Page 39 of Her Alien Mercenaries
“So yesterday’s behavior was because you think she’s getting too much attention?” Torren asked.
“Yes. Especially from Sanjin. I thought he actually liked me. I mean, clearly we’re not fated for each other, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy each other’s company. Then last winter he suddenly announces he’s got ananrik, and he’s not interested in spending time with me anymore. In fact, he doesn’t talk to anyone these days. Hasn’t in ages. It’s like he’s a different male.”
“Sanjin is the one with the little produce stand out in front of his house?”
Tani nodded. “That’s the one. He used to live a block over, but he moved this spring. Dug up his garden and all his trees and replanted them in the new place. Told anyone who asked that the soil drained better at the new place. I have no idea what that means.” She heaved a sigh. “I thought maybe he wanted to start things up again, but he barely speaks to me anymore.”
Tani gave them a once-over that left Zanyr feeling thankful he was wearing thick, heavy armor. “I don’t suppose the two of you are… available?”
“We’re not,” Zanyr said so fast he almost tripped over his tongue.
“We’re mated. To Jenna. In fact, we should check on her. Make sure she’s feeling better,” Torren made for the door with Zanyr right behind him. It was time for a tactical retreat.
The female followed them to the porch, but once they were out in the yard, she raised a hand and closed the door.
“That was…”
“Never to be mentioned again,” Torren said.
“Right.” Zanyr was in full agreement.
“I think we need to have a chat with Sanjin next.”
“I agree. Even if we disregard the gossip and excessive sharing of information, something’s off there.” Zanyr thought back to the produce he’d seen. He got the feeling he wasn’t seeing the full picture, but what he could see, he didn’t like.
“Hey, isn’t he the one who gave Jenna the fruit she was raving about?”
“Son of a starbeast. You don’t think…”
Neither of them finished that sentence. They both took to the air. It was time to get some answers.
This time, they didn’t bother with subtlety. Then flew straight over the road and down into the neighbor’s front yard. The second they touched down, they ran for the door and started to pound on it.
No one answered. “I’ll head around back,” Zanyr offered. No way he wanted this male to slip away now. Even as he ran, he spotted Skye and several other palace guards headed their way.
The back door was locked. Lights were on inside, but he didn’t see any movement.
“Sanjin Tav, in the name of the prince and the leadership council, come out. Now!” Skye shouted.
Still no movement. A bad feeling crawled down his spine and settled into his stomach. Was he already gone? Or was an innocent male cowering under his bed, wondering what thefraxxwas going on?
“We’re going in. If he bolts, he’s coming straight at you. Be ready,”Torren sent.
The crash of a battering ram tore through the air. Someone shouted. Footsteps sounded from inside the house. Then. Nothing.
Zanyr waited. And waited some more. This wasn’t right. The bad feeling intensified.
“Fraxx! Get a medic in here now!” Skye barked the order from somewhere inside.
Finally, the back door opened. Torren stood there, looking frustrated and furious.
“Well?” Zanyr asked.
Torren gestured for him to follow. “Come inside. You need to see this.”
One look in the dead male’s bedroom made it obvious why he didn’t want visitors, especially ones looking to spend time in bed with him. There was no bed. Instead, there was a cryo-pod, a desk, an array of monitors, and recording equipment.
“We found our spy.” Skye stood by the cryo-pod. Lights flashed across the main panel, and the viewport was obscured by heavy frost.
