4. TWO

two

Kira drained her tea and set the cup beside her feet since Alexander had so helpfully destroyed the table. “And on that note, it’s time I take my leave.”

Call it cowardice. Survival instinct or what have you, but Kira felt a very real need to skedaddle before Alexander found a way to place the blame for this mess at Kira’s feet.

It was the petty type of logical reasoning that had made him so famous. The kind that was hard to argue against because it contained a tiny grain of truth that made you second guess whether he was right or not.

Things like claiming Selene would never have chosen this dangerous path, one that ran counter to everything Kira thought she knew about the forty-three, if not for Kira’s involvement.

Never mind that Kira wasn’t responsible for the attack by the Tsavitee, an alien race obsessed with conquering the known galaxy.

Nor was it her decision for Selene to leave her well-defended home to face the invaders on her own.

It certainly wasn’t Kira’s fault that a group of oshota responding to the attack had happened on Selene in the immediate aftermath and identified her as Tuann.

But she’d be the one he’d blame. Not Selene. That was how things worked between them.

Kira rose, surprised when Graydon chose to remain seated. His posture was that of a lazy cat with no intention of stirring.

As the one responsible for her gaining entry into this private meeting, she hadn’t thought he’d choose to remain behind when she left.

Graydon’s expression was almost playful as he stared at Selene and Alexander. A hunter who’d caught sight of fascinating prey. “Go on without me. There are a few matters here requiring my attention.”

Kira mentally shrugged. “Your funeral.”

She, for one, was going to get while the getting was good.

Kira left the room the same way she entered, the door appearing as soon as she neared before disappearing once she’d stepped through.

Oshota stood guard on the other side. Two directly by the door and several others stationed throughout the hall. Without Graydon’s assistance, Kira didn’t think she would have gotten within earshot of those inside.

At least not without resorting to violence.

Kira slowed at the sight waiting for her. Though the oshota weren’t making it obvious, they were on high alert because of the standoff happening ten feet away.

Kira’s shoulders sagged as she caught sight of the two groups. “I never should have left the room.”

Her life would have been easier—and anything she did less likely to provide the inciting spark that tipped the balance from peace to war.

The beginnings of a well-known joke ran through her mind—a Haldeel and a human walk into a bar.

Kira tipped her chin at an oshota she recognized. Solal. Graydon’s right-hand man. “How long has this been going on?”

“A while.”

Kira kept her groan to herself as she scrubbed one hand down her face. Why didn’t that surprise her?

Tensions between the Haldeel, an alien race whose advanced technology gave them an advantage over a large swath of the galaxy, and the Consortium, the alliance of planets that governed human space, were at an all-time high after the attack of a few days ago.

Understandable given a small contingent of humans had helped bring about the situation.

It would take a miracle to preserve the alliance that protected humanity from another invasion by the Tsavitee. Something that had already devastated them once and brought them to near annihilation.

You’d think that would make them smart. That they’d do anything to keep the alliance that had once shielded them. But no, humans always had to learn things the hard way.

Solal’s voice was amused. “Playing peacemaker?”

“Someone has to,” Kira said as a sphere the size of her head floated down from its hiding place near the ceiling.

“You weren’t in there long. How’d it go?” Jin asked.

“I’m surprised you don’t know already. I would have thought you’d find a way to listen in.”

After all, he was her partner in all things mischief related.

Once a Tuann like Kira, Jin’s soul was now housed in a military grade combat drone. As such, there weren’t many places he couldn’t inveigle his way into.

“That’s kind of hard to do with your mountain’s lackeys making that impossible,” Jin grumbled. “Every time I moved; they were on me.”

Ah. So, he had tried to eavesdrop.

“Well played,” Kira told Solal, not missing the tiny tilt of his lips that said he’d enjoyed coming out the winner in their exchange.

“Yeah. Yeah. They’re fucking awesome. Are you going to tell me what happened?”

Jin rotated so he could fix the camera that acted as his “eye” on Kira. The lens was an inside joke between the two of them that referenced an old Earth TV show. It was one of a dozen camera lenses built into his exterior that allowed him a 360-degree view—but the only one visible.

“Selene and Alexander have chosen to accompany the Tuann back to their home planet.”

Kira allowed herself a smirk at Jin’s surprised squawk as she started toward the staring contest. Unlike the Tuann, she wasn’t satisfied to stand back and watch when she could act.

