Page 49 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
As gently as possible, the rest of the males carry their wounded associate out of my cell, his moans of pain following in their wake before everything falls silent again.
Neither Horek nor I speak. It’s almost a battle of wills to see who can hold out the longest.
“How is Olivia?” My burning need to know she is well overrides any desire to try and show up the commander.
“You should be more concerned with yourself than anyone else at the moment.”
I take a rough step toward him, my rage swiftly rising. “Sheis my only concern.”
“Gods,” he curses. “This is not a complication we need right now.”
“Answer me, damn you.”
“The female is well.”
I growl. “She does not like to be called female. Her name is Olivia.”
Horek huffs. “I am well aware.Oliviais fine. My mate has been with her and your phinnek while we have assessed the damage and taken care of our dead.”
At last I relax knowing they are both being taken care of. That is all that matters. So long as Olivia is safe.
“Watch out for her. Make sure no harm comes to her.”
“Or what?” The commander arches a brow.
“Or I’ll make you suffer”
Horek glances around and his gaze lands on me. “I’m not sure you’re in a position to be making threats.”
“You may treat it as a threat, but it is a promise.” If something happens to Olivia, I will hold Horek responsible and make sure he suffers the consequences.
“I notice you do not ask about your fellow rebels and how they have fared during the attacks. Or if any demands have been made to set you free.”
“There has always been the possibility that I may get caught at some point. Plans have been put in place if—when—that happened. I’m a patient person.” Except no plans have included acting without my knowledge and consent. People dying was not by my command.
In truth, my only thoughts have been of Olivia and my fear that she may be in danger. While my understanding of why she has suddenly become the most important thing to me is non-existent, that doesn’t mean others are as confused.
“I see.” He studies me a moment longer. “Why did you not let the guard shoot Alik? It might have solved one of your problems.”
These continued assumptions grow tiresome. “As I have said more than once, I have no desire to see him or the queen dead.”
Horek doesn’t have a reply, or at least not one he wishes to give. “You should return to your cell.”
The small break in captivity had been good while it lasted. I back up until I’ve crossed the threshold and keep my eyes on the commander.
“May I ask you a question?”
Horek cocks his head when I don’t give voice to it immediately. “You may ask.”
“You mentioned a heart’s fire. What is that and what does it have to do with Olivia?”
“I wondered if you would seek out the answer.” He sighs. “A heart’s fire is rare. While most Bohnari can appease their mating fever by simply finding a female to physically bond with, there is another way. When a Bohnari finds his heart’s fire, the mating fever still burns hot within him, but the madness and need to kill and destroy is taken away by his mate, leaving only a burning desire for her. As if fate divined the match. Fire sweeps through your heart, and no other female is capable of sating you.”
Finally, something that makes sense. “Thank you for telling me.”
Horek inclines his head and slowly—almost as if he’s reluctant to do so—he closes the door to my cell once more, locking me in with the darkness.
Only this time, a small light remains and it’s the fire that burns inside me for Olivia.
