“You hear many things.”
“That I do. I trust they are well?”
Anger bubbled beneath the surface. “They’ll live.”
Pale eyes became hooded. “They suffer no injury from the hanging?”
“You’re very interested in them.” Holding his temper, Darvk watched him intently. “Why is that, I wonder?”
“We outlawed them, it is only natural that when trouble occurs with them, we are interested. Is that so hard to understand?”
“Tell me, Shari.” Darvk let the anger slide through his tone. “Did you pay the bounty hunters to steal Tenia and Reya?”
“Reekas are under a death sentence.” Shari’s expression didn’t falter. “If one or more is found alone, their fate is the same. It doesn’t change just because they belong to someone.”
“They were with us.”
“But the hunters took them off you?”
“Let’s just say they had us at a disadvantage.”
“The official version is that you were drugged, so the hunters seized the two Reekas who did it.”
“They didn’t drug us.”
“Really?” Shari leaned forward interestedly. “Who did, then?”
Not about to give that away, Darvk said, “The hunters stole the Reekas from us.”
“No, they seized two outlaws who’s masters were drugged. For all anyone knows, they could have done it. Even though you are now able to speak for them, you weren’t able to then. They were free to be taken.”
“Those hunters just happened to be there at just the right moment? I don’t think so.”
“Interesting.” Shari stroked his jaw.
“Did you pay the bounty hunters?” Darvk repeated tersely.
Shari regarded him calmly. “I didn’t pay them.”
“Did you by any chance pay a space pirate?”
“A space pirate?” Shari’s eyes turned calculating. “What space pirate?”
Not about to give away anything further, Darvk changed the direction of the conversation. “Those hunters are thirsting for the Reekas’ blood. Why?”
“Didn’t you ask them?”
Darvk had been kicking himself for that very reason - before he’d thrashed them to within an inch of their lives, he should have questioned them. But he had no doubt they wouldn’t have talked, not bounty hunters. They were a breed unto themselves, and not one hunter had ever been known to break, no matter who had attacked them or what had been done to them.
A breed apart. A breed disliked, distrusted, as savage and vicious as the outlaws and criminals they hunted to the ends of the universe, fearing nothing and no one.
“You didn’t ask one, you acted on instinct.” Shari didn’t appear relieved or perturbed, instead he just nodded. “I won’t lie, I want the Reekas dead.”
“They are with me, Shari. Touch them and I’ll be at your fortress so fast your head will be spinning.” Eyes intent and threatening, Darvk leaned forward. “That’s a warning.”
“I won’t take them from you, Darvk, but any Reeka alone is to be hunted and killed. That is the law.”
And there was nothing Darvk could do about it. He leaned back in the chair, once more changing tactic in the hopes of catching the man unawares so he said something, anything, that betrayed his true agenda. “What can I do for you, Shari?”
“As I’ve said before, it’s what I can do for you.”
“Oh?”
“We can take the outlaws off your hands and finally rid you of your dilemma.”
“I don’t have a dilemma.”
“You have to admit, they have caused you a lot of trouble.”
Darvk shrugged. “Aye, they have. But nothing we can’t handle.”
Shari raised one brow. “Are you so sure of that? Some of your men received wounds at Oslow while they were trying to rescue them. Any of you could have been killed. They are a danger to your very lives.”
“’Twas only a few flesh wounds. Leave the little outlaws to us.” He kept his gaze locked on the Inka Empire leader, judging his reaction. “They come in very…useful.”
Alert eyes narrowed. “Useful?”
“Maybe later…”
The response was immediate. “You would dispose of them at a later date?”
“Maybe. If they cease to amuse us anymore.”
Shari smiled tightly. “They fight, eh?”
“Makes life interesting for now.”
“Yes.” He switched topics quickly. “Where do you head now, trader?”
“We have our trade route.”
“I thought perhaps you might consider coming to Inka for a visit. I’d like to meet the men who attempt to tame the Reeka warriors.”
“I’ll think on it. Our trade has already been interrupted.”
“Understood. Maybe we’ll see you soon.”
“Anything’s possible.”
“Good. Now I must go. Safe travelling, trader.”
The screen went blank and Darvk’s friends entered the cabin from where they’d been waiting and listening just outside the door.
“He’s very interested in them.” Sitting in the other chair, Kiile rested his elbows on the armrest and steepled his fingers.
“Very,” Maverk agreed, propping his back against the wall, folding his arms across his chest and crossing his ankles.
Darvk ran a hand through his hair. “He’s intent on having the lasses. These two particular lasses, and ‘tis more than just being Reekas. Why is that?”
“I don’t know,” Kiile replied. “Meanwhile, you need a safe place while we try and piece this together.”
“You want to help?” Darvk looked at him questioningly.
Maverk frowned. “More men could be injured or worse before this is over. Are you sure you want to join us?”
Brilliant green eyes were deadly serious. “We’re friends, aren’t we? Besides, Argons fear nothing.”
“This far from our own planet, we are happy to accept your offer of a safe place to rest up for a short time while we try to figure out what’s going on,” Darvk said. “Thank you.”
