Two cycles later

 

Nanu studied his friends, glad of a distraction from his craving for Jazen. His body cried out for her, his dreads vibrating enough to rattle the beads decorating the ends. His gums ached and his cock rose to prominence, ready for mating every time she entered his chamber. Worst of all, the compulsion to get his courtship gattoc in order was driving him crazy.

He’d have to come clean with his friends because the nesting instincts meant finality for him and Jazen. Without her, he would decline, his inner beast desperate for the satiation of sex with the one he’d chosen as mate.

His friends—Ry in particular—would understand, but they’d ask questions, and Kaya would tease him unmercifully. He clenched and unclenched his hands, forcing his mind to focus.

“What is your opinion of Jazen?” he asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

Camryn frowned, as did Kaya, and Nanu’s gut bucked in alarm. He wanted his friends to approve of his future mate because he hated to envision a life away from his adopted family and Viros.

“She asks a lot of questions,” Mogens replied first. “Some of them dip into nosiness.”

Kaya puffed out a breath. “Yes! It’s almost as if she’s seeking information about one or all of us.”

“I ask her questions in response,” Nanu said, disloyalty swelling inside him because a tiny part of him doubted the woman his inner beast craved. One of them had to be levelheaded and reasonable, though, and until the beast prevailed, that had to be him. “That usually makes her stop. She is close-mouthed about her past and doesn’t even discuss her earlier patients in generalities. That’s strange, right?”

Ry scowled. “I checked her references myself. Why is she raising your suspicions? What questions is she asking?”

“She wants to discuss our adventures and what we did before arriving on Viros. She asks about the people we’ve met and who is on the crew.” A muscle in Nanu’s jaw twitched and a trace of disloyalty had him hesitating. No, she might present a danger to the crew—his friends. He continued. “Will she meet them all? Are they all professional warriors?”

“She asked me similar questions,” Kaya said.

“Me too,” Camryn added.

Ry strode to the chamber door and peered into the passage. “Mogens, is there a way to keep her busy with Ransom while we talk in private?”

“I mentioned bathing Ransom,” Mogens said.

Nanu attempted to restrain his growl and failed. His dreads vibrated hard enough to rattle his beads.

His friends studied him in surprise.

“You haven’t fallen for her?” Kaya asked.

Nanu tried for impassive and judging by the concern in his friends, he failed. “That is something else I wish to discuss.”

Mogens stalked to the window and peered out at the sky. A ribbon of black seeped into Mogens’s cheek as he faced them again. “I will speak with Jazen and organize several tasks to keep her busy. Bad omens. I must consult the clouds.”

“As a precaution, we could ask a favor from one of the Incorporeals. Get them to place a communication bubble around Nanu’s chamber to halt eavesdropping. They might grant us this boon if we explain the circumstances,” Camryn suggested.

“I will speak to Niran,” Ry said. “You’d better comm Jannike and have her standing by for our discussion. She should have a say in our upcoming work schedule even if she can’t leave the palace.”

Ry reappeared with Seedric, the Incorporeal who had found Nanu after the crash, and he set up a privacy bubble for them, that somehow allowed them to still speak with Jannike. Nanu lacked understanding of how the race managed their magic, but they were excellent allies.

A three-dimensional figure of Jannike flickered into prominence, and it was almost like seeing the statuesque blonde in person.

“Whoa!” Kaya blurted. “I’ve seen huts smaller than you.”

“Yes. Yes! I can’t see my feet.” Crankiness radiated from Jannike as she waddled, her enormous stomach drawing the gaze. “I require help to don my shoes. My temper is nasty. Please, do not toy with me this cycle, or I will exert my queenly powers and toss you in the palace dungeon.”

Kaya sniggered, and Jannike’s gaze switched to deadly.

“I understand your tension and uncertainty. It won’t be long now,” Camryn soothed, stepping in to calm the stormy atmosphere.

“Twelve more cycles, according to Mogens.” Jannike’s grumpy expression didn’t ease. “I am counting the cycles.”

“Twelve to fourteen cycles,” Mogens corrected.

“We’re ready,” Ry said. “Thank you, Seedric.”

The Incorporeal pressed his palms together and inclined his head. “You are welcome. The barrier will last until blacklight.” He blinked out, leaving them alone.

“What’s going on, Nanu?” Ry asked.

“I believe Jazen is my mate. No, she is my mate since my body is changing and I have an urge to prepare my gattoc.”

Ry snapped to attention. “Your mate?”

“What is a gattoc?” Camryn asked.

