Crossbred Son by Brenna Lyons Page A

Xxanian that had been through binding would neglect to...well, no offense—”
    “None taken. You’re correct about that. A Xxanian would take every possible measure, human and Xxanian, to make sure every man on Earth and beyond knew his mate was his woman. Not even the smallest doubt would be left to chance.”
    Thomas waited for his response.
    Gabe nodded. “I’ll suggest to Zhaahvan that the other elders might need to know this information. Not only because of the human threat, either.”
    Thomas winced. “So no one else makes the same...oversight you did?” he guessed.
    “That would be prudent.” This was sure to cause the same sorts of repercussions Andy Daahn’s mating did. May the Seir-God and human gods all protect us.
     
    ****
     
    By the time Gabe made it back to the nest, his nerves were jumping. Once Thomas mentioned the rumors circulating, Gabe became all too aware of heads turning his direction as he walked through the station.
    He’d dismissed it earlier as officers simply noting that he’d returned to duty. By late afternoon, he was struck by the averted eyes, whispered comments to coworkers, and sideward glances people tried to mask.
    It is the subtle undercurrent of human society that you must be wary of.
    How often had his gran-seir warned them of that? Xxanians never made a secret of their intentions. Though a Xxanian warrior might lay in wait and ambush an enemy, it was always an ambush the enemy should have known was a possibility. Unlike humans, Xxanians never wore a false face and stabbed one that perceived the Xxanian as a comrade in the back.
    But humans do. That raised issues Gabe hadn’t concerned himself with earlier. He could trust no one human, save those tied to Xxanian nests. He would have to be vigilant.
    That thought made the click of the blast doors all the more comforting. Inside, there was little chance of successful attack against those he loved and protected.

 
     
    Chapter Eight
     
     
    “Zhaahvan! Captain’s office.”
    Gabe looked up from the fasteners on his leg armor. “On my way.” He buckled down the last strap, offered Thomas a shrug, and headed toward the central office suite, his helmet tucked under his arm.
    The officer on Captain DeMarco’s door waved Gabe through. He knocked and waited for De Marco’s shout of “Enter.” to let himself in.
    “You called, sir?”
    DeMarco didn’t look up from his paperwork. “Close the door, Zhaahvan.”
    He did so, and the sounds of the bustling station house tapered to a comfortable buzzing. DeMarco didn’t address him promptly, and Gabe bit back the urge to clear his throat and hint at an explanation.
    I would do that with Xxanian elders. But human supervisors were not Xxanian elders.
    At last, the Captain pushed the paperwork away and looked up at Gabe. He sighed, his expression weary. “I’m going to have to put you on paid leave, Zhaahvan.”
    “Has there been some complaint against me?” There were only so many reasons the Captain would make such a decision.
    “Nothing past the usual.”
    Gabe nodded, relieved. ‘The usual’ meant ridiculous claims of police or Xxan-Human brutality that physical evidence and witnesses didn’t bear out.
    “Rhaazhaa was killed this morning.”
    The news hit Gabe like a gut shot. Still... ”His nest and mine are not closely allied. I will not be called upon to honor him at the pyre.” Though Mattew’s gran-seir would be furious at the loss of his only gran-vashee , Rhaazhaa wasn’t likely to request aid from Zhaahvan, no matter what his plans.
    DeMarco winced. “You don’t understand. Rhaazhaa didn’t die in the line of duty. He was targeted. You will be, too.”
    Gabe straightened, fighting his ridge plates back. “My job—”
    “This isn’t about your job, Zhaahvan. This is about keeping you alive to raise your son.”
    He opened his mouth to protest the assumption that he was incapable of defending himself.
    “And it’s about keeping Thomas alive long