Shaking away the distracting thoughts, she ignored the rumble in her belly. If Fyran was still obsessed with freeing his latent magic, at least it explained why he was still in the Milky Way. “How does a human female fit into your plan to steal this formula?”
“She’ll stowaway aboard the Intrepid and my man will find her. The infirmary is on the same deck as the laboratories, so he’ll have no choice but to break protocol and take her there.”
“Why will she need the infirmary? I would think a stowaway would be taken to the detention area.”
“Oh, we’ll make it obvious that she needs the infirmary.” A ruthless smile curved his lips, making his eyes seem vacant and cold.
She shivered. The changes in Fyran over the past few days had been fast and dramatic. The power of command had drawn out something dark and frightening in her once reserved lover. Lover? They weren’t lovers. He used her body in exchange for protection. She couldn’t allow herself to forget her true situation. She was a sex slave, just like her girls.
“Wouldn’t it be easier for your man to fake an injury or illness and go to the infirmary himself?”
Fyran shook his head. “The patients are continually monitored. The female will also act as a distraction.”
“Then you don’t expect the human to actually steal the formula, just get your operative onto the secure deck?” He tended to irritate quickly when she started asking questions, but that was because there were often serious flaws in his plans.
“We just need her to get him past security.”
That was good. But she still saw several problems with his plan. “And how did a human get past Lunar Nine’s security and onto the Intrepid? For that matter, how did she get off Earth? Humans don’t have spaceships.”
True to form, Fyran narrowed his eyes and fisted his hands. “There’s been all sorts of traffic in and out of that outpost. Is it so hard to believe a human sneaked aboard one of those ships?”
“Actually, it is hard to believe. General Nox locked that place down tight after Akim sneaked in and took pictures of the rebel ships. They scan every ship that passes through the mouth of the cave now, and the opening is covered by an energy net. A human lifeform would be detected immediately.”
“I suppose you have a better idea?” he snapped.
“Not off the top of my head, but your plan makes no sense. Let’s forget about logistics for a moment. Why would a human risk her life to sneak aboard a Rodyte hospital ship? The transformation protocol is extremely valuable to the battle born, but most humans want nothing to do with it.”
He just glared at her.
“Let me think this through.” He didn’t object so she continued verbally. It was easiest to organize her thoughts in writing, but this would have to do. “Lies are always most believable when they contain elements of the truth. Why not say this human escaped from you after being abused by some of your men?” Immediately Nicole’s defiant face materialized in Milanni’s mind. The human was smart yet likely headed toward destruction if she remained aboard this ship.
“And how did this poor abused female, who has no understanding of spacecraft, manage to escape?”
“Obviously, she had help. One of your crew could have taken a liking to her and risked your wrath to get her to safety.” He didn’t seem excited about that concept, so she thought a little harder and a better, far more interesting, option sent her thoughts spinning off in a different direction. “How much damage has been done to my ship? Is it still operational?”
“It’s currently offline, but I believe it still functions.” His posture relaxed, though resentment smoldered in his gaze. “I thought Akim was just being spiteful, so I ordered a stop to the dismantling.”
Though Fyran didn’t know it, she’d once worked for the IG. Her ship had more bells and whistles than the Relentless, which was considered state of the art. Her body had some interesting upgrades as well, but they were powered by her ship. As long as her ship was offline, so were her implants. Which was the only reason she’d allowed herself to become his pet.
“Could your ship get one of my men past Lunar Nine’s security net?”
She hesitated. How much should she tell him? The truth was so risky. If she told him who and what she was, he could easily react as Akim had and find more value in her ship than in her. Unfortunately, the only alternative was remaining his pet. And he was losing interest fast. The fact that they were planning a mission rather than sharing pleasure convinced her that it was time to change strategy.
“Yes and no. The ship has covert shields so it’s invisible and undetectable to sensors, but it still has mass. As soon as it disrupts the energy net covering the mouth of the cave, the rebels will be on to us. However, it’s hard to track something you can’t see or sense.”
“But the ship would be inside the cave. There’s nowhere to run.”
Clearly, the man had no imagination. “A good pilot could make it to the Intrepid before security locked on to their position. Then they’d throw themselves on the mercy of the battle born and the human female would be rushed to the infirmary. The pilot will need to be questioned, of course, but she could beg to check on her friend which would get her back onto the secure level so she could steal the formula.”
“She?” Fyran laughed. “Do you honestly think I’ll let you fly off in your own ship? I’m not a complete fool.”
That was debatable. Milanni stilled, silently evaluating her next move. “My ship is tuned to my DNA. No one else can fly it.”
Fyran leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Who in hells rings are you? How did you end up with a ship that has covert shields and is tuned to your DNA?”
Again she hesitated. Information was power and she wasn’t sure how Fyran would use the power she was about to hand him. “I was working for the IG when my last mission went horribly wrong. That’s how I ended up here.”
His eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “You’re a technomage?”
