The Star Thief

by Jamie Grey

  Finn chewed his lip. “Major Larson. I can’t wrap my head around it. I would have bet my life he was trying to help us back on Lenue.”

  “He fooled everyone. How else would he still be in that position?” She squeezed his hand. “It also means that someone even more powerful is protecting him. Myka still isn’t safe. We can’t take him back to Aldani.”

  Finn shook his head. “He needs help and so do you. Based on what you said, Aldani is the only person who can fix this. He’s got the resources and the experience to keep you both alive and healthy.” He got to his feet. “We’ll be there in another hour. Get some rest. I need to some time to digest all this.”

  “There isn’t anything to think about, Finn. We need to take the boy and run. We need to find somewhere safe for him, and then we need to find the person behind all this.” Renna struggled to sit up. The room whirled like a deranged merry-go-round, everything moving up and down. She forced herself to ignore the nausea burning her throat and swung her legs over the side of the bed. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to me, but you have to promise me to watch over the kid.”

  Finn glared at her. “Stop talking like that. You’re going to be fine. Aldani will fix you.”

  “There’s nothing he can do, Finn. My immune system is gone. The implant is going to integrate with my nervous system. I’ll either survive the process or not. And when Navang’s drugs run out…” Her voice broke off, and she looked away, not wanting Finn to see her watery eyes. Dammit. Just when life had finally started looking up.

  “We’ll find a way to fix this. I promise you.” Anger vibrated in every line of Finn’s body. “If you hadn’t destroyed that facility, I would have killed the man myself.”

  “Did it blow?”

  He nodded. “Just after we landed. Shook the whole ship. I can’t imagine anything’s left but a crater now. Now I’m going to do the same to Larson.”

  The image of those hundreds of hybrids would haunt her forever, but right now, Myka was her main concern. “No, you’re not. We have to come up with another plan.” She struggled to her feet, ignoring the feel of the Athena pulsing around her.

  Her knees buckled, but Finn caught her.

  Pressed against the hard planes of his chest, her eyes locked onto his. “I’m sorry we won’t have time to figure this thing out between us.” She stroked the strong line of his jaw, rough with a day’s worth of stubble. “But it’s been fun.”

  “This isn’t over, Renna,” he growled, capturing her mouth with his. Heat blazed through her, pushing away her aching head and the fear crawling along her skin. Maybe right now she could forget. Could lose herself in Finn and the way he made her feel. Her hands tangled in his dark hair as she pulled him closer. She’d crawl inside him if she could, but she settled for his touch, the taste of him, the feel of him against her.

  His strong arms held her steady, his hands sliding down to the waistband of her pants, then lower to cup her behind. He pressed her against him, and she moaned. She could feel the heat pooling inside of her. She wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anything. She wanted one last time to feel human. To feel like herself before everything changed.

  “Make love to me,” she whispered in his ear.

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  He kissed her again before pulling away long enough to slip his shirt over his head. His hands slid the back of her bra open, and it fell to the floor. They kissed, each of them fumbling with the zippers and buttons on their pants, and then Finn scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed, lowering his weight down on top of her.

  He planted his hands on either side of her and smiled slowly. Her insides clenched at the look in his eyes. Like he’d devour her. Like he’d never let her go.

  “What have you done to me?” he asked softly as he lowered his mouth back to hers. He nibbled at it, sucked at her lower lip.

  She took a shuddering breath, tried to regain control of herself. “I could ask you the same question. I’ve never begged a man for sex before.”

  “I’m glad I’m the first. I hope I’m the last.” His lips traveled lower, tracing the line of her collarbone, the outer curve of her breast. His tongue flicked against her, and she arched, burying her hands in his hair, pulling him closer. She could feel his smile against her skin.

  His body fit with hers like they’d been made for each other, and she let him kiss his way down her stomach before reaching for him. Desire curled through her fiercely, pushing away her fear and worry. She slid her hands across his chest, tracing the scar he’d once told her about. She followed the trail of his hair lower, until she could touch him, hard and smooth.

  He moaned, his arms trembling slightly as he held himself above her. And then he was between her legs, his thick heaviness pressed against her. She arched and let him slide slowly inside.

  He captured her mouth with his as he thrust the rest of the way into her. She gasped against his lips at the feeling, at the exquisite pressure, and then moved her hips so he could slide in and out of her. His gaze never wavered, and she felt itchy and uncomfortable, like he was truly seeing her.

  But if this was the end of the Renna as she had been, she wanted someone to have seen her. So she gazed back as the pleasure built, as each thrust made her whimper, and her hands clutched at his back. Finally she couldn’t stand it; her eyes fluttered shut as her whole body exploded. She felt Finn stiffen against her, and she opened her eyes to watch him come. When he collapsed on her, panting, heart pounding, she wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders and blinked away the tears.

  They had just started to get to know each other again. So much possibility in front of them. Now this might be the last time she could be with him. She was going to make the most of it.

  THIRTY-THREE

  Renna let herself lie in bed a few minutes after Finn left. She didn’t know if she loved him, but she knew she cared about him more than she had anyone. Ever maybe. Now she’d never get a chance to see what would have happened. Maybe they would have never worked. Maybe he would have broken her heart. But Navang had taken all of that away from her.

