by Piper Stone
I was out of breath, the air getting thinner by the minute. I slumped against the rocks, ignoring the pain biting into my back, piercing the thin layer of material protecting me from the elements.
Hissing, Xander turned the lantern in my direction, his eyes almost glowing in the dense space. His face was covered in mud, his hair stringy from the constant condensation dripping down from the cavern ceiling. In my mind, he seemed more like the savage the Zatans had groomed him to be, no longer truly human. He curled his lips in a snarl as he approached, the sloshing water a constant reminder of the dire straits we were in.
“We can’t stop now. We’re running out of air.”
I took several deep breaths, not enough to fuel my aching muscles or my brain. “Just a few minutes. Please.”
His features softened as he stared at me, finally nodding. He reached into one of the bags, forced to carry mine as well as the one holding the various weapons, finding a container of water. “You need to drink.”
“I’m not thirsty.”
I could see the slight shake of his head as he approached, looming over me like a primal beast.
“You will drink, or I’ll be forced to pour it down your throat,” he stated in his usual commanding voice.
I wanted to argue, my natural disposition having been driven to the surface by the horrors we’d faced, but I had nothing left. No fight. No sense of anything but terror. My hand was shaking as I clamped my fingers around the thin metal piece, taking several deep breaths before finally pulling the rim to my lips. The water was warm but refreshing and within seconds, I was gulping every drop I could manage.
“Take it easy. We must conserve.” Xander eased the container from my hands, using his knuckles to wipe drops that had fallen from my lips. This was the gentle giant I’d grown to care for, even trust with my life. In his eyes, I could see concern as well as his continued need for revenge.
“We’re never getting out of here. Are we?”
His grin was laced with a hint of evil. “Whoever the assholes were who built the facility didn’t create this passageway for any other reason than to escape. Take a deep whiff.”
I eyed him, knowing he was doing his best to keep me from freaking out, but I did as I was told. When a hint of different air filled my lungs, I was elated, almost giddy. “An opening.”
He nodded, a twinkle in his eye. “I’m going to guess about five hundred feet. Can you make it?”
Did I have a choice? I nodded, yanking the second bag from his shoulder. He’d carried the brunt of the trip for long enough. He didn’t fight me, although his gaze swept down to my legs, which disappeared into a thick ten inches of muck and slime.
I took several deep breaths before pushing myself away from the wall. Air. Light. That’s all that I could concentrate on.
Five hundred feet turned into one thousand, but the air became less dense, breathing easier and suddenly there was a tiny beam of light in the distance.
He chuckled darkly before holding out his hand. “Stay here. Let me see what we’re dealing with. And I do mean, stay right where you are.”
I had no intention or strength to follow him, but I watched intently as he made his way toward the light, using his fingers to feel around the space. Then I heard a click. The moment a splash of light filtered into the ugliness we’d been dealing with was possibly the most amazing moment of my recent life.
I was elated, more excited than I’d been, hopeful even amongst the darkness. What if there were nothing but beasts lurking just outside the opening? What if we would be brutalized within seconds?
I had to overcome the fear. There was no other choice but to face the unknown. I took long strides, almost falling twice, ignoring his command. I had to see. I needed to know what we were facing.
The set of metal stairs leading up toward the light was a beautiful beacon. Xander had all but disappeared, but I could see little to nothing, the bright light of the tangerine sky the most beautiful thing I’d seen.
After several minutes, fear settled in, my body tingling from anticipation as well as terror. What if he didn’t come back? What if he’d been slaughtered by the ugly monsters crawling through the forests and mountains? I took shallow breaths until I was lightheaded, finally clinging to the metal bars. I certainly wasn’t going to die in this dank and dreadful place.
“Xander?”
The echoes of my voice gave me chills, my heart racing.
“Xander, are you there?” My voice more insistent, I took another series of breaths before starting the climb.
I’d taken only three steps when his head appeared over the opening, a single brow lifted as he stared down at me.
“You didn’t follow my orders,” he said. Just as arrogant as always. Just as dominating as he’d been.
“I just...” I shrank back, my thoughts jumbled.
“It’s safe. Come on.” He reached his hand down, giving me a comforting smile.
Yet his eyes held the same darkness as before, changing colors several times.
When I was finally able to grasp his fingers, the light shifted into a level of brightness that was far more incredible than anything I’d seen before.
The light was far more vibrant, the hues splashing across the surface. As he pulled me onto the surface, I was taken aback by the incredible colors surrounding the area. Reds. Purples. Neon blues and greens. He wrapped his arms around me, tugging me close to his chest.
“Take a whiff,” he said in a husky voice.
I allowed the air to fill my lungs, the rich scent of flowers I’d known on Earth filling my lungs. Jasmine. Roses. There was even the fragrance of herbs; oregano and thyme, basil and cilantro, and I could swear I was able to detect strawberries. How?
“What is this place?” I whispered, my eyes finally getting accustomed to the bright light.
“We’re still on the same planet, little human.”
“Are we safe?”
