“Human men do not bond with their mates…they come and go as they please. As a pilot, I want more than that.” Alisha gives a tight smile.I hope that’s enough.
So do I.
And at least it wasn’t a lie.
“You could’ve chosen better than a banished warrior.” The leader tilts her chin.
Alisha smiles, revealing her teeth. “They are banished through no fault of their own. It is no different from banishing warriors who have yellow eyes. Are you going to criticize my choice of mate or do you want your warriors returned?”
The leader shrugs. “You can keep them, and I will give you another.”
Alisha shakes her head. “I will only take willing warriors to my colony.”
As I translate, I understand her reasoning. She doesn’t want troublemakers or warriors who might want to return home with their mates. Though that will be a risk no matter who we take.
The leader stares at Alisha. “I did not get to choose the women.”
“You stole them. You did not give them a choice.”
“It is a warrior’s right to find and bring women to the tribe, and they did that.” I translate the leader’s words for Alisha.She is correct. By Honey laws, she has done nothing wrong.
Fuck.
I do not think you can win their freedom.
Alisha presses her lips together.Do you think she’ll let people from the colony visit them? It might stop an invasion if we negotiate visits.
Perhaps?As long as the humans don’t arrive with guns.
“I would like to return every three months to see that my women are well cared for.”
“You do not trust me.”
Alisha shrugs. “I have no reason to.”
“When my warriors are chosen, I want them to return here for their mating.” I repeat the leader’s request.I do not like it as they will report back about the colony.
Then we will have to ensure they are not chosen. Or lie about it.
Neither of those options is practical, but we do not have any other options.
The leader nods. “Very well. Let’s celebrate the agreement.”
17
ALISHA
Well, this is a clusterfuck. Not only did I fail to negotiate the release of Erica, Kate and Neve, but my cabin now contains three Honey warriors plus a very unhappy Charlie. The only bright spot is that I was able to leave equipment with the women, including cameras. I lock the cockpit door and strap in. Hrad is ready to leave and appears to be as grim as I am.
“We are lucky to be leaving,” he says softly.
He’s right, but I can’t find it in myself to celebrate because it feels like a loss. Like failure. My first mission beyond the colony and probably my last. I tip my head back against the headrest and close my eyes. It has been a long fucking day.
“Are you all right?” He asks when I don’t answer.
“Yeah…tired. Worried. We abandoned them.”
“And they accepted it. Erica seemed pretty happy to be up close with the tribe.”
