Tears spilling, Brenya freed her hand from the Beta’s and gave her back to Chancellor Shepherd to snarl at Jacques Bernard—a full, threatening growl that would have seen her aggressively raped were Jacques in the situation to punish her. “You told me that the Bernard Dome could not defeat the leader of Greth! Yet you thought to leash a rabid dog as if there would be no consequence. You said Jules Havel could never hurt me, while you were hurting me. You forced both him and myself into a pair-bond only you desired. You starved and imprisoned a person you described as a terrorist. A man who had already destroyed an entire civilization. Jacques Bernard, this is your fault! You allowed dangerous men inside my home for OMEGAS! For sex! Every one of you in this room is the reason that Beta on the screen died terrified, away from her sisters. Your greed.”
Spinning so sharply her skirts flared, Brenya faced down the staring man on the screen. “And as for you, Chancellor Shepherd. Whatever took place in Thólos, it is not the situation in Bernard Dome. Do not judge my people by the actions of the few bad men. Unlike the corruption of Central, Alpha and Beta sectors are populated by good, hardworking innocents. Who were conditioned, just like I was, to serve one another for the greater good. Murdering that Beta female was wrong.”
“That is the nature of war, Ms. Perin. Innocents always pay.”
So be it. “Then I will pay. What is it that you want?”
“Orange trees for my bride. And as Jules Havel has chosen to remain in Bernard Dome so you might survive your unnatural pair-bond, a hostage in exchange.”
It was the second time the Chancellor had mentioned orange trees, yet it was the first time anyone mentioned that Jules leaving would equate to her inability to survive an unnatural pair-bond.
“Yes, Brenya. Shepherd is telling you that if I return to Greth, you will die.”
Irritated she had to even say it aloud, Brenya grit her teeth. “Then I die. Go home to your Rebecca.”
“I have no Rebecca. My wife died in Thólos. As did our two sons.” How could anyone say so horrible a thing with so little passion? How could a man breathe when he was totally dead inside?
A slow blink, shunting her eyes closed, Brenya drew in a deep breath. Pursing her lips on an exhale, she knew better than to trust. This demand for an exchange was too convenient.
Jules already knew what she’d ask for. So did Shepherd.
They had all been conversing long before she had come into the room.
It couldn’t be this easy. Nothing could be this easy. Jules Havel was going to claim a price from her later—a great one—as Brenya was going to overreach. “Annette, First wife of Ancil, Security Chief of Bernard Dome, and her newborn son, Matthieu. They will go to Greth.”
Ancil was already shouting in outrage, pushing his weight forward yet bodily restrained by the Alphas at his side.
But Brenya was not finished. She looked Shepherd dead in the eye. “As Jules has chosen to continue his residence in Bernard, you will need a pilot to deliver your orange trees and new citizens. My former tech, George Gerard, will fly your ship and remain in Greth as well.”
It was Jacques' turn to rage, though unlike Ancil, no one dared attempt to hold him back. Rushing forward to address Chancellor Shepherd, he barked, “I do not agree with the release of George Gerard. I will provide another to pilot the ship.”
“Jules, the queen sends her regards to your mate. Ms. Perin,” Shepherd said, ignoring Jacques’ bluster and pomp, “I believe you will be a worthy match for my brother.”
The screen went dark, those men who had not been previously shouting joining in the melee. So much noise in so small a room, yet Brenya ignored it. Just as she ignored the hands of an Alpha shaking her, as she ignored her name being shouted in her ear.
Cerulean eyes fringed by dark lashes glowed with a life that might only belong to the dead. His lips parted, and his price was claimed. “Your keeping and all rights to you now belong to me.”
Snarling, a hand taller than the Beta, Jacques pushed Brenya bodily behind him. “That was not what we agreed!”
As if no immediate threat to Jules' safety snarled and spat, Jules offered a calm and even, “Monsieur Carlin, please escort my bride to our new quarters. Jacques, you may accompany her and explain the contract you signed before the members of parliament in this room. At no time will Ms. Perin be left alone with you. Should I find her soiled before I might consummate the marriage, I will have your testicles removed.”
Red-faced, spittle flying, Jacques roared, “You think you are the first challenger I have had for my position? You reach too far. The Dome will not back a foreign Beta usurper.”