Page 131 of Trove’s Purpose

To get Alred’s body, they had to deal with an assassin that wanted to kill them.

And to get their boons, they had to destroy something they all hated anyway.

They’d done worse for less.

That was Trove’s first thought as he considered what they would be getting in return. Because it wasn’t just the boons, they were still getting paid as well. Even better, their expenses were covered. Hyde was offering more than anyone ever had, or ever would, for dangers they had taken on for much less in the past.

Trove knew he wasn’t the only one to have the same thought. A quick look around told him that most of the others had been convinced by the offers Hyde had given them. Goldie, in particular, looked particularly determined.

Tanin looked to one side. Then looked to the other. He caught their eyes and, without asking a single question, understood their stances.

He looked back at Hyde.

“Okay. You have a deal.”

Chapter 44

Chee

Moving around the room, Chee hummed to herself as she gathered all her belongings and packed them up in her old suitcases.

She was going with the guys. Of course, she was. She wasn’t going to let her mate leave without her. It wasn’t even a question.

Her parents were coming here to Hyde’s manor. He was going to take care of them and get them settled on Holotulle. That included making sure they had a place to live, a source of income, a means of maintaining their independence. All of that. Trove promised her that, when they arrived, they’d come to see them and, of course, they’d stop by to visit whenever the ship went to Holotulle.

That was good enough for her. She’d get to spend all day with her father. Her parents would have their life and relationship back.

And she’d have a new life and purpose as a member of the Humble Delivery Service. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do for them yet. But the skills she learned as an event coordinator could definitely be useful in any career.

It didn’t really matter. She’d find a way to help them out. She’d earn her place among the crew. She’d be with her mate, her father would be free.

Chee was practically dancing on air as she moved about, collecting all her belongings.

The last thing she picked up was the picture of her family. In that stupid frame she’d made as a kid with way too much glitter glue. Something completely ugly and absolutely irreplaceable. She kissed her father’s face and squeezed the frame tight.

“You look happy.”

She lifted her head and beamed at Trove. She hadn’t heard the door open. He was standing just inside, leaning against the wall. Looking at her with a tender smile on his face.

“I am happy,” she said, turning to put the picture in her bag. She flipped the lid shut and zipped it all closed. Then, she tapped the top with a satisfied breath of air. “That’s all of it. I left most everything else behind with mom. She’ll probably be getting rid of most of it as well though, when it comes time for her to move out here.”

“What did she say? When you told her about Hyde’s offer, I mean.”

“She didn’t believe it was real.” Chee turned back to look at him. “Don’t really blame her. I didn’t think it was real at first either. But Hyde was convincing. And he put a lot of money into my bank account. It was to help my mom while I was gone, pay for my ticket to Switzerland – which is Earth’s only spaceport right now. And help me just get to him. It was still a risk, I guess, but I was desperate and stupid enough to try. And hey! It worked out!”

She threw her arms around the room, gesturing at everything.

“So, it did,” Trove agreed easily. He walked to her and she used her open arms as a start to give him a hug, throwing her arms around his neck.

“I can’t wait for you to meet my family,” she said. “My parents are going to love you.”

Trove didn’t say anything, but he stiffened suddenly. Chee pulled back, frowning.

“What’s wrong?”

Trove opened his mouth, but the answer didn’t come immediately. He hesitated, looked confused, then alarmed, then pained.

“What?” She asked again.