“A mating custom of the Indra race. Essentially, it is a mating bower—a private place where a couple cement their bond.”

Curiosity blazed in his friends, and Nanu sighed.

“I haven’t told you much about Indra, my home planet and why we left. You accepted Yep and me as crew and became friends, and you’ve never asked for details. You let our work record stand. We appreciated that more than anything.”

“We’re not Jazen,” Kaya informed him.

“I understand, which is why her constant questions strike me as something more.” He closed his eyes briefly and centered his mind. Talking about his brother still hurt. “Yep and I left after a powerful commander zapped us with a death sentence. A wealthy corporation runs Indra, and they wield immense power. Yep was friendly with the wife of one of the corporation leaders. When Yep learned the leader beat his wife and tortured her, he agreed to help her leave. Her escape upset the leader. He discovered Yep and I helped her leave Indra and manufactured charges against us. He had her murdered and accused us of the atrocity. The charges stand. I am a wanted man with a price on my head.”

“Good to hear.” Kaya winked. “If you ring for me with that stupid bell thing, I can dob you in.”

“Kaya,” Jannike said in her imperious queen tone. “What else, Nanu?”

“You’re no fun now that you’re the queen,” Kaya complained. “The power has gone to your head.”

Camryn raised her right hand. “Shush, we need to finish this discussion before Jazen realizes we’re conducting a meeting. Continue, Nanu.”

“The atmosphere on Indra is different. It has special properties that start the mating process. When a male of my planet reaches maturity, they physically change. A compatible female will awaken the beast inside them. Once this happens, the male experiences an urge to prepare the gattoc in readiness to capture their mate.”

“What changes?” Mogens demanded, his eyes alight with interest.

“Jazen is your mate?” Ry asked. “You’re positive?”

Camryn scowled. “Capture?”

The questions came quick and fast. Nanu understood Camryn’s distaste because the Indy crew had abducted her to train their hell-horse. Her capture hadn’t gone well until she and Ry had become mates and she’d forgiven him. “Yes, unfortunately Jazen has awakened my beast since her arrival. The changes…” He paused and wrinkled his nose. “My hair transforms to tendrils and becomes a weapon, capable of choking a creature to death in close combat. My teeth become sharp and I will feed on her lifeforce at times.” He hesitated, then decided on full disclosure. “My cock develops extra ridges that will help to stimulate my mate during sex, I lock in place to ensure a fruitful union.”

“Fruitful union?” Kaya stroked one pointed ear, intrigue written in her features. “Lock in place? How? For how long?”

“Long enough to ensure the mating is successful,” Nanu said, taking the easiest explanation.

Kaya cocked her head. “Are you a vampire?”

“I am not.”

“Are you taught this from a young age?” Mogens asked.

“When we reach the age of twelve rotations, the males of the family or sometimes the wider tribe, take us on a retreat and teach us about what to expect. Each rotation they teach us more. My training wasn’t complete when Yep and I left, so I’m clueless about some of the process.”

“This Jazen is your mate,” Ry repeated.

“Yes,” Nanu said, his lips twisting. Trust him to make life difficult for all of them. “I don’t trust her constant questioning, but she has awakened my beast.”

Jannike absently stroked her belly. “What happens if Jazen doesn’t want you?”

“She does,” Nanu stated with certainty. “She sneaks peeks at me. I’ve caught her doing it. Besides, kissing furthers the mating. I have glans beneath my tongue, which become inflamed.”

“You will not kiss or touch that woman until we investigate further,” Ry ordered.

“That advice worked well for you, captain,” Mogens pointed out. “I warned you about contact with Camryn.”

Camryn blushed and Ry flashed a quick grin before his features settled into serious again. “Kaya can keep an eye on you until we make a final decision.”

“What? No!” Kaya burst out. “No, I won’t do it. He rings that stupid bell incessantly. If I have to babysit him, I’ll commit murder.”

“I heard the reward on my head is dead or alive.” Nanu’s lip curled into a grimace. “I’m more valuable alive, but you should receive currency for my dead body, if you take me to Indra. My family might even retrieve my body and give me a proper pyre.” His wistful tone didn’t go unnoticed by his friends. He had a good life, doing something he loved with his friends, yet he missed his previous life. Not that his family had approved of his and Yep’s actions.

“Nanu! You’ve written your last letter, the same as the rest of us,” Camryn chided. “If you’ve stated your wishes, we’ll follow them without deviation. We promised each other—a blood oath.”

