A Lost Kitten Read online

  That evening after dinner, the men took their drinks and gathered in the great room while the women cleaned up the dishes. Mira and her grandparents went upstairs to feed and bathe Ekin and Florin.

  John sat on the sofa to the left side of the fireplace. “So, when will your ships arrive?”

  Kenner sat on the second sofa across from John. “The Space Guardians assigned to retrieve us will be here in about seven lunar cycles.”

  John jolted upright, dislodging his translator. “Seven months!” he exclaimed. He picked up the device from his lap and secured it around his ear again. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

  Asher sat next to John. “It takes time to travel from point A to point B.”

  “Yeah, but seven months?” John glanced back at Kenner. His features pleaded with Kenner to tell him differently. “I’ve been away for eighteen months. Another seven months for your ships to get here, then lord knows how many months to get to Sea Base Nine—I’ll be away for another year!”

  “I understand,” said Kenner sympathetically. “I’m sorry, but this war has our fleet stretched to their limits.”

  “How fast are your ships?”

  “The fastest around,” answered Asher. “Warp speed ten.”

  John dropped back into the sofa. “Damn it! That’s why.”

  “Why what?” Andros chose the seat beside his father.

  “Why it takes your ships so long to travel from point A to point B. I was hoping your ships were as fast as our White Stars.”

  Gorwin took the single seat opposite the fireplace. “They are not?”

  John’s features twisted in a grimace. “No.”

  Sirius sat in the second single seat, to Gorwin’s right. “How fast are your ships?”

  “Our White Stars travel at hyperspeed.”

  “Hyperspeed!” the Guardians exclaimed.

  “That’s not possible,” disputed Asher.

  Gorwin calmly took a sip of his drink. “No one in Medlothian history has been able to tap into a power supply that would enable a ship to travel that fast.”

  John figured Gorwin’s piercing stare was meant to make him admit he was lying.

  “Not to mention, the ship’s outer layer would have to withstand the velocity and duration of the flight,” added Kenner.

  “The White Stars have all those capabilities. Hyperspeed allows us to cut travel time in half.”

  Andros sat forward, leaning his forearms on his knees. He regarded John with keen interest. “How did you get your hands on these ships?”

  “We created them with the help of an ancient race called Mage.”

  “We have heard of them,” spoke Gorwin. “They are the oldest race known—older than us Medlothians.” He touched his temple with two fingers. “They have very powerful minds.”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  “That would explain the outer shell, but where did you get the power supply?” inquired Andros.

  “That was discovered and invented by my family. It’s a family secret.” John smiled.

  The others protested, insisting that John tell them.

  “Sorry, guys. If I tell you, then I will have to kill you.”

  They protested more. John laughed. He would not give in. Nor would he tell them that his family had discovered yet another power source that allowed their personal vehicles and the royal starship to fly even faster. A speed they called overdrive.

  To change the subject, John asked, “Does your first stop have to be Oceanica? I was hoping we could go all the way to Sea Base Nine.”

  “We have to check on your race,” informed Kenner.

  John quickly grew serious. “Not my race.”

  Kenner’s features displayed his confusion. “You are half feline.”

  “Because of my mother,” clarified John. “That doesn’t make me an Oceanan. I’m a Sea-anan. There’s a difference.”

  Asher eyed John from over the rim of his cup. “How’s that?”

  “Sea-anans believe everyone is created equal. Oceanans are purists, and they believe they are the superior race.”

  “You are kidding me,” Bogdan said.

  “I kid you not.” John drank his tea. “The Oceanans aren’t that friendly to those who aren’t felines.”

  Kenner stared at him. “I don’t believe you. Sev has been a good friend to the Space Guardians.”

  “Of course. Sev isn’t like the others.”

  “I don’t understand,” Sirius said. “Your mother is an Oceanan. How did you become a Sea-anan instead of an Oceanan?”

  “Long story short—King Oren was prejudice and my mother wasn’t.”

