“Motok,” I whispered softly as he held my gaze. “I would do the same. We love one another. There’s no shame in those thoughts. I love you even more for admitting them so openly.”
The kiss that followed my words was filled with conviction and promise. He sighed softly, resting his forehead against my own. “A warrior’s conviction is strong, myVenya. My loyalty is forever.”
Before I could reply, a lightpingcould be heard as it echoed in the room.
“Commander?”
Valtus must have news. His voice held both aggravation and hesitancy. I was sure he didn’t want to interrupt us but had no other choice.
“I will meet you on the bridge. Give me a moment, Valtus.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Motok brushed his fingertips down the side of my face. “You need to eat. I’ll have Findu make whatever you desire.”
“I’d like a bath first.”
He nodded, slipping from the bed before lifting me in his arms and walking into the bathing chamber. “There is no tub like the one in your human dwelling but there’s a ledge here where you can sit if you like and the jets have multiple settings. Relax and enjoy yourself. Join me on the bridge once you’re ready.”
“I will,” I promised as I lifted on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
Tok left as I fiddled with the controls and found the perfect setting in temperature and pressure. I probably stayed in the shower far too long, but it was exhilarating. Once I was clean, I dressed and entered our room. A covered tray was waiting with the familiar smells of breakfast food. Sausage, eggs, toast, and fruit were loaded onto two plates along with orange juice and black coffee. Cream and sugar were available so I could sweeten how I desired. Motok must have taken great pains to ensure the meal was both familiar and appetizing.
I sure loved that man, more than I could begin to describe. Maybe it happened fast. Maybe some would say it was too soon to fall in love and for it to be real. None of those things really mattered. All I knew was that everything had changed. Life had taken a drastic turn, but my heart had truly found its companion and I couldn’t imagine ever loving another soul as much as I loved my big silver rescuer. Hell, he was so much more than that. Motok was my protector. My rock. My fortress.
He was my Vindicator.
After I had eaten, I made my way to the bridge. Warriors were busy at their stations, none of them aware of my presence except one. Motok’s slow smile spread wider as our eyes met. He lifted a hand and I joined him, sliding my fingers into his larger ones before he squeezed once in response.
Valtus didn’t skip a beat. Still speaking, he continued with their discussion.
“From the moment we began our search, it’s been nearly impossible to track down and find human female captives. If this is truly a widespread problem, then we would have found more than a handful over the last ten months. Something doesn’t add up.” Valtus was both angry and frustrated and it was obvious in his curt tone.
“I agree with your conclusion,” Motok responded, “which is why we will continue with our assignment. Finding Rymar is only a piece of this disturbing puzzle.”
Rexnor joined us, ticking his head in my direction in greeting. “Orion found something.”
“I finally decrypted that code, Valtus. There were numerous files. Many of them contained blueprints for some kind of slave colony. Trade agreements. Bills of sale. I found contracts with both Rymar and Bly’s signatures.”
“What kind of sales, Orion?”
“Human slaves.”
Gasping, I gripped Tok’s hand tighter. “My people are being sold as intergalactic slaves?”
“For breeding purposes, yes.” Orion frowned, clearly disgusted. “I know this is disturbing but I found the bill of sale for your sister.”
Blinking, it was hard to comprehend his words. “That’s impossible. My sister was a member of the ISP. They would never allow such a horrible crime.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not true.” Orion’s expression was sympathetic. “Kacie Hargrave was sold to Ambassador Krol nearly six months ago.”
Wobbling slightly from shock, I lifted my panicked gaze to Motok.
“Easy,Venya. You must remain calm for our little one.”
I knew he was right, but I had a hard time processing this information. “How many are being sold?”
Orion exchanged a meaningful glance with Motok, then Valtus and Rexnor. “I do not know if sharing that information is wise in your condition.”
