Page 2 of Radakk's Mate
With an inward sigh, I glance from the humans to the Darrvasons and back again, watching watching watching. I can’t believe this is my life. I can’t believe I spend my days risking my neck for a cause I’m not even sure I believe in. My father wants to overthrow Captain Warren, but he’s biding his time until the right moment. Or so he says.
But I know my father all too well. He won’t be a better captain than the current one. He’s a power hungry, scheming asshole whose ideas about how to save theJansonnaare vague at best. He sometimes claims to have visions about which direction the ship ought to travel. Oftentimes, he talks nonsense. It frightens me and I hate myself for spying for him. But I’m too scared of what will happen if I resist. I’m too scared to find out whether he’ll let me starve.
Flanked by his command team, Captain Warren rejoins the Darrvasons. The aliens turn to greet the human males, and there’s a triumphant gleam in Emperor Radakk’s eyes. Probably because the alien leader knows he has the upper hand in these negotiations.
He knows he’s already won.
I vaguely wonder why the Darrvasons don’t simply take the women they desire by force. Steal as many as they want. Surely they could swiftly overpower theJansonnawith their fleet of fourteen ships, all of which are armed to the teeth.
“We are open to the idea of offering some of our females to your people, Emperor Radakk, however we have no interest in galactic credits.” The captain pauses as his gaze drifts over the group of Darrvasons. “We would ask that you…activelyhelp us. That you provide us with fuel, supplies, help us repair our ship,andguide us to a habitable planet. I have listed the specifics here.” He passes a tablet to the emperor.
A long silence stretches as Emperor Radakk and Admiral Tornn study the tablet. They eventually pass it to Advisor Yumuf, who reads it quickly, then hands it to another advisor. It goes down the line to all the Darrvason advisors. Only the security officers don’t read it.
Damn. I would love to get my hands on that tablet. All I can think about is how pleased it would make my father. How many meals it would afford me.
Then it happens.
My empty stomach emits a loud, extended growl.
To my horror, every head turns in my direction.
Cold panic resounds within me.
Need to hide. Need to disappear.
But before I can reach the empty box, I’m surrounded by both human and Darrvason security officers.
Oh God, help me. I’m so screwed.
I’ll be lucky if I ever see the outside of the brig again.
Firm hands grip me, and I’m roughly hauled into the open. Into the light.
“A spy! A blasted spy!” The first mate’s familiar voice reaches me, and I cringe because he’s speaking in Galactic Common, meaning the Darrvasons can understand.
What a way to have my cover blown.
To my surprise, I find myself staring directly into the emperor’s dark gaze as he moves through the crowd of security officers. He seems intent on reaching me quickly. His nostrils are flared and his muscles are tense. Over the murmurs of the guards, I think I hear a slight growl escape his throat. All while his narrowed purple eyes remain focused on me.
“Emperor, Admiral, Advisors…” Captain Warren’s trembling voice trails off. “I-I am deeply sorry for this interruption. Please know that our security officers swept the docking bay before your arrival. I am uncertain how this miscreant managed to avoid detection, but I will personally see to her punishment. We take matters of espionage seriously.”
Emperor Radakk suddenly peers at the hands that are holding me in place. To my utter shock, a deep, animalistic snarl rips from his throat. Also to my shock, the noise sends a heated quiver straight to my loins.
“Release the female.” He aims a sharp glance at my captors.
I gasp when they abruptly let go of my arms, and I peer at the door leading to the corridor, tempted to make a run for it. Or die trying.
But before I can take my next breath, the emperor himself grabs me. For a few seconds, all I can do is gape up at him in stunned disbelief. My heart pounds in my ears and breathing becomes difficult. For a moment, I’m convinced this must be a dream—a horrific nightmare—and that I’ll soon awake on the thin, hard mattress that serves as my bed.
The pressure of his fingers digging into my arms tells me it’s not a dream, and my survival instincts finally kick in.
“Let me go!” I rasp.
I struggle. Of course I struggle. But I’m weak from a lack of food, and even if I were at my best, I would be no match for the alien male’s strength. No matter how fervently I try, I can’t escape his hold. I’m also shaking so hard my teeth are almost chattering.
He maintains a steely grip on my upper arms and gives me a scolding look that makes me go instantly still.
My trembling increases as he leans closer and takes a long, drawn-out inhale.
