~Excerpt from Bound by War (No release date as of yet).
“Thanks,” Laken said
once he returned.
“Glad to help.”
Neo had apparently decided
he needed to prop up the nearest wall in the suite with his shoulder. Seeing
that his best friend wasn’t leaving anytime soon, Laken crossed his arms over
his chest and met Neo’s gaze. “What?”
Neo was silent for a
full unit minute before he finally spoke. “It’s been over a day. Word is
getting out about Torin being on the ship, probably thanks to Raiden. He’s
still pissed.”
Like Laken cared. “He
can get unpissed.”
“Right, I’ll make sure
to pass that along.” Neo flashed a sardonic grin at Laken. “Don’t know why I didn’t
think to tell him that myself.”
“What the hell is it
going to take to get Raiden to move on?” Laken demanded, annoyed enough to
stamp his foot. Bells chimed angrily.
“Um… blood? From Torin?”
Laken made a fist and
one long spine that was razor sharp extended from his middle knuckle. “This is
what I think of that. Make sure to pass it on.”
Neo snickered. “Oh, I
absolutely will.” The laughter died, and Neo sobered. “Have you told Malk and
Kia that Torin is your mate?”
“The hell, Neo?” Laken
retracted the weapon. “It’s barely been a day! And I’ve hardly left Torin’s
side. Besides, Kia is still dealing with seeing Ogill killed and the feelings
that brought back. I don’t want to add to what he’s going through.”
“I love you like a
brother, and as such, I’m going to call bullshit. Yes, you’ve hardly left Torin’s
side. Do you honestly think that hasn’t been commented on? You don’t want to
tell them because you know how they’re going to react. Malk especially. Doc,
Gibor, Keyno, and Malk have all met the Blishue before and don’t think highly
of them.”
“Fuck.” Laken scrubbed
his hands over his face, slumping as his anger faded. “I know.”
“I’m going to give you
some free advice. Tell them before they get wind of it. There were other people
in Medical besides us. Who knows what was overheard? You can’t keep secrets on
a ship, even one this size. They need to hear it from you.”
