Page 15

M organ pushed her plate away, sat back, and groaned. Rubbing her stomach, she said, “I’m stuffed.”

“It’s good to see you finally have an appetite.” Abby took a bite of her meal.

“I think that’s the first time that I actually wanted to eat instead of forcing myself in the two months I’ve been here.”

“Whatever the Zuvgran did to your body really messed it up.” Abby’s frown changed to a smile. “At least your fertility doesn’t seem to be affected. I’m glad Svesti sent us the information on the vaccine to counteract the final version.”

“Well, since I’m not interested in becoming pregnant any time soon, I’m not sure it matters.

” She thought about the human women Makai told her were with the Svesti going to Costonia when she was rescued.

They must be there by now. King Sovex didn’t waste any time contacting Earth.

I wonder how it’s going and if the women feel overwhelmed by all the males. They have so few females now.

“Too many have taken your choices away already. I say don’t let the assholes take any more from you.”

Morgan grinned at Kara Brinkman’s ferocious statement interrupting her ruminations. Shoulder-length pink hair, curvy human body, and fuck-you attitude belied her incredible intelligence. Damn, the woman makes me laugh.

“Kara’s right.” Rain Oakhurst nodded her blonde head. Green eyes narrowed. “It sucks that as difficult as it is for human women on Earth with our own misogynistic men, there are even worse places in the universe for us.”

“I want to junk punch the Frezzians that took Rain and me, but if they hadn’t, I never would’ve met my male.” Kara’s blue eyes went from pissed to blissful. “He’s the best.”

Rain swallowed her food before agreeing.

“Yeah, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

Morgan considered the three women friends, but sometimes she fought down feelings of jealousy.

While each went through their own shit, the Jalaxians rescued and protected them before they ended up raped, beaten, or experimented upon.

And they found their mates among the Wing Raiders crew.

Whereas, if bad things could happen, they did happen to Morgan.

I’m such a petty bitch. I wouldn’t wish my experiences on anyone, let alone friends.

She also really liked all of the Jalaxians onboard—Makai, Lezon, Tren, Yaz, and Crax.

The only ones unmated were Tren and Makai.

As hot as the captain was, she got big brother vibes from him, whereas Tren was fun but exhausting.

Sighing, she leaned forward. I’m just feeling like a fifth wheel.

I don’t think I really want to be mated right now anyway.

“Now that I’m feeling better, do you think Makai will let me set up some silks in the cargo bay? Yoga is fine, but I really enjoy the aerial stuff.”

Kara tilted her head.

“I don’t see why he wouldn’t. Can you teach me some moves?”

“Sure.”

“I’d like to learn, too,” said Rain.

“Count me in.” Abby stabbed another piece of meat. “I’ll need to keep active.”

Every head turned to her.

“Why?”

Her face flushed and she murmured, “Shit.”

“Spill, girl.” Rain pointed her fork at Abby.

“We haven’t told anyone yet, but I’m pregnant.”

Shrieks erupted and the women jumped up to surround the brunette and hug her.

“Congratulations.” Morgan placed her hands on Abby’s shoulders and studied her. “Yeah, I think I see a glow about you.”

Abby slapped Morgan’s forearm.

“Stop teasing me. It’s too early for a pregnancy glow.”

“No, she’s right. You look serene.” Rain smirked.

“Fuck off.” Abby stuck up her middle finger.

“Are you going to teach your kid such language?” Kara arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “That’s my job as auntie.”

Laughing, the women pestered Abby about her due date and if she wanted to know the gender beforehand. Kara’s expression turned serious.

“Will you guys be leaving the Wing Raiders and settling on a planet?”

Abby shook her head.

“Not in our plans right now. You guys are family. We’re happy here.”

“But don’t you think you’ll be safer somewhere else?” Morgan bit her lip. “Space is dangerous and living on a ship with a kid, is that fair to him or her?” She spread her arms out. “I’m not judging. Just trying to understand.”

Abby’s lips firmed.

“First, everywhere is dangerous. Even if I were still on Earth—a planet—I’d have to worry about safety.

Second, every single person on this ship would fight to the death to protect us.

I’m not saying we won’t ever decide that a planet is better overall for our family, but for now, this is where we want and need to be. ”

Rain and Kara nodded in agreement.

“She’s right.”

Morgan chewed slowly and let the chatter flow over her as she digested everyone’s thoughts.

I think I’d want to be on a planet if I were pregnant.

I’m starting to believe all those alien romance writers might have had it right—humans are universal breeders.

Svesti, and now Jalaxians. I wonder if King Sovex would let the Wing Raiders settle on Costonia if they asked.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Morgan smiled at the women.

“How’d that feel?”

“Shit, my core fucking hurts,” Kara moaned.

“Wuss. That was a great workout.” Feet apart, Rain laced her fingers and stretched her arms over her head before arching her back. “I’m amazed at how much my muscles burn just from doing the exercises on silks.”

