.jpg)
“Does Father know you have this job?”
Crath met Cavas’s gaze, shaking his head. “No. That was the point of working for the authorities. No one would suspect me. Father would have lectured me about my duty to family before aliens. He’d have demanded I live on our home planet to become law enforcement there instead. I didn’t want that.”
“You were sent to Flax Colony by the allied authorities?” Cavas wondered if that would cause them more problems in the future after what they’d done on the surface. They’d killed a few of Yorlian Trevis’s employees while searching for Crath.
“Rumors were circulating about what was going on down there. Slaving. We had reports of visitors disappearing, never to be seen again. The few officers sent there disappeared. Command sent me, since I’m not their normal operative. The death fights and that arena were a complete surprise. It’s far worse than we suspected. I need to send a report to my superiors. They’ll have teams headed that way to clean it all out.” Crath stood. “I need access to your bridge.”
“Keep our family business out of your report,” Cavas warned.
Crath approached him, narrowing his eyes. “Why? They should know what our father has done.”
“We don’t need their interference, or the attention to our name,” Cathian growled.
“We’ll handle Father ourselves. The other litters are aware of what he’s done.” Cavas stepped closer and leaned in until his forehead touched his younger littermate’s. “We’re protecting our position on Tryleskian. Father isn’t going to take all of us down with him by shaming our name. Why do you think Raff hasn’t come forward? The other founding families might rise against us and take everything away. Including Cathian’s position as our home world’s ambassador.” He paused. “The Vorge would be lost if all Vellar assets are taken.”
Crath closed his eyes and remained pressed against him. When his eyes opened, his rage was clear. “You’re right.” He moved back and gazed at Cathian. “You’ve always been like a father figure to all the litters, more so than Beltsen Vellar ever was. We won’t allow your ship to be taken.” Then he peered deeply into Cavas’s eyes. “I’m not becoming the head of our family. Are you going to step in to fill Father’s position?”
Cavas snorted. “No. We’ll leave that to the next litter to figure out. They are fully capable and extremely eager. I told Cathian to make them sign over ownership of this vessel as a thank you for stepping aside. The three of us would be miserable being politicians and playing nice with the other founding families.”
Crath laughed. “Truth. What did they say?”
“They agree, as long as Cathian remains our home-world ambassador. He will. Once they have control of our holdings, the transfer of ownership will become their first priority.”
Crath grew solemn. “I’m going to the bridge to make my report. I lost a shuttle down there. I’ll tell them I called one of my brothers to get me since I knew The Vorge was in the area. That way, it explains why I’m contacting them from your bridge. All they need to know is what’s really happening on Flax Colony.”
The moment the doors closed behind their youngest littermate, Cathian sighed. “He seems to be doing well. Opinion?”
Cavas thought about it. “I agree. He surprised me, though. Did you have any idea he was working for the allied authorities? I didn’t.”
“Not a single hint.”
“I think he’s tougher than either of us imagined. It makes me angry that he never told us what he was really doing. I wish that he had.” Cavas sighed. “I’m going to go check on Jill. She really did a good job down there.”
Cathian smiled. “I’ve always told you that my crew is the best.”
“You just got her today.”
“And we’re keeping her. The females have demanded that we do so. She also impressed me by offering to go with you. Jill should fit right in with our crew.”
“You’re just grateful it wasn’t Nara down there with me.”
Cathian chuckled. “True.”
Chapter Eight
Jill felt a thousand times better after her shower. Food had been waiting on the table when she’d gotten out of the bathroom, indicating someone had been inside her cabin, but they hadn’t left a note.
She had almost finished her meal when she heard a chime. She frowned, glancing around. It came again and she stood, going to the door.
It auto opened as she approached.
Cavas stood on the other side. His gaze ran down her body. “Did you find any injures?”
“Just some bruising.”
“The android can speed the healing of them. I’d be happy to escort you.”
“I’m fine. Does food magically appear on this ship, or is it normal for one of the crew to deliver meals to my table?”
He stepped forward suddenly, almost bumping into her. She moved back to avoid their bodies colliding. He inhaled deeply. “It was Midgel.”
The doors sealed at his back, closing him inside the cabin with her. “How can you tell?”
He reached up and tapped his nose. “Her scent is faint but present. Nara probably asked her to do that after the day you’ve had. Did you feel like eating the evening meal with the crew?”
“That was nice of them. And no, I wasn’t up for company.”
“There’s a food replicator in here.” He stepped around her. “Did anyone show you how to use one?”
“No.”
She followed him as he moved toward one of the walls that she guessed passed for a spaceship kitchen, since it had a sink and some cabinets she hadn’t explored yet. There were also two weird-looking machines.
He pointed to the largest one. “This is the food replicator. It’s easy to figure out, once you get the hang of it. Cathian has top-of-the-line ones, but they aren’t stocked the way they should be, since they have Midgel aboard and they enjoy fresh-cooked meals. Food replicators are great for snacks and drinks, though. It’s voice activated.” He pointed to the other machine. “That is basically for trash. Put your used dishes inside and it breaks down the components for the replicator to make more when you want to eat.”
