Now that I saw them together, the resemblance was undeniable. Both had high cheekbones, full lips, and those gorgeous sun swimming in a cobalt sea eyes. Both were too freaking beautiful to be real. Jala had a slender and graceful physique, while her brother’s build was reminiscent of Jamie Fraser… on steroids. He wore black leather-like pants molded to his thick thighs and perfect ass, along with a leather vest crisscrossed with some kind of strap holding a plethora of knives. His hair was different, too. Jala’s mane was thick anddark, but his was lighter, a scrumptious shade of dark caramel woven into a singular braid that lay across his shoulder.
“Hello.” His voice was thick and rich, like the best maple syrup one could only find in Vermont poured over sandpaper. “My name is Jutuk, Wayfinder of the Bardaga.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, sharing my glare between the siblings. “What’s a Bardaga? And why did you come into my kitchen the other day?”
The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and I noticed Jutuk shoot a glance at his sister before answering. “The Bardaga is the Vaktaire warship tasked with protecting Earth. I came into the kitchen to make contact and inform you that your friend Emmy sent me to rescue you.”
I shook my head, not sure I heard him correctly.
“Did you say, Emmy?”
“Yes.” The twitch of his lips broadened into a grin.
“Why didn’t you say so?” I practically yelled at him.
Muscular shoulders gave a shrug, almost too dainty for their size and strength. “You threw a knife at my head. Your skill with a blade is impressive.”
I rolled my eyes at the compliment. “Is Emmy okay?”
“Yes.” Jutuk took a step closer, seemingly confident I wouldn’t try to stab him again. “She is well, and so are your other friends.”
“My other friends?” My mouth went dry, and I swayed, feeling slightly dizzy.
Jutuk squared his shoulders proudly. “So far, my team has also been able to rescue Daisy, Clara, and Agnes. Only you and Willa remain in enemy hands.”
I felt tears of relief prickle my lashes, but I blinked them away. Now wasn’t the time for crying. It was the time for action. “What are we waiting for? Let’s get the hell out of here.” My handwent immediately to my satchel. Even in the event of rescue, I wanted my knife and salt.
“That would not be a wise move, human Pearl.” Jala said, positioning herself between me and the door.
“Why not?” Aggravation prickled along my skin.
Jala issued a sigh and placed her hands on my shoulders. She was over a foot taller than me. On anybody else, the gesture might have seemed threatening. From Jala, I felt only comfort. “On Ardeese Valout, you are a treasure. It would be impossible to sneak out of the station unseen. Plus, with the competition, you would be missed immediately. The Baron is not the type to relinquish his possessions easily.”
I felt my excitement deflating. It would be more difficult than just walking out the door. Dammit!
“My plan is to wait until the Duke’s birthday celebration,” Jutuk stepped closer, his golden eyes meeting mine. I felt the oddest shiver dance over my skin. “Almost all the station will be in attendance, and the docking bay won’t be guarded as closely.”
“You must complete the competition without giving any indication that you plan an escape,” Jala cautioned.
“Well, shit.”
While I wasn’t keen on remaining in captivity a minute longer, a part of me relished plying my skills in the competition. I was considered one of the best chefs on Earth. Why not add the universe to my resume?
Jutuk stepped around his sister and fell to one knee, his right hand curled into fist and laying over his heart.
“I swear on my honor as a Vaktaire warrior. I will protect you, free you from the Baron and return you to your friends.”
My knees grew weak. It was rather startling to have seven feet of muscled alien warrior kneel before you. It was even more surprising to realize that he hadn’t just made me a promise... he’d given me a vow. Despite not knowing this guy from Adam,something deep in my soul knew he’d die before breaking that vow.
“My brother will keep you safe,” Jala said, placing her hand on Jutuk’s shoulder and giving me a curt nod. I might not know Jutuk, and sometimes my soul could be fooled—Donovan Chase—but I did trust Jala.
“Okay,” I said begrudgingly, but pointed a finger at Jutuk as he stood. “But you stay the hell out of my kitchen.”
“You have my word,” he grunted. “I have no interest in cooking.”
Well, that certainly didn’t win him any brownie points, in my opinion. But as long as he kept me from getting eaten by some alien cow, he would do.
“When do we leave for the contest?” I gave my supplies one last review before stuffing them into the satchel.
