smell them.”
“You smell like sweet flowers to me, but the boss said that you would smell different to each drake.”
“He mentioned this to you?”
“Yeah, he seemed concerned about you but amused and cheerful at the same time.”
Styra glanced at the corner where Yr-el was sitting. He was leaning back casually, and he had a drink in one hand. Even from across the room, she could see the stars moving under his skin.
There was a stack of parcels for her, and each had a new outfit that didn’t look like something that would suit her for daily work but, instead, looked very pretty and feminine. Abil smiled. “Mr. Blue’s suggestion, as well. He said that you wouldn’t need bodysuits and that your mate would appreciate skirts for your daily wear.”
Styra hugged her. “Thank you.”
“So, he healed you, huh? That’s good.” Abil reiterated what the other girls had first exclaimed at.
“It hurt like hell, but it has helped me to move like an average person. No more hunching over in pain. Getting used to food is strange, but that will probably come with time.”
Abil nodded. “I can see that it would be a problem. The supplements that you had to take were far more extensive than the ones we take.”
Styra paused. “You are on supplements as well? You never said.”
“We all are. I am guessing it is a top-up of the boss’s blood, but we all take it, and it helps us with the interface.” Abil smiled. “Your mate’s ship will be leaving tomorrow morning. There isn’t a gate window, but he says that you need to go.”
Styra blinked. “So, that is the reason for the emergency party. I had better hug my way out of here. I am so tired.”
Abil nodded. “The first shift and an entire day of coitus would take it out of you. Be well, and I would like to visit you if I am able.”
“I would like that.” It would be a touch of something familiar to have her cousins visit one by one.
Abil nodded again. “I will have your new clothing brought to the captain’s ship.” She made notes on her clipboard and smiled brightly.
“Thank you, Abil. You always know what needs to be done.” Styra smiled. “Despite your slow start, you have the quickest wit that I have ever dealt with.”
“I wish I could speak as fast as I think, but that is what I have to work with. I do get a little better each day.” Abil sighed.
Styra hugged her again. Her cousin had arrived unable to speak at the age of ten. She had been found in a forest, living alone, and Mr. Blue had arranged for her delivery to the station. Like the rest of his descendants, she had ended up alone. It was a curse that had touched most of those related to Mbrak the Blue.
She looked around the group and sighed. Every one of them was orphans through death or surrender.
Styra got up, hugged her way through her relatives, and then, she went over to Yr-el, and she crawled into his lap. She sighed deeply.
“Are you all right?”
She nodded. “I am. I am exhausted, and I will miss them all in my own particular way.”
“Have you been drinking?”
“Only juice. I have no idea what kind of reaction I would have if I imbibed.” She sighed. “My organs are still settling in.”
He kissed the top of her head. “It is best to take some things slowly.”
She grinned and looked up at him. “That isn’t what you said right before the party.”
“That was different.” He smiled and kissed her. “That was for mutual gratification.”
She sighed. “So, we leave tomorrow, huh?”
“How did you...”
“Abil. She talks slow, but she knows everything. She’s the true second-in-command on this station.”
He nodded. “I am beginning to understand the role that you and your relations play on this station. I got a copy of your resume when you were getting dressed. You can really code that quickly?”
She nodded. “That was my skill. I can react rapidly to the information flow, and I can bend it just enough to slip past.”
She paused and then said, “I am ready to leave if you are.”
He grinned. “Sweeter words have never reached my ears.”
He picked her up, and her relatives cheered her as she was carried off to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
She laughed for five minutes at the thought that she was going to get much sleep.
Chapter Nine
She held still as the ship disconnected from the station and floated