Page 51 of Grulen

“I’d say at least as much as Jalaxians.”Abby’s eyes brightened.

“Of course they do.”Morgan shook her head.

Morgan brought out the remainder of breakfast to the dining area before taking an empty seat between Stalad and Kara.The heat from his body seared her thigh and his cinnamon and caramel scent relaxed her.Pouring herself a glass of juice, she glanced at the full table.

The Arona group arrived late the night before, so this was the first time she saw Orkites in the flesh.Like all the other aliens, they were tall and had green skin in varying shades with broad, muscular builds.The tusks seemed to make their jaws look like a big underbite.Horns on all, most with some type of curve, although the females appeared to run smaller.They look like the orcs in Earth’s stories.I wonder if they visited our planet long ago and that’s how the tales originated.

From what she could gather, Niksen, a beautiful Orkite with shiny, decorated braids was the HVT, with Lollek as her assistant.Lollek’s piercing dark eyes watched everything intensely, although she attempted to look disinterested in the rowdy conversation.Two older, scarred guards, Krinir and Fraddar, accompanied the females.

“Lady Niksen’s argument with her father was explosive.”Yaz gestured wildly.“Dishes, food, and furniture flying.”He looked at Tren.“You would’ve loved it.She stomped out with these three in trail, looking aggrieved.”

“They boarded a large transport.What others didn’t see was them leaving through a maintenance conduit on the other side where Crax waited with the crates for them.By the time the ship departed, they were already onboardExperience.”Makai spooned a large pile of scrambled eggs onto his plate.“Crax returned to the hall to the chaos left in their wake.No one suspected the switch.”

“No one will realize they’re missing?”Rain asked as she passed a platter of bacon to Yaz.

“Not for some time.Lord Heggar ordered us to take her to a remote safe house.It takes an additional three-day hike to get to it from the nearest landing area big enough for the transport.It will be a week minimum before anyone realizes Lady Niksen is not there.The four Orkites already on the ship, as well as the pilot, will wear cloaks as they begin their travels to the safe house.Their instructions are to remain there for three weeks.”Krinir’s gruff voice traveled the length of the table easily.He chewed on the fried meat and poured some more juice for himself.

“I scanned everything and everyone when they arrived.No trackers or surveillance of any kind.”Tren scooped up some choppedlobileonto his utensil and made a happy noise.“This is good, Morgan.What do you call it?”

“Hash browns.Thelobileis similar to an Earth vegetable called potato.I added some other vegetables to it to enhance the flavor.”Morgan didn’t react when Stalad’s tail wrapped around her ankle, and he hummed contentedly as he ate.

“It really is close to something we’d find on Earth.”Abby smiled.“I’m glad you like to cook.”

“When I was on Delizas, the chefs at our establishment were kind enough to teach me about many of the foods out here in the galaxy,” Morgan said.

“You worked on a pleasure planet?”Lady Niksen frowned in her direction.

“I had no choice,” said Morgan curtly.

“After morning meal, I will give you all a tour of theFortitudeand explain various safety protocols to our guests.”Makai’s words interrupted the tense moment.“How long before we arrive at Ladorta?”

“Five days,” said Yaz.

“Good.Lady Niksen, you will keep me apprised of where and whom you will be meeting so your guards and I can coordinate resources for your safety.”

The Orkite’s face twisted with displeasure.Dark green highlighted her high cheekbones.

“I can protect myself.”

“Your father hired us to do a job.We will do it to the best of our ability.”Makai’s eyes narrowed, although his voice remained pleasant.

“Lady Niksen, we will not be taking unnecessary chances with your life, not after the recent attempts on it.”Fraddar glared at the female.“You are a skilled warrior.That does not make you invincible.”

Morgan suppressed a shiver at the female’s angry growl.Shit.She’s intense.

Lollek pushed her plate forward and sat back.

“Milady, your primary orders are to broker this agreement.Let the guards and the Wing Raiders handle the security.”

“I dislike being treated like a pup.”Niksen stood abruptly.

Krinir calmly looked at her.

“You are being treated like an important Orkite asset.However, I suggest you stop acting immaturely.It’s unbecoming for one of your status.”

“I am your boss.”

“You are my charge.If you need a reminder, we’ll spar later,” Krinir said with a small smile.

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