Storm of Eon (Eon Warriors Book 7)

by Anna Hackett

  The captain and Sabin brought the admiral up to speed. At that moment, the paramedics and the cleanup crew arrived.

  Finley reluctantly submitted to some poking and prodding from a young paramedic who looked like he should still be in high school. She watched a team in hazmat suits bag the alien body. Green smears remained on the floor, and she shuddered.

  “You’re lucky,” the young paramedic said. “Your wounds are healing nicely. Now that we’re allies with the Eon, I hope we can get our hands on some of that havv.” The man took the monitoring patch off her. “And perhaps our hands on some Eon warriors.” The man winked at her.

  Finley didn’t respond.

  “Your vitals are fine, although your heart rate’s a little fast. Understandable, considering.”

  Yes, mostly because Sabin was in the room.

  As if he knew she was thinking of him, Sabin glanced over, his gaze zeroing directly on her. Thank God the monitoring patch was off or it would be going crazy.

  The paramedic closed his case and patted her shoulder.

  Sabin, the admiral, and Dr. Kemp came over to her.

  “She’s fine,” the paramedic informed them.

  “I’m very glad you weren’t hurt,” Admiral Barber said. “And that Security Commander Solann-Ath intervened.”

  “Dr. Delgado helped.” Sabin gave her a small smile. “She hit the Kantos assassin over the head with some equipment. She probably saved my life.”

  Finley doubted he’d needed her help, but found herself smiling back. Then his words registered. “Assassin?”

  His face turned serious. “That was a Kantos assassin, and the bug I killed in my quarters was its stalker, a hunting bug.”

  “So, the Kantos targeted you and Dr. Delgado.” The admiral didn’t look happy.

  “It targeted Finley.” Sabin scowled. “The bug was just keeping me busy.”

  Finley’s gaze ran over her ruined model, where it lay trampled on the floor. “They know about the StarStorm, and want to stop it.”

  Sabin nodded.

  Admiral Barber muttered a very un-admiral-like curse.

  “We need to be very careful until we know how this assassin got on the planet, and what its exact plans were,” Sabin said.

  Captain Rodriguez’s face darkened. “A single Kantos or a small team could easily get on planet. We don’t have the same technology the Eon do. We’ll pick up a large ship, but not a handful of Kantos trying to be stealthy.”

  And Finley assumed assassins were pretty stealthy.

  “You think they’ll try again?” the admiral asked.

  Finley’s pulse did a crazy little spike. Great. Was she now a main target of the Kantos?

  “Right now, I’m not ruling anything out,” Sabin said.

  “We have to increase security.” Barber frowned. “And Dr. Delgado needs protection.”

  “She has it,” Sabin said. “Me.”

  Finley sucked in a breath.

  “From now on—” his gaze collided with hers “—I’m with you every minute of the day.”

  Sabin escorted Finley back to her quarters. She opened the door and he looked around. It had a similar layout to his, but in reverse. A few personal items were scattered around.

  And it smelled like her.

  He dragged in a breath and pulled the tantalizing scent deep into his senses. Sweet and spicy.

  “Do you wear a scent?” he asked.

  “What?” She’d been subdued as they left the lab, no doubt dealing with the aftermath of the attack.

  “A scent? Perfume?”

  Her brows creased. “No. But I shower with a handmade soap. My mother makes it for me.”

  Sabin closed the door, not letting thoughts of Finley in the shower into his head. He dropped his bag of gear that he’d picked up from his quarters on the floor. “You’ve been quiet.”

  She walked into the living area. Her lab coat was gone, taken by the containment team. She wrapped her arms around herself.

  “Well, it’s not every day a woman gets attacked by an alien assassin.”

  Sabin strode to her and gripped her shoulders. “I won’t let them hurt you, Finley.”

  “I know. You want this weapons system up and running, too.”

  He let his hand slide up to cradle her face. They both knew it wasn’t just that.

  Her hands slid around his wrists, her eyes glowing. “Sabin…”

  No. He couldn’t risk losing control. He stepped back.