Nanu smiled, more naturally this time. “I apologize. My inner beast is making me retrospective. Honestly, I’d do the same thing again. My people might capture our mates, but once the mating takes, we treat our partners like queens.” For an instant he recalled the corporation man and his abuse of his wife. He had come from a different planet.

“Your confinement to the sick room presents a problem. Will your inner beast become uncontrollable?” Ry asked.

“I—”

“Nanu’s leg has healed beautifully. I believe he can now exercise his limb, so he won’t need a bell for much longer and can leave his chamber.”

“We’ll investigate the woman from Viros. Lynx and Shiloh have contacts who might have heard of her,” Jannike offered.

Ry struck his finger against his right thigh. His black trews rustled with the rhythmic taps. “I’ll conduct investigations from here too. If we’ve all noticed her questions, something is stinky about her.”

“Fishy,” Camryn said. “You have the wrong Earth-speak.”

“Whatever,” Ry said with a shrug, going with more Earth slang.

“What if the information comes too late?” Nanu asked. “I can’t switch off my beast at will.”

“If you promise to let Mogens have control of that stupid bell I’d volunteer to act as your cock-block,” Kaya said cheekily. “I’d be happy to loll around and get chamber service while supervising you.”

“I can’t wait until I’m fully fit.” Nanu glared at Kaya. “We can spar, so I can drop you on your head.”

“You can try,” Kaya snapped.

“Nanu,” Mogens said, fingers of black writhing across his cheeks and jaw, showing his unhappiness with the conversation. “I can’t believe she is spying on us. Her nursing capabilities are adequate. She is no stranger to the job.”

“I checked with Ransom’s family and the servants. She is asking them questions too,” Kaya said. “Are you sure your beast wants her?” Tiny lines of amusement fanned out from her blue eyes. “Is that what you call your thing?” She gestured at his groin.

“No.” Nanu sighed because they didn’t understand. They would soon. “It’s not a joking matter. If I don’t get Jazen to my gattoc, I’ll become violent and unreasonable. As far as my beast is concerned, the mating process has begun. It happened the first time we met.”

Ry straightened to his full height. “How violent?”

“I’ll attack anyone who tries to get between us. My body mass will increase, right before I snatch Jazen and take her to my gattoc. I’ll be much stronger than normal and will stay that way afterward.”

Ry arched a brow at Mogens. “Have you heard of this?”

Their seer and medic shook his pale gray head. “No, but I intend to consult the clouds to ascertain the future. They will help me discern a reasonable course of action.”

“You didn’t think to inform us earlier?” Jannike demanded. “That we might have made a plan to handle you and your beast.”

“I’m well past the age of mating on Indra. Yep and I were both past the age.” Pangs of regret pierced him when he remembered his deceased brother. “I’ve traveled extensively on the Indy, and never found a mate. It didn’t matter because I have friends, and I appease my sexual needs whenever I have the opportunity while understanding I’ll never have the chance of offspring.” He marshaled his thoughts, and a sense of wonder flooded him. “Now I will have Jazen.”

“You don’t trust her,” Ry snapped. “That’s a problem.”

“I could leave—”

“No,” Ry barked.

“No,” Camryn snapped.

Jannike glowered. “No.”

“You and I are the last singles standing,” Kaya said, every hint of her earlier amusement vanishing. “You can’t leave.”

“I agree,” Mogens said. “We must find another way.”

“You said you’ve tried asking her questions about her background.” Camryn plonked onto the end of Nanu’s bed.

“She’s as evasive as me,” Nanu replied. “She has secrets or something she doesn’t wish us to discover.”

Ry paced in the confined space until Camryn grabbed one biceps and hauled him to a halt. “We’re missing something. We have skirted the law with some of our freight shipments. Perhaps we’ve crossed the wrong people before.” He raked a hand through his black hair. “But nothing untoward has occurred recently.”

Jannike shook her head. “We have had no problems since we based ourselves on Viros. All our cargo has been legal.”

“That doesn’t mean someone from our past isn’t trying to put us out of business or cause chaos,” Camryn commented. “There were those pirates that attacked the Indy not long after I joined you.”

Ry shook his head, “No, that had nothing to do with Jazen. That was my brother causing problems.”

“Where would you build this gattoc thing?” Kaya asked.

Nanu stared at his bandaged leg, breathing deeply to keep his beast tranquil. He craved Jazen, and he found it difficult keeping his hands to himself. “If I lived on Indra, I’d build my gattoc on family land.”

“I’ll talk to Lynx and Shiloh,” Jannike said. “Maybe Jarlath. Is this gattoc thing a permanent fixture?”

