“The Morins turned on OrIN when he couldn’t present you to them. I had to help fight off the Morins so that we could take OrIN alive.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t let them kill each other.”
“The Morin and rebel transport locations were at stake. OrIN would not tell any of us who came to the trading post where he had sent the transports. I couldn’t let him die.”
“So, the Morins got away?”
“Yes.”
“I know that must eat at you.”
“It does, but it’s out of my hands.”
“But—”
“Shhh.” He put his finger over her lips. “I don’t know how much time we have left. Let’s not spend it talking about the Morins or OrIN.”
Sharon nodded her head. “Agreed.”
They held each other for a long time, but as soon as TanAR returned, they both knew it wasn’t nearly long enough.
“Time to go back to your own quarters, Sharon,” TanAR said as the laser bars were shut down.
A tear trailed down her cheek. He gently wiped it away with his thumb. “It will be all right, my love.”
“I hate leaving you.”
TanAR reset the laser bars once she was on the other side. “The commander gave you permission to see him every day until we reach Katiera.”
MarIK smiled reassuringly. “See, nothing to worry about. Now, go and get something to eat.”
“I don’t feel like eating.”
“For me, Sharon. Eat and stay healthy for me.”
Sharon sighed. “I will eat.”
“Thank you, beautiful. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, you will.” She turned and walked out alone with confidence and determination.
“She’s amazing,” TanAR commented to MarIK once she was out of earshot. “She went toe to toe with the commander just to see you.”
MarIK growled, “She’s mine — my mate.”
TanAR glared at him, “She would be better off with someone else. What do you have to offer her? A tarnished reputation?”
MarIK turned his back on TanAR. He couldn’t argue with the truth. He didn’t have anything to offer Sharon. His home back on Katiera had been confiscated, any family he had was either long gone or wouldn’t want to have anything to do with him. He didn’t have a position with the military. He was homeless, with nothing to offer her.
“Don’t listen to him, Commander. You’re a great male worthy of having a mate,” Lieutenant RosET said reassuringly from a nearby cell. Other warriors mumbled their agreements.
He smiled. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
Lying down on the cot, he closed his eyes and imagined that Sharon was still with him.Goddess, help me find a way to be worthy of the gift you have given me.
