An unsettling countenance appeared on the screen as the computer switched to communication’s mode. “Ah a Rhonar.” Beady eyes stared from a triangular face consisting of brown fur, a long thin snout, and short rounded ears. A beige button-down uniform shirt stretched across a barrel chest. Arms as thick as tree trunks waved at the screen in greeting. “Haven’t seen your kind around these parts for a while.”
“Indeed. It’s been several rotations.” I inclined my head a fraction to acknowledge his point without giving away anything.
The Mangox’s rounded eyes grew brighter. “Rumor has it you’re searching for females, specific females.”
Jane gasped. I tightened my fist under the console, silently begging her not to speak.
“We are always in search of a mate.” I kept the Mangox’s focus on me. Although the computer projected only my image to the bastard, I didn’t want him asking questions about my co-pilot if he caught wind of her. “They are sacred to all Rhonar. But tell me, friend, who am I speaking to?”
I didn’t care about his name in the slightest, but the more I could steer the conversation from me—and Jane—the better.
“How rude of me. I am Capo Mulo.” He swept his beefy arm around. “And what may I ask are you doing in the Meta Sector, Commander?”
“We seek passage to Sense VII.” The truth was the easiest story to stick with. He didn’t need to know the reason behind our visit to the planet. It was a popular destination run by a Kinsian couple for a variety of needs—and desires. A trip there would not be suspicious.
Mulo laughed, a rolling sound like a pebble in a box. “And who is we?”
“That would be me.” Jane’s voice reverberated through the com, but the computer would not project her image on the screen without my orders.
Crex. Can’t let down my guard.I slammed my fist on the console. “My ship’s occupants are of no concern of yours.”
“No need for hostilities, Rhonar.” The beady-eyed bastard looked over my shoulder as if he could search inside the ship. “Let us come aboard. We’ll meet your crew, and then, escort you in your travels.” He picked at a piece of errant dirt from between his claws. “This is a dangerous part of the galaxy after all. Wouldn’t want you to come to harm.”
A rush of ire ripped a path up my spine. I didn’t want these crexers anywhere near Jane or the ship. But if we fought now, we risked failure. No matter the cost, we had to complete the mission. My body was rifled with tension, muscles locking and readying for battle.
“That’s a kind offer, Capo.” The little captain’s words were laced with sweetness, but I heard the bite behind them. “But the commander and I prefer to be alone.”
“Hah!” Mulo’s gaze wandered the screen, searching for her. “Now, my dear, I must insist. I have to meet the holder of so lovely a voice.”
“You heard her.” I clenched my fists at my side, willing my hearts to slow their rapid beat. “We desire our privacy.”
“Commander Torian,” the capo’s attention snapped back to me, “I am afraid I am not giving you a choice.” His snout flared upward like a feather caught in a breeze. The mouth under his thin trunk flashed an array of small, yet wickedly sharp teeth. “As the protectors of this sector, we must know who occupies our space. We would not want ruffians causing trouble.”
Protectors, my ass.I bit back the growl that lodged in my throat.You mean you don’t want a rival gang encroaching on your claimed territory.
A feminine laugh broke the tension. “Capo Mulo, you flatter us. Do we look like ruffians?”
His head whirled around at the sound of her words, once again seeking Jane. “Now, fair one, I don’t knowwhatyou look like.” Suddenly, the video on the com cut out and only the audio projected his decree. “But I will find out. Prepare to be boarded in ten clicks.”
“Transmission ended.” The computer’s announcement punctuated the disastrous finale to the encounter.
“Drav it!” I struck the console again.That was worse than I anticipated.My mind spun with options, every one of them bad.
Jane’s soft hand landed on my arm. “I tried to follow your lead, but they made up their minds the moment they spotted us.”
“You don’t know that.” I growled at her. “You should have stayed quiet.”
Her hand snapped back as if burned. “We’re partners on this mission. I won’t remain silent when we’re threatened.”
“I could have handled them. They don’t care about one Rhonar warrior off on a pleasure jaunt.” I stalked toward her, forcing her to step back until she had nowhere to go. “But once the Mangox heard you, nothing would stop them from learning more about you. You’re the reason they’re boarding this ship.”
She flinched as if I’d slapped her. The pain in her eyes turned my blood cold. I spoke the truth, but I didn’t mean for it to hurt her. “I’m sorry,” she said on a whisper. “I didn’t realize.”
I sighed and palmed her cheek. “I should have warned you. You don’t know the dangers of life out here.”
“I’ll learn.” A flush warmed her skin. “I’m a fast learner.”
“Good.” I let my hand drop, although it was the last thing I wanted to do. “You’ll need to be a quick study and a damn fine actress for this next part.”
One dark brow rose. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, little captain,” I stepped closer, our bodies brushing, “you’ll need to pretend, put on a show for these Mangox bastards.”
“What kind of show?” Wariness laced her question.
“The Mangox view everything in the universe as commodities: weapons, supplies, planets, even people.” I leaned in closer, my mouth at her ear. “You are magnificent, strong and brave.” I captured her gaze with mine, wanting her to see the truth in my eyes. “But they will not understand that. They will see you as a prize to be bought and sold.”
“You’re telling me they will want to own me?” She swallowed roughly.
“Yes, ljona. But they can’t have you.” I wrapped my arm around her, needing the nearness. “You are mine.”