“Not necessarily. My father and uncles built an outer shell—one that was weatherproof and secure.” Nanu twisted his lips. “Sometimes the mating isn’t something the female wants.”

“Are we considering helping Nanu to kidnap a woman? A stranger we haven’t researched?” Camryn demanded.

Ry eyed Nanu. “You’re certain you’re at the crunch point?”

“Yes.” His friends did not need to learn of his X-rated imaginings for Jazen.

Camryn still radiated disapproval. “What happens after the gattoc thing?”

“I’ve never heard of a mating failure once the couple reaches the gattoc,” Nanu said. “Jazen won’t want to leave me once we’re done.”

Kaya made a scoffing sound. “The all-powerful beast wins.”

“Something like that,” Nanu said.

“But that doesn’t remove the problem of trust,” Ry stated. “What do we do? We can’t have someone around who is seeking to destroy us.”

“But if I leave—” Nanu offered again.

Camryn jumped to her feet. “No. That is one option we’re not taking.”

“Then we move ahead,” Jannike said. “We investigate Jazen and figure out a working plan for Nanu. How much longer will he be off work? Once Nanu gets this Jazen into his gattoc thingy, we must have answers. Somehow, we must win her over and gain her trust.”

Everyone eyed Mogens for the answer.

“Another seven cycles to be certain the bone has fully healed. He can exercise the limb now—gentle exercises to strengthen his muscles.”

“They have become flabby,” Kaya inserted.

Nanu rolled his eyes and didn’t bite. “Are we replacing the tender?”

“Already on it,” Jannike said. “We can borrow one from Shiloh and Lynx until we buy a new one.”

“We have savings we can use to buy a new one,” Camryn added. “No problems there.”

“I’m more worried about why it failed,” Nanu said. “I’m concerned about the way it crashed. Was it the mine or something else? So many unanswered questions about the mine we discovered.”

“Don’t worry,” Ry said. “I intend to investigate the crash. Gryffnn has asked me to inspect the mine and research the crash on behalf of the dragons. We’ll do that as soon as we arrange a replacement.”

“I wish I could help,” Jannike said mournfully. “Lynx and Shiloh are watching me like one of those catnip plants.”

“I heard that,” a masculine voice grumbled.

“Can we borrow a tender from you until we can get a replacement?” Jannike asked. She gasped without warning and held her stomach.

“What is it?” Lynx, the king of Viros, appeared behind Jannike, his holo popping into Nanu’s chamber.

“It seems I erred in my calculations. It is time for the birth,” Mogens said.

Jannike paled. “No! Mogens. Camryn, you promised you’d be here with me.”

“Change of plans,” Ry stated. “We’ll leave now. Nanu, can you hold things together until we get back to Viros?”

“If Jazen is on the ship with us.” Nanu reflected on leaving without her and rejected the idea. No separation. A snarl escaped him, gruff and angry, and it echoed within his chamber. “Having her on a different planet will upset my inner beast.”

Jannike cried out and clutched her belly, taking the focus off him. “You won’t make it back to Viros in time.”

“We will,” Camryn promised. “Lynx, take her to the medical wing. Jannike, fill them in and warn Gweneth about Jazen. She chats with everyone. Explain something is hinky with Jazen, to stay on her guard.”

Jannike’s answer was a pained groan.

“What is this hinky?” Lynx asked in the mystified tone he often possessed when discussing Earth words.

Jannike gasped and straightened. “I shall explain. Please hurry. I can’t do this without you.”

“Cross your legs,” Kaya ordered. “We’re on our way.”

“No you’re not,” Jannike snapped. “You’re still chatting.”

Jannike and Lynx blinked out of the chamber without warning.

“Right,” Ry said. “Listen up. This is what we will do.”

* * * * *

Something was up, and she was missing the drama because of her stupid nursing duties. Jazen completed the massage on the dragon shifter as fast as possible without skimping on his treatment. He was a handsome man with his untidy black hair and serious muscles. Yet he didn’t make the lifeforce race through her body while one glimpse of Nanu had her breathing lurching into a choppy pace, her traitorous body prickling in expectation and her mind filling with foggy lust. Not the ideal situation when she needed clear thoughts and focus to gain information from Nanu and his friends.

The dragon shifter who had helped her with Ransom remained in the chamber instead of departing as per his normal procedure. Frustration curled through her, and she willed him to leave. He remained at the thick wooden door, almost her guard rather than the dragon’s. She cast him a suspicious glance.

Footsteps rushed past the chamber. Thump. Thump. Thump. Another set of footsteps sprinted, indicating an emergency.

