by Averi Hope
“But that’s not where you got the scars on your chest…?”
One of the first dreams she’d shared with him had been on some hot world. He’d been surrounded by jutting stones formed in vivid oranges and reds. But his gaze had been cast to the blazing sun above as he lay alone, bleeding to death. Yet, he’d been a young man then, not a child.
“In the children’s training area, we’d been carefully watched. If a wound became infected, we were taught to treat it. No one allowed us to starve to death. There were always eyes watching us.” He cleared his throat, his jaw tightening. “When I was a young man, a dozen of us were brought to Otelur. Our goal was to hunt one another down and fight until one was victorious. There were tiny Watchers, little cameras that floated and followed us, transmitting the images of our hunts to the observers in their spaceship above the planet. When they deemed a fight complete, they would announce it through the Watchers. It was dangerous, but it wasn’t a place men went to die. It was a place young males were taught to become men.”
She frowned. “But that wasn’t what happened.”
“No,” he said slowly. “It wasn’t.”
“They hurt you.”
He nodded. “Instead of each of us hunting each other, they worked together to hunt me. Their goal was to kill me. And the observers let it happen.” His expression was blank, faraway. “All my training. All my false beliefs that I might finally be accepted once I could pass the test…all of it vanished that day.
“My father must have suspected it, because he came to check on me. Something that was forbidden. He saved my life, and he extracted revenge against all those who had harmed me. My father, a powerful Keltair male, should have felt shamed. First he had chosen an unworthy human as his mate, then he’d had a half-breed son, and finally he’d discovered that the son he’d worked so hard to raise would never survive among his own people.”
For a moment, a light lit Caleb’s eyes. “But he didn’t feel that way. Instead, he became a liaison between humans and Keltairs, and fought for a place for me at the Turongan Starflight Academy. He had me trained in the skills I needed for the academy. He accepted that I could never be the Keltair son he wanted, but I could be his human son. His pride meant nothing. His goal became to protect me at all costs.”
“I’m sorry,” she said, and meant it.
He shrugged. “What is done is done.” Then, his gaze sought hers. “We are both lucky you know, to have fathers that protect us the way they do.”
She stiffened, not liking how the conversation had made its way back to her. “I guess. I mean, if I hadn’t been throwing his name around at the academy when we’d got into trouble…I don’t think either of us would have liked what happened. So there’s that.”
He cocked his head. “Is that how you were able to save me from that bastard killing me and laying the blame of the attack at my feet?”
“You bet,” she said with a grin. “I mean, I would’ve preferred to take them all down myself, but there’s some benefit to having the fleet admiral as my father.”
He nodded. “I was angry at you for lying to me. I hated the idea that you were just playing a role when we were together, but I guess I should thank you and your father for what you did for me then.”
She laughed. “Seriously, Caleb, you’re the one who saved my life. Several times actually.” And then, after a pause. “I wasn’t playing a role either. Being the fleet admiral’s daughter is a role. Being Erin…that’s just me.”
The computer announced they were descending into the atmosphere. They both grew quieter as the shuttle shook and a gentle music started to play over the turbulence. To soothe the civilians who would normally be travelling with us.
When they finally touched down in the busy city of Belta, Erin glanced at Caleb one more time. Somehow, their flight together felt precious. She knew in just a moment they’d go back to commander and lieutenant, but she wanted to memorize his face as just Caleb, her lover.
Especially if something goes wrong on the mission and I never make it back.
She pushed the frightening thought away. She’d deal with her father, then she’d throw herself into danger. But she had her father’s team with her, so everything would be fine. Yet, the tension curling in her belly only grew worse. Ahmed has always been one step ahead of the authorities. Why do I think this time will be any different?
She took a deep breath. It’s now or never.
Chapter Eighteen
Caleb walked closely at Erin’s side as they made their way through the busy market square. Belta was a strange place. Centrally located in the Axian galaxy, it attracted a diverse crowd. But because most of their wealth went to their emperor, the city had a strange mix of poverty and prosperity. A shining building with flashing signs sat in the middle of a ring of small market stalls. People were everywhere, slaves or servants following behind the affluent, arms loaded down with their purchases.
Erin froze beside him, and Caleb followed her gaze to a couple seated at one of the tables just outside a stall. Immediately, he knew they were her parents.
The man held himself as if he owned the planet, back straight, navy blue uniform tailored to reflect his surprisingly fit body for a human of his years. Dark hair was styled meticulously, with streaks of gray at his temples. He smiled at the woman beside him while she laughed. She too wore a navy blue uniform. She filled out the uniform more than most, with pale brown hair pulled back from a face lightly wrinkled, and a full mouth painted in red.
He heard Erin sigh beside him, then she drew herself up and marched toward them.
Caleb swallowed his nervousness and followed beside her.
The couple turned to them as they approached and rose to their feet.
“Erin,” her father greeted with a nod.
But in seconds, her mother’s arms were thrown around her shoulders, drawing her in to a tight hug. “Erin, oh my sweet, darling girl.” She pulled back, her gaze running over her daughter’s face. “How is it possible you get more beautiful each time I see you?”
