A large, mud-covered creature rose out of the swamp.
Airen’s pulse spiked. It was huge.
The creature had a humanoid body with a stocky middle, and short arms and legs. Mud dripped off its face and gaping mouth. It had two glowing red eyes.
“Oh, great,” Donovan muttered.
The swamp creature let out a monstrous roar.
* * *
“Suggestions?” Donovan asked.
Airen glanced at him, her eyebrows rising. He saw surprise in her black-green eyes.
“I screwed up before by not listening to you,” he said. “But I told you I’m a fast learner. How do we fight this?”
“I don’t know exactly what this is, but the odds are good that it won’t leave the swamp.”
“So, we need to slow it down…”
“And get out of here.”
“Okay, but first—” He grabbed her, yanked her close, and pressed a quick, hard kiss to her lips. “For luck.”
She licked her lips and he tried to focus. Just that small taste of her was enough to scramble his brain. At that moment, his thumping pulse had little to do with the swamp creature.
Swamp creature. Imminent danger. Right.
He pulled out his laser pistol and fired. The mud creature jerked. Airen lifted her arm and morphed a weapon.
A green ball of energy hit the mud creature and it roared again, shaking its head. Mud splatter flew everywhere.
“Run!” Donovan yelled.
Airen took off, leaping from rock to small island to rock, elegant and graceful.
He followed, making sure he didn’t slip off anything again. Suddenly, a large rock flew past them to land in the mud, splattering them both with mud.
Dammit to hell. He spun and fired his laser pistol.
The creature waved its arms around, enraged.
“Donovan, come on.”
He turned and ran again. Ahead of him, Airen was almost at the edge of the swamp.
There was a whoosh of sound in the sky. He looked up and saw a Kantos swarm ship—a small, brown ship that reminded Donovan of a flea—fly overhead. It rose high, heading for space.
Fuck. The Kantos soldier had gotten away.
The swamp creature let out another roar.
Right behind him.
Donovan picked up speed. He was almost at Airen, and she raised her arm firing her blaster again.
He reached her, just as the mud creature flung itself at them.
Donovan tackled Airen off the rock she stood on. They flew through the air, then hit solid dirt at the edge of the swamp.
The swamp creature crashed into the mud nearby, spraying them both with a wave of smelly, brown goop.
It glared at them for a moment, then sank back into the muck.
Donovan wiped the mud off his face and looked at Airen.
She was coated with mud, as well.
The sound of people running through the forest made them both look up. Malax, Sabin, and several warriors appeared.
“We’re fine.” Airen shook her arm and mud splattered the grass.
Malax’s lips twitched. “I hear mud has several beneficial qualities for your skin.”
Donovan grunted and Airen frowned.
“Great time for you to find a sense of humor, War Commander,” Donovan said.
Malax smiled. “I believe my mate is having an influence on me.”
Airen rose. “We encountered a Kantos soldier. He got away.”
The war commander’s smile dissolved. “We saw the ship. I gave instructions for the Rengard to stop it.”
Donovan knew it would be easy for one small swarm ship to evade the much larger warship.
“He might have stolen data,” she said.
“The scientists told me that their system appears intact,” Sabin said.
Airen blew out a breath, her shoulders dropping. “Okay. Good.”
“Let’s get back to the Rengard, so you two can clean up,” Malax said.
When Donovan had wiped the worst of the mud off, he boarded the shuttle. He noted that Airen made sure she was nowhere near him. Two warriors were easily subduing a cursing, struggling pirate at the back of the shuttle. It was the man Donovan had shot out of a tree.
When the pirate saw him, the man sneered. Donovan ignored him.
On the ride back to the Rengard, the rest of the warriors gave Donovan a wide berth. Mostly because he smelled like crap. Donovan stared at the back of Airen’s head and stewed. He was mad at himself. He’d screwed up with Airen, he’d apologized, but she still wasn’t having it.
He scraped a hand through his hair. Damn, the mud was drying and his hair was crunchy.
