Finding Hope: Book Ten of the Running in Fear Series

by Trinity Blacio

  “I can’t wait to sample—”

  Gourd laid him out with a left hook.

  “Let’s make this clear, here and now. Hope is one of the five women keeping this ship-world alive, and she is also our mate. No matter what happens at the challenge, you will never touch our woman. I’m giving you the courtesy of your kind by challenging you in bear form, or you’d be dead, understood?” Gourd said, ready to kill the man, his hand on something hidden at his side.

  Oliver jumped up and rubbed his cheek. “Understood.” He nodded to Gourd. “I can respect that. One week, in the clearing over there. But know this: I won’t go easy just because you are mated to Hope. A den leader must be strong, or his den is weak and can be taken over. I can see now that your mate was not weak. My mistake.” He shifted and gave her one more look before taking off into the woods, his second following behind him.

  “Okay, so that was so not fun. Now the creep has his eye out for me,” Hope grumbled. “Can’t I just have one hour without having to worry about something or someone coming after me? Jeez,” she huffed as the Naparones turned to catlike creatures and rubbed against her legs, as if sensing her frustration.

  Jaycee snorted. “Believe me, been there, and it gets tiring. Let me guess, he’s not a killer or a creep, but a total ass?” Jaycee said, coming up to her and kneeling to pet one of Gourd’s pets.

  “Yeah, he’s old school. When you rule with an iron fist, no weak ones can be admitted into the den. That’s one of the reasons he left me and the children alone, at least till now.” Hope looked up as Fand wrapped his arms around her from behind.

  “He won’t dare touch you. He knows we’ll kill him,” Fand growled and bit the side of her neck.

  “In human form he knows this, but in bear form…” Hope shook her head. “Until Gourd wins the challenge, Oliver believes it’s his right to mate with any female in his den since he’s the alpha.” Hope glanced at Gourd. “At least you will tower over Oliver, being a polar bear, but you have a long way to go. Are you really sure you are up to this?” she asked. “I mean, I don’t have to shift unless we are safe.”

  “Sister of the heart, my name is Luca Windura. Welcome to the family. You should know when my brother is presented with a problem, he goes all-out, and since it’s obvious you are in danger until this stupid challenge is over, Gourd will not rest until he is totally prepared for said challenge. Now, if I were in his place, I would have sent the obnoxious man back to where he came from,” Gourd’s brother Luca said, as Gourd stepped in front of Hope, staring down at her.

  “And that is why our unit is one of the best you have—well did have. I’m afraid I must ask you not to go running in your bear form until this mess is behind us, Little Bear. But I promise as soon as it is, you will have nothing to worry about.” Gourd leaned down and kissed her lips when Jaycee stepped aside.

  “Really? You know if you win this challenge, the other females are going to be crawling all over you.” Hope glanced toward the woods. “They’re already watching and waiting, I’m afraid,” she growled.

  Gourd grabbed a handful off her hair and tugged her head back. “Let them look. You are the only one this bear we will ever mate with.” He covered her mouth in a heated, punishing kiss, claiming her there in front of everyone. Behind her Fand slid his hands under her shirt and cupped her breasts.

  “Ours,” Gourd growled and lifted his head to look at the woods. “Get out of here,” he growled when two females came closer. “I have no desire for you.”

  Her man released her hair and stepped back to her side as Fand kept his hand on her back, but gave her a little room to move around. “Damn,” she whispered as the two female bears took off.

  Valda came to her side. “That is one thing I believe all of our men have in common. Alphas are very…well, sexually powerful. If your men are anything like mine, you will not be wishing for any others, believe me.”

  Owen snorted and smacked her ass before placing a kiss on the top of her head. “We have to keep our ladies very satisfied and happy.”

  Hope’s face heated again. Apparently her men were going to embarrass her often if they had their way. She turned in a circle, looking at the area. Smoke and even a few small fires still burned in some places.

