Several long minutes stretched by in absolute silence, broken only by the distant hum of the space station’s systems and the occasional clatter of debris skittering about in the artificial breeze. I half expected the Zarpazian to walk away and abandon us to our fate. Instead, the dumpster suddenly lurched away from the wall with a harsh, protesting screech, creating just enough space for his imposing frame to step forward. He extended one large hand toward me, his palm turned upward in the universal invitation of assistance.
I placed my trembling hand against his much larger one, marveling at the unexpected sensation. His skin radiated a delicious warmth that seeped through my flesh. Far warmer than any human I’d ever touched, which seemed strange for a creature covered in scales. The texture beneath my palm was surprisingly smooth, almost silky, with just the faintest hint of the individual scales that created such mesmerizing patterns of color.
“Thank you,” I whispered hoarsely, as I shifted Lilibet’s slight weight to rest more comfortably against my hip, making her easier to carry despite my growing tiredness. Her luminous green eyes studied our rescuer with curiosity without displaying even the faintest trace of fear.
The alien’s mesmerizing azure eyes, deep as the ocean and just as mysterious, studied my face with an intensity that sent unexpected waves of tingling heat cascading along my nerve endings. The sensation felt both thrilling and terrifying, awakening something I’d thought Qurbaga had destroyed forever.
“Tell me the true reason Prince Qurbaga’s mercenaries are hunting you,” he commanded softly.
For a fleeting moment, I considered fabricating an elaborate tale, spinning a story so horrifically tragic that even the most cold-hearted soul would sway in sympathy. Yet as I gazed into those impossibly deep blue eyes, nothing but the raw, painful truth formed on my tongue.
“My name is Jolie. I am—I was—one of Prince Qurbaga’s harem slaves,” I confessed, the words tasting like ash in my mouth. The way his features twisted with revulsion gave me the courage to continue. “Lilibet’s mother—she’d been pregnant when they killed her mate and enslaved her. She died when Lilibet was born.” I glanced down at the small girl cradled against my chest, noting how she remained completely transfixed by our alien savior, her innocent gaze drinking in every detail of his face. Gently, I pressed her head against my shoulder and carefully positioned my hand over her ear, desperately wanting to shield her from what came next. “We’ve been prisoners of Qurbaga for years, but a few days ago I discovered his plan to present Lilibet as agiftto one of his business associates....” My voice cracked. “I couldn’t allow that to happen.”
The expression of disgust that transformed his handsome features told me he understood exactly what kind ofgiftI meant. “What is your plan?” he asked, his voice now carrying a dangerous edge.
I gestured toward the facade of the restaurant looming behind us. “I’ve heard rumors that the Ardeese Valout—Space Pearls, especially — helps abducted humans escape. I planned to wait until closing time, then slip inside and ask for help.”
His gaze flickered from my face to the restaurant’s dimly lit rear doorway and back again. I could almost hear his thoughts whirring behind those mesmerizing eyes.
“Thank you for helping us,” I whispered, reaching out to lay my hand on his muscled forearm. The warmth radiating from his skin was intoxicating, and I felt the delicate scales beneath my palm flutter in response to my touch. “We won’t impose any longer.” I couldn’t stand the thought that by helping us, he’d put himself in danger.
I turned to make my way deeper into the shadows, hoping to find another hiding place where we could wait until it felt safe to enter Space Pearls. In my arms, Lilibet gave a faint shudder; whether from cold or fear, I couldn’t tell.
“Wait!” His voice rang out, rough with emotion.
When I turned to face him, he squared his shoulders and drew himself up to his full height, every inch of his seven-foot frame radiating power. I had to crane my neck back to keep my gaze locked on his face.
“My name is Diarvet, captain of the Zarpazian battle cruiserEden,” he declared. His scales rippled through a spectacular display of colors—deep blues flowing into brilliant golds and bright pink and back again like a living aurora. “I give you my solemn vow that I will keep you and the youngling safe and help you escape.”
I believed him.
Chapter 4
Diarvet
I couldn’t explain the fierce protectiveness that surged through me toward the human and youngling. It was all I could do not to launch myself at the Wojonik when they dared ask about them, my claws itching to tear into their throats. Revulsion churned in my gut when I discovered the female was a harem slave, knowing the horrors and degradation she must have endured. The Kwado were notorious for their vile, twisted appetites. Yet somehow, it hadn’t shattered her spirit. Fire still burned bright in her deep brown eyes, defiant and unbroken. The youngling was absolutely adorable. The way she gazed up at me with those wide, innocent eyes, so completely trusting, as if she believed I could shield her from every evil in the universe. It made something deep in my chest tighten, made me want to be worthy of that faith. Unable to resist, I reached out and gently snagged one of her spiraling pink curls between my fingers, the silky strand catching the light as a radiant smile bloomed across the youngling’s face.
Jolie watched the movement with predator-like intensity, her eyes tracking every subtle shift of my fingers through the pink ringlets. Wariness radiated from her posture, shoulders rigid as coiled springs. The protectiveness she showed for a youngling not her own caused a strange warmth to bloom in my chest.
“Why would you want to help us?” Her voice carried a tinge of disbelief, as though life had taught her to question every kindness. She studied me like a puzzle she seemed intent on solving, her gaze searching my features for any hint of deception.
“TheEdenis one of three ships under Alliance auspices to rescue abducted humans,” I explained. I hoped the mention of the Alliance would ease the lines of worry around her eyes.
It didn’t. Instead, she tensed further, her slender frame going rigid as her expression sharpened into something almost feral. “I won’t go anywhere without Lilibet.” The words came out fierce and protective.
“Of course not,” I soothed, keeping my voice low and reassuring.
“So, you’ll help us get to Space Pearl’s unseen?” She asked, watching me. When a flicker of unease crossed my features, she pounced on it immediately. “What?”
“I do not think Space Pearl’s is the safest option,” I said carefully, not wanting to add to the burden she already carried.
As if sensing the tension, the youngling reached out with chubby fingers and snagged my fingers, still tangled in her curls. Her cherubic face lit up with an innocent smile that could melt the hardest warrior’s heart.
“Why not?” Jolie’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.
“You are on the run from the Kwado Prince,” I explained, watching the color drain from her cheeks. “There are more political ramifications in rescuing you from him than in rescuing you from a merchant or slaver. Without Jala and Praxxan’s help, I fear it will be difficult to protect you on the space station.”
“Who are Jala and Praxxan?” The question tumbled from her lips with genuine confusion.
