Page 96 of Guardian's Destiny

"Weapons?" Vraax asked Garth.

"Enough to arm a small army," Garth replied.

Vraax held out his comm. "Let me pay you."

Garth shook his head. "Just come back and entertain us with a good story; that will be payment enough."

"I don't like being in someone's debt," Vraax stated, and I elbowed him in the side.

"Thank you, Garth, that is more than generous," I said while glaring at Vraax.

Garth nodded and led us outside, where two ships were waiting for us. The one we had come in and another, new one. My gaze darted from Garth to Vraax. "Didn't you request two?"

"He did." Garth's face scrunched up. The sun was about to sink beyond the horizon, and the last rays of it were hitting Garth's skin, making him appear like he had been carved from metal. "I ordered two ships…"

Perplexed, he looked around. "Ryggs," he called another Pandraxian over, "where is the second ship?"

Ryggs reached us, and I recognized Garth's second-in-command. "It took off a little bit ago," Ryggs answered. "Is something wrong?"

"Someone stole?—"

Vraax interrupted him, "It's alright. Our guests took it just as planned."

"Guests?" Garth's eyes narrowed at Vraax. "What didn't you tell me?"

I interfered, "I'm sorry we didn't tell you," apologetically I glanced from him to Silla, "but this is top secret emperor business."

"Daryus?" Garth asked.

I nodded.

He didn't look happy, but I didn't blame him.

"I'm sorry. I'm sure he'll fill you in." I added lamely.

"He better," Garth grumbled.

I felt strangely bereft. Zapharos had taken off without saying goodbye. I wasn't sure what I had expected, but… it sucked. I still had so many questions, which I was sure he would have refused to answer, still… damn him. Somehow, though, I couldn't fight the feeling that our paths would cross again.

VRAAX

I collectedthe Ohrurs from theircelland whatever else Sloane and I might need while she, Garth, Silla, and Tucker explored our new ship. I wasn't happy about Tucker being aboard with us; there was something about the human male I didn't like or trust, but I understood that he wanted to see his sister, and I was willing to bet that Nova would have my hide if I didn't bring him along.

I wasn't sure if I could spend several days with him aboard the ship without a physical altercation. He seemed the type. The type that needed constant reminding on where he stood on the food chain and, as far as I was concerned, he was very low to the bottom. Even more so if he didn't stop grinning that idiotic grin at Sloane or if he dared touch her again. I had nearly pulled his head off his shoulders for doing so in the first place.

Asshole.

Once we got our goodbyes said—I hated the idea of owing the Lord Protector, but he wasn't giving me a choice in the matter—and the ship set course to Darlam, I found Sloane and Tucker in the breakroom.

"… fuck yeah, I remember Mulligan," Sloane said as I entered.

The two of them looked way too cozy, sitting across the table from each other, drinking something Silla had provided, and laughing. Sloane had never shied away from cursing, but I didn't like the way her voice had lowered a few octaves and curses were flowing from her lips more frequently.

I walked over to the two of them and planted a deep kiss on Sloane's mouth. I was sure she would call my behavior primitive style, but I couldn't help it. The human male needed to know that Sloane was mine.

"I missed you," I said loud enough for him to hear.

Her eyes glinted with mischief, the damn female knew exactly what I was doing. "I missed you too. Come sit with us."

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