Blue solace complete ser.., p.114
Blue Solace: Complete Series Boxset, page 114
Parker met him in front of the largest storage building. “Hey, boss. Wait until you see what Tomin has for us.”
Crow grunted and followed his friend inside. He was happy to see his crew was already inventorying everything and packing it tightly.
“He has two hundred crates of fabric that will sell for a bundle.” Parker practically rubbed his hands together. “Then he has sixty-two crates of Pagent’s whiskey, which you know will bring in some credits. The rest are high-end luxury items.”
“I think we can move this.” Crow nodded in approval. “Finish the inventory, then offer a fair price.”
A loud yowl drew Crow’s attention, and he moved farther into the building. “What was that?”
Parker rolled his eyes. “That was a luxury item I wish Tomin hadn’t offered us.”
A few rows down, a large crate shook as another loud yowl and hissing assaulted their ears. Joelle was trying to look inside, but a large black paw reached through the bars of the door to swat at her.
Crow crouched down in front of the door and was met with a pair of glowing blue eyes. “A glimmer?”
The species from Grellweir had a longer, more scientific, name, but the large winged felines were more commonly called glimmers. The beast was crammed into the crate, but Crow thought it was more cub than adult. Its thick black and blue fur was fluffed up in irritation, and its wings were folded up close to its sides.
“It’s not happy.” Joelle tried to approach again, but the glimmer hissed.
“Glimmers sell well as companion pets.” Parker grimaced. “This one acts like it would rather maul someone than cuddle.”
Crow smiled. “I should send it to Draif’s friend Leti.”
The glimmer growled, and the crate shook again. Parker gave him a look. “Yes, I’m sure his mate, the infamous Will Hackett, would appreciate that.”
Joelle started laughing. “You ought to gift it to your mate, boss. At least he wouldn’t set you on fire.”
Crow laughed too, but the more he thought of it, the more he liked the idea. He could see Finn and him curled up on one of the decadent sofas in his quarters, the glimmer happily sleeping on the floor beside them.
“Once you’ve fed, watered, and walked it, Joelle, load it in the shuttle. I’ll let Finn look at it tonight. He might want to keep it.”
She glared at him. “Okay, boss. I’ll just risk life and limb and do that right now.”
He grinned widely. “Thanks.”
As he walked away, he heard her mutter. “I hope Finn does set you on fire.”
Crow stood with Dermot and his mom and watched the crate shake in the back of the shuttle. He had arrived thirty minutes ago, but the beast hadn’t calmed down yet.
Jenise was finishing dinner while Dermot and he tried to figure out how to get the glimmer into the house to surprise Finn.
“That is the worst mating gift I’ve ever seen.” His mom scowled when the glimmer hissed. “Aiden, do you secretly want to kill your mate?”
Crow gave her a sheepish look. “Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.”
Dermot nodded furiously. “You got that right.”
Crow and his brother looked a lot alike. They got their dark skin and black hair from their mom, but they both had their dad’s eyes. Crow was bigger than Dermot, but somehow his brother always made him feel more centered. Has to be a big brother skill.
Diana huffed, annoyed. “I’m going back inside. You can deal with this mess.” Her house shoes slapped against the walk. She was dressed in the same clothes she’d been wearing the last time he’d visited, and she clearly hadn’t showered in a while.
Crow waited until she was inside. “I’m worried about Mom.”
Dermot sighed. “Me too. We’re trying, but Mom has to want to try too, and she just doesn’t.”
“You remember when you brought Jenise home that first time?”
Dermot grinned. “Mom made dinner and fussed over her all night.” His smile faded. “I’m sorry, Aiden. Jenise is cooking a good meal, and we cleaned the house up.”
Crow shrugged. “You said it before. Mom isn’t herself right now.”
A shuttle landed in the open space beside them, and Dermot gave him a panicked look. “We haven’t gotten the hiss beast into the house yet!”
Finn opened the shuttle door and bounced out, grinning widely. He wore an elegant black sleeveless shirt with a golden chain belt. Tight black pants were tucked into shiny boots. Gold armbands encircled his muscular biceps, and a gold cuff earring decorated one of his fuzzy ears. His bushy tail whipped back and forth behind him, and his eyes shone brightly in the near dark evening.
