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“Come on in.” Gavin started up the gangplank. “I’ll take you to meet the captain.”
“Wait,” she said, just to be sure. “The job is supposed to be on theNew Horizon.” She gestured to the half-erased name that was now hidden.
Gavin waved his hand dismissively. “You’re at the right place. We go by several names.”
Hmm. Strange. Maybe it was common for ships to change their names occasionally?
The inside of the ship was just as impressive as its exterior. She’d been worried it would be dark and dingy, but it was well-lit, and the corridors were spacious. It didn’t look anything like the images she’d seen of the inside of warships.
As they walked, Gavin explained that their captain had added lots of creature comforts to make their ship a great place to live since they spent so much time on it. Aside from the greenroom, theNew Horizonboasted the latest training simulators from Hullean Vision, a mixed human-Tallean tech that turned the Tallean training simulator into a virtual-reality gaming console.
“The food’s decent too, for space fare. He says it’s because he wants to feed his crew well, but we all know that it’s because he’s a foodie himself. Either way, we’re not complaining.” Gavin gestured toward a door that slid open as they approached. “I’ll be outside where you found me if you want a full tour of the ship later.”
“Thanks, Gavin.” Delaney smiled and stepped inside.
Then her blood froze. There, sitting at the desk, was her sworn enemy. The very Dominion captain who’d abducted her and thousands of others like her from Earth.
No. Fucking. Way.
The captain grinned. “You must be Delaney. Welcome.”
The way he smiled at her accented his trademark Tallean cheek creases. He didn’t bother to hide his fangs, and the predatory glow of his bright green eyes bore into her soul.
He wasn’t wearing a Dominion uniform anymore, and his dark hair was tied back off his face with a few braids scattered in it, a style not worn by the Dominion militia. But it didn’t matter how he presented himself; Delaney would recognize Ulrek of theStellar Fortuneeven if he was dressed up like a clown complete with a red wig.
He stood and started toward her, the giant claws on his feet tapping on the ship’s floor. She took a step back, but the door slid closed behind her, trapping her in the office.
“Welcome aboard theRevenge.”
Chapter 2
Ulrek
Ulrek didn’t miss the look of recognition on the female’s face. She knew exactly who he was. Almost everyone in the galaxy did, Tallean and human alike. That was why they’d had to hide the true identity of the ship while they were docked on Reka 5.
His face had been all over every broadcasting channel since the day he graduated from the academy. Who wouldn’t recognize Captain Ulrek of theStellar Fortune? That had been his ship for years when he’d worked for the Dominion. He’d been their most decorated captain, the best of the best.
Captain Ulrek had been feared and revered everywhere he went in Dominion space. Young males wanted to be like him when they grew up, and females of every species just plain wanted him. The fiercest pirates retreated at his approach, and merchants offered gifts to be in his good graces. Sagas had been written of his bravery, and on the outer planets, his name was used to scare wayward youngsters into behaving.
But that was another lifetime. He wasn’t that male now.
Ulrek glanced down at his portable personal computer. According to the document on the PPC’s screen, the female’s name was Delaney Torres—humans had second names called last names they really didn’t use for daily interactions. She didn’t have any actual experience on a ship but otherwise had all the qualifications necessary for the job.
“You must be Delaney. Welcome aboard theRevenge.”
Oh. Right. He kept forgetting they’d changed the name. Delaney had officially been contracted by theNew Horizon. Oh well, she’d get used to it. The whole crew still called it theRevenge, and he doubted that would ever change.
Her dark hair was tied up in a neat bun at the nape of her neck. She only came up to his mid-chest, but judging by the confidence with which she was directing her vitriol his way, her brown eyes flashing, one would think she towered over him. She looked ready to challenge him to a fight. How amusing.
She was pulling a single piece of luggage. Was that all she’d brought?
“You!” She pointed a finger at him accusingly. “I know you.”
Ulrek inclined his head in acknowledgment. There was no point denying it. He had a policy of honesty with his crew, and if Delaney was going to be a part of it, he had to start immediately.
“Welcome. I’m Ulrek, captain of theRevenge.” He stuck his hand out as per the human custom. He’d picked up a few alien gestures and habits since some of his current crew were from Earth.
The female glared at his hand but didn’t make any move to take it. “How dare you recruit here? Does Ryek or Holden know?”