  She felt the burn of tears again and growled. She wasn’t going to spend her last few days feeling sorry for herself. She was going to find some way to stop this traitor and put an end to all of this. Somehow she needed to figure out how to use Larson to get to Pallas.

  But first, she had someone she needed to visit.

  The crew nodded and smiled at her as she made her way to Myka’s cabin, but she didn’t have the energy to do more than smile back. She paused in front of Myka’s door and stared at the smooth metal. Would he even want to see her? Was he angry that it had taken so long to rescue him?

  She sucked in a breath and knocked lightly at his door. Her heart skipped a beat before he finally called out, “Come in.”

  “Hey, kid.” Renna sat down on the bed beside Myka. He was still pale and dark smudges shadowed his eyes, but he grinned at her and sat up. Relief washed over her. He didn’t hate her.

  “Renna! You’re all right?”

  “Damn straight. You didn’t think that creep would stop me, did you?”

  He shook his head. “I saw the explosion. I was glad.”

  “Good.” She ran a hand over his shaved head. “Nice look. You’d fit right in with the mercs I used to run with.”

  “You’re not going back to them, are you?” he asked, looking worried. “I want you to stay with Uncle David and me.”

  “No, I’m not going back to that. But I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I’m going to be honest. They’re still looking for you. You’re the only thing left from that research now, and whoever commissioned it is going to be very pissed off. We need to keep you safe.”

  “But if you’re with me, I’ll be fine.” He slipped his hand into Renna’s, and her heart twisted.

  “Myka, how much did you know about your parents’ research after your accident?”

  “About me being part-machine?�
� He shrugged. “I don’t remember any of it. I’m just me.”

  She blinked in surprise. He seemed so…accepting. “Do you feel any different? Do you notice your implants?”

  He shook his head. “No, they’re part of me now. And they help me sometimes. Run fast, lift heavy things. It’s cool.”

  “Good. I didn’t want you to be afraid after what happened…”

  “No, I always knew there was something different about me after the accident. After my operation, Mom and Dad treated me different. Watched me more. But it’s okay. When we were attacked, they said it would save my life. That I shouldn’t be afraid.”

  She squeezed his hand. “I want you to know whatever happens, I’m out there watching for you, too, okay? We’re going to make sure you’re safe. Captain Finn promised.”

  “I saw that mercenary guy. I don’t like him.”

  “Viktis? He’s going to protect you, too. He’s a good guy, even if he’s made some mistakes.”

  Myka shrugged. “I’m not worried. When I’m bigger, I’ll protect all of you.”

  “I bet you will. Now get some rest. We should be at your uncle’s lab soon.”

  He snuggled back into the bed. “I’m glad you’re here, Renna. Thank you for finding me.”

  She watched him drift off to sleep before getting to her feet. She’d told Finn and Viktis she’d meet them in the conference room when she was done. With her luck, they’d already started fighting.

  The headache had eased somewhat, but she still felt unsteady on her feet as she made her way through the ship. The radio and electromagnetic waves around her felt like prickles of energy against her skin.

  Gheewala watched her with wide eyes as Renna approached her station. “You have an electronic signature,” the woman said.

  “Lucky me.” Renna grimaced. “At least you’ll always know how to find me if I’m close.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Gheewala stared down at her computer. “I wish there was something I could say.”

  “Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s thanks to you we made it this far. Make sure the rest of the crew know it.” She squeezed the woman’s shoulder and moved on. She could already hear the raised voices coming from the conference room.

  When she walked in, Viktis and Finn were on opposite sides of the conference table, glaring at each other.

  “What the hell is going on here?” she asked.

  “Just a little disagreement. We’ll handle it,” Finn said, not moving his angry gaze from the Ileth.

  Viktis shook his head. “Pretty boy here thinks he’s in charge of me. I think otherwise.”

  “Well, you both need to stop it. We’re almost out of time, and we have to figure out what our next steps are.” She sank into one of the chairs and glared at both of them until they sat as well. “I have an idea, but it means both of you need to work together.” She stared down at her hands. She had no problem asking Viktis to do his part, but what she was about to propose was going to send Finn completely over the edge.

  “What is it?” Viktis asked.

  “As I see it, we have two goals. We need to figure out who’s leading the MYTH splinter cell. We also need to keep Myka safe and out of this person’s hands. The Athena is the best ship in this sector, and you have Sargent Gheewala who can alert you to anyone following.” She paused, took a deep breath. “I think the ship and crew should turn rogue. Hide out somewhere in the galaxy until we can figure out what’s going on.”

  Finn blinked once and opened his mouth, but closed it before saying anything.

  Viktis leaned back in his chair and slowly nodded. “I could make that work. I know how to stay ahead of the authorities, and I have contacts on most of the merc worlds. Not that I’m agreeing to help or anything,” he added with a glare at Finn.

  Finn shook his head. “Running from MYTH? Do you know how impossible that is?”

  Renna watched him. Willed him not to fight her on this. “Not if you change the ship’s signature and let Viktis help. It would keep you all safe. Keep Myka safe. Just until we know how to stop whoever is behind this.”