“Good. Let’s head for Argon and get some rest.” Kiile’s twinkled. “Which one of you is going to break the news to the warriors?”
Darvk groaned, Maverk echoing him.
Chapter 10
“Damn them to hell and back!”
Tenia watched Reya in concern. It wasn’t often she saw her sister lose her temper, but this was understandable. “If you explained-”
“No.”
“Reya-”
“No.”
“All right.” Tenia sighed at her sister’s cold expression. “I’m not the enemy, remember?”
“Sorry.” Reya sat on the bunk. “This is becoming messy.”
Tenia chewed a thumb nail. It was a mess. Someone wanted them dead - badly; desperately. Now they were being forced to go to a place where Reya had been humiliated. It was a hell of a mess.
Peering out of the porthole, Reya said quietly, “I’m leaving.”
Somehow, Tenia wasn’t surprised, but her heart plummeted. “You gave your word.”
“This changes things. I go at the first opportunity. Are you coming?”
“What about finding out the truth?”
“We can do that ourselves.”
“How?”
“Somehow,” Reya replied impatiently. “Are you coming with me?”
“We don’t have to do this.”
“I do.”
“Reya…”
“It’s a simple question, Tenia.” Reya turned to face her. “Are you coming?”
She swallowed. “Don’t make me choose.”
“Between the man you love and me?”
She closed her eyes.
“He expects you to follow orders.” Reya’s nostrils flared slightly, a harsh glint in the icy depths of her eyes. “To clip your wings and tame you.”
“He doesn’t. He wouldn’t.” Tenia’s chin rose. “He trusts me.”
“So why must you go where he goes?”
Torn between the sister she loved and the man she was growing to love, she took refuge in anger. “Don’t question me, you don’t have the right!”
“You don’t know yourself what you think or feel. Fretting over some man won’t make you free. You’ll always be under his yoke.”
“Damn it, Reya, again you talk of things you know nothing about.”
“I know where my loyalties lie.”
“Are you saying mine are questionable?”
“I’m saying they’re divided, and that is dangerous and a hindrance to our cause. My loyalties lie with my sister warriors.”
“As do mine.” The underlying meaning wasn’t lost on Tenia, and it hurt. “Do you question that, Reya? Do you honestly think I’d betray them?”
“Not intentionally.” Calm control was back in place. “But your heart is with a man who trusts the Argons, a race I certainly have no faith in. The man you so blindly follow forces us to go to them, no discussion allowed.”
“Get to the point.”
“I won’t go there. I’m going to escape back to my sister warriors, we’ll find the truth ourselves.”
The sisters eyed each other in silence for several seconds, then Reya sat back down on the bunk.
“And?” Tenia questioned softly.
“You must decide if you come or not.”
“You’d go without me?” The pain of that knowledge bit deep. “Really?”
“You’re my sister, I love you.” Reya’s gaze was steady, her expression resolute. “But our path soon comes to a crossroads. It’s not a case of leaving you, but of the path we each choose.”
Even though they’d been separated for a long time, Tenia knew when Reya had made up her mind. The fact that her sister was willing - would choose - to leave without her when they’d only just found each other hurt.
It cut like betrayal.
But was it betrayal to choose her sister warriors, in essence her family? To go to the ones where her loyalty should lie? Was it betrayal to choose a different path, to each go their separate pathways and meet - hopefully, God willing - in the near future with the same goal achieved?
Emotions in turmoil, Tenia held her sister’s steady gaze for several long seconds before she slowly walked to the door. Taking hold of the handle, she cast a glance at Reya over her shoulder.
Reya didn’t say a word, just watched silently, her face expressionless and thoughts inscrutable.
Not knowing what to say, Tenia left.
She was quiet and subdued for the rest of the day, keeping close to her own cabin, her thoughts troubled.
The evening meal was tranquil, the men talking quietly amongst themselves.
Kiile was no longer present, having transferred back to his spaceship.
Reya didn’t linger, returning to her cabin immediately she finished eating. As she passed Tenia in the corridor, she cast her a long glance but said nothing. Her intent was plain, she wasn’t going to influence Tenia in any way.
Following slowly, Tenia rubbed her face and sighed. A peaceful night’s sleep wasn’t on the agenda, she could tell, not with the way her thoughts were churning.
A big, warm body fell into step beside her, and she glanced up with a smile.
“All right, lass?” Concern was evident on the ruggedly handsome face angled down towards her.
“Just a little tired.” She drew to a stop at the door to her cabin.
“You need to get some rest.” Reaching out, Darvk ran his thumb gently under her eyes. “The traumatic events of the last few weeks are taking their toll on you.”
“I’m fine.”
“Captain’s orders, bed and rest. I’ll come and tuck you in.” He winked. “With a goodnight kiss.”
Passing by at just that second, Cam asked, “Do I get one, too?”
“You’ll get a kick up the arse.”
“That’s not very nice.”
“I don’t have to be, I’m the captain.”
“I’ll tell your mother on you when we get back home.”
“Ooh, now I’m scared. Better come here and I’ll give you a kiss goodnight.”
