Part 28 (1/2)

”Will do.”

Galene smiled as she saw the paperwork she'd filed go through. ”Is there anything else I need to do?” she asked the female Tavali.

”No, Commander. It's pretty much standard from here. Everything checks out. While this isn't quite the normal procedure, I can't see a reason why this shouldn't post immediately. Our goal is to place as fast as possible, so we're happy to facilitate all inquiries.”

”When will I have an answer?”

”We should have official paperwork cleared within a few hours. Once you have notice, you can take possession immediately.”

Joy rushed through her at that. She couldn't wait to surprise Fain with the news. ”Thank you. I can't wait.”

”No, thank you. We appreciate your interest and hope to have this finalized no later than the morning.”

”Wonderful!” Galene hung up. Yes, this was a big commitment and change, but it was one she wanted.

For Fain.

No, for all of them. Watching Felicia with Talyn had reminded her so much of her youth, when she had made those plans with Fain. They had been robbed of sharing Talyn's childhood together. But she would make it up to Fain.

Starting now.

Her link went off. She picked it up, and bit her lip as she saw the message from Venik. This was the most important of all. Please, please be a yes...

With a deep breath, she opened his text with breathless antic.i.p.ation.

Commander, You insult me with such a request. The Tavali does not let our Rogue pilots go. Hauk owes t.i.the to me and I'm not about to give up such a valuable a.s.set. Do not waste my time again with any more ridiculous inquiries where he's concerned.

H.A. B.V., Lord Porturnum Tears blinded her as she read the cold, callous words and felt her hopes and dreams crash and burn with each one. So much for freeing Fain from Venik's service.

He was right. Brax would never let him go.

Leaving the center, Fain walked the metal corridors with a deep feeling of severe trepidation. Everyone he pa.s.sed, he wondered if they were the traitor. Who would be so stupid? The Tavali weren't like other Nations. They were a highly trained, fierce warrior culture that was supposed to hold honor sacred above all. While they didn't hesitate to screw over non-Tavali, you were never, ever supposed to do harm to those who flew under Tavalian Code and Canting.

It was an automatic death sentence. The only reason Ven had gotten away with what he'd done to Fain was because he'd done it before Fain had earned his own flag. And it was why Ven hadn't blown his head off since. Why he might threaten to, but always backed down from actually pulling the trigger.

At this point, there would be an inquest and Ven would have to answer for Fain's death. He'd have to justify it to the UTC or lose his own Canting and standing.

And Fain knew what Ven did.

He wasn't worth it. So, for now, he was relatively safe from Ven's threats. Provided he didn't push his owner too far. There was a point where Ven wouldn't care, and would react without reason. Luckily, Fain hadn't found that point-of-no-return yet.

”Hey, Hauk.”

He inclined his head to Kareem's older brother, Stanis, who looked more like his Qill mother than his half-Andarion father. He was one of the few Tavalian who was almost equal to Fain's ma.s.sive height and build. ”Hey, Stain. Didn't realize you'd made it back to the station.”

”Yeah, just docked. Was headed in to say hi to my dad. What about you?”

”Coming off s.h.i.+ft and headed for RNR.”

Stain nodded. ”You look like you could use some.”

”Yeah, haven't slept much. There's been some weirdness going on.”

”That's what Kareem said. Heard you had a run-in with The League in the middle of our territory.”

”I did, indeed. It was a bold move on their part.”

Stain laughed. ”Definitely. Glad you made it out.”

”Not half as glad as I am.”

”Hear, hear, brother.” Stain s.h.i.+fted the package in his hand to the other arm. ”Well, I'm off to pay respects. See you around.”

He inclined his head as he watched the shorter male walk away. While Fain had never envied Ven his position or money, he had always envied him his family. Four sons and four daughters, all brilliant fighters and pilots.

And Malys Venik was no slacker herself. An incredible Qillaq warrior, she was hopelessly devoted to her husband and children. But she wasn't the most affectionate of women. Because she came from a warrior culture even more severe than the Andarions, it left her a bit cold and even less maternal than his own mother. Fain had often suspected that was what led Ven to occasionally find comfort with others when his wife was away for long periods of time.

Either that, or a death wish on Ven's part. If Malys ever learned of his dalliances, there was no telling what she'd do to her husband. For one thing was a given about all Qillaq females.

Their males only cheated once.

Why Ven would risk it, Fain couldn't imagine. He'd have given anything to be so lucky. And with that thought on his mind, he entered his side of the condo first so as not to startle his new roommate.

The door that joined his quarters to Galene's was ajar.

An awful feeling went through him. That wasn't like her. While she'd said that she would leave it open, that just meant she wouldn't lock and bar it. Not that she would actually open it like that. Galene didn't like open doors. She never had.

This can't be good.

Please, please be okay.

Drawing his weapon, he crouched low and pushed the door open with his foot.

His heart hammering, he froze at what he found there.

Chapter 11.

G.

alene looked up with a gasp to find Fain pointing his blaster at her. She held her hands up, afraid of his intent. Faster than she could react, he dropped his weapon straight to the floor and rushed to scoop her into his arms.

”You're all right,” he breathed raggedly in her ear as he held her with trembling arms. He laid his head against her shoulder and held her so tightly that she could barely breathe.