Page 18 of Pursued By the Dragon Alien

Something cold settled in Razion’s gut.

He didn’t want to hear this. Didn’t want to acknowledge it. But Krask wasn’t wrong about one thing—Lilashadgotten under his skin faster than she should have. There was something about her, something sharp and alive, that pulled him in despite himself.

And that? That was a problem.

Razion exhaled sharply, forcing himself back into control. “I’m not compromised,” he said. “But I’ll keep my distance. Let her settle in. Put some space between us.”

Krask studied him for a long moment, then gave a slow nod. “Good.”

Razion rolled his shoulders. Hewouldput some space between Lilas and himself. Let her find her footing with the crew, focus on her own life, and hopefully stop being such a distraction.

Because that’s what she was. A distraction.

Razion turned away from Krask and fixed his gaze on the holo-display. Too much was at stake right now to let himself get caught up in anything unnecessary. They were getting closer to the truth about the Axis’ dealings, and Lilas—whatever he might feel about her—was only a small piece of a much larger puzzle.

So he’d back off. Keep his distance.

And prove, to himself and to Krask, that he was still in control.

SEVEN

Lilas

Lilas sat stiffly on the edge of the examination table, watching as Vedd moved a sleek silver wand over her arm. The device sent an unpleasant tingle through her skin, but she kept herself still, even as her muscles twitched with the urge to flinch. She didn’t like this. Being studied. Scrutinized.

She flicked her eyes up to the iridescent male in front of her. “Alright, Vedd,” she said. “You want to tell me what exactly you’re doing?”

Vedd didn’t look up from the scanner, his expression as easygoing as ever. “Looking for implants,” he said, sliding the wand lower, over her ribs. “Genetic tampering, too. Anything the Axis might’ve left behind.”

Lilas narrowed her eyes, but her pulse kicked up. “And if you do find something?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

She had no way of knowing if the Axishaddone something to her—implanted something, altered something. Had they? Certainly not that she knew of. She kept her expression carefully blank, but inside, dread coiled around her gut like a vise.Because if theydidfind something, if there was more to her past than even she knew…

She wasn’t sure she wanted the answer.

Vedd grinned, his dark eyes flashing with mischief. “We toss you out of the air lock.”

Lilas went still.

Vedd barked a laugh. “Relax, Terian. That was a joke.”

“Not funny.” She exhaled sharply, scowling at him.

His smirk didn’t fade as he continued scanning, moving the wand over her stomach, up toward her collarbone. “I thought it was pretty funny. But seriously, if there is an implant, I’ll remove it. Genetic stuff would require a little more examination to see if it is a threat to this crew.”

Lilas shifted on the edge of the table, watching the scanning wand hover near her collarbone. The sensation crawling over her skin wasn’t painful, but it was enough to make her twitchy. She narrowed her eyes at Vedd. “Did Razion tell you to do this?”

“Not exactly,” Vedd said, his tone casual as he moved the scanner lower. “It’s not uncommon when we pick someone up. We don’t like surprises on this ship. And before you ask, no, Razion doesn’t think you’ve got anything implanted in you. But it never hurts to check.”

Lilas exhaled slowly and let her shoulders relax. “Would’ve been nice to get a warning before I was hauled in here.”

Vedd grinned. “And miss your reaction? No fun in that.”

Lilas rolled her eyes. “Well, glad I could provide entertainment.”

“I do appreciate it,” Vedd said, moving the scanner down her spine. “So, while we’re here, tell me about the others.”

She frowned. “What others?”

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