Page 43 of Captured By the Alien Captain
Picking her up, I carry her toward the bathroom once more to get cleaned up. Convincing myself not to claim her on the bathroom sink, I continue to test my resolve with every step toward the shower.
11
Jax
I catch myself smiling when I wake up to the ache between my lips. It’s the oddest sensation. However, when I press my thighs together and the deep throb inside reminds me how it felt to have Runar inside, I can’t help but let out a satisfied sigh.
Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I look next to me and see the bed is empty. Reaching out, I discover the sheets are cool to the touch. I’ve been alone in this bed for a while now. As my muscles ache when I move to sit up, I look toward the bathroom. It’s empty and dark, lacking any signs of life.
What time is it? From the weight against my eyes, I may have slept in for the first time in ages.
Needing to get up and face the day, I push down this longing sense clawing at my chest at his absence. I’m sure I’ll see him again in no time. The guy can’t stay away long enough if he tries.
Cleaning up in the bathroom, I immediately notice how much livelier I look in comparison to the last time I looked inthe mirror. Not to say all my problems have been solved, but the usual weight grounding me at all times doesn’t feel as heavy today.
Noticing the mark on my throat, my cheeks grow warm as my fingers graze the wound. Already healed over, it’s more of a scar than anything. However, unlike the rest of my magically disappearing marks, this one remains.
Sighing softly, I let my eyes linger for only a moment before digging around for a medkit. If I’m going to see people I know, there’s no way I’m going to let them see this mark. Finding a big enough bandage to slap down on it, I move on and get dressed.
Leaving the room, I planned on making my way toward the common area to grab a bite. What I don’t expect is to find a member of Runar’s fighting force to be sitting on the ground patiently waiting. It’s not Varrum, and I honestly don’t know any of the others’ names.
“Galior,” he introduces with a smile as he moves to his feet. From the cracks of his limbs, I can bet he’s been waiting for a while. “The king ordered me to accompany you for the time being.”
Despite everything, I’ve been given a babysitter. Fighting the urge to roll my eyes, I’m the one leading him as we head in the direction of food. I’m ready to devour whatever I can get my hands on. After burning so much energy yesterday, my body is thriving for nutrients.
“And what is he doing?” Picking at the sleeve of my shirt, I frown ahead.
“He’s dealing with the death of Kellan.” I don’t need to ask who Kellan is, I remember clearly enough about yesterday. “It seems he was the one to start the battle.” His face is grim, the betrayal clear. “His hatred for the humans caused his downfall.”
“The fighting was going to happen one way or another. As long as Hendrick remained alive, death would continue. Despitehow many died yesterday, so many more will live today because of their sacrifice.” The words taste sour coming out of my mouth, but they’re the truth.
He grunts at my side, agreeing with me.
We make it to the common area and the tempting smell of food isn’t what makes my steps quicken.
Huddled together at two of the tables are the members of my crew. They’re sharing a meal, chatting away.
Relief fills my chest as I see their smiles. Before I run over and make a scene, I slow to a stop.
“Have they been filled in with everything that has happened?” I don’t want those closest to me to call me traitorous.
The word from a man I despised was one thing, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle hearing it from those I fight with.
“They were given the choice to come on board with the promise of their safety remaining intact. None have caused us any issues as of yet.” His eyes follow mine and he shifts. “We don’t know what communications have gone out. As of now, none have asked about what happened. However, many have asked for you.”
I suppose if I’m going to tell my entire species what is going on, I can get my practice speech out of the way on these guys.
Hating how nervous I feel, my fingers curl at my sides before I continue walking toward them.
Dasha is the one to notice my arrival and she chokes on her food. Immediately standing up, she salutes and addresses me by my title. It’s hard to take her seriously when she’s got sauce on her fingers.
“At ease,” I order before the others get the idea to do the same.
They all look at me like they’re surprised. If I have to guess, they probably think I’ve been tortured through interrogationafter these last couple of days. If my arm were still broken and in some sort of sling, I’m sure I’d fit closer to what they were expecting. However, I’m completely fine.
“I’m sure you all have many questions, and I plan on telling you everything.” Deep inside, the fear of their rejection nips at me. If I confess my plans to stick close to Runar’s side, I don’t want to betray these people. I’m hoping I still have the chance of finding a happy ending here.
“Join us and eat something.” Dasha scoots closer to the guy to her right, opening up a seat. “Even if this stuff looks gross, it’s pretty good.”