Free Taunting Krell by Laurann Dohner

you’re able to determine she really is the human who helped us rebel. Every cyborg knows Emily Pleva the one human who has always been our friend. They’ll see her as such and not as a cyborg. Our laws won’t apply to her. She won’t be forced to live with males she doesn’t wish to. She’s very set against it. Think of how much that would mean to Mavo if you protected her. He’s done a lot for you.”
    “We should contact Mavo, have him return to Garden and speak with the prisoner. He could determine if she’s telling the truth. He knew her well.”
    “But what if she is a spy and not his precious human? Do you remember how torn he was? The agony and guilt he suffered leaving her behind after all she’d done for us? He felt certain she suffered punishment for her actions. It would rip open those old wounds that have healed if he’s given hope she is who she claims to be but tear him apart if she’s not. I would really prefer he not find out about this until we’re certain of who we are truly dealing with. I can prevent him from learning about this while he’s assigned on the Vontage with Steel. I can even extend their mission to give you a few weeks to discover the truth. That way when the ship returns home we’ll be able to tell him the truth.”
    “You’re an asshole.”
    A grin suddenly curved the other cyborg’s mouth. “So are you. We both care about Mavo and he cares about that human. We don’t want him to be hurt.”
    Krell knew when he’d been outmaneuvered. That would be the sinking feeling inside his gut and the anger that heated his blood. “There will be no joining ceremony. This isn’t real. It’s temporary. I’ll prove she’s a spy, unworthy to live, or that she is Emily Pleva. This nonsense ends as soon as I am certain either way.”
    “Agreed.” Zorus had the nerve to chuckle. “I’ll inform the council that you wish to join with her. They’ll easily agree since she acknowledged she knew you from before or at least claimed to. It will be a relief to them to avoid making that decision.”
    “I never met her while on Earth.”
    “They’ll be happy to have a resolution. You’re a good candidate.” Zorus paused. “Is your sperm viable? That may be considered by them as a negative if it isn’t.”
    “I’m not touching her.”
    “I know that but the council doesn’t.”
    “Unbelievable,” Krell growled. “I have viable sperm if I take the injections to activate it. I am not completely sterile.”
    “Perfect. I see nothing for the council to object to.”
    “She won’t agree.” Hope soared inside Krell at that prospect. He’d thrown the female across a room and while she hadn’t been afraid of his appearance, she wouldn’t welcome it. “You said it yourself. She is very set against joining a family unit.”
    Zorus smiled. “I’ll handle that. Make an appointment with Medical to get the shots. We want this to look good. I have a friend there who owes me a favor. I’ll contact him, make him agree to state that you took the shots, and after he agrees, I’ll tell you who to see.” Zorus hesitated. “You refused to put name markings on your body due to your abundance of scars. I’ll tell the council you still hold an aversion to putting more on your body to explain your lack of wishing a joining ceremony to be performed. They’ll accept that easily.”
    “I’m not touching her.”
    “You won’t have to and you don’t really have to take the shots to activate your sperm but we want all the paperwork to appear real. That’s why I’m calling in the favor.” Zorus spun, opened the door and sailed out.
    Krell glared at the closed door and growled. “I hate that jerk.”

Chapter Four

    Cyan watched the big cyborg cautiously as Krell’s cold blue eyes raked down her body. His scars were revealed clearly, his long black hair pulled back inside a leather thong behind his neck in a long braid that fell to his waist, and she was pretty certain he’d purposely