Page 107 of Tempting Cargo

“I am not a trader, Shohari. And I find myself weary of their overly traditional ways. Enclaves are not representative of the wider world.” He ran a hand over his headspines, and it reminded me of the way Garrison would rub his mane when he was thoughtful. “I could make you happy, I am sure. If you were to give me a chance.”

Were I a different version of myself, able to give him the chance, I found I would believe him.

The pain I’d been so terrified of stabbed at me, even at such an abstract thought.Good.I didn’twantanyone else. “I am not yet at the point where I would give Mother the satisfaction.”

“I understand.” His tone was tinged with sadness. “You cannot blame a male for trying.”

I could not. And if he knew the change in me, he would not blame me, either.

Rokharu turned away, as though gathering himself, and when he turned back, he had a shrewd glimmer in his eyes. “I had the most curious message this morning.”

Finally.“Is that so?”

“Indeed. From Inupa dai Yakri, of all people.”

“Fancy that,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.

“She insinuated you had a secret that would make you most unsuitable for a mate. And I suspect it is something with more gravitas than liaising with aliens.”

“Your instincts serve you well, Rokharu.”

“They have done thus far. And my instincts tell me you are in need of an ally.”

My headspines twitched. Spines of Kri,this male was full of surprises. “You would aid me, even after being so summarily and crudely rejected?”

Light streamed through the window, catching on his tusk gems. “Especially after. You are a refreshing delight, and if I cannot make you mine, I can certainly attempt to make you happy today.” His smile hardened into a grimace. “Unlike some, I am not without the moral integrity tradition requires.”

Sweet, blessed relief whispered through my bones, radiating outwards until it welled up in my throat. I never would have dreamed of finding an ally inside my parents’ house, or even on this planet, and yet here one was, this most unexpected of males.

“The armed guards did not escape my notice,” he continued. “Will you tell me what is happening?”

Gods. Could I trust him? It had to be an omen, to meet a male capable of a soul bond and for him to offer aid.

Never asking for help hadn’t served me well, I supposed.

I set my jaw and looked him in the eye. “I am rescuing my brother.”

Saying it aloud strengthened me; the rightness of it settled in my chest.

Rokharu’s suave, competent mien dropped away, his jaw hanging open. A muscle twitched in his cheek. “Well, that I was not expecting. Especially as you do not have a brother.”

Sadness and anger beat a solemn cadence in my chest as I watched the sway of hypra blooms through the window. “As Mother wishes you to believe. He is kept under house arrest. There is a longer story which, if plans go in my favour, you will hear. But if your integrity is as resolute as you have already shown, you would agree with my plan.” I huffed a laugh. “She used you as a threat, you know, to keep me under her fist. I was never… Orithian enough for her.” I wouldneverbe enough for her.

I dragged my eyes to his. “If I’d met you, it would have been no threat at all.”

A smile lit his face again, and I turned away. “I shall take it as a compliment.”

“You should.” When had I complimented Garrison?

I didn’t want a relationship with Rokharu, yet we were sharing easy words. Over the last week—more than—Garrison and I hadn’t shared much more than strained silences.

Time to fix all this ulthshit.

My bones twinged, and as I rubbed my forearm, Rokharu tracked the movement.

“Show me your arm.” He seized my hand, and I growled but didn’t resist, frozen by what he uncovered.

Deeper stripes of colour decorated the inside of my elbow, trailing underneath and along the spines there.