“Do that and you’ll be the one getting a kick up the arse!”
“See what I have to put up with?” Darvk sighed. “A contrary crew. A captain’s lot is a sorry one, lass.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Now let’s get you to bed.”
“Tucking me in?” Tenia arched an eyebrow.
“Of course.” His face was pure innocence. “It’d be remiss of me to neglect my favoured guest.”
“Playing favourites now?”
“Will it get me anywhere?”
“Depends where you want to go.”
“Oh, lass.” His grin was slow and distinctly wicked.
That response left her in no doubt where he wanted to go, and it both flustered and pleased her. Not to mention made her blood run a little hotter.
About to give a saucy reply, she caught sight of Morgan and Aamun approaching, and blushed.
Darvk took one look at her sudden red cheeks and guffawed.
She retaliated by pulling away and punching him on the arm. “You’re an arse.”
“And you’re cute when you’re shy.”
“I’m not shy.”
“Embarrassed.” His eyes danced with hot amusement. “If your cheeks were any redder, I could fry eggs on them.”
“Wow, that is so romantic.”
Leaning forward, he rested one hand on the wall above her head, leaning into her, his tone a deep purr. “You have no idea how romantic I can be.” He dipped his head closer, his breath hot on her ear. “Want me to show you?”
“Ah…” Oh yes, she did, but something caught her eye to successfully douse the simmer of desire.
Reya’s door had slid open a couple of inches before sliding shut again.
Nothing brought a dampener to desire quite like the reminder that one - or both - of them were about to break their word to Darvk. Pathways were looming, choices had to be made, and right now getting hot and heavy with the Daamen trader wasn’t going to help her make a clear decision.
It would, however, complicate things a whole lot more.
With a sigh, Tenia looked up at him to find his attention also on the now closed door. She didn’t have to say anything when his gaze shifted from the door to her face. His eyes still held heat, but his half smile was understanding.
Leaning down, he pressed his lips to her brow in a soft, sweet kiss that touched her to her soul. “Later, sweet lass. Get some rest.” Straightening, he pushed away from the wall, took a step back. “You’re tired, now is definitely not the time to…well, you know.”
The fact that he cared enough to let her go, that he respected her enough not to push, wasn’t lost on Tenia. The big Daamen captain was a man to be relied upon, he’d proven it so many times already.
It made the decision so much harder.
The sister warriors - her family - and Reya her blood sister, versus the trader who now had a firm grip on her heart.
It made her want to cry.
Instead, she managed to smile while backing into the cabin, keeping her gaze locked on his until the door closing cut him from sight.
Only then did she sag down onto the bunk and drop her face into her hands, feeling as though the weight of the world was on her shoulders.
~ * ~
The evening wore on, the lights switching off as the crew settled for sleep. The glow under the door dimmed as the night light, a safety feature, flared to barely discernable light.
Troubled, sleep was denied Tenia as the hours crawled past so when her door suddenly opened and closed quietly, she sat up quickly.
“It’s me,” Reya whispered in the darkness.
“What’s wrong?” Unable to sleep after their argument, had she come to talk?
Tenia’s hopes were dashed at the answer.
“I overheard Maverk and Darvk talking when they passed my cabin ea
rlier,” Reya said quietly. “The conversation with the Inka Empire was recorded.”
There was no doubting the purpose of her sister’s presence. “You want to listen to it.”
“Of course. Are you coming?”
Just as there was no doubt that her own curiosity was pricked. “I’m coming.”
At this time of the night, no one was present in the corridors. Several snores originated from a couple of the trader’s cabins, silence from others as they all slept. Darvk’s door was closed and she briefly pictured him sleeping, unaware that she was creeping around his ship without his knowledge and with a different agenda to his.
Frowning, she forced her thoughts away, following Reya through the side door as they avoided the platform lift for the noiseless descent to the second floor.
She had to admit, she was a little surprised to find no one on watch in the control cabin. “It’s empty.”
“There’s an automatic guard on, see?” Reya pointed to the small, flashing red light near the radar. “If something appears, it’ll alert the whole ship in plenty of time.”
“Do you know how to get into the taping of the viscomm?”
“It’s simple enough.”
“You’ve done it before?” Tenia watched her work the controls.
“I’ve travelled a bit,” was Reya’s vague reply. The screen flickered, Shari’s face appearing. “There’s the slimy little bastard.” Skimming her fingertip in the corner of the screen, she turned the volume down.
Tenia leaned close beside her sister to listen.
They heard everything that had transpired earlier that evening, Tenia flinching at Darvk’s offhanded comment even though she knew he’d said what he had to throw Shari off the scent of their distrust.
The mention of some of the traders getting injured had her mouth tightening. Of course she’d known it, but had comforted herself with the knowledge that the injuries were minor. But when Shari stated that the women were a danger to the Daamen traders, that any of them could have been killed because of the Reeka sisters, her heart sank.
It was true.
Sitting back in the chair, she rested her forehead in her palm, leaning her elbow on the armrest. It was a stark fact - because of Reya and herself, her friends had faced death.
“Shari is very interested in us,” Reya mused out loud as the screen went blank.
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