of his office. “We have another Eon ship on the way. They’ll provide additional protection to the outpost and help them rebuild.”
“Eon engineering ship, the Structura, inbound,” a warrior called out.
A ship dropped out of starspeed and Donovan studied it. It wasn’t a warship, so it was smaller than the Rengard, but like all Eon ships, it had a sleek, impressive design. It had several cranes built into the back of it, no doubt for in-space salvage and repairs.
He glanced at Airen and saw her jaw tighten.
The viewscreen blinked on to show an older warrior flanked by two male warriors.
Eon Warriors all looked very similar—muscular bodies and rugged facial features, and they wore their brown hair long. There were no blondes or black-haired Eon, just various shades of brown. And definitely none had skin as dark as Donovan.
“First Commander Lann-Ath, good to see you,” Malax said. “The Thessa outpost will be grateful for the assistance of your team.”
The first commander inclined his head. “Good to see you, War Commander Dann-Jad. You remember my second, Gavyn Narann-Felis, and my security commander, Ander Dann-Eon.”
Malax nodded. “Welcome.”
The security commander had a slightly prettier face, less rugged than most warriors. He turned his gaze to Airen.
“Airen, it is wonderful to see you again.” The man’s voice was a smooth drawl.
Donovan frowned at the man’s over-friendly tone, a shiver skating down his spine.
“It’s been a long time, Security Commander Dann-Eon.” Her voice was devoid of any emotion.
Fuck. Realization dawned. This was the asshole. And he’d called her by her first name, not her title.
Donovan moved up behind her. There wasn’t much he could do but offer his silent support. Hell, since she was angry with him, he doubted she’d welcome his support anyway. Without anyone seeing, he brushed his fingers against her back.
She didn’t pull away.
“My Second Commander, Airen Kann-Felis, and our Security Commander, Sabin Solann-Ath,” Malax said. “And our Terran ally, Sub-Captain Donovan Lennox.”
Dann-Eon managed to drag his gaze off Airen. “Terran? Interesting.” His tone said otherwise.
As he eyed Donovan, standing right behind her, the man’s mouth tightened.
“I’m sending my engineering team to the surface,” the first commander said. “While they make their initial assessment, let’s meet, Malax. Let our command team mingle and discuss what needs to be done for the outpost before the Rengard heads off again.”
“Excellent,” Malax said. “You’re all invited aboard the Rengard.”
“I hope we get to meet your new mate.”
Malax smiled. “Of course.”
“I’ll be careful not to let her hijack my ship,” First Commander Lann-Ath said with a smile.
Malax shot the man a rueful smile. “That’s an excellent idea. My mate is a woman of many talents.”
Chapter Six
Warriors filled the large conference room on the Rengard.
It wasn’t a party. They were talking about the reconstruction work at the outpost, and about the Kantos.
Regardless, Airen just wanted it over with so she could get back to work. They had the pirate prisoner in the brig, and she wanted to question him.
There was more to this attack, she was sure of it.
She glanced over and saw Malax introducing Wren around. The Terran was smiling and, in usual Wren fashion, charming First Commander Lann-Ath without even trying to.
“Airen.”
Ander’s voice behind her. It made her want to wrinkle her nose.
She turned. “Ander.”
He looked good—smooth and handsome. She’d found that attractive when she’d first met him, but now his face seemed a little…soft.
“It’s wonderful to see you,” he said.
She didn’t respond. She certainly didn’t feel the same way.
He glanced around, admiring some of the ornamental weapons on the wall. “You must enjoy your work here on the Rengard. It’s a magnificent ship.”
She saw it now. His envy. It was her promotion to second commander of the Rengard that was the death of their relationship. He’d called her too driven, too unbending, too independent.
For a second, she had a flash of Donovan’s face and his blatant admiration of her fighting skills.
Ander had been jealous. She realized that now. Ander had always been all about Ander.
She looked past him, barely listening as he droned on. She spotted Donovan among the crowd, his dark skin so smooth. He looked good in his dark-blue Space Corps uniform.
He looked up and their gazes met. Then he glared at Ander.
She’d known Terrans worked differently to the Eon. They could be orderly, they had rules, but they often went off plan, and were creative and spontaneous.
She’d also met Donovan’s captain, Allie Borden. The woman was bold and confident, and now mated to Second Commander Brack Thann-Felis of the Desteron. Airen could