Page 13 of Keeping Freya
“We would never be free if it wasn’t for you.”
“Please be safe.”
“Every girl needs a friend like you. Thank you for keeping us safe.” Brittney’s eyes shine with unshed tears as she hugs me.
“You’re uhm… You’re welcome.” Emotion clogs my throat when they release me, and I say goodbye with a stiff wave and a sad smile.
The girls leave with O’Rec and Mara, leaving me alone at the ship with T’Rak.
I eye him wearily. Suddenly, I’m tired and don’t want to talk anymore. It’s close to evening, so I might just go to bed anyway.
I can see the Arracate ship flying away from us; there is only T’Rak and I left here.
When the ship is nothing but a dot anymore, I turn towards him. “You take first shift, I’ll catch up on some sleep.”
I don’t wait for his answer; I just escape to my bedroom.
CHAPTER 7
T’Rak
That infuriating female has the nerve to make demands, to withhold me from my revenge. She seemed the perfect mate for me. I was already planning on visiting her on Novarron and courting her, even though I would probably make a fool out of myself. I am not good with words, like O’Rec, or smooth like D’Var. I have nothing to use to win her over. My scarred face usually only repels females.
I grumble, shaking my head. She hurt me with her words and careless way of using the information about the High Commander’s whereabouts to get her way. Does she not know I would have moved the Galaxies to get her what she wants? What she needs?
My mouth sets in a stern line, betrayal cutting deep, and I feel the bond in my chest ache. Fate has dealt me a wry hand, leaving me on a ship with an unwilling mate. One who has the illusion that we will work together to get to ourdestination, wherever that may be, because she refuses to tell me.
Growling, I jump up, unrest making me pace the Command Center. I should be thrilled at the opportunity to spend some time with my mate in close proximity. This will force us to work together and enhance the bond. But hurt and betrayal make me angry, and I feel the intense need to punch something.
The ship’s night mode kicks in, and I double-check the autopilot. The course is set, sensors are activated, and the alerts are rerouted to my wrist com. If we encounter even the smallest meteor, I will immediately know.
I take one longing look at the door my mate just disappeared through before I shrug it off and stalk out of the room.
I make my way towards the belly of the ship. Other Sternotheri ships we encountered had their cell blocks here, but this one only has a small cell block and a big open room underneath. Training mats are scattered in one corner, and another one has targets lined up next to each other. However, my attention is drawn to the far corner, where big bags hang from the ceiling. A feral grin splits my face. This is what I was looking for.
Time seems to fade into the background as I work away all my anger and hurt on the bag. I alternate between bags, pretending they are all enemies that must be fought. Punch after punch, kick after kick, my braid swishes behind me, my tail centering me when I turn and twist. Sweat forms on my brow, but I do not notice anything. I am lost in the movements, lost in my Warrior Calm.
When exhaustion finally takes over, I cling to one of the bags. My anger is mostly gone, exposing the lingering hurt and grief. I miss my brother. We did not talk to each other daily, but wewere very close. We would make sure that we met on the Ring frequently, always sharing stories. I was so proud of him the day he became a captain and got his crew. And now he is gone.
My mate should be the one I could turn to in such a moment, but she is not the mate I need right now.
Before anger retakes hold, I reach for my Calm and walk away.
The empty captains chair is still waiting for me when I get back to command. The ship is still in night mode, so I guess Fr’ya is still sleeping.
The course I have planned will take us to Tekrov in five days, so I have five days alone with her. If I were a better male, I would use that time to make her warm up to me and see if I can make her stay.
If only I were a better male…
I must have fallenasleep at some point during the night because I wake up to the sound of sliding doors, alertness instantly kicking in.
She does not speak, so neither do I. I do not turn to look at her, but I feel her eyes burning on my back. She passes through and rummages in one of the cabinets. Bringing a steamy mug of tea with her when she settles down in the second captain’s chair.
“You can go rest now. I’ve got this.” Her voice is laced with contempt
I snort and grumble. No way she has ‘got this’. “No need, female, I will stay.”
She raises her eyebrows. “You need sleep.”
