Olivia sat down next to me. “Are you doing okay?” she asked.
I simply nodded.
Avery stormed over and stood in front of me. “The place they’re taking us to. Can we escape from there? There’s gotta be someone who can give us a lift, don’t you think? Perhaps we can find a ship toborrow?”
Riley chuckled and went back to pacing, not even bothering to glance at us.
My response was a nonchalant shrug while Avery narrowed her eyes at me.
I tucked hair behind my ears. “Look, I have no idea what to expect. I wouldn’t say Trex is my friend or anything. I have the same knowledge as you. We’re not even sure if they’ll let us off the ship at the Outpost.”
Riley came to a stop and chewed the inside of her cheek for a moment. “She’s right, Avery. There’s no guarantee they will trust us enough to let us wander through an alien Outpost.”
I stood, hoping to find a solution regarding the Outpost. Anything to shut up Avery, at least for now. “Let’s see if Joele can lend us a hand? I mean, she is a ruler on her planet. Maybe she could speak on our behalf or help get us home?”
I didn’t intend to bring up my desire to stay. I wasn’t up for dealing with any more of Avery’s anger.
Riley spoke up. “She’s a what, now?”
I bit my lip, realizing Ididknow a little more than they did. “Trex mentioned she is part of the Drakkari government.”
Avery scoffed, and Riley laughed again.
“Drakkari? Is that what they call their planet?” asked Riley.
“Their race I think. I didn’t ask.” I ran my hands through my hair.
“You are on a first named basis with the guy. Why don’t you see if he’ll release us at the Outpost?” pushed Avery.
“I can try.” The thought of being near Trex made my core clench and body heat. My mind warned me to keep a healthy distance until I knew him better.
But my body wanted nothing more than to betray me with him.
I shook my head in an attempt to clear the image of what he might look like under those tight pants. I wiped my forehead and licked my lips.
Riley coughed, bringing my attention back to the room.
The three of them were watching me with varying degrees of interest.
Holding my head high, I aimed for a calm and collected look, not sure how well I was succeeding at it, however.
Avery was right. They should be allowed to visit Javar Outpost and decide for themselves what they wanted to happen next.
14
Trex
I STORMED BACK ONTOthe bridge, settling into my seat beside Krin and letting out a noisy breath.
‘Is everything fine with the females?’he asked.
Scratching my head, I sent him my thoughts. ‘My suspicion is that two of the females will attempt to leave at their earliest opportunity. It is not safe to let them leave the ship at the Javar Outpost.’
It made me happy that Grace decided to stay on the ship rather than leaving to live among other humans in a colony.
Hopefully spending time with the other females, Grace could assure them they were safe with us. But I hoped that the anger from the others would not cause her to reconsider her opinion of me.
Clenching my fists, I fought the urge to let out a frustrated roar.
