Page 168 of Alien Haven

“Not just location,” she admitted. “I keep losing people I care for. If I agree to board this ship on which they’d send on anever-ending voyage, I won’t be able to speak to you for fear of my whereabouts being traced. I’m not ready to lose you guys.”

Another lengthy pause. Ilid spoke again. “Charity, I can hear how desperate you feel about the matter. It’s a question of your emotional well-being besides your physical safety. Groteg must consider that angle.”

“Then let’s figure something out,” Mitag urged. “We were able to stop the guy outside Detodev’s house. We can watch for trouble.”

“Maybe we can help Groteg guard you so you can remain on Haven,” Detodev agreed. “You can stay close to me in the fields during the day. If Sara agrees, I’ll teach you the work I do. You’ve already proved you’re a quick learner and capable of the work. At night, all three of us can stick close to you.”

“I’m willing,” Ilid said. “She can spend some days at the bakery helping me, if she wishes. My parents will be on Haven until after the grand opening. Any bounty hunters who dare my father Gruthep would have their asses handed to them in a hurry.”

“I may be an Imdiko who likes to dress nice and throw fancy parties, but I don’t mind kicking ass when the occasion calls for it,” Mitag asserted.

Tears streamed down Charity’s cheeks as they rallied to her cause. “I can’t have any of you hurt because of me. I couldn’t stand it as much as I can’t stand to leave.”

“Don’t worry about us,” Ilid said. “We’ve each visited hell and made it through. For you, any threat would be worth it.”

Her heart stuttered at the feeling in his tone, then again when Mitag said, “More than worth it.”

Detodev didn’t add his agreement to protect her at all costs. Charity hadn’t expected him to. Playing bodyguard meant him confronting the rage he feared he had no control over should her enemies pay a visit.

When his strong, determined voice abruptly broke the silence following the other men’s insistence, she nearly dropped her com in shock. “I’ll be here for you, and I’ll keep you safe. I promise it on any honor I can claim to have. I’ll tell Groteg myself you don’t need to go.”

Her heart threatened to burst. She couldn’t go now. Not when she had such amazing people ready to remain at her side. People who showed no sign of disappearing.

Chapter Eighteen

Charity managed to avoid talking to Groteg the rest of the evening, mostly because she made it a point to hang out with Tori. They did their hair and nails and gossiped. When the Nobek dared to show his face at his daughter’s open bedroom door, Tori imperiously called, “Away, foul male creature! It’s girl time.” She grinned at Charity when he scowled but slunk off. The adolescent’s conspiratorial smirk clued her in on Tori’s realization Charity and Groteg were on the outs. To give Tori credit, she didn’t ask for information. Charity wondered how much of her situation the girl was aware of.

She wasn’t so lucky the next morning when Utber left for work and the kids for school. The children’s and their Imdiko father’s voices had barely faded when Groteg’s steady gaze stabbed at her. “It’s been arranged for you to evacuate quietly tomorrow morning.”

“Un-arrange it. I’m of age and can’t be forced to go if I don’t want to. I have no intention of leaving Haven.”

“Those in charge have other ideas on whether or not you can be made to go.”

“As I said, it’ll be against my will, and I’ll fight. I mean it, Groteg. There are plenty of shovels and heavy tools aroundfor me to swing. I sharpened these just for the occasion.” She showed him her red-lacquered nails, filed nearly to points.

“Your life is in danger.”

“Thank you for pointing out it’smylife, which means it’s my choice.” Her tone softened, and she gazed at the bristling Nobek with undisguised affection. “I realize this isn’t a matter of you personally worrying you’ll be held legally accountable if I’m abducted or killed. You care, and I adore you for it, Groteg.”

He reddened. His mouth opened, then snapped shut.

She continued. “I’d hate for you to get in trouble if the worst happens. If there’s a form I can sign and have notarized stating I absolve the Kalquorian Empire, its fleet, and Haven of all responsibility for my choice to remain, I’ll gladly sign it.”

He managed to speak through gritted teeth. “I don’t care about being held accountable, which is why I’ll throw you on the damned ship myself—”

A knock at the back door interrupted him. Sara, who’d been watching the confrontation from the sink, answered it. “Good morning, Detodev.”

“Good morning, Matara Sara.” His voice was soft, and he bowed deeply to her before stepping in. He took in Charity and Groteg standing across the kitchen table from each other, their resolute stares betraying their disagreement.

“It isn’t just up to you to maintain her safety, Nobek Groteg.” Detodev accorded another respectful bow. “Ilid, Mitag, and myself are eager to do whatever it takes to protect Charity.”

“You.” At Detodev’s wince, Groteg added, “You know I accept your pacifist views, young Nobek, despite disagreeing on our breed’s true nature. I have to challenge your determination to never give in to the need to fight. How can you possibly safeguard my ward if you adhere to your vow?”

“I continue to believe our breed uses the excuse of its categorization to resort to violence too readily.” Detodevmaintained a respectful though unwavering tone. “However, I’ve thought through my encounter with the man apprehended outside my home. It failed to end in me tearing out his throat, much as the urge insisted. I believe my fear of losing myself to such violence will stop me from doing so. I can keep Charity protected from her enemies. Ilid and Mitag are equally committed to the same outcome.”

“Then convince her to leave Haven, damn you!” Groteg’s shout was accompanied by his fist slamming the tabletop. His fierce countenance eased a touch when Sara jumped. After shooting her an apologetic glance, he told Detodev, “It’s the only way to guarantee her security. Don’t you realize these assholes will continue coming?”

“Tell them to go ahead.” Charity was resolved to make her position clear. “I refuse to live in fear and hiding. Life is short in any case, and I’ll live as I choose. My choice is here among the friends I’ve made.”

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