Page 60 of Krin

I gave him a curt nod of thanks.

With that, we were interrupted by another Alaran Captain. Lex approached and stood next to me.

While I couldn’t put a name to every Protectorate ships Captain, Lex was someone I knew well.

We had worked together with him a few times when the Krilex first entered Alaran territory.

He was a fine, and honorable warrior.

“It is good to see you again,” he said to me directly.

“Thank you for responding to the situation. This is my K’sha, Riley,” I said proudly.

My mate nodded at him and returned a smile.

Lex put his hand on my shoulder, grinning.

“There are enough of us here to deal with the situation. I understand your mate was seriously injured. Find one of my ships’ shuttles and get settled in. I’ll make sure you get back to Alara when we finish here.”

Riley remained quiet, watching our interaction.

“Thank you.” They would not get any argument from me. I wanted to stay by my precious K’sha’s side until I was sure she had gotten enough rest.

I walked through the shuttle’s corridor to a tiny room containing only a bed.

Usually, these were only used to house injured people, since the shuttles were short distance flyers and not meant to be lived in like our larger vessels.

I carefully settled Riley onto the bunk, then sat next to her. She reached for me, taking my hand. “Lie with me?”

She gave me a grin that I knew all too well. But it was too soon for her to be doing anything except resting.

My lips down-turned. “I do not wish to injure you.”

Riley muttered she was fine now, and pulled me down next to her.

I let out a sigh, then kissed her cheek.

She wiggled against me.

“Riley. Rest.” I chuckled at my insatiable mate.

The last couple of rotations, and everything we’d encountered had taken its toll on us both.

Holding Riley close in my arms, I struggled to stay awake as she drifted off to sleep. After giving her the briefest of kisses, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to rest.

24

Riley

I WOKE TO FIND KRINwas no longer on the bed with me. Sitting up I noted how rested I felt considering I’d been in a coma for two days.

My stomach rumbled, a reminder that I hadn’t eaten in a while either.

Remarkably, I was steady on my feet when I stood.

It was hard to know how long I’d been asleep, but first things first.

I had to seek out Krin and find out how things were going with the rescue.

---