Her lip lifted in a subtle snarl. This subject always made her cranky. “Technomage is a title, like commander or guild master. I have a lot of integrated implants, but I didn’t jump through the hoops required to earn the label.”
“This is unbelievable.” He pushed his fingers through his hair, disrupting the wavy strands. “Why did you run to Akim? I know he was your mentor, but doesn’t the IG stand by their operatives?”
“Not when they screw up as badly as I did.”
A reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and his gaze gradually softened. “I always knew there was something about you, something deeper than you let others see.”
“There’s no way any of the humans will remain silent. Once they’re free of this ship, they’ll tell the battle born everything they know.” She scooted closer to the table and waited until he looked into her eyes to continue. “So whomever you send will have until the human regains consciousness to steal the formula and get off the Intrepid.” He just watched her attentively, so she went on, “If you send one of your crew, the battle born will be suspicious of him regardless of how much he professes to love the girl. However, if two victims escape, terrified for their lives, it will play on the rebels’ protectiveness and pity. The rebels have a soft spot for females. They won’t be able to help themselves. Besides, sir, I’m a spy. This is what I was trained to do.”
“It’s a solid plan,” he admitted, “except for one element. You have no reason to return.”
“So give me one.”
His eyebrows arched and desire erupted in his gaze. “Name your price.”
“I want your protection with no strings attached. If we share pleasure, it will be because it’s something I want, not something I’m obligated to do. I will continue to manage the space pets, but I will be treated with respect by your crew.”
“I need to think about it.”
That surprised her. One of his mistakes in the past had been rushed decisions. “May I ask a question?”
“Regarding what?” He sounded annoyed again.
“Follow through.” Rather than waiting for his decision, she just asked the question. “I know you have medical personnel aboard, but are any of them qualified to run the transformation program? From what I understand, it’s all highly experimental.”
“Let me worry about the details. None of it matters until we get our hands on the formula.”
“Of course, sir.” She’d pushed him has hard as she dared. Now it was time to step back and let him convince himself that it was all his idea. She scooted her chair back and stood, quickly turning toward the door.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He shifted his hips to the edge of his chair and slowly unsealed the front of his pants. “If I’m about to lose my personal pet, I better enjoy her while I can.”
* * * * *
“Is there something wrong with your food?” Berlynn asked. “You’ve barely taken a bite.”
Haven shook her head, unable to fake another smile. They sat in the newly opened food court on the lowest level of the commerce district. In deference to Garin’s order, a guard now stood a short distance away, overlooking the area with stoic efficiency. Haven still thought the nowhere-without-an-escort rule was silly, but she’d learned to choose her battles over the past few years.
Only one of the vendors was open for breakfast, but the food was good. “I can’t get the image out of my mind.” She cringed as she heard her own words. “I know you can relate.” Except Haven was seeing a stranger die over and over in her mind, while Berlynn was reliving the death of her father. “I was there when Javin died, but I wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger. This felt different, more…I don’t know.”
“Try to stay busy,” Berlynn advised. “Keep your mind occupied with something else, anything else.”
“I will.” She pushed her plate aside and picked up her mug of herbal tea. She was craving a cup of coffee, but coffee was always hard to find on Rodyte-controlled facilities. “Is Ulrik still here or did Garin let him go back to Earth?”
Berlynn’s expression revealed frustration and disgust, a common combination when dealing with Ulrik. “He caused a commotion yesterday on one of the commerce tiers, so now he’s restricted to his apartment. I had dinner with him last night. As you can imagine, he was in a seriously shitty mood.”
“How could you tell?”
The sarcastic question made Berlynn smile. “It’s hard to feel sorry for him when he’s brought most of this on himself.”
Guilt rushed in on the heels of Berlynn’s smile. Haven had avoided this detail since she first came to Lunar Nine. There would never be a good time for this conversation, but Haven wanted the last of her secrets aired so she could focus on the future. “B, there’s something I need to tell you, something you deserve to know.”
Berlynn tilted her head as her golden eyes narrowed. “Is this about Dad?”
Haven nodded, throat so tight she couldn’t swallow. “It’s my fault.”
“What’s your fault?”
Forcing the words out past dry lips, Haven rushed through her explanation. “Milanni mentioned that the battle born were in Boulder, so I figured Vinton might need help. I sent a message to him offering whatever support I could provide, but I sent it through Milanni.”
Understanding gradually widened Berlynn’s eyes. “Are you expecting me to be angry? I was there, Haven. I saw how it happened. Dad freaked out and attacked Milanni. She was basically defending herself.”
Tears blurred Haven’s gaze. Berlynn was always understanding, but this was… Haven rushed around the table and gave her niece a hug. “I’m so sorry I played any part in what happened. I’m just so very sorry.”
Berlynn looked into her eyes and slowly smiled. “I’ll miss Dad until I see him again in the next reality, but his death was an accident, a horrible, tragic accident.”
Haven heaved a long, purging sigh. “I’m not sure I could be so rational.”
“Ulrik sure as hells won’t be,” Berlynn pointed out as Haven returned to her seat. “That’s why you’re not going to tell him.”