Abby sucked down a water pouch.

“I’m with Kara on this one. I thought I was in shape, but now I’m not so sure.”

Morgan laughed.

“You said you performed on Earth and on Delizas. Can you show us what that looked like?” Abby pushed her hair back from her forehead.

“Sure. I’m out of practice, though.”

“Didn’t seem like it,” Kara griped while she grabbed her tablet. “Did you need music? I swiped some from the Svesti when we rescued you. They had Earth’s internet in their files.”

“Got Immigrant Song ?”

“Coming right up.”

Morgan grabbed her silks and waited until the hard-driving beat filled the cargo bay.

Quickly she climbed the fabric lengths sliding them through her feet and pulling with her arms. Wrapping her right wrist and grasping the cloth above, she began a series of movements that looked extremely difficult but relied on strong core muscles and balance.

She twisted and turned occasionally billowing the fabric below her for visual effect while maneuvering to wrap each ankle in a silk and pausing in a mid-air split.

Something small flew by her face. Startled, she snapped her legs together and slid down before she fell.

“What the fuck was that?”

“Oops. Sorry about that, Morgan.” Tren stood at the entrance with a remote control. “I’m just testing my newest invention. A mini-drone that looks like an insect. The targeting still seems off.”

“She could’ve been hurt, moron.” Kara stalked toward the sheepish male.

“It was an accident.”

“Why would you test it while we’re using the space? Did you learn nothing from the weapons spinner incident?” Hands on her hips, Rain shot him an angry look. “Lezon almost lost his head with that one.”

“My apologies.” Tren’s blue cheeks darkened. “I truly didn’t mean any harm.” He tilted his head. “Those were some cool moves, Morgan. I got most of it on the drone.”

Exasperated, she shook her head.

“Thanks, Tren.”

“Makai said there’s a meeting on the bridge in an hour.”

“Let’s shower and change. We’ll beat up Tren later.” Kara smirked.

Morgan picked up her towel and followed the women out.

She changed into clean cargo pants and a black T-shirt after her sonic shower. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and shoved her feet into black low-heeled boots. I really miss Svesti bathrooms and their huge tubs.

Arriving at the bridge at the same time as Abby, she stopped in the doorway. She saw herself on the viewscreen conducting the silks routine. She groaned.

Yaz grinned.

“Interesting performance, Morgan.”

She flipped him the bird. Everyone laughed except Crax who merely lifted his lips slightly. Wow, grumpy pants enjoyed my reaction. Will wonders never cease?

Makai raised a hand and everyone quieted.

“We’re heading to Nulorn to resupply and see what’s available for jobs. We should be there in…?”

“About two weeks,” supplied Yaz.

“We’ll plan a week or two on Nulorn with staggering leave days. We’ve been on the ship quite a while now and need some planetside time.”

“What can I do?” Morgan asked.

“Enjoy yourself.”

She crossed her arms and her spine stiffened.

“I’m feeling more like myself now and I’d like to contribute. I’ve always worked and paid my own way.”

“You’re welcome here for as long as you like, Morgan. You fit in well with the crew.”

“But I don’t have a job.” She gestured to the women. “Rain pilots, Abby helps in medical, and Kara is a tech and science genius. I barely cook. I need to do something, or I’ll feel like a charity case.”

Makai narrowed his blue eyes.

“What would you like to do?”

“I’m a teacher, but there aren’t any children on the ship. I don’t know what I’m qualified for here. Grunt work?” She internally winced at the thought of crawling in maintenance ducts or something similar, but she had her pride.

“She could do her thing on Nulorn for a few nights. Entertain the masses and get paid for it.” Tren pointed at the frozen image on the viewscreen where she suspended midair between the silks.

“Too dangerous. Humans are a hot commodity out here. The risk of kidnapping is too high.” Makai frowned.

Morgan chewed the inside of her cheek and squinted at the viewscreen.

“Actually, Tren’s idea is a good one. If you know a place that hires entertainers and has the right sort of space for the silks, we could offer a three-night gig. A couple of the guys could go with me to protect me, and I can add the pay to the ship’s coffers.”

“There’s no need for your credits.” Makai’s lips thinned and his jaw hardened.

“At least it would offset some of the cost of my food and clothing.” Her chin thrust forward.

“I volunteer to protect her.” Crax’s rumbly voice interrupted their standoff.

“As do I,” said Lezon.

“Any of us would be happy to protect her,” Tren said.

Makai’s braids swirled across his shoulders as he shook his head.

“I’m going to regret this.” Sighing, he pointed at her. “Three nights only. I’ll arrange it.”

She grinned and barely refrained from pumping her fist in victory.

“Thank you, Makai. Four sets per night, fifteen minutes each—max. Let me know what is decided and I’ll work with Kara for costumes and music.”

Makai grunted and said, “That’s it. Everyone that doesn’t need to be here, get off my bridge.”