I brought my hand up to cover my eyes when I felt the gentle touch of a hand on mine.
Trex lifted it to his lips, kissing it. My hand tingled as I felt Trex’s warmth seep into my skin.
Sitting up abruptly, I discovered I was in the medical bay.
Glancing around, I observed Riley engaged in a hushed discussion with the medic. Olivia was asleep or unconscious, but Orin’s worried expression was clear as he gazed down at her from her bedside.
When I looked at Trex, his eyes lit up with joy. “What happened? The last thing I remember is Orin yelling at someone outside. Then the door opened and something was tossed into the room....” I rubbed my head. “There was a high-pitched sound...I think it knocked me out.”
Trex nodded solemnly. “The Krilex boarded the ship. They took you and the other females to their vessel.” He cleared his throat. “They tried to take you from me.” His voice sounded strained.
“We retrieved you and dealt with them.” A muscle in his jaw bunched. He leaned in close, lowering his voice so only I couldhear. “You were the last to regain consciousness. I was afraid you wouldn’t awaken.” As he touched my head, he ran his fingers through my hair. With moist eyes, he looked down, his chin pressed against his chest.
He blamed himself for my abduction.
Over hours of talking since our first kiss, our connection had gotten stronger. I shared parts of myself with Trex that I usually kept hidden.
We’d grown close in a short period.
But I was still touched that he was by my side when I woke.
He grimaced, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth.
“K’sha, my sweet, I promised to protect you...and I failed. I hope you will forgive me in time.” His eyes dropped, intentionally avoiding mine, and his inner struggle was evident.
“Don’t worry,” I assured him, taken aback by his self-blame. My stomach contracted until he made eye contact again.
When he looked back at me his throat bobbed.
“It is clear I can’t keep you safe on the ship. I will take you to a human colony. They are protected by their own armed citizens as well as the Protectorate. You will be safer there.”
My head snapped back and my eyes grew wide. “Why? How could you think leaving you is better?” I huffed.
After all that we discussed, did he truly want me to leave him? I clenched my fists, battling my fear of abandonment.
“Leaving is absolutely not an option,” I firmly stated, shaking my head. “Being with you makes me feel safe.” The thought of not being with Trex brought tears to my eyes.
Furrowing his brow, he gently touched my cheek. “I don’t want you to go, but if you were hurt because of me...” his voice trailed off.
My voice trembled at the idea of being sent elsewhere. “You will not lose meunlessyou send me away. We are fated mates.You said so yourself.” I sniffed back tears. “My being taken isnotyour fault.”
Placing my hand on top of his, I looked him in the eye. “You rescued me. I’m alright. I amnotleaving the ship. Or you.”
He angled his head and pressed his lips, giving me a small nod. I knew he would not force me to leave. Trex, in his own way was trying to do the honorable thing to keep me safe. The gesture only deepened my feelings for him.
When I took in my magnificent warrior, I noticed four deep gashes along Trex’s biceps and the visible part of his chest, which I hadn’t noticed before.
“You’re hurt.”
He emitted a snorting noise. “I’m fine. Rekna has attended to it. It’s nearly healed.”
Tears filled my eyes again. “Oh, Trex.”
He leaned closer and kissed the top of my head, then caressed my cheek. “I would face much worse if it meant keeping you safe, my cherished K’sha.”
I cleared the tears that glided down my cheeks.How can I possibly respond to that?
This amazing Alaran warrior won my heart with just one kiss, and now I can’t imagine my life without him.
