Page 22 of Tempting Cargo

Paiata raised his hands in supplication. “Don’t fire on the messenger, Cap. I have no idea. It’s just bad luck. Maybe this shipping lane’s had a comms upgrade.”

“But why her? Why now?”

“Just answer the comm, Captain.”

Inhale. Exhale.

I schooled my features into a slightly smaller scowl as the familiar face came into view on the holoscreen. “Mother. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Her disapproval was palpable even through the few seconds’ lag. “Your demeanor is most unbecoming, Shohari. Is the galaxy robbing you of all sense of decorum?”

I bit the inside of my lip so hard I tasted metal, but I kept my headspines calm. “My apologies.” The familiar, worn thread on my tunic came loose in my fingers. “Is everything okay?”

“But of course. Why ever should it not be?”

Because you’re a cold, manipulative tyrant.

“No reason.” Why did she always make me feel like a sulky child?

Out of sight of the holoscreen, I gouged my claws across my arm, wishing my skin was fragile like Garrison’s so I could draw blood.

The thought of the easygoing human calmed my inner chaos enough to retain control, and I replaced my claws with the memory of his warm, easy touch.

“Your brother has secured another shipment from Maughnis.”

A shudder ran through me. “Very well. Send the details to my comm. This didn’t warrant a call, Mother.”

“Perhaps not, but do I need a reason to speak with my dear daughter?” My lips flattened as she spoke. “Your cousin Ryich came to call only last week. Such a delightful young male, and with a most promising head for business. His father is friends with Rokharu fei Sinla, as I daresay you know. The widower? Oh, and how could I possibly forget? I have a message from your brother.”

My heart, already beating too fast, clenched. I willed my voice to remain even. “How is he?”

I hated how I’d plead for even a snippet from him, a glimpse into his wellbeing. My gorge rose, and I swallowed around the urge to beg her to let me speak with him.

“He is well enough. He remains very grateful for your continued contributions to his welfare.” Her heartless words were delivered with just enough conceit to provoke me.

My calm is the strength that brings victory.

I forced a relaxed smile. “I am so pleased to hear it. Thank you for letting me know, Mother. Please pass on my affections to him.”

The nebaru-style mantras burned like sigils in my mind’s eye.My serenity is an ocean to quell the flames of tyranny. My rage is a quiet ember that bides its time.

Mother’s headspines jerked for a heartbeat, and I breathed through the urge to smirk.My mother is a pressure pot liable to explode.I’d take the tiny victories.

“You are welcome, daughter.” Her image dematerialised.

I pictured her hand slamming down on her comm-tablet. If she was lucky, it stung.

The holoscreen winked out of existence, a few console lights blinking in sequence, and I let out a shuddering breath, pressing my palms to the tops of my ear ridges.

Inhale. Exhale.

Paiata swung round in his chair, his voice overly measured as he said, “Do you want to tell me what that was about?”

I maintained my absurd breathing exercises, staring him down as he continued cautiously. “I don’t suppose it has anything to do with the additional shipments we’ve been recording in a separate log? Or the higher risks you’re taking, like Anandri?”

Skyk. The last thing I wanted was to reveal my weakness, my pathetic fragments of a plan to save Airida—and myself. But the old pirate didn’t miss much.

“Yes.” I rolled my head, savouring the stretch across my ear ridges. “How long until our destination?”