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She gives me a faint smile. “Looks like we’re here. You all ready to go?”
I pick up a few of the dishes, helping her out. “We’re heading out, yes. Are you sure I can’t interest you in coming with us? My little farm’s just sitting empty. You could have some time to yourself. You could be independent. I promise no one would bother you, and Nassakth and I can check in on you.”
But Sophie shakes her head, just as I knew she would. I’ve invited her a half-dozen times over the last week on our journey home, and each time, she refuses. “You’ve been very kind, Kim, and you know I trust you…but your mate is praxiian.”
I get it. I know I’d never trust even the nicest caterpillar alien if he showed up on my doorstep. Sophie doesn’t want to be beholden to someone she views as the enemy. “If you’re sure…”
“I’m sure.” She smiles brightly, and there’s a spark of life back in her eyes again. “They’re teaching me some basic stuff about the ship and tasks I can do to help out. Adiron says I can earn some money of my own, so I won’t feel trapped.”
“They’re surprisingly good guys, these space pirates.” I grin at her.
“They’re pirates, so I don’t have any illusions.” Sophie shrugs. “But no one’s tried to touch me. Adiron says I remind them of their little sister, so that’s good. As long as I stay in the sister zone, I’m safe.” She takes the dishes from my hands, and I can’t help but notice that her simple jumper has the ship’s logo on it, like she’s already part of the team. “But I really do thank you for your offer, Kim. And your help escaping. It means more to me than you know.” She blinks rapidly, her eyes shining.
“No, I know what it’s like,” I tell her, and there’s a knot in my throat, too. “You know if you’re ever in trouble, I’ll be there for you. Just reach out. Heck, even if you have to call Bethiah and charge me for it, I’ll be there. Just say the word.” Impulsively, I hug her, and I’m not surprised when she stiffens. It takes time to get over being touched by strangers. I know this all too well, and it’s Nassakth’s patient affection that’s made me change. I hope someday Sophie can find the same.
And if not, I hope she can find peace and comfort.
“Did I hear my name?” Bethiah appears, leaning an elbow on the door jamb and striking a pose.
Speak of the devil… “I was just saying my goodbyes to Sophie,” I tell her. “And I guess I should say goodbye to you, too. I want to thank you for all your help.”
“Aw, you are precious.” The bounty hunter strides forward and pinches my cheek, shaking it and making my entire face jiggle. “So cute, little humans. With squishy little faces and tiny squishy noses.” She pinches mine as if to prove just how squishy it is. “But I’m not going anywhere, my smooshy little human friend.”
I blink in surprise. “You’re…not?”
Bethiah beams down at me. “I’ve been instructed by that big mate of yours to find the best fertility doctor for a cross-species pregnancy, and if he won’t come willingly, I get to do things the hard way.” Her teeth bare in a menacing smile. “The hard way is my favorite.”
Oh boy. We talked about babies just last night and I guess Nassakth is ready to get started. I’m not sure I’m thrilled Bethiah is on the case, though. “Please don’t kill the doctor.”
“No killing. Just a little maiming.” She licks her lips. “And only on unnecessary limbs.”
“No maiming!”
She pinches her fingers together. “Just a little.”
“I want my doctor whole and preferably not angry at me,” I tell her, hands on hips. “Maybe try less maiming and more bribery, huh?”
“But the maiming’s the fun part.” At my scowl, she just chuckles and pinches my cheek again. “Fine, fine. We’ll do it your way…for now. But I can’t promise anything if he tries to run from me.”
I push her hand away. “Bethiah…”
“I’m joking, I’m joking!”
Something tells me she’s not. I point at her. “The doctor has to be whole and willing or he’s no use to me. Write that down. Tattoo it on your chest if you have to.”
“So fierce.” Her tail flicks wildly. “It’s so cute when humans start to look like their masters.” She reaches out to pinch my cheek again, and I slap her hand away before she can touch me, which only makes her laugh harder.
Okay, so maybe I won’t miss Bethiah all that much.
76
NASSAKTH
I worried I would have regrets, cutting off my parents and ignoring their offer.
Not over Kim, of course. Never that. Just that I would feel regret over not being the heir to my house, incredibly wealthy and revered amongst my people. I worried that it would eat at me as I slept.
