I didn’t like the opinion she was forming of the Coalition. “Cerberus and the legions of Rogue 5 operate outside of the Coalition. Their influence is small compared to the power of Prillon Prime and the Coalition Fleet.”
Dr. Helion nodded, his most charming smile in place. Which, on a Prillon’s face, was not reassuring at all. He looked like he was about to attack her. “Think of Cerberus as—what is a good human phrase—a fly in the ointment? A single bad apple?”
She rolled her eyes at those terms. “So what did he want with me?”
“It’s not you, my lady. It’s human females. Any one of you would do.”
I didn’t like the idea that Quinn was replaceable with any other human, but this was Cerberus. He wasn’t particular.
“What?” Quinn’s jaw dropped in shock. “Why?”
Helion flicked a glance at me. He was careful not to move too much. My beast was riding the edge, and neither my beast nor I liked the direction this conversation was going.
“Intel and past action have proven that Cerberus has become fascinated with females from Earth. Compared to the other populations, the number of human brides is quite insignificant. However, you Earth females have had a significant impact on just about every planet once you arrive. Jessica mated to Prime Nial of Prillon Prime and opened The Colony to brides. Gwendolyn was integrated by the Hive and has become excellent at tracking and killing Hive Nexus units. Rachel is mated to Maxim, the governor of the most powerful base on The Colony. Chloe is one of my best fighter pilots and can sense and communicate with Hive technology. Ivy mated a Forsian hybrid from Astra Legion of Rogue 5. The leader of Styx Legion also mated a human. Fighters from Earth are small, fierce, and fast. They have been instrumental in countless ReCon missions, saving thousands of Coalition fighters from Hive Integration Units. Even coming from such a primitive planet, humans, as a whole, have developed quite a reputation.”
Elite Hunter Quinn interrupted. “My mate, Niobe, is half-human. She is Vice Admiral of the Coalition Fleet and in charge of the Coalition Academy where all new fighters are trained.”
Helion was watching my mate’s face for her reaction.
“So you see, Cerberus has decided that he must have a human female of his own. It is not as if he can be tested and matched. He wants one at any cost. He has already committed murder and kidnapping to that end.”
“Why me?” She set her hand on her chest.
I could remain silent no longer. Cerberus’s interest in her was completely my fault. “Because of me. The comm video where I declared my intentions to you didn’t just circulate on Earth. The comm was widely seen all over the Coalition worlds. Taking a Warlord’s bride, especially mine, would make him appear very powerful.” I sighed. “I am so sorry. I failed you.”
She looked down at me and actually scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s not your fault some random creep is obsessed with human women.”
What?
Quinn crossed her arms, and she no longer looked afraid. She looked… furious. “This isn’t my first rodeo with assholes.” I was still trying to process the translation of a rodeo when she continued. “So I assume you have some kind of plan to lure this Cerberus guy to this space station so you can take him out. Take him down. Whatever.”
“Yes,” Helion confirmed. “However, he is not cooperating. So far. You have disappeared, you see. Despite Styx’s and Blade’s attempts to convince him you are still on Zenith, my spies tell me he is not going to risk the trip.”
Styx and Blade. I had completely forgotten about the two hybrids. “Where are they?”
“At this very moment they are in the canteen complaining about the high price Lukabo is demanding for Quinn.”
“But I thought Lukabo was dead.” Quinn frowned and looked to me for confirmation.
Satisfaction coursed through me as I remembered how I’d ripped his head from his body. “He is, mate. I could not allow him to live after what he did to you.”
Quinn squeezed my hand. “Good. I’m glad he’s dead.” She turned to Helion. “So, you thought rumors of me being around would be enough to get him here if he thought this Styx guy was interested in buying me?”
“Yes.”
“But it’s not working, because Lukabo hasn’t been directly in touch with him to demand more money?”
“I assume so,” Helion confirmed. “Cerberus is smart.”
She shrugged her slim shoulders. “Yeah? Well fuck him.” Quinn’s fierce declaration made me proud, until she continued.
“I’m in. If he won’t show up because he can’t reach Lukabo, then maybe he’ll come if he sees me, knows I’m still here. I’ll be what humans call bait. Whatever you need. Let’s get him.”
“No!” My beast bellowed for both of us, but my mate, my brave, courageous, stubborn female didn’t even flinch despite the volume.
Fucking Helion, the bastard, smiled like he’d just been given a prize.
“No,” I said again. “I forbid it. You will not place yourself in danger.”
Quinn held onto my hand but didn’t back down. If anything she stiffened her spine and stood even taller on those fucking high-heeled shoes she loved so much. She looked like what she was, a beautiful, fierce female. “For those of you who didn’t know, I had a stalker on Earth. He’s been obsessed with me for several years. He got away with it because the law couldn’t arrest him. He’s kept me scared and jumping at shadows. I allowed Randall to make my life a living hell. It didn’t stop, except now I’m in space and I doubt he’s following me here. He’ll probably move on to someone else, which is unfortunate. I’m so done. Finished. No more. I know stalkers. This Cerberus guy totally fits the profile. Randall may have been scary, but Cerberus sounds downright dangerous. If he doesn’t get his hands
