Her eyes rolled.“Don’t insult my intelligence.The day you had us piloting you throughout the city and along its borders was the same day Mereta disappeared.I don’t know how or where you’ve hidden him, but it’s obvious you were behind it.”
“You want me to buy your silence.”He was almost relieved.
“Money?Do I resemble an Adraf or Dantovonian?”She uttered a low, disdainful laugh.
“Hardly.If this isn’t blackmail, why do you need to speak to me?”
“Speaking wasn’t on my agenda.”She looked him up and down.Her tongue peeked out to lick her silver lips.“In fact, if you order me to be silent, I’ll do so.I’m eager to do whatever a controlling Dramok expects of his slave.Especially a Dramok like you.”
A Dramok like you.Ancestors, there was a joke fit for hysterics.
The sick feeling from before surged.A rush of guilt accompanied it as the image of Hope’s face rose in Piras’ mind.He was certain he’d done nothing to encourage Ivad’s interest.He’d made it a point to ignore her cloaked insinuations and lustful scrutiny.He’d gone as far as to display overt affection with Hope in front of her.
Still, Ivad had shown up in search of a tryst.Obviously, Piras would have to make his feelings clearer on the matter.
“I’m clanned.I have a Matara whom I love and would never betray.”
“Her?When you could have this?”Ivad smoothed her hands over her prominent breasts, down her waist, along the vee of her sex, then back across her impressively curved ass.
“I’m committed to my clan.I realize such faithfulness isn’t the norm for Beonids, but it’s the Kalquorian way.I ask you to respect it.”
“Only blood ties matter.Try respecting my view of sex, Admiral.You’ll be happy you did.”She parted the front of her top, displaying an impressive amount of cleavage...at least it would have been impressive to a less devoted man.
“No.”His tone was final, bordering on a snarl.Careful, Piras.Handle this carefully, or we could have a major problem.
She paid no attention to his refusal, opening her top wider.“You can’t tell me you don’t lust for a woman when all you have is that vagina attached to a boy’s body.You crave a woman who’s ready to indulge your demands, to follow your every command as if it’s her dearest wish.”
Her denigration of Hope had Piras’ blood boiling.The part of him aware he had to handle the situation delicately due to the mission was fighting desperately for control when an enraged voice spoke behind him.
“Bitch, I guarantee you his dearest wish is for you to fuck off, and right now.Otherwise, I’ll cause an interstellar incident by kicking your ass so hard, all Beonids will feel it.”
Hope stepped forward and shoved the wall hiding the space wide open to confront Ivad.Her dark eyes blazed wrath that had the nearly foot taller silver-skinned woman shrinking from her and clutching her top closed.
“My Matara—” Piras began.
Hope ignored him.Fists clenched, she snarled at Ivad, “I’ve overlooked you prancing around and trying to get your claws in my clanmate because we’re trying to save the dimension, which your useless ass is part of.This shit is done, Ivad.You come anywhere near Piras...if I catch you even appear as if you’re thinking about him, I’ll tear your head off and use it for a silver bowling ball.Now get the fuck out before I decide I should go ahead and do so.”
Piras heard both Lokmi and Kila snort behind him, unable to suppress amusement at Hope’s letting her have it.Ivad’s features clenched in embarrassed fury.
She shot Piras a final glare as she stormed out.Instead of any trace of lust, she displayed sheer loathing.If he hadn’t known better, he’d have believed there was promise of retribution in her vicious scowl.
A quick check on Mereta verified the secretary-general was just coming out of phase.“I activated the device as soon as I heard her speak.”
Piras nodded, then turned to Hope.He met her furious gaze.“I didn’t encourage her—”
“I know.”She inhaled deeply, visibly trying to calm down.“Some don’t need encouragement.What they need is a punch in the face.If I see her in here again, it’s exactly what she’ll get, and damn the consequences.She’ll leave you alone or be sorry she didn’t.”
Piras’ heart swelled with love for his fierce Matara.At the same time, he hoped they wouldn’t end up regretting the Beonid’s unwanted lust more than they already did.
––––––––
Two days passed.NeitherIvad nor her brother made any appearances.Piras couldn’t decide if it was an ominous or hopeful sign.
His concerns over the Beonid woman faded to the background when Kila called them together, excitement making his typical grin larger than usual.“Our escape ship just reported in.It’s orbiting Jedver as we speak, and its cargo shuttle is in port.They’ll be taking on a shipment today and tomorrow, then leaving.”
Hope sagged in relief while Lokmi pumped a fist in delight.Mereta simply nodded.
Piras’ mind ticked through the obstacles they’d have to surmount to reach the shuttle.“Did you alert the captain to our plan?”