  “You told me your father was not a feline,” inserted Bogdan.

  “That’s where Oren’s prejudice came into play.”

  Asher paused in drinking his drink. “Are you serious?”

  John inhaled deeply, nodding. This part of his childhood, he did not like to remember. “Yes. My mother married a man from Earth. We were alienated because of it. Even exiled for a while.”

  Gorwin finished his drink and placed his glass back on the table. “What happened to change their minds?”

  “My mother, Uncle Challen, and other felines who sided with them agreed to live a false life as Seacats to keep the peace amongst the citizens. After Oceana’s destruction, we created a new life on different planets—first Aaren, then Laaren. We went back to Earth and rejoined our friends and family there. We kept many of the feline traditions and incorporated them with Earth’s traditions. We made modifications and improvements where needed.” John pointed to his insignia.

  “That explains why you are different,” Asher commented. “But Sev is not like the others. Why is that?”

  “My Uncle Challen adopted Sev’s mother, Karla, when she was three. Later, she died during childbirth. After Sev turned two, he spent more time with my family than he did at the castle. I’m glad to hear he survived. My mother will be happy when I tell her.”

  “She’ll be more happy if we make sure he’s all right before we head to Sea Base Nine,” remarked Andros.

  Gorwin nodded. “We failed to help him the last time his felines were attacked. We don’t want to fail him again, even knowing his felines are as you say.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Why are you thanking me?” Gorwin smirked. “I thought you had no loyalties to your mother’s race?”

  “I don’t. But my uncle died trying to keep Sev alive. I would hate for his efforts to go in vain.” John tilted his head sideways. “Besides, Sev is Karla’s son.”

  “Your relative,” spoke Asher and Andros together.

  John dipped his head once. “My cousin.”

  “You will get to meet our sister Kahilee,” Asher piped in happily. “We have not seen her since her last visit, a year ago.”

  “So you do have a sister.” John looked at each Starr man. “Bogdan mentioned her once, but none of you had, so I thought I misunderstood.”

  “She works too hard,” inserted Sirius unhappily. His stare landed on his younger brother Asher. “Guardian Athos is a slave driver.”

  “She is fighting in the war.” Andros glared at Asher, also, along with his father Kenner and Gorwin. “To speak of Kahilee might bring her bad luck. We want her to return safely.”

  Asher averted his eyes.

  “I understand,” said John. Apparently, Medlothians were superstitious. He did not touch the topic again.

  Bogdan placed his cup on the tray. “John, what happened to your chest?”

  John touched his bandages and proudly smiled. “It’s a soulscar.”

  Andros frowned. “What’s that?”

  “A feline’s matrimonial band placed on their body by their soulmate.”

  “Jasira did that to you?” asked Asher.

  John’s pride increased. “Yes, she did. This morning. I can’t wait to show my parents. I wish your ships would get here faster.”

  Kenner smiled. “They’ll be here before you know it.”


  .

  Chapter 14

  Thursday, the 23rd of June, Year 2022

  The sun was halfway in the sky by the time John finished his daily morning run. He could feel the sun’s rays attempting to warm the cold air. It was the start of another Surrealan winter. The temperature had dropped to forty degrees. Still, John concluded it was better than living in the city, where it seemed like forty below zero all year.

  He slowed to a walk. At the back deck, he stopped and braced himself on his knees. While he focused on slowing his breathing, he overheard a door open.

  “Good morning,” said a familiar feminine voice.

  John glanced up. Audra closed the door behind her. She smiled as she descended the stairs, carrying a large basket of clothes.

  “Good morning. You did the laundry already?”

  “Chores have to get done.” She stopped in front of John. “How was your run today?”

  “It’s a bit warmer today, so it was easier.” He straightened up.

  “Winter is just beginning, so the weather should fluctuate for the next few weeks before it settles on forty degrees.” Audra eyes skimmed his chest. “How is your soulscar? Is the infection gone?”

