Page 49 of Through Uncharted Space

Dakota was still pumped on the last dregs of adrenaline. For her, that had been a successful trip. They were alive, unharmed, and they’d gotten what they needed.

She glanced at the hard planes of Dare’s face. Something told her he might not agree with her assessment.

“You’re mad,” she said.

“Nothing wrong with your powers of observation.”

Ouch. His voice was icy enough to leave her with frostbite. “I did what I had to do⁠—”

“You risked your life.”

She could feel the anger throbbing off him. He stayed silent as they closed in on the convoy’s position. As the Sky Nomad grew larger on the viewscreen, she sat back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest. She’d done the best thing, the only thing, and she didn’t have to defend herself to him. Let him stew.

Soon, they passed through the huma-field and into the shuttle bay. He set them down, and, through the viewscreen, she saw his brothers standing outside, waiting.

Without a word, Dare stood, grabbed her by the arm and jerked her to the door. She felt her own anger rising. They’d made it off the planet, they had the part and the information they needed. The guy should be celebrating.

He exited the shuttle.

“You guys okay?” Rynan asked.

Dare gave one vicious nod. “The part is in the back of the shuttle. Get the engine fixed, and get us underway.”

“You need to see Elana in the med bay. She has the antidote ready for⁠—”

“I’ve got time yet. I’ll see her shortly.” Dare started yanking Dakota toward the shuttle bay door. Justyn caught her eye, and she rolled her eyes to the ceiling.

“Dare, are you sure you’re⁠—”

“I’m fine. Not now, Ry.”

“And where are we headed from here?” Justyn asked.

“Dakota has the correct star map now. She’ll give it to you.”

“Dakota can speak for herself,” she bit out. “And will you quit pulling me around?” She jerked her arm back.

He didn’t let go of her.

She huffed out a breath. “I will upload the map to the system myself⁠—”

“Just give the orb to Justyn,” Dare said.

Her hand clenched around it. “It’s mine.”

“He can hardly run off with it.” Dare’s mouth was a flat line. “Still don’t trust me?”

Jeez, the man was in a mood. She held the orb out to Justyn. “Don’t lose this, baby Phoenix, or I’ll make life unpleasant for everybody.”

Justyn grinned and accepted the orb. “I do like your style, Dakota. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of it.”

She gave him a nod. “Good.”

“By the way,” Justyn added, looking at his brother. “I got a call from a local trader interested in doing business with us. Apparently, his planet has some unique local gems he’d like to sell in charted space. I’m going to take my ship out and meet with him. I’ll rendezvous with you at our final destination when I’m done.”

Dare nodded. “We’ll see you there.”

Dakota looked back at Dare. “Now, let go of my arm.”