2. Vex
CHAPTER 2
VEX
H er fingers clutch the front of my tunic like she’s hanging off a cliff edge, a wild mix of hope and defiance blazing in her jewel green eyes.
She’s bold. Most captives tremble or glare. Lacey? She grabs a hold of the enemy and demands answers. I’ve kidnapped starfighters less daring.
“Tell me,” she insists, her voice sharp enough to slice Krellian steel.
My gaze drifts lazily down to where her knuckles whiten against my chest. I press my lips together to keep from whistling. She’s stunning. Innocently so, with those big, round eyes taking in everything around us. I study her flushed face, her oddly pale skin, and the way her chest heaves with each shallow breath. Her skin smells like those oils Gruzzik’s servants doused her with—sweetgrass and frostbloom, an exotic, unusual scent that clashes with the alloyed odor of my ship. But there’s something else underneath. It’s a human scent, one I’ve only experienced once…when I met Gwen.
“Patience, my dear,” I purr, covering her tiny, soft hand with mine. A spark races up my arm at the contact, quick and hot. “We’ll reach Ydris in a few cycles. But first…there’s negotiations.”
Her brow furrows. “Negotiations?”
“Between me and my half-brother, Ryz.” I tilt my head, grinning as her grip tightens.
Lacey's eyes narrow, her curiosity obviously piqued. "What does your brother have to do with anything?"
I chuckle, the sound low and husky. "Well, it so happens that Ryz is the Royal Commander of Ydris and he married your friend Gwen. She's now a Queen."
Her jaw drops. “ What ? Gwen is married? That’s impossible,” she hisses. “Gwen always said she thought marriage was a glorified hostage situation!”
A bark of laughter escapes me. “Well, survival’s a hell of a motivator.”
Lacey's eyes flash with skepticism. "What about Iris?"
"Oh, Iris is doing marvelously," I say with a grin. "She's married to Tak, Ryz's best friend and top tracker. Another... convenient arrangement, I assure you." Let her think it’s all strategy—not love…or fate—keeps things simpler. Safer.
Lacey's face contorts in confusion. "Iris would rather die than marry a man.”
“He’s not a man,” I offer. “He’s a Kraetian. Like Ryz and me.”
“You know what I mean.” She shakes her head. “This doesn't make any sense."
I lean in, my breath stirring the loose strands of her hair. “Your friends traded freedom for protection. Smart move, given the alternative.”
Her eyes narrow, searching mine. “And what about you? Are you just…helping me out of the goodness of your heart?”
“Goodness?” I snort, squeezing her hand. “I’m a pirate.”
I lean forward, my elbows on my knees, and my eyes locking onto hers. "Let's just say I have a few... unresolved issues with my brother. I want a trade, something that'll even the scales between us. I want Ryz’s treasury unlocked, one of his biggest ships, and his ego bruised. And with you, I have the upper hand for the first time in a very long time.”
She recoils, snatching her hand back like I’m molten. “So I’m a bargaining chip?”
“The shiniest one.” I trail a finger along the blanket draped over her shoulders, my knuckles brushing her collarbone. Her breath hitches and I stifle a pleased smile. “But don’t worry—you’re incredibly safe with me and my crew. Though we do need to work on cleaning you up and getting you into some more appropriate attire. Can’t have you looking…” I let my gaze linger on her lips. “…disheveled.”
A flush blooms across her cheeks. There it is. That blend of outrage and…something deeper that makes my pulse skitter and my cock thicken.
“Careful, Vex,” Faylid rumbles from across the cabin, tossing a plasma cartridge between two of his four hands. “Human’s liable to bite if you keep sniffin’ round her like that.”
Berrix flicks her tail, eyes glued to her holoscreen. “Statistically, you are overdue for a stab wound, Vex.”
“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Berri,” I drawl, never breaking eye contact with Lacey. She’s edging closer to the bench’s corner, clutching that blanket like armor. It’s adorable.
Af’soq chirps as he adjusts the med-kit straps, plumage shimmering. “You do have a habit of provoking your paramours.”
“Paramours? Please.” I smirk. “They’re called ‘regrets,’ and I’ve got a galaxy (or more’s) worth.”
Lacey huffs. “Charming.”
I twitch my ears. “And you’re staring.”