When the dragon shifter remained at his post, she risked a question. “What’s happening? Is something amiss?”

“Nothing is wrong,” the dragon shifter informed her without opening the closed door to investigate the situation.

Her comm buzzed, and she wiped the massage oil from her hands before glancing at the message.

Have you decided to lend me the money yet? My window of opportunity is closing. If I don’t hurry, someone else will buy the property.

Jazen muttered under her breath and resentment crept into her. Chobe had earned decent currency hunting down those with warrants on their heads and taking contracts to assassinate those who caused trouble.

He’d crowed about his profits from his last assignment where he’d taken down a bigwig in the Reidhurt Corporation. Jazen pulled a face. She hadn’t asked for further details. Here, ignorance suited her best. After her first assassin contract where she’d learned the man had been innocent, and his wife had wanted him dead to mate with another younger male, Jazen had stuck to bounty hunting and capturing those with outstanding warrants.

She studied Chobe’s message again. Grata! Her brother not only earned plenty, but he had expensive tastes. If he’d saved part of his earnings as she had, he’d have plenty to buy a home for his wife and child.

She tapped a rapid reply. You told me you no longer required a loan.

I reconsidered. You’re right. Going to money-lenders is a bad idea when you have the currency.

He’d attached a depiction to his message, one of him with his wife and son. Each bore a wide, joyful smile, and Jazen couldn’t maintain her grump in the face of their happiness.

Chobe had made himself a family, something she’d never imagined for either of them. Her irritation with him eased. He should seek security. Wasn’t she intending to claim her own slice of sanctuary as soon as she reached her savings goal? Would it matter if she sought one or two more contracts? Azarious would graciously accept the commission. Stars, he’d offered her a position training other budding warrant-takers because he approved of her methods and her resounding success.

“I’m finished with Ransom for now.” Jazen placed her comm in her pocket and worked to keep the bite from her tone. She rounded the large gel-bed with its pristine white covers and marched toward her jailer with determination. The thick ruby-red rugs covering the floor spoilt her stomp, and the shifter merely cocked one black brow.

“It’s time to check on my other patient,” she stated, throwing back her shoulders and lifting her chin in her best don’t-mess-with-me attitude.

Before the dragon shifter reacted to her challenge, someone tapped for entrance. The dragon shifter tensed, raised his head to sniff and relaxed.

Friend or acquaintance, Jazen surmised as he readily opened the door.

“Ah, there you are,” Kaya said. “You need to pack your things.”

Jazen stood taller, anger pushing at her. Aware of the need for professionalism, she sucked in a deep breath and grasped for her inner calm. “Why? I have done nothing wrong.”

“We have to make an emergency visit home. Nanu will need your services during the journey to Viros.”

“But what about Ransom?”

Kaya tapped her foot. “Gryffnn will arrange temporary help. Once Nanu no longer requires your services, you can nurse Ransom if you wish. Hurry, we leave as soon as you’re packed.”

“As you wish,” Jazen managed, projecting more calm instead of releasing her crazy burst of excitement. Perfect. A plan falling into place. Access to their ship might yield more clues to Amme Vanak’s disappearance.

“I’ll help you pack.” Kaya grasped Jazen’s arm and tugged her three steps before Jazen dug her heels into the thick rug.

“What is the hurry?”

Camryn and Ry appeared at the end of the corridor.

“Are you ready to leave?” Ry spoke curtly, his dark brows drawn together.

“I’m ready.” Kaya scowled at her. “Come or not. We don’t care. Whatever your decision, we’re leaving for Viros.”

The door to Nanu’s chamber opened, and Mogens exited with Nanu a few steps behind him. Nanu limped with the aid of crutches, and she’d been right about his height. He stood a head taller than her. His hair appeared different too. The light perhaps? Ah, he’d removed some of the beads he’d worn at the ends of his fat dreads.

“Go ahead,” Mogens said. “Seedric has promised to help us get to the Indy. We’ll probably arrive there before you.”

“All right,” Jazen said. “Let me grab my bag.” She raced past Mogens and Nanu to the chamber two doors down. She unlocked her door and darted inside to grab her bag.

“You lock your chamber? Why?” Kaya’s blue eyes flashed, and her suspicion increased when she noted Jazen’s already packed bag. Her mouth tightened, a hint of bright blue highlighting her high cheekbones.

Without warning, the woman radiated danger, and Jazen eyed her warily. She scrambled to supply an answer. “Some of my jobs…my employers consider my services come with extras.”

