Page 36 of Grulen

“Don’t push it.The mind can close itself off for any number of reasons.You’ll remember when you’re ready.”Lezon turned to Captain Ordan.“Can you send me a copy of his medical records?”

“Of course.”

“If that’s all, let’s get back to theFortitude.”Makai nodded at the males, who surrounded the women.Outside, Crax stood by a large flitter.They hustled the humans into the vehicle and stood waiting.

Stalad spoke briefly with Captain Ordan.They exchanged warrior’s clasps, gripping the other’s forearm.Then the Svesti slid into the vehicle with the Jalaxians and ended up across from her.

Morgan intertwined her frozen fingers to keep them still as they rode back to theFortitudeand listened as everyone chatted around her.From their conversation, she learned that theMorning Starrescued Stalad almost a month ago and their investigation determined he had been injured about two weeks prior to that.When Lezon asked how he survived those two weeks, she internally winced and closed her eyes when he said he’d somehow ended up in a quasi-stasis with lower oxygen levels and the cold of space.

Shivers racked her body.The scent of cinnamon and caramel wafted over her.She opened her eyes to see Stalad offering her his shirt.

“I think you’re going into shock.Please take this to keep warm.”Liquid brown eyes showed concern.His tail tentatively wound around her ankle and rubbed gently over her leotard.

“Thank you.”His body heat emanated from the cloth as she pulled it over her head and she sighed.She shifted so it covered her thighs.Tension leaked from her body and she relaxed against the seat.

“I think they deliberately planned their kidnapping for the last performance.”

Makai nodded at Crax’s grumbled observation.

“I agree.They knew there were three human females and how many of us protected them.”

“I’m sorry.I just wanted to help fill the coffers.”Morgan blinked rapidly.

“It is not your fault.If we do this again, it will be one night only.”

Her eyes widened and she leaned forward.

“You’re not stopping me?”

“I negotiated a part of the entrance fee and drinks profit if a higher-than-normal crowd showed up.People waited in line last night and tonight in hopes of seeing you perform.Word got around after your first performances.”Makai smiled.“You made quite a few credits.”

“Keep them.”

He grunted.

“No.I’ll take a small percentage which will more than cover the small pittance you eat and transfer the rest to an account for you.You earned it.”

“But…”

“No arguments.”Makai mock glared at her.

Dropping back against the seat, she nodded tiredly.

“I don’t have the energy to argue with you right now.”Stalad’s tail moved to her other ankle and continued to soothe her for the rest of the trip back.

On theFortitude, her feet protested at walking on the cold metal.She yelped when Stalad lifted her in a bridal carry without warning.

“I can walk.And I’m too heavy.”Damn, he smells good.And he’s so warm.

“Your feet are injured.”

“Follow me,” Lezon said.“I’ll heal her feet.”

Grumpily, she crossed her arms and tried not to lean on the Svesti.He jostled her slightly and she fell against his chest.She huffed when she realized he was grinning at her discomfort.

“You’re just a little thing,ciebala.”

Her nose wrinkled.

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