  After seven months, John still could not believe he had one. He could not wait to show it to his parents.

  “It’s healed. Jasira’s ointment worked wonders.”

  “It always does.”

  John pointed to the basket. “Do you need help with that?”

  “No, I got it. Thanks. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Bye.” John’s gaze followed Audra to the clothesline.

  He sat on the steps to cool down before going in for some strength training in Bogdan’s home gym. He watched Audra hang the clothes. The sun’s midmorning rays danced off her features. Her auburn hair shimmered under the sunlight. John felt the only things missing on her were wings and a halo.

  He sighed. If only Jasira had survived the war. He would love to sit back and watch her go about her daily routine. Jasira was so beautiful. Since he had first seen her, he had dreamt of her each night. His dreams barely appeased his longings of embracing her and seeing her pregnant.

  Watching Audra made John miss Jasira more. Jasira had left last Sunday evening for work, and she would not return until Saturday morning. Together, John and Jasira decided it was best that John did not return to the city. Since John would be heading off to war and needed to be in top physical condition, he should not be around the people of the mist and risk catching another cold, especially during the winter months.

  The day after receiving his soulscar, John had begun his old exercise regimen more seriously. It did not take long for him to be back to his optimal level. The only thing missing was a danger room for fighting practice.

  Bogdan and the others had offered to spar with him. Not to insult them, John accepted. After a week, the men gave up. They realized they were no challenge for John, not even when they teamed up. John needed someone better than himself as a sparring partner if he was to improve. Until he could access a Danger Room, John practiced his Seacat moves against the trees at the back of the house.

  His view of Audra was suddenly blocked by a solid mass. John lifted his sights. An angry Asher stared down at him.

  “Is there a problem?”

  John’s brows lifted. “Excuse me?”

  “Is there a reason why you are sitting here?”

  “Yeah, it’s called resting. What’s your problem?”

  “You. You seem to stare a lot.”

  John had wondered when Asher was going to confront him. Since he had arrived, the young Medlothian had felt threatened by him. John had thought that after he received his soulscar, Asher’s insecurities would disappear. He was wrong.

  “So what?” countered John. “What’s the harm in looking?”

  “Nothing, unless it exceeds the norm.”

  John’s forehead wrinkled. “It’s not exceeding the norm, Asher, so relax. Okay. I have my own wife. I don’t want yours.”

  “But your wif is not like mine, is she?”

  “No, she’s not. But when we felines pair off, we pair off for life.” John pointed to his chest. “This mark states I’m paired off with my soulmate, which means there will never be another for me. So don’t worry so much if I look. I have no desires to touch anyone but Jasira.” He stood. “If Audra is your soulmate—”

  “She is.”

  “Then you should have faith in her love and loyalty toward you.” John unhurriedly climbed the stairs and entered the house.

  He thought of Asher’s behavior while he made his way to Bogdan’s gym. He did not blame Asher for feeling insecure. Audra’s exceptional beauty was like a work of art, demanding attention from all viewers. And John was always an admirer of beauty.

  He entered the gym, going to the bench first. He added more weights to both sides of the long bar. He again thought of Asher. Asher had used the word wif. John figured it was the Medlothian word for wife, which reminded him that he had left his translator in his room.

  I’ll get it later, he thought as he lied down on the bench and lifted the bar.

  An hour later, Bogdan entered the room. “John?”

  John lowered the handheld dumbbell to the floor. He looked up at Bogdan. The man looked pale and exhausted.

  “Mira’s fahder returned from my ship. He learned the Guardians will be arriving on Friday.”

  “That’s tomorrow.”

  Bogdan frowned. “It is?” He rubbed his face with both hands. “The youngsters have me so exhausted. I do not know what day I’m living.”

  John smiled. “It’s a good exhaustion. Be grateful you have children,” he said, thinking of his own painful situation.

