Page 13 of Baby For The Tark Commander

“I appreciate it. I really do.” She took a deep breath. “It’s for the best anyway, because he’ll find me. If I’m already gone, your people might be safe from his wrath.”

Natalia turned down another tunnel, flipping on a light on her utility belt. “That’s not exactly reassuring...” She trailed off, scowling. “What’s that noise?”

“I don’t hear anything.” Even as she said it, Rana felt a low vibration overhead.

“Shit. It’s a Faction ship. More than one maybe.” She turned to Rana. “Run straight ahead until the next tunnel. Turn right and then left, and you’ll see the light to guide you outside.” Without another word, she turned and ran past Rana, obviously planning to warn her friends.

Rana took off running, following the directions Natalia had given her. She reached the end of the tunnel and turned right, her heart pounding. She turned left and saw the faint glow of daylight up ahead. She sprinted toward it, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

As she reached the exit, she heard an explosion behind her. The tunnel shook, and dust rained down from the ceiling. She didn’t stop to look back, instead pushing herself to run faster. She burst out of the tunnel and into the sunlight, blinking against the sudden brightness. She still had her vidscreen, and as soon as she cleared the tunnels, she used it to raise Sarko.

His face filled the screen, and he looked like vengeance personified. “Are you injured?”

She shook her head. “Call off the bombing or whatever.”

“I cannot. You’re mine, and they took you. They must pay the price for their transgressions.”

“I’m fine. No one hurt me, and I’m waiting for you to come get me.” She zoomed out some to show him she was uninjured. “See? No harm done. Just a little nap and a chat.”

He scowled. “The Faction enforcers are already here. Arrests are inevitable, but I’ll try to ensure they don’t use unnecessary force.” The screen went dark.

She stood there for ten minutes, confused about what was happening. She heard a ruckus inside the tunnels but wasn’t about to go back in there. Suddenly, Sarko’s ship appeared before her, barely fitting on the street as he set it down and came charging out the ramp.

She ran to him. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the ship, his wings flapping with urgency. He set her down in the command center and began checking her over.

“Did they hurt you? I’ll destroy them all if they did.”

“No, they didn’t. I’m okay. Really. I was more worried about you.”

“Me?” He seemed genuinely surprised.

“Yes. The crowd was attacking you, and I was afraid you were badly hurt.”

He smiled. “I’m tough, my mate. It takes more than a handful of misguided humans to injure me.”

She hugged him tightly, relief washing over her. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

He kissed her forehead gently. “You’re safe now. I’ll never let anyone take you again.”

She smiled up at him. “I know. I trust you. You’re my mate, and I love you.”

His eyes widened, and he pulled back to stare at her. “You...love me?”

She nodded. “I do. I love you, Sarko.”

He embraced her fiercely, his wings wrapping around her. “I love you, too. You’re my mate, and I’ll always protect you.”

She rested her head against his chest, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. She was safe and loved, and that was all that mattered.

“What will happen to Natalia and the others?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Until taking you, they’ve kept their demonstrations mostly peaceful. They’ve crossed a line. I assume one of the first things they’ll do is check to see if any of the rebels are proxies who’ve shirked their duty.”

“Will the rebels be punished?”

“Probably. The government will probably consider them traitors. It’s likely the rebels will be treated as such.”

She sighed. “I hate that so many lives will be ruined because of me.”

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