“Surprise me.”
“I will accompany you,” Trev said, stepping up to Forrest’s side. “I doubt the musicians know any Earth songs, and I am familiar with the instruments.”
Forrest pursed his lips in surprise. “All right.” They made their way to the stage, heads bent together as they figured out just what to perform. Trev’s head drew back with a thoughtful frown. Then he grinned and clapped Forrest’s back.
Trevon picked up a stringed instrument that looked like a cross between a guitar and a mandolin. Plucking a few strings, he adjusted the knobs at the end of the neck until he was satisfied. Forrest, now at the front of the stage with all eyes on him, nodded.
Her Family mob-boss from another planet began to play. His fingers danced over those strings, picking the melody with precision. His eyes slid closed as he concentrated.
This was a wholly different side to Trevon from what he had shown her so far. I have so much to learn about him still. But I know the big things.
Then Forrest opened his mouth and began to sing.
Blue’s eyes widened. She’d said to surprise her, but this…
It was not what she had expected. Part of her thought he’d choose some sappy and cheesy love song, or maybe something with a rock-a-billy style. This…
They were performing “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Forrest shot Felix a wink, then trained his gaze on General Audal, who now stood beside his wife.
As Forrest’s voice washed over her, she realized this wasn’t a song for her.
This was a song for Felix, and his parents. Forrest was taking this opportunity to fight not for Blue’s “honor,” but for them. For all of them.
In a way only Forrest could.
Her throat tightened and she blinked, keeping her tears at bay. Because emotion.
Trevon jerked his head. Blue twisted to see Prin nod then move to stand beside Mira. His lips moved, though Blue couldn’t hear what was said.
Mira’s eyes widened, and her gaze darted between Forrest, Blue, Trevon, then settled on her son.
Whose gaze was locked on Blue.
Blue held her hand out to him. He took it.
She couldn’t have picked a more perfect song for her Felix. Maybe the words of the song weren’t what his mother had wanted for him, but it was what he wanted for himself.
It hit her what Prin was doing—he was translating for the Audals. Trevon wanted to make sure they understood just what this song meant.
Leaning her head against Felix’s arm, she let everything go for the next minute and a half. She allowed the love she felt for her guys, and the care they showed for each other, to fill her. They had their differences, they argued, they used her shampoo and her shower, and teased each other with strategically placed carvings and pink candy. But they would fight for each other.
I might be starting to understand Trev’s idea of family.
When the last notes faded away, the room filled with applause. Forrest bowed and just jumped off stage, heading straight for her. She gave Felix’s arm a squeeze, then moved up to meet Forrest with a hug of his own. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Of course.”
“Surprised, little star?”
Blue pulled away from Forrest and stepped into Trevon’s arms. “You have no idea.”
He spun them so Blue had a clear view of Jackson and Mira Audal, the rest of the Audal siblings ranged behind them. She couldn’t read their expressions. Mira looked up at her husband and nodded. Then her lips pressed together and tears filled her eyes as she met Blue’s gaze. Just as the general had done earlier, she inclined her head.
General Audal strode to the stage and jumped up, turning to face the still gathering crowd. “I have to apologize for the… unexpected events during tonight’s celebration. As you can imagine, while entertaining, none of this was planned.”
This earned a few chuckles and even more stiff nods.
“Many of you are aware that my youngest has been working on Karran for a few years now. While there, he met a young woman. They have been visiting us for a few days now, so we could determine her suitability, as is required.” His hard gaze swept over the crowd.
Blue’s heart skipped a beat. What was this? She twisted in Trev’s hold, seeking out Felix.
Her mercenary stared up at his father with narrowed eyes.
“While her current situation is… questionable, Mira and I have come to the conclusion that she is a suitable partner for Felix, and would like to announce that they are undertaking a trial-period of six months.”
Blue’s knees went weak. Of all the things she thought the general would have said, this was not it. Was this a trick? Was this only for the sake of the crowd, to save face? She had just saved his life. Well, took out the would-be assassin. Sort of. Okay, her blade had been stuck in a very lethal area.
Large hands landed on her shoulders. “Let me have her, Zeynar,” Felix said.
Then different arms were wrapped around her. She buried her head in Felix’s chest. “Is this real? They can’t take that back, can they?”
“No, they cannot take it back, pet.”
That was when the tears started.
Chapter 32
FELIX
He stared at his father as the man descended from the stage and approached the soldiers flanking Portia. As they escorted his old trial-period partner from the room, Felix pulled Blue tighter against him.
What happened? Did this Challenge, this song, truly sway my parents to Blue’s side?
He sought out his mother. She stood in the same place, Merrick now standing where his father had. Merrick’s partner, Chelsea, came to his side and whispered up at him, suppressed glee in her face. The woman was an older version of Portia, and the two had never gotten along. Felix would have felt sorry for his brother, but the man loved her, and enjoyed her machinations.
To each their own.
Finally catching his mother’s gaze, he raised a brow. Her eyes cut away and focused on her husband, who now spoke to a huddled group of servants. No doubt berating them for allowing a freelancer into their midst.
