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“I’m doubly so over you and Hope. I heard there have been protests on Kalquor since you’ve been outed as commanding the station’s defenses.” Kila stepped back and looked at the smaller man.
It was easy to worry about Piras, almost as much as he did for Hope. It barely mattered the Dramok had been known as the “Terror of the Fleet” even before he became so hated. The wily bastard had cheated death more than his fair share because he was that damned smart and that damned resilient.
Kila didn’t care how tough he knew Piras to be. He was still Kila’s Dramok, and therefore, his responsibility to keep safe.
Piras had a delicate build compared to many Kalquorians. His elegant features, except for an overlarge jaw, gave him a fragile aspect when he wasn’t shouting at his underlings in a towering rage. Kila’s gut churned to think of those who wanted Piras’ blood.
His Dramok’s dismissive wave failed to ease his worries. “No one here has gotten in my face yet. I received a couple of threatening coms, but they were traced and the callers hauled in for questioning. One was on a colony at the other end of the empire, hardly an immediate danger.”
“It’s those who’d sneak up quietly I worry about.”
Hope and Lokmi had finally finished their reunion. The dark-haired woman who was the heart of the clan imperiously shoved between Kila and Piras to greet her Nobek.
“Ease up, big guy. Piras was well protected while you were gone, though it wasn’t needed. No one tried to approach him.”
Her lips were soft on Kila’s, waking certain parts that had missed her special warmth. For a second, he considered delaying his concerns in favor of picking her up and taking her to the sleeping room. Then again, laying her on the rug there in the greeting room would be just as good. Or bending her over the back of the lounger…
He regained control over himself as the kiss ended. “Who kept an eye on our fearless Dramok? I’d like a word, in case it’s necessary to tap him again.”
“It won’t be. He’s gone, and he isn’t returning.” Piras turned from Lokmi, whom he’d greeted in turn. “We’ve brought in a few more spies to operate locally here. A new bodyguard took over a couple of days ago when Lidon left.”
Kila froze. Lidon? Piras’ ex, the Nobek he’d courted to be his clanmate for fifteen years before Admiral Tranis showed up? The Nobek Piras had still been stuck on when Kila had come on the scene?
“What the fuck was he doing, guarding you? He doesn’t live here…he’s all the fuck away on Kalquor…why wasn’t I told you brought him in?” Kila’s shout made Hope cover her ears, but he couldn’t rein it in.
A deadly calm settled over Piras, and a small part of Kila’s mind registered how it was usually Piras who yelled and Kila who countered problems with quiet calculation. Not this time. He was shaking and searching for something to throw and break.
“I had nothing to do as far as bringing him in, my Nobek. Tranis sent him. We were shorthanded here where spies were concerned—”
“Tranis couldn’t send another bodyguard? Yes, he sure as shit could have. It didn’t have to beLidon.”
“I agree, but he was already on his way when I found out. I couldn’t have—”
“Yes, you could have. You should have sent him packing the second you saw him. You’re equal rank to Tranis.”
“The order was countersigned by Hobato. I wasn’t given a choice.”
“How convenient,” Kila seethed.
Piras’ temper was at last kindled. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” he yelled, taking a step toward Kila, his fists clenched.
Lokmi grabbed him. “Enough, both of you. Settle down.”
Though his designation was Imdiko, Lokmi had a generous helping of Dramok as well. It came through in his voice, the natural command that made everyone, including Piras, pause. For an instant, silence held.
It didn’t quiet the storm in Kila’s head. Lidon had been Piras’ bodyguard in his absence, and Piras hadn’t told him. He’d had ample opportunity to do so during their frequent coms, but he’d kept quiet. For weeks.
Kila turned on his heel and walked out of the home he’d been so desperate to return to.
Chapter Four
Earth II
“…and I think it’s safe to say, Earthers are back, baby!”
Kuran’s ears rang as the crowd roared its approval, interrupting Stacy’s speech yet again. The rally to open her campaign to switch from Earth’s appointed leader to its first elected governor had kicked off, and it was crowded by supporters.
She and the other leaders of Earth II, chosen by the Galactic Council of Planets, had gotten the planet off to a great start. They’d had the help of many other species belonging to the council, but Stacy had done everything possible to make sure humans had picked up the torch when possible. Her approval ratings were good, but they didn’t guarantee she’d continue to shepherd Earth II through its infancy. The months of campaigning would be long and no doubt difficult as other candidates threw their hats in the ring.
