Prime Obsession by Monette Michaels Read Free Book Online Page B

were private or he was under the influence of a strong emotion. Since they were not private, he must be furious.
    “I wasn’t sure until Slate confirmed it.”
    “Wasn’t sure of what?” A’tem asked.
    “That we might not be able to get to the Prime crew’s location and get the Prime captain to turn off the self-destruct device. Slate just confirmed it.”
    “All we have to do is bring in ten more teams and take out the pirates,” Nowicki growled.
    “You know how the Erians fight. You had a hard time taking those few over there,” Mel said, placing her hand on Nowicki’s tense arm. “You heard Slate. The bulk of the remaining pirates are thick-skinned, hard-to-kill reptile-like men with enough cunning to know that you’ll have to engage them hand-to-hand. We’d eventually win, but it would take hours and a great risk of loss and injury to us. And then there is the self-destruct. I will not risk that many soldiers. I refuse.”
    She lifted her hand when Nowicki would’ve spoken. “Royce,” she whispered.
    “Don’t worry. I can make it through the traps. I read Prime dialect. I’ve read the military texts my parents unearthed and cataloged. I know the types of traps they use. They used them in their battle fortresses and I have encountered many of them on the digs. They’ll use similar traps here.”
    When he tried to speak once more, she glared him into remaining silent. “Plus, the traps will be aimed at large male intruders. I am, if you haven’t noticed, smaller than most men and female. I can get through.”
    “Dammit all, Mel. I don’t like it.” Nowicki ran a hand through his hair.
    “I know. But there is no other choice. I’ll be fine.” She shot him a quick grin. “I’m betting they have cameras in the tunnel and maybe communications. I might be able to establish contact that way and get them to shut down the traps—and the countdown, and then I’ll contact you and we can figure out how to flush the rest of the pirates out with the help of the Prime. We’ll use the usual sequence of signals.”
    “Why not just have the Prime call us in when you get to a useable comm point?” Nowicki asked, still belligerent.
    “No, no one comes back unless the order comes from me. I’m not willing to sacrifice the crew’s safety when the pirates could contact you as easily as the Prime, and you’d never know the difference.”
    “Then let me go in,” Nowicki begged.
    Mel shook her head. “They’re more likely to ignore a man and let him die. Me? They know the pirates don’t allow women on their crews. I have to be an Alliance officer.” She shook her head in warning as he opened his mouth once more. “I won’t risk any of you.” A’tem looked from one to the other of them with a look of extreme concern in his navy blue eyes. “Commander Nowicki, the Captain is well within her authority to act in this manner. I do not think you have the authorization to say her nay.”

    “Thank you, A’tem.” Mel smiled at the always proper Volusian. “I know I can always count on my Volusian officers to be the voice of reason.”
    “Dammit, Mel!”
    She patted his arm. “I’ll be fine, Royce. Now move it, mister. We don’t have that much time. I’m counting on you to get these men away and to advise our ships and Captain Warten as to the plan.”
    “Yes, Captain.” Nowicki saluted and stalked away, anger in every line of his body.
    “I’ll watch him, Captain. He’ll be fine.”
    “Thanks, A’tem. He’s the closest thing I have to a brother.” She’d always known her second-in-command felt more than brotherly love for her.
    His emotions right now were off the map of the proper relationship between a superior officer and her second. She’d striven never to give him any idea she might return that love. She couldn’t return an emotion she didn’t possess. She was pretty sure her whole squadron knew how Royce felt about her, but they also could never point to any action on her part