“In that case, I agree.”
Colette left with the doctor, and Cade fought to not follow, not because he wanted to escape, but because he hated her leaving his sight. He stiffened as the door slammed shut.
Jaspar glared at the locked portal, switching to his native tongue—easily done with the embedded communicator—and growled, “I don’t like her being without protection.”
“The humans won’t harm her.” Cade replied in the same language.
“They had no issue locking her up. They are so obstinate, and I’m getting tired of waiting.”
“As am I. When do we stop being docile and show these humans warriors deserve respect?” Cade had played nice long enough. The Krampusonians would be here soon. Despite the fact the Earthlings hadn’t agreed to an alliance, if they were going to defend this planet, they needed to return to their ship.
“It shouldn’t be long now, assuming Beta’s subterfuge worked.”
A startled Cade glanced at Jaspar. “Explain.”
“Before beaming me down, Beta ensured I brought two devices. One which I gave to the general so she could contact the ship. The second was a transponder that I only barely managed to affix to an electrical conduit when the guards looked away for a moment. Beta was going to try and infiltrate their network via the current.”
“It must not have worked, since we’re still here.”
“The AI did warn that it might take a bit of time, as their programming is more complex than expected, given they didn’t write it in the same language our computers are used to.”
“What does getting into their system do for us, though? It’s not like we can beam out. The installation is too far underground.”
Jaspar shrugged. “I don’t know, but I didn’t think it would hurt.”
With Colette gone and able to speak without anyone the wiser, Cade finally asked, “Why did you leave the ship? Wasn’t this scenario the reason why you stayed behind in the first place?”
The rebuke led to Jaspar grimacing. “I’ll admit I didn’t think it through properly. I expected the humans to be grateful for the warning and to want to collaborate on a way to eliminate the threat. I miscalculated.”
“They are a suspicious bunch,” Cade muttered. “And it will cost them everything.”
“Us, too,” Jaspar added more quietly. He glanced at Cade. “You copulated with Colette.”
Warriors didn’t lie. “I did.”
“But didn’t bond?”
He shook his head.
Jaspar sighed. “Is it wrong I wish to fornicate with her again?”
Cade’s lips twisted. “If you’re wrong, then so am I. I’ve never experienced anything as satisfying.”
“Me either.” Jaspar hesitated before adding, “Once we do escape, what are we going to do about the fact we both want her?”
Cade made the suggestion that had been brewing in his mind. “How do you feel about a triad?”
The resulting reply wasn’t a punch to the face. They might have spoken more on the subject, but a familiar voice came over the speaker.
“Hello, Commanders. You can speak freely, as I’ve disabled the humans’ feed for the cell.”
“Beta?” Cade couldn’t help but sound surprised.
“Yes, it’s me. Sorry for the delay. Are you ready to escape?”
“Yes!” the males shouted.
“Good. We don’t have much time. The Krampusonians are here.”