Caleb looked between the two women, Erin with her black hair and emerald green eyes, and her mother with her light brown hair and dark brown eyes. It was almost unbelievable that they were mother and daughter. And yet, they both had the same graceful beauty.
“Mom?” Erin stared, eyes wide. “Why are you wearing a Starflight uniform?”
Suddenly the older woman looked a little nervous, dropping her hands. “I went back through the academy and graduated.”
“You graduated!” Erin’s jaw dropped open.
“Yes, I’ve already received an assignment…a healer’s assistant aboard The Allure. This is my little break before I start.”
It took Erin a second to answer. “So, you’ll be working for Father?”
Her mother laughed softly. “Yes, but it won’t be all that bad.”
“Bad?” her father cut in, raising a brow. “Didn’t I promise to stay out of your hair?”
The two women looked at each other. “Because he’s so good at that,” her mother said, winking.
Erin stared between her parents, obviously in shock. “I’ve got to say, all of this is a bit of a surprise.”
Her mother tilted her head, her gaze running over her daughter’s face. “Are you upset?”
“No, no of course not,” Erin rushed out.
“Good,” her mother smiled. “Now, it looks like all the Stowes are officers.” Her gaze landed on Caleb, and her eyes widened. “And who is this?”
“Commander Caleb Fallow of The Odyssey.” He reached out and took her hand, shaking it gently.
“Caleb…Fallow,” she spoke his name slowly. “Weren’t you the cadet at the academy with my daughter? The one who saved her life?”
He nodded, watching her closely.
Tears filled her eyes and suddenly her arms were around him, hugging him as best she could for such a short woman. “I can’t believe I finally get to meet the man responsible for protecting my baby.
For years I’ve wanted to…but it doesn’t matter, I get to say it now.” She withdrew from him. “Thank you. Our family owes you a great debt.”
The fleet admiral cleared his throat. “Commander Fallow, it’s wonderful we finally get to meet in person.”
They shook hands, each grasping the other firmly.
Fleet Admiral Stowe met his gaze, and he saw that the older man was judging him. Weighing his value. “I’m told you were the head of your class at the Earth Starflight Academy, and that your commanders praised your hard work and level head at your past post.”
Caleb tried not to show his surprise. “You’ve been following my career?”
A slight smile curved the corner of the older man’s mouth. “Who do you think recommended you for your position aboard The Odyssey?”
Caleb’s mouth gaped. The man had actually…
“That my daughter refuses my help at every turn makes sense to me. So she can earn her own way to the top. But you…you’ve proven yourself over and over. However, no one was going to give a half Keltair any kind of command position.” He tilted his head. “And I was pleasantly surprised to learn you’d used your power to help your Keltair friends. I believe all of your positions will help greatly in peaceful relations between our two peoples.”
It was hard to put his feelings into words. “I could’ve earned my place, too.”
The fleet admiral smiled and let go of his hand. “I’m sure eventually you could have. But it’s almost impossible to earn something no one will ever allow you to have.”
“I—I hate to interrupt, but I’ve got to take care of something,” Erin said, tugging at her ear with a frown. “Caleb, can you escort my parents back to the ship?”
“What’s wrong?” Caleb and the fleet admiral asked at the same instant.
She gave an unconvincing smile. “Nothing, I’ve just got business to attend to.”
Erin backed away from them, her smile wobbling.
“Erin,” her father said, emphasizing both syllables.
“I’ll be fine.” She turned and jogged away.
Something squeezed in Caleb’s belly as he watched her hurrying deeper into the marketplace. Whatever his female was doing, he didn’t think he’d like it.
“Should we get back to the ship then?” Caleb asked, his gaze never leaving Erin.
“Lead on,” the admiral replied. But his tone was edged with worry.
Is there something the old man knows that I don’t?
Chapter Nineteen
Erin felt as if her entire insides were twisting. At first it had been the terror of watching Caleb meeting her parents for the first time, but then it had been the tiny voice in her ear that made ice run through her veins.
“The princess has already arrived on Sunja.”
Damn, damn, damn.
Pushing down her annoyance, she tugged at her ear. “How did this happen?”
It’s too soon. They should’ve had at least a couple of more hours to prepare, so how the hell hadn’t her team at least known the second the princess arrived in the docking bay aboard The Odyssey? How did she get all the way to the planet’s surface without anyone warning her?
Something is wrong.
“Somehow she slipped past us.”
“Where is she?” she demanded urgently.
The Intaqual’s voice came through the device in her ear. “Already at the location.”
Her head spun, and she tugged her ear again. “Is your team in place?”
Silence greeted her question.
“Hello?! Is your team in place?”
More silence.
Shit! Why isn’t he answering?
She didn’t know if their ship-to-planet communication was being interrupted or if the little prick was just not bothering to answer, but for once, she hoped for the latter. But this would be highly unusual for my father’s team. Something’s wrong.
But this was likely the only time they’d actually be able to trace these criminals. So regardless of whether or not they were in their places around the market square, she would be in hers.