Admit it, Felix. You know they would not change that easily. His parents hands were simply forced.
Blue’s hand came up and smoothed down his back.
Culan’s bones, forced or not, he would take it.
General Audal finished with the servants and strode toward Felix and Blue. Mo’ata moved in on the other side of Blue. Vivi and Garfield stalked in front of Blue and Felix. Forrest and Trevon hovered to the left, Forrest’s gaze on Vivi, Trevon watching the guests.
Who were all watching his father with sharp eyes.
“Felix,” General Audal said.
“Father.”
The general’s gaze dropped to Blue, sho straightened under Felix’s arm. “I believe your partner said she was tired? Maybe now is a good time to assist her to her room. We can speak more after that.”
Blue let out a short huff, but held her protests. Smart of her. They had just won a fairly large battle, after all.
Not just large. That was a miracle.
“I’ll take her,” Mo’ata spoke up. “You two have much to discuss.” Unspoken but clear in the clansman’s voice was the order for Felix to cooperate with the general.
His fingers tightened on Blue’s shoulder for a brief moment before he nodded and let go. Plastering a smile on his face, he gave Blue a kiss on the cheek then turned back to his father. “Shall we?”
With a short nod his father spun and cut through the crowd toward the side door.
Felix followed. His mind whirled. He took a breath, trying to ease the tightness in his chest.
Cooperate. Cooperate with his father. He admitted, part of himself wanted to leave his father out of the loop, had wanted to let him figure it all out himself. But, look where that had gotten them. If Felix had told Mo’ata to cooperate earlier, this last fiasco could have been avoided, and they may not have lost Ekarill as a lead.
General Audal entered his office and sat behind his desk. With a gesture, he invited Felix to sit.
“We can speak freely here,” he said.
“Not recording this?”
“Of course I am. But, no one else is.”
Felix’s lips ticked up at the corners. That was probably the best he could ask for. “How long have you know?”
“That you are Order? I found out a few months after you joined. Did you really think I wouldn’t know?”
Felix sighed and slumped back. “Let’s say I hoped.” He stared into his father’s eyes, eyes that were the same green as his. “Let’s say I wanted to think I was living my own life, without my father peering over my shoulder.”
Silence fell and the air grew heavy.
General Audal opened a drawer and pulled out a folder. “I’ve had my aide compile everything we have so far. You’ll find it informative. I assume your handler also has much of this. I would appreciate reciprocation, though. Often intelligence gathered from different sources will contain small pieces that complete the picture.”
Felix took the folder. He’d go over it later with Mo’ata, and Blue. “I will have Mo’ata forward what we have to you.”
The general’s head tilted. “He is in charge?”
“You didn’t know that?” Was that a hint of bitterness in his own voice?
“I suspected it was the Martikan, actually, but that didn’t make any sense.”
Felix snorted at the thought of a Family head as a member of the Order, and his father gave a wry smile.
“Yes, it is laughable.”
Silence fell again. He’d spent so long away from his family, he didn’t know what to say to any of them. He knew nothing of their everyday life anymore, and they knew nothing of his. Well, his father no doubt knew the basics, but he certainly didn’t know the important things. He didn’t know of the carving Felix had taken up doing, or that he had become addicted to chocolate raisins and candied almonds. He didn’t know of their morning routine, or that Forrest had begun teaching him to sketch. He didn’t know Blue’s different smiles, or how well she was coming along in the training program Felix had designed for her. He didn’t know which nights were Felix’s to cook, or that he’d learned five new dishes.
“If there’s nothing else,” Felix finally said.
General Audal waved a hand in dismissal.
Felix rose, saluted, and headed for the door.
“Felix,” his father called out.
He turned around.
“I am glad you came home.”
Felix nodded and left, off to find Mo’ata and the rest of his new family.
Chapter 33
BLUE
Blue was just finishing her shower when the knock came.
Hurrying out of the bathroom, a towel slung around her, she crossed to the door and pressed the view screen.
It was Mira Audal, Felix’s mom, still wearing her party attire, her hair in the careful updo she’d sported all night.
Crap.
Mo’ata was supposed to be here any minute. He’d wanted to have a quick word with the general’s aide about tomorrow, and Blue had wanted a shower after everything, so he’d dropped her at her room and gone on. Forrest was still at the party with the piquets, Avery had refused to let him leave, insisting on introducing him to some of her friends in the jewelers guild. Levi stayed to keep an eye on him. Felix had disappeared somewhere with his father, and Trevon was… she didn’t know where Trevon was. No doubt off doing super-secret mob-family-head things.
As much as Blue wanted to close her eyes and rest until her clansman arrived, she couldn’t ignore Felix’s mother, especially since the woman had just given her permission for their trial-period. It was not a formal union, but it was a step in the right direction.
Now that the olive branch had been extended, it was time to go back to the original strategy—kill them with politeness.
She pressed the intercom button. “One moment please. I was just coming out of the shower.”