“Fine, you can tell me about the ass-hat men during our journey to Viros.” Kaya’s stance softened a fraction but Jazen didn’t kid herself. She’d need to tread with care while onboard the Indy since the crew appeared more intelligent than the beings she usually dealt with. They were protective of each other in a way she hadn’t witnessed. Their welcome had been lukewarm, and they continued to treat her with suspicion. It frustrated her, but patience would net results. It always did. According to Azarious, she was a master at building trust and wriggling seemingly unimportant pieces of information free to complete a capture.

She would not fail.

 

The Indefatigable was an immense ship, and once Jazen boarded, she saw the exterior hid surprise additions to increase performance. She’d learned something about ships while hanging out with the fly-boys on Cahedro. That job had been one of her more memorable ones.

“This way,” Kaya ordered, taking Jazen’s arm.

Jazen jerked her forearm free and straightened her uniform. “Where should I put my bag? How long will the journey take?”

Kaya directed her along a narrow corridor painted a cool, pale blue. Unusual. Most ships came in one color. Gray. The corridor led to the bridge. When they entered, Mogens and Nanu were already present, and from the sounds of it, they were amid an argument. Their discussion ceased when she and Kaya entered the bridge.

Nanu blinked, the rigidity leaving his muscles. He dropped onto a seat and leaned his crutches against an instrument panel.

“Jazen, you’re here.” Nanu’s amber eyes glowed in a weird manner. She blinked at his warm smile and then wondered if she’d imagined the unearthly shimmer.

“How did you arrive before us?” she asked.

“Never mind that. Sit. Sit.” Kaya pushed Jazen into a chair. “I’ll strap you in.”

Jazen batted Kaya’s hands away. “What is wrong with you? I can do it myself.” She clicked the seat harness into position. “Would someone explain why we’re in such a hurry?”

They exchanged a quick glance before Mogens answered. “The queen is giving birth. Camryn and I must be present.”

“The queen of Viros?”

“Yes,” Kaya snapped. “What is it with you and questions?”

Nanu growled and everyone froze. Jazen stared at him in bemusement, and he pinged back the intense regard until Mogens ambled to a position that blocked their connection. Strips of black slashed across the white of Mogens’s face, but Jazen had become used to the seer’s changeable moods. If only she recalled where she’d seen Nanu. Her brain plucked through her memories, yet nothing gelled. Most frustrating.

Ry and Camryn bustled onto the bridge.

“Mogens, is Nanu up to flying?” Ry plonked his butt on the seat next to Nanu.

“Nanu can act as the pilot for part of the flight,” Mogens instructed as if he were captain. He regarded Nanu, and Jazen imagined Mogens’s pale violet gaze drilling into him. “You will inform me when you tire.”

“Yes,” Nanu promised.

He sounded meek, but Jazen couldn’t tell for sure because Mogens stood in the way.

“Give me your bag,” Kaya ordered. “We don’t have junk on the floor of the bridge. It’s dangerous.”

Unwillingly, Jazen handed over her belongings. Apart from the weapons in the false layer beneath her clothes, she stored nothing incriminating. But still… After living at the brothel, she hated to lose sight of her possessions. There were too many beings with light fingers and no scruples, ready to steal and on sell for profit.

Camryn sat on the seat to Jazen’s right and buckled the harness into place. Nanu also buckled up and commenced the pre-flight sequence.

Kaya reappeared and took the seat on Jazen’s other side, and the Indy took off, almost before Kaya had strapped into her seat.

The air of urgency set Jazen on edge. She watched the green planet of Narenda grow smaller in the viewport. Her skin itched, a signal of danger, yet she failed to pinpoint the exact source of her unease. She scrutinized Camryn, then Kaya.

“What’s wrong?” Kaya asked, intercepting her peek.

“I…nothing.” No, she had to ask questions, to understand. “I don’t understand why we are in a hurry.”

“We told you,” Kaya said. “The queen is giving birth. She ordered us to come.” A grin flashed. “Used her queenly powers and mentioned dungeons with big biting insects. We decided to obey.”

Camryn let out a rude snort. “Kaya, you try pushing out twins and see how you enjoy the experience. Jannike needs reassurance. She supported me, and I can do nothing less for her. She is our friend and crew mate.”

“You’re personal friends with the queen?” Jazen had learned the crew based themselves on Viros, and she’d heard rumors about royal connections, but she hadn’t believed them.

Kaya didn’t reply. She merely stared at her, a mocking twist to her lips that made Jazen’s hands curl into her thighs, the urge to punch the pointy-eared woman almost getting the better of her.

