I used the term friend loosely at the moment because I wanted to bash the doctor’s head in for interrupting that kiss, for denying us the pleasure that was to follow. Quinn, however, appeared to be relieved that I knew our visitor. She rose and came to my side. “Well, I guess you’d better see what he wants.”
“Indeed.” I didn’t bother to hide my irritation from her. She grinned up at me as if the situation were amusing. Out of instinct, I placed her safely behind me and entered the security codes I’d programmed into the lock before sleeping. The door slid open to reveal not only Helion, but Tane and the Elite Hunters Quinn and Rett. I focused on Helion. “Why are you here?”
“May we come in?” Dr. Helion was using his most charming, official-business, convince-everyone-he-was-harmless voice. No doubt for my mate’s benefit. I wasn’t falling for his false act. He hadn’t shown up with the others to be denied. The question wasn’t a question. It was a courtesy at best.
“No.”
“Bahre!” Behind me, Quinn protested. Dr. Helion grinned as my mate’s delicate hand wrapped around my elbow and nudged me out of the way so she could see our visitors. In the years I’d known the head of IC, I’d never once seen him smile.
Never. Why now? Why for my mate? She’d captured me, but had she also ensnared the likes of Helion?
“Of course you may enter,” she continued, looking up at me under her long red lashes while I seethed. “These are your friends. They helped rescue me.” She turned to Dr. Helion. “Thank you, by the way. And yes. Come in. Please.”
I was going to fucking beat Helion until he cried. Rip his balls from his body and listen to him scream for interrupting us. Gods be damned. I couldn’t refuse her. Worse, when I looked into the hallway, I found Tane watching the two of us with a longing so strong it hurt to witness.
He wanted a mate. I knew how he felt. I’d watched Braun and Wulf with their mates with the same ache in my soul. Unfortunately there was nothing to do to help.
“Fuck,” I all but snarled. “Make it fast.” I stepped back, and the males entered our private haven, the door sliding closed behind them. I entered the security code that locked the door, which Helion noted, giving me a slight nod of approval. Old habits died hard. “I already scanned the space for listening devices,” I told him, knowing what he would ask first. “We’re clear.”
There was no fucking way I would claim my mate in quarters that were being monitored. Clearing the room of spying devices was day one Intelligence Core Training.
“Excellent.” He settled himself in a chair. The two Elite Hunters stood behind him like sentries. Tane, however, moved to Quinn, bowed low, and offered her his hand.
“My lady. I am Warlord Tane. It is an honor to officially meet you.”
Quinn looked up to me and waited for my nod before grasping Tane’s hand gently with her own. Her one small act of deference, looking to me for protection, pleased my beast greatly. She was learning to lean on me, to trust me. To accept that I would care for her.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she said, offering him a small smile. “Thank you, for yesterday.”
“It is my honor to serve you.” He stepped back before I had a chance to become irritated with his skin touching my mate’s. Smart. Tane walked to the seating area and sat at the far end of the couch, leaving the place closest to Helion open for me.
I escorted Quinn to settle between myself and Tane. Intentionally I positioned my bulk between Helion and Quinn. The doctor had to lean quite far to catch the smallest glimpse of her. If he wanted anything from her, he’d have to go through me first. I’d told him that the day before and meant it.
“What do you want, Helion? You shouldn’t be here. You should be finishing your mission and capturing Cerberus.”
He gave a slight nod. “I agree. But we have run into a small obstacle in luring him to the station.”
The name caused Quinn to tense beside me. Before I realized what she intended, she stood and faced the Prillon. I put my arm out in front of her. A shield of sorts, but I would not have her getting near Helion. It wasn’t that I thought he would hurt her, but I didn’t want her getting close to anyone. “Lukabo mentioned Cerberus. Said he was going to sell me to the someone named Cerberus and was going to be paid enough to set himself up on a new planet. I don’t know how much that is, but it must be a lot.”
My beast raged to break free but I shoved him down without mercy. I did not have an enemy before me to tear into pieces. But I would. By the gods, I would.
Quinn ignored me and watched Helion. “I remember the name because I took Greek mythology in high school. Why are you trying to lure him to the station?” Her voice wobbled, and I wished, for the first time in my life, to be a Prillon warrior with a mating collar so I would know what she was feeling. Terror? Rage? Pain? I didn’t know beyond simple fear.
I reached for her hand and ran my thumb along her skin to soothe her. Her shoulders relaxed, and she squeezed my fingers. My touch calmed her, and my beast preened. She was mine. Completely mine. “You are safe, Quinn.”
She looked down at me with a smile that was not bright. It was… sad. “I know. I am safe. Now. But who is Cerberus? Is he some kind of human trafficker?”
Dr. Helion answered. “Upon occasion. They—his legion—prefer to deal in weapons and drugs.”
She swallowed hard, then licked her lips. “Good
