Page 44 of Bikar

This is the first time they have observed my technology talents, and truth be told, I am more than a wee bit apprehensive about how they will react. Girding myself for the ensuing explosion, the sound of dainty feet gains my attention just as Bambi’s lissome body collides with mine. Her little hands run all over me, checking to make sure I am hale and hearty.

Once she is satisfied that I am unharmed, she lets go and attempts to shove me. “What the actual fuck was that, Bikar?”

In this instance, I do not pretend to misunderstand her. I like my stones undamaged. “He insulted our bond, little doe.”

“Okaaaay? And? I’m sure he won’t be the only one to take issue with you guys mating with humans.”

Einar steps forward, glancing between the two of us. “Bambi, it is not that you are from another species. You must understand that Vornek erred greatly. It is extremely poor form to discuss the status of another’s mate bond. Particularly during the period when a male is courting his female, and the bond is only partially sealed.”

Gesturing over at Murgul, he clarifies. “Bikar’s… talents appear to be much different than ours, but how do you think Murgul or Vrog would have reacted to such a comment from an unknown male?”

Bambi’s face scrunches. “Yeah… that would have been a fuck up.”

Her tone makes me snicker, but I quickly stop when she pivots to glare at me. “That doesn’t mean you’re off the hook! You were ripping this whole place apart around us. I thought you lost control of yourself for crying out loud.”

“I was in complete control. You, as well as my family, were all perfectly safe. It was mostly to show Vornek that it would be in his best interest to stop trying to hack my systems.” Gentling my tone, I hasten to reassure her further. “You never need to worry about loss of control; that is not something that will ever happen. Not when I know it would frighten you and possibly drive you from my side.”

Ruarc hones in with pinpoint accuracy as he tucks Kallen against his side. “Vornek was trying to dowhat?” Aiming a glare at the male in question, he bares his teeth in a facsimile of a smile. “Is the fracker still trying to hack our shet?”

“No, I provided him with some… evidence that his actions were exceptionally unwise. Furthermore, it would appear that Vornek and I have more in common than appearances would indicate.”

Slavic growls lowly before barking at me. “Great. Now I have to deal with two Bikars.”

Hastening to assure him that I am a unique individual, and there isnoneother like me, Vornek—the fracker—interjects. “Bikar and I are nothing alike in personality, only similar in our tech abilities thanks to the Aynar and their experiments. You need not worry that you will be forced to deal with two of…that.”

That fracker just gestured to all of me!

“Vornek is a bland male that lacks my… effervescent qualities, Slavic.”

Ignoring my quip, Vornek regards all of us one by one before something that is supposed to be a smile—a horrific amalgamation— twists his lips around broken tusks. “This has been a rather enlightening rotation. Against my better judgement, I am going to allow all of you to stay. But. Keep in mind all beings are expected to contribute to the good of our community. Take time to relax and rest, but you must find your place eventually.”

Before he turns to leave, he waves over at a blue-skinned male. “Gorg will show you where you can stay if you wish to sleep planetside. Bikar mentioned you all have mates, but two seem to be missing. I can only assume they do not feel safe off your ship. Lastly, tell Dame Shagar she is welcome. There are those of us that remember her and her mate, Matuk.”

With that, he gathers Lurtza and Myev to him, slinging an arm over and walking away without a backwards glance.

Smart-arsed fracker had to have the final word.

I am going to have so much fun frackin’ his life up on a daily basis.

CHAPTER 39

BAMBI

Staring at all the clothes liberally stuffed into my small closet is literally making me sick to my stomach. There’s just enough space for me to walk in, turn in a circle, and walk back out. Truth be told, things may start creeping out the door into the rest of the living space. How the heck did I let Heather talk me into making so many outfits?

Shoes, jeans, dresses, blouses, t-shirts, and everything imaginable are sitting there, mocking me with their overwhelming presence. I’m not sure how long it took us to travel from Deapra to Rembz, but it wasn’t that dadgum long.

I can feel a headache coming on. “I need a suitcase… or four.”

Heather went wild with that CIP thing. There’s no telling how much crap she’s got shoved in her closet.

Bikar can definitely make me something in the room the CIP is in. When I press my hand to the door control, I find Bikar on the other side with his hand raised to ring my door tone.

“Hey, Bikar. I was actually just on my way to come find you.”

He shoots me a pleased grin. “It came to my attention that you and your Heather have… accumulated some items on our journey and need a way to transport them off the Scythe.”

“Uhm, yeah.‘Some items’is putting it lightly.”