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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Dani

Unbelievable.

She stepped out of the meeting room and into the passage, jaw clenched tight to keep herself from shouting every curse she knew. Her crew followed her out, letting the door slide shut behind them.

“Well, that was...a meeting” Myrell said.

“More like an interrogation,” said Lex.

Dani glanced back at the door. “Let’s not talk about this here.”

“I know one place we can,” said Myrell. “My place.”

Silently, they made their way down to deck five and into Myrell’s unit, a slightly larger space than Dani’s. Pictures were taped on the walls and little lights hung from the ceiling. It was less well kept but it was welcoming. They huddled in her kitchen while she made them drinks, handing small cups of a light blue liquid to each of them. Dani took a sip and winced from the burning of the alcohol. The others followed suit, flinching or hissing in pain before setting their cups down.

“First thing,” Dani said. “Thank you for not saying anything about Kryxis. He’s doing fine. He’s safe.”

“Is he?” Lex said. “I’ve been hearing some rumors, Dani. Two engineers said they saw something, and security has been looking around the lower decks.”

“I…wasn’t honest with you and I’m sorry. Kryxis did get out.”

A few groaned in disbelief, cursing under their breath.

“It was him messing with the lights, wasn’t it?” Lex asked.

Dani pursed her lips. “Yes.”

“If he gets caught—”

“I know.”

They looked around at each other.

“He won’t get caught,” Dani said. “And if he somehow did, I would tell the heads I got him on board myself and none of you knew.”

“If they believe that,” Morse muttered.

“I’ll make them believe.”

“It’s not just that. What if you were wrong about him?” Lex said. “What if he gets up to his antics again like he did with us? I mean, he’s kind of feral, and I don’t think he fully understands we aren’t prey. What if he powers down this ship like he did ours on X110? We only have so much backup power. And you can imagine the panic.”

“Trust me, I’ve made him understand. He won’t mess with the ship or with anyone.”

Lex crossed their arms. “Like how you trusted him to stay put when he didn’t?”

“Lex does have a point. We know the risk we took bringing him onboard.” Myrell poured herself another cup and drank it down before adding, “Let’s just hope you’re right, Dani. I saw that better side of him. He’s still protected.”

“I did send out a message to the nearest alliance outpost,” Tom said. “But we may not hear anything back for some time. As long as he stays unnoticed, the next port we make could be his best chance.”

“And as for the other matter?” Sheek spoke. “Are we to see no compensation for what happened to us? Instead, the heads treat us like criminals. Questioning what we saw, if we took anything we shouldn’t have.”

“It’s because of Marityne,” Dani answered. “The heads learned more about what Marityne did. Instead of outing them, they are trying to keep it quiet. They expected us to do our jobs and not ask questions, like good little workers.”

“They had to have paid Nexacor a ton to do that,” Lex said.

“Or there was some insider trading involved,” said Tom.

“Either way, we won’t see a dime unless we lawyer up,” Myrell stated, pouring another cup.

Or if Dani gave up the datachip. A part of her knew that’s what the heads really wanted. But it was also all the evidence left. She badly wished she had a way to copy the data, but employee computers didn’t have a way to transfer such hefty files. There wasn’t even a way to connect the chip to her computer.

The whole meeting, Nadine had glared at her, pleading with her silently to give it up. Give it up and get her promotion. Never speak of it again and get her bonus. Otherwise, her job was on the line.

Come the next port they stopped at, she could be kicked off. They’d strip her room and find the chip as well as…

She hugged herself as a sharp chill ran though her. She had to decide soon.

Too bad her mom was gone—she’d give her sound advice. Dad was one of the heads of the company, so she already knew his answer. She’d be disowned this time for good.

Her best bet was the alliance, but she had no idea if or when they would make contact. Otherwise, her only option was to give up the chip.

“Well, all this has made me tired,” Lex said. “I think I need a twelve-hour sleep cycle to get my energy back from all this.”

“I would like to sleep as well,” added Phen.

Myrell looked to Dani. “I think we could all use a little more rest.”

Dani could see the exhaustion in their expressions. “Let’s call the meeting for now.”

