by Hope Hart
Blake curses, pushing back his chair and getting up to pace. “You should’ve told me we couldn’t trust Fields.”
“I knew he’d cooperate with the Arcav. Plus, there were enough people eyeballing every step of the job that he couldn’t fuck it up.”
“I want to go back and punch him in the face for what he did to you. He seriously demanded your badge?”
I sigh. “Yeah. Said I either hand it over as a ‘resignation,’ or he’d make it so I’d never get a job again.”
“Asshole. Look, I get that it was a bad situation, but I can’t work with you if you’re not honest with me.”
Oh, fuck that.
I jump to my feet as well. “You know what? We all have shit in our pasts that we’re escaping from. You think the average human just thinks ‘oh, I might move to an alien planet?’ The only difference is that my shit came up.”
He’s silent for a long moment.
“You’re right. And you’re right that we all have our own secrets. If we’d gone to Chicago instead…” he shakes his head. “The truth is, I didn’t want to be going back to Earth either. I let my own crap get in my head as well. I’m sorry.”
I blow out a breath. “I’m sorry too.”
I really am sorry. If I want to have any hope at deep, lasting friendships, I need to be able to share. Otherwise, we’re all just acquaintances.
“Varian’s about to talk to you about Fecax. Whatever Korva threatened him with earlier obviously worked, and you’re coming with us.”
I grimace, and Blake grins. “Hey, whatever you had to do to make it happen. Varian knows you’re one of the best, and he probably nearly had a stroke when he realized your suspension would cross over with this trip.”
“One of the best?”
“Well, we all know that I’m number one. I just need to come up with a plan for this trip.”
I narrow my eyes at him, but inside I’m grinning. We’re back.
“Well it just so happens that I’ve been thinking about it,” I say, retaking my seat. “And I might have an idea.”
Chapter Thirteen
Eve
Varian’s eyes are hard. “You think this will work?”
I nod. “I’m the same height as Harlow. My hair is a similar shade, it just needs to be curled. No one would ever imagine that you’d travel with anyone other than your mate, so they’ll see what they expect to see.”
Blake jumps in. “We just need a fake bump so that Eve will look pregnant, Your Majesty.”
Formalities. Wow, Blake’s bringing out the big guns.
“Look,” I say frankly, and Varian’s eyes shift back to me over his desk. “This trip is going to be a shitshow. I know you guys have to go, because the Fecax are so important. But Harlow’s at risk on that planet. So we tell them that you’ll be spending each night on your ship. They’ll accept it— since, you know— the entire royal family was just slaughtered in their sleep so it’s perfectly understandable that you’d have safety concerns. Instead, I’ll walk around with you, but unlike Harlow, my bump will be fake, and I’m still light on my feet.” I grin as Blake snorts beside me.
Varian stares at me, contemplating, and I stare right back, trying not to squirm. The dude’s scary. But he knows I’m right.
“And the ship?”
I wave a hand. “That’s the easiest part. Since the Fecax are allies, we don’t need to disclose how many people are on our ship. We load it up with security and make sure Harlow has at least two of her guards with her at all times. But no one’s going to expect her to be on the ship. They’re going to think she’s with you.”
Varian nods slowly. “It is a good plan. I do not wish to be separated from my mate during the day, but it makes sense to keep her on the ship. If anything goes wrong, the ship can leave Fecax within a few minutes.”
“Exactly. Plus, we’ll take healers with us so if Harlow goes into labor, they just need to signal for you to get back to the ship.”
“I will talk to Jaret about this plan and will get back to you.”
Blake and I both nod and get to our feet, obviously dismissed.
“So,” he says as we walk out. “What’s going on with you and Korva?”
My mouth drops open. “What, are we sorority sisters now?”
He grins, and then his face turns serious. “Be careful with him Eve. He’s dangerous.”
I raise my brow, but Blake just nods at me. “I need to go meet Harlow for my shift. She’s going back to check on the women in the medi-center if you want to come?”
