Page 113 of On a Rogue Planet
Mal nodded at the woman and the two large, tough-looking men.
Xenia’s gaze moved from Xander to his arm to Malin. She blinked a few times before finding her composure. “The Trenorians have given us control of the bridge and an operations room for planning our attack.”
“Then let’s get started.” Xander turned to Mal and the others. “You have all helped me get to this point. I was hoping you could join us.”
They headed down the straight, wide corridors. The warship was huge and very utilitarian inside. When they reached the bridge, Mal’s eyes widened in interest. It was large with two decks and numerous uniformed Trenorians at consoles. They looked like the Centaxians without the enhancements. Ahead, a huge viewscreen showed a large gas giant they were passing. Shortly, they’d be in visual range of Centax.
Soon, they were all seated around the conference table in the ops room. Xander assumed control, and the CenSecs worked like a highly tuned team as they planned their missions.
“Xenia, you’ll lead the rescue mission to secure the Prime.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Alix, you’ll lead the rescue mission to release the rest of our team.”
The tall CenSec nodded. He was even taller than Xander with a brawnier build, skin the color of coffee and eyes of a brown-gold color.
“I’ll head the mission to take down Rexon Dax myself.”
Mal wasn’t listening to all the details as the team asked questions, suggested strategies, discarded ideas and suggested others. Occasionally, Dathan ventured a suggestion that was way outside CenSec protocols, but they were all considered and some taken on board.
Mal just watched Xander. He was wearing his hard, cold CenSec face again.
Before her eyes he was morphing back into the emotionless cyborg she’d rescued from the Haxx salvage yard.
Her Xander was disappearing.
“Anything else you need us to help you with, Xander?” Dathan asked.
Xander shook his head. “Stay safe and out of the line of fire.” His gaze strayed to Mal. She thought she saw something move through them. “I’ll contact you when it’s all over.”
But Mal felt like the most important thing was already over.
Mal pacedacross the cockpit of theInfinitas.
Centax was a huge orb filling the forward windows. She’d seen Xander off with a final kiss two hours before.
Was he safe? Alive? Had the mission gone as planned?
Her gut churning, she reached the far wall, pivoted, and paced back.
“Mal, you’ll wear a groove in the floor.” Dathan watched her from a chair. “Zayn’ll be pissed.”
“What if something went wrong?” Her mind whirled. “What if he’s hurt?”
Her cousin put his feet up, peeling the apple he was holding with a knife. “Guy’s a damn badass CenSec. My money’s on him.”
Stride. Pivot. Turn. Stride. Pivot. Turn.
Zayn barreled into the cockpit. “Incoming transmission from the planet.”
Please be okay. Mal rushed over and stood behind Zayn’s chair.
Xander’s face filled the screen. “It’s done.”
He was okay.She let the numbing relief wash over her. Stars, he looked so good, so handsome and sexy in his uniform.
“Rexon Dax is in custody and Axton is free. He’s meeting with the ruling council now.”
