Page 12 of Keeping Freya
“Because I know where he went…”
The silence feels heavy after my last words. I see tension gripping T’Rak; if he were human, this would definitely be the moment his face would flush with anger.
“You know WHAT?!” he spits out, stalking towards me. He steps into my space, but I don’t back down, not even an inch.
I lift my chin and repeat my words. “I know where he went.”
“Tell. Me,” he growls.
“I will, but I have some conditions.”
“Do not test me, female.”
A dry laugh escapes my throat. “I think you’re the one testing me, or betraying me at least. I will tell you where to find your precious High Commander, as long as you give me reassurance that you will find Earth and take me there.”
“I already told you I would,” he grunts, but I shake my head.
“Promises, promises, how will I know if you’ll hold up to your end of the bargain? No, sir, I want reassurance.” I look him up and down. I know his type, the unwavering warrior. Honor is essential to him; his word means something…
“I want your word.”
“Done.”
“And I want to come with you.”
“Absolutely not.”
I shrug. “Suit yourself. He is at some place called Tekrov. You should really take me with you if you want that location narrowed down some more.”
T’Rak squints his eyes. His scar’s quite literally in my face, but it doesn’t do anything to make him less attractive. On the contrary, it gives him something extra, something fierce, something rough.
Bad hormones, I chastise myself while he thinks about my offer.
“Okay,” he finally agrees. “Tekrov is a massive planet, and we will save time if you and I take this ship and O’Rec and D’Var join us after they have brought the other females to Novarron.”
I nod my agreement. “We have ourselves an agreement.” Then I brush past him and walk away.
I hideout in my room for the remainder of the day. The others pack their things, their voices hushed when they pass my door.
The unexpected knock on the door is so soft, I barely even hear it.
Jodie's face comes into view after I open it.
“Hi.” `she waves shyly. “I ehm… I wanted to tell you we are about to leave.” She sniffs. “I will miss you, Freya. You have done so much for us. I wish I had your fighting spirit, but I guess I have been here for too long. I just want to give up. I just want to relax and not worry about my next move for a while. Please don’t be a stranger. You can always visit us at Novarron. Please say goodbye before you go.”
On impulse, I pull her into me. The hug is fierce and short, and I pull away briskly. “Go. Be happy.”
“Will you come with me to say goodbye to the others?” she whispers.
With a curt nod, I agree.
Conversation slows down when we enter, coming to an abrupt halt when they see I’ve joined Jodie.
“I wish you well,” I begin uncomfortably, but before I can continue, I’m wrapped in multiple arms for the biggest hug I’ve ever had.
“We will miss you.”
“Please stay in touch.”