“What?!” Jin whisper-shouted as he chased after Kira. “I did not expect that.”

That made two of them.

Kira’s approach attracted attention from the Haldeel and human representatives facing off with one another as they looked in her direction.

The humans’ leader was an old friend of hers and had saved her life more times than she could count.

Rear Admiral Jace Skarsdale had always been considered good-looking but age had refined his features, adding a level of maturity that only enhanced him.

Today, he looked tired. Exhausted. Even more so than the last time Kira had seen him.

Assuming command was never easy. Especially with the current situation.

The Haldeel were angry at the part humans had played in events. The Tuann too.

They wanted someone to pay. The Consortium made for a ripe target.

Though he’d been trained to assume Admiral Himoto’s mantle, no one thought he’d have to do so under such tragic circumstances or so soon.

Himoto had been both their mentors. Losing him was a blow there was no time to recover from.

Kira lifted her chin at Jace in greeting. “What are you doing here?”

“We were summoned.” Jace’s stance relaxed, his tension seeping away as he acknowledged her presence.

Kira had assumed something to that effect. The Haldeel and the Tuann were unlikely to let humanity sweep their involvement with the attack under the rug. There would be meetings. Negotiations. They’d want concessions that humanity might not be willing to give.

Kira looked over at the contingent of Haldeel and inclined her head in a respectful nod at their leader. “Lieven, it’s good to see you again.”

The Haldeel were an interesting race. From the waist up, they resembled humans except for the lack of hair and the dual-toned pigmentation of their skin.

Lieven, for instance, had an undertone of ink black skin with violet markings that swirled along his exposed arms and shoulders. Those markings marched up the outer edge of his neck, lining his temples and jawline in a strange tattoo that wasn’t a tattoo at all.

It was from the waist down where the Haldeel were truly unique. Built like a cephalopod, the Haldeel had eight prehensile appendages that pointed to their evolution in the oceans of their home world. A place whose landmass comprised one tiny island.

“As it is to see you, za na ri.” Lieven’s stance shifted in query. A silent way of asking if she had been well.

An interesting facet of the Haldeel language was that it went beyond the verbal, relying heavily on subtle, nonverbal cues of body language along with the emotion you tied to your words and gestures.

It was this last piece that tripped up most when learning the language. The Haldeel were mildly empathic, and, as such, emotion underpinned every aspect of their communication.

It was why Kira leaned into the warm burst of surprise and happiness at seeing an old friend before focusing on Jace again. “Is this about the treaty?”

“You could say that.”

Kira’s gaze flicked to those standing behind him. A man and a woman. Neither of whom held the rank or authority necessary for talks of this nature.

By now, enough time had passed for the Consortium to have sent personnel skilled at handling these types of discussions. An admiral or a diplomat at the very least.

Except Jace was the highest ranked person in his group. The other two not even coming close to his station. A fact that could be considered an insult in a very delicate situation.

Jace’s look was wry as he read her expression. “The Haldeel closed their borders to all human ships. No one in or out until this matter has been resolved.”

No wonder Jace was on his own.

It was never a good sign when your ally shut their borders to you. The effects of which could have far reaching consequences.

“I hope the Haldeel are taking into consideration that while some humans joined hands with the Tsavitee there were many more who fought against them.” Kira’s tone was careful as she radiated sincerity and concern. She didn’t want Lieven or those behind her to take offense. At the same time, she needed them to hear her words.

“Some humans paid the ultimate price to protect the vulnerable on this station,” Kira finished, changing her stance to one of sorrow.

Himoto was one of those. As were many of the soldiers he’d led.

It was ironic but the Tsavitee’s attack on Almaluc was the first time the Haldeel, Tuann, and humans had fought on one battlefield. Side by side as they protected each other’s back.

How sad would it be if they let themselves be divided in the aftermath.

Lieven’s body flowed into a stance that spoke of understanding as well as firmness. “We remember, za na ri. It is why we have yet to purge the survivors.”

Kira caught the warning in his words. The Haldeel would play nice for now because of the actions taken by Jace and Himoto, but it would be a mistake to assume the Haldeel would take this lying down.

Though the Haldeel preferred peace, they wouldn’t hesitate to bare fangs capable of tearing out humanity’s throat if crossed.