Mira waved her hand in a “go on” gesture, and Blue interpreted that to mean Felix’s mom would rather meet her with clothes than without. She darted to the wardrobe, yanked on a skirt and blouse, then ran a brush through her damp hair.
Triggering open the door, Blue plastered a smile on her face. “Hi.” She hesitated, then stepped back. “Come in?”
Mira’s hazel eyes drifted over Blue, no doubt taking in her disheveled appearance.
I did only have a few seconds to get ready.
Stepping into the middle of the room, Felix’s mother turned to her, still without speaking.
“Umm. Would you like to sit?” She gestured to the pair of chairs near the far windows, a round side-table between them. “Mo’ata will be here soon, it’s his night a—“ And you don’t really want to hear about that, do you. “Never mind. He can come back later. What can I do for you? How is Nicole? Is she okay? I can’t even imagine what—“
Mira’s hand went up. “Do you always chatter like this?”
“When I’m nervous? Yeah. Yes. Ma’am. My Lady—“
“Mira is fine.”
Was that a hint of a smile? Well, if Mira liked nonsensical rambling, Blue had that covered.
“Shall I be honest with you, Blue Faust?”
“It’s usually preferable.”
They stood facing each other in the middle of the room Mira had no doubt been in charge of furnishing. A plush rug, done in shades of green and grey, cushioned Blue’s feet and arresting paintings adorned the white walls. They flanked the king sized bed, its blankets all in shades of green. A plant with yellow blooms added a splash of color in the corner.
The room was just like Felix’s mother. Spare, elegant, with just enough color to make her interesting.
In other words, nothing like Blue.
“I told Jackson to move forward with the trial-period, mostly due to the display you put on, but I have not decided that this match will go forward. Though I can see my son cares for you, and you for him, I do not believe this life you live is the best for him. If…” She shrugged. “I understand my son very well, whatever he may believe. He wants for the simple life your other… friend described in his song. He wants for it, but I’m not sure he could properly live it.” Hazel eyes searched Blue’s. “Would you let him go?”
Blue swallowed. How do you respond to something like that? Mira had not really attacked her, nor had she said anything Blue could refute. And the woman had come to her first. The power of politeness. “Shall I be honest in return?”
Mira gestured for her to proceed.
“You state that you know your son very well. Do you know how Portia’s… antics, affected him?”
Mira’s lips thinned. Either the woman didn’t know, or she did and didn’t want to admit it.
“I know, because he told me, and I could see what he didn’t say. He felt betrayed, not just by her, but by himself. He had convinced himself that what she wanted was what he wanted, all for the sake of her love. Love that I don’t believe ever existed.” Blue sucked in a breath. “It would be preferable if you approved, of course. But even if you do not, you have, in your own words, allowed this union.”
Mira’s lips tightened.
“And now I will answer your question. Will I let him go? If he wants it, of course I would. I don’t hold him to me. We’re…” How to describe it? “We’re partners,” she said, keeping it simple. Because that is what they were, what all of them were to each other.
Mira nodded and turned to leave.
“Mira?” Blue called out just as she reached the store.
Felix’s mother turned back.
“Would you like to come visit us in Tremmir? Maybe over my next break when the term is over? We can go shopping. I’ve been told I need to work on my sense of style.”
Mira stared at Blue expressionless, like she had been fo
r most of this encounter. “I would like that,” she finally said, then was gone.
Heaving out a breath, Blue collapsed on the bed. A minute later Mo’ata opened the door and strode in. “Shopa?”
Blue pulled herself up. “That was interesting. By the way, I invited Mira to come to our place next term break.”
“Oh. I suppose that was unavoidable.” His voice was guarded.
“What’s wrong now?”
“Besides the fact that Ekarill has been taken away, the freelancers are a dead end at this point, Felix’s ex is also now under investigation, you were locked in a shielded room by an ichika, General Audal is well aware we are all Order operatives, and, oh, yeah your blade ended up in the assassin’s throat.” His hands were fisted at his sides. Pacing in front of her, he stretched them out, then clenched them closed again.
And I thought he was handling this really well. “Um. Anything else? Maybe a hug? Is this in ‘octopus’ type situation?”
He whirled on her. “You are fine? Do you need a hug? What do you need?”
She was about to reassure him that she was fine, she was unhurt, anything to help calm him down. Then she stopped herself. Just as she’d feared Felix had done to her with his words of “fine,” she could not give empty reassurances to her clansman.
How was she, really? The panic from being locked in a pitch black room had long been buried under the excitement of the Challenge. Her shock at making that throw, of her blade landing in a man’s throat, had faded as well.
Her eyes were heavy, she was thirsty, she still wasn’t sure what the next step was, and she did want a hug. But not because she needed one. She just wanted to feel close to her men.
“Do you think we could get everyone in here for the night? Like we did in Firik?”
“Of course.” He snatched his comm from his pocket and shot off the message.
“And a hug?” Which I think you will appreciate more than me, really. She held out her arms.
Mo’ata scooped her up and held her close. There was the slightest tremble to his arms.
“My blade did end up in that guy’s throat, didn’t it?”
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