Episode 6

Our destination is the very place she tore me away from; I will make them work harder than they have ever worked before. I plan to exploit their great endurance and their ability not to require frequent feeding to the fullest. I believe my laughter echoed for all to hear, prisoners included. They must have been horrified, the poor things... but no, it serves them right.

I gaze at the image on the screen of the infinite corner, where nothing was distinguishable because we were traveling at the speed of light, and soon we were landing on the red planet, a place no one dared to touch down on but me, for I had unlocked the secret of its geysers. We transported the magnetic levitating cage directly to the mine, where chains bound them and they were forced to work under threat of electric shocks for disobedience.

Through the screen, I could watch each prisoner and saw that the haul was better than I had anticipated. There she was, the little rat, my rat, who from this moment would become my pet.

I don't understand how they caught us while we were cloaked by the black fog. We thought they had long gone, but no, that malevolence did it. I look around to recognize who came this time, and I see even leader Sturgeon and the so-called Alpha. Apparently, our captor is yet to realize who she's captured, and I would not want to be in her shoes when he assumes his position.

We are bound by some sort of witchcraft, for this is not pure magic. Luckily it doesn't completely disable us, only blocks the extension of our powers until we are released on Earth. At least Sturgeon and I will be able to use our magic. I stood, shifting my joints and stretching my body which was sore from the restraints.

"Are you alright?" Alpha Julius asked, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Why are you touching me? You have not been given permission, and had Gordon been here, there would have been problems," I pushed his hand away.

"Who is this Gordon, anyway?" he inquired, eyebrows furrowed.

"The one who deflowered me, hasn't left my side since my first heat."

"Then that's that. But from now on, it's over since you are now mine. He cannot have you; we are destined mates."

"How so?"

"It's the law, he must respect it, you are mine," he insisted, and the worst part is he knows the laws.

"How do you know our laws?"

"Master Sturgeon taught me."

"Why, how do you know him?"

"It doesn't matter now, we need to plan an escape. I'll need to remain hidden at all times, when we leave on the ship. Tarzila has potent cameras, and she will quickly identify everyone, if she catches me before we escape, she'll find out that I warned you."

"What's the problem? You should have stopped her long ago."

"Unfortunately, I can't. She has the support of the mercenaries, and if I confront her, it will spark an internal war. She'll turn the people against me, and I must prioritize my people's welfare."

"That's really bad. But how can you tell I'm your mate?"

"By scent. A Glabro recognizes his destined female by the fragrance she emits."

"I understand, but I did not recognize you." Just what I needed, another male to mate with.

I felt the ship lurch out of light speed; we must be nearing our destination. I gathered everyone, instructing them to walk close and shield the Alpha because only he could save us this time. Returning to my position, I told him to stay hidden behind the line of males. The ship landed, and we were shepherded outside; the males effectively concealed the Alpha, and I deliberately drew focus to myself, more to distract from the Alpha.

We were all directed to the location where I had previously saved the others. If we keep working on such unstable ground, we could all end up in an accident. Hopefully, Alpha Julius has a solid plan that will be set in action quickly. We walked and were handed pickaxes to begin digging and entered the shallow hole created by the explosion.

Suddenly, guard after guard fell unconscious and no one saw what happened. The chains that bound us released, and I could use magic to create a portal and escape once again, leaving behind that cruel, thieving female. We all emerged at the training center, and Sturgeon took the lead, organizing defenses, with watchmen and guards prepared to remain vigilant.

I headed to the healer; I needed to talk about a special protection strategy against intruders. There must be something we can do to prevent these predatory ships from approaching the cities. Moreover, I wanted to learn more about destined mates. I walked the alleyways, amongst the houses, now clear of the fog, but shrouded in the darkness of night. I heard footsteps behind but was not concerned; the night is when most people are out working and moving about the streets.

"Wait!"

I turned, already knowing who it was.

"What do you want, Alpha, why are you following me?" I asked sternly, hoping he'd understand I am not available to him or anyone else.

"When will you accept we are mates?"

"Never. Can't you see I'm not interested?" This must be some sort of joke.

I turned and continued my way until reaching the healer's abode, where he awaited me at the doorstep, as if expecting me.

"Hello, healer Morh! Were you expecting me?"

"Yes, I figured you would show up sooner or later, one way or another," he chuckled.

"You are always right."

"I suppose this is the fortunate individual who will have you as his mate?"

"Yes, that's me. However, she seems to disagree," I couldn't believe he had said that.

"I know how that mind works, my dear. Come in, come in..."