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  “Taking an inventory?” He pivoted toward her and reached for her hand.

  “As if it matters.” She shook her head, overwhelmed by the scope of her surroundings. “Our most sophisticated ship seems like a toy compared to this.”

  “The actual hanger is below the launch deck and stores several hundred fighters. Good thing we’re on the same side.” He pulled her toward him and placed his hands on her hips.

  “Are we?” Not wanting to forfeit the comfort of his touch, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body had barely stopped tingling and already the fantasy was fading. “How long will we stay that way once your cousins start hunting human females?”

  Nazerel sighed, clearly frustrated by her stubbornness. “Your government negotiated with Ontarians, more than once. Why would they refuse to negotiate with Rodytes?”

  She didn’t want to fight, but their break from reality was over. He’d brought her here against her will in a rash attempt to avoid capture. All of his talk of chosen mates and an hour of spectacular sex didn’t change the basic facts. He was a fugitive and it was her job to apprehend him. “Will the Rodytes negotiate or will they fly this behemoth to Earth and take what they want? We have no way to stop them. When the positions are this disparate, there is very little motivation to negotiate.”

  He pushed her away and crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re determined to cast us as villains before we’ve even chosen a course of action. Don’t judge my entire race by the actions of one woman.”

  “It’s hard not to when you want the same thing. Sevrin was trying to genetically engineer what the battle born can accomplish naturally. You said two-thirds of the Rodyte military is battle born. How many males is that? Thousands? Hundreds of thousands? Earth is not going to give up that many females without a fight.”

  “Are you sure?” His tone was cold and cutting as he added, “They assisted Sevrin, and she was one of many.”

  “What are you talking about? We did everything in our power to stop Sevrin.”

  “Your taskforce creates deniability, but the truth is more troubling. Sevrin’s project wasn’t ‘officially’ sanctioned. Those sorts of projects never are. But the US government not only knew what she was doing, they allowed her ships to land in the desert and provided her with various supplies and personnel crucial to her success.”

  She could barely concentrate through the ringing in her ears. “You know this or you suspect?”

  “You tell me. How reliable is Flynn? The data he sold me contains numerous messages between Sevrin and various government officials.”

  Feeling like she’d been punched in the stomach, she took a step back and looked out into space. “This is unbelievable. I busted my ass trying to find that woman and she was being aided by my own government?”

  He touched her arm, his fingers warm and strong against her skin. “We’ve all been betrayed. My people were enslaved by the elders, the battle born were forsaken by the elite, and your government is corrupt and self-serving. It’s past time for change, significant, even radical change.”

  She shivered and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, slowly drawing her toward his chest. “I need to see the messages.”

  “I welcome your insight,” he assured. “If Flynn was having fun at my expense, I need to know.”

  “And if my taskforce is a cover for government corruption, I need to know.”

  * * * * *

  Varrik held Echo against his chest as he meticulously scanned their surroundings. When they combined their powers, they were able to shield themselves so well they were undetectable to most security systems. Still, they’d never tested their abilities on a Rodyte space station before. Rather than risking the environmental upheaval of an interplanetary jump, he’d teleported from Earth to Ontariese and from Ontariese to a ship not far from Space Station 438. The final jump had been short and stealthy, leaving plenty of energy for their combined shields.

  “I think it’s clear.” Echo eased away from him without leaving the circle of his embrace.

  He ran his hand down the back of her hair as tenderness flooded his heart. “Maybe I was just enjoying having you in my arms.”

  “As I was enjoying being there.”

  “But,” he smiled and kissed her forehead. “We have a job to do.”

  She pivoted to his side as they crossed the storeroom into which he’d teleported them. They were near the large commerce hub in the center of the space station, yet isolated enough to avoid detection. He scanned the corridor then slowly opened the door and confirmed that the hallway was empty.

