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“I want to lure him out, and I want to use whoever is feeding him information to do it. Gritarr would never let the bounty hunters take me back to the Dominion without bringing me to him first. He’s like that. Always flaunting his achievements. He’d want to throw the fact that he’d captured me in my face.”
Tuhror snorted and rolled his eyes. “He’d probably make a big speech too and force us to listen to the whole damned thing.”
“I heard he’s playing mates with Neyala on Aton Station,” Zharor said. “The Dominion sent him there to recover the Station and keep an eye on the outer planets.”
“I have to find out who is slipping him information,” Kean said. “If they are in my compound, they will regret it.” He looked thoughtful, then pulled something up on his screen. “Aha. I think I have just the mission for you. There’s a Euphora delivery going to Phaeta Outpost.”
“That’s close to Aton Station.” Ulrek steepled his fingers. “Close enough that Gritarr might even decide to try to swing by to say hello.”
Kean grinned. “It is. The rendezvous spot is usually one of the abandoned stations on the moon.”
“Who is the delivery for? Can we trust them?”
Kean waved his concerns aside. “I don’t think we need to worry about the client. Let’s just say the Dominion doesn’t like them much more than they like you. They might help you just to spite the Dominion.”
Ulrek hummed, reviewing the map of the moon in question. “There are several abandoned stations on that moon. If we tell my fleet one time and location, and you give another set of information to those working here, we can figure out where the leak is coming from depending on where and when Gritarr and his team shows up.”
“That would work. An extra ship waiting close by with a loyal crew will be there, should you need it.”
Ulrek checked the date of the mission. “It’s the same date I’m supposed to drop by the supply depots. We’ll leave Delaney and Tahra here when we go.”
“Definitely. I want Tahra as far away from danger as possible.”
When they had all the details finalized, Kean stood. “I’m famished. Let’s pick up some food and find our mates.”
“Your mate?” Tuhror eyed Ulrek. “Did you finally tell her?”
“Soon.” Tonight. She’d have a few days in his suite with him before the mission.He’d have a few days in his suite with her before the mission. Hopefully, it’d be enough time to convince her.
If she still shunned him, he wouldn’t have long before madness consumed him whole. He’d know by tonight. Ifthe Stars were not in his favor, there’d still be time to finish the mission and make sure Tuhror took the mantle of captain without the threat hanging overhead.
“Good.” He turned to include Kean and Zharor. “You tamed warriors go home to your females. I’ll go to the bar. I’m too smart to get tied down by a female.” Tuhror put his hand to his chest briefly, then left.
His second-in-command had no idea Ulrek planned on gifting him the ship should he fail to convince Delaney to be his. It was the best option; he wouldn’t be fit to lead. Even now, he could feel the monster in him clawing to get out, and Delaney had only been avoiding him for a few days. How much worse would it get?
He wasn’t going to let who he was put the people he cared about in danger any more than it already had. His crew was his family, and Ulrek would do anything for them, even give up his position as captain.
They stopped to pick up food and drink to bring back to their living quarters. Kean had kept a private suite for Ulrek on the same floor and wing of the compound as he and Zharor for him to use whenever he was not in space. He claimed it was the least he could do after Ulrek refused the section of Vosthea he’d offered him.
Before stepping into the semi-private foyer that joined their rooms, Ulrek stopped and turned to Kean and Zharor. “I have a favor to ask of you both.”
“Ulrek asking for a favor? That is rare.” Zharor looked surprised.
“If Delaney still rejects me as her mate by the time I leave for the mission, I want you to hide her from me and keep her safe.”
Shock registered on their faces.
“When we first met, she hated me. I’ve already messed up her life once by taking her from Earth; I’m not going to do it again by forcing her to be with me. She ignored me for days on the ship, and I could feel the madness start. I don’t trust myself. I won’t be fit to captain. Tuhror doesn’t know it yet, because I know he’d protest, but the ship will recognize him as captain if I fail to return to its helm.”
Kean spoke first. “I swear to you it will be done. I hope for everyone that you manage to convince her.”
“I hated you for years too,” Zharor said, “simply for who you are. But I have learned that you are not who I thought you were. I’m honored you are trusting me with this. I accept.”
Ulrek relaxed. Knowing that Delaney would always be safe, even from him, gave him peace of mind. “My thanks.”
He schooled his features and walked into the foyer. The females met them inside, talking and lounging on the leather seats.
Ulrek’s jaw dropped when he saw Delaney in the green and gold Tallean-style gown. It wrapped around her curves, shoving her breasts way up on display. Sparkling gems edged the low neckline. A high slit, also accented with gems, showed off her legs, which glowed with gold dust.
