Page 75 of Elas

“Don’t sound so excited.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I say with a scowl as I rub my arm. “I’ll be back.”

Dread and adrenaline war for dominance in my gut, but the logical side of me knows if Xeni had talked,they wouldn’t wait for a convenient time. They would’ve shown up at my barracks last night and taken us together.

Logic rarely wins when August is concerned, though, so it’s little comfort.

The receptionist waves me towards the door as I walk into the lobby, and I nod my thanks and knock. “Come in,” Khors responds, and I step inside his office. “Shut the door behind you, Elas.”

“Of course, sir.”

He leans forward with a sniff once I take my seat. “You don’t reek as much of him today, but I still smell the human on you.”

A cocky smile spreads over my lips as I recline in my chair. “I’ve been keeping him busy, sir. If I had known I’d be visiting this morning, I would’ve showered more thoroughly. Please, forgive me for the misstep.”

He’s pleased with the apology like I knew he would be, but seems impatient as he taps his pen on the desk. “Let’s get straight to business, then. I’ve given our conversation more thought, and your idea has merit. The human knows more than he should, even if he doesn’t realize it. It would be best to eliminate the threat before it has time to grow.”

“Eliminate how, sir?” I ask, barely able to keep the rage from my voice as a million thoughts scattershot through my brain. Plans and schemes, and how to sneak August off base before he can be found. Images of the trail of bodies I’d leave behind to get him to safety.

“Moving him to Ljómur seems like the most acceptable answer.” Homicidal thoughts screech to a halt as I refocus on the commander. “He could be useful, and ifhe’s working on the base, the risk of a breach in security disappears.”

“That sounds like a great idea, sir. When would you want to move him?”

“Tomorrow.” That waning panic makes a mad rush back into my system. All those schemes to run off with my mate play like a reel in the forefront of my mind.

“Tomorrow?” I repeat, and my voice has a slight growl I can’t control, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

He nods, still drumming his pen. “First thing. The trip can be made in a day, barring no complications. It’s a prime opportunity for you to search that camp for Ronan.”

Relief makes me dizzy, and I nod as I try to regulate my racing heart. “You want me to deliver him?”

A touch of confusion furrows his brows as he tilts his head at me. “Yes, Elas. You already know about the base, and an officer of your standing has already proven his loyalty.”

“Your confidence in me won’t be wasted, sir.”

He nods again, gesturing outside. “A vehicle is being prepared as we speak. Food and fuel are being loaded for the drive, and once you arrive at Ljómur, they’ll top you off to make the return trip. Stop at the camp before or after you deliver the human, it makes no difference to me. If you want to keep him around for a few more days to wet your dick, just don’t lose him.” He eyeballs me, tapping that incessant pen on the desk. “One prisoner shouldn’t be too much to handle on your own, I assume?”

“Not at all, sir. August is naïve and overly trusting. He won’t be aproblem.”

“Alright, then. Pick up your vehicle from the transport yard and spend the day preparing to leave at first light. It’s unlikely, but if you find Ronan, that takes priority. Bring him to me immediately, the human be damned.”

“Is Chief Aeliphis aware?” I ask, and he nods.

“I’ve instructed her to keep it quiet until he’s gone. The staff are trustworthy, of course, but accidents happen, and if word got back to him, he might try to run.”

“Understood, sir.”

“You’re dismissed,” he says, the words sharp and clipped, but he stands as I do, throwing his shoulders back with a silent challenge in his posture. “Don’t make me regret this, Elas.”

“I won’t, sir. You have my full cooperation.” He dips his head again, and my brain is firing at a million miles an hour as I step into the lobby. The receptionist gives me a packet of information that includes the location of Ljómur and the camp. She hands me a ticket to turn in at the transport yard for my vehicle, and I thank her before I leave.

Outside, I allow myself to breathe the sigh of relief that’s been trapped in my lungs ever since the commander said he wanted to eliminate August. My instincts beg me to run and collect him from the clinic now, but I have to be mindful of the eyes on me. Chief Aeliphis is aware of his transfer and wouldn’t hesitate to complain to Khors. So, instead of charging in and scooping him up, I head to get my vehicle.

The soldiers at the transport yard take my ticket and lead me to a black SUV. “The supplies Commander Khors requested are inside,” a guard says as she hands me the keys.

An idea springs to mind, and I put on my best serious face as I turn to her. “And the tracker?”

“Sir?” she squeaks, her eyes darting away as she squirms. I have no doubt she’s under strict orders to never discuss the trackers with anyone, rank be damned.

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