won’t have to.” Mavo spoke low. “I would never do that to you, Deviant. Venice is important to you, and I’ll make certain you can keep her as your constant companion, regardless of your next assignment. I’ll be sure to request family quarters on whatever ship you are sent to.”

Bazelle hissed as she faced Mavo. “You will not.”

He held her gaze. “Our son’s happiness is my first priority.”

“I’ll terminate our contract!” she threatened.

“I knew you would.” Mavo bowed his head slightly. “Do as you will.”

“No other female will accept you,” she snapped. “I’ll make certain of it! Comply or face the consequences.”

The conversation horrified Deviant. “Father, don’t.”

Mavo ignored him. “Do your worst, Bazelle. I would expect nothing less from you. Tarnish my reputation as an acceptable family male, but I will not sacrifice our son’s contentment to please you. He has someone he values too much.”

“Dad,” Deviant whispered. “Don’t do this. It’s not necessary. I can find another position that would suit me here on Garden. I’ll resign from my current duties so you’re no longer involved. Don’t sacrifice what you have with Bazelle for me.”

Mavo reached out and clasped his shoulder. “You enjoy traveling and working with the males you’ve become friends with. You shouldn’t have to choose between the woman you want and the life you know.” He glanced at Bazelle when he released Deviant. “There isn’t anything to lose. Trust me. It’s a relief to be rid of her.”

“How dare you!” Bazelle shoved Mavo.

“Don’t touch me. You just stated you’re ending our contract. I might hit you back for once.”

She retreated and stared at Mavo in horror.

Mavo forced a smile, but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re an exceptionally unpleasant female. Did you think I’d forgotten the abuse you unleashed upon me over the years, blaming me for your difficulty in conceiving? The problem wasn’t mine alone. You purposely chose not to get pregnant, and had to be forced to after you gave away the rights to my first son.”

He glanced at Deviant. “I should have stripped her of any custody and raised you without her influence. You’d have had a better upbringing.”

“You couldn’t have taken him from me,” Bazelle spat.

“It would have been easy to prove you unfit to be his mother to the council. Most females live with their children full time, but that’s not what you did with our son,” Mavo countered. “You only saw him when it was my turn to host you in my home, and you were too stern with Deviant. I’ve grown to dislike you a great deal. End the contract—or I will, Bazelle. I’d prefer to be alone than ever suffer your presence again. Remove yourself from Deviant’s life as well. I’ll fight you at every opportunity if you attempt to interfere with his future from this day forward.”

“Get out!” She glanced between them. “Both of you!”

“With pleasure,” Mavo muttered. “I’ll pack your belongings from my residence and have them delivered to your current home. Who are you with this month? I stopped keeping track.”

“I’ll send Cluster to get my things.”

“Ah. He’s your favorite. I’m not surprised. Tell him to give me ten minutes. It’s not as if you stay with me often or kept many possessions in my home.” Mavo jerked his head toward the door. “Let’s go, son.”

Deviant followed, stunned by the turn of events. They didn’t speak until they were enclosed inside the lift. No one shared it with them.

“Dad, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Mavo looked sincere. “It wasn’t an ideal match. I should have ended the contract a long time ago but I stuck it out for you.”

“No other female will consider adding you into their family unit once she spreads the word that you defied her.”

“Sometimes it’s better to be alone than with someone unworthy. I hope that’s a lesson you never learn. Treat Venice well and hopefully she’ll treat you in kind. I envy the bond you seem to have established with her. I never had that with your mother.”

“What can I do?” Deviant still felt guilt. His father had stood up for him and it had cost him, regardless of what he stated.

“Be happy. Don’t allow Bazelle to retaliate in any way. You have my full support to stand up to her.” He paused. “And watch your back. She’s vengeful. Venice is your weakness. I wouldn’t put it past Bazelle to target her.”

“She threatened to send security to pick up Venice.”

“Exactly. Make certain that doesn’t happen. Officially notify security of Venice’s