Chapter Four

Los Angeles

There was little time to rest. Traveling beyond the speed of light led to severe exhaustion—craft lag—and Stralath rallied his energy as they walked up the stairs to the large white mansion. A mix of security personnel and partygoers milled around the front lawns, and Stralath ignored them all, intent on meeting the most powerful person on earth.

As expected, a bodyguard stopped him from entering the massive double doors. Cleona waited while he flashed a business card, and the muscled human stepped back, allowing them entry. Heading through the lobby, Stralath knew where to go as he'd been here before. They entered the vast drawing-room and slowed. A bar took up the far end, and a central fountain surrounded by sofas and chairs created a welcoming space. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out onto the gardens surrounding a small lake. Celebrities took up space and gathered in groups around the massive water feature.

A wide staircase beside the