than familiar with big, strong males teasing me to the point of exhaustion,” I say to Montier.
“Well, I think I’ll be the only one teasing you from now on,” he responds in a low growl, obviously not caring that one of his commanding officers is standing right next to us.
“Okay, now I’m really going to vomit. Let’s get to work. Shall we?” Grantian says, unable to resist one final jab.
“You’re both impossible,” I say with a laugh, but I can think of no place I’d rather be than on this ship with them.
I finally feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. With another grin at Montier and a quick kiss to match it, we get to work.
Chapter Eight
Montier
Almost as soon as Fiona and I have finished sorting the tactical gear with Grantian, Solair calls the three of us back up to the bridge. The Queen is just about to touch down onto Perseus, and he wants to go over the mission plan with all of us at once. We double time it up to them, Fiona’s hand held fast in my own. Now that she’s mine, I’m not letting her go until I absolutely have to.
We enter the bridge as we feel the telltale drop out of superluminal speed and into the atmosphere of Perseus and then a soft bump as the Queen kisses the dirt under Swipt’s steady guidance. For all his posturing and cocky attitude, he really is the best pilot I’ve ever come across. I have no problem admitting that.
Although I could definitely do without the stupid, shit-eating grin that he plasters onto his face as soon as he sets eyes on Fiona and me.
“So that’s the reason it took you so long to secure the tactical gear! We were starting to take bets up here. Ilya, you win!” he calls to his own jalshagar.
My apprentice nearly bounces over to us, a warm smile pulling at her lips. When she finally reaches Fiona, Ilya stops and actually squeals as she grabs Fiona’s hands, nearly causing my eardrums to burst.
Just when I think I have the human females figured out, they go and do something I’ll never understand. I’m not exactly sure what shrieking like an injured Tartan numbat is supposed to mean, but Fiona is quick to repeat the sound herself and hug the other woman to her.
“I’m so happy for you, Fi!” Ilya says, pulling back to look at her friend. “I swear, this entire ship will be mated before we know it!”
Fiona laughs and smiles as Ilya releases her, immediately reaching for my hand once more.
“I couldn’t be happier,” she says as she looks up at me, and I swear I feel my heart nearly burst.
“Alright, alright, that’s enough,” Solair says, although he’s also smiling. “Congratulations on your mating, Montier, Fiona, but we have more pressing matters at hand. Once we’re all safely back aboard, we’ll celebrate, but let’s focus up first.”
We all gather around our captain, awaiting further instruction. I help Fiona into her tac gear as Solair begins the rundown.
“We’re going to separate into two groups. Montier and Fiona, you’ll go with Varia and me to the source of the transmission Fiona found. I’m pretty sure it’s a black site for whoever is running this Project Blue Dawn. Maybe we’ll find some answers as to who they are and why they kidnapped you. Monty, I’d originally wanted you to accompany my team anyway, as I’d like to have your cool head and muscle with us in case the situation deteriorates, but now I want you even more because I know you’ll do everything in your power to ensure Fiona’s safety.”
I nod in agreement and squeeze Fiona’s hand. It’s gone clammy and cold in my own, her nerves betraying her even though her face remains stoic.
“Grantian, as my first mate you’ll take Lamira, Swipt, and Ilya to this main market here,” on the map spread out before us he indicates a spot close to our landing place, called Farstrand, “and secure food and whatever supplies you can. Try and find some cargo to deliver. Any amount of money right now would help. Always keep your communication lines open. I want check-ins every thirty minutes. If you suspect anything that seems off—if you get even a whiff of something rotten—head back to the Queen immediately. We’ll do the same. Let me know when you’re on your way back and we’ll rendezvous as soon as we’re clear of the site,” Solair concludes.
“You got it,