Page 21 of Human Reclaimed
My pulse quickened at the suggestion. “Your place?”
“It would show you that I trust you,” he said, his voice deepening. “And it’s more comfortable than the recovery room.”
I considered his offer. The sensible part of me knew I should decline—maintain professional distance, remember he was still technically my captor. But the thought of spending more time with him, of continuing our conversation in private…
“Okay,” I decided, surprising myself. “Lead the way.”
Rune’s eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn’t expected me to agree. Then a slow smile spread across his face, transforming his features from merely handsome to devastatingly gorgeous.
“This way,” he said, gesturing toward a path that led away from the medical bay and deeper into the settlement.
As we walked, side by side under alien stars, I felt an unfamiliar surge of anticipation flooding through my body. Whatever was happening between us—this strange, unexpected connection—was leading somewhere I hadn’t planned. And suddenly, I wasn’t trying to fight it.
The residential sector soon came into view as we walked side by side. The path was lit by those strange bioluminescent plants that seemed to respond to our presence, brightening slightly as we passed. Their soft blue glow illuminated Rune’s strong profile, highlighting the sharp line of his jaw and those startlingly intense eyes.
My heart raced with unfamiliar excitement. Twenty-four hours ago, I was just another lonely veteran living in Buffalo, New York. Now I was walking under alien stars with a man who’d kidnapped me across the galaxy. And instead of plotting my escape, I was… what? Following him willingly to his home?
We approached a modest structure nestled among similar dwellings, resembling something between a small house and a condo. It blended Earth architecture with native materials. The walls appeared to be made from a local stone with a faint iridescent quality that shimmered in the moonlight.
Rune paused at the entrance, turning to face me. “Are you sure about this? I can still take you back to the medical bay.”
His hesitation was endearing—the mighty commander suddenly uncertain.
“I’m sure,” I said, meeting his gaze steadily. “I’d rather not be locked in tonight.”
He nodded and turned to the keypad beside the door, punching in a code with quick, precise movements. The door slid open silently, and he gestured for me to enter first.
The interior was simple but comfortable—a one-bedroom home with an open-concept living area that flowed into a compact kitchen space. Everything was meticulously organized, a place for everything and everything in its place. Not a speck of dust anywhere.
“Military precision,” I remarked, running a finger along a spotless shelf that held a few actual paper books—a rare luxury even on Earth.
Rune looked almost embarrassed. “Old habits.”
“I get it,” I said. “My drill sergeant would’ve loved you. My footlocker was never tidy enough.”
“Would you like a drink?” he asked, moving toward the kitchen. “We’ve been experimenting with local fruits to make wine. It’s quite good, actually.”
“God, yes,” I exhaled. “After being kidnapped, waking up on an alien planet, and designing defense systems all in one day? I could use something strong.”
His lips quirked in that almost-smile that was becoming familiar. “This should do the trick. It’s pretty potent.”
He poured a deep ruby liquid into two glasses and led me to a small, surprisingly comfortable couch in the living area. I took a sip and felt warmth bloom from my throat to my fingertips. It was rich and complex, vaguely reminiscent of blackberries but with an exotic undertone I couldn’t place.
“Wow,” I breathed after a second sip. “This is actually incredible.”
“We have good botanists here,” he said, watching me over the rim of his glass. “They’ve been crossbreeding Earth plants with native species.”
I tried to focus on our conversation, but I was hyper-aware of his proximity on the small couch. The air between us seemed charged with something electric and inevitable. My skin hummed with awareness. His body radiated heat beside me, his muscular thigh just inches from mine.
This was absolutely insane. Yesterday, this man and his companion had drugged and abducted me. And now I was fantasizing about closing the distance between us? Had I lost my mind completely?
“What do you enjoy doing?” he asked suddenly, his deep voice breaking through my thoughts. “When you’re not designing complex military defenses, I mean.”
The question took me by surprise. Simple, normal small talk—so at odds with our extraordinary circumstances.
“I… I don’t know anymore,” I admitted, staring down at my wine. “For the past three years, I’ve been going through the motions. Working, eating, and sleeping. Sometimes I take long drives just to feel something different.” I forced a smile. “Pretty pathetic, huh?”
“No.” His voice was gentle but firm. “Grief hollows you out. Makes it hard to remember what brought you joy before.”
