Page 120 of Tribute
Kai’s attention snapped to her face. “You made them bring Palk up?”
“It occurred to me that because of his hatred of Rehz Akran and Kai Mexr, he might allow the battle for the mansion to continue regardless of whether theUngrichhad me or not.I insisted he give orders for the conflict to stop. I had the explosives in my pockets. I told theUngrichI’d detonate them if they didn’t do as I asked, and I threatened to shoot Palk.”
Kai shook his head. “Damn, girl. You were taking some risks.”
“I just wanted to save as many people as I could.”
Rehz said, “While offering yourself up as the ultimate sacrifice.”
She whipped her head around to stare at Rehz, who was still looking down. “You make it sound as if I enjoyed it.”
He didn’t reply, so after a terse second she went on. “As soon as theUngrichreleased Palk, he tried to jump me, so I shot him in the knees to keep him down.” She swallowed hard. “I asked theUngrichone more thing before I agreed to leave. I asked if they’d taken an embryo from my uterus.”
She looked straight at Rehz’s harsh profile, willing him to showsomething, some sense that he cared about what she was saying. “TheUngrichsaid the . . . life-form hadn’t survived, which was why they needed me as a living incubator for their experiments.”
She tried to carry on speaking and had to take several slow breaths. “TheUngrichinsisted I go with them and, as I was pulled into the hole, I saw Rehz Akran come through the door. I released my hair from its band and detonated the explosive I’d hidden there. Luckily, Rehz Akran and Kai Mexr kept hold of me long enough that they were able to pull me clear of theUngrichand the effects of the explosion.” She looked up. “That’s it.”
Kai shook his head. “You’re fucking amazing, Anna Lee. You saved the entire planet.”
“I did what needed to be done.”
“Yeah, that’s what Rehz Akran is so pissed about. He can’t bear not being the hero.”
Rehz’s head swiveled in Kai’s direction. “What the fuck did you just say?”
Kai shrugged. “You can’t even be bothered to visit her in the hospital, my friend. Sounds like someone is choking on his pride.”
Rehz got slowly to his feet as Bron came off the wall, ready to intervene. “Fucking take that back, Kai Mexr. You have no fucking idea what I’m thinking!” He slammed his fist down onto the desk. “I wasn’t there for her! I let her down! That’s what fucking disturbs me in all this!”
Anna stood up too. “You can’t always save me, Rehz. Maybe Kai’s right and you can’t bear that I managed to do it for myself.” She met his furious gaze. “If that’s the case, I have nothing more to say to you anyway.”
“Wait a minute . . .” Rehz growled.
Kai cleared his throat. “How about we disband this session and let these twolovekreessort out their differences in private?”
Everyone left. Bron touched her shoulder as he went past. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
“Thanks.”
She remained standing, her gaze fixed on Rehz until the door closed, leaving them in silence.
“Why haven’t you been to see me?”
He rubbed a hand over his weary face. “I slept for two days and nights. I only woke up today.”
“When I first came out ofUngrichspace, you stayed with me the entire time in my hospital room. Yousleptin a chair.”
“You didn’t go intoUngrichspace this time.”
“That’s right. I saved myself.” She glared at him. “Is Kai correct? Are you pissed because you didn’t get to be my hero?”
“Fuck that, Anna Lee. I’ve never been hero material; you know that.” But he looked miserable saying it, and she didn’t quite believe him.
“Then what? And why does it matter? You weren’t there when I made my decision. I did what I thought I had to do for the good ofyourstupid planet! Do you honestly resent me for that?”
“Maybe Iwantedto be your hero! Maybe I wanted the chance to at leasttry. But you can’t save someone who shuts you out and deliberately throws herself in harm’s way!” Shit, he was yelling now.
Silence fell until all she could hear was their harsh breathing. Gods, she’dhurthim.
