“You’re ridiculous.”
“Part of my charm.” He pulled her close, resting his chin on top of her head. “So. This is it. This is me. All the pretty things I’ve collected to convince myself I’m worth something. All the maps and charts for a treasure I’ve been chasing my whole life. All the... mess.”
She pulled back enough to look at him. “Are you trying to scare me off?”
“Maybe a little. Give you one last chance to run.”
“Doren.” She cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to meet her eyes. “I’m not running. Not from you, not from this, not from anything. I made my choice.”
“Even though you don’t know where we’re going? What we might face?”
“Even then.” She kissed him softly. “We’ll figure it out together. You, me, and Ari. Whatever comes next, we face it as a family.”
The word hung in the air between them.Family.Such a simple concept, and yet she could see how much it shook him.
“Family,” he repeated, as if testing the shape of it.
“Too much?”
“No.” His arms tightened around her. “No, I think it’s exactly enough.”
From the common area, Ari let out a shriek that sounded more delighted than distressed. They broke apart, hurrying back to find her surrounded by a pile of cushions she’d somehow managed to knock off the couch, her silver skin gleaming as she waved her arms triumphantly.
“I think she approves of the ship,” Emma said.
“She has excellent taste.” He scooped the baby up, settling her against his chest with an ease that still surprised Emma. He looked so natural holding her, comfortable in a way that seemed at odds with everything she knew about his past. “Welcome aboard, little one. Try not to destroy anything too valuable.”
Ari grabbed his ear and tugged. He winced but didn’t pull away.
She watched the treasure-hunting smuggler and the ancient baby he’d accidentally rescued and felt something warm unfurl in her chest. This was her life now. These were her people.
“So,” she said, moving to stand beside them. “When do we leave?”
His grin was sharp and bright, full of adventure and promise. “As soon as Faith has those coordinates. The universe is waiting.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“You’re going to get yourself fucking killed.”
Doren finished checking the cargo straps on the supply crates and didn’t bother turning around. “Good morning to you too, Athtar.”
“I’m serious.” Heavy footsteps echoed through theVagabond’scargo hold as the massive male approached. “The Grorn have resources you can’t imagine. Fleets, informants, and technology that makes this rusted bucket look like a child’s toy.”
“You wound me. And her.” He patted the nearest bulkhead affectionately. “She’s sensitive.”
“This isn’t a joke.”
He turned to find Athtar standing with arms crossed over his broad chest, his white braids catching the dim light of the hold. The big male’s expression was thunderous, which was fairly standard, but there was something that looked almost like concern beneath it.
“I know it’s not a joke.” He kept his voice level. “I’ve been running from various people who want me dead for most of my adult life. The Grorn are just the latest in a long line.”
“The Grorn are different. They don’t just want you dead—they want what you have. And they’re ruthless.” Athtar moved closer, his sheer size making the cargo hold feel cramped. “I’ve seen what they do to people who get in their way. We both have. Entire fucking colonies, Doren. Reduced to ash because someone might have information about the Keys.”
“I’m aware of their reputation.”
“Are you? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re about to fly directly into their crosshairs with a human female and the most valuable infant in the galaxy as passengers.”
His tail lashed in a sharp whip of irritation he couldn’t quite suppress. “What would you have me do? Hide here forever? Wait until they eventually find this place and bring the fight to your doorstep?”
