Chapter 12
He Means Well
“So, let me get thisstraight.” Granny pats the corners of her mouth with a napkin, then pours more coffee into Tilly’s cup. “You literally put Tilly to sleep and stole a Henokan ship so you could whisk her away?”
“Why are you making it sound so...” I slam a fist onto the table, causing the plastic dishes to rattle. “So...so...sinister?”
“See? Told ya.” Tilly’s eyes shoot daggers at me.
“You or the baby could’ve died. Why can’t you open your eyes and see the bigger picture?”
“Ididn’tdie, Jareth. Instead of thinking logically, you drugged me, then scooped me up like a favorite pet. Might as well have put me into an animal crate for my trip to the vet,” Tilly says, her voice lowering to a dangerous pitch. “Zoo animals—even ones who live in fancy cages—are still caged. Do you think they’re happy being taken from their home to live in a shelter for theirsafety?”
“You’re not an animal.”
“Might as well be...” She picks at therazilon her plate, which is like spaghetti except the noodles are thinner and the sauce thicker. “All I need is a collar. I’m sure you’d be more than happy to slap one on me just like the bracelet.”
A tic begins pulling at my eyelid. I shove a bite into my mouth and chew to stop anything else from coming out.
Okay, so yeah, I sort of tricked her into the bracelet, but again, it was for her own good.That thing has saved her life more than once, even if she doesn’t know or understand.
Granny pats Tilly’s hand, then gives it a squeeze. “He means well, dear.”
“He always means well, but it doesn’t mean he’s right.”
I open my mouth, but Tilly holds up a hand. “I’m tired and just want to go to sleep.” She stands and throws her napkin onto her half-eaten meal.
“But the medical team is on the way,” I object, rising to my feet.
“They can check her in the morning.” Grandma gives me one of herdon’t-argue-with-melooks. “She’s had a long journey. Let her rest. You and I—” Her finger points at me. “—are going to give her some space and have ourselves a talk.” She sits straighter in her chair and taps a fingernail on the table.
“Tilly.” I stretch a hand toward her. “Please—”
“Sit, Jareth,” Granny says in Baltin. “Let her go.”
I don’t want to let her go. I want to wrap her in my arms and breathe in her scent, to feel her lips on mine and hear her say she loves me.
Instead, I carefully lower myself to the chair, never taking my gaze from her slight form as she bundles KJ into her arms and disappears down the hall leading to what is our new bedroom.
“You handled this entire thing poorly,” Granny says, staying in our native tongue. “Earth is the only home the poor girl has ever known. I understand your need to keep her safe, and some selfish part of me feels the same way, yet...” A piece of bread disappears into her mouth. She chews, swallows, then gives me an appraising stare. “You took away her choice.”
“What else was I supposed to do? She’s a stubborn hellcat who won’t listen to reason.”
Grandma chuckles. “Isn’t that why you fell in love with her in the first place?”
I lean in my chair, tilting it onto its back legs. “Yes, but the thought of losing her, of not being able to save her in time, terrifies me like nothing I’ve ever known.”
“Well, you’re here now and can’t cry over spilled milk. Might as well make the best of it, though I expect you’re going to be doing a lot of groveling.” She gives me a smirk and wipes her hands.
“If that’s what it takes.” I drain the tea in my glass and set it on the table. Pushing out my chair, I stand and stomp to the replicator. I program a tumbler of rum, sipping at the liquid. “Ugh,” I groan. “Forgot how much I hate the taste of synthetic alcohol.”
“Tomorrow, if that girl is feeling up to it, do something with her. Maybe take her to see the oceanic construction tunnel. Don’t let this place become her prison. She doesn’t need any added stress.”
“Can’t. If someone recognizes either one of us—”
“I’ll order an escort and ensure no one’s in that section so you can give her an undisturbed tour.”
“Hmm. That’s feasible, and something she’d probably enjoy.” I prop my hip against the counter. “I wouldn’t mind seeing how far you’ve gotten with the transformation. Any hitches with the plans or machinery?”