  “Guess it was a good thing you all moved below, but you know this area would be nice for when we do come top, for picnics and things like that. Since it is at the center of the different areas, maybe a giant clubhouse for picnics and such. The mountains, rivers and woods that surround this place make it amazing. I hate to say it, but I can’t wait to explore it.”

  “Agreed. I love being outside, but after seeing the damage, I have to believe we would be better off below. We can still enjoy coming out here, but we shouldn’t expose our children to other dangers lurking in the skies,” Suzanne said. “You know what I just thought of?” She glanced to what appeared to have been the entrance to the place. “Weren’t we supposed to have guards? Or whatever those things were before all this stuff happened?”

  “They are always with you. You just haven’t seen them,” Aurora said, joining their group. With a wave of her hand, a large round stone table with chairs all round it appeared. “Please sit. We have much to speak about, and since you ladies are so restless, we might as well start now,” Aurora said, earning a groan from the men.

  Gourd sat down next to Hope and leaned over. “You know our three little ones get up early?” he said.

  “I know, but not to worry, we won’t be here long. It’s still too risky yet,” Hope said, frowning as she scanned around, . She couldn’t see anything unusual, but she still she felt something dangerous was close by.

  “You sense it too?” Aurora asked, sitting down with her brother and Iceman next to her.

  “What is it?” Hope asked.

  “We are moving. Your ship and mine are moving out of Earth’s orbit, so to speak. We knew we wouldn’t be able to stay there long with your ship growing in size. But rest assured, Nikola, Dominic, Gourd and some of the others will be able to get you to Earth if need be. Or any place you wish to go.”

  “Do we have a position in mind?” Gourd asked.

  Aurora shook her head, looking at Iceman.

  “I would like to take us closer to our planets, Gourd. Earth is still so young, and I really don’t think they will do well if others visit them, especially after half of their cities have been destroyed,” Iceman said. “Right now, they need to rebuild and adjust to others being out here in space. Having aliens walking around them right now would only aggravate them.”

  Gourd looked down at Hope, frowning. “It would take them twice as long to get back to Earth, but it might be wise,” he said, glancing at Remi, then Owen. “The others have been exploring and know some of the other worlds out there. But this would be new to so many of you.”

  His words earned sighs from all of them.

  “Well, we knew things were going to change, but damn…” Hope muttered and the others murmured in agreement. “But then again, maybe we can come up with some alien romance stories.”

  Jaycee laughed. “With three hot alien men.”

  Chapter Nine

  Gourd smiled, liking how Jaycee and Hope teased each other. He leaned over and placed a kiss on Hope’s cheek. “I think all of us need to think on this. I would like to stay close to Earth for at least the next six months or a year so we can help them rebuild, and inform others on what to expect. But after that, well, let us bring this up in a few days,” Remi suggested.

  “Everyone in agreement that we must at least give Earth a year of help?” Gourd asked, taking in Hope’s scent, wishing they were alone.

  “We will be settling behind Mars, which won’t be too far to go back and forth between here and Earth.” Iceman smiled as the lady’s eyes got big.

  “Mars. I remember a teacher telling me how long it would take to get there,” Lissa said, shaking her head. “Yep, things have changed for us, that’s for sure. But don’t you think we should
be talking with the others too? I mean because we’re moving so far away?”

  Lissa glanced at him, Gourd at Nikola. “Question, will you really be able to go back and forth if we travel that far away from Earth?”

  Gourd plucked Hope from her chair and placed her in his lap, needing to touch her and hold her. “I don’t know how it would work for you, Nikola, but we won’t be able to transfer that far. Even moving towards Mars is going to be a problem, but we do have our ship close to this planet to go back and forth, which would take an hour at the most.”

  “A ship? Where?” Hope cuddled up to Gourd, looking up at him. “Can we explore…? Well crap I can’t leave the planet.” Hope groaned. “Maybe you can take the children to see it. I’m sure Baron would love to explore it.”

  Valda leaned over and squeezed her arm. “We can take you to see the center of this ship. There is so much about it that I still don’t understand. I’ve never seen a living machine. It really is amazing.”