“Come on, Phen. I’ll walk you back to your room.” Lex grabbed Phen’s hand, starting for the door. They stopped and looked back. “I won’t say anything, for your sake, Dani. But if anything more happens with Kryxis…I can’t stay silent for long.”

Dani watched them go, knowing she couldn’t blame them. The others left until only she and Myrell remained.

“I know you mean well,” Myrell said, offering her another drink. “And if it matters, I do think you’re doing the right thing.”

“Thanks.”

“Where is Kryxis hiding now?”

“My place.”

Myrell gave her a look that made Dani flush and glance away. “It’s the only place I can keep an eye on him.”

“Is that all?”

“All what?”

“Oh, don’t. I’m no idiot. I’m aware Kryxis is more intelligent than some wild beast. He’s probably more intelligent than ninety percent of the people on this ship. I also noticed that necklace around your neck when we were taking off from X110. It wasn’t there when we first stepped on that rock. I can only guess who gave it to you.”

Dani took a moment before she answered. “It’s…complicated.”

Myrelle snorted. “You could say that. I’d even say a little crazy after everything he put you through.”

Dani frowned. “I know.”

Myrell tapped her cup against Dani’s. “Guess the heart wants what the heart wants. Just be ready if it all comes crashing down. I don’t mean it will but…”

But the chances were high. Even if it hurt to admit it. And Dani was surprised at how much it did hurt.

She took one last drink and set the cup on the table. “I know.”

The lights flickered across her hallway just as the elevator opened. Heart fluttering, she clutched at the small package in her hand as she made her way over to her door and plugged in her code. Slipping inside and locking the door, she peered around the darkened apartment and froze when she saw Kryxis’ silhouette standing by the window next to her shelf of plants, including those from X110.

“Good, you’re back,” she greeted, stepping into the kitchen and placing her package on the counter. The engineer’s control pad was the only thing remaining on the table. That was no surprise. Kryxis still had to use it to not be seen by cameras. Eventually, she would have to sneak it back somewhere.

She went over to the sink and flipped on the switch for water to wash her hands. “I take it your mission went well. You hungry? I’ll make you something.”

She hadn’t heard him move and jumped when he nuzzled the top of her head, his tail brushing against her ankles. His red hands settled against the counter on either side of her, enclosing her, while his blue ones crept along her thighs.

“ Rissinak ,” he breathed against her, making her shiver.

She’d take that as a yes .

Tensing, she watched his hands slide up to her hips then along her stomach. They paused only briefly before dipping down to her center, fingers pushing against the fabric of her pants.

Ah, that sort of hunger.

Swallowing, she clung to the edge of the sink, feeling his intense heat behind her, until he pressed himself closer and rubbed against her. She could feel how hard he was as he pinned her to the counter.

She shut her eyes, wanting badly to roll her hips back into him. But she knew that would be his undoing and they wouldn’t stop, and she needed a small moment to collect herself. Slowly, she twisted around to face him.

“Trust me, I want to keep going too,” she whispered, making circles on his stomach with one finger. “I even got…” She glanced over at the small package next to her. “Something to help make things a little smoother in that regard.”

Kryxis grunted, his blue hands now clutching her waist. “Need more, Dani.”

“I know. I want it too.” She steered him back. “But first you have to eat.”

He grumbled, stepping away. He muttered in his tongue, something along the lines of, “I’ll wait a little longer, but I need you,” followed by Vassalla . My love.

Her stomach flipped just hearing those words. “Not long,” she said. Her eyes flitted down to his bottom half, where she could clearly see how badly he wanted her. It would be difficult to do anything with him walking around like that. “Where are your pants?” she asked.

Kryxis pointed to a small alcove next to the door where her washer and dryer combo sat.

“You figured that out, huh?” Guess she shouldn’t be surprised. He had plenty of time on X110 to learn how computers worked, so a washing machine would be simple. She went to the fridge and took out some leftover rice and a package of meat, then reached up to a cabinet and found a can of vegetables. Not the most decadent meal but it had to be better than what he’d been eating for so long on X110. As she started to prepare the meal, Kryxis watched behind her shoulder. She opened the can of vegetables and showed it to him. Kryxis sniffed it then grimaced, turning away. Dani laughed.

