The Breeding Experiment - Laurann Dohner Page 0,49

the delicate produce. He’d told some funny stories of how that had gone wrong when they’d received some new equipment to try.

She glanced up at the artificial sky again, enjoying the view, but the brightness hurt her eyes a little with her headache. It would pass.

Her thoughts returned once more to Gnaw. Not surprising. She had Gnaw on the brain, which made her smile. He was worthy of her musings. She just hoped that he was okay and didn’t hate her.

Defcon Red was huge. It really was like a city in space. It was possible she’d never run into him again. He’d said he was a fighter. A map of the ship had shown that some sections were off limits to civilians. The lifts wouldn’t even open on some levels, since she didn’t have clearance. It was possible that Gnaw lived and worked where she couldn’t go.

Maybe he’d come to see her. She’d glimpsed fleet members in various colors of uniforms strolling around the gardens. Joseph had said that everyone on Defcon Red had access to visit. They just weren’t allowed off the paths, or to touch anything growing. But the peaceful, colorful space helped some of them deal with living in space.

The hour ended, and Darla and her sister went to the employee area, storing their devices in the lockers they’d been assigned. Becky hooked her arm as they left the gardens. “Do you feel any better?”

“I just need sleep.”

“I guess that means you don’t want to have dinner with me?”

“Not tonight.” She glanced at her baby sister. “Is that okay?”

She nodded. “Those food replicators in our cabins are pretty nice. The options are limited, but promise me that you’ll eat before going to bed.”

“I will. You could go have dinner in the cafeteria without me.”

Becky shook her head. “I’m still adjusting to being around a bunch of strangers. It’s one thing to go with you, but I don’t feel comfortable yet doing it alone.”

That made sense to Darla. They were both used to living with their family. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Just feel better. Is your new friend going to visit you tonight?”

“Jessa? No. She only came by my cabin yesterday to make sure we’d been sent clothing, since our stuff wasn’t recovered when we were rescued. Anyway, we’re on our way to some planet she said she’s never heard of. I got the impression it was an unexpected mission. That means she has a ton of research to do, and she mentioned I wouldn’t hear from her for a few days. She’s going to be pretty busy.”

“Any idea what mission?”

They reached the lift and got inside. “I don’t know. I didn’t ask. She didn’t stay long.”

“I envy you that you’ve already made a friend.”

The lift opened and they made their way down the winding corridor to Becky’s cabin. “I don’t really know Jessa well. It’s new. You’ll make friends, too.”

“I hope so.” Becky unhooked her arm and faced her, lifting her hand and gently placing her palm on Darla’s forehead. She frowned. “You’re still hot. I read the employee information packet; you should go to the Med Bay and have a doctor take a look at you if Jessa is busy.”

“I’ll do that tomorrow if I’m still feeling bad, promise. I’m just rundown.”

Becky nodded. “Okay. Come get me if you need me, or use that communications device thing for ship calls. I’m still trying to figure it out.”

“I haven’t even messed with it. Their technology is something, isn’t it?”

“Way better than what we’re used to.”

They hugged, and Darla walked to her own cabin, Becky watching her until she went inside. She bypassed the kitchen and went straight to her room, showered, and went to bed. She just needed to rest and give her body a chance to recover from everything she’d been through.

But a part of her wished Gnaw was there to hold her.

Chapter Twelve

Gnaw had spent another restless night in his bed staring at the ceiling. Abby had sent a few messages to Darla, but she hadn’t responded in two days. All his plans to talk her into becoming his mate, or at least spending lots of time with him until he could convince her, were unfulfilled.

He finally climbed out of bed and got ready to go to the training room, where they worked out every morning. When he walked into the shared living space, Maith was the only male there. He glanced around, looking for the rest of his grouping. They normally ate together, either in