“Am not! I’m assessing ,” she retorts. “Trying to decide if you’re more con artist or clown.”
Faylid wheezes, slapping a meaty thigh. “Oh, she’s good!”
I shoot him a glare. Traitor.
“Vex,” Lacey says, drawing herself up. I’m torn between eyeing the expanse of smooth shoulder exposed as the blanket slips and the movement of her mouth as she says my name. Since it’s not a translated word, I hear the purity of her voice as she says it. I shiver and blink hard.
Why am I reacting this way to her? Has it been that long that I’ve been with a female? Where is my restraint?
She looks up at me through long lashes. “If Gwen has any say in the matter, she’ll pay whatever you ask. Within reason, I guess.”
“Oh, I’m counting on it.” I lean back, stretching my legs out. Her gaze follows and I smirk. “Ryz will hand over half his fleet to keep his precious wife happy. And in return…” I spread my hands. “You get a tearful reunion with your beloved friends. Wins all around.”
Her nose wrinkles. “So you’re just…a middleman? Some scaly loan shark with a god complex?”
Scaly? I glance at my golden forearm. “I prefer ambitious .”
She rolls her eyes. “I prefer honest .”
“Then you’ll die poor,” I counter, defensively.
She crosses her arms. “And you’ll die alone.”
The words punch harder than they should. But there’s no way that’s true. I’ve never wanted for company when I’m tossing around coin. Mostly.
“Vex,” Nor’Veth calls from the cockpit, interrupting my thoughts. “Scanners show Scav bots nearby. Nasty ones.”
I stand and clap my hands. “Berrix—reroute us around the drones. We’ll raid the closest outpost for supplies.”
She blinks. “Raid?”
“Shopping.” I grin, then add, “Pirate style.” I grab onto a safety grip near the door as the ship begins to evade the bots. But then I swing back down onto the seat next to Lacey. “We gotta strap you in, my dear. Things are going to get bumpy.”
I reach around her, trying to ignore her intoxicating scent as I fuse the belts into place.
Quorr , I could devour this woman whole.
I get back to my post near the door, as we weave and lurch.
She glances at me. “So what’s the deal with you and your brother? Why the animosity?”
The question catches me off guard. Which is probably why I blurt out the answer before thinking. “Because I’m a bastard. A mistake. Because Father loved him and loathed me.”
Her expression turns to something like pity. And I can’t have that.
I shrug it off. “Sibling rivalry. He has a throne; I want one.”
She studies me harder than I like.
“Now I want his favorite toys, too,” I add. “Starting with one of his swanky warships.” I wink at her. “You know, you’d look good on one of their decks.”
Her nostrils flare, but her skin’s gone pink at her cheeks, neck, and shoulders. “You’re an impossible flirt.”
“And you’re staring again,” I toss back at her.
“ Assessing .” She shakes her head, but there’s a ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.
She bites her lip. It's an innocent, unconscious gesture, but it sends a sizzle of desire straight through me. I find myself wanting to taste her, to feel her soft, supple lips against mine. Dangerous thoughts to have for a means to an end.
The ship dips dramatically, and it sets off the alarms.
“Scav bots!” Nor’Veth yells. “Five of ‘em, closing fast!”
Lacey yelps. “What’s happening?!”
“Just pests,” I growl, riding out the ship’s movements. “Berrix! Evasive pattern Zeta!”
Laser fire rattles the hull as Faylid whoops. “Yeelhawp! Time to crack some skulls!”
“Oh god, more killing?” Lacey says.
I arch a brow. “Dear, they’re drones.”
“Oh,” she hedges. “Well, they’re somebody’s drones!”
Berrix mutters a curse from her seat. “Sentimentality. Wonderful.”
“Ready to dock in two micro-cycles!” Nor’Veth calls.
Faylid and I prepare to disembark at the door. “Stay put. And don’t look. Better that way if you don’t want to see any more violence.”
She nods, clinging to the straps holding her in. “Please don’t get blown up, okay?”
I grin. “Aw. You care.”
“I care about not dying before I get to see my friends again.”
“Same difference.” I chuckle, and Faylid and I wave at her as the ramp lowers. “Miss me,” I say to her, smiling as I jump out of the hold, my heart suddenly lighter in my chest.