“It’s good for you, you know.”

Kryxis snorted. “ Niset, esta mikark fras ick .” He covered his nose, and she laughed again.

“Just because it smells bad doesn’t mean it’s not good. Although…” She checked the expiration date, but it was fine. She sniffed it herself and smelled nothing wrong. He was just being picky.

Kryxis went over to one of her shelves and searched around, moving aside food cans. He poked inside one cabinet and made a sound of surprise before pulling out a blue bag.

Dani stilled. “Uh, Kryxis…”

He opened the bag and sniffed. “This smells better.”

“Wait, that’s—”

He reached in and scooped up a handful of dry food and put it in his mouth, crunching on it.

“Kryxis, that’s cat food!”

He stared at her in confusion as he continued to chomp on the kibble. She covered her eyes in embarrassment, trying to stifle her laughter.

“Tastes fine,” he said.

She snatched the bag from him before he could reach in and take another fistful. “Cat food is not for you.”

As if he wasn’t listening, he went to another shelf and found the wet cat food, turning it in his hands before popping the can open.

“Don’t you dare.” She snatched that from him too and set it out of his reach.

A soft mew came from her bedroom. She looked over to see Chowder sticking his head out from her closet, meowing to her.

“Oh, Chowder, I’m so sorry.” She noticed his automatic feeder dish was full of dry food, but he had likely been too scared to come out and eat. And she’d yet to give him his wet food. She peeled off the metal lid and took the can over to him. Crouching down, she set it on the ground next to the closet. Hesitantly, Chowder came out and smelled the can before taking small bites. “That’s my good kitty,” Dani cooed, petting his head and back. A shadow moved over them, making Chowder jerk back and hiss. Kryxis stood by the doorway. Dani moved to push him back into the kitchen.

He pointed at her cat. “It gets meat, but I don’t?”

“You do get meat just not that meat. Now sit over there,” she snapped, pointing to the table.

Grumbling, Kryxis took a seat at the table, his tail flicking around like an annoyed cat. Ignoring him, she went back to preparing an actual meal. “ Cooked , remember?” she said to him as she flipped the meat in the pan, and he hissed back at her, making her laugh.

Fifteen minutes later, she set the food out with a pitcher of water to share. She sat next to him, sliding over a plate. Kryxis went to grab the meat with his hand, and she smacked it away then gave him a fork.

“Why?” Kryxis said, gripping the utensil.

“Because it’s good manners at the table.” She smiled. The dark look he gave her made her chuckle. He muttered something in his tongue then stabbed the meat. Without looking away he pulled the meat off the fork and took a large bite, ripping into the meat, shredding it with his fangs and spraying her with meat juice all at once.

“Ugh!” she cried, wiping her face. “You jerk!”

Kryxis laughed, and she threw a green bean at him, making him wince.

“Oh, it’s not that bad. Don’t be a baby. Here.” She spiked a couple of beans with her fork and reached over, attempting to put them in his mouth. He jerked away and hissed like Chowder, taking another large bite of meat and spraying her once more. She got on his lap and tried to wrestle one single vegetable into his mouth, but he wouldn’t have it. By the end, he had her arms pinned and the green beans were on the floor, and he was reaching for another slice of meat.

“All right, you win. For now.” She laughed, struggling in his grip. He loosened his hold but kept her in place on his lap.

“Dani, stay,” he said.

She shifted but didn’t try to break free. “Okay, fine.”

Looking satisfied, he tore off a piece of meat and offered it to her. “Eat,” he ordered.

Eyes locked, she leaned forward and clamped her mouth down on the meat between his fingers, letting it slide onto her tongue. Kryxis’s pupils widened, a flicker of fire passing over his gaze.

She smiled as she chewed, liking the way he looked at her and the way his hand brushed along her back. A comforting touch. Swallowing, she licked her lips, studying his face. There was a thin blue circle that went round the circumference of his iris, but the rest of his eye was red like low embers. It really was stunning. The blue eyes along his brow were like gems. She lifted a hand and brushed her fingers just above them, and they didn’t blink, but she caught a silvery white in their depths, like little slits.

