Page 74 of Bound

I sit back in a corner out of sight, activating the door as he approaches.

“The procurator has released your credits, along with Blayn’s,” the big bull says. “Something he should have done some time ago, but I suspect the visit from the resistance may have had something to do with it.”

Rych looks down at the credit chip in his hand, but I already know it is loaded with a considerable fortune as its stream of ones and zeros sings to me.

“I need to know about Maxym. We…I mean…I will be staying at the Pompas for a few nova-days, until I know how he is.”

The Xnosson claps Rych on the shoulder. “I’ll keep you informed. He’s a tough one. Destined to die in the dome rather than out of it. He’ll survive.”

“Thank you, captain,” Rych says, ducking inside the transport and looking around for me.

Not subtle.

I push the words down the bond, and he does a terrible impression of being nonchalant.

“I’ll be going now,” he adds, louder than necessary.

Yep, the thoughtbond is going to take some getting used to.

The Xnosson steps away from the transport as Rych takes the controls. The huge doors open and in no time we’re up in the air, flying towards the spaceport.

“How is Maxym?” I ask.

“He took a blow to the head. Given how thick his is, I’m surprised it did any damage,” Rych says, but his emotions whirl despite the words. “He’s with the medics. They’ll fix him up. They always do.”

“And the Pompas?” I ask, sitting beside him.

“You’ve never heard of the Pompas?” Rych grins at me. I shake my head. “There is no dome for you, I can finally treat my mate to what she deserves.”

RYCH

I know Maxym is in good hands at the dome, and the procurator was a gibbering wreck after his visit from the resistance. It seems his dalliance with the Drahon is not one he wants to be public knowledge or to get back to the Tatatunga council.

I can only hope they got the information they needed to do whatever it is they want to do. For my part, I have to nest for my female. It’s a need which is becoming increasingly desperate. My feathers itch like crazy, and my cocks are straining at my pants. Getting to the Pompas seems to take far too long.

“Your usual suite, Rych?” The Yetag concierge meets us on the rooftop landing pad with his customary smile.

“Yes, along with your finest banquet,” I respond, ushering my Chrissie into the building ahead of us. “And I require a service you’ll not have offered before.”

“You are nesting? Our storerooms are at your service,” he says with a short bow.

“I’m…what? How?”

“The Pompas makes it a particular point to cater to all our guests’ particular needs,” he says knowingly. “I can show your mate to a waiting area while you…prepare?”

“I will take her,” I growl.

“Of course.” He smiles, his tentacles flicking with amusement. “This way.”

He shows us into a comfortable room. One wall is entirely clear and the view over Tatatunga as the suns set is impressive.

“I just need to do a few things,” I tell her, unable to stop my feathers from shaking.

“Are you okay?” she asks, pushing down the thoughtbond at me.

But it’s not something I can articulate or even make clear in my own mind, which is swirling with everything thathasto be done.

“I’ll be okay in just a short while,” I respond.

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