Forsaken Read Online Free

to run away? That doesn’t seem very scientific.” When she didn’t reply, he provoked her even further. “I didn’t take you for a coward.”
    His strategy was transparent, but Raina helplessly took the bait. “I’m not a coward,” she stressed after a tense pause. “I don’t like being manipulated. There’s a big difference.”
    He bowed his head, acknowledging her assertion without agreeing or disagreeing with the claim. His uniform accented his height and hugged every bulge and angle of his impressive physique. The man was built like an Olympic swimmer, all lean strength and agility.
    “Ashley is back on board,” he told her. “Are you calm enough to join her? Or do you need some time alone.”
    “I am perfectly calm.” She wasn’t fooled by his thinly veiled threat. He’d leave her locked in some dismal cell until she was “calm” enough to agree with whatever he said. It was an old and despicable tactic.
    He spoke several phrases she didn’t understand and then swept his arm toward the doorway. “After you.”
    There was no obvious communications device on his person, but she had no doubt he was speaking to others. Was the transceiver part of his uniform, or did he have some sort of implant? She tried to remain focused on her goal of returning to Earth, but a barrage of questions filled her mind. Why were they here? How long had they been visiting Earth? Why did they need hydroponics if they were capable of space travel? Or was hydroponics how they dealt with the need for sustenance on their ships?
    Rather than reveal how intriguing she found the situation, she asked, “Does the government know you’re up here?”
    “Which government?” His strides were long and purposeful. She had to rush to keep up with him. “Earth has so many.”
    It was a distraction, but she was curious enough not to care that he’d sidestepped her question. “Your planet has only one government?” They reached the end of the first corridor and turned down another. Holy shit, how big was this ship?
    “My planet has had every form of government you can imagine. Currently, we have a planetary ruler who is heavily influenced by various special interest groups.”
    Raina shook her head. “That sounds familiar. It doesn’t seem to matter which political party is in control, it’s the special interests who wield the true power.” She tried to keep track of their position, but everything looked the same. “So what brings you to Earth?”
    “Rebellion.” He flashed an unexpected grin and the strange purple rings in his eyes gleamed. Her chest tightened and a memory stirred in the back of her mind. Mimi, her grandmother, told wild stories about a dark-haired warrior with rings of blue fire in his eyes. Everyone thought her tales were the tragic imaginings of a dementia-inflicted mind. Was it possible…
    She shook away the distraction and focused on her current situation. “Against what are you rebelling?”
    “We’re the forsaken, the battle born. We’re a byproduct of a war we didn’t start. We’ve been enslaved by a society that rejects us. We’re treated as if we have no value and we will no longer tolerate the abuse.” Any hint of amusement left his expression, burned away by bitterness and pain.
    She had no idea if what he said was true or the circumstances that might have led to such injustice. Still, he obviously believed every word. “I’m sorry. Are you hoping for an ally in Earth or are you looking for a place to…” Her chaotic thoughts tangled around each other. “ Why are you here?”
    “It’s probably better if I let Ashley fill you in on the basics.” Kotto glanced down at her, a curious expression softening his sharp features. His gaze lowered, lingering on her mouth for a moment. “Do you need to notify a spouse or roommate that you’ll be gone for several hours, perhaps more?”
    She studied her captor/host and allowed herself to relax just a little. He didn’t seem dangerous. No,