  Her hands fell to her sides.

  “Finley, what happened in the lab…it can’t happen again.”

  She blinked. “The Kantos attack?”

  “No, what happened after that.”

  “Me kissing you.” Her chin lifted. “Although it should be noted that you kissed me back.”

  He balled his hands to stop from reaching for her. He saw a flash of uncertainty in her eyes.

  “I shouldn’t, but I’d like to do it again,” she said softly.

  “No.” He shook his head. “It’s not happening again. I cannot split my focus, especially for something as frivolous as an ill-advised attraction.”

  “Oh.” The color leached from her cheeks. “I thought the kiss was… Well, I guess you didn’t feel what I did.”

  Sabin’s chest tightened and he watched her stand straighter, her hands clutching the hem of her shirt.

  “You’re right,” she said. “We need to be sensible. I have to get this weapons system complete. Especially since if I’m not focused, it might get me killed.”

  She was talking sense, but he still didn’t like it. He hated seeing the uncertainty on her face. He wanted to reach for her and…

  Her stomach growled.

  “You missed the dinner tonight.” He’d definitely noticed that she was conspicuously absent from the meal. “What did you eat?”

  She pressed a hand to her belly. “Um, I don’t think I ate anything.” Her cheeks flushed. “Well, just a few marshmallows from my secret stash.” She shrugged a shoulder. “I sometimes forget to eat when I’m busy with my work.”

  He frowned. He didn’t like that. “Come on.” He led her to her kitchen and opened the cooling unit—what was it called, again? Oh, yes. The refrigerator.

  And instantly realized he didn’t know what anything was.

  Shaking her head, she nudged him aside. She pulled out a block of something yellow. And some sort of fruit—small, red, ball-shaped objects. From the cupboard beside the fridge, she pulled out some small, flat circles.

  They sat at the table and she cut bits from the yellow block and put it on a circle.

  She eyed him. “Cheese and crackers.” She held one out to him. “I’m guessing Earth food won’t kill you?”

  “It’s highly unlikely. My helian would detect the presence of anything that didn’t agree with my Eon physiology.” He gingerly took the cracker and took a bite. Interesting flavors hit his senses.

  “More?” she asked

  He nodded.

  They ate quietly together.

  “Here. Try a grape.” She passed over one of the red balls.

  Sweetness burst over his tongue.

  “You like them?” she said with a smile.

  “They’re delicious.”

  Her lips tilted into a smile, and she rose and went back into the kitchen.

  “Here.”

  There were more small, red fruits. Some dark squares, and a round, soft wheel of something.

  “Raspberries. Dark chocolate. And another type of cheese called brie.”

  She fed him small bits, and each different taste exploded in Sabin’s mouth. He groaned.

  He opened his eyes to find her staring at his mouth.

  “Finley…”

  Sabin wasn’t sure if he moved or she did, but they were kissing again. Her hand slid into his hair and he stroked her tongue with his. She tasted better than any Terran delicacy.

  He could drown in the tastes of her, and never get enough.

  No.


  “Cren.” He yanked back, then jerked to his feet. “No. We’re not doing this.”

  “Sabin.” She blinked, her brow creased. “What are you so afraid of?”

  “That this—” he waved a hand between them “—will take over. That I won’t focus on our work, and that I’ll fail people.”

  He couldn’t spell out just how dangerous it would be for him to lose his control. The way she teased all his senses was deadly.

  “Right.” She nodded. “I have an entire planet to protect. That’s what I need to focus on. I can’t let more people die.” Her voice cracked.

  “It’s not your sole responsibility. You’re not alone.”

  “I’m always alone.” She shook her head again. “Sorry, I won’t kiss you again. I seem to be attracted to big, athletic, muscular men. It’s like my kryptonite.”

  Sabin had no idea what kryptonite was, but he made a note to look it up. “Finley.”

  “I’ll respect your wishes to not cross any personal lines, Security Commander Solann-Ath.”

  The way she said his name was like a whip to his skin. Sabin could almost see the wall she was building between them.