For sure. Not only do I have nothing else to do until I’m reinstated as a guard, but I also feel protective of those women. They’ve ended up on a strange planet after months of whatever hell they’ve been through. They need friends.
Harlow’s waiting outside when we arrive, Nathan and Rob at her side.
“Where’s Vazta?” I’m pretty sure it’s his shift.
Rob clears his throat. “Look mate, he’s not doing too well right now. He’s parked himself outside the doorway to the women’s room. He slept there last night. I offered to cover his shift.”
I grind my teeth. Harlow doesn’t look too pleased either.
“He’d be useless on guard,” Nathan says. “The guy’s never pulled anything like this before. You should take it easy on him.”
All eyes are on me, and I realize I’ve become the unofficial disciplinarian. Blake hums quietly beside me and I scowl at him.
“Why do I have to deal with him?”
Blake grins. “You scare him.”
I do not. Do I?
“You’re just saying that ‘cause you don’t want to be the bad guy.”
His grin widens. “Doesn’t mean it’s not true.”
I blow out a breath. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Harlow walks at the speed of a snail beside me and I eye her, open my mouth, and then snap it shut with a click.
Of course, she notices.
“Just you fucking wait,” she tells me. “It’ll be your turn one day. And I will laugh and laugh.”
“As if I’d get knocked up.” I do a jaunty little hip swivel as we push through the doors to the medi-center. “I’m single and ready to mingle.”
She snorts. “Sure. Tell Korva that.”
I frown, open my mouth, and then we both freeze as shouts sound down the corridor. I move in front of Harlow.
“You know the drill,” I tell her, and she sighs. Blake nods at me, taking up his position with Harlow while Nathan and I head toward the disruption.
A woman is yelling, her voice high and uncontrolled.
“I’ve told you to leave. Why won’t you listen?”
Peyton.
“I apologize. But I must ensure that you are protected.”
Vazta. Shit.
We round the corner at a sprint as something crashes, and my mouth drops open. Vazta’s standing in the doorway, hands up pleadingly, surrounded by broken plates, cups, and anything else Peyton managed to get her hands on.
The two guards to the room are standing there stone-faced, although I catch the hint of a smile on the Arcav’s lips as his eyes flick to Vazta and then back to me.
“Stop!” I order, as we hit the doorway. Peyton is flushed with fury, and for the first time, she looks truly dangerous. Her curly blonde hair is in disarray, and she has another fork in her hand.
I’m going to make them all eat with spoons.
“Careful, Peyton. You might break a nail.”
She scowls at me. “You said we were safe here.”
“And you are.”
“So why is this giant alien sleeping outside our door?”
“I’d also like to know the answer to that.” I stare at Vazta.
“I am keeping her safe,” he grits, eyes on Peyton.
“No you’re not,” I say mildly. “The guards outside the doors are keeping her safe. The many layers of security between these women and the outside world are keeping them safe.” I take a step closer. “You�
�re making them scared. You’re ensuring that they think they’re not really safe, otherwise a huge Arcav wouldn’t need to sleep in their doorway. Tell me, is that what you were hoping to achieve?” My voice is low and cold by the time I’m finished, and Vazta turns.
“No.”
Harlow walks up to us, Blake obviously deciding the situation is under control. Either that or she elbowed him and shoved her way past when he wasn’t expecting it. She’s sneaky like that.
“Vazta,” Harlow says softly, “What’s going on?”
He grinds his teeth harder, and I have a moment of sympathy for the poor guy. This is Vazta, one of the most popular, nicest Arcav guys I know.
His face transitions into an expression of total confusion. And then it goes completely blank, before his eyes widen, his horns straighten, and he stares at Peyton in shock.
“You are my mate,” he breathes, and we all freeze.
Oh shit.
“I am not.” Peyton says, fork in her hand as she moves toward us.
“Drop it,” I order and she rolls her eyes, dropping the fork to the ground.
“I am many, many things,” she says, advancing slowly on Vazta. “I’m a sister, a dancer, and a world-class surgeon. But I am not, and will never be, an Arcav mate.”
