Page 22 of Primal Bond

But he didn't have the budget for it. The military's budget was stretched thin far before it reached all the way to this far side of the frontlines.

And if Terek couldn't pay for more — well, Zanik wasn't in the habit of charity.

Zanik simply answered the unvoiced demand with an unyielding smile. "Good to hear. Our arrangement remains discreet. No one outside this room will know where these came from."

"Discretion is key," Terek agreed, his expression hardening. "The higher-ups say they want us to be well-armed, but then they redirect our funding into their pockets instead." Hesnorted. "At the same time, they would have my horns if they knew I was dealing with... Well."

Zanik met Terek’s gaze evenly. "We're all just trying to survive in this war."

The General’s eyes narrowed slightly, but there was no malice in them. He knew how the game was played. He gave a curt nod, signaling the end of their conversation. "Take your payment and go."

Kelara moved forward to complete the transaction. Zanik turned, his mind already on his next move.

He stepped up into the Ironclad's cargo entrance, his boots making a muted thud against the metal floor. His mind buzzed with the satisfaction of a successful trade and the anticipation of their next move.

But then he saw it — a flicker of movement behind a crate.

Finn.

The human was peeking out at the deal, those large eyes wide with curiosity.

Alarm shot through Zanik.What in the hells was Finn doing?!

If anyone out there had seen him…

Zanik moved silently but urgently, crossing the distance in a heartbeat. His hand clamped around Finn's arm, yanking him away from the crate and deeper into the ship.

Finn yelped, more from surprise than pain. "Hey, I was just—"

"Shut up," Zanik hissed, his voice low but fierce.

He dragged Finn down the corridor, away from prying eyes and ears. Only when they reached the inner sanctum of the ship did Zanik release his grip, shoving Finn up against a wall.

Finn rubbed his arm, glaring. "I just wanted to see if anyone at the trade was one of Rivek's associates!"

Zanik’s fury flared, a fire stoked by fear. "That intel isn’t worth your life!" he snapped, his voice echoing off the metal walls. "Ifone of the military Borraq had spotted you, you'd bedead. Do you understand that?"

Finn’s eyes widened, but he didn’t back down. "I just thought—"

"Don’t think," Zanik cut him off, his voice a harsh growl. "Just follow my orders."

He could feel his pulse hammering in his temples, the adrenaline making his hands tremble slightly. He wasn't just angry — he was terrified.

A Borraq on the wrong side of the law might parade around a human slave or two, but most of their species wanted humans dead on sight. They were bitter enemies in this war that had claimed so many lives.

The thought of Finn being caught, being killed...

Finn met his gaze, unflinching. "I can help," he said, softer this time. "I know I can."

Zanik’s jaw clenched. He hated that Finn was right, that he was valuable. But more than that, he hated the vulnerability he felt in this moment.

He couldn’t afford to care, couldn’t afford to let his guard down. Not again.

Zanik stood close to Finn, his breath shallow and quick. The human’s scent hit him like a freight train — a mix of sweat, fear, and something inherently alluring. Humans always smelled good, but this... this was different.

This close, Finn's scent was intoxicating, calling to instincts Zanik had fought to keep buried for years. He could feel his blood run hotter, his Borraq instincts clawing their way to the surface.

"Follow my orders," Zanik repeated, his voice rough. "Or next time, I won't be there to save you."

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