brothers were enjoying with their mates. And he wanted it with Berlynn.
“Is there anything I can do to help you?” Rachel asked as they neared the big house.
“I need to leave for several hours.” He ran his hand over his bristly hair with a sigh. “Is it all right if Berlynn stays here until I return?”
“Of course. Berlynn is always welcome.”
He nodded, anxious to leave. “Then tell her I’ll return this evening or tomorrow morning at the latest.”
“Will do.” Rachel raised her hand in farewell as he hurried back across the yard.
Chapter Two
By Rodyte standards, Lunar Nine was actually quite primitive. The compound had been built within a natural cave on the dark side of Earth’s moon. An enemy had sneaked into the cavern using a shuttle similar to the Phantoms , so the entrance was now secured with an energy net and at least two heavily armed fighters.
Two long docking strips extended from the main complex, which followed the contour of the cavern. To keep things organized, Garin had designated the top concourse for arrivals and the one below for departures. Garin docked the Phantom across from the Intrepid then dug through Berlynn’s overnight bag until he found her hairbrush. His chest tightened and he clenched the handle of the brush, refusing to admit that his hands were shaking. He could not allow a female to disrupt his life so completely.
The Intrepid was small and sleek. Her clean lines meant to appear unimpressive and discourage interest in the hospital ship. The crew was highly specialized and assisted by state-of-the-art technology. Most of the crewmembers were also elite, which created a challenge for Garin. Without a personal stake in the conflict, it was harder to determine each person’s loyalty. Which was why Garin had appointed command of the Intrepid to Kaden Lux.
Kaden Lux had spent the last ten years as an infiltration operative. He could become anyone the mission required with remarkable ease. Ten years in the field also honed his instincts and taught him how to read people with nearly faultless accuracy. It was this ability that Garin needed now. Each member of the Intrepid’s crew was a potential spy and Garin needed to know whom he could trust.
Garin insisted he be subjected to the same security measures as everyone else, so he wasn’t surprised when Kaden awaited him on the other side of the security gate. The scanner would have alerted Kaden to Garin’s arrival.
“You made good time, sir,” Kaden greeted. “Was there a reason for your haste?”
The “sir” was for the benefit of the crew. Garin had long since been on a first-name basis with all three Lux brothers. “Nothing in particular,” he lied, “just a busy schedule, as usual.”
Kaden grinned, clearly knowing kaunashit when he heard it. “So, what can we do for you?” Like all of the rebels, Kaden wore the black-and-gold uniform of the Rodyte military, minus any official insignias. Kaden’s dark hair was much longer than regulations allowed, but the enforcement of many rules had slackened since they became outlaws. Garin was more concerned about loyalty and proficiency than the length of a commander’s hair.
“I need a DNA analysis,” Garin told him.
“You’ve come to the right place.” He motioned Garin onward then fell in step beside him. Neither man spoke again until they were alone in the corridor leading to one of the elevator banks. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the mysterious shapeshifter I’ve been hearing so much about, would it?”
Garin shot him an annoyed look, but didn’t break stride. “Why are people talking about Berlynn?”
Kaden laughed. “She’s the only unmated female on the outpost. Do you really need to ask?”
“I suppose not,” Garin grumbled. “And yes, it’s her DNA I want analyzed.”
“I’m actually surprised it took you this long. I saw her in the commerce district a couple of days ago. She’s lovely.”
Not ready to admit