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Chapter Fifteen
Freya
It was late when Zark came home that evening, but I knew he would be out later than usual doing a job that he’d just been assigned. I needed time to process the flood of memories and emotions anyway. They seemed to return in waves. I suddenly understand why the women despised me and I didn’t blame them one bit. I knew it would take some time, but I wanted to prove to each of them that I wasn’t the equivalent of my father. I was also done hiding in my own shell. I wouldn’t be a hermit crab anymore just because I was afraid of what someone thought of me.
The locks on the door rattled and Zark’s large figure crossed the threshold.
“Zark. Finally. You’re back.” I hurried to greet him, taking a couple of the bags from him to set down on a table near then entrance.
“Yes, I’m back.” He stepped back to look at me and smiled. “Your skin is glowing. You’re happy?”
I smiled. “Yes.”
He slid his hand behind my neck gently and then lowered his lips to kiss my forehead. “You’re okay with your memories?” he asked.
“There’s nothing I can do about them now. My memories may have been gone for a little while, but my intentions and what motivated me were always there. I knew I didn’t want to return to Earth before and now I know why.”
“I’m glad you’re content,” he said.
“And look?” I held up the threading tool used to alter and design tunics. “I finally figured out how to use this thing. I tried for days at the dorms but couldn’t stay focused.”
He took the knotted fabric from me and took a look. “Good. You’ll need winter robes soon.”
“I bet.” I looked at the cloth bags filled with supplies. “You went shopping. You said you’d take me again the next time you went.”
“I know you enjoyed yourself the other day in the market. I’ll make it up to you. But first, I have a surprise for you…at least I think it’ll be a surprise.”
I chuckled. “What is it?”
“Come outside. There’s someone waiting to see you.”
“Who?” I mumbled, just as he opened the door and led me outside.
“I searched for your friend today. Aurora. She is mated to Vaxar. When I told her you wanted to see her, she insisted on coming right away…”
Zark’s voice trailed off as I walked down the path. Standing next to her huge warrior mate was Aurora. Recognition set in instantly on her face and she left Vaxar’s side to meet me halfway.
“Freya,” she exclaimed, hugging me and then stepping back to look at me. “Oh, God, it’s really you.”
“Yes, it’s me. I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Me either,” she squealed.
I swallowed. “Are you not mad with me?”
“About what?” She searched my face.
“I have my memories now.”
She frowned. “I wondered about that. I suspected that was the case. You were so distant. I thought maybe you were mad because I ran off when the bombs hit our settlement back on Earth.”
“No.” I shook my head. “I can never be mad at you.”
“I totally abandoned you,” she said. “We made a promise to always stick together. You told me that one day you’d free me from servitude…and I didn’t have the will power to stick around. I had go…”
My eyes began to water. “Aurora, I’m so very sorry—”
“Ssh, no apologizing for things that were beyond your control. I know how your father treated you. I know he threatened physical punishment when you acted out. He was always so angry whenever you spoke out. I remembered you always did and then one time…you just stopped. Something bad happened I think. You didn’t want to talk about it then,” she said, and then turned away.