He chortled, actually kissing the top of my head. “From what I can tell.”
This was totally unlike the area where the Zatans had built their compound or near the wretched cave we’d been forced to stay.
This was... paradise.
When Xander finally let me go, he closed the hatch, securing the latch. “I have no idea how they were able to dig the tunnels, but either they knew exactly where they were going, or they had a hand in developing everything we see.”
I took tentative steps forward, scanning the perimeter. There was rich, tropical foliage as far as the eye could see, trees scattered amongst flowering shrubs, and areas of what appeared to be even actual green grass covering the planet’s purple surface.
And the sound of running water.
“I just don’t understand,” I whispered, every synapse on fire, my mind reeling.
“I don’t get it either. We’re going to find a place to make camp. There’s a river not too far from here.”
“A river?”
He pointed toward a clump of trees. “Actual blue water trickling over rocks. Don’t worry, I have no fucking idea what the hell we just stepped into.”
At this moment, I didn’t care. As he guided me through the forest, I could swear I heard chirping birds, and wind whipping through the tops of the trees. I was yanked back into time, moments shared with my parents in a park I’d loved so much as a child. I could suddenly see their faces, hear the laughter of other children as I slid down my favorite slide. The scents became richer the further we walked, intoxicating in every manner. I was more alive than I’d been in so long, even eager to see what we were facing.
There were no beasts snarling in the shadows, no fear of Zatans finding us as we continued on the path. I knew the odds were against us, the planet unforgiving and subject to change at any moment, although this place was... different.
The sounds of the water became more prevalent with every step and as Xander fought his way through dense underbrush, I held my breath.
Stepping onto the cool patch of grass
-covered ground was incredible, forcing another set of beautiful images and memories into the forefront of my mind. He’d been right, the river in front of us one like I’d only seen on Earth. Given the wind, the water tumbled over the rocks jutting from the edges, the sound more beautiful than anything I could remember.
“What is this place?” I heard myself ask.
“I don’t know. Don’t get too comfortable, but at least we can rest for now.” He studied the sky, his breath labored and a weapon still in his hand. “I’m going to check the perimeter.” He gave me a commanding look, one I’d seen so many times before. “We’re not entirely safe. Don’t fool yourself.”
I nodded and dropped the bag, still taking deep breaths, unable to comprehend the scenery. What had we stumbled on? A place designed and nurtured by the scientists? In my mind, that was the only plausible explanation.
Xander glared down at the weapon still secured in my hand. “If anything happens, fire a warning shot. I won’t go far.”
I snaked my hand around his arm, my fingers digging in. “Don’t go.”
He took a deep inhale. “I need to see how far this goes and what we’re facing. Besides, whoever escaped from that hell hole couldn’t have gone but so far.” As he glared up at the sky, he shook his head. “This can’t be real or sustainable. The elements are far too unpredictable and harsh.”
“Depending on the climatic systems, it is possible.”
“Always the scientist.”
“That’s what I know and love,” I whispered, uncertain I had any idea what I was talking about. “Be careful.”
After a moment of hesitation, he cupped my chin as he lowered his head, his hot breath cascading across my skin. “I’m not leaving you, Katarina. I’m going nowhere. Trust me.” As his lips touched mine, I realized I’d moved onto my tiptoes, my arm sliding around his, tugging him against me.
I needed the warm touch. I craved the passion only this man had given me. I hungered to feel him inside of me, his cock swelling as he thrust hard and fast. I’d never wanted anyone the way I did this man and while my feelings made no sense to my scientific mind, there was no denying the way I felt.
The kiss was powerful, an intense reminder that we were at odds with not only this world but our own, humanity swimming in lies and deceit. I clung to him, every muscle tensing as the fire erupted once again.
Xander forced his tongue past my lips, drinking in my essence as I inhaled the rich and dark aura of his masculinity, the moment driving me into such need. Intense.
Raw.
Brutal.
I only wanted to share the moment with him, basking in finding our way to safety.
With one hand he picked me up off the ground, cradling his massive body against mine as the kiss continued, the fire erupting into a savage and crazed need. His growl permeated the intimacy, his lips devouring mine.
I couldn’t get enough of him, every part of my body shaking. I entwined my fingers in his hair as I wrapped my leg around his, drawing him in even closer. In that moment, there was nothing else around us.
No danger.
No fear.
No need for discovery.
When he was the one to break the connection, I heard myself whimper and closed my eyes. Reality was a bitch.
He used the palm of his hand to drag the hair away from my cheek, his thumb brushing back and forth in a tender moment. “You obviously know how to use a weapon so don’t hesitate. I’ll be back in thirty minutes, maybe less. I’ll check the water to make certain it’s safe when I return.”
“Okay. Don’t do anything stupid.”
My words were something I would have said barely a month before after a night with my friend. I had to face the fact that Betsy had possibly never been a real friend, merely a plant to keep watch over me for some unknown purpose. She’d led me to that club on a dark night, allowed me to endure moments of anguish, the horrors lingering in my mind long after.
Nightmares.