Vazta opens his mouth and I step forward.
“Let’s all take a step back,” I say. “Normally, I’d be the first to encourage a good brawl, but we’ve got two pregnant women around here, one of who looks like she’s about to pop.” I eye Harlow’s stomach and she snorts.
“Vazta, you don’t need to be here. Test me,” I say, voice icy, “and I will have you banned from this facility. Do you understand?”
He turns toward me, claws extending, and I step away from Harlow while his eyes narrow dangerously on me. Vazta may usually be relaxed, laidback, and funny, but that’s not the Vazta I’m talking to right now. This Vazta is only one thing: an Arcav being kept from the woman he believes is his mate.
“You cannot do that,” he says.
Harlow clears her throat from behind me and I sigh, even as Blake steps in front of her.
“But I can,” she says, leaning around Blake’s shoulder. “Eve’s right, Vazta. You know this isn’t helping things right now. Peyton’s perfectly safe, but you need to back off while we all figure out the next step.”
Vazta’s silent for a long moment, and we’re all tense as his claws retract and he clenches his fist.
“I will leave on one condition,” he says finally, and I raise an eyebrow. Peyton scowls at all of us, while her friends stare from various parts of the room.
“I will feel my mate’s touch before I leave.”
“Jeez, dude, way to sound like a creeper,” I say.
“You um, felt her touch the other day.” Harlow is obviously referring to the way Vazta restrained Peyton, and we all wince.
“I would like this touch to be willing,” he says.
What game is he playing? Peyton looks like she’d rather put her hand in a lion’s mouth, and I don’t blame her. Vazta could simply be longing for the feel of Peyton’s skin, which let’s be real, sounds creepy as fuck. But he’s smarter than that. Anyone who’s fought against Vazta knows that he’s always thinking five steps ahead. Blake clears his throat beside me, obviously thinking the same thing.
What if touch helps the mating bond form?
I’m opening my mouth to voice my thoughts when Harlow leans back around Blake.
“I need to pee,” she announces, obviously hoping to reduce the tension. “Peyton, shake the guy’s hand for God’s sake and let’s all move on.”
I snap my mouth closed and make eye contact with Blake, even as Peyton steps forward.
“You’re being a jackass,” she tells Vazta, but all of us can see her body start to tremble as he moves forward.
His horns straighten, his instincts obviously on high alert as she shakes with fear.
“If you prefer, you can come to me.”
He’s eyeing her like she’s a tall glass of water and he’s dying of thirst. She glances at her friends and I nod in respect as she moves forward. Girl’s got stones. She doesn’t want her friends to feel like their territory has been invaded by a dangerous alien, so she’s walking out of her safe space. Good for her.
Peyton stops a couple of feet away and leans forward, stretching her hand out. She’s practically bent in half in an effort to not get too close to Vazta, who simply takes her hand in his and moves a half step forward.
Nobody breathes. Instead, we all watch Vazta struggle with himself as he simply holds Peyton’s hand. His hand tightens and Peyton’s eyes fly up to his face.
I reach for my weapon, even as Blake pushes Harlow further behind him. If Vazta tries to take Peyton and run, we need to be ready.
Fortunately, Vazta gently releases Peyton’s hand.
“Thank you,” he rasps, his eyes still holding hers.
Peyton’s cheeks flush as her big eyes get bigger, and I half expect the seven dwarfs to pop up from wherever they’re hiding around the room. She backs away, Vazta’s eyes following her every move, and I blow out a breath of relief as I clap my hands.
“Right, now that we’ve all calmed down, let’s move on. Vazta? Don’t you have somewhere to be?”
He turns to me, eyes flaring.
“One day, Eve, you will be mated. I find that I would like to be around for it.”
I scowl at him. “Will not. If you don’t get out of my sight, you won’t be around for anything, ‘cause you’ll be six-feet under.”
Vazta grins at me, and suddenly he’s his old self again, although he’s careful to keep his eyes away from Peyton.
He nods at Harlow. “I apologize for any disrespect, Your Majesty.”
