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“She killed two og’dals, maybe more. And leaked information.”
Zirkov ran his hand down his face. “None of that was her.”
“She may not see it that way.”
“The surgeon sent the implant to the DAA, and GI3 analyzed the video and specs we sent them. GI3 agreed with everything the tekklan scientist told them. The neurosphere can control a person’s actions but it requires a handler, someone to issue orders. No, Warrior. She bears no responsibility.”
“Will she see it that way? Or Earth Intelligence? We don’t know the full extent of her involvement, or even Var’Len’s plans. The humans found an unknown drug in her system. How did she get hold of it, why did she take it, and what effect has it had on her?”
The warrior had been slow acclimating to Earth, but his critical thinking and instincts should not be ignored. “All good questions, Stenikov. Earth Intelligence will scrutinize every part of her life and look for reasons to accuse her of being a traitor. I’ll send a sample of her blood to GI3 on the next outbound ship. The more I know, the better I can protect her. Until we hear from GI3, we assume the drug’s connected to the case.”
“She’s an Earth agent, one of their own. They may not assume the worst.”
With his chin, Zirkov nodded toward the agent guarding her door. “They already have.”
Zirkov caressed the back of her hand. Despite how hard he tried, he couldn’t rid himself of the fear that once he let go, he’d lose her. He desperately wanted to lie down on the bed beside her and pull her in against his body so she’d know how much she meant to him. But he couldn’t do more than sit beside her, with his back to the door. If Agent Morris turned around and saw him being intimate with her, he’d report it. Zirkov couldn’t afford to have the DAA suspect him, too. If he lost his position and access to Earth, he wouldn’t be able to protect Maggie.
“Trust no one beyond our own people right now, Warrior.”
“Understood, Commander.” The corners of Stenikov’s mouth kicked up. “You haven’t let go of her hand since the humans brought her in. Is she your heartmate?”
“No, so get that drekking idea out of your head.” Zirkov still didn’t know how to interpret what had happened between them. He had never used his mating cock before. It had risen for many women, but never once stayed hard for anyone long enough to enter a female. Until Maggie. She could be his heartmate… or his symptoms had changed… yet again. “We had a night together, nothing more. She’s one of us which means it’s my job to protect her.” Even if she weren’t under his command, he’d protect her. Every part of his being demanded it.
Og’dal slavers, coalition allies, had found a way to breach Earth’s defenses. That made what Maggie knew of the highest importance to Earth Intelligence. Once she woke, the DAA would arrest her. And that was only the internal threat.
Var’Len. The male would surface soon, but Zirkov didn’t know the og’dal’s end game.
All of GI7’s human witnesses were in danger as well as Zirkov’s team… especially Maggie.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
MAGGIE
“Once I get my hands on Var’Len, he’s dead,” Zirkov said in that decisive voice of his. “I just have to decide if I make it quick or long and painful for what he did to her.”
That wasn’t like Zirkov, Maggie reflected as she listened to him speak to another male nearby. The second voice sounded familiar. Stenikov.
Who were they discussing? Zirkov never spoke of revenge or making anyone suffer. It was beneath him.
“When do you think he put the device in her head?” Stenikov asked.
“What device?” Maggie’s words came out scratchy. She forced her eyes open to the sight of Zirkov leaning over her with that handsome and serious face, strained neck muscles, and tight jaw. For a split second, fear shot through her. He was in danger, and she didn’t know how she knew that.
“Nice to see you again, Magdalena. You’re safe.”
She rotated her head to see Stenikov. He greeted her with a wide smile. “You’re in L.A. Memorial, Marshal Walsh. How do you feel?”
When she considered the question, dozens of memories, flashes mostly, flooded her head. A naked Zirkov, her body pressed into a mattress, and a blue arm draped over her breasts. She closed her eyes, forcing the memories away. Nothing made sense.
Zirkov brushed her hair away from her eyes, then placed a straw against her lips. “Drink. And don’t talk until you’re ready. You need rest.”
Slowly, she sipped the cool water. This time when she opened her eyes, she noticed monitors and white walls. A hospital.
“Marshal Walsh, do you recognize us?” Stenikov asked.
She nodded, which took effort, but it brought a glorious smile to Zirkov’s face.
“Rest, vasha.”
