“And you’ll be mated soon after,” I said. “I don’t blame you for wanting to enjoy life while you can, but I’m going to enjoy my mate.”
“Oh, yeah?” Evik goaded me. “Has he even spoken to a female, Nerus?”
Nerus reached for my sellah cartridge and took a hit from it, quiet as always.
Evik laughed. “Too bad Nerus can’t give you heirs. He keeps your secrets so well.”
Nerus fixed him with a deadpan look. “If I didn’t keep his secrets, he would dump me off his cruiser for his cekets. They’re well fed enough.”
“Not out of loyalty or love?” Evik asked, enjoying himself. “And here I thought you two were going to grow old together.” He looked me up and down with a sly smile. “Well, older. Are you sure a female will even have an old thug like you?”
“This kid,” Nerus chuckled, passing the cartridge back. “He’s lucky he has good sellah.”
“Everything in order for tomorrow?” I asked Evik.
“All set. Te’ve knows what he’s doing,” he said.
I nodded. “Keep your growers happy. We don’t need any more upsets in the supply chain.”
“A little upset is good for business now and then,” Evik said. “I’m not going to baby them. They work for Ahlon, not the other way around.”
“I said keep them happy, not give them everything they want. Find the balance.”
“Sure, sure,” Evik said. “By the way, I think you’re going to have to find the balance with Dad. He sent me down here to get you.”
“You’re telling me this now?” I rose to my feet with a sigh, thankful for the loud music covering the sound of my creaky joints. If the kid heard that shit, I’d never live it down. Nerus stood as well and followed me upstairs to see the boss. I gestured for him to wait at the door, and he took up a watchful post beside Zacal’s guards.
“Uncle,” I said, stepping into his office and closing the door.
“Sit,” he said, pouring a drink for us both. “I want an update.”
“Te’ve is doing well,” I said. “His team is efficient, and he keeps me informed if there are setbacks. I’m much happier with him than I was with Masoh.”
“Good,” Zacal nodded as he passed me a glass. “That’s not the update I need, though.”
“I still have time,” I said.
“So there’s nothing to report.” Zacal was disappointed. “I don’t care if D'vinda becomes my daughter-in-law or my niece, but it worries me that you havenoprospects.”
“Give me a break,” I rolled my eyes, feeling as petulant as his son. “I didn’t say I have no prospects.”
“Then give me a fucking report,” Zacal said.
Sighing, I waved a hand. “There’s a female,” I said, “but she’s off-world.”
“For how long?” Zacal asked, brow lowering.
“She’ll be here in time,” I said.
“She’s in transit?”Zacal assumed.
“Not yet.”
“What’s her arrival date?” he pushed.
I grimaced. “I don’t know yet.”
Zacal’s eye twitched. “Tell me, Yiri. Would you tolerate work ethic this pathetic from our soldiers?”
