Page 62 of Treasured By the Hunter

My mate’s eyes blinked open, and she looked around, confused. She relaxed when her eyes landed on me.

“Harb’k.” She spotted the glass of water, tried to push herself up and reach for it, and groaned. “Where are we?”

“You are still not fully healed.” I helped her up, then picked up the glass and held it to her lips. “We are in the mothership building in New Franklin.”

“Mothership building?”

“Yes. Some of our Tech Wizards have been replicating a mothership, but without flight capabilities. This is the medical bay.”

“Oh. That makes sense.” She looked down at her stomach. “Riley!”

“She’s safe.”

She relaxed. “Those assholes got me good, didn’t they?”

“They did. But they are dead.”

“You?”

“I only got one,” I said regretfully. If I could kill them all for her, I would. “I was unable to stay and fight. Kan’n immobilized them, and your friend finished the job. She was very angry when she saw you bleeding.”

“Riley always was trigger-happy. Thank you for coming for me.”

“I will always come for you.”

“How did you find us?”

“Mountain Pip contacted ours the moment that shuttle took off. It only remained hidden as long as it was stationary. Pip’s sorry he was a jerk. His words. He wanted to be here when you woke, but they banned him from the medical bay for being annoying.”

The corner of Zoey’s lips lifted. “How long did that take?”

“About two hours. I told him we’ll find him once you’re feeling better and he can apologize.” I unclipped my communicator from my seat and contacted my shuttle. “But I promised my Shuttle I’d alert it when you wake.”

“Greetings, Zoey.”

“Hi, Shuttle.” A smile lifted the corner of Zoey’s lips.

“I’m glad you are awake. Harb’k was illogical with you.” There was some interference followed by, “No, Pip. You’re not allowed in here. Get out.”

That had Zoey smiling even harder. “We’ll see you back on the ship soon. Say hi to Pip for me.”

I disconnected before Pip could take over the call.

“Thank you,” she said. “And thank you for being here, even though I left you without much explanation.”

“I will always be here for you,” I repeated. “Because you are my mate.”

She glanced away, and the tiny gesture made my chest feel like it was being torn apart. “So I didn’t dream up our conversation after all.”

“It was not a dream. You told me you loved me.” I held onto her hand, refusing to let go, afraid that if I did I’d lose her again, this time for good.

“I’m sorry.” Her voice cracked.

I frowned. “Why are you sorry?”

“Because...” She pressed her lips in a thin line, and tears welled up in her eyes. She inhaled a shaky breath and then pressed her hand to her belly again. “Oww.”

“Relax.”

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