Jazen inhaled to the point of bursting and pushed the breath back out while focusing on the back of Nanu’s skull. His strange hair lifted a fraction, the fat strands writhing from side to side. Jazen gave her head a hard shake and refocused.

His hair hadn’t wriggled.

It had not.

Her imagination conjured one of the snakeill nests common in the markets of Cahedro. A delicacy the locals cooked into a thin soup. Personally, after seeing the creatures hiss and sway, she wasn’t a fan.

Jazen stared at Nanu again. Nothing extraordinary happened. Her mother had always stated her imagination rivaled a seer. Her next breath contained wild herbs and the sweetness of honey. The tension seeped from her muscles, and she relaxed enough to concentrate on her job. Information. It was a scarce as the native Cahedro dodo bird, yet she required more to ascertain her next step. Should she give up this lucrative contract and seek another? Other hunters had tried and failed to locate Amme Vanak.

Jazen risked a peek at Kaya, met her glare and decided to quiz Camryn. “How long have you known the queen?”

“Several rotations,” Camryn said.

Jazen waited, and the pause dragged out. Frustration stalked her mind. Most people rushed to fill the empty space with their chatter. Camryn did not.

“Jazen, your references state you worked in Cahedro for a time,” Ry said. “What is your opinion of the job prospects on Cahedro? Is the spaceport large? We’re always searching for trading opportunities.”

“I heard you have a business contract with the dragons.”

“We do.” Ry batted the conversation back to her without adding more.

“I nursed an elderly lord until he died. I didn’t sightsee on the planet.” Jazen stopped adding details. The less she lied, the easier to keep her fibs straight. “Where will I be staying while I’m on Viros?”

“With us,” Camryn answered without elaborating.

Jazen got the message. They didn’t intend to proffer information or answer her questions. Urgency had made her push too hard, and now she paid the price. She pulled out her comm and occupied herself with a quest game. Normally, she’d play the 3D version, but she didn’t wish to draw further attention.

Nanu and Ry discussed weather conditions and journey times and how hard to push their ship. Dull procedural stuff. She stopped listening to concentrate on her game.

“We’re out of orbit now and into hyper-speed,” Nanu stated.

Camryn and Kaya unbuckled their harnesses and Jazen closed her comm and followed suit.

“I’ll show you your quarters,” Kaya said. “And give you a tour.”

After a quick tour, where she learned she was sharing a cabin with Kaya, Jazen settled in the rec room—painted in the same blue as the corridor, this one had actual paintings, rendered by the artist directly onto the walls. Each seemed to depict foreign lands with unfamiliar races and scenery. A unique way of recalling places they’d visited. When none of the paintings yielded clues, she studied the holo unit, the food station and other things, which were a mystery to her.

Her comm buzzed, and she pulled a face at the screen. Yet another message from Chobe.

When can I have the currency? You will lend it to me, right?

Huffing, she replied in the affirmative. She’d take another contract to replace her savings. One large contract might even be enough. I have funds in my account. I can transfer quarter of the amount you need. The rest is in my bank vault and I must visit in person.

A transfer to Chobe would stop the incessant messages and allow her to focus on her task. And since her success had been minimal, she’d search through the files for other outstanding warrants.

When can you send it?

As soon as I reach Viros. I’m between planets.

Viros? Lots of wealthy marks there.

Jazen snorted, imagining his whistle and the glitter that would leap into his narrowed black gaze.

When will you have the rest?

What? Didn’t she rate a thank you? The trail has gone dead. I intend to search through the warrants again. I might find something else that I can cash in on quickly. Why can’t you take up a contract instead of hassling me?

Viros! Try getting cozy with one of the society marks.

The air hissed from Jazen, and her temper rose. She refused to prostitute herself to raise currency for her brother, and he had a phrullin’ cheek insinuating she should.

I could offer you the same advice. Some of them enjoy males. She shut off the communication part of her comm. Chobe knew her opinion of prostitution. They’d run away to avoid becoming trapped in that life and now her brother expected her to sell herself to help him. Grata, this was a mistake. If he wanted to buy a property, he should earn currency himself!

The longer she stared at Chobe’s message, the higher her temper rose. Lucky for her brother, this conversation wasn’t in person because the temptation to dent his pretty face clenched her hands to tight, white-knuckled fists.

Enough.

He owned the skills to raise the funds himself. He kept coming to her, treating her as his personal banker. Giving him her hard-earned currency was teaching him nothing. Grata, she’d yet to hear his thanks!

