Page 85 of Stealing Jia

“Drink it.” Trayon gave me his ‘I am the Commander, and you will obey me look’. “Now.”

“Fine.”I gulped it down and grimaced. “Ugh.” My stomach rumbled. I felt like I could eat a horse “I’d love a plate of spaghetti and a giant glass of Merlot.”

Trayon picked me up. “Shower first, then food.”

“Ok.”I did stink like three-day old roadkill.

Several lights flashed on Trayon’s gauntlet.

“I think someone is trying to get ahold of you.”

“They want to know if you survived.”

“Was there any doubt?”

“Yes.”

My eyebrows rose in surprise. “Seriously?”

“There were some unexpected side effects.”Trayon hugged me tightly. “I almost lost you.”

“But you didn’t and you’re squishing me,”I squeaked.

Trayon loosened his grip and placed me in the shower. “The entire ship felt your pain.”

“What? How horrible. Not to mention embarrassing. Dear Lord, the kids!”

“Zarek and your father shielded them.”

My shoulders sagged in relief. “I must thank them.”

The door chimed.

“Are you expecting someone?”

“Soval. He needs to take a blood sample.”

“Okay. Can it wait until I’ve showered?”

“Yes.”Trayon stroked the side of my face. “Your needs come first.”

The anguish in his eyes broke my heart. “I’m fine and it was my decision.”

“I should have taken more precautions.”Trayon gaze roved over me as if I was a priceless wonder.

I had to admit I was flattered. Most men ignored me or tried to kill me.“How many human females have been converted?”

“Two.”

“And Tihar’s mate didn’t have any problems?”

“No.”

“Then there was no way you could have known,”I replied.

The door chimed again.

“Go, let me wash off the stink and I’ll join you.”

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