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S talad hated himself for it, but he couldn’t help but caress Morgan’s arms when he adjusted her stance.

Her hair with hints of red tickled his skin.

Her scent grew heavy and indolent. He had to step away to hide the sudden stiffness of his cock.

The banter of the females gave him time to get his unruly body under control.

When they were alone and she crowded close, all his efforts seemed a waste as his cock bulged again in his pants. I can’t want her. It’s not right.

“I like you, Stalad. A lot. I want to get to know you better.”

At her words, he bent down slightly and gazed into her blue eyes.

“I like you, too.” His head tilted and he lifted a shoulder. “Aren’t we already getting to know each other better?” Maybe she isn’t saying what I think she is.

She bit into her plump lower lip then her pink tongue licked it. Her eyes left his and focused near his neck. I’d like my tongue on her lips…and on her body.

“I meant romantically.” Her words hung in the air between them.

His tail jerked involuntarily caused her to stumble into his chest. His arms rose to keep her from falling. Her trulet , grassy scent filled his nostrils. Crek. I didn’t realize my tail was wrapped around her ankle.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to unsteady you.” He lifted his hands away from her back and his feet reluctantly moved backwards. His tail lingered before leaving her ankle.

“Have I misread signals?” Her cheeks turned red.

“No. Yes.” He ran his hand through his damp hair. “I mean, I find you extremely attractive, Morgan. Not just in appearance. Your personality is wonderful. I enjoy spending time with you.”

“But…”

Shrugging, he sighed heavily.

“I don’t know who I am. I could have a mate or be under a troth contract. It wouldn’t be honorable to pursue a romantic relationship with you until I know for certain.”

Her eyes flashed upwards to meet his. Red tinged her cheekbones.

“Oh, I hadn’t even considered that. I’m so sorry I said anything.” She bent to pick up her things. “Please forget this conversation.” She swore under her breath when the water pouch slipped from her fingers. His hand covered hers.

“I should, but I don’t want to forget it.

Please don’t be embarrassed. I am honored by your interest, Morgan.

You have no idea how much I would love to explore more with you.

” His voice lowered. “But I can’t.” His tail flicked in short bursts.

“This amnesia is beyond frustrating. I feel like there’s something important I need to do.

I don’t feel like I’m missing someone specifically, but I…

don’t…know.” He slapped his chest needing the sting to punish himself for hurting her.

She murmured, “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” Tears filled her compassionate eyes.

“I understand, Stalad. And I respect you and your reasons more than you know. If you do have a mate, she is a lucky female.” She drew in a shaky breath. “I hope we can remain friends.”

He reached a hand toward her, then slowly dropped it by his side without touching her.

“Please. I would like that, ciebala .”

Giving him a sad smile, she said, “Well, I better go. Training tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

He admired the gentle sway of her hips as she walked away. Why can’t I remember? What if there’s someone waiting for me that doesn’t make me burn like she does? If my memories return, will I still feel the same way about the human?

For the first few days, the Orkites kept to themselves.

Stalad observed them sparring and at meals.

Ladies Niksen and Lollek trained with each other and also with Krinir and Fraddar.

Even when provoked, Krinir remained measured.

Solid fighting skills and exuding calm in every circumstance, his stalwart presence kept the others from escalating irritating behaviors.

Fraddar’s humor sometimes went too far, but he reminded Stalad of a young male looking for attention, even though he old enough to be Niksen’s sire.

Lady Lollek appeared subservient and helpful.

If he didn’t know she operated covertly for Haggar, he might have missed her watchful eyes.

Lady Niksen sported a leaner body than most Orkites. A symmetrically beautiful face and muscular control made for an appealing picture as she fought. He wasn’t a fan of her tusks, but that was his personal preference.

In between, he trained with the Jalaxians on Tren’s invention called a hover jetpack.

The engineer upgraded the controls to account for carrying another being.

With practice, all of them became proficient on using the device, but each of them suffered various injuries from impacting the bay walls and ceilings.

Lezon spent some time healing each of them.

The medic also told the story of how one of Tren’s earlier inventions, a weapons spinner, almost took of his head.

