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“The commercial sector is this way,” he said, indicating a broad thoroughfare ahead. “The parts supplier first, then general provisions.”

As they walked, she noticed how other station inhabitants reacted to Thraxar—with respectful nods or careful distance. His size alone was imposing, but there was something else—an aura of quiet competence that seemed to command respect without demanding it.

“You come here often?” she asked.

“Periodically. It’s a convenient stop on several trade routes.”

They reached a shop front with various mechanical components displayed in the window. Thraxar ushered them inside, where shelves of parts and tools lined the walls from floor to ceiling. The proprietor, a spindly being with four arms and gleaming compound eyes, looked up from a workbench.

“Captain!” the merchant exclaimed. “A pleasure to see you again. What can I provide today?”

“I need parts for a T-class cooling system. Specifically, the circulation pump and primary filter assembly.”

“Hmm, T-class…” The merchant tapped one of his many fingers against what she assumed was a chin. “Not in stock, I’m afraid. But I can have them delivered from Orista Station within two days.”

He frowned. “Two days is longer than I planned to remain.”

“The best I can do, Captain. Unless…” The merchant’s compound eyes shifted to Kara and Rory. “New crew members? I didn’t realize you were expanding your operation.”

“They are under my protection,” Thraxar said, his tone suddenly cooler. “The parts, merchant. Two days, you said?”

“Yes, yes. I’ll need a deposit, of course.”

As they negotiated terms, Rory tugged on her hand, pointing to a display of small components that glittered under the shop lights. She allowed him to move closer to look, keeping him within arm’s reach.

“He has good taste,” the merchant commented, noticing Rory’s interest. “Those are precision calibrators from the Deneb system. Very rare.”

Rory wasn’t touching anything, just studying the intricate patterns with intense concentration. She watched him, struck again by how much he observed and absorbed from the world around him, despite his silence.

“The transaction is complete,” Thraxar announced, coming to join them. “The parts will be delivered to the ship in two days.”

“So we’re staying here that long?” Kara asked.

“It appears so.” He glanced down at Rory. “Does he require anything from this establishment?”

The question caught her off guard—not just the consideration it showed, but the assumption that Rory’s needs were valid and worth addressing.

“No, I think he’s just fascinated by the patterns,” she said. “But thank you for asking.”

As they left the shop, she felt a strange sense of contentment despite their delay. Two more days with Thraxar before reaching the Patrol station. Two more days before they would have to part ways.

She wasn’t ready to examine why that thought made her chest ache.

“The provisions market is ahead,” Thraxar said, interrupting her thoughts. “We should stock up on food supplies. Is there anything specific you or Rory require?”

“Fresh fruit, if possible,” she replied. “And maybe something sweet? It’s been a long time since Rory had any kind of treat.”

He nodded. “The market has vendors from many worlds. We’ll find something suitable.”

As they continued through the station, Rory between them, she found herself studying Thraxar’s profile. The strong line of his jaw, the intricate patterns of his skin, the alert way he scanned their surroundings. She’d never expected to feel drawn to someone so different from herself, and yet there was something about him—his quiet strength, his unexpected gentleness—that called to her.

One more thing to add to the growing list of complications in her life.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Thraxar hesitated outside the provisions market. This area of the station was considerably more crowded and they were more likely to draw attention. But something in Kara and Rory’s hopeful faces made his usual caution waver. Still, there were precautions he could take…

“I am concerned about your visibility,” he said, studying her. Females were still uncommon in the market and her distinctive features would draw attention. “Wait here.”