He stared as if waiting for me to give him more information about Lucy, but I was not inclined to provide details to a male who had just spoken of experimenting on human females and their brains. He would know nothing of her.
“I am happy for you, Niklas,” he said, sharing the smallest shred of courtesy. “Sambor is your second?”
“Yes.” Sambor answered for himself, which was unusual. Normally he remained silent and watchful as I conducted business. But I felt his need through the collars to make Helion aware of the danger of messing with our female.
“Good for you.” He paced again, his impatience growing. “Where is that female?”
“In a hurry, Doctor?” Lord Ander asked, sarcasm lacing his words. “Please note, whatever outcome this meeting has, we are adjourned for the next three days. My mate’s generosity in helping you has caused me to be away from her. The same can be said for Niklas and Sambor and their new mate. You will need to plumb your own depths to be the diplomat all on your own, Helion.”
Helion’s cheeks mottled red at Lord Ander’s scolding, but I didn’t blame Ander. Gods, I wished I’d said the words myself. I felt Sambor’s satisfaction.
Dr. Helion turned away, fists clenched and shoulders stiff, as we all felt the disturbance of energy in the room. “They are arriving.”
I couldn’t decide who was more pleased by that.
Sambor took his weapon out and leveled it at an area of visual disturbance on the other side of the cargo hold. The space was large, and Ander had said he’d given our visitors precise coordinates.
When the two guests materialized, I was surprised to find the female looked completely human. And lovely. Long black hair fell to her waist. She had darker skin than my Lucy, and her eyes were a deep brown similar to some of the other human females I had seen. Next to her, Makarios of Kronos was massive, as I’d expected. What I had not imagined was the apparent lack of concern on his part for his female. She stood out in the open next to him, unprotected should Sambor decide to take a shot. Helion’s weapon was at the ready, and I knew Ander and his contingency of guards with him were armed.
“Dr. Helion, I presume.” The female spoke first, looking to the IC commander. The uniform had been 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.”