Makai’s caution on my tour at the engineering door now makes sense.

Tren is brilliant, but he lacks restraint.

All of them discussed the latest updates about the happenings in the Zuvgran empire.

Without a successor named, the initial chaos resulted in a military commander, Rufen d’Urfan, taking control.

None of them knew much of the male, so they couldn’t project whether military rule would continue or if another bid for power would happen.

Makai shared that there were a number of Zuvgran who hated n’Tuli’s rule and had been escaping for years.

Whether that foreshadowed a significant change for the future, no one knew.

Fortunately, he and Morgan settled into their friendship without rancor or hurt feelings.

While they continued to teach each other their respective skills, they did so in a group setting.

Although he wished for more that he couldn’t have, he refrained from flirting or unnecessary physical contact.

His tail, however, had a mind of its own and he frequently found it sneaking to hold her ankle gently or resting on the small of her back if they were in close proximity.

He shook off his thoughts of others on the Fortitude and concentrated on Crax in front of him. The huge Jalaxian rolled his head and shrugged.

“Are we doing this?” For a big male, Crax moved lightly in the sparring ring.

“Of course.” Stalad chose a loose stance and waited for Crax’s opening move.

When a blue fist aimed at his face, he pivoted on his right leg. Air displaced near his head creating a false breeze. Well, I guess we’re starting strong.

Continuing his swivel, he elbowed his opponent in the torso.

Internally wincing at the shock up his arm from the hit, he jumped over Crax’s tail when it swept toward his legs.

Landing in a crouch, he threw an uppercut toward the Jalaxian’s armpit.

Crax grunted and Stalad resisted the urge to shake his hand. Crek. The male is a rock.

For the next several minutes the males didn’t speak, although the space was alive with the sounds of flesh meeting flesh, as well as growls and grunts. Neither male gained a significant advantage overall.

“Stalad!”

Makai’s interruption distracted the Svesti and Crax took advantage of the moment to punch him in the face.

Stalad fell backwards and air rushed from his lungs.

Sucking in a breath, he sat up and rested his elbows on his knees.

He looked up to see Crax holding out a hand to help him up and Makai’s eyes twinkling in amusement.

“You should know better, Svesti. Never take your eyes off your opponent.” Makai grinned.

“Did you want to see Crax drop me?” Stalad clasped Crax’s hand and allowed himself to be pulled up.

“Not particularly. It was an extra benefit.”

“What do you need?” Stalad caught the towel thrown at him and wiped his forehead.

“To talk and get your opinion.” Makai’s levity ended and a serious expression formed on his face.

“About?”

“I just received a contract offer from Costonia. Before accepting it, I wanted to talk to you.”

“Would we need to go there?”

“No. The job involves intel gathering on Rumaska. There’s no guarantee that the Fortitude would do anything other than report back via comms. However, I can introduce you to my contact and have him investigate who you might be in the meantime.”

Stalad’s tail swayed and clicked his teeth together.

“I’m not sure. What if he discovers something that might impact your operations?”

“Like what? You’re a wanted male?” Makai chuckled.

“I don’t know. Maybe that I have to return to Costonia immediately for some reason I cannot remember.

I feel like if I’m told who I am, but have no means to learn more, it doesn’t truly help me regain my memories.

I’m concerned it might frustrate me more.

” Stalad tossed his towel into the refresher and grabbed a water pouch.

“You may need me to help with the Orkites.” I don’t think I’m ready to leave the Fortitude yet… or Morgan.

“We would survive without you.” Makai grinned. “However, if you prefer, we can wait until after we complete the Costonian mission before we follow up on your identity.”

“That sounds acceptable.” A relieved breath left his chest. Why aren’t I using every resource I can to find out who I am as quickly as possible?

“Consider that our plan, then.”

The next day, Stalad entered the cargo bay a little earlier than usual to train with the females.

Loud music rang bounced from the metal walls as Morgan performed a routine similar to those on Nulorn.

He leaned against a crate and watched spellbound.

Even in simple clothes and no special lighting effects, her fluid movements took his breath away. So much talent.

The doors opened and the Orkites, as well as Lezon, Crax, and Makai, followed the human females into the area.