  The hallway led to the outer ring of the commerce hub, but most of the shops weren’t currently open. The lack of activity wasn’t surprising, however. It was almost two o’clock in the morning. They’d studied a diagram of the station, so they had a general idea of where they needed to go. They walked briskly through the area, not making eye contact with anyone. Arrival gates were located to the left of the hub, departures to the right. Maintenance bays and long-term docking were one level down and directly below the commerce hub.

  The Undaunted had just undergone some minor repairs and was expected to depart in a day or two. They found the stairs leading to the lower levels but paused to scan ahead before they descended.

  “Is security always so lax?” Echo asked as they started down the stairs. “Why are there no guards or surveillance bots?”

  They’d prepared documentation to account for their presence on the space station. Echo had even worn an ankle-length skirt in deference to Rodyte customs. Still, it seemed odd that they’d encountered no check points or scanner stations. “Perhaps we just haven’t entered a high security zone yet.”

  As if in response to their confusion, there was a check point at the entrance to Sublevel 1. Echo lagged a step behind and pulled the hood of her lavender jacket up to shadow her face. Varrik pulled the documents out of his pocket and confidently approached the guard.

  “What is your business on SS 438?” The guard examined their papers then looked up as he waited for Varrik’s answer.

  “My brother is stationed aboard the Undaunted.”

  “The female belongs to you?”

  “Absolutely.” He moved closer to the guard without changing his expression. He needed to accent his claim without starting a fight.

  “Keep her close. General Nox has been stingy with shore leave, so everyone who disembarks is ready for trouble.”

  “I appreciate the warning.”

  The guard passed his scanner wand over the documents. “You’re cleared for a ten-hour stay. If you need more time, you’ll have to report to a security station and be reauthorized.”

  “I understand.”

  He handed the documents back to Varrik and triggered the gate in front of them. “Enjoy your stay.”

  They didn’t need to ask direction to the Undaunted. The massive ship filled the observation windows at the end of the concourse directly in front of them.

  Echo’s hand slipped out of his as she moved closer to the windows. She bent sharply to the left and looked up along the side of the ship. “I can’t see the top.” She straightened and shook her head. “You told me it was big, but damn. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “It’s the largest ship the Rodytes have ever built and they’ve built some mammoth ships.”

  Moving back from the windows, she turned to face him. “If this is the most sophisticated ship the Rodytes have ever built, what are our chances of flashing on board without being detected?”

  “Slim to none, but it doesn’t matter. I have something else in mind.” He lowered her hood and unfastened the clasp at the back of her hair.

  “What are you doing? Someone might recognize me.” She snatched the clasp from him, but he continued on as if she hadn’t objected.

  “There’s no reason to start a fight when a little deception will work even better.” He fluffed her hair and arranged it around her shoulders. “Perfect. Now put on your bes
t princess face. We’re going to use your family to our advantage for a change. Pretend you’re E’Lanna. Come on.” He led her to the uniformed sentries who were guarding the airlock.

  “Halt.” One of the guards stepped forward and extended his arm, palm out. “Only authorized personnel allowed.”

  “Well, then you need to get authorization,” Varrik countered. “This is Princess E’Lanna dar Aune of Ontariese and she would like a tour of this magnificent ship. In fact, contact General Nox. She expects a guided tour of his new vessel.”

  The guard started to object, but his companion stopped him.

  “Do you have proof of her identity?” the second guard asked.

  “Scan her face. Her image is in countless data streams all over this star system.”

  Echo raised her chin and stared past the guards as if they were beneath her notice. Varrik had seen the expression before, but never on Echo’s face. She looked just like her twin sister E’Lanna.

  The second guard approached with obvious hesitation. “May I scan you, Highness?”

  “If you must. Though I don’t know why our word isn’t good enough.” She sniffed and raised her chin even higher.

  Moments after the scanner beam passed across her face the guard showed his display to his partner. “Our apologies, Highness. Give us a moment to contact General Nox.”

