Page 28 of Tornn's Mate
Love,
Ellie
My stomach twistsin a weird way when I type the wordlove, and I almost hesitate to send the message. But I tell myself I’m just overwhelmed by recent events and finally hit the ‘send’ button.
As I await Nathan’s response, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. I won’t lie—I’m petrified of Tornn finding out that I sent a message to Nathan. How would my possessive alien mate react? A shudder rushes through me as I imagine his dark purple eyes glittering with rage.
Maybe I should delete the text program from my tablet. Maybe I should just cut all ties with Nathan no matter how painful it is.
I peer around Tornn’s spacious quarters, my gaze falling on the hallway that leads to his bedroom. This is my life now. The Darrvasons are going to considerable trouble to acquire human females from theJansonna. I doubt Tornn would give me up under any circumstances—even if he found out I was talking to the human man I’d intended to marry.
The tablet starts beeping, and I’m quick to mute the volume.
It’s a struggle not to cry as I read Nathan’s response.
Repairs are going so wellon the ship that the command team has increased everyone’s rations. We no longer have a water shortage either. Despite the improved conditions on the worldship, morale is low and there are constant whispers about plots to overthrow your uncle and his command team. The prospect of eventually losing one hundred more women followed by two thousand at the very end is daunting.
I’m doing as well as I can, but it’s my great hope that we’ll see one another again someday. In fact, I know we will. Trust me on this.
Your mother and sister are carrying on as best they can. Your mother has resumed teaching already and your sister is helping her. Jenny requested a transfer from her duties in the recreational rooms to the education department, and I must admit I was surprised when your uncle approved it.
Speaking of the captain—he’s being shadowed by a Darrvason security officer, and no one quite knows why. The Darrvason’s name is Brute, and he rarely leaves the captain’s side. He’s a huge beast of an alien and he constantly glares at the captain as though he wants to kill him. It’s unnerving but also amusing. It’s rumored that the Darrvasons don’t trust Captain Warren to uphold his end of the alliance and that’s why they’ve sent Officer Brute to watch him.
I hesitate to ask but I must. Have you been claimed by one of those vile Darrvason creatures yet? If so, what is his name?
My mind reelsas I read Nathan’s message three times. The news about my mother and sister pleases me, and the information about Officer Brute is also interesting. I can’t help but wonder if Tornn is responsible for the Darrvason security officer shadowing my uncle. Perhaps Officer Brute is making sure Captain Warren doesn’t harm the family and friends of the brides. My heart lifts at the realization that Tornn has likely already made good on his promise to protect my mother and sister.
But the last part of Nathan’s message doesn’t sit well with me. If I’m being honest, I’m annoyed that he just referred to Tornn as avile, Darrvason creature. My fingers hover over the keyboard as I try to formulate a response.
I’m doing as well as I can, but it’s my great hope that we’ll see one another again someday. In fact, I know we will. Trust me on this.
Those three sentences bother me as well. What the hell is Nathan talking about? Warning bells go off in my head.
A shiver rushes through me and I again glance at the entryway. I swallow hard then focus on Nathan’s message.
I don’t want to tell him Tornn’s name, and I’m stunned when I search my feelings for the reason behind my reluctance. Though I’ve only known Tornn for four days and I didn’t want to become his mate in the first place, I feel oddly protective of him. I worry revealing his identity to Nathan might put him in danger. Because the only way I will ever see my former fiancé again is if my people somehow betray the Darrvasons and break the alliance.
Shit shit shit.
What has Nathan gotten himself involved in?
I start typing.
Yes,I’ve been claimed by a Darrvason. His name isn’t important.
What do you mean we’ll see one another again one day? Nathan, what is going on? Don’t be vague. Tell me exactly what you’re talking about.
He doesn’t respondfor several minutes, so I go back through the history on my tablet and delete old messages, including today’s messages, erasing all evidence of my illicit correspondence.
Finally, a new message flashes on the screen.
Forgive me,but I can’t give you any details. Although my messages are encrypted, I cannot be too careful.
But I promise we’ll be reunited one day. My only hope is that you aren’t carrying one of those monster’s babies inside you when that time comes. However, if you are pregnant when we’re reunited, I’m friendly with a doctor who will take care of the situation for you.
My shift begins in ten minutes, and I must go.
I love you and I promise I’ll message you again soon.