He touched the food replicator. “Two cudda, cold.” He dropped his hand, his gaze fixed on her. “Just touch and speak. It’s easy.”
There was a slight hum, and seconds later, two glasses slid down from the underside of the machine. They were filled with a red-tinted liquid. He lifted them, holding one out to her. “It’s a celebratory drink. I always celebrate with my team after a successful mission.”
She took the chilled drink. “Is it strong?”
He gave a nod. “Nara drinks it. She said one gives her a good feeling, but never drink more than three. I chose cudda because it’s one of her favorites.”
“Got it.” She took a sip, smiling. “It tastes like a sweet wine!”
He took a bigger drink of his. “You did well today. Thank you.”
“How is Crath?”
“He’s doing surprisingly well. He’ll quickly recover from his ordeal. Tryleskians are tough, and we do heal fast.”
“I meant up here.” She tapped her temple before taking another sip.
“He’s highly disappointed by our father’s actions yet again. We all are. He didn’t wish to believe he was capable of being that dishonorable.”
“Fathers can be assholes.”
He arched an eyebrow.
“I told you what Earth is like. I never met mine, and I’m sure he never gave a second thought about leaving my mom pregnant after he walked away. That’s how some men are. My mom was just sex to him. Fortunately, she could afford to keep me.”
A muscle in his jaw flexed. “Was it forced?”
She shook her head. “She was curious about what it would be like to have sex, and she found an attractive man who was willing to do her for free. So—here I am. Really romantic, right?” She rolled her eyes. “Most of the guys on Earth who will have sex without payment are unattractive or such assholes no one would want to touch
them…unless they’re seriously desperate to have a child, or maybe to get treated better at work and paid more.”
He quickly drank the contents of his glass, slamming it down. She startled, wary of his angry expression. His golden eyes were flashing predatory again.
“I do not like anything I’ve heard about the males from your planet. Offspring are a blessed gift and should be rejoiced when they are created. The concept of not caring about that infuriates me.”
“So you stick around after you have sex, to make sure a woman doesn’t get pregnant?”
“I’m a Tryleskian.”
She arched her eyebrows. “What does that mean?”
“We have to go into heat to be fertile.”
“Right. Nara mentioned something about that. I take it there are no little Cavas kids out there?”
He shook his head. “There are older widowed females from my planet who volunteer for high-ranking military officers, to share our heat cycles. They are past their breeding years. I’ve always turned to them.”
She almost choked on her drink.
He studied her. “Why are your eyes wide and your mouth hanging open?”
“Sorry.” She stopped gaping at him. “Most guys wouldn’t admit to doing some old woman. That’s all.” Her gaze ran up and down his body. She wasn’t going to mention he must have been super gentle. He could probably accidently break bones on an elderly woman.
He scowled. “They aren’t old. They are older. There’s a difference. Are all your females unappealing after their breeding years?”
She thought about that. “No. You’re right. I’ve met some very pretty women in their fifties on Earth. I just didn’t peg you as being drawn to cougars.” A laugh escaped her. “It shouldn’t come as a surprise, though. You look like you’re part cat.”
He tilted his head a little, not looking amused.
“Shit. I’m sorry if I’ve insulted you. I didn’t mean to. Aliens are still new to me. I need to learn how to stop blurting out what I’m thinking. It’s been a long day, and I’m tired. I probably remind you of some kind of animal from your planet.”
“You don’t.”
“Well…that’s good.”
“I choose older females past their breeding years to avoid having to life-lock to one if she ends up accidentally carrying my litter.”
“You have to marry a woman if you get her pregnant?”
“Yes. Those females are tested to make certain they aren’t fertile, and then are introduced to high-ranking military members before the males go into heat. It’s to make certain they are attracted to us.”
She managed to keep her mouth from dropping open but she couldn’t remain silent. “Mutual attraction is important, I guess.”
“Not to a male in heat. But we want the females to be happy with the experience or they won’t volunteer again. The military heavily depends on the widows to get us through our heat, since none of us are life-locked. Long-term service requires all our time. To have a family would diminish our dedication, since a family would come first.”
“None of your high-ranking military personnel are married?”
“No. Our commitment to protect Tryleskian must be our top priority. Once a male life-locks, he may remain in service, but his duties are limited to what can be done while staying on our home planet.”
“Is it the same for your women?”
He chuckled. “There are none in the military.”
“That sounds sexist.”
He gave her a confused look but it cleared quickly. “I believe I understand. Nara and I once had this discussion. Our females have no desire to fight or train. Nor do they wish to leave our home world, unless it’s a short vacation. They are coddled and pampered. It’s what they desire. I’ve never met one who wished for more. I would support one of my sisters if she wished to leave the planet or to take a job. None of them do. They find a male to life-lock with and desire only to raise their litters.”
“What about once they grow too old to have more kids? Not the widows, but the ones still married?”
“They enjoy the litters of their litters by helping to care for them.”
Jill considered that. “I bet they do have a lot of grandbabies, if your kind has multiple births.”
“Yes. If grandbabies is an Earth term for the children of their children.”
She nodded, then gestured toward the table. “Would you like to sit?”
