Sasha hitched her hip higher and swung one leg back and forth. “My contacts had nothing on that either. Only that she’s been quiet these last two years which can now be attributed to her undercover presence at CV-8.”
“Maybe she was avoiding Lothar and once he found her, he forced her to do his bidding again.” Even as Bane said it he knew it was a stretch.
The disbelief reflected in Sasha’s green eyes called him on it. Jaron turned away from the holo screens to shake his head at Bane. “You’re smarter than that. How close are you to her, Bane?”
Bane swallowed, thought carefully and went with the truth. “We sex shared. I liked her, admired her dedication to her job. I thought we were equally attracted to one another but it appears to all be a lie.”
Or all one-sided on his part.
“I wish I could say differently but she’s not for you, Bane. After I tell you some of the stuff I found, I think you’ll forget whatever plans of forever or thoughts of a future you may have had.”
Then Jaron proceeded to list all of Mischka’s transgressions. He sat there almost numb to the information. That was before Jaron detailed how she’d gotten away with it. Most times it involved sex sharing with her targets. Untold rage rolled over Bane.
Apparently, what they’d had between them wasn’t special. It was her standard practice and he’d fallen right in line with her other unsuspecting victims. She’d lied, stolen and cheated in a consistent manner. If it was under duress, he couldn’t tell since she seemed to be working at CV-8 of her own free will. That meant she was as guilty as Lothar.
His fingers clenched and unclenched. The intimacy he’d thought they shared had been a ruse. One she’d more than likely used numerous times. He’d fallen for it. Every single bit.
“Bane?”
Jaron’s voice interrupted his mental self-flagellation. “What?”
“This is in addition to her participation in Sasha’s torture and what I was put through four years ago.”
His throat constricted. So much had happened on that mission. Jaron was frantic after his rescue and learning Sasha had been taken to a secondary location for more sadistic experiments by The Collector. And through all of it, Mischka had been there. A seemingly willing participant.
It was the part he couldn’t get past—she’d been willing. “Thank you, Jaron. Anything on Kyele and Vee’s trackers?”
“Actually, the signal started pinging recently. I’m waiting for a conclusive location to give Torkel.”
That was a small mercy, but Bane couldn’t stop the swell of anger directing him to move, to act. He offered Sasha, who watched him closely, a grim smile. The desk communicator buzzed and Jaron broke away to answer. Bane couldn’t stand still any longer and turned toward the door but Jaron signaled him to wait.
The edgy feeling crawling up his spine wouldn’t let him. Bane stormed from the communication room. Jaron called his name but he didn’t stop. Couldn’t.
He continued down the hall and headed for the nearest stairway. Jaron came to the door, Sasha close behind. Both looked concerned by his sudden exit but it was Jaron who yelled, “Where are you going?!”
Bane slammed the door without answering and hit the stairs with anger in every stride. He had no idea where he was going. Just away from the room and the tormenting information about Mischka’s past.
Jaron ran after him and stopped at the top of the stairs, strain on his features. “Why are you torturing yourself like this, Bane? Let her go.”
Inhaling sharply, Bane glanced up at his friend and said, “Do you remember the last time you were so definite a female had betrayed us and pushed for her to be charged to the fullest extent of the law for her crimes?”
Face paling, Jaron released the rail and staggered back. “That’s a low shot, Bane.”
“If Torkel had followed procedure and listened to you, he wouldn’t be with Faye today.” Bane held Jaron’s stare and went for the killing strike. “Now put yourself on the other side and think about when you betrayed the one you wanted.”
“Fuck you, Bane!” Jaron snarled and spun away.
Bane was already fucked. Remorse curdled in his gut for hurting his friend. Waiting in the doorway, Sasha’s gaze was somber when she met his. She shook her head when Jaron eased her to the side and continued on his way, muttering angry curses.
Good luck, she mouthed.
Of course, Sasha would understand to some extent. She had left Jaron over a similar act of betrayal, but they’d found their way back to one another. Not that either of them had been a notorious wanted criminal. He let the door close and bounded down the stairs.
This was one of those times he wished for Vee or Kyele to be here to spar with in the training room. He was in a mood to battle without holding back
Chapter 22
“Please remain calm, Majad Renik,” Torkel said.
The one way view on the holo-screen allowed them a visual of the Majad of Marenia. He was big, brawny and wide across the chest. His horns were solid black and blended with the long dark hair about his shoulders. His calm demeanor had dropped not long after the comm connected.
“This has gone on long enough. You will release my nephew immediately!”
Twenty-four of their hours had passed. Bane, his Team Leader Rydak and the other three members of Team Three were called to the meeting room with Torkel. The holo communication was set to audio only on their end.
“We can negotiate for Nikol Wulven’s release when you guarantee the safe return of the two Jutak warriors taken on CV-8.” Torkel spoke slowly as if wanting to be very clear on what it would take to get his nephew back though Bane didn’t think the Marenians cared about Kyele or V’hor.
Majad Renik sneered and drew himself up to what was probably an impressive height in person. “I don’t negotiate with petty soldiers. This is an insult added to the injustice already perpetrated. Where are your world leaders? This is a grave matter.”
Bane held his breath waiting to see how Torkel would respond.
“My Jutak commander and the Enotian government have given me leave to speak with you on this situation. Please stay calm and we can resolve this amicably.”
Someone spoke off-screen. Guttural commands flew back and forth. Inhaling sharply, Majad Renik leaned toward the holo and pointed a defiant finger. His demeanor as a furious leader dropped, leaving a brutal, cold killer in place. “Is this a new threat, Jutak Alonson? Do you think I won’t retaliate? I assure you the Alliance can’t protect you because Marenia doesn’t recognize their authority.”
What had changed? Khane, Uri, and Rydak exchanged glances with Bane. He shrugged. Something from the harsh whispered conversation had set the Majad off. A pinched look formed on Torkel’s face. “I’m unclear what you are referring to, Majad Renik.”
“Look closely, Jutak.”
The holo-screen changed from the image of the Majad to an aerial view from space. Satellite imagery wavered then steadied. One moment there was the orange and blue orb of Marenia surrounded by a cloudy gas ring and the next ten sleek black vessels appeared and a huge oblong ship alongside them.
No hyper drive. No vortex. Just there in an instant from one moment to the next.