Red Run Read Online Free Page B

you.” Agatha Redding hugged her granddaughter tightly and Sophie couldn’t have been happier. “Dear, what are you wearing?”
    Sophie blushed and then felt a familiar presence behind her. “Agatha Redding, this is Commander T’bir . He brought me here to find you.”
    When T’bir snaked an arm around her waist, she almost crawled into the ground. Gran’s eyes widened and she nodded with understanding, a small smile playing around her lips.
    T’bir’s voice rumbled through the enclosure. “I am pleased to meet you, Madam. Sophie has been most worried on your behalf.”
    “And what is your interest in my granddaughter?” The older woman raised one eyebrow.
    “I wish to take her as my mate.” His blunt honesty won her approval, that much was certain.
    “Sophie, what do you think of this?”
    She looked from her grandmother to the man who held her as delicately as a flower and soothed her with his touch. “I am still working it out, Gran.”
    Agatha grinned. “Good girl. Always figure things out before making a decision.”
    She laughed lightly as T’bir squeezed her waist. “Madam, would you please accompany us? I have a meeting with your mayor and colony council.”
    “One moment, Commander. I want my granddaughter properly attired before anything else. This costume is not appropriate for matters of state.” Agatha had spoken and Sophie smiled as T’bir inclined his head.
    “Of course, Madam. Please come with us.” He gestured for her to accompany them and led Sophie away.
    The ship that they approached was huge and well-guarded. It had been blamed for the attacks, but knowing what she now knew, it made sense that their shuttles had been monitoring the activation.
    “First we will get a dress from storage, then we will join them in the conference room.” He walked with her and several men saluted him and bowed to her.
    When Sophie looked around, Gran was right behind her, eyeing the men with the wistful indulgence of age.
    The section marked storage was under guard, but T’bir brought them through without difficulty. He stood at a kiosk and brought up a selection of clothing. “Pick what you like.”
    She fiddled around until she got the hang of the screen and then quickly selected a dress. He struck a few buttons and pressed his palm to the plate. Down the endless halls, a robot whirred and came scooting toward them with a flat plastic case in its arms.
    “I didn’t select red.” She frowned.
    “I did. Until things settle, I want to keep an eye on you. This seemed the most obvious way to do it.” T’bir had a small smile playing around his lips.
    Shaking her head, she pulled the dress over it and, as the skirt covered her, she removed the strapless gown underneath, a skill honed in gym class. The red gown was fitted around her rib cage and the neckline gave her delicate cleavage. The skirt fell to just above her ankle and flared and swirled as she walked.
    “You look lovely, Sophie.” Gran was smiling. “Red is your colour , but I can’t imagine you sprinting through the woods in that other thing. You must have been determined to get to me.”
    “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Gran. You know that.” She took her grandmother’s hand and kissed the weathered cheek.
    “Time to meet your people, Sophie.” T’bir took her hand and they walked as a group to the conference room.
    “Commander. Glad to see you in good health. Who is the lovely lady at your side?” A male with dark brown hair and darker eyes greeted them while the rest of the room fell silent.
    “My mate, Sophie Redding. Sophie, this is my oldest friend, Agent N’lien .”
    “ N’lien , please. Sophie, you will have your hands full with this one.”
    She smiled shyly and took the seat that T’bir held out for her, next to her grandmother and on his right hand.
    The meeting started roughly, but as both sides explained their points, an agreement was achieved. The humans would be allowed to stay, provided that