Before Kira could think of a response to that, the door she’d come through opened again.

Yukina, Graydon at her back, stepped through it before stopping to observe the small tableau with a cool glance.

Graydon’s face showed amusement as Yukina started to speak.

“We apologize for the delay. There was an unavoidable matter that needed our attention. If you’ll follow me, we can begin negotiations.”

Yukina stepped to the side to reveal an empty room. There was no sign of Selene or Alexander anywhere. Even their teacups and the destroyed table had been cleared, a new one in its place.

Lieven murmured something to his companions. They nodded before heading inside the room and leaving Lieven behind.

“It was a joy to see and compete with you again.” A few of Lieven’s appendages lifted off the ground, their tips fluttering in a gesture that meant happy sorrow before he smiled up at Jin. “Perhaps our next face off will result in something other than a tie.”

Jin snorted. “We’ve got to work on your trash talk.”

Lieven’s stance changed to one of amusement. “And you must improve your sneaking skills, my friend. As much fun as our security team has had matching wits with you, we ask you to behave for the remainder of your stay.”

Kira kept her gaze trained on Lieven, pretending not to see Jace’s choked laugh or the fuming look Yukina sent her.

Jin’s laugh held a touch of awkwardness. “Oops. I didn’t think they knew about that.”

“I can assure you they did,” Lieven murmured with a twinkle in his eye.

“I promise he won’t bother them again,” Kira interjected before her friend could make things any worse.

Lieven’s appendages rippled in a way Kira knew meant laughter as he reached into the pocket of the warrior’s uniform he wore. A sleeveless vest with a split paneled skirt that would allow his appendages ease of movement.

He withdrew a marble and handed it to Kira.

Jin glided closer for a better look. “Is that a Haldeel communication orb?”

“It is, za na ri Jin. The za na ri na Tierni asks that both of you keep in touch this time. Should you need our help, this will make it easier for you to reach us.”

Kira took the orb carefully, knowing how precious an item it was. At one time, Himoto would have given his right arm for direct access to a Haldeel royal.

And now here she was being handed it as if it was no more important than a marble.

Lieven nodded a farewell and started after his companions.

“Look at you—making friends all over the place,” Jace drawled as Kira tucked the orb into her pocket.

“Jealous?”

“A little.”

“How much trouble is the Consortium in?” Kira asked.

“Things aren’t good.”

“You poor sucker. You’ve inherited a thankless job,” Jin told him.

Jace dragged a hand along his jaw. “Don’t I know it.”

“You’ll get through it,” Kira assured him. “Just remember what Himoto taught you.”

“Easy for you to say. You’re not about to get ripped to pieces by a bunch of angry Tuann and Haldeel.”

Kira shrugged. “You could always take a page out of my playbook.”

“What page is that?”

Kira’s quick smile held a touch of wickedness. “When all else fails—beat them until they submit. Or you could kill them. Whichever you think best.”

Jace stared at her in stunned amazement. “That is a spectacularly bad plan. I would be court martialed. They might even bring back hanging as a method of execution.”

“Naw. I’d help you hide the bodies.”

Jace barked out a laugh as he strolled toward the room and those waiting inside. “I’ll keep that in mind, Nixxy.”

She hoped so. She really did. A little bloodshed never hurt anyone. Sometimes it was even necessary.

Graydon’s shoulder brushed hers as he came up to stand beside her.

“Get what you wanted?” Kira asked him.

“You’d be surprised.”

Kira flashed a smile designed to butter Graydon up. It was sweet and innocent—or at least it tried to be. “About that second favor.”

Graydon’s amused sidelong glance told Kira she wasn’t fooling anyone. “You haven’t even heard the payment for the first.”

Kira made a come-on motion with her fingers. “Let’s hear it then.”

The smile that spread across his face did dangerous things to Kira’s insides. Particularly when he stepped into her personal space, using his larger size to loom over her.

There was nothing threatening in his manner, but that didn’t stop a delicious thrill from sliding through Kira’s insides as Graydon caught a disobedient strand of her hair and tugged.

His bewitching gaze snagged hers, tempting her to close those last few inches and steal a kiss.

Kira’s gaze dropped to his lips, her resolve teetering. It didn’t help that she knew exactly what they’d taste like. The way they’d feel against hers.

