for warmth rather than a desire to be at his side. Removing his fur-lined cloak, he wrapped it around her thin shoulders and nodded abruptly at the other male.
“Where do you wish to talk?”
“This way.”
The male led the way across the landing field, apparently unconcerned about Aidon’s presence at his back. Of course, his companion fell in step behind Aidon. Aidon kept his senses alert for any hint of trouble, but aside from that, he ignored him.
They paused in front of a heavy metal door, and the Hothian entered a code before gesturing inside as the door opened. “After you.”
“I don’t think so. You lead the way.”
The male laughed, a surprisingly pleasant, low rumble. “I grow even more convinced that you are the right male for the job.”
He passed through the large opening into a darkened room. Aidon automatically adjusted his eyes to take in his surroundings as he followed him. The second male remained outside.
The room was not what he had expected. Low couches covered in a velvety fabric circled the walls, with small tables placed in front of them. The leader moved to a central firepit, and a moment later, a warm, flickering glow lit the room.
Unlike the off-world braziers, the firepit actually emitted a reasonable amount of heat, and he felt Hanna’s shivering stop. Rather to his surprise, she made no attempt to move away from him.
“Will you be seated?” the leader asked, sprawling on one of the couches. Despite the other male’s relaxed posture, Aidon did not make the mistake of believing him to be off guard. He gave an abrupt nod and sank down on another couch, where he could keep an eye on both his host and the door. Hanna came down with him, sinking to her knees at his feet. He could feel her body pressed against his legs, and another flare of unexpected arousal went through him.
“What are you doing?” His voice came out gruffer than he intended.
“Humans are not permitted on furniture,” she said softly, her head bowed.
His arousal was replaced by anger. He knew what it was like to be treated as little more than an animal. The wealthier races of the inner Empire regarded all other species as lesser.
He put a finger under her chin, her skin like delicate silk beneath his touch, and lifted her face to his. Those incredibly blue eyes looked up at him trustingly.
“You will sit beside me.” Without waiting for her response, he lifted her easily up next to him, her slight weight barely noticeable. Once again, she surprised him by not moving away but snuggling closer. Forcing himself to ignore the soft curves pressed against his side, he turned his attention to the Hothian. The male was regarding him with what Aidon suspected was amusement.
“What is this job?” he growled.
“I am Njkall of the Arac Cave. And you are?”
He debated giving the male his assumed identity, then gave a mental shrug and went with the truth. “My name is Aidon.”
Njkall waited expectantly, but Aidon had no more to add. He no longer claimed any family or tribal associations.
After a brief pause, the Hothian continued, “You are a Pardorian, are you not? One for hire?”
Aidon wasn’t entirely surprised, based on their previous conversation, but it was still disconcerting to be revealed so easily. When shifted, all aspects of his being assumed that of the person he was mimicking.
“What makes you think so?”
“You do not smell like a Kaisarian,” Njkall said calmly. He raised a hand before Aidon could respond. “It’s a subtle difference. Most species would not be able to detect the anomaly, but our…history has resulted in an exceptionally keen sense of smell.”
Since very few Hothians ever left their planet, their ability to detect his true form was most probably not a threat, but he made a note to be cautious of them in future and turned to the second part of the male’s assumptions.
“Why do you think I’m for hire?”
“Perhaps I should mention that I am employed as a guard at a certain research facility in the north.”
Aidon barely managed to mask his reaction. This Hothian knew about his activities?
“Is that supposed to mean something to me?” He raised a casual eyebrow.
“I detected that same difference in scent at that facility—which leads me to suspect that you were sent to infiltrate that location. Under the circumstances, I do not believe that your motives were either innocent or unrewarded.” Njkall waved his hand again. “I neither know nor care about the specifics. I