Free Undaunted (Battle Born Book 6) by Cyndi Friberg Page B

battle born were the only ones who knew the secret. But how had Dravon been able to “tag along” for the past few days without being detected by the Phantom ? “Your ship has a covert shield generator?”
    He nodded. “I’ve done a lot of work for the Integration Guild.”
    “Of course you have.” Only Quinton and the Integration Guild could afford top-tier mercenaries, and the IG frequently rewarded their allies with cutting-edge technology as well as credits. Why would a smart merc go anywhere else? At least in their star system.
    Dravon turned back to his companions, going down to one knee as he helped maneuver the unconscious man.
    “And the answer to your original question is, yes. We’ve figured out a way to unlock your magic.”
    Still on his knee, Dravon pivoted so he could see Garin. “How?”
    Garin laughed, energized by the unexpected turn of events. He’d always liked Dravon, had genuinely hoped he could find an environment in which to thrive. Apparently, he’d found a home. It had just been beyond the structure of the Rodyte military. “You’d have to join the rebellion to find out.”
    For a long, silent moment, Dravon stared back at him. Moonlight bathed his face, allowing Garin a clearer view of his onetime acquaintance. It had only been two years since Garin last saw him, but Rex looked older and harder, much more the outlaw he was now.
    When Rex Dravon served aboard the Undaunted , he’d been filled with ambition and potential, but he was mouthy and had trouble following orders without question. Hoping Dravon would benefit from the less structured environment aboard a small, long-range transport, Garin had transferred him to a supply ship that served outlying outposts. Unfortunately, the strategy had backfired and the next Garin heard of Rex, he was on his way to a penal mine for a shocking variety of charges.
    Dravon shook his head, breaking the tense silence. “As you’re well aware, I don’t play well with others.”
    “Will Quinton send someone after you when he learns your mission failed?” Berlynn’s question drew Garin more solidly into the present.
    With a characteristic shrug, Dravon turned back to his companions. “I’m pretty sure he has bigger fish to fry.” Working together, the two would-be abductors draped their comrade’s arms across their shoulders and heaved him to his feet. “But Quinton won’t stop. He’ll keep sending people after you until one of them accomplishes the task.”
    “Which is to capture not kill?” Berlynn asked as she moved closer to Garin’s side.
    “For now.” Dravon’s lazy smile turned rakish as he looked at Berlynn. “If the abductors keep failing, however, he’ll send an assassin.” She didn’t reply, so he added, “It’s been fun.”
    Some inner instinct urged Garin to try one last time. “I’ll leave your name with security in case you change your mind.”
    “It’s unlikely, but I appreciate the offer.”
    Speculation narrowed Garin’s gaze as Rex Dravon and his men disappeared into the night.
    “Are you sure it’s wise just to let him go?” Berlynn’s voice was soft and hesitant as if she wasn’t quite sure what to make of the strange events. “He did try to capture you.”
    “Barely.” Garin looked at her and smiled. “It was obvious from the start that his heart wasn’t in it.”
    “Then why try at all? If he had no intention of going through with it, why was he here tonight?”
    “If he’s been following us around for the past few days, he was probably confused as hell’s rings.” He reached down and slipped his hand around hers, intertwining their fingers. “He was clearly interested in the transformation program. I think he just wanted to hear from me that it was real not rumor.”
    “But he has a ship that can track the Phantoms ,” she pointed out. “What if he tries again?”
    “He’ll be back, but it won’t be to harm me. Dravon’s already a rebel. He just hasn’t accepted it