Page 104 of Tempting Cargo

Shohari

THE MATE bondsettled into my skin like a lovers caress, then took root, a deep blossoming from the softest, innermost parts of me, radiating through all the vessels of my body. When it reached my bones, I sucked in a gasp, scrunching my eyes closed against the heat, the fullness, the solidity. It was as though my body had finally completed forming, a newly emerged insect drying its body and wings in the sun, carapace hardening into the protection it needed to face the world.

Mother was oblivious to the transformation, staring at me with her pinched face as I stared at the image of me with my mate.

My mate.It was so momentous, surely everyone in the enclave could hear, could feel what had just taken place, but there was only the chirruping of insects and the harsh echo of Mother’s voice.

My terror remained—that after all the distance, all the hurt, it might all be for nothing and I would still lose—but what Ihadn’t counted on was the strength. The bond I’d considered a weakness was something I coulduse.

I stared at the image taken on Aurora Five. That happy evening seemed so far away.

My headspines twitched in their loosened up-do. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Mother.”

“Whatisthat?”

“What is what?”

“That manner ofcreature.”

My chest vibrated with a growl I couldn’t suppress. “Does it matter?”

“What matters is the reputation of this family. And I find you have been cavorting with all manner of perverse aliens. It cannot be countenanced, Shohari.”

I froze in place, every inch the small girl desperately trying to gain her mother’s approval.

I’m not in control.

Sweat trickled down my back, sticking the repugnant dress to my skin.

Control. Get control.

“Do you know how many credits I had to pay Madame mai Lyndri to keep this quiet?” Mother’s eyes burned with fury, and I licked my lips, clinging to that tiny satisfaction, reminding my frantic brain she wasn’t invincible.Breathe. “So I say again. You will be mated to Rokharu fei Sinla on the morrow.”

My hope is the dormant seed in the soil.

“No.” My voice didn’t waver, and I took strength from it. “I am done with your schemes, Mother.”

“You will, or I will send your worthless brother to a colony after all.”

My heart clenched. I couldn’t let her.

I glanced at the image still hovering above the half-eaten fruits on the table. Just for a night, we’d been happy.

We’re going to win, sweetheart.

My fists clenched, the rage inside me beating against my ribcage, eager for violence. “Maybe a colony is better than the pretty prison you keep him in.” I glanced past Mother to the two retainers by the door. I could gouge her eyes out before they got across the room. They weren’t even armed.

“Now, now, Shohari. There is no need for unpleasantries.”

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

My revenge is the inevitable slow creep of winter.“Fine. I’ll stay.”

“Good girl. You always do come round.” She rolled a piece of fruit between gnarled fingers. “Your weakness isn’t a trait I value, but I can use it nevertheless.”

Shifting to one side, I felt the reassuring weight of the tiny blaster in its ankle holster and the knife strapped under my glove.I will skykking kill you.

I flashed my arm out, relishing the way she jerked away from me, even though I only reached for my drink. “You always do, Mother,” I said, hoping I sounded unmoved. Once I killed her, I’d have fifty-fifty odds against the retainers. “Once again, you’ve proved how much better you are than me. I never was well suited to artifice or deceit.” I leaned back, eating more of the fruit despite my stomach’s protests, while she stepped away.