Cavas (The Vorge Crew Book 5) Read online

  “Does Father know you have this job?”

  Crath met Cavas’s gaze, shaking his head. “No. That was the point of working for the authorities. No one would suspect me. Father would have lectured me about my duty to family before aliens. He’d have demanded I live on our home planet to become law enforcement there instead. I didn’t want that.”

  “You were sent to Flax Colony by the allied authorities?” Cavas wondered if that would cause them more problems in the future after what they’d done on the surface. They’d killed a few of Yorlian Trevis’s employees while searching for Crath.

  “Rumors were circulating about what was going on down there. Slaving. We had reports of visitors disappearing, never to be seen again. The few officers sent there disappeared. Command sent me, since I’m not their normal operative. The death fights and that arena were a complete surprise. It’s far worse than we suspected. I need to send a report to my superiors. They’ll have teams headed that way to clean it all out.” Crath stood. “I need access to your bridge.”

  “Keep our family business out of your report,” Cavas warned.

  Crath approached him, narrowing his eyes. “Why? They should know what our father has done.”

  “We don’t need their interference, or the attention to our name,” Cathian growled.

  “We’ll handle Father ourselves. The other litters are aware of what he’s done.” Cavas stepped closer and leaned in until his forehead touched his younger littermate’s. “We’re protecting our position on Tryleskian. Father isn’t going to take all of us down with him by shaming our name. Why do you think Raff hasn’t come forward? The other founding families might rise against us and take everything away. Including Cathian’s position as our home world’s ambassador.” He paused. “The Vorge would be lost if all Vellar assets are taken.”

  Crath closed his eyes and remained pressed against him. When his eyes opened, his rage was clear. “You’re right.” He moved back and gazed at Cathian. “You’ve always been like a father figure to all the litters, more so than Beltsen Vellar ever was. We won’t allow your ship to be taken.” Then he peered deeply into Cavas’s eyes. “I’m not becoming the head of our family. Are you going to step in to fill Father’s position?”

  Cavas snorted. “No. We’ll leave that to the next litter to figure out. They are fully capable and extremely eager. I told Cathian to make them sign over ownership of this vessel as a thank you for stepping aside. The three of us would be miserable being politicians and playing nice with the other founding families.”

  Crath laughed. “Truth. What did they say?”

  “They agree, as long as Cathian remains our home-world ambassador. He will. Once they have control of our holdings, the transfer of ownership will become their first priority.”

  Crath grew solemn. “I’m going to the bridge to make my report. I lost a shuttle down there. I’ll tell them I called one of my brothers to get me since I knew The Vorge was in the area. That way, it explains why I’m contacting them from your bridge. All they need to know is what’s really happening on Flax Colony.”

  The moment the doors closed behind their youngest littermate, Cathian sighed. “He seems to be doing well. Opinion?”

  Cavas thought about it. “I agree. He surprised me, though. Did you have any idea he was working for the allied authorities? I didn’t.”

  “Not a single hint.”

  “I think he’s tougher than either of us imagined. It makes me angry that he never told us what he was really doing. I wish that he had.” Cavas sighed. “I’m going to go check on Jill. She really did a good job down there.”

  Cathian smiled. “I’ve always told you that my crew is the best.”

  “You just got her today.”

  “And we’re keeping her. The females have demanded that we do so. She also impressed me by offering to go with you. Jill should fit right in with our crew.”

  “You’re just grateful it wasn’t Nara down there with me.”

  Cathian chuckled. “True.”

  Chapter Eight

  Jill felt a thousand times better after her shower. Food had been waiting on the table when she’d gotten out of the bathroom, indicating someone had been inside her cabin, but they hadn’t left a note.

  She had almost finished her meal when she heard a chime. She frowned, glancing around. It came again and she stood, going to the door.

  It auto opened as she approached.

  Cavas stood on the other side. His gaze ran down her body. “Did you find any injures?”

  “Just some bruising.”

  “The android can speed the healing of them. I’d be happy to escort you.”

  “I’m fine. Does food magically appear on this ship, or is it normal for one of the crew to deliver meals to my table?”

  He stepped forward suddenly, almost bumping into her. She moved back to avoid their bodies colliding. He inhaled deeply. “It was Midgel.”

  The doors sealed at his back, closing him inside the cabin with her. “How can you tell?”

  He reached up and tapped his nose. “Her scent is faint but present. Nara probably asked her to do that after the day you’ve had. Did you feel like eating the evening meal with the crew?”

  “That was nice of them. And no, I wasn’t up for company.”

  “There’s a food replicator in here.” He stepped around her. “Did anyone show you how to use one?”

  “No.”

  She followed him as he moved toward one of the walls that she guessed passed for a spaceship kitchen, since it had a sink and some cabinets she hadn’t explored yet. There were also two weird-looking machines.

  He pointed to the largest one. “This is the food replicator. It’s easy to figure out, once you get the hang of it. Cathian has top-of-the-line ones, but they aren’t stocked the way they should be, since they have Midgel aboard and they enjoy fresh-cooked meals. Food replicators are great for snacks and drinks, though. It’s voice activated.” He pointed to the other machine. “That is basically for trash. Put your used dishes inside and it breaks down the components for the replicator to make more when you want to eat.”

  He touched the food replicator. “Two cudda, cold.” He dropped his hand, his gaze fixed on her. “Just touch and speak. It’s easy.”

  There was a slight hum, and seconds later, two glasses slid down from the underside of the machine. They were filled with a red-tinted liquid. He lifted them, holding one out to her. “It’s a celebratory drink. I always celebrate with my team after a successful mission.”

  She took the chilled drink. “Is it strong?”

  He gave a nod. “Nara drinks it. She said one gives her a good feeling, but never drink more than three. I chose cudda because it’s one of her favorites.”

  “Got it.” She took a sip, smiling. “It tastes like a sweet wine!”

  He took a bigger drink of his. “You did well today. Thank you.”

  “How is Crath?”

  “He’s doing surprisingly well. He’ll quickly recover from his ordeal. Tryleskians are tough, and we do heal fast.”

  “I meant up here.” She tapped her temple before taking another sip.

  “He’s highly disappointed by our father’s actions yet again. We all are. He didn’t wish to believe he was capable of being that dishonorable.”

  “Fathers can be assholes.”

  He arched an eyebrow.

  “I told you what Earth is like. I never met mine, and I’m sure he never gave a second thought about leaving my mom pregnant after he walked away. That’s how some men are. My mom was just sex to him. Fortunately, she could afford to keep me.”

  A muscle in his jaw flexed. “Was it forced?”

  She shook her head. “She was curious about what it would be like to have sex, and she found an attractive man who was willing to do her for free. So—here I am. Really romantic, right?” She rolled her eyes. “Most of the guys on Earth who will have sex without payment are unattractive or such assholes no one would want to touch