  “You’re right that this attraction is a waste of time,” she said. “There are other more important things to focus on.”

  Sabin’s body was stiff. A waste of time. He’d heard his parents use the same terms to describe his uncle and his indulgences. “Yes. This attraction wouldn’t last long anyway. And our work should be our only priority.” He schooled his features to show no emotion.

  Finley looked like he’d hit her, then swallowed. “Right.”

  “Get some sleep, Finley. It’s been a long day. Tomorrow, we’ll turn all our attention to the project. The sooner the StarStorm is operational, the sooner the Kantos will stop targeting you and your planet.”

  “Right.” She clasped her hands together.

  “And the sooner I’ll leave.”

  Something flashed in her eyes. “Got it.” Her voice was a whisper.

  “Go to bed, Finley. And don’t worry, I’ll sleep on the couch and ensure you aren’t in any danger.”

  She looked like she wanted to say something, but she just nodded. “Good night, Sabin.”

  She turned and went to her bedroom. The door closed with a definite click.

  Sabin blew out a breath, her scent still teasing him.

  His control right now was a shaky thing. He wanted to lunge after her. His helian pulsed, and he fought back his emotions.

  He’d protect her, help her with her work, and that was it.

  He couldn’t risk anything else.

  Chapter Five

  Darkness. Crying. Screaming. Fear.

  Thick, choking, never-ending fear.

  With a sob, Finley shoved at the bindings holding her. She had to help Brent and Melody. She had to find a way to escape.

  She sat up, her heart pounding as she searched for her captors, waiting for a blow to come. Waiting to hear Melody’s sobs or Brent’s moans of pain.

  Silvery darkness greeted her and she realized her bindings were her twisted, sweat-dampened sheets. Moonlight streamed through the gaps in her blinds.

  She pressed a shaky hand to her forehead. Nightmare. She hadn’t had one for over a year. The Kantos attack must have triggered it. She reached for her elastic and snapped it hard, welcoming the sting that kept her grounded.

  Her bedroom door slammed open and a big, broad shape loomed.

  Finley blinked, taking in Sabin’s near-naked form. He wore a pair of snug, black boxers that left little to the imagination.

  And her lust-riddled brain was more than happy to imagine all kinds of things.

  Remember the warrior had made it very clear he isn’t interested in you.

  Sabin scanned the room, hands raised, then his gaze zeroed in on her. His gaze dropped to where she toyed with the band.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “Fine.” She jerked the sheet up to cover her tiny tank top and shorts.

  “What woke you?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Finley.”

  She huffed out a breath. “There are no Kantos, warrior. You can go.”

  He didn’t budge.

  Stubborn man. She sighed. “You aren’t going to leave, are you?”

  “No.”

  “I had a nightmare.”

  Even in the dim moonlight, she saw his scowl deepen. “About the attack?”

  “No. I think that just triggered it.” She pushed her tangled hair back, pulling in some calming breaths. “I’m fine. Go back to sleep.”

  Instead, he moved closer.

  Finley stiffened.

  “What was your nightmare about?”

  “I don’t remember,” she clipped out.

  He sat on the side of her bed. “Would you like to talk about it?”

  “No.” Nope. Definitely not.

  He was silent and she plucked at her sheet. She could feel him looking at her.

  “There’s nothing you can do,” she said quietly. “Some old scars never go away.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  The deep edge to his voice made her look up. What scars did he have? He looked so strong, so handsome and perfect.

  “But you face them, accept them, and do your best not to let them cripple you.” He said the words matter-of-factly.

  “I hate being afraid,” she whispered.

  He reached out and grabbed her hand. “You face that too.” He squeezed her fingers. “You aren’t alone.”

  Her throat tight, she held his hand and nodded.

  “The band…it helps you?” he asked.

  She nodded.

  “Will you be able to get back to sleep?”

  She shrugged. Often after a bad dream, she lay awake the rest of the night, not wanting to risk another terror-drenched nightmare.

  “What helps?” he asked.

