sullenly at them. In the throne chair sat a big man with a black, untrimmed beard. He was of middle
age, tall and heavy set. He glared as the prince and his party approached, and Nikolai felt his eyes
roam over him before coming back to rest on Prince Jagger.
“Prince Jagger. Nice to see you again. How’s your father?”
“This isn’t a friendly visit, Captain Garth, so stop pretending it is,” Jagger said sharply. “Why
have you asked us to come? Is something wrong with…”
“My hostage? No, she continues in good health. She’ll remain that way as long as you cooperate.
I must say the bitch complains a lot, though. I think she’s been quite spoiled. ”
Jagger stiffened and would have leaped forward if Nikolai hadn’t caught him around the waist
and restrained him. “You dare insult her to my face!” he shouted furiously. “I’ll kill you!” The Nilanium, who had jumped to his feet and drawn his sword when he saw Jagger’s reaction,
lowered it to his side again and sat back down. “It’s a good thing your man stopped you, Prince
Jagger. It would have been a shame to run you through with my sword. ”
“And it would be a shame to rip off your head and stuff it up your ass, but that won’t stop me
from doing it if you speak to him that way again,” Nikolai said, stepping in front of Jagger. Garth’s eyes grew wide and he gave a nervous, scoffing laugh until he saw what Jagger couldn’t
see from his vantage point, Nikolai’s wicked, sharp fangs sprouting instantly from his gums. Jagger pushed his way back in front of Nikolai, not even sparing him a glance as he squared off
with the Nilanium chief. “Speak of her again that way, and I’ll kill you. ”
Garth opened his mouth to answer and then glanced at Nikolai’s face as he stood protectively
behind Jagger. “Uh, yes…sorry, Prince Jagger. ”
“Can I see her?” Jagger asked.
“No, not this time. Perhaps next time when you bring us the bauxite shipment. Have you made
any progress in procuring it for us?”
Nikolai fought to keep his face from registering the surprise he felt. So this was why the
Jayronians had tried to steal his shipment. The Rogers held someone as hostage—some female Jagger
apparently had strong feelings for. Nikolai felt a raging jealousy for whoever the bitch was surge
through him. He would not share his mate with anyone. The sooner his mate realized that, the better
off he would be. Nikolai forced his attention back on the conversation going on between his mate and
the chief.
“I’m working on the bauxite situation now. We should have it for you in a few days if things go
as planned. ”
“I hope so, Prince Jagger. If not, we may have to start giving our hostage back to you—in