Page 35 of Tribute
“They were wiped out in one of theUngrichraids up north. I went straight into the military from a government-sanctioned orphanage.”
“My parents died in an alien raid too. That’s how I ended up working at the spaceport in a government-assisted job.”
“On Earth.”
“Yeah. I was determined to see the stars, so I hopped on the first spaceship that was willing to take me and never went back. Then I just kept going and somehow ended up here on a planetthat refuses to believe mine exists, despite the fact that we’re obviously all human-based life-forms.” She sighed. “That was my first mistake, thinking things would be better out here than they were at home.”
A guard stepped out in front of them. Akran held up his pass and they were waved through.
“I have to settle up a few matters, Lee, but I’ll be free to sit in on your sessions after that.”
She shrugged. “Only if you have time, okay?”
He opened a door into a white-walled room that smelled of disinfectant and pain. “I’ll wait until they take you in for processing.”
“Thanks.”
Hell, she wanted to grab hold of his hand and never let go, but that wasn’t fair. He’d made it very clear that his job was done and that he had nothing more to offer her. She should respect his choices.
Except she didn’t want to . . .
Which was stupid because she wouldn’t even be here dealing with this alien shit if he hadn’t chosen her to train.
She’d be dead.
A white-clad man came out of the inner door and smiled at her. “Anna Lee? Thank you so much for coming in to see us today. Our nation appreciates your sacrifice. We’re ready for you.”
Wow, things really are different . . .
Akran stood and nodded to her. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Sure.” She tried to sound as nonchalant as he did.
“Anna . . .” He grabbed her elbow and yanked her into his arms, one hand coming up to cup her chin. “You’ll be fine. If it gets too much, ask for me. I promise I’ll come straight away.”
He kissed her and let her go before she could do anything but gape at him in shock. A gentle cough behind her made her turnback to the medical technician and follow him through to the inner workings of the hospital.
Rehz strode down the hallway toward the corridor that linked the hospital with the administration wing. Damn, he shouldn’t have kissed her. But she’d looked so fucking scared and he hated that. Hated that he’d been the one to do that to her, to take away everything that had made her such a fierce competitor and leave her trembling like a child.
“Hey.”
He kept moving, unwilling to deal with anyone.
“Hey.” An arm closed around his bicep. “It’s me, Kai. What’s up? Who died?” Kai’s expression hardened. “Don’t tell me Lee didn’t make it.”
“She’s okay.”
“Then why the scowl?”
“They’re testing her right now.”
“And she’ll be fine. If she survived theUngrich, she’ll survive our military.” Kai still had hold of Rehz’s arm. “Where are you going?”
“I’ve got an appointment with admin, and then I need to get back to Lee.”
“Greez, I was hoping you had time to talk. I guess I have the appointment right after yours.”
“You’re putting in for retirement from the program too?” Rehz asked.
