Jesse bit her lip only to wince when she discovered the cut on it. She slowly nodded her head. She looked up at Hunter when he caressed her side in comfort.
“Yes,” she said. “I found Saber, well, he actually found me as I was climbing up onto the roof of a building to see if I could get a better look of the area. He had been hurt. His leg was infected. Taylor,” her voice faded when she saw the commander scowl again. “Taylor had, well, she had gathered a few medical supplies in case we needed them. I was able to use them to patch him up.”
“Yes, I am aware of some of the items your youngest sister took,” Jag commented coolly. “Including the explosives,” he added dryly, glancing at Saber.
“Hunter, I expect a detailed report sent to me by tomorrow afternoon,” Jag said. “I want Carp to check your Amate out when you leave here. Until further notice, your Amate will remain in your living quarters under your supervision. I expect you to remain with her to make sure that she does not cause any further problems. Additional forces have been sent by the Alliance to clean up the remaining insurgents. The Star Raider has been redirected back to Rathon. You are dismissed.”
Hunter nodded tersely before he scooped Jesse up in his arms and turned sharply on his heel. He didn’t pause, even when Jag barked out for Dagger and Saber to remain. His only concern now was for Jesse. He could feel the trembling she had tried so bravely to hide. He could smell her pain and feel her fatigue. He had no intentions of disobeying his current orders.
A small smile curved his lips as he thought of his commanding officer’s reaction to what Jesse had done down on the planet. He knew Jag well enough to know that the huge Trivator warrior was not immune to the effort it was taking for Jesse to stand upright. He also knew that his orders had not been what Jag had originally planned but once word swept through the warriors of Jesse’s bravery he couldn’t discount her courage.
“Hunter,” Jesse murmured. “Can I just get a shower and go to bed? I’m so tired.”
“Soon, my Amate,” he replied. “Just close your eyes and let me care for you now.”
“Okay,” Jesse replied, closing her eyes and releasing a deep sigh. “Love you.”
“I… love you too, Jesse,” Hunter whispered in shock as he finally understood what that tight feeling was in his chest. “I love you too, my Amate.”
Hunter stepped inside the lift that would take them down to medical. He blinked against the burning in his eyes as he stared down at Jesse’s closed eyes and swollen face. He was in love! All this time he hadn’t understood what was wrong with him and it was him falling in love. His heart beat heavily as he thought of how easily he could have lost Jesse without ever telling her.
Bending, he rubbed his nose along her forehead as visions flooded his mind. Memories of her staring at him terrified as she worked the locks holding the chains on him the first time he saw her. Other visions followed. Images of her lying on the floor of the collapsed garage, flushed with fever and bleeding. Her fighting against the men that had surrounded her and her sisters, the first time they made love, teasing him as she cut the ropes from his wrists and ankles and defiantly telling his commanding officer that she would disobey him again if necessary.
“Gods, Jesse,” he whispered as the lift slowed. “I love you!”
He cradled her tenderly in his arms as he stepped off the lift. Warriors in the corridors paused, placing their hands over their chest in a show of honor as he carried her. Word of what she had done had spread throughout the warship. She was being given a warrior's salute for her bravery.
Hunter nodded as he carried her into the medical unit. Carp stood ready, along with Bree who cursed when she saw Jesse’s battered body. Hunter carefully laid Jesse down on the bed. She was so tired, she didn’t move. He brushed her hair back from her bruised cheek. He didn’t care if the others saw that his hand wasn’t quite steady.
“Go get cleaned up while we care for her,” Bree said. “I’ll watch over her until you return.”
Hunter nodded. He needed time alone to come to terms with his feelings. Leaning over Jesse, he brushed his nose along her forehead before pressing his lips tenderly against hers. Straightening, he nodded once more before he turned and left the medical unit. There were times when a warrior needed to be alone and discovering he was in love was one of those times.
Chapter 18
Jesse woke slowly. She stretched her arms over her head before blinking several times to clear her vision. Sitting up, she was surprised to find herself in a clean tunic. She didn’t remember anything after Hunter picked her up and carried her off the bridge.
“Hunter?” Jesse called out.