Page 167 of Alien Haven

Anger sparked. Not at Groteg, though his was the voice speaking the last thing she wanted to hear. Reminding herself he was only the messenger for the spy network trying to keep her free of Earthtique hands, she maintained a steady tone. “I was supposed to be protected here.”

“You were, but they’ve caught on to your whereabouts. I’m sorry.”

He sounded sincere. Charity had no reason to believe he wasn’t. Nonetheless, as far as she could tell, those who’d promised to protect her were no closer to stopping bounty hunters and Earthtiques from trying to abduct her. Was she supposed to spend the rest of her life racing from station to planet to moon, under constant fear of being hurt?

She agonized over more than the seeming hopelessness of the situation. The faces of Ilid, Mitag, and Detodev swam in her mind’s eye. Her chest tightened at the thought of leaving them behind, for who knew how long? She’d begun to experience a sense of belonging, of connection after an extended season of loss. She’d found three men she genuinely cared for. Hell, she’d gotten invested in Clan Amgar and their children too.

She needed to think it through. Playing for a minute or two, she asked in her most reasonable tone, “Where could Kalquor send me that’s secure from the nutters?”

“The idea is nowhere is safe. A ship constantly on the move—”

“Oh, hell no.” Her fury and despair burst forth in a near shout. “Are you insane? Has the empire lost its mind? No, Groteg. Fuck no.”

“Charity—” Sara started, her features full of sympathy and concern.

“No. You can throw me from your house, but I won’t leave Haven. I’ll camp in the damned woods before anyone imprisons me on a ship again for a single day.”

“We aren’t putting you out of the house.” Sara shot a warning glare at her clanmate despite his darkening face.

“Why’s Jennifer mad?” James’ call reached her ears from wherever he was in the house.

Charity lowered her voice for the kids’ sake, but she lost none of her intensity as she stared Groteg in the eye. “I’m legally an adult. It’s my call, and I’m telling you I’m done running all over the galaxy from these assholes.”

“They won’t treat you kindly if they catch you,” the Nobek warned between gritted teeth.

“You think I don’t know it? I already lived under the not-so-tender mercies of Browning Copeland himself. My father was forced to do unspeakable things for him while he searched for a way to stop the bastard. I’m aware ofexactlywhat those monsters are capable of.”

They stood glaring at each other for a at least a minute. Groteg finally growled, “You’re going. It’s the only way.”

“You’ll have to tie me up, maybe hurt me to make it happen,” she promised. “I won’t go without a fight, Groteg. Count on it.”

He swelled like a tick, his frustration on the brink of overwhelming him. Rather than give in to it, he stormed out, leaving the two women. Sara stepped close and squeezed Charity’s arm. “He’s frightened for you.”

“I’m scared too, but I can’t do this the rest of my life. I’ll find another place to stay. Maybe Mitag will take me in. Not Detodev…I won’t put him at odds with your clan.”

Sara shook her head. “I won’t hear of it. If you can convince Groteg and the powers that be to let you remain, I want you where I can see you’re okay.”

I belong.Tears prickled Charity’s eyes. “My presence puts you and the kids at risk. I can’t endanger your family.”

“I took you in my home. You’re an adult, but you’re one of us now.” Sara was adamant in her conviction. “You stay on Haven, you stay here.”

Charity threw herself in the older woman’s arms. She let the tears of heartbreak and gratitude fall.

* * * *

In her bedroom, Charity sent a com message to the guys.If you’re still together, com back asap. If not, let’s set up a group session.

Ilid’s frequency buzzed her unit seconds later. “We’re at Mitag’s. What’s up?”

She reported the conversation she’d had with Groteg. “I told him I wouldn’t leave. I can’t run forever.” She didn’t add the trio were a huge part of the equation holding her on Haven. She still had to examine her feelings on the matter, but she needed to square away the question of her departure first.

“I’d hate it if you left, but if you have multiple people coming for you…” Ilid wavered. “Detodev, give us your take on the situation.”

“Her safety comes first,” the Nobek said after a couple seconds’ pause.

“I’m not going,” Charity growled.

“You didn’t me finish. Constantly living on the run isn’t healthy. The emotional toll of the constant changes in location have to be taken into account.”

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