Chapter Six
Liam stood in front of the transportation pad waiting for the two men he’d been forced to greet because Hannah was busy with the captain. He tried to keep his boiling rage hidden, but he knew by the worried glances the two humans were exchanging behind the control panel that he was utterly failing.
His scowl deepened. He shouldn’t be dealing with any of this at all. This was her responsibility.
You’re not angry because of this. You’re angry because she challenges you.
And turns you on.
He pushed the thoughts away. They were poisonous to him. He simply could not get mixed up with Hannah again. If he was hurt that way again, he knew he could never recover from it.
Unconsciously, his mind went back to the day he’d revealed his love for her and pushed for her to admit hers. She’d loved him, he knew that, but she couldn’t admit it. So rather than staying near her and solidifying their lifelong bond, he’d fled the Turongan Starflight Academy to join the Earth academy. And I never heard from her again.
Even though his connection had never faded. Even though he’d been plagued with heart-pounding dreams of her nearly every night. He’d held out hope that one day he could move on from her and find love again.
But Father told me if she came back, it might solidify the bond. Now I might never move on.
Two of the teleportation pads began to warm up, sending their strange beam of shimmering purple particles in the air. It’s time to focus on the task-at-hand. He would keep Hannah at a distance, and he’d fuel his energy into being a good commander. What else could he do?
A large shape appeared first, before the Vuret came fully into view.
Liam felt every muscle in his body tighten. Vurets were natural enemies of Keltairs. The creatures were huge aliens, half bull and half man, covered in hair with two twisting horns on their heads, and faces that bordered on deformed.
Many people compared the two races, but Liam knew there was no comparison. Keltairs were harsh, warlike aliens, but they also fiercely protected their women and children and lived by a code of honor. Vurets fed on the pain and misery of others. They lacked all honor, driving a knife in their mate’s back if it brought them wealth.
Liam struggled to breathe. At any other time, a Keltair might attack a Vuret on sight. But he was a commander of this ship, and he had no desire to be controlled by his natural instincts. Smile. Breathe.
Another shape came into view, and then another male stood in the shimmering stream of light. He had pale, blond hair slicked back. His irises were red, and he wore no shirt over his pale flesh. A Drysalin.
Again, Liam felt apprehensive. Drysalins came from a planet sharply divided. The wealthy lived like kings, working their slaves to bring them more wealth. Most of the planet either mined the rare minerals there, or worked to fulfill the sexual needs of their masters. These people disturbed him on every level.
The shimmering purple lights stopped, and the two aliens blinked into the darkness before slowly walking off the teleporting pads.
The Vuret locked eyes with Liam and reached out a hand. Liam’s instincts screamed as he reached out. Their hands closed around each other’s arms, and Liam couldn’t stop himself from pulling the alien closer. They were of nearly the same height, although the Vuret’s strange mix of fat and muscle made him wider.
“You must be Commander Fallow,” the alien growled, the sound low and threatening.
Liam had to force himself not to bare his teeth. “Ambassador Eupher.”
Their eyes locked, and Liam couldn’t help but wonder if the Vuret knew he was half Keltair, or if he simply sensed a challenge.
Removing one finger at a time, Liam released him, and the ambassador took a step back. “I am glad to come aboard your fine, new vessel.”
“We are…glad to have a representative of the Vurets.”
The creature flashed its sharpened teeth. “I’m sure you are.”
Liam nearly jumped as the other male touched his arm. Turning, his eyes narrowed. Of course a Drysalin could get so close without him knowing. “Greetings, Lord Dry-fen.”
His pale lips twisted into a pained smile, and he held out his hand, covered in massive rings. “Commander Fallow, so good to meet you.”
Repulsion snaked beneath his skin as he took the limp hand of the other alien. “Welcome aboard The Odyssey.”
Lord Dry-fen stroked the back of Liam’s hand with his thumb. “I’m looking forward to my time here. Especially now that I know the rumor of your…skills weren’t over exaggerated.”
Liam squeezed his hand harder, leaning forward. “You can feel safe here. It’s no lie that I can kill a man in seconds.”
The lord paled, eyes wide. “O—Oh my.”
Releasing his hand, Liam led them out of the room toward the elevator. He would drop them at one of the civilian floors and hopefully never set eyes on them again. Then, he realized, they’d be Hannah’s problem.
Liam glanced back at the two men. For some reason, he hated the idea that Hannah might have to deal with such scum. These two I’ll manage.
Because you care for her.
He shook the thought away, no because…he didn’t have an answer. But it had nothing to do with the beautiful woman with jade-colored eyes and raven-black hair.
Emotions swept through him as he pictured her. Had there ever been such a defiant woman? Such a sexy woman?
His groin tightened, and he almost swore aloud. No more thoughts of her!
But in the back of his mind he knew Hannah would continue to haunt him, like ghost he couldn’t let go.
To Challenge a Warrior: An Alien Rogue Romance (Starflight Academy Graduates Book 1) Page 7