Her vision narrowed until red haze filled her sight. She gripped the comm so hard, the casing creaked.

“Is something wrong?”

Jazen started. She hadn’t heard Camryn enter the rec room. “No. Family stuff,” she added because Camryn’s expression showed doubt at Jazen’s denial.

“Where do your family live?”

“We used to live on Grumseics, but my brother is living in Cahedro at present,” Jazen said.

“I have a brother,” Camryn replied. “They are annoying sometimes.”

“Yes.” She didn’t even try to withhold her irritation.

“If you want to talk, I’m willing to listen,” Camryn said.

“I-I…thank you.” Nonplussed by the offer, Jazen stuttered. “That is guaranteed to put me in a bad mood. He wants me to give him a loan.”

“Ah. Oh, well. The offer stands. I came to ask you if you’re hungry. I’m making sandwiches for everyone.”

“Sandwiches?” She’d never heard of that food and learning about a new type piqued her interest.

“Come to the galley. You can help me make them,” Camryn said.

Sandwiches, she discovered, were practical and delicious, much like pies. They made a change from the bowls of gruel and stew she ate in marketplaces and dives during her work assignments. Perhaps she could make these sandwiches as an alternative to pies. If she hated gruel and stew, others would too.

After her meal, she settled in the rec room on a seat with a view of the entire space. She’d notice anyone approaching. She’d use the free time to search through the warrants. See if anything popped.

She scanned the open warrants from the Beasley Corporation based on Ijiot and noted several fugitives with residences on Viros. The main city on the planet was also called Viros. Jazen studied the information packets on the city and planet, refreshing and supplementing the information she’d gained during her short stop there before leaving for Narenda. A king and queen ruled Viros, their home the castle at the summit.

Oh! The royal family comprised a triad, and a duke dwelled in the same residence as the king and queen. Interesting. She hadn’t known that.

The castle lay in the center of the city and the rest of the populace lived on the lower ring roads that wove down the rise until they reached the surrounding walls and ran out of space. Those with rank and importance lived near the castle while tradesmen and those with less standing lived farther down the hill. A central bank of steps connected the different levels. If the place had fortified walls, and the military noted arrivals and departures, that might hamper her freedom.

If she captured a fugitive, she’d leave via the first public transport for Ijiot. She read further, confidence in her fledgling plan growing. After the newest king had taken power, he had built a spaceport. That would make her life easier once she captured a fugitive.

She ignored the pang in her chest at leaving, of never seeing Nanu again.

Don’t get emotional, Jazen. A successful warrant-taker locks away his or her personal emotions and finishes their job.

The mantra instilled in her by Azarious, her trainer, flashed into her memories several times each cycle, and she grimaced. Something about Nanu pushed her off her normal stride. The man teased and asked many questions. It had become difficult not talking about her true life, the lies she spouted as a natural smokescreen jabbed at her mind and itched her throat every time she uttered one. That had never happened before and destroyed her equilibrium.

Impatient with her dithering and wishful dreams, she clicked over to the Camgib Corporation and flicked through those files. She scanned details of the crimes, last reported whereabouts and the size of the bounty. Any with connections to Viros, she marked for further investigation.

Her comm signaled an incoming call from her brother, and she clicked ignore. She’d had enough of him demanding she finance him. This time he’d gone too far with his joking insults. He needed to take responsibility instead of relying on her.

Jazen recommenced her scanning, noting the details on automatic pilot. She thumbed past an old warrant after noting the details didn’t make it attractive and jumped to the next before her mind caught up with her fingers. The warrant showed a young man who resembled Nanu. She gaped at the depiction and reread the details. Her mouth widened in shock at the size of the bounty. Her hand trembled and her comm wavered. Blinking, Jazen read yet again, taking in the details. A joint bounty for Jaipur Sidish and his younger brother Ganga Sidish.

The man, along with his younger brother, had murdered the wife of a high-ranking official. They’d flown the woman off her home planet of Indra, killed her and attempted to cover up the crime. Secondary charges of abduction added to the bounty on the brothers’ heads. To encourage success the leader of the Indra Corporation had increased the size of the bounty each rotation.

Jazen stared at the man’s face, comparing what she knew of Nanu. The name wasn’t correct, but beings changed their names all the time, for many reasons. The face and the hair were similar. Her pulse raced a little faster, and she swallowed.

Every instinct screamed that Nanu and Jaipur Sidish were the same man. She could forget her search for Amme Vanak. Nanu’s bounty was worth three times more, and the man resembled a ripe fruit, in front of her for the taking.