Nara took a seat on the bridge, mindful of Dovis watching her. He wasn’t her biggest fan but they had a sort of truce going since Cathian was someone they both loved.
She reached up and touched her chest. The spot where Cathian’s secondary heart had been transplanted was warmer to the touch than the skin around it, as if it were a mini radiator.
Two weeks had passed since they’d done the surgery. He’d worried about there being a chance of rejection, since they were two different races. It hadn’t happened though.
The android had told her privately that it wasn’t technically a heart but Tryleskians preferred that term. It was more like a small organ that produced a chemical to make her smell exactly like the male the female had received it from. Dobs—what she’d named the android—had tested her many times. It was working correctly. Her body produced the scent that assured Cathian she belonged to him, thus locking them together. She was the only woman he’d want and be drawn to. She’d effectively become an extension of Cathian.
She checked her messages again, hoping this time there would be a response.
One showed—and her heart pounded as she tapped on the video message.
Belinda’s face came into view, and she smiled. “Hey! We got your message. Derrick is with me.”
He leaned into view and gave her a goofy grin. “You fell in love with the dick that bought you, huh? Not surprised. That happens when you never get laid.”
Belinda elbowed him hard in the gut and he jerked away, out of sight. “Ignore him. We’re happy for you. Really. And no worries. When I got to the shuttle, Derrick was already there with the part. He even installed it without bitching and moaning. We’re at Rogerville right now. We came hoping to find you, since we had to fly out of the storage yard. We didn’t want to get caught stealing the shuttle; they’ve increased patrols. Imagine our surprise when we had a message waiting here from you.”
Derrick leaned back into view. “I can’t believe you’re giving us your baby. That’s so cool of you.”
Belinda nodded. “Fifty-fifty owners. Thank you, Nara.” She teared up. “You know if it doesn’t work out with your guy, though, that you’re always our captain. We’ll give it back.”
“Hey!” Derrick scowled. “We’ll give her a third. I’ve never owned a shuttle before. Don’t be giving it all away when we just found out we have one.”
Belinda rolled her eyes. “I’m stuck with him forever now. Couldn’t you have made me owner and kept him my mechanic? That way I could fire him when he’s annoying me to death.”
“She loves me.”
Belinda elbowed him again. “You wish. I put up with you because you’re good at fixing shit. And Nara felt sorry for you, bonehead. Maybe she just thinks you’ll get repairs done if you’re half owner, instead of thinking with your dick.”
Derrick hesitated. “Fair enough. And true.”
Nara grinned.
Belinda lifted a hand and blew her a kiss. “We got a job hauling mining equipment to Cornel Moon. We leave in two hours. It’s good money, and no one should want to shoot us for it.”
“Besides the people we got away from. Some scary woman with bone jewelry bought me.” He shuddered. “I told her I was shy and needed some alone time before she could ride my dick. I fled and stole a transport. She might be looking for me, so I don’t want to stay in one place for long.” He pointed at Belinda. “Her blue guy might be looking for her too, but of course she did him first before getting away. He might be in a mellower mood.”
Belinda rolled her eyes. “As if anyone would want you enough to go to extreme lengths to try to find you. Bone-alien lady is probably relieved. She probably saw your little dick and had buyer’s remorse.”
“It’s hardly little. Want me to show you?”
“No!”
Derrick looked bummed and stared at the screen, mouthing she does want it. “Sorry we couldn’t wait around to talk to you for real, Nara,” Derrick said aloud. “We need the money from this job. But leave us messages and we should be at a port soon. Thank you for the shuttle.”
“Yeah. Thank you, Nara. Be happy.” Belinda ended the message.
“Your friends are strange.”
She turned her head, staring at Dovis. “I know.”
“You gave them your shuttle? Why? You could have sold it.”
“Trading is what they do for a living. They’d have had to find new jobs, and trust me, it’s best if they stick together. Humans aren’t well liked by some races. I know those two will watch out for each other.”
“The female wasn’t full human.”
“And she gets a lot of shit for it. Not from Derrick, though. I think he’s secretly in love with her. He’s always flirting. Now they can stay together.”
“You could have earned a lot of money for the sale.”
