moves that Mal was certain she couldn’t do.
“My lady?” A server appeared, tray in hand.
Mal realized the man was talking to her. “Yes.”
“From the overlord.” The man lifted the tray.
On a small silver tray rested…some roasted nuts. She grinned and nabbed a handful. She popped them into her mouth, salty flavor exploding. Not quite the same as peanuts, but close.
She spied Rhain not far away in the crowd.
God, he was handsome. His muscles gleamed under the lights, as did the medallion on his chest.
Like he sensed her, his head lifted. When he saw what she was eating, he smiled.
She smiled back. Love swamped her. Man, she wanted to drag him out of there.
“You look at the overlord with such emotion,” Carvia said.
Mal cleared her throat, hoping not all her thoughts showed. “I love him.” She shook her head. “Apparently I had to crash land on the other side of the galaxy to find the right guy.”
A sad smile crossed Carvia’s face. “I’m very happy for you and him.”
The woman’s tone was loaded with unsaid feelings.
“You were in love with Trist,” Mal said quietly.
The fighter looked at her shoes. “I never found the courage to tell him. I thought we’d have time.”
Mal touched the woman’s hand. “I’m sorry. I like to think that he knows now.”
The woman nodded. “If the auroras grant me another chance, I won’t waste my time.” She glanced up. “Oh, the overlord’s brothers have arrived.”
Mal turned. She instantly recognized Brodin—big and powerful, that wild energy pumping off him.
The man beside him had to be Graylan.
He was tall, but leaner. He was still all muscle, not an ounce of fat on him. If Brodin was a giant wolf, Graylan was a sleek, black panther. He had a long, sharp face, and his black hair was cut short.
Rhain moved toward the men, smiling. Mal nodded goodbye to Carvia and walked through the crowd.
Graylan spotted her first. He had molten-gold eyes, and they flared as he took her in.
Rhain turned. “Ah, here’s Mal now.”
He held out his hand, and she took it.
“Mal,” Brodin rumbled. Behind him, she saw his first claw, Annora. The woman wore a short aquamarine dress that showed off killer legs. She was trading yet another glare with Thadd.
“It’s nice to see you again, Brodin,” Mal said. “How’s Poppy?”
“I suspected that would be the first thing you asked me.” He took her hand and squeezed. “She opened her eyes today.”
Mal gasped.
“She didn’t speak. But my healers believe she’s rising to consciousness.”
“Thank God.”
Rhain hugged her.
“Thank you for taking care of her,” Mal whispered.
Brodin inclined his head.
“Mal,” Rhain said. “This is my other brother, Conqueror Graylan Taln Sarkany.”
The lean, dark Graylan held out his hand. “My brother chose well.”
She took the man’s hand and felt the throb of contained power. He looked dark and dangerous.
“We didn’t really choose, it just happened,” she said.
Rhain stroked a hand down her hair.
“In fact, he tied me up and interrogated me when we first met.”
Rhain groaned, and his brothers laughed.
“I believe I atoned for my error.”
She smiled up at him. “You did.”
“We’re happy that you found a beautiful, accomplished mate,” Brodin said.
“Thank you.” Rhain eyed them both. “How are things on your worlds?’
Brodin scowled. “I have more missing people. We continue to search for Candela.”
Graylan’s eyes flashed. “If Zavir or his proxies come anywhere near Taln, I will obliterate them.”