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"Huh." She gave the panel a final glance before they moved on.
Up ahead, a grizzled Latharian in rumpled leathers made his way toward them through the crowd. His face split into a grin as he spotted Vaarn. "T'Kaan! What the devil brings you to this rubbish heap?"
Vaarn clasped forearms with him. They’d known each other for years, and had a shared interest in invention. "Trade negotiations. And what trouble have you gotten yourself into lately, Tiir?"
His friend shrugged. "Oh, a little of this, a little of that. You know how it is out here."
His eyebrows rose as he looked at Sadie. "But you seem to be keeping pleasant company yourself."
Vaarn cleared his throat. "Allow me to introduce Lady Sadie, one of the human females under the Emperor's protection and an engineering consultant. My Lady, this is Tiir, an...old acquaintance of mine."
"Pleasure," Tiir said. His sharp eyes darted back to Vaarn. "So what did you think of that artwork back there?"
He tensed, realizing Tiir had overheard their conversation. "Artwork?"
"Yes, quite unique! It's not every day you see such artistry… in the medium of automated station panels." Tiir gave a wicked grin.
"Draanthic," he threw back with a chuckle. "Would that we all see the world with the wonder that humans do. We would be much less cynical."
Reaching out, he slid an arm around Sadie's shoulders, pulling her into his side. He hadn't missed the interested glint in Tiir's eyes when he looked at the little human. Such an action would give the impression of a claim, and ensure she would not be subjected to unwanted attention.
"Well, we must be going. Nice to catch up with you Tiir," he said, steering Sadie away down the corridor. "Drop me a message, we'll meet up for a drink sometime."
6
Sadie's heart rate kicked up a notch as Vaarn's large hand rested on the small of her back, herding her through the crowded space station corridors. Every line and muscle of his frame was tense, and she glanced up, noting the way his jaw was clenched tightly.
The various life forms they passed—creatures and machines of all shapes, sizes, and colors—became a blur as she concentrated on keeping up with his long strides. She had so many questions, but there was only one she could think about.
"Vaarn," she leaned in, keeping her voice low. "Why am I under the Emperor's protection? I don't understand."
He glanced down at her, his silver hair catching the overhead light. His steps didn't falter as he leaned in close enough for his breath to brush her ear.
"All human females are under the Emperor's protection, I reminded Tiir of that fact in case he'd forgotten," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her. "He has connections we can't trust… connections to pirate factions."
"Pirates?" She only just managed to squash a squeak of alarm. The thought sent a chill down her spine. The Lathar themselves were dangerous enough… So what were Latharian pirates like?
He wrapped his arm around her again, pulling her close to his side. She felt safe and warm in his embrace, despite the chill that had settled in her bones.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “You are safe with me. I’ll protect you.”
Her breath caught at the look in his eyes—an intensity that was both terrifying and comforting. She should focus on the danger around them, on the pirates, but something about Vaarn's closeness hijacked her thought processes. Then he smiled, the expression transforming his stern features into something heart-stoppingly gorgeous, and she couldn't think anymore.
"We're here," he said, sweeping her through a set of double doors.
"Yes!" She blinked. "Right, of course! Game faces on."
But she didn't feel less like she had her game face on as he stepped up to a short, purple alien with green hair sitting behind a desk. Swallowing hard, she attempted to gather her composure.
"Chief Engineer T’Kaan of Devan Station," he said. "And Lady Sadie T'Kaan, also of Devan Station."
"Why did you introduce me as Lady T'Kaan?" She hissed in an undertone as the receptionist turned to the counter behind her to find their name badges.
His brows snapped together. "Respect, and as a way of ensuring you receive no unwanted attention here."
"You know that, on my world, giving someone your last name implies marriage?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
His eyes widened slightly. "My apologies. I did not intend to misrepresent our association. Do you want me to correct the name with the receptionist?"
