Alien Conquest (Fated Mates of Xaensskar #2) - Jude Gray Page 0,21

wanting more than anything to be given my freedom to trying to think of ways I could stay. “What will we do?” I asked.

He urged me out of earshot of the one remaining guard. “In his heart, Dexx does not want to send you away. We will give him an excuse to keep you close.”

“What excuse?” I whispered, my eyes wide.

His grin lit up his face. “There is a very powerful woman who owes me an enormous favor.”

I wrinkled my nose, confused. “How can she help?”

“She happens to be Xaena of XCRU.”

There was a wealth of pride in his voice, but I was appalled. “XCRU,” I said flatly. “You know the leader of XCRU.”

“She’s not an evil person, Kreia.”

“She runs one of the most fearsome, sinister bounty hunting agencies in all the worlds. I’ve heard the stories.”

He shrugged. “You can’t believe everything you hear. She’s a powerful woman who does a dangerous job. That doesn’t make her a bad person.” He dug through his bags until he found his communicator. “And she’s going to give Dexx a message that will have him changing his mind about sending you back to the city.”

“I don’t—”

“I have to reach her before Dexx is out of range.” And he rushed off, his device to his ear. I wasn’t sure what he would do to keep me at Dexx’s side, but I believed he could do it.

I went to sit with Vihn, who was looking a little better. “Did you hear?” he asked.

I nodded. “Dexx is going to make sure you’re taken care of. At least your health issues.”

“And he’s setting you free, as well. Back on the streets. Will you tell them I’ll see them soon? Especially Efne. He depends on me, you know.”

I took his hand, uncaring that the guard who’d been left behind was watching. “I…” I didn’t want to tell him I might not be returning—at least not right away. Not if Bo was successful. “If you return before I do, please tell Ilen and the littles that I’m fine, and that I’ll come home soon.” I shrugged. “Maybe.”

He frowned. “You’ll get there long before I will. I’ll be stuck in a medical center in East Corvin.” Then he laughed. “There’s something I never thought I’d say.”

East Corvin where his bitch of a mother worked. I leaned forward. “Vihn—”

“Don’t worry, Kreia. I’ll tell the staff not to let her near my room.”

I nodded. I didn’t believe he was done with the woman. She was a nightmare and would do her best to make everyone around her miserable.

Bo strode back into the camp, looking particularly smug.

“So what now?” I asked.

“Now,” he said, “we wait.”

Chapter Twelve

KREIA

The medic shuttle was arriving when I heard a sound like thunder and looked up to see Dexx and his xilde racing into camp. He was off his animal almost before it had stopped running, his face a mask of anger as he strode toward Bo, his fists clenched. “Why did you not answer your com?”

Bo widened his eyes. “I didn’t bring it, boss. I knew it would be useless in Corsov.” He peered at Dexx, concerned. “What happened? Why have you returned?” Then he turned to point at me. “You. Go with the medics. They’ll release you to your precious streets so you can find someone else to rob.”

Gods, but he was convincing. My stare went from Dexx to Bo and back again, and my heart was beating so rapidly I thought I might need to delay the medics so they could give me a sedative.

“No,” Dexx barked, then visibly calmed himself. “I decided to bring him into Corsov after all.”

Bo didn’t bat an eye. “All right. I’ll get his xilde ready.” When he turned away from Dexx, he gave me a quick wink.

Dexx glared at me, but when I smiled at him, he blanched and turned quickly away to tend his xilde. As hard as he’d ridden the poor thing, it was going to need some rest, water, and a rub down.

Right then I was wishing pretty hard that I was his xilde.

I’d said my goodbyes to Vihn, and though I was a little tearful at his leaving, I was happy that he’d be safe, warm, and well fed. They’d take care of him—at least for a while. And then it was just me, Bo, and Dexx. He’d sent the other guard—Graez—on to Corsov.

I walked to where Dexx lingered with his xilde, brushing its silky coat, and though he never once looked up, I knew he