ClandestineDesire.PDF by Elemental Alchemy

Author:Elemental Alchemy
Language: eng
Format: epub

CHAPTER 3

Two hours later the Aveza docked with the Vernado, a merchant vessel not much larger than the Aveza. Before leaving the bridge, Behrin had scanned the ship for weapons and discovered it was lightly armed.

Still, standing next to the air lock, he tensed. What if this was a trap? He wasn’t entirely sure Erok and his contacts were to be trusted, and he and Tai were going in blind. He glanced at Tai, who looked apprehensive. Behrin reached out to smooth the wrinkles on Tai’s face with the tips of his fingers.

“Don’t worry. This shouldn’t take long. You’ll be home on firm ground soon.”

Tai grabbed Behrin’s hand and dropped a kiss on his palm, 38

ALLIANCE: CLANDESTINE DESIRE

his lips warm and moist. “I’m glad you’re with me.”

“Me, too.” Behrin stared into his lover’s eyes and vowed to protect him. Whatever happened, Tai was an innocent.

He touched the pistol strapped to his side, then reached into his pocket, pulled out a tase-pistol and held it out to Tai.

“Here. You agreed to carry a weapon.”

Tai grimaced and took the pistol from him. “What do I do with it?”

“Tuck it in your boot. Just in case.”

Tai slipped it into his boot. “There. Are you happy now?”

“No,” Behrin replied, his voice curt. He wouldn’t be happy until this mission was over and they were safely back in Mahdesh City.

Erok’s voice over the intercom interrupted his thoughts.

“Docking complete. Proceed with caution. And good luck.”

Behrin threw his weight against the wheel and unlocked the door. He opened it and stepped into a short passage connecting the ships. Tai followed and closed the door behind him. A few seconds later the door to the Vernado opened and they stepped through.

Behrin froze when he found himself face to face with Ludosh himself. He’d seen the rebel leader’s picture many times on the tele-vid, but he was taller than Behrin had realized, only a half-inch or so under his own height. He looked to be about forty-five or so, his light brown hair liberally streaked with gray and telltale wrinkles at the corners of his dark grey eyes. His tan flight suit had obviously seen better days.

39

ALLIANCE: CLANDESTINE DESIRE

“I’m Lieutenant Behrin of the Ziganese fleet, and this is Taivic of the Darasatya Foundation, representing Mhajav. Tai, meet Ludosh.”

Tai held out his arm. “It is an honor to meet you, sir.”

Ludosh gripped Tai’s arm as the men exchanged greetings, Mhajavi fashion. Behrin kept his own arms at this side.

“Welcome aboard, gentlemen,” Ludosh said as he released Tai’s arm. “Come, we can talk more comfortably in my cabin.”

Behrin held back, one hand resting on his sidearm, and let Tai follow Ludosh to the cabin. It was bigger than the one on the Aveza and more lavishly furnished. A large round table claimed the middle of the cabin, and Behrin was surprised to see an attractive Mhajavi woman a good twenty years Ludosh’s junior sitting in one chair. She rose gracefully when they entered.

“Gentlemen, this is Kushala,” Ludosh said. “She’s here on behalf of a group of, shall we say, disaffected Mhajavi.

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