He smiled shyly at Dermot. “You must be Aiden’s brother.”
Dermot’s mouth was still hanging open as he stared at Finn.
Crow growled and not so gently tapped his brother’s chin, closing his mouth. “This is Dermot. He’s mated and not nearly as good in bed as I am.”
Dermot gave him a disgruntled look. “I’m great in bed. Just ask Jenise.”
Finn laughed. “Oh gods, you two are definitely brothers.” His eyes fell on the crate. “What’s that?”
“Nothing.” Crow moved to stand in front of the crate, then jumped when the glimmer swatted him. “Damn it!”
Finn’s eyes widened, and he gasped. “Is that a Grellweir glimmer? It’s beautiful.” He reached out and unlatched the crate. “You poor baby. Why are you locked in that tiny crate?”
Crow and Dermot both called out, but it was too late. The door opened, and the snarling monster leapt out.
Chapter 9
Finn stood in Crow’s childhood home, Roxy cuddled in his arms. He swayed slowly and cooed into the poor glimmer’s ear. As soon as he had opened the cage, the large winged feline had flown into his arms, mewling pitifully.
Crow’s brother watched him from the couch. “I can’t believe that thing didn’t claw your face off.”
Crow elbowed him hard. “Don’t give it ideas.”
Finn narrowed his eyes on his mate. “Roxy isn’t an ‘it.’ She’s a beautiful baby glimmer.”
Crow smiled widely and batted his eyes. “Yes, dear. The beast is an adorable ball of perfection.”
Dermot laughed, and Finn rolled his eyes. Roxy settled her head on Finn’s shoulder and purred. The glimmer would get large quickly, but right now she was a warm and heavy weight in his arms.
“Where’s your mom?” Finn asked, looking around curiously. The house was nice and comfortable. It was clearly made for a family, and Finn loved the photos in the frames above the fireplace. Little Aiden was a cutie.
Crow and Dermot exchanged a nervous look.
Before they could answer, a young Wello-Dedril hybrid came in, a smile covering her face. “You must be Finn. I’m Jenise.” She patted Dermot’s shoulder. “This one’s mate. Dinner is ready when you all are.”
“Is Mom in there?” Dermot asked hopefully.
Jenise’s smile faded. “No. She went to her room.”
Finn’s heart hurt for the woman. He had only known Crow for a few days, but even now, if he lost him, it would destroy Finn. “She must be tired. We can make her a plate and bring it to her.”
“Yes.” Dermot nodded quickly. “Good idea.”
Finn settled Roxy into one of the chairs around the table, washed his hands, then sat next to her. The glimmer eyed the others with suspicion but seemed content to sit and watch them eat.
Once their plates were full and everyone was sitting, Dermot gave Finn a hard look. “Alright. Time to tell us about yourself, Finn. My baby brother is a good catch. What makes you think you’re good enough for him?”
Crow looked horrified. “Dermot, what the hell?”
Finn couldn’t help his smile. It made him happy that Crow’s family appreciated him. “He is the best catch in the galaxy, and he’s all mine. It’s too late, Dermot. I won’t give him up, so you’re stuck with me, good enough or not.”
Dermot smiled. “At least you know how lucky you are.”
Jenise leaned forward, eyes bright. “I love your tail, Finn. It’s so bushy and cute.”
Finn preened. “Thank you.” He nodded to Crow. “He hasn’t complimented my tail at all.”
Jenise gasped, hand pressed to her heart. “The bastard!”
Crow dropped his head to the table, groaning. “Why did I want to introduce you to my family?”
They laughed and the conversation flowed easily. Finn liked Dermot and Jenise. They were both kind, funny, and easy to talk to. He found out they were finally ready to start a family of their own, and Dermot wanted to rebuild his dad’s company. Jenise was a teacher and was eager to get back to work once Pagent’s Distillery was settled again.
Before he knew it, Finn was polishing off dessert. “That was so good, Jenise. I don’t think I’ve eaten that well since I left Charybdis Station.”
“Does Amelia cook dinner for you?” Jenise asked. “Diana used to cook dinner for the whole family once a week.”
