Page 49 of Gladiator's Captive
Chapter Twenty-Four
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Rager
A short while later, Sayk took his leave from the clinic, his mood dark and broody. I didn’t bother to ask. Tartarus’ problems were not my own.
But with Wylder’s visit, it was clear that I had to find a way out sooner rather than later.
Maybe I should sell Serena’s necklace, even with what it means to her.
She weighed little against my chest as I cradled her on my way to the private quarters Sayk had assigned us. It was just temporary, a courtesy most new arrivals in Tartarus were not given, but because of Serena’s weak health, Doc has insisted. And there we were, walking behind a sulking Ry to our own private chambers.
The human stepped to the side as I walked in the door, then he closed it. We were finally alone.
The room we were in was small, but cozy. A sofa lined the back wall and a rectangular table with two chairs was tucked against the right wall, just beside it.
In the middle of the room was a large bed, the mattress covered in a tired but clean blanket.
I knew enough to understand it was luxury in a place like Tartarus, something only a few would be awarded. Sayk intended to ply me into staying by providing me with comfort for my mate. It was a good try, but I would not be swayed. Especially after Wylder’s little stunt in the clinic.
Our place was on Muhar, with the bones of my ancestors, where the Galactic Empire would leave us alone.
Serena moved in my arms and I reluctantly allowed her to stand, but stood close by in case she needed my help.
Her gaze wandered around the small room and she hugged herself lightly, pulling on the tattered cotton of her gray cotton pants and t-shirt as she inspected her new home. This was nothing compared to what she was used to.
I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arm behind her back. She leaned into my embrace and I purred with pleasure as her waist moved with a fluid ease, molding herself to me. Her body was small and full of curves, so pleasant in its flexibility.
This was the strength of the female. In many way, bigger than a man’s. Flexible, resilient, steadfast where man was brute and rash.
And Serena was the strongest woman I had ever seen. She was my mate. She deserved better than this. She deserved everything.
“What are we going to do? Wylder is dangerous.”
My guts tightened at the question. She was right.
“We’ll leave as soon as you’re better.” I gritted my teeth at the memory of the older man, the way he had looked at Serena. “He won’t matter when we’re far away.”
“To Muhar?” She lifted an inquisitive brow and I nodded in acquiescence. “What about Sayk and Janet and Ry? I believe they could use your help against him.”
I nodded. She was smart, as always.
“This does not concern us.”
Serena didn’t comment but her face hardened and her eyes became a shade darker. I recognized the stubborn streak in her expression, knew I had to convince her.
“We cannot stay here, Serena. No matter how much I would like to help Sayk in whatever he intends to do against Wylder. It’s just too dangerous.”
Serena swallowed and some of the hardness deserted her face. “My father?” Fear painted her delicate features as she bit on her lower lip. “You think he will come after us?”
“I took something from him that he considered his property.” My hand cupped her cheek. “Arenius is not a man to accept this without a fight.”
She exhaled a shaky breath and leaned into my hand. The faith of the gesture squeezed my throat. I had to deserve her trust at all cost.
“Will we ever be free of him?”
