“That one can kill me, too.”
“Correct.Off you go.”Margo smiled.
Chloe frowned.“Do they have your scent as well?”
“Yup, or last week’s ovulation would have had a very different result.”She looked at Chloe.“Being a marked Zowoth is a tricky proposition.”
Arven and Baket were looking at her intently.Margo scowled.“Stop looking at me like that.There is nothing to report to him.”
Chloe paused.“Him?”
“Long story.Get Zowoth-proofed, and I will explain before we arrive at the array.”
Chloe nodded and followed Soven through the halls with the other ladies.Margo headed for the command deck.
* * * *
Margo worked on controllingthe power and the flow of energy over the hull.She could feel Aken-Var staring at her ass while she worked, leaning over the terminals.“Stop looking, first among us.It isn’t going to happen again.I know the rules now.”
Baket walked into her peripheral vision.“You were the sweetest unmarked that I have had in decades.”
“And I will never be unmarked again, so there you go.”
Baket walked closer, and she saw the bright sapphire eyes that meant Aken-Var was running his body.That was his right as first among the Zowoth.He could also help in battle if needed, but only for his born people.
“They are still talking about how you marked yourself again in the women’s quarters to keep from being sent to me a second time.I must say, my feelings were a little hurt.You enjoyed yourself, yes?”
“It was fun, but my kind pair bond, not in sets of twenty.To be confronted with eighteen other females who wanted to compare notes was like a sharp blast of icy water on any satisfaction.I am better off as I am now.”She settled in the pilot’s seat.“I value freedom over sex, Aken-Var.”
He sighed.“One day you will be receptive, and you will call for me.”
“That was last week, and you missed it, poor guy.”She was watching and saw his eyes flare neon red.“Hah!Serves you right for tricking me.”
“I did not trick you, beauty.”
“You told me my life would be better if I took the healing.You promised me respect and safety.You lied to get me into bed.”
“It was bed, furs, two tables that we broke, and several walls.You were magnificent.”
“Enjoy the memory.”She met his gaze.“I don’t like liars, and you have betrayed me more than those who sold me to the fighting pit.”
His eyes went clear green.“I did not betray you.”
“You lied to your own advantage and would have kept me in a crowd to be chosen when you were bored with your upper court.I have been in cages, and I do not like them.”
He was shocked.“You would be treasured.”
“I am not lifeless metal.I am no one’s treasure.I need to be free to have sex when I need it and want it and not waiting for you to have time in your schedule.I had a need three times in your home, and I could do nothing.I wasn’t even allowed to take care of it myself.The scars went on, and they will stay on.And I will remain out here, where I am free.”
He snarled.“They did not tell me.”
“Why would they?Your regulars had their appointments in your bed.I was just a novelty.”She shrugged.“I accept that, but it doesn’t mean that I wish to repeat the humiliation that followed one night with you.Sex workers don’t expect anything and don’t track you with your crewmembers.I get satisfaction after a few hours, and then I leave.No appointment necessary.”
The eyes went red again.
She sighed.“That can’t be good for Baket’s eyes.”
“He volunteered for communication.”