  Funnily enough, not being alone helped. He’d already given her that. “Sometimes, I like to listen to music.”

  “Then put some music on.”

  She hesitated, then let him go and leaned across to the small comp unit beside her bed. She touched the buttons and her favorite indie band came on.

  A woman’s throaty, haunting voice filled the room.

  Sabin paused and his head tilted. “I like this.”

  She watched him close his eyes, looking like he was losing himself in the music. She’d had a picture of Eon warriors as boring, stoic, military types. But watching the way Sabin moved, ate, and listened to the music, it was like he appreciated every new sensation.

  Finley lay back on her pillows. The singer’s voice changed the tense atmosphere to something relaxed and hushed.

  “Sleep now, Finley,” Sabin said.

  Her eyelids fluttered, tiredness pulling on her. Knowing he was sitting there, sharing the darkness with her, made her feel safe.

  It didn’t matter that he didn’t want her like she wanted him. It didn’t matter that he was an alien warrior assigned to protect her. He was here and she liked it way too much.

  A second later, sleep pulled her under.

  Sabin stood at the welcome lunch for the warriors, arms crossed over his chest.

  “How many welcome gatherings are there going to be?” Rade grumbled.

  “The Terrans are just trying to do their bit to show their dedication to the alliance,” Sabin said.

  “I’d prefer to be working,” Gadon said.

  “Me, too.” Sabin’s gaze went to Finley.

  Unsurprisingly, she was at the opposite end of the room to him.

  This morning in the lab, there’d been an awkward tension combined with the simmering attraction between them.

  Sabin couldn’t shake the feeling he’d hurt her.

  His hand clenched. He had to get this desire under control.

  “Do you think the Kantos will attack your scientist again?” Rade asked.

  “I’m not going to let her get hurt. I sent my
report to my war commander. They’re compiling all intel they have on the Kantos assassins.”

  The Kantos wouldn’t get another chance to hurt Finley. Or inspire more nightmares for her.

  “Drink?” A smiling woman with dark hair and bright-blue eyes materialized in front of Sabin. She held out a glass of something clear and fizzy.

  “Be nice,” Gadon whispered. “Your scowl is scaring people.”

  Sabin managed a smile. “Thank you.” He sniffed the drink. It was water with the scent of citrus.

  “I’m Whitney.” A cloud of strong scent wafted over him. She was wearing a very intense perfume that smelled like a garden of flowers.

  “You’re a scientist?” he asked.

  She moved closer, her arm brushing his. The scent intensified—cloying musk and flowers. It wasn’t to his taste.

  “No. I’m an administrator. I keep all these geeks organized. They’d forget to eat or sleep, otherwise.”

  That just reminded him of the late-night meal he’d shared with Finley. The small tastes, the kiss.

  His helian pulsed, and he shifted. Whitney pressed a hand to his arm and leaned in, her breast brushing him.

  “Are you enjoying Earth?” she asked.

  “It appears to be a nice planet, but I’m here to work.”

  She stroked his arm. “Surely you get some time off. I could show you around.”

  Her scent nearly overpowered his senses and he felt the need to get away. Did she not understand the severity of the Kantos? Her entire planet was at stake.

  He lifted his head.

  Finley was watching them. Her gaze hit his, dropped to Whitney, then skated away. She turned her back to him.

  “No, I don’t have time off.”

  Whitney’s lips—painted a very shiny pink—tipped down. “What about in the evenings?” Her voice was almost a low purr. “Have you ever been with a Terran woman? You’re so big. I bet we’d have a good time.”

  Sabin felt nothing. No heat, no lick of desire. “I’m currently assigned to protect Dr. Delgado.”

  Whitney’s nose wrinkled. “Devil Delgado. I’m so sorry you’ve been saddled with her.”

  Finley stiffened and Sabin knew she’d heard Whitney’s words. He watched as Finley murmured something to the people beside her, then moved across the room.

  Cren. He tensed. He’d warned her not to go anywhere without him. “Dr. Delgado is a brilliant scientist. I’m honored to protect her.”