Finally, they docked in the Rengard’s shuttle bay. Airen was barking orders for them to secure the prisoner in the brig. She didn’t glance Donovan’s way once and his temper fraying, he decided to give her some space to cool down. He headed to his quarters and aimed straight for the shower. As the water pounded over him, he let his mind go blank. It took a long time for the water to run clear.
As he dried off, he looked at himself in the small washroom mirror. Okay, so he’d messed up. He’d said he was sorry. Now, all he could do was earn her trust back.
He pulled on a clean Space Corps uniform. Second Commander Airen Kann-Felis hadn’t seen stubborn yet. He hesitated. He was getting in deep with this alien woman. He kept his relationships with women easy and friendly.
But what he felt for Airen went way beyond friendly. And the desire he had for her was potent, a little wild.
For a second, he was a boy again, lying in his bed and listening to his mother cry herself to sleep. She’d never dated, never re-married. She’d never stopped loving the asshole who’d abandoned her.
No, he wasn’t obsessed with Airen. This attraction would burn out or fade eventually. Shoving the worry aside, he strode out of his cabin. When he entered the bridge, his gaze went straight to Airen.
No one would ever guess she’d been covered in mud and fighting off a swamp creature less than an hour ago. She was clean, her black uniform spotless, her brown hair braided.
She turned her head and glanced at him like he was a piece of furniture, then looked back at the viewscreen.
Stay calm. Donovan moved toward her.
Malax strode out of his office. “We have another Eon ship on the way. They’ll provide additional protection to the outpost and help them rebuild.”
“Eon engineering ship, the Structura, inbound,” a warrior called out.
A ship dropped out of starspeed and Donovan studied it. It wasn’t a warship, so it was smaller than the Rengard, but like all Eon ships, it had a sleek, impressive design. It had several cranes built into the back of it, no doubt for in-space salvage and repairs.
He glanced at Airen and saw her jaw tighten.
The viewscreen blinked on to show an older warrior flanked by two male warriors.
Eon Warriors all looked very similar—muscular bodies and rugged facial features, and they wore their brown hair long. There were no blondes or black-haired Eon, just various shades of brown. And definitely none had skin as dark as Donovan.
“First Commander Lann-Ath, good to see you,” Malax said. “The Thessa outpost will be grateful for the assistance of your team.”
The first commander inclined his head. “Good to see you, War Commander Dann-Jad. You remember my second, Gavyn Narann-Felis, and my security commander, Ander Dann-Eon.”
Malax nodded. “Welcome.”
The security commander had a slightly prettier face, less rugged than most warriors. He turned his gaze to Airen.
“Airen, it is wonderful to see you again.” The man’s voice was a smooth drawl.
Donovan frowned at the man’s over-friendly tone, a shiver skating down his spine.
“It’s been a long time, Security Commander Dann-Eon.” Her voice was devoid of any emotion.
Fuck. Realization dawned. This was the asshole. And he’d called her by her first name, not her tit
le.
Donovan moved up behind her. There wasn’t much he could do but offer his silent support. Hell, since she was angry with him, he doubted she’d welcome his support anyway. Without anyone seeing, he brushed his fingers against her back.
She didn’t pull away.
“My Second Commander, Airen Kann-Felis, and our Security Commander, Sabin Solann-Ath,” Malax said. “And our Terran ally, Sub-Captain Donovan Lennox.”
Dann-Eon managed to drag his gaze off Airen. “Terran? Interesting.” His tone said otherwise.
As he eyed Donovan, standing right behind her, the man’s mouth tightened.
“I’m sending my engineering team to the surface,” the first commander said. “While they make their initial assessment, let’s meet, Malax. Let our command team mingle and discuss what needs to be done for the outpost before the Rengard heads off again.”
“Excellent,” Malax said. “You’re all invited aboard the Rengard.”
“I hope we get to meet your new mate.”
Malax smiled. “Of course.”