When she arrived in front of the clothing shop, she hesitated momentarily. It looked like any other run-down market shop. What could the princess and her entourage possibly find of interest in there?
But when she pushed aside the heavy curtain door, she stood still, stunned. The place was huge, exotic clothing and sparkling jewelry dangling from every inch of the walls. Tables spread in every direction with even more clothing and trinkets to buy. One wall was a rainbow of bright, gaudy outfits that looked more like lingerie than actual clothes. A second wall was devoted to different leather clothing with chains and jewels dangling from the various articles.
This is the perfect place for a rich, tasteless brat to waste some of her father’s wealth. Not that Erin didn’t know what it was like to have her father throw money at her instead of attention; she’d just never taken an interest in spending money just to spend it.
Three women, including the princess, strutted from one corner of the shop, three merchants trailing them, arms overflowing with their selections. They circled around the giant racks of clothing, and Erin got her first close-up glimpse of the princess. She was wearing a scarlet wig that came to her shoulders. The woman certainly likes to stand out. Luckily for me, her strange ensemble will make my job even easier.
Her outfit was a low-cut leather number that ended just before her bellybutton. Her skirt was the same black leather, so short that her panties—made of silver chains woven intricately together—could be seen from the back.
The princess pranced past in thigh-high black boots, making her way to the changing rooms. One corner held six changing rooms, three rooms on either side facing each other, heavy scarlet curtains covering the entrances. The three women each entered one, followed by their attendants.
One man came back out. He was an older Sunjaran, with hair the color of lavender and eyes to match. He wore a sweeping black robe, decorated with the face of a grinning demon. When their gazes met, he nodded.
My contact.
He ducked in and out of the changing rooms, finally coming back to her. “Madame, your room is ready,” he told her, his pleasant northern Sunjaran accent sliding over her flesh.
Leading Erin to the back, he swept back the curtain. Inside, the princess’s clothes lay on a bench. Erin handed the merchant a wad of bills. Without counting them, he slipped the wad into a pocket in his skirts, and nodded at her.
“I’m sure you can keep the princess and her friends entertained for awhile.” Erin said, holding the old man’s gaze.
She was glad that he had worked with her father’s men before. Erin’s role in their plan was hard enough without worrying about the princess leaving the shop and blowing her cover. The old Sunjaran would no doubt have the young woman shopping far past nightfall, leaving them plenty of time to accomplish their plan without the princess ever being the wiser.
Or accidentally putting her own life in danger.
“Give us as much time as you can,” she added, trying to swallow down her sense of unease.
He nodded again. “As you wish.”
As soon as he left, she slipped out of her Starflight uniform and twisted her hair up. She slid the scarlet wig immediately onto her head. It sucked her scalp in a way that made goose bumps erupt on her arms. The outfit was trickier because Erin was a bit bigger than the princess. By the time she’d squeezed into it, she had to admit that the slightest breeze would have her naked breasts bursting straight out of the top of the tight leather.
Still, as she eyed herself critically in the mirror, she had to admit that she made a good replacement. The boots were a nice fit, and lucky for her, she was an avid fan of boots. They felt like a second skin.
Beneath the clothing, she found the tiny bag she’d been hoping for. She palmed the golden necklace in one hand, then unsheathed the Muscle Blades.
Just as she’d been instructed, one looked like any other Muscle Blade,
a metal so dark it was almost black. But the other…this was the important one, its entire blade was coated with a shimmering substance. Tracking nanos. Perfect.
She resheathed the blades and put them on her back, just low enough that the tight shirt kept them hidden. Instantly, the unique material of the blades melded to her flesh. An uncomfortable sensation to say the least. But it wasn’t her first time wearing Muscle Blades.
Strutting out in her best imitation of the princess, she pulled a pair of large green sunglasses from one of the tables. Just in case.
She put them on and stepped out into the bright daylight beyond the curtain. Picking the planned destination, she casually tugged at her ear and whispered, “The cat has replaced the mouse.”
No answer.
Her stomach did an uncomfortable flip. Should I abort this mission?
But she knew she couldn’t. The lives of too many women depended on her, and time was of the essence. If she let this opportunity slip through her fingers she would be forever haunted by her failure.
Like the last time.
She stood up straighter. Let those bastards see how much trouble one woman on a mission can be.
Pretending to peruse one of the tables, a man stepped out of the shadows of the alley beside her. “A beautiful woman like you deserves a beautiful jewel,” he said, his strange accent giving the statement a dangerous quality. He opened his palm to reveal the largest moonstone she’d ever seen in her life. “And who could resist it—at half price?”
The logical woman within her told her it was a trap. A badly concealed one. And to walk the hell away. But she knew the airheaded princess would never think of such a thing. And this is why you’re here. Fighting her instincts, she pasted an excited expression on her face.
“Half price?” she inquired, hoping she’d captured the lilting accent of the princess well enough to be convincing. She moved over to him, stepping into the shadows as he slowly drew back.
Even though she was expecting it, the hand that clamped over her mouth made her jump. And then she was being dragged from the busy street into the deathly silent alley. She struggled, but only enough to be convincing of the weak woman she played.
