Page 92 of Stolen Slave

I knew she was referring to my terra collection and chuckled.

“I don’t do that other thing often.”

“Better not,” she said, following me into the ship.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

KHORAHN

My founder waited for us by the far door, watching Vya, who was oblivious to his presence, walk beside me.

“How often do you go after bounties, then?” she asked.

“Often,” I said. “I had little else to do before I found you.”

“Does that mean you want to quit bounty hunting now that I’m here?” she asked.

“If it offends you, yes. There are other ways I can earn chit so you can live comfortably.”

She fingered the stone she’d stuck in her belly button.

“I think I like the way you live now. Bounty hunting brought you to me. Maybe there’s someone else out there who needs to be found too.”

“You wish for me to find another female?” I asked in concern as I picked up a small cube of supplies.

“If any person needs a rescue, yes, I want you to rescue them. I’m hoping that you don’t want to keep them, though. I’d like to think I’m special that way.”

I could smell her humor but wasn’t sure what part of what she said she found entertaining.

“I want no other female, Vya. Only you.”

She smiled at me and turned toward the door. Surprise sweetened her scent when she saw him. She hesitated for only a moment then walked to him and held out her hand.

He glanced from her face to her hand then to me. I shrugged.

“It’s an Earth greeting,” she said, seeing his confusion. “Here. Take my hand like this.” She guided his hand to hers, showed him how to hold it, then smiled at him.

“My name is Vya. Thank you for raising an amazing person like Khorahn.” She released his hand and gestured for him to walk with her.

“Khorahn explained he’s a clone of you. The seventh version. I can’t imagine the life you’ve led and hope you’ll tell me about it.”

A hint of jealousy and worry filled me. I knew my founder scented it when he glanced over her shoulder at me.

“It has been a long and lonely life,” he admitted.

“Even with Khorahn Junior?” she asked.

“I only stayed with each of my clones a few years during their acceleration. Once they reached self-sufficiency, I entered stasis. I only wake when a clone is threatened or dies.”

“Oh. That does sound lonely. Are you going to return to stasis then?”

He looked down at her. “I would like to live on the ship with you if you’re willing.”

Vya looked at me, a question in her gaze.

“The choice is yours,” I said.

“I think it would be nice to have your dad around.”

---