When he pulled away, I tried to chase his lips, but I couldn’t. “Monqilcolnen.”
Chuckling, he brushed his fingers over my jaw. “We are not here for that, Peace.”
“Not at first, at least.”
Monqilcolnen burst into even louder laughter, and the sound made me grin. No one else ever made him sound like this, just me, and I adored that. I reached back to thread my fingers through his starlight hair. He leaned into my touch, and my eyes fell closed as I relished him being so open with me.
“So this is the reason I can’t stay in your quarters, Monqilcolnen,” a rumbly voice said.
I jerked forward, my tail lashing.
The drakcol in front of us smirked and crossed his arms. He had short dark blue hair, shaved on one side. His exposed ear had a black chain threaded through the cartilage and down to the lobe, obvious against his silver scales. He wasn’t as tall as Monqilcolnen, but he was easily as broad and well-muscled. Hisclothes were nothing like drakcol usually wore—a leather jacket, thick trousers, shirt tucked into his trousers with collar that shot down to his sternum, boots that went up his calves, and a blaster strapped to his thigh.
But it was his eyes that drew attention—they were an intense red. Said eyes were fixed on Monqilcolnen and I. His smirk deepened, twisting his lovely features. He was attractive, which I hated, with his full lips, deep set eyes, and strong jaw.
I didn’t know who this person was, but I wouldn’t surrender Monqilcolnen without a fight. A growl started to build in my throat. “Mine.”
The stranger’s expression turned empty.
Monqilcolnen rested his chin on my shoulder. “You heard him, Vorjyn.”
“That I did. My ears still work well. Shocking. I know.”
My tail gripped Monqilcolnen’s, and I stayed right in front of him. My wings twitched and fought against the harness containing them. Monqilcolnen pressed a gentle kiss against my neck, and some of the tension eased in my limbs.
“Vorjyn, this is Wyn,” Monqilcolnen said, remaining tucked behind me.
Vorjyn grunted, "Feisty little fellow.”
I growled. “I’m not little.”
He ran his red eyes from the top of my head to my feet. “Yes, you are.”
Before I could respond, Monqilcolnen interjected, “Leave him alone, Vorjyn.”
He rolled his eyes. “It’s a fact. He’s short. But sure. Whatever you say, Monqilcolnen.”
My hands were balled up into fists, shaking, as I stared at the drakcol in front of me. He was so different from anyone I’d ever met, and I couldn’t help but wonder if Monqilcolnen felt the same. He was suspicious. I couldn’t say how, besideshis different appearance, but my instinct demanded I keep Monqilcolnen behind me and to keep him away from this… this odd drakcol. I’d never had much growing up, and I’d been possessive of my things—writing my name on them and such—and none of those things had mattered nearly as much to me as Monqilcolnen did.
Monqilcolnen finally slipped to my side, and I had to suppress the urge to step in front of him, blocking him from sight. He kept his tail within mine, which was the sole reason I was able to rein in the instinct. He said, “You are cleared to board theAdmiral Ven.”
“No,” Vorjyn replied.
“Excuse me?”
“Let me show you and…” He lifted his eyebrow.
“Wyn,” I bit out.
“Ah yes, I forgot. Such a simple name and yet so hard to remember, like you sure are.”
“Perhaps you should go to the medbay. Your memory might be failing,” I snapped. I hated him, I realized. Never had I taken an instant dislike to someone before, but I hated this man with everything I was.
Vorjyn stared at me with a predatory smile. “Oh, my memory is excellent, but only for important things.”
“Enough,” Monqilcolnen said, drawing me closer. “You will treat Wyn with respect or I will leave you here.”
He offered his throat in concession. “As you will. I’m sure I can find the same amount of respect to match his small frame.”