He hesitated. “You’ve admitted you’re tired. I only came to check on you and share a quick drink. I’ve done so.”
“Right.” She felt a little disappointed that he wasn’t sticking around for long. Talking to Cavas distracted her from being in this strange place, alone. “Well…thanks for that. Cudda is good, and now I can have more if I want since you showed me how to work that machine.” It sounded like a good idea the moment she said it. She deserved to get a bit drunk after everything she’d endured.
“Sleep well.”
“You too.”
He stepped around her and headed toward the door. He almost reached it when it chimed. A low growl came from him, and he advanced until he’d almost smacked right into the door.
It auto opened, revealing Crath.
They stared at each other for a few silent seconds.
Cavas spoke first. “That was fast. Are the authorities sending teams to the surface?”
“Yes. They are combining resources and should be able to coordinate a sweep in six or seven days. It’s the best they could do, considering where Flax Colony is located.”
“Understandable. Were you looking for me? I was on my way to my cabin after checking on Jill.” He glanced back at her. “We’ll leave you.”
She opened her mouth to tell him goodnight, but Crath pushed past him, entering her cabin. “It is you! I’m very glad that you weren’t caught with me when we fled together.” A big grin curved his lips as he walked toward her.
“I did get caught. Cavas and Dovis found me.”
“I’m going to hug you. I’m familiar with Earth customs. I’d say we’re good friends, after what we’ve been through together. I was certain our guards might make meals of us. Weren’t you?”
He gently wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her into his tall, broad body. She hesitated before lifting her arms to pat him on the back awkwardly.
A snarl had them both startling. Crath let her go and turned his head. Jill took a step back, releasing him, too.
Cavas stood close to them now, glaring at his brother. “You shouldn’t touch Jill that way. You also shouldn’t be in her cabin.” He grabbed Crath by the arm, hauling him toward the door. “Sleep well, Jill.”
She watched open-mouthed as Crath almost tripped, but Cavas kept a tight hold of him. The doors closed behind them, leaving her alone.
Jill shook her head. “That was weird.” Then she turned, deciding it was time to see if she could use the food replicator on her own. A few more drinks would help her sleep like a baby.
Crath tore out of Cavas’s hold near the lift and got in his personal space. “What was that?”
“Jill is tired. She was just freed earlier today, then went on a mission with me to retrieve you. It might be a custom to embrace on Earth, but you aren’t human. You shouldn’t touch her. She needs time to learn how to trust us. An alien bought her to be his sex slave, and she suffered a beating before I’d found her. It’s probably left her fearful of males.”
His brother stared at him, crossing his arms, before saying, “You were visiting her.”
“I was making sure she didn’t incur any injuries earlier. Your piloting skills didn’t make for a smooth takeoff. She was thrown around on the floor.”
Crath scowled. “We lifted off, and we weren’t brought down when they fired at the shuttle. Don’t complain. I’m used to piloting a solo flyer. I had the same model that Raff used to own, before he had to abandon it on Gluttren Four. Cathian’s shuttle is larger and tougher to fly. I would have been happy to let you
pilot, but you threw the forcefield control at me before taking off.”
“To get Jill.”
“I would have gone back if I’d noticed she wasn’t following. I’m thankful that you were able to find her.” Crath grinned. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
Cavas felt every muscle in his body tighten as he studied his younger littermate. “She’s human.”
“A beautiful human. I almost got her to my shuttle before Yorl’s people realized we’d escaped.” He grinned again. “I was looking forward to spending time with her in my solo flyer. She would have had to sit on my lap, in my arms.”
Anger began to spread through Cavas. His brother had no idea that he resisted the urge to hit him as he kept talking.
“I’ve always imagined what it would feel like to touch one. I’m eager to find out exactly how much pleasure it brings, being with a human. I’ve looked for one ever since Cathian found Nara. Now I’ll have my chance with Jill.”
His hands were on Crath before Cavas even realized his control had snapped. He slammed his younger littermate against the wall, pinning him, and got in his face with a snarl.
“Stay away from Jill! She’s been through enough without you wishing to use her body to curb your curiosity. Tell Cathian to drop you off at a brothel or pleasure house if you need amusement with a female. It won’t be her.”
“What is wrong with you? I want a life-lock.”
The words acted like a punch to the chest. Cavas released Crath and backed off. “What?”
“Look at how happy Cathian and Raff are with humans.” His brother rolled his shoulders as he growled low at him. “York and Dovis, too. I’m not dishonorable like our father. I’d never use other people for my selfish gain. I plan to win the human’s heart and talk her into life-locking with me. Jill is beautiful, and it was lucky that I found her on Flax Colony. I’ve been searching for months for one of her kind.”
Cavas shook his head, stunned. “But you don’t want to live on our home world.”
“I don’t have to. Humans travel. Look at the ones on this ship. I’m having a family-size cruiser custom built. It will be completed within a year, with all the specifications I’ve ordered. It shall be comfortable, have plenty of room for our litters, but armed for battle. Only the best for my future family. I am more than aware that humans are targets. No one will be able to take away my life-lock or our young.” He smiled, glancing toward Jill’s door. “Now get out of my way. I have a female to impress.”