Page 69 of Star Defenders (My Alien Mates 2)

"TheChimerahas medics," Zarex pointed out. "Experienced ones. AndHalcyonhas a lot of people who need you right now."

Okay, maybe hewasgoing to win this argument, but it wasn't done yet. When J'avet dismissed the room, I jumped up from my seat and stalked over to him.

"I'm coming too," I said firmly.

He barely glanced at me. "No, you're not. The decision is made and is final. You can cry on Brinley's shoulder, then continue on to Agus like you're supposed to. Or better yet," he looked at me directly now, "go back to Earth where you belong."

"Fuck you," I spat.

"That attitude is precisely why you're not ready for missions like this," he said calmly. "I need clear heads, not emotional ones."

"I can be clear and calm," I told him, being calm.See, asshole?

"Only when you're reminded," he said. He crossed his arms over his chest and glowered. "You would be nothing but a liability and a distraction."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Is that what this is about? My relationship with Slek and Zarex?"

"And Danec," he said cooly. "They will all need to focus. They can't do that with you there."

I gaped, then pressed my mouth in a line. "You don't have much faith in their professionalism."

"I have utmost faith that, when not distracted, they'll do their jobs," J'avet said.

I hesitated for a moment. "This isn't about them, is it? It's becauseyoufind me distracting."

The way his eyes flicked away gave me all the answer I needed.

"You want me to stay behind because you're finding it hard to keep it behind your pubic plate. Yeah, Slek told me all about that. Good way to hide your reaction to someone else. Someone like me."

"You're way off," he snapped. "Even if you weren't, it's irrelevant. Orders are orders and yours are to stay here."

"You're not my commanding officer," I pointed out.

"I'm captain of theChimera, that's all the rank I need to keep you off my ship. Now say your goodbyes. We leave within the hour." Before I could say another word, he turned and stalked out of the room.

I hid my tears until Slek put his arms around me and drew me to his chest.

"It's not forever," he said softly. "Just while we deal with the Iri and get Danec back. As soon as that's over, we'll meet on Agus. All four of us. Um, five with Brinley. She's kind of one of us."

"Yes, she is," I sniffed. She was definitely part of the family, odd little family though it was.

"You two will have each other. You won't have to share the chocolate," he said, his tone light.

I snorted. "I'd rather have you guys around and never have chocolate again."

Wait, was I crazy? No, it was just…love

I leaned my head back and looked him in the eyes. "I love you."

He kissed me lightly on the mouth. "I love you too. Can you believe it? The biggest player in the IF, settling down."

I gave him a lopsided smile. I wasn't sure if he really was a player or just talked the talk. I knew he hadn't glanced at another woman since we met, apart from flirting with Kalvix.

"How about that," I agreed. "I guess I better help you both to pack."

"It shouldn't take long." Zarex placed a hand firmly on my ass. "I have an idea for something we can do to pass the time after that."

"Funny, I had the same idea," Slek said, a sly smile on his face.

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