Abby placed a forefinger to her lips so the others would not distract Morgan.

They observed as she twisted, turned, climbed, slid, spun, and contorted her body into a moving work of art.

All of them gasped as she swung to another set of silks floating in midair with her legs split horizontally to the floor as if she were leaping.

Once on the second set of silks, her hands gripped the fabric and her body rotated to wrap itself before she released and spread her arms wide with her head bowed, hanging above the floor as the music ceased.

Silence reigned for a moment before he, the humans, and Jalaxians clapped.

The Orkites, with the exception of Niksen, slapped their thighs, their version of approval.

Morgan’s head snapped up and she grasped the silks, untwisted herself, and slid to the floor.

She smiled, imitated a curtsy, and smiled.

Her flushed face glistened with perspiration and her scent reached him.

He wrapped his tail around his ankle to keep it from wandering.

“I didn’t realize you were here. I was just working on a new routine.” She caught the towel Kara tossed to her.

“The switching between sets of silks is new,” Rain said. “It’s impressive.”

“I would prefer you didn’t conduct such maneuvers alone.” Makai crossed his arms. “If you fell, there would be no one to assist.”

“I put down mats.” Morgan’s spine stiffened.

“You could still be injured if you landed wrong.” He dipped his chin. “I’m not saying not to do it. I want you to practice safely.” Sighing, he added, “Just like I want Tren to test his inventions responsibly.”

“Did you compare me to Tren?” Morgan’s fists rested on her hips, her jaw lifted, and her blue eyes flashed. So fiery and passionate in her anger.

The other humans tried to hide their snickers at her outrage, but the usually stoic Crax guffawed. She included him in her glare.

“Do I need to make it an order?” Makai’s eyes twinkled.

“If the human wants to break her neck, let her,” Lady Niksen interjected. Everyone turned in disbelief. “I doubt it would be a great loss.” Krinir frowned, while Fraddar and Lollek shifted uncomfortably. Crek. What a petty female. Her attitude dims her outward attractiveness.

“Why are you even here?” Kara said, her face tight.

“I wanted to see where so many of you disappear to each day.”

“You’ve seen us. You can leave now.” Kara gestured toward the door. Stalad bit back a smile at the pink-haired human’s contentiousness. The human females protect each other.

Rain tapped her lips with a forefinger.

“On Earth, we have fictional beings similar to Orkites in build. We call them orcs. In many of the stories, the females orcs tend to be the leaders and take pride in supporting the other females. Is that not so for Orkites?”

Lollek spoke. “It is similar for our species in that we have female councils that meet regularly and ensure all are treated fairly. They are also responsible for disciplining those few males who are foolish enough to abuse or assault females.”

“Hmm, obviously, Niksen won’t be leading such a council with her personality.”

“I demand satisfaction for the insult to my character.” Lady Niksen’s lips firmed.

“What does that entail?” Abby chewed on her lower lip.

“For something like this, a sparring match until first blood.” Krinir pinned Lady Niksen with a hard glance. “I doubt it’s necessary since you insulted one of our hosts first.”

“She implied I’m not fit to lead.” Lady Niksen’s cheeks turned a dark green and a growl rumbled from her chest.

“And you insinuated that Morgan is not fit to live.” Rain’s lips tightened. “I demand satisfaction for the insult to my friend.”

Morgan tugged at Rain’s arm.

“That’s not necessary. Niksen is a guest onboard. Worse has been said to me.”

“You’re a puny human. You think you can draw first blood from me with no claws, fangs, or tusks?” The Orkite raised an eyebrow and scoffed.

“I know I can.” Rain looked at Makai. “Do you have any issues if I beat the shit out of the entitled mean girl?”

The captain exchanged glances with Krinir who nodded.

“When would you like to do this?” Makai tilted his head.

“Now works, if it’s okay with her.” Rain shrugged.

“Let’s go, then, human.” Niksen spun on her heel and strode toward the door.

“Well, you heard Princess Bitch,” Kara said with an evil grin. “Let’s go enjoy watching her getting her ass kicked.”

Females may look like sweetness, but they are dangerous.