“I’ll be careful not to let her hijack my ship,” First Commander Lann-Ath said with a smile.
Malax shot the man a rueful smile. “That’s an excellent idea. My mate is a woman of many talents.”
Chapter Six
Warriors filled the large conference room on the Rengard.
It wasn’t a party. They were talking about the reconstruction work at the outpost, and about the Kantos.
Regardless, Airen just wanted it over with so she could get back to work. They had the pirate prisoner in the brig, and she wanted to question him.
There was more to this attack, she was sure of it.
She glanced over and saw Malax introducing Wren around. The Terran was smiling and, in usual Wren fashion, charming First Commander Lann-Ath without even trying to.
“Airen.”
Ander’s voice behind her. It made her want to wrinkle her nose.
She turned. “Ander.”
He looked good—smooth and handsome. She’d found that attractive when she’d first met him, but now his face seemed a little…soft.
“It’s wonderful to see you,” he said.
She didn’t respond. She certainly didn’t feel the same way.
He glanced around, admiring some of the ornamental weapons on the wall. “You must enjoy your work here on the Rengard. It’s a magnificent ship.”
She saw it now. His envy. It was her promotion to second commander of the Rengard that was the death of their relationship. He’d called her too driven, too unbending, too independent.
For a second, she had a flash of Donovan’s face and his blatant admiration of her fighting skills.
Ander had been jealous. She realized that now. Ander had always been all about Ander.
She looked past him, barely listening as he droned on. She spotted Donovan among the crowd, his dark skin so smooth. He looked good in his dark-blue Space Corps uniform.
He looked up and their gazes met. Then he glared at Ander.
She’d known Terrans worked differently to the Eon. They could be orderly, they had rules, but they often went off plan, and were creative and spontaneous.
She’d also met Donovan’s captain, Allie Borden. The woman was bold and confident, and now mated to Second Commander Brack Thann-Felis of the Desteron. Airen could see Allie allowing Donovan more leeway to bend the rules on a mission.
Airen sighed. She hadn’t really accepted his apology, or let him explain. Still, it was best they kept things professional between them.
“Airen?”
Cren, she’d completely forgotten about Ander. “Sorry. I’ve got lots on my mind.”
“Of course.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to an intimate drawl. “I’ve missed you.”
Seriously? She looked into his black eyes streaked with gold. “Really?”
“Yes. We were good together.”
She blinked. He had a creative memory. Cren, she was so not interested in this. “I heard that you were engaged to be married.”
He straightened, his lips tipping up. “Are you keeping tabs on me?”
“No. Someone mentioned it in passing.”
“It’s an advantageous marriage. She’s a teacher.” He gave a small laugh. “Well, almost a teacher. She finishes at the academy at the end of the year.”
So, the poor woman was young. Airen found she felt…nothing.
She hadn’t loved Ander deeply or passionately. She’d just wanted a connection. And then she’d let him push the right buttons to make her doubt her strength.
“Well, I wish you both well.”
Ander frowned. “Marriage doesn’t mean I’m not free to be with you when it suits us. My soon-to-be wife and I have an understanding.”
By the warriors, what had Airen ever seen in this man? “Actually, Ander, it does. Marriage is a commitment.”
“But you’ll never mate, never marry—”
She cocked her head. “Why do you say that?”
He looked at her askance. “You’ve never wanted that. You’re so driven, dedicated to your career.”
“So? If I find the right man, one who supports me in all that I am and want to do, and can handle my strength…” She shrugged. “That was just never you.”
Now his eyes narrowed. “Good luck finding a man like that. No man, especially a warrior, likes to be emasculated, Airen.”
She felt a warm, solid presence at her back. She smelled Donovan, but she already knew it was him. It was like she could sense him.
“Ander, you’ve met Donovan.”
The security commander’s mouth firmed. “A pleasure. I hope you’re not too overwhelmed here aboard the Rengard.”
“Seriously?” Donovan looked down at Airen. “You were with this guy?”
