Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Laro

~Can I really trust either of you?~

That stung. Trust wasn’t something he was used to. He couldn’t blame them, though. He was a liar, and he’d trip anyone if it meant reaching his goal—except for Arenk. Arenk had taken him in.

Years ago, Arenk had caught him stealing in the market. Instead of turning him in, he’d taken him to the recruiting office, claiming he was the stealthiest guy he’d ever seen.

For others, Laro would use them for his own gain or pleasure, as long as it served him; it was a price worth paying. That was how it started as a lesson, but before he knew it, he was caught in her web. She was one of the few who laughed at his jokes and even tried to join in.

She wasn’t great at comedy, but she’d tell a joke and wait to see if he laughed.

“Who was the girl you were with last night?” Exris asked.

“What?” Laro responded, letting go of the weight bar.

“Can’t a person smile without it being about someone else?” Taraji asked.

“They can, but it’s not common,” Exris said.

“It’s payday. Why wouldn’t I be smiling?” Laro said, adding heavier weights.

Raven didn’t like his antics, but she enjoyed them. She was so free and uninhibited. He’d never questioned who he was or his motives until he met her.

Even then, she was ready to give her body to him and still trust him with a part of herself that she wasn’t willing to share with Dhol.

Anyone else, he would’ve taken it and used it to his advantage. He’d considered it, but that damn look she gave him. A mix of hurt, desire, and adoration.

If she were anything like him, she would’ve slept with Dhol just for a shot at what she wanted. But Raven had turned him down. Despite the betrayal, she wanted him, them.

“Are we going to the club tonight? Laro, you’ve been slacking,” Taraji said.

“No, I have some paperwork to do, and I’m still moving into my new place,” Laro said.

“That’s right. You’re moving up in the world. Don’t forget about us when you get there,” Exris said, spotting Taraji.

“Of course not. I’m having a housewarming party later this week. Women, drinks, the whole nine yards,” Laro said, laughing.

“We’ll bring the food,” they said together.

He didn’t get why so many people liked meat. It made him want to throw up. You could get everything you needed from a plant-based diet.

“Just make sure you take it with you when you leave,” Laro said, putting the weights away.

He took the elevator to his new floor. It felt good to finally have a place of his own. His dreams were within reach, and he wasn’t stopping now.

As he walked into his spacious unit, the heavy thud of boots echoed in the hall. They stopped right behind him. He turned to face them, saluting with his fist over his heart.

“I like your new place,” General Fleu said, with General Hokji at his side.

Laro took a sip from his water bottle.

“Thanks to you,” Laro said.

General Fleu closed the gap between them, leaving only an inch. Fleu’s eyes brightened as he looked him over. Laro met his gaze and puffed out his chest.

He could feel the heat from General Fleu’s body, and a warmth spread through him. Laro had to focus to keep his dick under control.

“Is this how you greet me now?” General Fleu asked.

Laro had a few ways he could greet him.

He looked at General Fleu’s tight shirt and perfectly slicked back hair that ended in a messy braid that barely counted as part of his hairstyle.

Laro moved closer and grabbed him by the crotch over his pants. “Hello, sir.” He could feel Fleu’s length harden in his hand.

General Fleu grunted and smiled. “You’ve been keeping up with your workouts.”

“I’m hoping you’ll fast track me for the open lieutenant general position,” Laro said, smirking.

“I’m glad you’re still interested. I have an assignment for you. Complete it, and the position is yours,” General Fleu said.

Laro smiled. He would have equal claim to Raven. With that position, he could get her more things, even a vehicle just for her.

She loved driving his, tearing down the open road, weaving between trees. He wondered what she could do in a flying craft.

General Fleu held out his hand, and General Hokji handed him a tablet device.

“Have you heard the rumors?” General Fleu asked.

Laro looked at General Hokji and then back at Fleu. “Can I speak freely?”

General Fleu nodded.

“Yes. General Hokji was beaten by a woman.” He tried to hide his smile.

“Then you understand the seriousness of this assignment. We can’t have one of The Three being beaten by anyone. Not on my watch. Do you know this woman? She’s said to be with General Dhol, Lieutenant General Arenk, and you.”

His eyes widened, and he grabbed the tablet from his hand. Laro played the video, rewound it, zoomed in, and even slowed it down. He sat down at the table.

She’d said she hadn’t seen the match, let alone that she had been in it. He replayed the video until something caught his eye—the drinks.

“Why is she drinking from the men’s table?” Laro asked.

“We have women drink from it all the time, but that doesn’t turn them into killing machines,” General Hokji said.

“No, just easier targets for your dicks,” Laro said, standing up.

General Fleu stepped between them. “That’s not the issue. We need you to bring her in for testing. She’s not from here, and she isn’t any of the other species we have on file. We need to know what she’s capable of and about her species. Can you do that?”

Laro sank back into his chair, raking a hand through his hair. His eyes were glued to the screen, disbelief etched on his face. The movements were perfect. She was parrying, dodging, countering.

There was a faint hum of sound, not clear enough to make out their conversation, but enough to catch the rhythm of the music. She was outmaneuvering him at every turn. It was as if she was playing with him. Knowing Raven, she probably was.

He hit the rewind button and a smile tugged at his lips. Her movements were in harmony with the music. She was playful, seizing every opportunity. He sent a copy of the video to himself.

“What kind of testing are we talking about?” Laro asked.

He could see why Fleu was worried. This could stir up trouble among the ranks. Hokji had already lost the respect of the higher and mid-ranks. Many would start to wonder, if she could do it, why not me?

Then the challenges would start, from within and outside. Their enemies would think they were weak and ripe for the picking.

They needed to uncover all her secrets and figure out how to counter them, maybe even use them to their advantage.

“We’ll start with the usual, then we’ll step it up. You noticed the drinks too. We’ll test that in the second phase,” General Fleu said, resting a hand on Laro’s shoulder.

“If you’re planning to stick her in a lab, I’m not on board. But if you conduct the tests with one of us present in a comfortable location, I think we’d all agree,” Laro said, rising to his feet.

He’d seen the labs, and it was a place he wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy. General Fleu moved so fast that Laro found himself backed against a wall, using the tablet as a shield.

“Developed a conscience?” he asked.

“No, sir, just suggesting that we catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”

General Fleu placed a hand above Laro’s head. “Interesting. You’ve been quite busy lately.”

“A soldier’s work is never done,” Laro replied.

“I’ll use honey, but be at my unit tonight,” General Fleu said, toying with Laro’s hair.

His heart pounded. They were similar—ruthless and relentless, didn’t care who got in their way—and that was why they’d clicked. He loved how his body responded to him.

Laro licked his lips and swallowed the lump in his throat. He tried to focus on the task at hand.

Fleu’s hand caressed his shoulder, and Laro fought to suppress the shudder that coursed through him. Fleu lightly traced Laro’s throat.

The man could crush it in a second or squeeze it until Laro came while Fleu fucked him.

“I need an answer,” he said, tightening his grip.

“I’m busy tonight, but I’m throwing a housewarming party later this week,” Laro said. “You can even meet Raven.”

General Fleu smiled. “Efficient as always.”