Ouroboros 4: End Read Online Free PDF Page B

then,' the Commander noted as he nodded to one of his deputies. 'Open up the cell. But be on guard. Any suspicious activity at all, and we stun her.'
    Carson wanted to say something, but knew he couldn't let himself. The only words that came to mind were all the kinds you never shared with a superior.
    Instead he curled one hand into a fist and locked his jaw.
    And he waited.
    To see her.
    They'd hardly been separated for five hours, yet it felt like an eternity. They had been together for almost every step of this journey, and he couldn't afford to leave her side until it was finally over.
    As one of Harrington's deputies opened her cell door, he noted as another cautiously turned off the massive force fields flickering in place just behind it.
    He'd seen fields like that. But never in a standard brig scenario.
    She bolted upright. He watched her sit and swivel her head until she faced him.
    Her eyes were wide as they fixed on him.
    He wanted to jump right through the force field and embrace her.
    He needed to feel her close by, until there was no space between them at all. Only then would he be able to confirm she was fine.
    It would be kind of inappropriate though. So instead he simply flexed his hand and tightened it into a fist, repeating the move as sweat collected between his fingers.
    She had a conflicted expression as she stared between him and Harrington. He could see the fear flickering within her eyes, yet the smile creeping across her lips as she glanced his way.
    He wanted more than anything to tell her everything was fine, and she’d be safe now.
    He couldn’t.
    He had no idea what would happen next.
    Admitting that sent a shot of nerves slicing down his back, chilling every muscle as it went.
    Carson twitched, and sucked in a sharp breath. Then he finally ignored decorum and reached a hand out to her. He watched her cheeks tighten, her brow crumpling with concern. ‘Am I really free to go?’ she asked in a small, tight voice.
    Harrington let out a sharp, punch of a breath. ‘You are not free to go. Whatever he’s said to the Captain,’ Harrington nodded Carson’s way, ‘know this: I’m watching you. If you try to do anything to this ship or crew, I will stop you.’
    There was so much vehemence behind Harrington’s words, it was a surprise they didn’t send Nida cowering backwards.
    Instead she simply stood her ground and stared at him. Though her expression flickered with deep concern, she pressed her lips together, took a breath, then shook her head. ‘I’m not here to hurt anyone. We’re here to help you,’ she said directly.
    A few weeks ago, she would have cringed at a superior's reprimand, let alone outright threat. Now, though she was clearly affected, she still pressed on.
    Carson kept reminding himself how much she’d changed, but it really was amazing to see how far she’d come.
    Cadet Nida Harper was no longer the worst recruit in 1000 years—she was rapidly becoming one of the bravest people he knew.
    He couldn’t help but smile. Which was crazy considering Harrington had just threatened to shoot her.
    She reacted to his smile though. Nida’s cheeks warmed, and the fear that had played through her eyes dimmed.
    . . . .
    It was crazy he could have that kind of effect on her. Then again, she was having just the same effect on him. Her presence, her smile, her words—they all gave Carson a kind of strength he’d never really experienced before.
    Sure, in the past he’d known how to push himself. As head of the Force, endurance and stamina were integral. But now, this, the way she made him feel, it gave him a kind of energy he couldn’t begin to describe. He felt like he could take on the entire damn Coalition if he had to.
    And heck, if Harrington’s reaction was anything to go by, maybe he’d have to.
    Nida tore her gaze off him and carefully pushed her hand over her modified implant.
    Harrington watched her every move, the concentration pressing across his brow like wind