He was monstrous. And he was beautiful. And beneath both was a man she would be happy to call her own.

That realization hit her so suddenly it was like a punch to the gut. He couldn’t stay here. She knew that. They would never let him. He could be free at the next port, but then where would he go? He would be lost. Unless the alliance decided to help him, but there was no guarantee.

You could stay with him.

That little thought scared her for some reason. It was true that at the next port they could find a way to sneak off and leave Nexacor behind. But where would they go? She had a little saved up to maybe find a tradeship out somewhere. But the vrisha were scarce and many people were still very afraid of them. A vrisha like Kryxis was one of a kind and would scare everyone even more. She couldn’t predict how others would act. She might not be able to protect him.

Nexacor was all she knew. All she ever wanted was to be worthy of the blue suit. But that dream felt far away now. Because, despite her fears and her dreams, the idea of being separated from him seemed unthinkable.

She took his face in both her hands. “I will keep you safe, you understand? I will do whatever I have to.”

His gaze searched hers. “As will I,” he vowed.

She smiled sadly. “I know.”

Leaning in, she pressed her lips against his mouth, and he responded by wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into a firm embrace.

He pulled back and pressed his forehead to hers, his talons pricking through her shirt. “ Xe asta limara intas virak, xia Vasalla ,” he purred. He took her hand and pressed it to his hearts. She felt the heavy thumping against her palm, his skin warm to the touch. He directed her hand downward, feeling his hard stomach, then lower still, down between his thighs where she could feel the two heavy shafts.

“Need to eat more,” she said softly, yet unwilling to pull her hand away.

“ Niset , hungry for you.”

She let her fingers brush along him and felt him harden under her hand, a low hiss escaping him. “Dani.”

She shifted, encircling her hands around his cocks, watching his reaction as she stroked and kneaded him. She was feeling that hunger too, beginning to claw at her, remembering how good he felt inside her. He tensed under her, his talons gripping her shirt, tearing it, but she didn’t mind, not at all. Leaning her head toward his throat, she flicked her tongue out and tasted him. “I really can’t say no to you, can I?” she whispered. Then she drew her mouth to him and bit down.

Kryxis groaned, cocks jerking in her hands. She felt her shirt tear in his fist. His other hand came up swiftly and took a fistful of her hair, breaking her hold and tilting her head up to him.

“ Firas , Dani,” he hissed, eyes glowing like hellfire as he glared down at her. “I want you to take both…and cry out for me.”

Her breath caught at the intensity at his words, a flash of heat rippling down her body. “Okay,” she said without hesitation.

He hauled her up with him and started to carry her to the bedroom.

“Wait!” she pointed to the package on the counter, and he allowed her to grab it. In a few strides, he took her into the bedroom and set her on the bed. Swiftly, she removed her now tattered shirt and let it drop to the floor. She started to take off her pants as Kryxis moved on top of her, while his blue hands helped tug her pants off. He brought his head down and rubbed his face between her breasts then down her stomach until he was crouched between her thighs and tasting her, making her arch her back as a moan tore up her throat.

As she spread her legs more for him, rolling her hips, she reached for the package and hurriedly ripped it open, taking out a little green vial and a needlegun. Hands shaking, she snapped the vial in place, a cry rising in her throat as his tongues curled and twisted along her. She pressed the needlegun to her thigh and shot the liquid into her system, hissing from the pinch of pain. Soon the drug would take effect, and she wouldn’t be so worried about how exactly she was going to take both of his cocks without it being too unbearable. She tossed the gun then gripped the covers, enjoying how he played with her while waiting for her body to be ready. She could already feel how wet she was as he pulled the heat from her, making her writhe and squirm under him.

“That’s good,” she breathed, bucking against him. A different sort of heat started to spread along her legs and in her center, her muscles relaxing, her body throbbing. A small orgasm hit her, making a chill run across her spine and she knew she was ready.

“Kryxis,” she moaned, tugging at his horn.

He understood well enough. He unlatched from her and pushed himself up, mounting on top of her. He bent her legs up just like the last time and, grabbing hold of his cocks, pressed them together, pushing them into her center.