Finn made a face. “Amelia isn’t that kind of mom. She’ll cut the balls off a man if he hurts me, but she’d burn the station down if she tried to make dinner. We usually eat at Juniper’s Diner.”
Jenise stood and gently smacked the back of Crow’s head. “You hear that? You better be nice to Finn or his mom will take care of you.”
Crow gave her a sour look. “I’ll guard my junk.” He turned back to Finn. “Did you get a lot done today?”
Finn nodded, fighting off a yawn. “Halli and I finished our reports and sent them off. The Green Lieutenant lent us some ships, and I sent the Vextonians on to Charybdis Station temporarily. Vextonar is in too much upheaval right now. The yellow fleet and the rest of our allies have taken out HF, but the government has completely toppled, and they didn’t have a Jada to step in.”
“She has made things easier here.” Dermot nudged his brother. “Jada and you.”
Crow looked surprised. “Me?”
Jenise put a small bowl of minced meat in front of Roxy and rolled her eyes before sitting back down. “Yeah, you. Do you think no one realizes how involved you and your crew have been?”
“We aren’t helping rebuild.” Crow’s shoulders slumped. “We helped tear everything apart, but we haven’t helped build it back up.”
“Yet,” Finn added. “You haven’t helped yet. Rueal is your home, and I know you’ll be there for her.” It hurt him to even say the words. He loved Charybdis Station and couldn’t imagine not living there, but Crow felt the same way about Rueal. Someone will have to give up their home.
Crow gave him a knowing look and reached across the table for his hand.
Finn swallowed hard and shoved his emotions away. “We got back some information about Dramacus and Prism.” Finn had sent Moyra and her crew to scout the small moon. There were so many factories there, and they needed to narrow down where the Vextonians were.
“Good.” Crow eyes were heated as they ran over Finn’s face. “Anything I can help with?”
Finn flushed hot. There are a lot of things I want your help with, handsome. He shook his head. “Uh, I’m at a loss with Dramacus. The planet has shut down all incoming ships. They’ve completely isolated themselves from the rest of the galaxy, and it will be hard to get in.”
“I have a contact on Dramacus.” Crow squeezed his hand. “He used to live on Aruta but moved right before Dramacus shut down the spaceports. I’ll get in touch with him tonight. He can help your scouts get in and find the Vextonians.”
Finn felt his ears perk up. “Really? That will help.” Finn could send Wyther and his crew to check it out if Crow’s contact would help.
“What would Dramacus even want with Vextonian slaves?” Dermot said, shaking his head. “I can see Prism wanting them. Employment at the factories went down drastically when most of the non-humans were deported.”
Finn sighed. “I have no idea. Charybdis Station never had much to do with the planet. Now, with it shutting everyone out, there’s no easy way to contact them.”
He watched Roxy delicately eat from the small bowl in front of her. She was such a good girl. Too bad I’m not a good boy.
Finn stood. “I’ll be right back.”
Crow tugged on his hand and frowned. “Where are you going?”
Finn rolled his eyes. “To the bathroom. Is that okay with you?”
Dermot and Jenise laughed at Crow when he hid his face. “Yeah. Sorry.”
Finn patted his mate’s shoulder and went into the front room, Roxy following behind him. He took a minute to use the bathroom and wash his hands. “I’m not a liar, Roxy.”
His new glimmer gave him a disbelieving look and mewled softly.
“Don’t judge me.” He picked Roxy up and quietly slipped out of the bathroom, then tip-toed up the stairs.
There were a few bedrooms on this level, but one door was already cracked, and he could hear a vid-screen playing from within.
He poked his head in. Crow’s mom sat in a chair near the window, eyes glued to the vid-screen. She looked rough, and he could smell her from the door. She looked a lot like Dermot and Crow with dark skin, a full figure, and strong features. Her Wello spots barely showed against her skin, and he knew for a fact Crow didn’t have any of his own.
Finn slid into the room and shut the door.
She looked up from the screen. “You Finn?”
He nodded. “You Diana?”
“That’s me.” She eyed Roxy. “I see you got your gift.”
