Nenn gawked at Caah, finding his request unexpected yet understandable.Had Tiny insisted on staying, he might have done the same.Something stretched between them he couldn’t identify like she was his to protect.He almost snorted at that nonsense.She’d survived without him and would continue to do so.
He studied Sonja, wondering if any female would inspire the same intensity of emotion.She didn’t have the softer curves and vulnerability that Tiny had.Having not seen another female comparable, he couldn’t say if this attraction was solely for Tiny.
Drafe gathered Vic close.“I shall inform them it was my decision.”He didn’t glance at Caah.“Your skills are needed here, and you will serve as a bridge between humans and Qaldreth.If the Q.C.C.wish to send an ambassador, they may do so at their leisure.”
Caah beamed and gripped Drafe’s forearm, snapping his attention from Vic.“My thanks,darasaho.”He returned to Nenn’s side, brimming with eagerness.Calling Drafe ‘brother’ said much about the crew’s opinion of the arrak who had chosen them for this seemingly pointless mission.
“Drop us on top of theMulaPesada, Sonja.”Drafe gestured at the massive ship dominating the forevids.
“What?”she squeaked.“Okay, if you say so.”With deep concentration, she veered the shuttle left.
Nenn had no intention of going anywhere without Tiny.He’d told her he’d return, but escorting her along the outside of the ship to reach theAroagniwas a no.It would endanger her, and she didn’t have a nodule to survive in space.
“Get theAroagnitosend a shuttle for pick-up,” he said to Drafe.“I do not want my female walking across a ship, not until I have repaired her vision.”
Drafe chuckled.“Protecting her is your right, Nenn.”He pulled Vic toward the door, crowding it.
“Thanks, Caah, and good luck.”She smiled.
Sonja clipped a mask on, covering her face, then opened the side door.Nenn, Caah, Drafe, and Vic double-tapped their nodules, summoning their shields.Out Drafe and Vic leaped, landing on theMula Pesada’sexterior.The door shut, and the shuttle shot off, aiming for the starting point of this adventure.Sonja powered off the engines and skidded the shuttle under the retracting arm.A thump followed then a jerk before the door groaned across.
“How did it go?”someone asked when they marched down the ramp.
“We did well,” Sonja said with a laugh, glancing at Caah.“Des says to choose: Libertas orMula Pesada.”
Nenn gripped Caah’s forearm.“I shall leave with Tiny when the shuttle arrives.”
“On its way,” Vaen snapped, his voice buzzing through the nodule.“This is madness, Caah.Insanity.”
“And yet, I am compelled to stay.Osnir urges me to do so,” Caah said, his fingers pressed to his throat.
“Well, incoming,” Vaen growled.“Let whoever know—”
“Granting access to bay 7A,” Computer said.“Follow the flickering lights.Bay doors opening now.”
“Well done.”Grunt beamed, striding toward them.“My company’s pleased with our success.Nenn, if your people need anything, reach out to me.”
Nenn bowed his head, tossed a final glance at Caah, and headed for the med bay.His feet carried him there like they had a mind of their own.Something fluttered in his chest, exploding warmth through him.Tiny would be in his arms soon.
She sat at a table, her hands in her lap, her gaze distant.“Nenn?”She faced the doorway.
“Yes.”
“Oh,” she gasped, a smile teasing her lips.“It went well?”
“The facility has been freed.”He strode across to her, gathered her hands in his, and guided her to her feet.“My shuttle has arrived.Are you ready?”
Her eyes widened.“I thought—”
“You are coming with me.”He wouldn’t tolerate indecision now.
She grinned, squeezing his fingers before releasing them.“I am.Just glad we’re not space walking.”
He lifted her bag.“Bay 7A.”
“Computer, show me the way,” she said then followed the beep.“I’m going to miss it.”She didn’t glance over her shoulder at him.
“Your planet?People?”He kept his gaze on the back of her head, forcing himself not to stare at her swaying hips no matter how much he wanted to.
