Page 7 of In a Dangerous Orbit
She couldn’t comprehend what a gift that was. “He’s already given you a family, but in the near future, you will also create your own.”
The brunette’s mouth dropped open, her hand dropping to her stomach.
Relda smiled. “Not now. You have a few more adventures to survive yet. But one day soon, you’ll make new life.”
Ria let loose a laugh. “God, Icannotwait to see Dathan Phoenix as a father.”
“He’ll be a good one,” Eos said defensively. “He’s had some practice with Lala.”
He would be a good one, but Relda didn’t say it aloud.
“That girl keeps us all on our toes,” Ria muttered.
Relda raised a brow.
Eos was fighting a smile. “An opinionated, teenage explosives expert we kind of adopted.”
Ria snorted. “Adopted? She just moved in and never left.”
Eos’ gaze moved back to Relda, fierce intelligence and speculation burning in her golden eyes. “My husband has a set of Terran Tarot cards. They aren’t complete and some are damaged, but the imagery is beautiful. You don’t use cards or scry using one of these orbs?” She nodded to the globe on the table nearby.
“No.”
“What’s your background?”
“I was raised on the Brielle Space Station.” The well-practiced lie slipped out easily. “My mother was human and I never knew my father.” A long way from the truth.
“You see auras.”
Relda nearly swallowed her tongue. “Excuse me?”
“On Vedia, we had ashans—spiritual adepts—who could tap into the universe’s energies. I saw the way they looked at people. Notatthem, around them. You do the same.”
Relda scooped up the teacups and took them behind the fabric divider. “I’m a businesswoman, Eos, not a…spiritual adept.”
“You want me to believe you’re a charlatan.”
Relda ducked back out, smile in place. “You can believe whatever you like.”
“Do you have other psionic powers?”
Relda pressed her hands together. “I’m sorry, time’s up. I have some work to do before I leave for the day.”
Ria stood, a smile on her lips. “That was the nicest blow off I’ve heard in a while.” She winked at Relda. “It’s been interesting.”
“Likewise.” Relda was surprised to find she meant it. She liked them both.
“I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable.” Eos’ smile was sheepish. “I’m insatiably curious.”
“It’s fine.”
“Well, thank you.”
After they’d left, Relda tidied the tent. She wanted to get home and check on Alia. She also wanted to check in with the deputies the marshal had arranged to keep an eye on her other stores.
There was no sound, but Relda suddenly knew she wasn’t alone. She felt the brush of the men’s auras against hers like a prickle of something sharp and biting.
The aquatic and his bad-smelling friend were back.
