Page 6 of Keeping Freya (Warriors of Arracate #3)

Freya

T he girls are gathered around the big table.

Brittney and Crystal are having an animated discussion with Lauren.

The sounds of their laughter echo through the air, and I feel a sting in my chest. The arrival of the Arracate and their mates lifted a weight off their shoulders.

They take comfort in the knowledge that somebody is taking care of them, that they’ll have a future of some sort.

It hurts at some stupid level. I thought I was taking care of them as their unofficial leader, was I not enough?

I look at Anna, Jodie, and Daphne; their conversation with Mara is much more serious.

Mara is telling them about Novarron, the people, and the safety the planet will give them.

They all seem to have forgotten about Earth.

They trust these aliens so easily, accepting their help without even wondering what they want in return.

I think back on what T’Rak said—that they are different.

Well, first, I have to see it before I believe it.

I feel the anger rising inside me; these Arracate come in and sweep us off our feet, taking care of us. The one who’s calling me his mate is the worst. I mean, I caught him with his hand in his pants, and he didn’t even try to hide it!

I huff out a frustrated breath as I push myself from the side of the wall, just as the males enter the Command center. Silently, I back down. I have an ace up my sleeve, and am not afraid to use it.

O’Rec clears his throat before moving to stand behind Mara. “The repairs are pretty much done, the system has been rerouted to our signatures, so it seems like we are ready to leave.”

“Awesome,” Crys exclaims. “I am looking forward to seeing Novarron.”

“Novarron is so beautiful!” Lauren starts. “We went there a couple of weeks ago, everything is so peaceful there and…”

“Wait a minute,” I interrupt her, but I don’t move from my spot at the wall. “I know we talked about going to Novarron, we took a vote, and you all want to go there. But I never said I was going to join you. I’m not ready to give up on going home.”

“I’m not giving up,” Daphne pipes up.

“We’re not!” Anna exclaims. “We just…” She looks at Daphne for reassurance, continuing after a little nod.

“You’re so strong, Freya, you kick ass at being all shoot-first-ask-questions-later.

But we… We are not like that. I’m scared, Daphne is scared.

I want to go home, but I’m also overwhelmed and scared shitless.

If there’s a safe place I can wait out the storm, I want to take shelter.

” She looks up at me, her big brown eyes filled with unshed tears.

“If there’s a way to go home, we’ll wait. If we get the chance to be happy here in the meantime, we want to take it. It doesn’t mean we’re giving up, but it also doesn’t mean we’re going to let it take over our lives. Haven’t we been through enough? ”

Sadness bubbles up inside me, but I quickly shove it down. “I understand, truly I do. But I don’t see why I need to come.”

“It is not safe out here for a lone female,” T’Rak growls. He gives me a stern look as if he’s saying, ‘and that’s that,’ before he turns toward the other women and his crew.

“We cannot tow this ship to Novarron; it will leave a trace. We will stash it at the first meteor belt we encounter. Then, we take our ship towards the planet.”

His last words are solely for his crew. “We will hunt for the High Commander after the females are safe.”

“So, when are you going to look for Earth?” I can’t help myself, but I need to know!

He gives me a deadpan look, having me raise an eyebrow.

“After we find the High Commander and take him down.”

“How will you get to him, you don’t even know where he is.”

A low growl rumbles in his throat. “We will find him, it may take some time, but we will find him. He will not escape his justice.”

I study my nails, then look him straight in the eye. “Or you can take me with you.”

“Why should we do that?!” he huffs.

“Because I know where he went…”

The silence feels heavy after my last words. I see tension gripping T’Rak; if he were human, this would definitely be the moment his face would flush with anger.

“You know WHAT?!” he spits out, stalking towards me. He steps into my space, but I don’t back down, not even an inch.

I lift my chin and repeat my words. “I know where he went.”

“Tell. Me,” he growls.

“I will, but I have some conditions. ”

“Do not test me, female.”

A dry laugh escapes my throat. “I think you’re the one testing me, or betraying me at least. I will tell you where to find your precious High Commander, as long as you give me reassurance that you will find Earth and take me there.”

“I already told you I would,” he grunts, but I shake my head.

“Promises, promises, how will I know if you’ll hold up to your end of the bargain? No, sir, I want reassurance.” I look him up and down. I know his type, the unwavering warrior. Honor is essential to him; his word means something…

“I want your word.”

“Done.”

“And I want to come with you.”

“Absolutely not.”

I shrug. “Suit yourself. He is at some place called Tekrov. You should really take me with you if you want that location narrowed down some more.”

T’Rak squints his eyes. His scar’s quite literally in my face, but it doesn’t do anything to make him less attractive. On the contrary, it gives him something extra, something fierce, something rough.

Bad hormones, I chastise myself while he thinks about my offer.

“Okay,” he finally agrees. “Tekrov is a massive planet, and we will save time if you and I take this ship and O’Rec and D’Var join us after they have brought the other females to Novarron.”

I nod my agreement. “We have ourselves an agreement.” Then I brush past him and walk away.

I hide out in my room for the remainder of the day. The others pack their things, their voices hushed when they pass my door.

The unexpected knock on the door is so soft, I barely even hear it.

Jodie's face comes into view after I open it.

“Hi.” `she waves shyly. “I ehm… I wanted to tell you we are about to leave.” She sniffs.

“I will miss you, Freya. You have done so much for us. I wish I had your fighting spirit, but I guess I have been here for too long. I just want to give up. I just want to relax and not worry about my next move for a while. Please don’t be a stranger.

You can always visit us at Novarron. Please say goodbye before you go. ”

On impulse, I pull her into me. The hug is fierce and short, and I pull away briskly. “Go. Be happy.”

“Will you come with me to say goodbye to the others?” she whispers.

With a curt nod, I agree.

Conversation slows down when we enter, coming to an abrupt halt when they see I’ve joined Jodie.

“I wish you well,” I begin uncomfortably, but before I can continue, I’m wrapped in multiple arms for the biggest hug I’ve ever had.

“We will miss you.”

“Please stay in touch.”

“We would never be free if it wasn’t for you.”

“Please be safe.”

“Every girl needs a friend like you. Thank you for keeping us safe.” Brittney’s eyes shine with unshed tears as she hugs me.

“You’re uhm… You’re welcome.” Emotion clogs my throat when they release me, and I say goodbye with a stiff wave and a sad smile .

The girls leave with O’Rec and Mara, leaving me alone at the ship with T’Rak.

I eye him wearily. Suddenly, I’m tired and don’t want to talk anymore. It’s close to evening, so I might just go to bed anyway.

I can see the Arracate ship flying away from us; there is only T’Rak and I left here.

When the ship is nothing but a dot anymore, I turn towards him. “You take first shift, I’ll catch up on some sleep.”

I don’t wait for his answer; I just escape to my bedroom.