  She shooed them away with an indolent wave of her hand. “Do you think he’ll respond personally?” she asked once the guards were out of earshot.

  “Would you? It’s the middle of the night.” Varrik smiled as her haughtiness melted away. “He’ll send an underling to bring us to him and then the real fun begins. He won’t be pleased that we tricked our way onto his ship, but it’s less provocative than attempting to teleport through his shields.”

  “I agree. This was a better choice.”

  Twenty minutes passed before their escort arrived and as Varrik predicted, he was not General Nox but one of his brothers. The young man walked up to Echo and bowed from the waist, his silver-ringed gaze politely remaining on her face.

  “It’s an honor to meet you, Princess dar Aun. I’m Zilor Nox.”

  “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” She smiled flirtatiously.

  “If you’d given us some sort of warning, we could have arranged a reception.”

  “I don’t need anything fancy.” She waved away the concept and motioned toward the ship. “This was an impulse, nothing more.” She looped her arm through his and pressed in close. “Of course, your brother’s reputation is almost as impressive as the ship’s. Please tell me he hasn’t refused to see me.”

  “And insult someone so enchanting?” He patted her hand as they started for the airlock. “Never.”

  Varrik fell instep behind them, though Zilor hadn’t even glanced his way. He watched carefully and listened for any deception in Zilor’s tone. This had been almost too easy.

  They passed through the airlock and turned to the right—and they were swarmed by armed guards. Varrik was taken to the floor while Echo was shoved against the wall.

  “Watch their hands,” Zilor shouted. “They can both command magic.”

  Varrik could have flashed to safety, but only if he were willing to abandon his mate.

  Go. Echo urged. The negotiation might go better if—

  Never!

  She responded with a wave of warmth as Varrik was dragged back to his feet. They’d wrapped something around both his hands then secured his wrists behind his back. Echo was similarly restrained, though her hands had been bound in front of her. Foolish Rodytes perceived her as less of a threat because she was female. In many ways her powers were more impressive than his.

  “Sorry about the precautions,” Zilor said with a lazy smile. “You must admit your visit is a bit unusual.”

  “It’s insulting to be met with such discourtesy.” Echo tossed her head, managing to look regal despite the restraints. “I have nothing more to say to you.”

  Zilor laughed. “Fine by me, but that attitude isn’t going to get you anywhere with General Nox. He demands respect from even uninvited guests.”

  “Release me at once. I’ve changed my mind. I have no interest in this vessel or its obnoxious commander.”

  “Too late, princess.” Zilor took her by the arm and led her along the corridor. Two guards preceded him and two fell in behind Varrik. “You’ve earned yourself a visit with a very grumpy general.”

  Varrik wasn’t surprised when they were led to the brig rather than a reception hall or office. Echo sputtered and objected, insisting that she be released. Varrik had hoped for a less aggressive approach, but he’d suspected this was more in keeping with Rodyte hospitality. Still, if they’d ignored protocols entirely, they would have been met with even more hostility.

  Zilor guided Echo into a holding cell and Varrik started to push past him and join her in the tiny room. “Sorry. One visitor per cell.” He grabbed Varrik’s upper arm and pulled him out of the room.

  “I must be with my mistress!” He jerked out of Zilor’s hand and made it past the doorway before he was yanked back by two of the guards. “I am responsible for her safety.”

  “Not going to happen.” Zilor motioned to the cell across the room and the guards deposited Varrik inside. “You can see her, so you’ll know she’s in no danger.”

  “If she’s in no danger, why are you treating her like a criminal?” Varrik challenged. Damn it! He couldn’t teleport her out of here if he couldn’t touch her. This was not what he had in mind.

  “You must really think we’re fools, Varrik. Settle in. No one’s in a hurry to listen to more of your lies.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “Did you get any sleep at all?”

  Morgan looked up from the holo-display and offered Nazerel a halfhearted smile. “Off and on.”

