He didn’t look up. “We’ve doubled perimeter guards and activated the old war-class scanners. If Earth sends so much as a reconnaissance drone, we’ll know.”
Something in his tone made me pause. “You don’t sound convinced it’s enough.”
“Because it probably isn’t.” He finally turned to face me, his expression hard. “And we all know why they’re coming.”
The other guards in the room shifted uncomfortably. I felt the weight of their stares.
“Just say what you mean, Tegan.” My voice dropped dangerously low.
“Fine.” He stepped closer, invading my space. “The human doctor. She’s the reason Earth found us. Bringing her here was a mistake that’s going to get us all killed.”
Heat surged through my chest. “The cyborg mothers who’d be dead without her would disagree.”
“We managed before?—”
“We lost three mothers and five infants before her arrival,” I snapped.
Tegan’s lip curled. “And now we might lose everything.”
One of the other guards, Kel, nodded. “Maybe we should consider returning her before they arrive. As a gesture of?—”
“No.” The word escaped me like a growl.
“Face it, Aeon,” Tegan pressed. “Kidnapping her was the dumbest idea ever. Look where it’s gotten us.”
My fist connected with the console beside him, denting the metal. “Funny how Earth only found our location after you started making your opinions about humans so clear. Especially your opinions about Olivia.”
Tegan’s eyes narrowed. “What are you implying?”
“I’m not implying anything. I’m stating facts.” I stepped closer, towering over him. “You’re the communications expert. You’re the only one who could have reached out to Earth. What was the plan, Tegan? Trade her for amnesty? For credits?”
“You’re delusional.”
“And you’re transparent. You can’t stand that I’m close to her. That a human could be anything more than an enemy.”
Tegan shoved me hard. “You think with your dick instead of your brain. Olivia’s clouding your judgment.”
I grabbed him by the collar, lifting him until his feet barely touched the ground. “Keep her name out of your mouth,” I hissed, my face inches from his. “Or you’ll answer to me.”
Two guards moved to separate us, but I held my ground, staring Tegan down.
“Commander Aeon!” A voice from the doorway broke the spell. Sage stood there, her eyes wide. “Olivia requests your assistance in the medical bay.”
I released Tegan, who stumbled backward.
“This isn’t over,” I warned him, my heart hammering with a protective fury I’d never felt before the war, before Planet Alpha—before Olivia.
I followed Sage out of the security center, my blood still boiling.
“You’re welcome,” Sage said with a hint of a smirk.
“For what?” I snapped.
“For saving you from doing something stupid, like breaking Tegan’s face.” She matched my stride, unfazed by my mood. “Though I might’ve enjoyed watching that.”
I grunted. “Tegan’s lucky you showed up.”
“I know.” She patted my arm. “Your feelings for Olivia are written all over your face. It’s actually refreshing to see you care about someone so openly.”
