StarPyre

touch; how did I know this handshake wasn’t a trap?
Directing my gaze to my Cosmic Soul, I shot him a questioning look.
You can trust him, Tori, the honeyed voice that I’d missed and was sent my way. They are our allies and mean you no harm.
Sighing, I nodded, wanting nothing more than to curl up and hide in embarrassment. I was starting over, and every part of this experience was new to me. Never knowing who to trust was beginning to eat at my sanity.
Giving the male a small smile, feeling sheepish about the interaction he’d witnessed, I took his extended hand.
Nothing happened.
I let out a breath I didn't know I’d been holding as he closed his hand around mine, giving it a small shake.
“I am Ryzen, Co-Commander of this ship, along with my twin brother, Xenak.” Releasing my hand, he stepped back and gestured to the table of males. “We would like to present an opportunity we are providing for your . . . clan.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked as I sat in the open seat between Celyze and Auro. “Didn’t you just say earlier that you wanted to study me?”
“Not exactly,” Xenak drawled, placing his elbows on the table. “You see, we are in a unique situation. Ryzen and I are part of a secret department within the Axxel Galactic Federation, in charge of investigating the abduction and sale of protected species. Ever since your galaxy was discovered, pirates have been using the galactic war as a cover to kidnap rare lifeforms and auction them off for a hefty price.”
Dread filled me. His story made sense; I’d been abducted and imprisoned to be bred like livestock. If Earth were ever invaded, we stood no chance. These alien species were battling each other on a galactic scale and were able to travel faster than light, and humans hadn’t even landed on Mars yet. There was no way we possessed the technology to defend ourselves. We were like sitting ducks, ripe for the taking.
If alien civilizations had always known about Earth, I wondered how many times they’d visited our planet before, and what evidence they had left behind. Maybe they were the reason why many archaic civilizations in Earth’s history had disappeared without a trace. Perhaps that Ancient Aliens show had a point after all—aliens have been meddling in our lives for millennia.
“Unfortunately, Auro and his crew were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and their ship was attacked by Vhalxt pirates on their way to your planet to gather lifeforms to sell,” Ryzen explained. “It seems your species is sought after by pirates, both to eat and to keep as slaves. Since the galactic power within your galaxy hasn’t done an adequate job defending its residents, we pick up the slack and catch the pirates when they return to our territory.
“The Federation already has its hands full with our war against the Yaarkins and the Vhalxt. We don’t want to risk pissing off another galaxy’s government by chasing pirates within their borders. That’s why we stay on our side of the universe and enforce the law here.”
“So, you’re saying there’s no way for you to return me to Earth?” I asked, glancing between the two commanders. “What will happen to me?”
Auro wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer, as Celyze grabbed my hand, enclosing it in his. It was nice to feel them beside me, comforting me the best they could.
“The Federation’s ethics have deteriorated during the course of this war. Those rescued are now forced to become test subjects as payment for their rescue. We don’t agree with these new policies; they’re morally wrong and border on what we were originally fighting against. That’s why we’ve constructed a secret base hidden from the Federation’s prying eyes—a sanctuary of sorts—to provide a place for the abducted to live,” Xenak revealed, gaze flicking to his brother.
“We are afraid the Federation is slowly abandoning the very foundation it was formed upon to gain the upper hand against the Vhalxt and the Yaarkins,” Ryzen sighed. “This war isn’t going to end until only one side is left standing.”
“Right . . . ” I drawled, unsure whether I’d followed everything they had said. “Thanks for the history lesson, but what does all of that have to do with me?”
“For your protection, you will have to come with us,” Xenak replied, eyeing the males beside me. “Whether or not your clan chooses to come with you. I’m sorry.”

Seventeen
TORI
The commanders left, leaving us standing in a room filled with awkward silence.
The males were given until our arrival at the secret base to decide what they wanted to do. Since they were Federation citizens, they were free to leave and continue on with their lives, doing as they pleased—or stay behind with me, isolated from the rest of the galaxy. If they decided to remain with me, no one could ever change his mind and leave, in fear that one of them might someday leak the location of the base.
The twin commanders were Verya, the species who governed the Federation and were allied with the Swynemi, the species my alien boyfriends were. Celyze’s telepathic abilities didn’t hold a candle to the psychic powers the Verya were capable of. It wouldn’t take much for a member of the Federation to mind-scry someone and gather any knowledge they sought.
The fear of being discovered is what caused problems for the base, which was why only other Verya could ever leave the sanctuary. They were the only other species capable of defending themselves against other Verya.
“Just put me out of my misery and tell me what you three have decided,” I sighed. “I’ll understand either way, but I don’t want to spend this whole time wondering what you’re planning.” I shrugged, looking away. “I’d rather just rip the band-aid off and get this conversation over with.”
Today had already been a whirlwind of stress and emotion.
After Celyze and I had