  Bogdan met his eyes. “True. I’m sorry to complain.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” John lifted the hand weight.

  “You will leave with the others and meet the Guardians in the kasuhl at eight. I’m sure they will have a lot to say about this war.”

  “You’re not coming with us?”

  “I cannot. Mira cannot handle caring for the youngsters without me. She claims she can, but I can see the exhaustion on her face. She needs my help.”

  “She has your family, Bogdan. They’ll be here to help her.”

  Bogdan nodded. “The truth is, I fear leaving her. Gorwin does not say anything, but I can tell by his face something is wrong. I have a feeling it has to do with the war. I do not think it’s going well for our side. I’m going to stay and protect my famuhlee in case the Dominion arrives here. You had better pack your things. The others plan to leave at one tonight.” He left the room.

  “Great.” John continued his reps.

  Mira handed John her ten-month-old daughter, Florin. John held the giggling baby close to his heart. He rubbed his nose on her soft cheek while she tugged on his hair. He sniffed her baby scent and smiled, then placed several kisses on her cheeks and head. He carefully released his hair from Florin’s grasp and placed her on the floor, in the enclosed area of the bedroom.

  He walked over to the bed where her brother slept, surrounded by pillows. John carefully climbed onto the bed and bent over the pillows to place several kisses on Ekin’s head. After inhaling Ekin’s scent, he gently got off the bed without waking him.

  “Must you leave now? The Guardians will not be here until tomorrow.”

  John observed the sadness on Mira’s face. “I know. But I want to be with Jasira on my last few days here.

  Mira raised her arms to him. “I understand.” She embraced him. “It’s just that we will miss you.”

  “I’ll be back. You take care of yourself.” He kissed her cheek.

  She returned his kiss. “And you, be safe.”

  Bogdan opened the bedroom door to let John out. He followed John downstairs. John said farewell to Mira’s mother, Ilsa, and her grandparents, Emtage and Aeysha. He next embraced Audra and Asher’s mother, Cate. Holden and Aelita were next to say good-bye.
>
  John took the bag containing his folded clothes from Asher. “Thanks. I’ll see the rest of you guys tomorrow.”

  Asher and the rest of the men shook John’s hand good-bye. Afterward, Bogdan escorted John out of the house. The two walked in silence to the barn. John waited outside while Bogdan entered the large building. He exited with a black-and-white Surrealan horse.

  “Do you really want to do this?”

  “I’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow. I want to be with Jasira up to the end.”

  “I mean leaving. You do not have to leave with the Guardians. Jasira needs you here. Alive.”

  John wanted to say he needed Jasira alive, but he refrained from doing so. “I have a responsibility to my family and my people.”

  “Jasira is your kindred soul. What about your responsibility to her?”

  John took the reins from Bogdan’s grasp. “She’s dead! Staying here isn’t going to change that.” He adjusted the bag over his shoulder. “I have a responsibility to those who are still living.” He walked over to the horse’s side.

  Bogdan followed him. “If you are killed in this war, then Jasira will be dead.”

  “Back off, Bogdan. I made my decision. My family and my people come first.”

  “Before your permanent mate?”

  John saw the shock on Bogdan’s face. “My wife was killed twenty-one years ago. Whether I stay or leave, she’ll remain dead. If I stay, lives will be lost. If I go, I can do my part to win this war.”

  “Lives will still be lost if you go. You cannot save everyone.”

  “Maybe not, but I sure as hell can try.”

  “And if you get killed?”

  “Then I get killed.” John vaulted onto the horse’s back.

  Bogdan tried again. “What about Jasira?”

  John looked down at his pleading features. “She still has her old friends—you and Audra.”

  “You do not intend to return, do you?”

  “I will if I can.”

  “You said your permanent mate is dead. Why would you want to return alive, when in spirit form you will be joined with her?”

  John broke eye contact and clenched his jaw.

  “John, no. You must return alive. Jasira needs you. She cannot exist if you are dead.”