Chapter 16
Jeffrey stood near the view screen, strange feelings at war within him. TheEarhartlay not far out of range, barely limping along. It seemed the Hareema weren’t so good at piloting human vessels.
Although he should be preparing to board the ship, he couldn’t keep his thoughts straight. His entire mind was occupied with the beautiful female that was leaning over the console beside him.
“Its engines appeared to have limited power,” she said, glancing up at him.
Jeffrey nodded, unable to pull his eyes away from her.
She was back in Ice Queen mode after their interaction in the corridor. He guessed it was to be expected. She was a consummate professional, after all.
Jeffrey couldn’t banish his feelings so easily. His cock still throbbed at the memory of being inside her tight heat. It was like nothing he’d ever experienced, and he couldn’t wait to be inside her again.
Unfortunately, there was a lot to do before he could possess her again.Just retake your ship, capture the enemy, and come back to claim her.He stifled the desire to laugh.
Or cry.
Instead, he focused on the task at hand. “Lieutenant Yarr, you’ll stay here with the ship. The rest of you, you’re with me.”
The five Zantharian soldiers stood, but froze at the sound of Kat’s voice.
“You can’t be serious,” she said, her tone like ice.
“I am,” he said, heading toward the bridge entrance.
“I’m going with you,” she said, hurrying after him.
“It’s too dangerous.”
He froze when he heard her gasp. “Too dangerous? Let’s not forget who stopped the Hareema from killing you on the flagship. If anyone should stay here, it’s you.”
“And yet you’re not the one in charge, are you?”
He turned to find her shaking, yellow forks lighting up her skin. “Don’t do this,” she said, her voice urgent. “I’m the only one who knows how much current to run through those bastards. You leave me here, and you’re risking killing your prisoners.”
Her words twisted a knife in Jeffrey’s chest. She had a point. Zantharians had been trained since birth to kill any Hareema on sight. Although he believed the soldiers would try to follow his orders, he couldn’t guarantee that they’d be able to help themselves when confronted with their age-old enemy.
“Fine.” He pointed at the navigator. “You stay here. If any one of us tries to come back on board, you zap them first to make sure they are who they say they are.”
The navigator nodded and retook his seat at the central console. “The rest of you, come with me.”
Kat was right behind him as they entered the corridor. Jeffrey waited impatiently as the scout ship pulled alongside theEarhart, attaching itself to the human vessel’s entry hatch.
“Stay close,” he said to Kat, his voice rough. “We take no unnecessary risks.”
She nodded. He could tell she didn’t like what he had to say, but she wouldn’t chance being left behind.
The navigator announced that they’d attached to theEarhartand gave the all clear to open the hatch. One of the Zantharian soldiers tapped a code into the entry panel and the hatch slid open.
Jeffrey moved forward, working at the Earhart locking mechanism until the hatch light blinked green. He glanced over his shoulder, ensuring that his companions were ready. Each had the sheen of bioelectricity racing over their skins.
It was time.
Jeffrey opened the hatch, wishing he had a weapon.Find a gun, first priority, then hunt down the Hareema bastards.
He crept down the corridor until he hit the crew’s mess.Mess is the optimal word.He eyed the strewn about dishes and trays. Cabinets were yawning open.
He heard Kat’s indrawn breath and followed her gaze to underneath the mess table.