Even with the drug lessening some of the pain, she could still feel herself being stretched as he slid into her inch by so slow inch, making her heart pound, little cries slipping through her teeth. Yes, even with the lessening pain, she could feel how full he made her, so full she could even see the slightest rise in her lower belly.

She cursed at the sight. Kryxis bucked his hips a little to push the last of him in, sliding all the way till he couldn’t anymore. A shudder ran through her as he stilled, giving her a moment to adjust.

“It’s all right, Dani,” he said, one hand stroking her head. “All right.”

She nodded even as she shivered. Taking a few slow breaths, she gripped the sides of his red arms, nails digging into his skin.

Kryxis moved slow at first, real slow, until it was certain he wouldn’t tear her apart. His red shaft stroked against a sensitive spot while the ridges of his blue could be felt along her inner walls. She choked down a whimper as he thrusted several times, his head tilting back, eyes no more than red slits, teeth slightly bared as he lost himself in his own pleasure. His tail curled upward as he nearly crouched above her to deepen his thrusts.

Dani eyes drifted down between them and she flushed at the sight. She was practically curled underneath his giant body as he took her, his thrusts growing more urgent, almost too much for her to stand.

She gritted her teeth at the coiling, rising heat between them, sweat breaking out between her breasts and the nape of her neck. As he hit that sensitive spot, she knew she was a goner.

But it seemed Kryxis lost the battle first as his body jerked and he shuddered, letting out a low snarl as he released in her, both cocks pulsing as he thrust one last time. She heard a ripping sound as his claws sank into her mattress and his tail hit the side of one cabinet as he lost control. Dani let out a yelp of surprise as she felt him spilling in her. She tried to slide back, and he pulled out, letting the rest of him spill onto her.

Freeing her legs, Dani rolled onto her knees, and Kryxis gripped her waist, pulling her in. Without a word, he mounted her from behind, ready to press them both into her again.

“Ah, Kryxis, wait, too much,” she panted as he started to stretch her out again. She feared the possibility of her being torn already so she reached behind and took hold of him. “Here.” She directed his blue cock to her center while the red pressed against her ass. She’d been taken that way before, and the drug was still in full effect.

Kryxis seemed uncertain at first until she guided him, moving her hips, showing him it was all right to take her from behind. Once he realized this, he slid in deep, making her gasp. She arched her back while bumping against him. His blue arms gripped her hips from behind, keeping her pinned to him, while he used his red arms to support himself on either side of her, his stomach pressed to her back.

She felt vulnerable and so small under him, his body encompassing hers as he thrusted into her hard enough to shake the bed. The fullness was different this time, making her throw her head back, goosebumps trailing over her skin as her body tightened. She sank to the bed, face pressed into the mattress, succumbing to Kryxis’ need. A low growl like thunder started in him as he placed a hand on her back, nails digging lightly into her flesh. His blue hands kept her legs apart while pulling her in.

The coiling heat broke in her, and she let out a cry, jerking against him, but he held her fast, his hand trailing along her back, comforting.

“Good , lillak. Predas...”

She cried into her mattress as he said that word over and over. Predas . She had a feeling it meant perfect .

He continued to move in her, slower now as she tightened around him, until he hissed and shuddered above her.

“ Predas …Dani.”

When the waves finally settled and her body started to relax, Kryxis finally released her, sliding away, letting her sink back fully onto the bed.

She lay panting, flushed, and admittedly dazed. As she started to come down, she noticed his talons still trailing across her back then brushing away the hair from her face. His heavy weight shifted and he curled up beside her.

“My Dani…”

She let out a shaky breath, then turned over to face him. “Yeah?”

“Yesss.”

She laughed. “Yess.”

They laid together in silence for a long moment as his hands swept over her, across her back, her ribs, her legs. She closed her eyes and just felt him, taking in his warmth. The scent of coffee—his scent—lingered in the air, pleasant, making her relax even more. She wanted to fall asleep, but she couldn’t, not yet. Her eyes drifted back up to him as she traced her fingers down his chest.

“Do you remember before X110?” It was a question that had circled around in her head for some time, but she hadn’t found the right moment to ask. “What happened before? Where you came from?”

