Page 147 of Tanin's Treasure
“I’m not!”
“I’m-?”
“You are!”
Garnet screamed, bouncing on the bed. Goldie screamed, spinning in a happy circle. Alred screamed, appearing beside her and doing the same. Goldie laughed, shoving him. His light form couldn’t be touched, of course, but he pretended to be sent flying into the wall as though hit by an enormously strong force.
Garnet threw her legs over the side of the bed. The rings flashed at her, mad she was escaping, before quickly jumping to the head of the bed as Garnet stood. She ran, throwing her arms around Goldie. The two of them laughed and screamed in excitement as they bounced around. All around them, Alred was popping off little fireworks that made Garnet laugh harder while Goldie oohed in appreciation for the display.
Garnet was pregnant. It was still super early, but Goldie finally learned how to get the scan that precise in order to find out. It was a big step for her.
And a huge step for Garnet and Tanin. She couldn’t wait to go tell him!
Chapter 43
Tanin
“Captain Ikvar. To what do I owe the pleasure of this comm?”
The keeper on the other end glared at him through narrowed eyes. “Where did you go so fast?”
“Well, our station leave was rather ruined by your intrusion into our mating,” Tanin said calmly, giving him a hard look. “So, we figured we’d just start making our way to Hir-Fallow. We have an appointment for an upgrade to our subspace generator and shielding.”
“Oh, really?” Ikvar asked, disbelief dripping from his words.
“We do. You can even check. Had it for a while.”
“Did you know that King Gissrn has gone missing?”
Tanin cocked his head. “I thought you said you were having him watched? I think your keepers need some better training.”
“I don’t mean missing from my keepers. I mean he’smissing. No one has heard from him in days. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
Tanin held out his hands as if to show him they were empty of guilt. “I was either holed up with my female or stuck with you the entire time I was on Tin-Fallow. Unless you mean to suggest that he was in the room with me and Garnet – and I assure you, he wasnot. We’ve disconnected from Tin-Fallow and no one has met up with us since. Which I’m sure you know, since I have no doubt that you’re watching us too.”
Ikvar continued to give him a dull look. “Tanin, answer the question. Did you have something to do with his disappearance?”
“I didn't lay a hand on him,” Tanin assured him easily. “Don’t you think I would have dealt with him from the beginning if that was my intention? I’m sure I’m not his only enemy though. Why don’t you go check on them?”
“Tanin, I swear on my ancestors, if I find out you had anything to do with this…”
“You’re welcome to search my ship, if you like. Though, I do ask you make it quick. I don’t want to miss my upgrade appointment. That’s a pretty big fee, and I’ll have to wait longer to get a new one. I’m sure you understand.”
Ikvar’s three eyes narrowed on him. “I’m watching you, Tanin. I mean it. You better not have done anything. Your freedom right now is extremely conditional on my good will.”
“And I appreciate your faith in us,” Tanin inclined his head. “If I come across him or he bothers us again, I will, of course, let you know first. I promise.”
Ikvar didn't look at all convinced, but he eventually conceded and said, “I will hold you to that. And I’ll be checking in now and then.”
“Yes, Garnet and I have noticed your determination to keep an eye on us.”
“I don’t mean on your mating. Though I will be checking on that.” Ikvar held his head high. “You lot are only free because I’m allowing it. Because I want to see if you can prove yourself. If your word is honorable. If you prove to be a problem, you aremyproblem to solve. And I will do so expeditiously. You are representing the entirety of Rik-Vane right now, whether you mean it or not. If that group of violent killers you have can change then… Well, we’ll see.”
With that, the comm was cut.
Tanin frowned at the window that looked out into space where the holodisplay had been.
He was representing all of Rik-Vane now?
