Thatcaught Krunk’s attention. “What do the Eki want with Trols?” they growled.
Weirdly, I didn’t feel threatened by their tone, probably because Zion threatened me with a similar tone on a regular basis.
Middle child problems.
I sighed, knowing Ziggy wouldneverbe so honest—especially not with a speciesheconsidered an enemy—but we’d already established Space Daddy and I did things differently.
“We have recently encountered multiple Hydrassians searching for both Trols and karnilian as mercenaries for other species.” I blew out a slow breath. “Possibly including yours.”
It was an assumption, and a potentially rude one at that, but I needed to see how Krunk would react to it.
To my relief, the giant lizard seemed more vaguely offended than anything. “You should know theLacertuswouldneverwork with the Hydrassians, especially not to track down the cursed stone that has brought my kind nothing but despair.”
Okay, now we’re getting somewhere.
“I must admit,” I slowly began, really playing up my hesitancy for maximum effect. “I don’t personally know all the details aboutLacertushistory—with Trols or karnilian.If you would feel comfortable explaining it to me, I would appreciate it.”
Krunk’s expression softened—as much as it could, considering they naturally looked like they wanted to chomp on me.
“Of course, little Eki. Although,Imust admit, I cannot recall a time when another species has ever asked for our side of the story.”
I wish Zig was here to hear this…
“WHERE IS HE?!!!”
As if on cue.
With a tidal wave-level splash, Krunk spun in the water to face the intruder—Ziggy, obviously—but his big ass lizard head was blocking the action. Scrambling off my rocky perch, I raced along the deathpond’s edge to get a better view.
And to putmyselfin view.
“WHERE IS MY…WIFE?!”
Wife?!
I assumed Ziggy was so upset, he was struggling to find the correct words in the trade language, but I’d be damned if I wasn’t swooning like a motherfucker.
All my romance novel dreams have come true!
I almost swooned again when I caught sight of him. Not only was my man in full Space Daddy armor, but he wasflying,with tendrils unleashed, an enormous gun in each hand, and a fanged, tentacled, battle-mode Trol perched on his shoulder.
Look at him, being a bad bitch space dad.
“Zig—I’m here! I’m okay!” I shouted, pulling off my hood and waving my arms overhead. “It was all a big misunderstanding with theLacertus,but we’re cool now.”
He landed beside me before loudly stating in his usual stubborn AF way, “I believe you are being held here against your will.”
Sigh.
I couldn’t help noticing everyLacertusin the vicinity had backed away from my lone Stellarian and his hissing sidekick, despite the size difference and how vastly outnumbered he was.
It’s all that big dick energy.
As clan leader, only Krunk remained close, although they eyed my rescue committee warily. “So youdohave a Trol in your possession? And this…Stellarianis your companion?” Their horrified gaze drifted to me. “A-areyoualso a Stellarian like Uuktar claimed, My-kuh?”
“Yes,” Ziggy snapped the same instant I replied, “No!”
Siiiigh.
