Page 71 of Warrior Rescued

“You’re doing well,” he whispered to her. This was a reunion for him, but these were the first people she’d seen in years. His three friends looked like a crowd. “Elena, you briefly met my fellow Cadi Warrior, Faktil.” He gestured with his free hand.

“Greetings.” Faktil studied Elena then cast him a questioning look.

Payim couldn’t help but smile and nod, silently confirming his friend’s suspicion. Faktil grinned in reply.

“And this bony warrior is Thorac.” He gestured to the Osivoire male.

“Elena, I’m pleased we were able to locate you and your people. You are welcome to anything on this ship,” Thorac formally greeted her.

“Good to meet you. Thank you.” Elena gave Thorac a genuine smile.

“And that shaggy warrior is Thunder.” He pointed to the blond Toufik.

Thunder made the greeting gesture, then added a few more that made him laugh.

“The Toufik can hear, but speak with their hands. Thunder says welcome,” he relayed as he chuckled.

“All those gestures meant welcome?” Elena asked, dubiously.

“No,” Payim admitted with a snicker.

“Thunder was commenting that he fears we were too late to rescue you from Payim,” Thorac chuckled.

“Ah. It’s very nice to meet you, Thunder, and yes, you’re a tad too late.” Elena shook her head sadly.

Thunder vibrated with silent laughter.

“Oh, I like this female,” Faktil snorted.

“Thank you for translating. Iwasgoing to keep that between us.” Payim eyed his friends but couldn’t repress his smile. It was so good to see everyone.

“We’re here joking, but you appear to need medical attention.” Thorac’s expression shifted from jovial to serious.

“Aye. When you didn’t show earlier and those smaller volcanoes started really blowing, we feared the worst.” Faktil frowned as they began walking.

I bet that reptile cruiser has something to do with it,Thunder signed.

“It does. We were ambushed this morning. Elena was taken. Her knee is injured,” he growled, again angry at all his mate had been subjected to.

“Easy, big guy, they’re all dead now.” Elena rubbed his chest as he stalked through the hangar.

“All of them!? How many Jurou Biljana were there?” Faktil asked, following them toward the med clinic.

“Four. I took care of two and Elena handled the other pair before I reached her,” he related as they traversed the main corridor.

“Impressive. How?” Thorac asked while panning Elena, noting how petite she was.

“I’d like to know that, too,” he grumbled, entering the clinic.

“This is a tale I have to hear,” Faktil added.

“The human female has an injured knee and other injuries from the look of it. Payim may need assistance, too,” Thorac commented to the Osivoire medic as Payim set Elena on a gurney.

“Thank you.” Elena smiled graciously at the medic as the male began examining her knee. “I’ll tell you the quick version. This morning, I went to do my business and collect some berries, when suddenly there were four reptiles. When I woke up on their ship there…”

“How’d they get you there?” Payim interrupted with a growl, noticing she’d glossed over that detail.

“They knocked me out,” Elena sighed, grimacing sheepishly at him.

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