She shrugged one shoulder. “I’m wondering why, myself.”
Donovan smiled and it was dazzling. Her gaze dropped to his mouth.
“You busting to question that pirate?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Can we blow this gathering now?”
“I think so.”
Ander cleared his throat. “Excuse me, we were talking.”
“You’re done.” Donovan rested his hand on Airen’s shoulder.
He didn’t push in front of her, or talk over her, or try to intimidate Ander. Just a confident man, sure of himself, offering her quiet support.
“I wish you the best of luck with your marriage, Ander.”
“Airen, a Terran? Really, you’d lower yourself to this?”
The anger that cut through her was sharp.
Donovan arched a brow. “I feel so insulted.” His tone was deadpan.
She found herself fighting off a smile.
“You’re nothing,” Ander continued. “You’re from a low-tech, backwater planet—”
Donovan leaned down to Airen. “Maybe we should introduce him to Eve and Lara?”
Oh, the deadly Traynor sisters would just love Ander. “Maybe for the sake of our alliance, we shouldn’t. Ander, I realize you need to belittle everyone to make yourself feel better, but we have an alliance with the Terrans, and you will show Donovan respect.”
Ander scoffed.
She lowered her voice. “Donovan is ten times the man you are.”
The warrior stiffened and made a spluttering sound.
Malax stepped into their group. “What are we discussing here?”
Ander stiffened and clamped his mouth shut.
“Nothing important,” Airen said. “Donovan and I are heading down to interrogate the pirate prisoner.”
Malax nodded. “Keep me updated.”
She looked at Donovan, who was still grinning. “Ready?”
“Oh yeah, lead the way, Second Commander.”
* * *
Donovan tried to gauge how Airen was feeling, but her face looked calm and composed.
They rounded a corner in the corridor. “Are you okay?”
“You know what?” she said. “I’m better than okay. Ander is, to borrow an Earth word, an asshole.”
Donovan snorted. “You’ve got that right.” As they neared the brig, he grabbed her arm. “I made a mistake not listening to you on the outpost mission, but I’m not like that jackass—”
Airen pressed a finger to his lips. “I know.”
A sense of relief flooded him. “I’m going to earn your trust back.”
“Everything’s fine, Donovan. We have a good working relationship.”
He moved his lips against her finger and she sucked in a breath.
“Maybe a little more than a working relationship?” he said.
“No.”
“God, I really want to kiss you, Airen.”
“That’s not appropriate—”
“So be inappropriate, just for a second.”
“I was once. With Ander.”
Donovan scowled. “Don’t compare me to that—”
Airen surprised him by yanking him close and kissing him.
Oh, yeah. The taste of her was exquisite. He opened his mouth, and touched his tongue to hers.
She slid her arms around his shoulders and moaned.
But Donovan was conscious that they were right near the brig, and anyone could see them. She’d hate that.
He lifted her up and stalked into a shadowed side corridor, pressing her against the wall. She moaned into his mouth again, and they kissed like they needed each other to survive.
Finally, she lifted her head. She was panting, and several strands of her hair had escaped her braid.
“What was that?” she murmured.
“No idea.” It was hot and desperate, and better than any kiss he’d ever had before.
She wiggled and he set her on the floor. She straightened her uniform. “I’ve no idea where we were going. My brain’s short-circuited.”
Donovan grinned. “I don’t believe that for a second.”
“Okay, I remember the pirate, but my brain really is scrambled.”
“Mine too.”
“We aren’t doing it again,” she said in a stern voice.
“Okay,” he agreed readily.
She squinted suspiciously at him. “You agreed very quickly.”
“Well, you had already told me before that we wouldn’t do it again, but you’ve kissed the hell out of me a couple of times now.” He smiled. “And I’m going to be right at your side, reminding you of the goodness you’re missing out on. I think I might even spoil you a little bit, might be fun.”
Claim of Eon: Eon Warriors #6 Page 5