Rare?Or did he really meanrestricted?They’re a planet-bound species, after all. They should never have been stolen from their home. John Smith broke a lot of important laws by bringing them here.
He gives me an appraising look. “I would not have thought it of you,” he says, mayhaps under the impression it was my brothers and I who stole the Humans.
I make a noncommittal shrug.
“Do you have more? Now that Enzo has retried, perhaps you and I could come to another agreement. I would be happy to freight livestock, for a cut of the profits, of course.”
“You are mistaken.”
“Come on.” He digs his fingers into my arm, but my scales are too strong for him to hurt me this way. “Sharing could be profitable. How many do you have?”
“Briar and Harlee are mated to my brothers. They are notlivestock.” I spit the last word, disgusted.
He gives me a long look, as if hoping I will change my mind.
“Where did you hear of Humans, anyway?” I ask.
“I’ve seen them around.”
“In person?”
“On a broadcast.”
I frown. Considering he seems unaware of LOVE GALAXY, which broadcast is he talking about? Who else, aside from John Smith, would be fool enough to steal from a protected planet and broadcast the fact for all to see?
When Atakis does not offer any more information, I mutter something about collecting my cargo and dismount, returning to my brothers and their Mates.
“Something is not right.” I do not have to keep my voice down for fear of Atakis overhearing, not when the wind is screaming loud enough that it is nearly impossible to hear anything at more than an arm’s length of distance.
“The shipment is incomplete?” Roan asks in a yell, and I have to shake my head, because that is not what is bothering me.
“Enzo retired. Atakis—” I do not want to stand around talking about my concerns when action is required. “The females should return to the house.”
“What does that mean?” Briar demands, hands on hips, always so fast to defend herself and her fellow females.
Sorin must see something in my expression that hints at the seriousness of my thoughts, because he loops two arms around his Mate. “Briar, please.”
“You mean it?” Her eyes are wide as she studies Sorin. “I’m not scared of that crocodile-looking guy.”
“Yes.” I answer in Sorin’s stead, deliberately making my voice harsh and unyielding. I am well used to being disliked for making difficult choices, and I will not let the potential anger of my family dissuade me from doing what I believe will keep them safe.
“Come on.” Harlee tugs on Briar’s arm, pulling her back a step toward the mudroom. “I’m sure Killan will explain later. For now, let’s do as he asks.”
Briar gives me one last look, and right when I think she is going to continue arguing, she nods and lets Harlee lead her away.
I release a long breath. I am selfishly pleased that Lydia remained inside, and I am selfishly pleased that Atakis does not know about her as well.
“We have a lot of work to get done,” I say, indicating the waiting Freighter. Not only do we have to unpack the supplies on board, we must repack the cargo bay with eight lakes’ worth of dried and powdered algae. “Let us get this done as quickly as possible. I want them gone from our home.”
Chapter Twelve
Lydia
“He wouldn’t have sent us back inside for no reason,” Harlee is saying as she and Briar return to the mudroom.
“What’s happening?” I cover my nose and mouth with cupped hands for as long as it takes the door to slide closed.
“No idea,” Briar grumbles, peering around me and out the window to where Killan is heading back toward the spaceship, Sorin and Roan close behind. “Killan ordered us back inside.”