Doubt.
Fear.
I’d felt all of them during the last two months on Earth, never knowing why. Until now. My God, the lengths that had been gone to, the risks in abducting me. Testing for what exactly?
“You know me well enough, little human. I enjoy being reckless.”
“That’s what I’m worried about.” He backed away from me, his hand still outstretched as if this was an immediate and permanent goodbye. He appeared much more the warrior I’d seen before in the arena, the markings on his face ones from a different kind of battle. He’d saved my life once again, a man refusing to give in to the tyranny we’d been forced to endure. Even though I was entirely human.
The thought gave me a smile.
The clothes he’d secured during our days of respite were tattered and torn, his ripped muscles peeking out from the shorn material, two of the weapons he’d found shoved into the waistband of his pants, a fierce man ready for battle.
His eyes never left me as he took several additional steps, finally nodding in a manner that left me feeling cold and haunted. He was determined to face the very wrath of God if necessary in order to keep me safe.
I’d never felt true love in my life, the few boyfriends I’d allowed to breach the dark surface of my mind short-lived. They’d never been able to understand either my scientific mind or my overabundance of apprehension.
After all, humans were a race devoid of disease and the majority of crime, the two wars that had been fought in my lifetime something that happened on foreign turf. Yet, there’d always been a fear of attack from another world, even though no one talked about the possibility. At least the honorable members of Earth’s government had attempted to make certain we had the ability to win any war, no matter the enemy. Sadly, it would appear that the corrupt leaders would win, only they had no idea at what cost.
Earth had evolved, a planet overflowing with the benefits of scientific experiments, including agriculture that had withstood the horrific effects of global warming. We’d learned from our mistakes, or so the government had pontificated time and time again.
Lies.
Xander’s few words regarding what he’d been through in battle had allowed the truth to settle in. We were a planet headed to the brink of disaster from our own greed and desire for power. Those who we’d placed our trust in had betrayed us, preferring to make a deal with the ultimate enemy.
Aliens.
Whatever arrangement had been made had yet to reveal its ugly head. There were far too many on Earth with their heads in the sand, believing in the continual statements featured on newscasts and in every other form of media.
My father had tried to warn the American people of the possibilities. That much I did remember after all these years. His work, albeit important to the human race, had allowed him a firsthand look at the ravages of what had occurred decades before. I’d overheard him talking to my mother, telling her about the possibilities that he diseases long thought to be extinct were merely lying dormant, mutating. He’d been afraid. He’d been vocal.
Then he was dead.
Another lie.
However, my father had instilled in me the need to continue scientific research, my life’s work. Now gone. A buzzing echoed in my mind, a sixth sense telling me that everything was connected. And I knew in my heart, my father had been right. My scientific guess? Earth was facing catastrophic destruction.
I shivered at the thought.
I watched as Xander disappeared into the dense forest, waiting for another five minutes at least before moving from where I stood. I’d never felt so alone. Exhaling, I turned in a full circle, still admiring the landscape, trying to calm my nerves. We had to be in some kind of a dream or vacuum. This wasn’t the harsh reality we’d come to expect.
What I did know in my gut was that the entire area had been propagated, created with a purpose in mind. And it seemed very human to me.
I knew better than to disobey his orders completely, but the surrounding area was far too lush to i
gnore. Just venturing there for even ten minutes wouldn’t hurt. Even going a few feet away from the main path led to an even denser section of the forest, sunlight barely making it past the leafy tree limbs.
What I found in the next few minutes was not only remarkable but impossible. There were fruit trees and vegetables in another small grassy area and while everything appeared to be growing in the wild, my scientific mind told me the plants had been nurtured. A cold shiver trickled down my back as I turned in a full circle. There were no obvious signs of anyone having been here in ages, dead and decaying fruits covering the base of the trees, overripe vegetables bursting from what had to be an excessive amount of water.
My trained psyche screamed to leave the area and simply wait for Xander’s return, but I had to investigate. I bent down, studying the massive patch of what looked like strawberries. Tentatively I reached out, finally allowing a single finger to swipe across the surface. There were no burrs, no obvious signs of anything harmful. I selected one, bringing it closer. The texture was similar to any strawberry I’d purchased at a market, firm, the scent beautifully aromatic.
When I brought it under my nose, I was thrown by the strong fragrance. I knew Xander would be pissed and that I was possibly making a terrible mistake.
But I took a tiny nibble.
The taste was sweet, intense and amazing. Still, I was no fool. As I moved into a standing position, I tossed the berry, taking stock of everything that was here. A feast for dozens of people.
I backed away, swearing that there were eyes everywhere. Watching.
Waiting.
You’re just tired and emotional.
The statement was true enough.
Still, I was shaking by the time I jogged out of the forest, almost getting lost twice. When I reached the area by the river, I listened for the sounds of anyone having followed. Now everything was eerily quiet. I paced the area, continuing to look in the direction Xander had gone. If anything happened to him, I was screwed. My nerves remained on edge, a chill trickling down the backs of my legs.
