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“What will happen to her?” I pressed.
“I don’t know. I can check in on her later, but right now, my main concern is keeping you safely in our custody. You’ve seen what can happen. Know that there are plenty more terrible things that can happen if our superiors catch wind of who you are and especially if you prove to be disobedient like your sister was,” Ryder said quietly, the threat in his tone causing me to shiver with fear at the unknown.
“Please. Make sure she survives,” I whispered, my bottom lip trembling from the effort not to cry. It was so unfair.
Aarom snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me in close. His body warmth pressed against me and I felt strangely comforted by it. I closed my eyes and curled back into his chest. I shouldn’t be relying on them, but they’d protected Taera from what looked like sure death and never raised a hand toward me. I had to trust my gut, if a bit reluctantly.
“She’ll receive the best medical care we can give her. Once the doctors see what happened to her, she’ll be taken away from the general population and protected. Remember, even though humans are a commodity, a broken or dead one isn’t worth anything. She’ll survive,” he whispered, trying to calm me.
I gritted my teeth and turned away.
“Will you four monitor her? I want to make sure everything goes like you say,” I replied, unable to keep my angry feelings from the tone of my voice. Aarom didn’t let that bother him though.
“Of course. Come now. Let’s get you into our tent, away from prying eyes,” he continued, and I nodded in agreement.
They led me away and I went without a fight. I had gotten what I wanted, the human woman off the stockade and into reasonably safe hands. If there was anyone out of the four that wouldn’t want to see a human truly hurt, I think Davon would ensure her safety.
At least I hoped so.
Morgn, Ryder, and Aarom guided me into a sizable tent at the end of the camp. Feeling numb, I went without a fight. Inside was a massive bed toward one end, and individual beds on the other side. Almost like it was designed for just the four of them, or with the addition of me. On the table at the center was a large plate of food.
I was relieved to see several foods I recognized, including fruits, cheeses, and a vat of what looked like red wine.
Morgn approached the table and poured me a siz
able amount in a plastic cup. He handed it to me, despite the look of disapprovals from both Ryder and Aarom. He didn’t respond to them, but curled his palm around mine, raising the cup to my lips.
The decadent grape and berry flavors consumed me as he tilted it up, allowing me gulp after greedy gulp. Finally, he pulled it away, but only a little.
I caught my breath.
He picked up a piece of cheese and I ate voraciously.
Morgn sat down then and pulled me onto his lap. Ryder and Aarom eventually joined us, picking at the food before them, but leaving most of it to me. As I was fed, I realized exactly how hungry I was. I ate every morsel and then some, wanting more, needing more.
A while later, Davon joined us in the tent.
“How is Taera doing?” I ventured, feeling a bit more at ease now that it was all five of us.
“She’s stable. The doctor is confident the scarring won’t be too terrible. He’ll take great care in her recovery though, hopefully smoothing her skin as much as possible,” he replied.
“Good. I’m glad,” I whispered, my fear for the poor woman making my voice shake.
Aarom met my eyes and he smiled softly. He took my hand in the two of his and squeezed. For some reason, I felt like he understood me then.
“It’s late. You should get some rest. It’s been a long day,” he said quietly, and I nodded. I climbed off Morgn’s lap and Aarom led me over to the large bed. He laid me in the center and allowed me to climb under the covers, before he took the leash and wound it around my wrist, then took my hands and tied them above my head to the bedframe.
I wanted to fight at that moment, but I didn’t have it in me. Instead, I fell fast asleep, completely naked in the bed of four Vakarrans.
Chapter Six
Aarom
I sighed as I watched her eyes close. Sweet. Innocent. Genuine.
I’d never seen another human stand up to defend another. Ever. Especially for a perfect stranger. Alaina was brave, with an even bigger heart than I could have imagined. Sitting down on the bed beside her, I watched the rise and fall of her chest beneath the blankets.
I just wanted to understand her. I also wanted to keep her.
