Page 12 of Alien's Love Child

"Worth every credit then." I lean against the doorframe, watching him work. His methodical movements are oddly soothing. "Need anything?"

"No." He pauses, then adds, "Maybe more wire strippers. These are wearing thin."

"I'll add it to the list."

The sound of movement draws me toward the cargo bay. Davin's deep voice carries through the corridor.

"Plant your feet wider. You're too easy to knock off balance."

I pause at the entrance, watching as Taluk adjusts his stance. His red scales glisten with sweat, but there's determination in his eyes I haven't seen before.

For a moment, I wonder if I did the right thing. Bringing a stranger on board in the middle of such a high stakes job was risky, but it was a calculated risk.

Glimner isn't an easy planet to traverse, especially with such a wanted criminal in our care. The more muscle we have at our disposal, the better. Still, I have question the wisdom in my decision. Even if no one else does.

"Like this?"

"Better." Davin circles him, his blue skin almost luminescent under the bay lights. "Now, when someone comes at you from the side?—"

Taluk moves suddenly, executing a perfect defensive maneuver that has me raising my eyebrows. Maybe the kid's been holding out on us.

"Good." Davin nods, approval clear in his voice. "You're a quick study."

"Thanks." Taluk's chest puffs up slightly at the praise.

I smile to myself, mentally patting my back for bringing Davin aboard. Taluk is opening up, showing he can still learn. Once we deliver Xander, maybe it's time to stop keeping secrets from our newest crew member. He's proved himself useful enough, and something tells me he could be valuable for more than just defense training.

Davin's eyes flick to me, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Hit the showers, kid. We're done for today."

Taluk spins around, his scales flushing a deeper red when he spots me. "Captain! I was just—I mean, we were?—"

"Training. I saw." I push off from the doorframe. "Nice moves."

He ducks his head, mumbling something unintelligible before practically sprinting past me. The sound of his boots clanking against the metal grating fades down the corridor.

"You've got him working hard." I step into the cargo bay, the recycled air carrying a hint of ozone from their workout.

"He's got potential." Davin grabs a towel, wiping his neck. "More than he lets on."

"Noticed that, did you?"

"I notice a lot of things." His silver eyes lock onto mine, something different in his gaze. The same intensity I caught at breakfast when he passed me the salt without being asked. "Like how you've been watching us train."

Heat creeps up my neck. "Just making sure you're not breaking my crew member."

"Is that the only reason?" He steps closer, close enough that I can smell the subtle spice of his skin.

"Maybe I'm concerned about ship safety." I tap my finger against his chest. "Can't have you two damaging the cargo bay."

"The cargo bay." His lips quirk. "Of course. Nothing to do with the view?"

"Well," I drawl, "the scenery isn't terrible."

He laughs, a rich sound that sends warmth spreading through my chest. "High praise from the captain."

"Don't let it go to your head." I step back, maintaining some professional distance. "We've still got work to do."

"Always work with you, isn't it?"

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