Kryxis seemed to think it over. His eyes narrowed, looking almost pained as he tried to remember. “ Niset …little,” he said at first. “There was…a ship. A…cage. I was a fledgling.”

She frowned, petting his side. “They took you. From your real home.”

“Maybe.”

“I’m sorry.”

Kryxis grunted. “It’s a dream. Little memory.”

“It’s awful what Marityne did. You never deserved that. I’m sorry I thought you were just a monster.” She felt bad saying it, but it was the honest truth.

“I acted like one. I liked your fear.” His talons brushed along her hip. “But I like this more.”

She smiled. “Good.”

There was a knock at her unit door, making her nearly jump. Heart in her throat, she pushed herself up.

Who could that be now?

Kryxis grew tense beside her, sitting up as well. He growled low, exposing his teeth. He started to get off the bed when she stopped him.

“No, you can’t be seen, remember?”

He hardly seemed to hear her. His nostrils flared, a dark shadow passing over his gaze, as if a simmering anger had taken hold of him.

Dani went to stand and flinched. She looked down at herself and felt the heat rise on her face and neck. Oh, no .

Another knock came, more urgent this time. She quickly wiped herself off on one of the sheets now lying on the floor and went for her robe. As she wrapped it around herself, she went to turn for the kitchen when Kryxis stood up to follow her.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let them in, but you have to stay in here,” she ordered, putting out her hand.

Kryxis’s hands turned to fists at his sides, his tail weaving.

“Please, Kryxis.” She stepped back and turned toward the door. It might be one of her crewmen with news or one of the heads, though she wondered why they didn’t bother messaging or calling first.

Fixing herself, she turned down the lights and unlocked the door, letting it slide open part of the way.

“Hey, Dani.”

She tried not to look annoyed as she stared at the soldier before her. “Garret…is something wrong?” He was still in his uniform though not in any sort of gear.

“I’m sorry to bother you again, but it’s kind of urgent.”

“Oh?” It took all her will not to let her eyes drift over to the bedroom where, at the corner of her eye, she could see Kryxis pacing. She gripped the edge of her door tight, trying to keep herself hidden behind it as much as possible.

“Listen, I’m not trying to alarm you, but I’m sure you’ve heard, since news spreads like enginefire around here. But a couple of people have sworn they’ve seen something on the ship.”

Dani shifted on her feet. “Like what?”

His eyes drifted over her shoulder to the dark kitchen then back to her. “Something that might have gotten onboard on our return flight from X110.”

She kept her face as unreadable as possible. “What did people see?”

“Nothing concrete. Just movement in the dark, a big shadow. But they claim it was real.”

She could feel her pulse in her ears. “That’s scary.”

He searched her face, and she saw it in his eyes, the thing he wanted to say. He was suspicious but not enough to say the words aloud. “Yeah, so I wanted to ask if I could borrow your garometer. My team did a small search but came up empty. I want to take another look. We got trackers that’ll pick up heat, but I figured if I could get a high energy read, it would give us an idea what we might be dealing with.”

“Right.” Without looking away she said, “Well, sorry, my garometer isn’t working good at the moment. Must have bumped it or something on X110.”

“Really?” His mouth twitched to one side. “That’s too bad…”

“Yeah. It is. Sorry I can’t help. But good luck. Hopefully you don’t find anything.”

He shrugged. “If we do, it’ll be taken care of quickly.”

She gave him a tight smile back. “I’m sure.”

He nodded, tapping his hand beside her door. “All right. Sorry to bother you again. Talk to you later.”

“Sure. Later.” She went to close the door.

“Wait. Dani?”

“Yeah?”

“Just…stay safe, okay?”

“I will.”

As he turned away, she closed the door for good, locking it. She turned around, and Kryxis was already upon her, hissing and growling something in his language.

“Hey, it’s okay,” she said, trying to calm him. “You know Garret.”

“ Niset , do not like.”

“He’s harmless.”

Kryxis didn’t look convinced as he continued to glare at the door. “Don’t want him near, Dani.”

Gently, she pushed him away from the door. He stared daggers at it but allowed her to lead him back to the bedroom. “Harmless,” she repeated. “Now come shower with me and forget all about it.”