“Money doesn’t matter. Knowing the two of them have a secure future does.”
Dovis stared at her and finally nodded. “You are a good person.”
She stood up. “Thanks, Dovis. I’m going to hunt down Cathian.”
“He’s exercising.”
She left the bridge and found the gym. The sight of Cathian hanging from bars on the ceiling and doing pull-ups instantly made her girl parts warm. He was beautiful and she loved seeing all those muscles bulging and flexing with every move.
He saw her and dropped to the floor. A big grin spread across his lips. “My Nara.”
“I heard from my crew. They got the shuttle, and even have their first job.”
He grabbed hold of her in a bear hug, lifting her from her feet. “I knew it would turn out well. You’ve been too worried.”
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and planted a kiss on his lips. “I’m just glad they were able to escape, and the shuttle was still there for them to take.”
“Me too. I would have routed us that way, but we have to prove to my father that I can still do this job with you at my side. I have Glaxions to impress and open trade negotiations with. He’s looking for any reason to make Dax as my replacement.”
Guilt surfaced. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“I feel as if it is.”
“It’s not, Nara. My father is a shaft-head.”
She chuckled. “You mean a dickhead?”
He nodded. “Same thing. I don’t care what he thinks as long as he leaves us alone. He will. I’ll get the Glaxions signed, and then after a few station stops, we’ll visit the Teki station in about ten months for our annual repairs and upgrades on The Vorge.” He paused. “I plan to have them do a little remodeling while we’re there.”
“What kind?”
He hesitated. “There are some empty visitors’ quarters behind mine. I thought I’d add two of them to our cabin for when I go into heat next time. We’ll have bedrooms for our children.”
She was touched. “That’s a few years from now.”
“I like to plan things in advance, and that way, the space is already allotted to us in case my father does send my brother—or brothers—to The Vorge. It’s also better we have them remodeled now than while you’re pregnant. It’s a nice station for having repairs done. They have a lot of entertainment venues to amuse crews stuck there during repairs. I thought it would make for a nice honeymoon. I apologize it’s such a long wait.”
“Don’t be. That’s so sweet.”
“I told you I did my research on humans.” He grinned. “I also sent a message to Earth.”
She was surprised. “You did? Why? Are you planning to open trade negotiations with them?”
“No. I have the only thing I want from that planet right here in my arms. I sent a message to your ex-husband.”
Stunned, she gaped at him. “Why?”
“To tell him you belong to me now, and that he’d better never dare think about harassing you again. I flashed teeth and snarled a lot. I imagine he pissed his pants if he’s intelligent.”
She laughed, picturing her ex’s reaction to an angry Cathian staking his claim. “I love you.”
“You aren’t mad?”
“No. I wish I could have seen his face though. He probably did wet his pants.”
“I wanted to make sure he knew you were off-limits and I’d defend you with my life.”
“Thank you.”
The doors opened and Marrow came in. “Geez. Not again. You two are always kissing and touching. Give it a rest. Some of us come in here to exercise.”
Cathian lowered Nara and put her down. “We’re leaving. The space is all yours.” He took her hand. “Nara and I will be in our cabin.”
Marrow snorted. “Of course you will. You’re making me want a mate.”
The doors opened again and York came in. “Who wants to spar?”
“Nobody,” Marrow muttered. “Those two are about to go have sex. I came to work up a sweat.”
“Sex sweat?” York rubbed his hands together. “I can help you with that.”
Cathian walked toward the door, taking Nara with him. “I don’t want to know if you two are doing the wild thing, but take it to one of your cabins. Dovis gets pissed if you use one of the general areas. He’s due for rounds soon. You don’t want him to catch you bare.”
They returned to their cabin, and Cathian drew a bath. Nara loved taking one with him. He settled into the warm water first, and she climbed in and leaned against his chest. “This is so nice.”
“It is.”
“This is the life.”
He chuckled. “True. My crew is even happy. I’m not spending my time looking over their shoulders. Instead, I’m relaxing in baths with you.”
“I have no complaints if you want to look over my shoulder.”
He leaned forward a little, staring down. “I love your breasts.”
She chuckled. “I love when you touch them.”
He slid his hands up her body. “Me too.”