Page 80

“I could eat,” Scala agreed.

He nodded to the trio. As they entered the establishment, he pulled the hood of his jacket further over his face. The last thing he wanted was to be recognized.

“Whoa, it’s full in here. The food must be good.” Merus looked around.

“Maybe those females will let us sit with them.” Payim pointed to a table in the back corner.

“Oh, no. Not unless you’re looking for a conclave,” Scala snorted. “And I am most certainly not.”

Neither am I, Aculus nearly growled. Scala was a consummate bachelor. His life was simpler and happier because of it.He’s got the right idea.

“What?” Payim’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“Those females are hunting their weakness. Males who are looking for a conclave can test to see if they are compatible with one of them,” Merus explained.

“Really?” Payim laughed. “I’m picturing this on Cadi, a bunch of females lined up letting males bite them to see who their mate is.”

“Is that so unbelievable?” Merus asked.

“Yes. Cadi females aren’t nearly that forward.” Payim shook his head.

Watching a gaggle of eager females trying to form a bond was the last thing on his to-do list for the night.

“Let’s find someplace else,” Aculus insisted and headed back out the door to the pub across the way.

He entered behind a group of colorful Gaban males and dropped down at the first table he came to.

“Are we still welcome to join you?” Merus asked.

“I don’t want to talk about conclaves, or weaknesses or females!” He kicked out the nearby chairs then nodded for Merus, Scala and Payim to sit.

“Very well.” Merus sat.

Scala and Payim also agreed with a nod.

With a swipe of his comm over the table console, he ordered a selection of drinks. Four tumblers emerged from the dispenser a moment later. He grabbed one, tossed it back, and was picking up the second when Merus put a hand on his arm.

“We’re not in the Sanctuary. This is the third pub we’ve visited. Do you feel like telling me what has you growling at everyone yet?”

“I just said I don’t want to talk about my weakness.” He glared at Merus.

Merus’ eyes widened. “Whoa, what?”

“What indeed,” Scala added.

“Break me!” he swore. “I’ve obviously drank enough that I can’t keep my mouth shut, but not enough to forget what a disaster my life is,” he snapped as he stood, toppling his chair.

Aculus tossed back another drink, slammed the tumbler onto the table and again headed out the door.

“You found your weakness?” Merus asked as he followed him into the street.

He whirled on his brother. “Yes! I found her and she rejected me,” he roared, clenching his fists.

Merus frowned in confusion.

“I know. How’s it possible that the Premiere Servant was rejected?!” he shouted, not caring that people were starting to stare. “I’m chased by half the females in this quadrant and my weakness is the one female who isn’t impressed by any of this.” He wildly gestured.

“Who?” Merus’ brow furrowed.