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Three
QHIX
Iwake to a rush of air filling my nose, a welcome balm for my deprived lungs. I suck greedily of the cool oxygen blasting from the respirator tubing running under my nose and utter her name. "Tasha..."
"If you're calling out for the human female, you haven't let her go since I extracted both of you from that frozen cube you call a ship," a familiar baritone affirms, amusement coloring his tone.
As the fog obscuring my mind dissipates, the warmth of Tasha's slight weight registers, snuggled against my side where I lay on my back. I peer down to see the top of her fiery head nestled on my shoulder and our bodies entwined. I sag in relief knowing she survived our ordeal.
We remain in the piles of clothing we donned to ride out the cold while we waited on Navik's rescue. My brow drips with sweat, and though I long to remove the stifling garments, I dare not disturb Tasha.
My eyes flip over to where Behtu stands at the side of the bed. His imposing figure, born of his noble lineage, towers over other Kaul males with his impressive build. His regal stature sets him apart from typical citizens like me.
Once he's done exchanging the oxygen cylinder for the fresh one supplying me with cool air, he turns a glacial gaze on me, his haughty smirk firmly in place.
"I was expecting Navik," I say hoarsely.
"Well, you got me. He was busy helping his mate deliver their baby, so he hailed me to come to your aid."
"Was?" I hold my breath. "Did she have it? Is she all right, and what of the young?"
Behtu's curious gaze roams my face. "Easy, Qhix. That line of questioning will make me think you care for someone else besides yourself. Although, you refusing to let go of the female in your arms is a sure giveaway."
"Well?" I urge.
"It's a boy," Behtu smirks. "And both mother and young are fine. As for Navik, he sounded rather rattled last I spoke with him. He told me, after I saved your ass, to thank you again for the Ziarian medical cuff you gifted them. Apparently, the birth was not an easy one and it saved Cora from hemorrhaging."
I ride a surge of elation at Behtu's words. Cora has successfully given birth to the first Kaul-human hybrid.
"Interesting piece of tech to happen upon. Wherever did you find it?" Behtu casually props a hip on the edge of the counter lining one wall.
I peer around, taking in unfamiliar surroundings of stark white walls. "Where are we?" The small medic bay hums with a calming energy.
"My ship. In orbit around Hui."
"Hui!" I go to sit up. Tasha moans softly in her sleep so I settle back down. "I was headed to Natari 5."
"Sorry. You weren't awake for me to inquire about your plans, brother." Behtu folds heavy forearms across the breadth of his chest while a sly grin glides across his face. "What's of interest on Natari 5? A certain Lizordian Galaxy Cruiser, perhaps?"
Behtu's nonchalant confidence is effortless. The regal Maverick always carries himself with cool indifference. Even when faced with the most tumultuous situations, nothing seems to rattle him. It's almost infuriating, the cool cockiness of his demeanor. If I didn't admire him so much, I would hate him.
"Perhaps." I grin back.
"Well," Behtu plants his hands on the edge of the counter and leans forward, "you're too late. It's already been commandeered."
"By who?" I frown.
"Me, of course."
I raise an eyebrow. "You? When you already have a Lizordian freighter?"
Behtu straightens up, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "What can I say? I've grown fond of Lizordian tech, and when I heard rumors the Tsars Assembly was to be moved to Natari 5, I couldn't resist the opportunity. So, about your sivot."
The sudden change in subject catches me off guard, my beast stirring at the mention. "What about it?"
"This fiery-headed human breathed life into your beast?"
"Yes."