  “Why don’t we have our next meeting there? If it’s okay with you, Valda. I’d like to know how this place that we are going to live on works,” Suzanne said.

  “I think that would be good. We all need to know what is going on. I’d like some maps made up of the land also, so we can have them in the main area of the ship in case we need them. Who is living where and so on. Also, what about fresh water? I know we can…” Valda waved her hands at Gourd, Dominic and Nikola. “Do magic stuff, but what about the humans that will be living here with us. We need to make sure these people have supplies and adequate living spaces. Also, I think it’s really important we watch our waste. I don’t know about you, but we sure don’t need to trashing our new home.”

  “Agreed,” Hope said and looked up at Gourd. “What do you think?”

  “The water has already been taken care of, ladies,” Gourd said. “Nikola and Dominic started setting up a water system when they were bringing over his people if I’m not mistaken?”

  “Yep, and as far as waste, I’ve noticed the planet consumes i.?” Nikola glanced at Owen, who was nodding.

  “Yes, the engines use the waste for energy to fuel this massive place. Really this ship is pretty much equipped to supply the people here. Well except for meat. I was thinking maybe we could start a farm above with buffalo, cows, chickens and such.”

  “You know, that might be a good job for the children. We also need to start thinking of schooling for the children and not the kind we had. I was teaching what I could to my three, but I have to say in some areas, Baron is smarter than me.” Hope smiled.

  “I also believe our children must also be taught about the worlds out there since it’s obvious we will be traveling. Any ideas?” Valda asked Gourd.

  “Hmm, that is true. Let me speak with my brother. We might have a few people who would volunteer for this,” Gourd said.

  “I would do this, Uncle Gourd, if Father would permit it,” Gourd’s niece said.

  “Have you spoken with your chosen ones, Samra?” Gourd asked. “They should be considered.”

  “I need a change. Everyone here…”

  “Stares, is very polite and walks on eggshells around you,” Valda said, surprising him and Hope, but then Gourd had known that Valda had a connection to Samra. “We would love to have you here, Samra, and wait till you meet Hope, your new aunt. She is a card.”

  Hope rolled her eyes, rubbing her cheek on his chest. “Samra, you are more than welcome here with us, but before you make your decision, be warned our three munchkins are very lively when awake. But Gourd is right, speak with your father and bonded ones. I’m sure if it’s important to you, they will allow you to come here,” Hope told his niece.

  “Thank you, Valda, Hope. My daughter and I will be talking tonight. We will see you soon,” his brother said, then broke the link was broken.

  “Now that was a weird phone call,” Hope said. “But you know I might help Samra to get away so she can be around people who know what it’s like to be abused,” Hope said.

  “Having the other ladies here has helped a lot,” Valda said as the others agreed.

  The mood turning depressing when all of a sudden, his pets and a couple of the local creatures ran into the circle, chasing each other.

  “Oh my, they’re not going to hurt each other, are they?” Lissa asked, starting to get up, and Nikola laughed when one of Gourd’s pets was tackled and said creature started to clean him.

  “Salvanger,” Lissa laughed, sitting back down. “Well at least they get along. Oh my, your pets are females?”

  Gourd and the others laughed, now understanding what was going on.

  “Well I guess the little bugger likes to spread his seed,” Jaycee laughed as Salvanger started to hump Gourd’s pet.

  “I wondered if we’ll have babies?” Hope laughed, getting up and stretching. “Looks like Jester will have to really watch where he’s stepping if it happens,” Hope teased, looking up at him.

  “You do know he’s waiting for you?” Gourd said, reaching out and tapping her butt.

  “Kinky,” she said, patting his stomach. “I need to walk.” Hope held out her hand to him. “Ladies, we will talk latter. I’m going to spend some time with my men. I think it’s time we get to know one another?”

  Gourd twined his fingers with hers and Fand did the same with her other hand they said their goodbyes.

  “So where would you like to go, my lady?” Gourd asked.