  His eyes met hers, and the expression in them felt like a knife twisting between her ribs. “You’re asking me to be a traitor, Renna. To go back to that life.”

  She forced the words to her lips. “I know. And you know I would never ask unless it was the only way out. Really, you’re acting in MYTH’s best interest. They just won’t know it at first.” She smiled reassuringly, trying to hide her fear.

  Finn arched an eyebrow. “What is it you’re not telling me? What are you going to do?”

  Heat flooded her face. She should have known Finn would catch her lie of omission. When she was younger, he’d always been able to tell when she’d purposefully left out things. Evidently he hadn’t lost that skill either.

  She looked down at the table. “I’m not going with you.”

  Both men shot to their feet. “What?!”

  “Sit down and let me explain.” She folded her hands on the table, trying to seem calm and composed. Inside, her mind raced as she fought for control. “I’m going after Larson. He’s our only lead to the real traitor. MYTH has a main headquarters, right?”

  Finn nodded. “It’s on Newton Alpha.”

  “That’s where Pallas is then. He went to a lot of trouble to build this hybrid army. I can’t imagine he’ll give up now. Which means he’ll come after you or send Larson.” She traced a finger across a scratch in the plastic table. “My guess is that a fuckup this big will trigger an internal investigation. His only choice will be to pretend that he’s working on going after whoever did this. Either he’ll pin it on Larson or he’ll use the major to smoke you out to get Myka’s tech. But what if the only other tech left from the facility is already in his hands?”

  “Renna. I can’t let you…”

  She held up her hand. “Listen, Finn. Something is happening to me, and I don’t know how to fix it or what’s going to happen. Offering myself up as a test subject is the best way to infiltrate MYTH HQ. Once I’m there, I’ll have the chance to look for whoever is behind this. And maybe stop him.”

  “No. Absolutely not.” Finn waved his arm in a sweeping motion. “I am not letting you put yourself in danger.”

  She felt a surge of anger but pushed it away and kept her voice calm and reasonable. “You’re not letting me do anything. And trust me, if there was any other way, I would be all for it. This way I can keep an eye on Larson. See who he interacts with. Maybe by me being there, it will take some of the pressure off finding the kid and you guys. Maybe it’ll keep you safe.”

  Maybe they’d be able to find a way to save her.

  Viktis didn’t say anything. He just arched an eyebrow ridge and shook his head.

  Finn paced the room. “But what if they find out you’re a spy? What if you get sick?”

  “Then Myka is still safe with you. He and his uncle can disappear on some remote world and live happily ever after.”

  He turned to glare at her. “And what about me?”

  “If worse comes to worst, you can come back to MYTH. Tell them Viktis abducted you. That you had no choice. You’re a pirate. I’m pretty sure you can take care of yourself. The pirate I used to know can take care of himself.”

  Viktis smiled wryly. “Your concern for me is touching.”

  “You know it’s a compliment. You’re more than capable of staying out of MYTH’s way.” She got to her feet. “When we land at Aldani’s lab, we’ll have a short time for him to check on the kid, grab some of his stuff, and then you need to leave like you’ve kidnapped him.”

  “You’re staying behind?” Finn asked through thinned lips.

  She nodded. “I’ll call for help. Tell them I managed to escape. It’s the only way,” she added as Finn’s face darkened.

  “I don’t like it.”

  “I don’t either, but do you have another idea?”

  He growled and started pacing again.

  Renna turned to Viktis. “
I know we haven’t had the best relationship, but if you do this, I’ll owe you. And you know I always fulfill my promises.”

  He shrugged. “My crew’s dead, my ship’s destroyed, and I don’t have any jobs lined up. I’ll help out.” He got that calculating expression she knew far too well. “As long as you give me that little security deposit around your neck.”

  Her hand crept up and clutched the sapphire. Retirement was looking even further away than when she’d started this mission. And if it would keep Finn and Myka safe, she’d give up more than this. She yanked at the chain, and it snapped, burning the skin on the back of her neck.

  She handed it over. “Deal.”

  Finn frowned. “Renna.”

  “What? It’s mine to do with what I want.” She shrugged. “It’s a small price to pay.”

  “There’s one more part of this deal, love,” Viktis said, slipping the stone into his pocket. “When it’s all over and we’re safe, you have to tell me the story behind stealing this.”

  Renna shook her head. “Some things are better left untold, Viktis.”

  Keva’s voice sounded from the intercom. “Renna, we’ve landed at the labs. Aldani’s on his way.”

  Thank gods for small favors.

  “Good. Finn, prep him as fast as you can. I’m going to get my stuff.”

  THIRTY-FOUR

  Thirty minutes later, Renna had stashed her bag in one of Aldani’s guest rooms and was sitting on a hard exam table as he flashed a light into her eyes.

  “Why would you protect Navang?” she asked. “We could have stopped this days ago if you’d just told us the truth.”

  Aldani sighed and looked her in the face. “I needed to know how much Navang knew about Myka and the drugs before I went after him myself. And if you were captured, it was better that you knew nothing.”