Page 12 of Baby For The Tark Commander

Rana turned to see a blonde woman standing near her. Her voice was recognizable as the one who’d told the man to take her. “I want out of here.”

She frowned. “I’m Natalia, and I want to help you. We have our own formula to counter the genetic modifications, and it will clear up your confusion.”

Rana reared back, holding her stomach. “You can’t. I might be pregnant, and that would kill my child.”

The woman blinked, looking impassive. “You can’t really want to be a broodmare.”

“I want to be with my mate.”

“He’s a monster.”

Rana bristled. “He’s not. He’s kind and gentle.”

Natalia’s expression softened. “You’re still under the influence of whatever they did to you. You’ll see the truth in time.”

“I won’t. I love Sarko, and we’re having a baby.” Rana was adamant, and she hoped the rebel wouldn’t harm her unborn child, if she already carried one.

“You’re delusional,” said Natalia, “But we’ll keep you safe until you come to your senses.”

She glared at her. “I’m not staying here. I’m going to find Sarko.”

“We’re helping you.”

“No, you’re making a decision for me, just like the government has. You’re not any better than the politicians who signed the agreement if you don’t respect my choice.” She stared intently at the woman’s sea-green eyes.

She expected stubborn defiance or pity. Instead, slow comprehension appeared in Natalia’s expression. “You really do love him, don’t you?”

She hesitated only a second before nodding. She shouldn’t have known him long enough, but her heart was already sure. “I do. Please let me go before someone else tries to ‘save’ me.”

“I can’t,” said Natalia softly.

“You seem to be in charge,” said Rana with an air of challenge.

Natalia bit her lip and looked around. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she muttered as she gestured for Rana to follow her.

They were in an underground tunnel system of some sort. “What is this place?”

“Old subway system,” said Natalia. “We use it to move around undetected.”

“Why do you need to do that?”

“Because the government is corrupt, and they want to control everyone.”

“Maybe, but maybe they didn’t see much choice either. And not all the aliens are like the Vorathans. The Tark and others aren’t. They want peace.”

“Maybe, but they still demanded our women in payment for their protection. That’s slavery.”

Rana hesitated. “It could be, but I think they make it as consensual as they can. It’s complicated.”

She didn’t sound convinced. “I guess.”

They walked in silence for a few minutes before she spoke again. “Can I contact Sarko somehow, so he knows I’m safe?”

“Once you get out of the tunnels, your vidscreen should work, if you have one.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I could get in a lot of trouble for this.”

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