Kira swayed forward as those tantalizing lips formed words that were as effective as a splash of cold water on her libido.

“You’ll travel back to Ta Sa’Riel with the rest of the Tuann contingent on our ship.”

Kira jerked back, her hair sliding out of Graydon’s grip as he watched her with a predator’s stillness.

“You asshole,” Kira swore.

There was always a catch.

“Big favors require an equitable exchange. I could have asked for something much more difficult for you to give. In the scheme of things, I’m letting you off easy.” Graydon was unrepentant in the face of her anger. “I don’t think you realize how upsetting Yukina found your involvement in the discussion regarding Selene’s future. It’s almost like she’s afraid you’ll infect Selene with your bullheadedness.”

Kira’s scoff would have contained fire had she been a dragon. “She should be thanking me. My interference resulted in another of their lost children coming forward.”

“Which is why I was able to ask this in exchange as opposed to the price she wanted to exact.”

Kira’s mouth clicked closed on the rest of her argument. She’d known when she asked Graydon to get her into the meeting that it would put him in an impossible position and that she might have to give up some things as a result.

At the time, she’d judged the risk as necessary.

“I’m not leaving my ship behind,” Kira snarled.

The last time she left the Wanderer unattended her niece had stolen it and put herself in danger. While Elena would be under Kira’s close supervision for the foreseeable future, Kira didn’t want to leave anything to chance. The Wanderer was staying with her. End of story.

“No need to fret, coli. There’s plenty of room to store your vessel in our ship’s docking bay.”

“Why can’t I travel to the Tuann’s home planet on my ship?”

Graydon threw his head back on a roar of laughter, the smooth line of his throat distracting Kira for a moment.

That didn’t last as he continued to chuckle, her glower growing more pronounced the longer his laughter rang out.

Finally, Graydon got ahold of himself as he wiped away the tears that had formed at the corners of his eyes. “I apologize, coli, but if you think you’ll be allowed within eyesight of that ship before we reach the waystation on the edge of our solar system, you have another think coming. No. You will travel with the rest of your House and stay in the room I’ve already procured for your use. Once we arrive at the waystation, you may make repairs to your ship before journeying to the planet.”

“Oh yeah, that makes a lot of sense,” Jin interjected from where he hovered over their heads. “You don’t trust us with the ship on the journey to the planet but you’ll let us fly it down?”

Kira was with Jin this time. The Tuann’s reasoning was nonsensical. Illogical even.

“The ship we’ll be traveling in is much too large to land on Ta Sa’Riel. Otherwise, you’d never be allowed to have contact with your ship,” Graydon said. “Besides, our defenses have been instructed to pay careful attention to every move your ship makes. Try to run and they will stop you.”

He didn’t have to say the means by which they’d do that. Kira was betting they’d disable her ship in a way that would render it unusable.

“You get to have your ship and the Tuann get to have you. This is a reasonable compromise, yes?”

Kira’s eyes narrowed, her tongue tingling with the urge to argue. The problem was he had a point. Their requests could almost be considered sensible even.

That didn’t stop Kira from wanting to argue however.

Graydon leaned over, his breath brushing her ear. “Play nice and I’ll get you that meeting with the Tsavitee prisoner you’ve been asking for.”

Damn.

“And have to pay another price? What’s next? My firstborn child?” Kira bit out.

“Nothing so extraordinary, though I’d never say no to a child of yours,” Graydon teased, his face softening in a way she knew that meant he liked that idea. Liked it very much. “But no, any exchange would be no more painful than the current one.”

“When?”

Graydon straightened, the question a sign of Kira’s surrender. “Three days from now. Once we’re under way. I’ll send you the location.”

Smart man. He knew Kira well enough to realize if he left anything to chance, she’d use it to wiggle out of any agreement she made with him. This way he guaranteed her presence on the ship before she got what she wanted.

“Can I bring a friend?” Kira asked.

Graydon considered her with a deep gaze. “Depends. Do you trust this person?”

Kira barked out a laugh. “You know me better by now.”

Trust wasn’t exactly a well-used word in her vocabulary.

“But they have knowledge that could prove useful,” Kira conceded.

“Very well. If that’s what you desire.”

“I’ll be there then.”

And hope she found the answers she sought.

“I look forward to it, coli.”

That made one of them.