“How? I don’t . . .” I trailed off, inhaling and exhaling a few times in an effort to calm my anxious heart. “I have to see her.”
“I know. She’s still resting which is why I didn’t rush this conversation. I could be wrong. What if I got your hopes up and it wasn’t your sister? I would be responsible for breaking your heart.” The anguish in his voice proved his sincerity.
“Oh, Motok. I would never blame you. The fact that you’re being so gentle means the world to me.” I met his lips as he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against them. “I want to go to her now. I have to be sure.”
“I would expect no less. Prepare yourself. She’s been through hell and may appeared altered from what you remember.”
His words created more doubt and fear, but I knew it was unintentional. “Stay by my side. I need you.”
“Always, myVenya.”
The medical bay was busy, several of the Braxthar warriors were being treated for minor injuries. None of the human girls would consent to a physical and I didn’t blame them. They couldn’t stomach being touched in any way. A single bed was located on the far end, partially concealed by a thick white screen. Valtus was sitting on a stool, his head bowed as he watched over the female that wasn’t moving. When anyone came close, he growled in response, chasing them away with haste.
I nearly smiled when I realized he was being so overprotective. Who would have thought he’d have such a strong reaction?
“Valtus,” I whispered, walking slowly forward. “I need to see her.”
“Only you and Motok. No one else.”
I’d never heard him call Tok anything but Commander. It was odd but I didn’t say a word about it. “That’s fine. It’s only us.”
“Fine,” he relented but he only moved a few inches. There was enough space to stand side by side. Nothing more.
Motok lingered at the end of the bed, watching us both.
The second that I saw her face, I knew this girl was my sister. The small scar next to her left eyebrow was still there from when she fell down the stairs at age two. A tiny beauty mark was the only imperfection on her smooth and flawless skin. Dark lashes rested against her pale cheeks but when she opened her eyes, they would be the same shade as my own, a vivid green. Reaching for her hand, Valtus released it and moved to the other side of the bed, picking up the other hand and rubbing small, gentle circles over her skin.
“Kacie,” I gushed, a sob escaping my throat as I leaned down and began to weep. I felt Motok’s arm settle around my shoulders as I turned and cried, soaking his shirt with my tears. “She’s alive. My sister isalive,” I blubbered, shaking my head. “Oh, Kacie.”
“Hey, stop all that nonsense,” she croaked, squeezing my hand as I turned back around, practically throwing myself into her arms.
“You’re going to crush me,” she joked.
I leaned back, wiping the tears from my eyes. “I can’t believe it.”
“Why?” she asked with a frown. “Did you think I was dead or something?”
“Or something,” Valtus replied, releasing her hand as he took a step back.
His words were clipped, almost a growl as he responded. He was looking at her as if he couldn’t believe she awake and speaking. The poor guy must be overwhelmed.
“Thank you.” Kacie reached out her hand, silently giving him the chance to take it again.
Valtus visibly trembled but shook his head. “You’ve been traumatized enough. I should leave you. This moment is intimate with your sister. Forgive my interference.”
Kacie dropped her hand. “Nonsense. Yousavedme. What’s your name?”
“Valtus,” he answered with a thump of his fist over his chest. “I would do so again with hesitation.”
“I don’t have adequate words to express my gratitude.”
“That is all I need to hear.” He bowed briefly. “I will leave you now.”
“Wait,” Kacie yelled, almost desperate. “What if I need you again?”
A small smile hovered on his lips. He pulled off the pin on his uniform and handed it to her as Motok’s eyes widened in surprise. “Keep this with you. There’s a comm device installed. I will grab another, and we can communicate whenever you wish.” Bowing again, he left the medical bay, his steps a little more buoyant than I had ever seen prior to this moment.
Reaching upward, I closed Motok’s open mouth with my finger. “Give us a moment, my love.”
