Page 18 of Temple

“Heads.”

“Good choice. Do you want to start, or shall I?”

“Please. You first.”

Sage extended her rods and looked at the men, who suddenly looked wary. She saw Bailey do something with her fists and heard electricity crackling. Sage went on the attack and started beating the men in front of her.

Groin, midriff, neck, groin, knee, neck, midriff, and so on. She fought hard and beat the hell out of them until one of the three got behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “Got her.”

Bailey’s voice said, “Tag, bitch.” There was a crackle and the smell of scorched skin. He let Sage go, and her friend knocked out the other two.

“Come on. We need to run,” Bailey muttered.

“Lead the way.”

They ran full out through the station. Passengers of other ships kept out of their path, and then Bailey veered, and a ship opened at their approach. Bailey yelled, “Strap in to something. This is going fast.”

Sage got into the ship and strapped into a seat. She heard Bailey getting clearance to leave, the door sealed, and the engines hummed.

A voice came through the speaker system. “We are dropping in three, two, one.”

The ship shuddered, and Sage felt the drop with every inch of her body. Whether this was a good idea or not, she was on her way to the Temple.

* * * *

Zell finished negotiationswith his sibling. “Thank you for being gentle with my sleepy mind.”

Kethen nodded with his consort in his lap. “It is out of most standard pathways, and the Zellic do make nice jewellery. Janessa will look lovely covered in her part of the trade.”

Zell cocked his head. “Mistress, are you Terran?”

Janessa smiled. “I am. Have you met many?”

“Just one. She’s the companion providing me with energy. I plan to visit her after our meeting for a top-up.” He smiled. “We can have a meal together after that if you are willing.”

Kethen blinked. “Of course. We would love to meet with you and your lady.”

Janessa was staring at Zell. “Hon, I don’t think she’s his lady. She’s just a power source. A toy.”

Kethen growled. “She’s compatible with you?”

“Yes. But she’s a companion. They arranged her for me. No persuasion was needed. She just took me.”

Janessa looked at Kethen. “I don’t think I want to socialize this evening. I will grab the shuttle and get to the station. I’ll be in our room on the warship when you join me.”

Kethen shook his head. “No need. I will leave with you. Where is your companion, Zell? I will ask her if she wants to remain.”

Zell felt a shock. “What do you mean? She was hired to be with me.”

Janessa asked softly, “If she’s a companion, what is the timeline? If it is near, we can wait and take her to meet a Hmrain who wants a mate, not just a fuck.”

Kethen nodded. “Let’s go ask her.”

Zell said, “She’s just a companion.”

Kethen said, “Great. Then you won’t mind us taking her so she can find someone else.”

Janessa nodded. “Come on, Kethen. I am guessing you can get us to the top of that tower in under a minute.”

---