She waves a hand. “Fine, fine, now get out of here. This baby is using my bladder as a football.”
We all move aside as she heads into the room, moving faster than I’ve seen her move in weeks.
Blake and Nathan position themselves by the door while Rob takes off, his shift over now that Blake has arrived.
I eye Peyton, who’s back to looking scared and fragile.
“You doing okay, Your Daintiness?”
She raises an eyebrow at me, eyes cool. “I know what you’re doing.”
“Oh yeah?”
I head for the sofa, cozying up next to Jessica, who is currently knitting the weirdest sweater I’ve ever seen. Who the hell put knitting needles close to Peyton? Vazta’s lucky he didn’t end up with one of them in his eye.
Although, with the way Jessica’s hands are flying as she knits, Peyton would have to wrestle with her for them first.
“You think pissing me off will take my mind off the fact that I don’t want to be here.”
I smile at her. “Nah. I just enjoy pissing you off.” I look over to one of the beds, where Ruby is reading a book.
“We’re bored,” Ruby says, turning a page.
“Bored is good,” Jessica says, knitting needles clicking. “Bored means no one’s going to kill us.”
Well.
“Oh yeah? Talk to the prisoners on death row.” Peyton says, although she grins at Jessica.
“Dramatics aren’t helpful, Peyton.” Jessica says calmly, eyes on her weird sweater.
The dynamic seems to have shifted in the room a little. Ruby seems to be relaxed, as long as she’s left alone. Jessica has come out of her shell, likely because Harlow found a way to smuggle her in something to keep her focused on her baby. And even Shauna gives me a tiny smile from where she’s sitting by the window.
Harlow steps back into the room. “That’s better. Now how are you guys doing today?”
She sits next to Shauna by the window and Peyton finally gets tired of hovering and slumps in a gel chair.
“Did you talk to Varian?”
“Yes,” Harlow gives it to her straight. “For now, you’re not going anywhere. I know,” she says, raising her hand, “it’s bullshit. And I’m on your
side. But think about it. Jessica’s pregnant with a non-human baby. That means that Earth is out for her. What were you guys planning to do? Hole up in the middle of nowhere and hope no one finds you?”
From the tightening of Peyton’s eyes, I’d say Harlow guessed right. Likely because that was Harlow’s plan when she was running from Varian.
“You had a scan, didn’t you, Jessica?” Harlow’s voice is soft.
Jessica nods, eyes still on her knitting.
“What’s wrong?” Peyton asks.
“Yeah, share with the class,” I say.
“My baby has wings,” Jessica says, getting to her feet. She holds up the tiny green sweater, which I now see has two slits in the back.
I shut my mouth and try to look like this isn’t a big deal.
Harlow nods. “That means that you may need a C-section.” She turns to Peyton. “Do you see why you guys can’t just find a remote spot on Earth and hope for the best? Right now, we’re Jessica’s best chance at not just a successful and safe delivery, but also a somewhat normal life for her and her baby.”
Jessica moves closer, her hand on her stomach. Her lip trembles and I nod as she firms it. If I found out my baby had wings, I’d probably be losing my shit. How are you gonna deal with the terrible twos when your kid can just fly away?
“Peyton, I know you want to get back. Don’t feel like you have to stay here,” Jessica says.
Harlow shifts and all eyes turn to her.
“Here’s the thing. Since we formed the Earth Council, we’ve made massive changes to Arcav law, and we’ve had a bunch of wins regarding mating. We can take it to our version of court, but if you are Vazta’s mate, it’s likely that it’s not going to go your way. Varian’s going to rule that you have to stay for at least six months. If you really want to go home, we can get you a meeting with him in the next few days so that the clock will start ticking. That way, you’ll be here for Jessica and her baby, and then you can leave.”
Peyton’s silent for a long moment, and then turns away, shaking her head.
“I understand that this is hard,” Harlow says gently. “You guys are in a shitty situation. But I promise that we’ll do everything we can to make it easier on you. What can we do for you, Peyton?”
