Page 42 of Taming Chaos

“I’m under no illusions about our situation,” Seph said, her eyes flicking down to his sword, which he held low and close. It was a constant reminder that Torin never let his guard down, even when they were in the midst of a conversation. “The question is, will you be tempted to abuse this power you have over me, Kordolian?”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

“If you let me.”

“Hmph.” Seph pretended to be offended, but really, she was enthralled by the idea that this supreme specimen of a Kordolian could be interested in her… in that sort of way.

He certainly was having a strange effect on her. A slow-burning fire had been lit, and he was the fuel.

She’d seen the way he’d looked at her when she’d dropped to her knees in front of him, mistakenly thinking he was in need of her help. The way his eyes had roamed over her body, one would think she was wearing nothing but her birthday suit.

Sweet stars, the look he’d given her back there.

It had been enough to melt her damn ovaries.

That look was imprinted in her mind forever. Eyes narrowing, nostrils flaring, lips parting to reveal the glistening points of his sharp fangs, he’d stared at her long and hard. As he watched her with the stillness of a predator, Seph’s heart rate had surged, and she’d found herself unable to move as a sublime mixture of desire, fascination, and just a little smidgen of fear had coursed through her.

In that moment, he could have done anything to her and she would have let him.

Damn it, this man was dangerous. Seph normally hated being ogled, but when Torin did it, she made an exception to the rule.

He didn’t just look at her as if she were an object he wanted to use or possess.

The looks he gave her were all-consuming. He wanted everything from her.

Mind, body, soul… it would be so easy to surrender to this man.

Dangerous.

“Hold on,” Torin whispered in her ear, dragging her out of her sinful thoughts. “Someone’s coming.” He let go of her hand. “Stand behind me and stay close.”

Seph pulled up her hood, hiding her face and ears, which were probably turning bright red. She dropped back and Torin moved forward, poised and ready to explode into movement.

Was it just her imagination, or did his body look a tad leaner than before? Either way, he possessed the chiseled form of a god, with broad shoulders, powerful arms, a narrow waist, and gloriously muscular legs. Standing behind him, Seph felt like nothing in the Universe could touch her.

Something pink and purple flashed across her vision, accompanied by a waving tail.

Torin became a dark blur as he darted forward, snatching the rapidly moving thing… person… what?

A Veronian!

“P-please don’t kill me, Master!” The Veronian spoke Universal with a distinct Sector One accent. He stared at Torin, his wide golden eyes filled to the brim with stark terror.

“What are you doing here, chichin?” Torin held the alien by the scruff of his neck, lifting him up so his feet dangled in the air. The Veronian’s furry ears twitched rapidly, and the bright pink markings on his face started to glow, turning orange.

“N-nothing.”

“Don’t be foolish. You can’t lie to me.” Without warning, Torin dropped the Veronian on his feet. “Veronians are never without orders.” He pointed his sword at the alien’s neck. “Let’s try this again. What are you doing here, chichin?”

Seph took a step forward, fearing Torin’s intentions. In this crazy alternate reality, she could understand why he’d killed the big, nasty Bartharrans, but this poor Veronian was unarmed and obviously terrified.

For some reason, she felt a little bit sorry for the creature.

The purple guy gulped. “The Master sent me to find out what’s happening down in the loading docks. His package hasn’t arri…” The Veronian’s attention turned toward Seph. He gasped as recognition dawned on him. “Y-you’re the…”

“It doesn’t matter what she is,” Torin snapped, his voice taking on a distinctly commanding tone. “You will take us to your Master.”

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