an easy giveaway. The massive male next to her glared, much like Ander, but larger even than an Atlan. I stared, not able to resist the urge to inspect him thoroughly. He had dark hair, dark eyes and fangs. A solid foot taller than any Atlan I’d ever met. I was surprised not to see any Hive integrations on his body.
He snapped his fangs at me, and I grinned back, unrepentant. “I was told you both came by way of The Colony. But I do not see any integrations.” I was trolling for information, not sure any would be forthcoming, but I would take my chances. They were both fascinating. I believed Makarios of Kronos’s anger was focused more on Helion than the rest of us. I didn’t blame him. It seemed many were inconvenienced this day because of him.
The female spoke for him, probably because the hulking male did not look inclined to humor my curiosity. “Oh, he’s got ’em. Shoulder. Hip. Thigh. Knee. A lot of microscopic stuff. He was strong before. Now he can rip his way through a Hive ship’s outer hull with his bare hands. Can’t you, baby?”
His grin was the only proof I needed. I felt Sambor’s shock at her words coupled with my own. That kind of strength simply wasn’t possible.
I supposed the surprise showed on my face, because Makarios spoke with pride. “My mate is stronger.” His laughter made light of his joke.
Assuming it was a joke. I wasn’t sure. I looked at Sambor, the question on my face and, I had no doubt, communicated clearly though our collars. He shrugged and Helion was quick to take advantage of the small break in conversation.
“Gwendolyn Fernandez of Earth,” Helion spoke quickly, his voice like sharp beats in the room.
She nodded and held out her right hand. “You can call me Gwen.”
Helion stared at the proffered hand, so I moved around him and closer to the female. I’d been around enough humans to recognize the peace offering of a handshake, as they called it. This was my role, to keep her from transporting right back out of here before we’d gained any knowledge from her.
I placed my right hand in hers and bent low over our joined hands. “I am Ambassador Niklas Lorvar of Prillon Prime.”
She waited patiently for me to let go of her hand, and I did so quickly, not eager to upset her mate. I released her and straightened She grinned and the look reminded me of Rachel’s face when she was teasing Governor Maxim or Captain Ryston. Or even the sly twist of her lips just as Lucy did with me. “I know who you are. Rachel gave me the 411 about the party the other night… that you two left early. Congratulations.”
I had no idea what the numbers meant, but I understood the context, the fact that she knew Lucy had taken us back to her room.
“This is Mak.” She thumbed over her shoulder, casually introducing her mate.
I inclined my chin to the male but did not offer to touch him. I was not a fool. “Makarios of Kronos. I am honored to meet you.”
He crossed his arms and stared at me. “I don’t like this, so make it quick. We’re here because Gwen and Rachel are friends.” He switched his attention to Helion. “And that’s the only reason.” He looked behind me. “You must be Ander?”
A nod of Ander’s head was his only response.
“And you?” Makarios was looking at Sambor now.
“I am Sambor Treval. I am the ambassador’s private guard and his second.”
Makarios gave Ander’s guards—who’d stood at attention and silent behind him—a quick glance, but their role was clear.
Sam’s words made Gwen smile. “I’ve heard about you, too, Sam. Nice to meet you guys.”
Sam? Had she just called him Sam? “How do you know of Lucy’s name for him?” I asked, which was completely out of character and off topic. It was not my job to veer into personal matters, especially not my own, but I couldn’t help it.
That made Gwen laugh. “Oh, you boys are funny. I know all about you two and Lucy. From what I’ve heard, she’s a sweetheart, so you better take good care of her.”
How the fuck did this female who hunted Hive on the other side of the galaxy know about the mate I’d just met and had yet to officially claim?
My shock must have shown on my face, because Dr. Helion chuckled. “I did warn you. The human females have