When I Fall: Expanded Version, MM Sci Fi Romance (The Lost King Book 2) by Belinda McBride

Author:Belinda McBride [McBride, Belinda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Belinda McBride
Published: 2022-10-03T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

To my surprise, our tour of ICE headquarters was conducted by Roane Vaine herself. The head of the coalition’s enforcement unit turned out to be a tawny beauty—the daughter of a Valoran businessman and an African diplomat from Earth. She was tall and slender, and like all Valorans, had a good deal of intelligent reserve in her countenance. She wore a tailored jacket and a long pencil-thin skirt. A walking slit in the skirt revealed flat-heeled boots that rose to her knees. A wicked little side arm rested at her belt. In spite of the skirt, she moved swiftly, expecting us to remain at her side. All pureblooded Valorans were single-gendered, and Vaine was half-human. The Valoran culture was notoriously puritanical, and she didn’t appear to fit that mold. And yet she was almost rigid in her bearing. Even her tightly curled hair was forced into obedience. In my wanderings, I’d met many but had never shared a bed with one. I wondered if she’d let loose of her tight controls in private.

It was unlikely my curiosity would ever be satisfied.

“Prisoner Processing is in the same compound as the Quay, where our personnel reside, but in the event of an emergency, the entire unit can be shut down. It’s staffed by robotics so the prisoners can be tended even if human staff is unable to access the wing.” She didn’t pause as we swept past the vast facility, which temporarily housed prisoners as they awaited trial or assignment to more permanent housing.

“You will find conference rooms in this hall. Dorms for our larger species are in that direction. The mess halls are to your right.” We followed her through the broad passageways. The hushed atmosphere was occasionally disrupted by laughter drifting from behind closed doors or by pairs and groups of hunters who quickly sobered and nodded respectfully to Roane Vaine.

Eventually we ended up in a vast gymnasium that was furnished with padded floors and walls. A holographic mirror shimmered against the north wall. It was an impressive space.

“All practice weapons are in the cupboards by the lockers. Edged and live weapons are strictly monitored by a third party during a sparring session.” We paused and watched as a pair of enormous men grappled on the floor, wrestling to a standstill. One man finally topped the other and held until the loser grudgingly submitted. They rose, dusted off their clothing, and grinned at each other, shifting from opponents to partners.

The winner had gleaming, coffee-color hair, golden green eyes, and a steady, watchful gaze. His partner was crowned with golden blond waves and smiling blue eyes. Helios and I were not small men, but these two towered over us.

There was a wild, feral air to them. Sharp cunning graced their very bearing.

AmWere. As soon as the realization hit me, the two fighters went on alert, nostrils flaring and eyes bright with interest. They must have scented my reflexive aggression.

“Staten and Timber are on loan to us from the AmWere of New Denver.

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