“I’m not?” Haven felt slightly shaky, but she also felt light, free of a massive encumbering weight.
“All it would do is give him one more reason to be pissed off. Don’t lie if he asks you point blank, but don’t intentionally go there.”
Haven nodded, seeing the wisdom in Berlynn’s suggestion. “I can live with that.”
“So can I.” Berlynn paused for a bite of her fluffy omelet then her smile turned mischievous. “I saw Danvier leave your apartment early this morning. Was he there all night? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”
Only three years separated their ages, so Berlynn had always been more sister than niece. Haven was thrilled that Berlynn was here, so they could support each other through this challenging transition. “You know he’s a potential mate, so you know the answer.”
Berlynn’s brows arched. “Is he still a potential mate, or did you let him claim you?”
“He’s ready, willing and able. I’m the one who’s holding out.”
“After what happened with Javin, no one can blame you for being cautious.”
Haven sighed and set her mug down by her plate. “Danvier is nothing like Javin. Javin was secretive and moody. Danvier is…solid as a rock.”
“Unfortunately, he’s as expressive as one too.”
That made Haven chuckle. “You don’t know the real Danvier. He’s continually struggling to control his power.” Just remembering the vast store of energy he had at his command made Haven tingly. “That’s why he’s so serious so much of the time.”
“Does he make you happy?”
Happiness was far more elusive than Haven had once believed. “I’m not sure yet. He honestly seems too good to be true and we both know what that usually means.”
“If something seems too good to be true, it generally is.” Berlynn nodded, clearly in agreement with the adage.
“Besides, we’ve only known each other for a few days. I’m not going to rush in this time.”
“I understand.”
Danvier walked up to their table a few minutes later, looking freshly scrubbed and neatly groomed. His thick braid hung down over one shoulder, accenting the silver embroidery on his dark blue tunic. “If you’re finished eating, the others are waiting for us in Garin’s office.”
“What others? I thought we were going to update Garin.”
“Just Raylon and Chandar, but Garin would like you there as well,” he said to Berlynn.
“Me? Why? I’ve been cooped up here for the past few days.”
Translation, she had nothing to do with Pyre’s death. Haven didn’t blame her for being reluctant. These sorts of things were never pleasant.
Much to her surprise, Danvier smiled and merriment sparkled in his eyes. “I think he’s inventing reasons to keep you around.”
Berlynn gasped and her cheeks pinkened. “He is not. I annoy him.”
Danvier laughed. “If you say so.”
Haven looked from Berlynn to Danvier and back. “Is something going on between you and General Nox?” The possibility was intriguing to say the least.
“Absolutely not.” Her assertion came a bit too quickly and with a bit too much vehemence.
Haven shifted her gaze back to Danvier and he winked at her. Watch them during the meeting. Each time they’re together sparks fly.
Thrilled by the pleasant diversion, Haven pushed back from the table. “Well, let’s get this over with.” She moved to Danvier’s side and he took her by the hand. This was the first time he’d touched her in public and yet it felt strangely comfortable, as if PDAs were nothing out of the ordinary for them.
Berlynn followed as Danvier led Haven toward the elevator. He dismissed their guard/escort as they passed, hardly breaking stride. Haven would have preferred to take the stairs, but the others were already waiting. Rather than assembling chairs in front of Garin’s desk, every
one sat around the round table in the back corner of his office. It created the illusion of equality.
The general sat beside a severe-looking man with a scar marring one side of his face. Scars were a novelty in this day and age. Regeneration had made such disfigurements a thing of the past on Rodymia. It was obvious from their relaxed poses and frequent smiles that they were well acquainted and comfortable with each other.
Next to the scarred man sat a stunningly beautiful female. Her silver hair and pearlescent skin identified her as an organic harbinger, but the sculpted perfection of her features linked her to Danvier. It was hard to believe that either sibling belonged to the same race as the tall, dark and deadly battle born soldiers.
Danvier sat down beside Chandar, so Haven slipped onto the chair on his right. The only seat left for Berlynn was the one between Haven and Garin. Danvier made the introductions, which drew Garin’s attention and ended his conversation with Raylon.
“We have plans to make, so I’ll come right to the point,” Garin began as everyone settled in. “Word of Pyre’s death has already reached Rodymia.”
“How did they find out so fast?” Haven’s heart lurched and heat crawled up her neck. Now she wasn’t just a fugitive. She was also a murderer.
“The IG has spies among my men just like I have spies among their ranks. Is there some reason you didn’t want them to know? You acted in defense of your mate. Your actions were completely defensible.”
She’d been defending her mate? Had everyone decided that her mating with Danvier was a foregone conclusion? Rather than commenting on the slip, she shook her head. “It has always taken Tandori Tribe weeks to send a message to Rodymia. I keep forgetting that our technology is seriously antiquated.”
“Is that by choice?” Garin asked. “I know you’ve had interaction with Rodytes since the exile. Why has no one updated your technology?”
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