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He acted as if he was going to rebuff my gesture, rubbing his jaw as he stared at me. Then he huffed. “Go on. I’m curious as to your offer.”
While I’d yet to formulate a complete plan, what I laid out seemed to agree with the human. I took a deep breath after I was finished, awaiting his answer.
“I’ll be happy to provide assistance, Commander. Just tell me what you need me to do.”
CHAPTER25
Sunny
Someone in my life had once told me it was always darkest before the storm. Or maybe it was that everything was darkest before the dawn. I wasn’t entirely certain any longer. I’d lost track of time and perhaps another portion of my mind in my attempt to hide from the alien who’d taken me prisoner. I longed to be in Zatan’s arms after enduring mind-numbing fear. When the bastard had discovered me missing, he’d almost torn the ship apart in his search for me.
I’d had to stay awake for fear of being found. And the way Zican raged was a clear indication he was losing his patience. I had no doubt whatever punishment he’d inflict would be horrific. I’d tried for hours to find a way to send another message, learning as much about the ship as possible.
Now I stood in silence, holding my breath because I’d heard Zican crawling around the area I’d called the pit as soon as I’d dropped into it. It was little more than a crawlspace where some of the equipment had been positioned, likely accessed from the exterior when necessary through a welded panel.
There was no chance one of the huge beasts could fit in the compartment. Hell, I could barely breathe. The problem was even though various screens glowed in rainbow colors, the darkness was otherwise oppressive. I felt claustrophobic as hell.
I shifted from one panel to another, trying to decipher what I was seeing. My gut told me in addition to the thrusters and communication systems, the various screens also controlled the fuel used by the aliens. I had no idea what that was nor was I interested in opening a port so we’d fall from orbit, burning up within a matter of minutes.
That’s what had kept me full of trepidation, unwilling to make a selection. But I was running out of time. I’d heard the bastard using some kind of a tool above my head, likely searching every compartment such as this one.
I shifted carefully, still trying to remain as quiet as possible. I was exhausted, famished, and could tell I was running out of energy. When the bastard found me, and there was no doubt he would, I’d have nothing left in me to be able to fight him off. I shifted from one panel to the other, fear crawling through me like a bug caught in a spider’s web, the long-legged creature preparing to feast on its prey.
My finger remained hovered over one selection then another. Then I closed my eyes briefly, once again saying a silent prayer before making a choice.
The moment the selection was made, I pressed my back against the metal girder, staring at the consoles, still praying that the ship wouldn’t spontaneously combust. When nothing happened at all including no clicks or additional lights, no flashes or sudden alarms, I slid down the wall, folding my arms over my bent knees.
Then I allowed myself to do what I’d refused hours or days before.
I wept like a baby, tears trickling down both sides of my face to my legs. There was no telling how long I allowed myself to cry but I sensed I was falling into a fitful sleep and allowed it to happen. Why the hell not? I was likely going to die.
My eyes cinched closed, I allowed a flow of images to pulse through my mind, including my past. And my furry baby. Another batch of tears slipped from my eyes. I would likely never see Thor again. That was…
As I slipped further into the darkness, I whispered my baby’s name. Then that of the being that had awakened my heart, allowing me to see an entirely different world through his eyes.
“Zatan. Where… are… you?”
* * *
Zatan
Almost two Earth days had passed. It was almost tripled for my world, which meant I had almost no time left to take her as my mate. However, that wasn’t the only thing on my mind. In truth, I wasn’t certain I cared about the consequences for my planet. Even though I knew that was being selfish, the weight of my people resting on my shoulders, my thoughts were concentrated on finding Sunny.
And it was as if Zican had managed to slip into a black hole that he could fly out of where he knew he would never be found.
With Thor by my side, I headed onto the bridge. Everyone stationed was worn down from being on edge. Partially because with Commander Fields’ help and what his beloved daughter had taught me, the remaining Tantian ships had been forced into the same black holes to join their friends.
Now there was no doubt the Tantian planet had been placed on high alert and warriors were preparing for battle. It had been a calculated risk and one I’d take again.
But was it worth it?
“Commander,” Lieutenant Pakar half whispered.
“What is the latest?” Lieutenant Barto had returned to his place on the bridge, keeping an eye on all contacts throughout the universe in his search for any possible sign of communication from the little human.
Pakar simply shook his head.
“There’s nothing new, Commander,” Grazine told me. “I’m fearful I was wrong.”
