Page 48 of Angel Captive

“Let me guess, Sofria?”

Melody nodded. “She looked like them when I met her and confirmed your dad’s story. But then she showed up looking like me and trying to get you to go with her. It was then that I knew something was very wrong and you were in danger.”

I set my cup down on the small table beside the picture of my family. They were the only ones who mattered in my life now and I was so thankful they were safe. “It’s not your fault, Melody.” I reached out and took her free hand. “I’m sure Sofria had gone to my dad, thinking I’d seek him out when I escaped, and twisted his addiction to get him to comply. But I don’t blame him. I’ve learned to let go of things we can’t change. To forgive others and forgive myself.”

“Xaden is one lucky Angelimir.”

I squeezed her hand and smiled. “So is Trox.”

Her blush told me everything, but I asked anyway.

“Is he treating you right? I mean he’s dragging you all over the universe.”

“He’s wonderful and more like I’m dragging him.” She took another sip of her tea. “All my life I thought I needed the husband and kids and great-paying job to be happy. But I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I found my purpose, trying to save people like you and Xaden.”

“I’m so happy for you. And you’re amazing at talking to all those people. I know the Minbari can be stubborn with change, but you convinced them to contribute.”

Her smile wavered. “There’s another reason I’ve come here besides to apologize to you.”

I leaned back, prepared for the worse by her hesitant expression.

“With your background in computers and electronics, we were wondering if you could work out some kind of way to block the Roulex. Like disable their ships or that horrible tractor beam of theirs.” She hiccupped. “I mean, I know you’re busy with your family and it’s been a long time since you’ve tinkered.”

“Are you kidding?” I jumped up. “Do you have anything with you? Like one of their ships? I mean I took apart their shuttle years ago to try and do something with it, but it was a basic passenger transport pod. Probably what they used to bring drugged prisoners to the prison.”

Her smile widened. “We do. We have one of their battle cruisers and a few of their tractor devices, but no one’s been able to do much with them.”

I paced back and forth in the room. “Give me everything you’ve got. I haven’t had a new puzzle to work on in what feels like forever.”

“Xaden won’t get mad that your attention is divided?”

“No way. He hates the Roulex more than anyone.” I’d have to order more tools and schedule more babysitting gigs with Aunt Ximena and Uncle Jax, but they were always asking for more time with their nieces and nephew.

“I can already see your mind whirling.” Melody finished her tea.

“Oh no, I’m sorry.” I sat back down. “That was rude of me.”

A knock sounded on the door and I answered it. Trox stood there with an apologetic look on his face.

“I hate to interrupt, but we’ve got an urgent meeting with Sector Nine’s leaders that just opened up.”

“It’s fine. Just don’t wait so long before visiting again.” I hugged Melody. “I’ll miss you.”

“You too.” She gave me one final squeeze before leaving with Trox.

Hours later after the kids were in bed, I snuggled up to Xaden.

“I need to talk to you about something.”

He grumbled. “As long as it doesn’t involve trying to get sap from our children’s hair.”

“No.” I laughed. “Um… Melody wants me to try and figure out Roulex technology and I think with time and the things she and Trox have salvaged, I could do it.” He’d been fine with me tinkering when I was pregnant, but then after the triplets, I’d been so busy juggling them and my new life, I’d not had time for much else.

“You know I support you in whatever you want to do.” He pulled me closer to him, my hands resting on his shoulders.

“Really?”

“Of course. How soon can you start? I’ll even watch the kids more and train with the warriors less if it will help you.”

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