  “That’s where you were sitting when I drifted off last night.” He swung his long legs over the side of the bunk and stood, toned muscles rippling with each motion. He had donned a pair of snug black shorts that were generally worn beneath his uniform after he showered the night before. “Did you sleep sitting up?”

  He was right. She hadn’t moved from the workstation in the past four and a half hours and she had the backache to prove it. When they’d returned from the observation deck, she made a beeline for the shower. But as soon as her body was scrubbed clean and covered by a soft nightgown, she’d demanded to see the data he’d received from Flynn.

  Nazerel’s cryptic warning about government conspiracies had been a much needed distraction from more personal conflicts. She’d done her best to concentrate on the information and ignore her aching heart, but once Nazerel fell asleep her composure crumbled. She returned to the utility room and indulged in a good long cry. As if dragging her to an alien world hadn’t been devastating enough, Nazerel shattered her emotions. Maybe that hadn’t been his intent, but the result was undeniable.

  She couldn’t be his “chosen mate”. She’d worked too hard to establish herself as a respected authority on all things alien. So how had an alien slipped beneath her defenses? She didn’t want to care for him, wasn’t ready to consider all the changes he would bring into her life. And yet the emotions he inspired were much too powerful to deny.

  She was in love with Nazerel.

  And she had no idea how it had happened.

  Rather than hint at the emotional upheaval that had shaped her night, she motioned toward the display. “I’ve been through everything twice and, from what I can tell, Flynn didn’t tamper with the information.” She paused to rub her neck as she glanced at Nazerel. “Why did he agree to help us in the first place if he still felt loyalty for you?”

  “Flynn is a pleaser. He doesn’t mean to be disloyal, but he craves acceptance and affirmation from whomever he’s with at the time.”

  “I wonder if Elias and Lor have figured out that Flynn can’t be trusted?” She powered down the terminal and pushed back from the desk.

  “They sh
ould be fine. There’s no one left to betray.” Nazerel moved behind her before she could stand and slipped his hands under her hair. His long, strong fingers massaged her knotted muscles and Morgan groaned in ecstasy. “Feel good?”

  “You have no idea.” She closed her eyes and surrendered to the simple pleasure of his touch.

  “You make that same sound when you—”

  “Shut up.” She slapped back at him, but didn’t move away from his magical hands. “And keep rubbing.”

  He chuckled and moved the massage down onto her upper back. “Most of the messages were ambiguous. Were you able to figure out the identity of Sevrin’s contacts?”

  “I’m pretty sure there are three different people, though two don’t identify themselves at all. I’m almost sure the one who calls himself Ranger is my ex-boss. He was an Army Ranger and one of his brothers is a Texas Ranger. He’s always been obsessed with the title.”

  “And the others?”

  “Unfortunately, they could be anyone. One uses law enforcement terms, but he or she could also be military. The third sounds like a lawyer or more likely a politician. There just isn’t enough specific information to verify their identities.”

  He continued to work the tension from her muscles for a moment in silence. His voice was low and cautious when he finally spoke. “Then you don’t have enough to expose their treachery?”

  “Not even close.” She opened her eyes and swiveled around in the chair, dislodging one of his hands. “Even if I had something concrete, I can’t expose these bastards without exposing the secrets I’ve sworn to protect.”

  Challenge arched his brow. “Why are you protecting secrets? Shouldn’t you be protecting people instead?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged off his other hand and stood. “Maybe the people of Earth deserve to know about our many visitors. Maybe I’ve been fighting on the wrong side of this conflict all along. I honestly don’t know anymore.”

  “I understand both sides of the argument.” Nazerel didn’t try to stop her as she brushed past him and started pacing the room. “It’s human nature to fear the unknown and frightened people can be dangerous. Still, that excuse is frequently used as a means of controlling the unaware. If Rodyte males can offer human females a different sort of life than they’ve known on Earth, don’t the females have the right to choose?”