“This is Roxy.” He stroked a hand down Roxy’s back, then settled into the chair across from Diana. “Isn’t she beautiful? I’ve never had a pet before.”
Diana shrugged and looked back at the vid-screen. “The boys had a dog when they were younger. His name was Ralphie.”
“Did they get along with him?” Finn leaned back and watched the vid-screen. It looked like the local news. They were covering the rebuilding of one of the larger cities on the other side of the planet. HF had fought hard for it, so there was a lot more to clean up than in Pagent’s Distillery.
“Aiden and Dermot loved that dog. It broke their hearts when he died. Dermot moved on, but I didn’t expect Aiden to ever get another pet.”
“Why not?”
“His heart bruises easily.” She glanced at him, then back at the vid-screen. “He tries to hide it by playing the wily bad boy, but his emotions get the better of him every time.”
Finn thought about it. “I can see that. He cares about his crew a lot and goes out of his way to make sure they stay safe. It hurt him when he lost, uh, I think Parker said it was Horski and Mel.”
Diana gave him a sharp look. “What do you mean?”
Finn’s ears flicked in agitation, and Roxy’s ears did the same. “A few days ago, he lost them. They were fighting for Pagent’s Distillery.”
She closed her eyes. A bitter smile hardened her features. “He didn’t say anything when he came by. I didn’t really give him a chance though.”
“He holds a lot in.” Finn stroked his tail, then Roxy’s. “Sometimes it feels like his walls are too high to get past.”
Diana nodded. “He hurts easily, so he’s quick to push people away. He’s always been like that. It drove Perick crazy.”
Finn nodded, then watched the news some more.
“I’m sorry I didn’t eat dinner with you all. I didn’t want to ruin things.”
He shrugged. “You’re hurting. It would destroy me to lose Aiden, and I just met him. You were mated for a lot longer.”
“Forty-two years.” She closed her eyes again and leaned her head back. “Almost every night I dream he’s still alive. We talk, argue, make love, just live like we always did. Then I wake up and the bed’s empty and I’m so cold. I remember he’s dead and buried and I’m alone.”
Finn shifted in his seat, throat thick with tears. He would sometimes dream like that about Hazel. In his dreams, they were at the club or having lunch in Juniper’s Diner. She would laugh, and they’d share gossip.
Diana’s sharp eyes narrowed. “You know what I mean.”
“Yeah.” He swallowed and wiped at his eyes. “I’ve lost friends. It’s hard to deal with sometimes.”
“I don’t know what to do.” She folded her hands in her lap. “I don’t know how to live without him.”
Finn looked around the bedroom. A man’s hat sat on top of the dresser, and a pair of men’s loafers were near the bed. “He’s everywhere here.”
She held back a sob and nodded. “I can’t let him go.”
Finn thought about how he couldn’t go back to his favorite club without thinking of Hazel. Morgan and he had struggled to sort her things and pack up her house. “You can’t stay here.”
Diana looked at him like he was crazy. “What?”
Finn sniffed and wiped his eyes. “You can’t let him go if you’re here. This is the home you built with him.”
“Where the hell would I go?”
Finn shook his head. “How should I know?”
Diana’s laugh was hoarse, but amused. “You know everything else.”
“Oh, if you only knew how little I really know.” Finn smiled. “My life motto is ‘fake it till you make it.’”
Diana snorted. “Aiden said you were a big deal from Charybdis Station.”
Finn raised a brow. “I’m just the lieutenant of the blue fleet.” He stopped, startled. “Oh, shit. I am a big deal.”
Diana laughed, eyes brightening. “You are something else, kitty.”
Finn liked the endearment. It reminded him of Amelia and the kittens.
The door opened, and Crow looked in, face confused. “Finn? I thought you were using the bathroom.”
Dermot and Jenise peeked around him, equally baffled.
“I did, babe. Thanks for announcing it to the whole world.” Finn winked at his mate. “Diana was just getting ready to take a shower and come down for dinner.”
Diana arched a brow. “I was?”
“Yep.” Finn stood and set Roxy down. “Roxy and I are going to pack you a bag. We haven’t seen Aiden’s home yet. Parker said it was some fancy villa. Have you been there?”