  “Nowhere specific. I haven’t seen much of this place, remember?” She smiled up at him and couldn’t help but lean down and kissing her cute nose.

  “Then why don’t we check out the lake. From what I’ve been told, it’s filled with interesting fish, and wildlife is in abundance around it,” Gourd told her.

  “That sounds nice. So how mad are you that I left the house?” Hope asked, peeking at Fand, then at him.

  “I’m displeased you left without one of us, but I’m not angry, Little Bear. It would please us, though, if you would let us know where you are at, and until my challenge with Oliver is over, I’d prefer you to be with one of us all the time,” Gourd said, lifting her hand and kissing the back.

  “Oh, believe me, I won’t be going anywhere alone till he’s taken care of. But I really didn’t want to wake you three. I knew you needed the sleep. I love my children, but I know what a handful they can be. Do you think your niece will come here?” Hope asked.

  “If her heart is here, my brother will allow it and so will her mates. From what I’ve been told, she had a real hard time, especially with her mates. They hadn’t bonded yet and this set them further apart.”

  Hope shook her head. “It might seem like it to you and her men, but believe me, them being there for her no matter what will make them special to her. I wish you three would have been there…” She shrugged. “But then again, I guess every woman reacts differently to being assaulted.”

  She stopped walking and stared out at the lake. “Wow,” she whispered, looking around.

  Gourd was also impressed with what he was seeing. As the ship moved in, the sun of this solar system appeared over the distant blue mountains. A light dew had settled over the local plants, which were all different colors. He could hear birdcalls along with splashes coming from the lake as the fish caught their morning meal of insects.

  “I wonder if any salmon, perch or trout are in there?” Hope asked, inching closer. She looked up at him, then Fand. “Bears love to fish.” She smiled. “Now you can use your paws for fishing,” she giggled, looking at Jester. “I’d love to teach all three of you someday.”

  “What? You don’t think I can learn to fish?” Jester grumbled and Gourd couldn’t help but smile.

  “We must first learn to protect what is ours: you. I already have our ship working on acquiring information on bears—how they fight and so on.”

  Hope shook her head and turned to stare at him. “Oliver is not a natural bear; he won’t fight like one either. You must learn how to use your paws, size, te
eth and patience, of which he has none.”

  Gourd cupped her cheek. “You let me worry about the challenge.” He turned her around to face the water. “Shelly’s little girl, Anna, name him Hal, and she asked for him to have a mate.” Gourd pointed to the two massive whale-like creatures as they rose up in the middle of the lake, as if staring at them.

  He wasn’t expecting to hear them sing. Hope leaned back against his chest while holding on to Fand’s hand as the two creatures practically danced in the water, swimming and singing. By the time they dipped back down, Hope had tears in her eyes.

  “That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” she said, looking up at him. “Let’s go back home.” She sniffed the air and turned her head toward the west. “We need to go over there.” She nodded to an overgrown area of trees and bushes.

  Owen, Burr, Sar and Valda walked up behind them. “Sorry to interrupt, but human-like movement showed up on the scanners and there shouldn’t be anything here,” Owen explained as Hope inched forward, but before she could get too far ahead, Gourd pulled her back and put her into Fand’s arms.

  “Stay put, you’ve done enough,” he snapped and immediately regretted it upon seeing the pain in her expression. “Hope, you have done so much that my heart can’t take you getting hurt tonight. We all know what a warrior you are, but please allow me to do this…”

  She nodded. “Be careful and try not to look so scary.” Hope tried to hide her smile.

  “Why?” Gourd looked at Owen, then back at the area Hope was talking about. “You think the children are there?” he asked and she nodded.

  “I smell their scent and Valda’s father’s. It would make a perfect place for a campsite; it has plenty of food around and water,” Hope said. “It’s freshwater, but I don’t know if anyone is with the children.”

  “You really believe it’s my brother’s?” Valda came next to her with Burr holding on to her as Gourd, Owen and Sar came forward.

  “Don’t look to scary, Gourd. If it’s little ones, you’ll scare them to death,” Hope said behind him.