Page 11 of Errik

How quickly would the nanobots work?

He gathered Holly into his arms and cradled her against his chest as he sat on the floor. He brushed an errant lock of hair away from her forehead, marveling at just how tiny she was. He’d glimpsed plenty of human females in Starzzia, but he’d never seen one quite as small as Holly. Or so pale.

Again, that urge to protect her spread through him, making him feel murderous and ready to go to battle against anyone who might do her harm.

He leaned closer to watch her expression for any hint that she was still in pain. But to his relief, she appeared calm. She was no longer grimacing. It looked like she was sleeping peacefully.

Why wasn’t she waking up yet?

He swallowed hard. Was it possible she had an ailment that the nanobots couldn’t fix? Had he arrived too late?

Her reason for signing up for the VAMOB program suddenly became clear to him. She was in poor health and needed help. Perhaps she’d even learned about the healing nanobots each Vaxxlian warrior gave his mate.

Errik held her closer, praying that she would wake up. He glanced over his shoulder toward the partially open door of her abode. His cruiser was parked nearby in the same lot, and he had a small but efficient medical bay on his ship. He rose to his feet and carried her outside, issuing a verbal command for the ramp of his vessel to descend. Once he carried her aboard, he quickly called out a command for the ramp to seal shut.

Just as he reached the medical bay, she finally stirred in his arms. She released a soft sigh that tickled his chest while moving her arms slightly. He carefully set her upon a padded exam table, taking his time as he laid her down, not wanting to cause her even the smallest discomfort.

He needed to strip her clothing off, examine her body, and determine whether she had any injuries and needed additional medical assistance. He grasped the front of her shirt, shredding the garment and pulling the remnants of fabric off her body. Then he removed her shoes, socks, and tore her pants off.

It occurred to him as he was undressing her that she was wearing garb more suited for a man. Why? He’d seen a few dresses hanging in the closet inside her silver abode.

Finally, he tore off her underwear and bra. He tried to maintain the professional demeanor of a doctor as he scanned her naked form, lifting her legs and arms as he searched for any sign of injury. But he didn’t see a single bruise or cut. No scars either.

He was about to reach for a medical scanner to check for internal injuries or any other ailments that might be afflicting her when her eyes started fluttering. He froze, watching as she released another soft sigh, moved her fingers, and wiggled her dainty toes. Her chest rose and fell more rapidly in what looked like a normal rhythm. And her cheeks were starting to hold a healthy flush that brought him hope.

Ever aware of her nudity, he tried to avert his eyes as he reached under the exam table for a blanket. He unfurled the white blanket and quickly covered her with it. He was not used to spending time around females of any species, but he doubted she would appreciate waking up completely naked in a strange place with him hovering over her.

The last thing he wanted was to frighten her.

He wanted her to feel safe with him.

She was his mate, and they would spend the rest of their lives together. The realization swept through him, startling but somehow calming. For the first time in ages, he didn’t feel like running away. It was as though he’d been searching for something, searching for a purpose, and now he’d been given a small human female to cherish.

He vowed before the Star God that he would always protect this woman. He would claim her, keep her, and do whatever he could to ensure her happiness. His thoughts turned so gentle and even dreamy that he almost felt like a stranger to himself. But he found he enjoyed the emotions. They were different and even healing in a way.

At last, Holly opened her dark brown eyes.

And at that very moment, Errik fell in love.

Chapter 5

Was she dreaming? Holly blinked and tried to take in her surroundings. Through blurred vision, she saw a bright white room and overhead lights that made it difficult to focus. Yes, she must be dreaming. This wasn’t her RV, and she’d left the clinic… hadn’t she?

She shifted on the padded surface that was far more comfortable than her bed in the RV or any hospital bed for that matter.

She thought she smelled antiseptic and something else she couldn’t put a name to. A rich aroma that reminded her of pine trees and cinnamon.

Hmm. Maybe she wasn’t dreaming.

This was starting to feel real.

As she tried to sit up, her hands brushed along her bare thighs. Naked. Oh, God. She was naked. But she felt a soft, warm blanket covering her, and that brought her some relief.

Who had taken her clothes off and why?

And why the hell couldn’t she focus?

Suddenly, the lights dimmed somewhat, and she glimpsed a tall figure moving toward her. She gasped and reached for the cover, clutching it to her body tightly.