by Ciara Lake
“Wait.” Zalora put her hand up as to stop him. He could see she was fuming. She’d yelled loudly. “I’m going. You can’t stop me.”
“No you’re staying with me. This isn’t debatable. I have stopped you.” He engaged the door’s locks. “We’ll leave at first light.” He nodded his head toward the central room, watching her reaction. She could be slightly unpredictable. “You’ve nothing to fear from me. I’m fulfilling your father’s requests, my mission.”
“You’re bossy.” She stomped with her hands on her hips. Her body seemed to shake with rage.
“I’m in charge. I have been since I arrived.” Val moved away from the door.
“I’m not afraid of you.” She shook her head and held her chin high. Her voice was still loud.
“I can hear you. You don’t have to speak so loudly.” He cringed.
“I just want to go to the camp now.” She stomped her foot again.
“No, we’ve promised your father to allow him to speak with you. He’s very anxious to do so. That’s what we’re going to do.” He started to walk away from her. Reluctantly she followed. He could hear her boots click on the tile. Her clicks were not happy ones. Little one you have big determination, but I’m bigger. He grinned to himself.
“I don’t seem to have a choice here?” she whined, stopping. He turned to look back at her.
“No, you don’t. There’s no choice.” He turned, resuming his pace. “Let’s rest now while we can.” When he entered the central room, he walked over to the control panel. He dimmed the lights.
“All right, after I’ve talked with him, I will be taken to the Med-Vac camp.” She put her hands on her hips. She was still standing at the room’s entrance. “I don’t want to be tricked.” She glared at him.
“No one’s going to trick you.” He grinned at her.
“I didn’t want to leave Tallusia as my father wanted. And don’t…don’t look amused with me. This isn’t amusing.” She pointed her finger at him, shaking her head.
“No one’s amused.” He held his hands up.
“You look amused to me.”
“No, all of this is very serious, Princess.” He removed his weapon hanging on his back. “King Zambali is your father, your king.” He raised his eyebrow as he regarded her. “Don’t you need to honor his decisions? It’s important to be obedient to authority. Women should always be obedient to men who rule them.” He watched her response. His comment made her agitated, and then she started playing with her hands. His senses made him realize she was ready to pounce on him. His little woman had a temper.
“You don’t understand.” She shook her head and looked down at her feet. She was biting her lip. “It’s hard being the king’s child or even a royal family member. You can’t possibly understand.” She pouted. Her rage turned in a second to tears. Again, he could sense her desperation, her feelings of being trapped. A predator instinctually knew these things. The tears quickly gathered in her vibrant eyes, threatening to roll down her beautiful face. His heart skipped in its beating, making him feel sympathy for her situation. Yet his resolve did not falter. “It’s not as it would seem to others. I don’t like being as you would say…disobedient. But I’m not a simpleton either, which you must think women are.”
“Nah, I don’t think women are simple.” He grinned. “Plus, I think I might understand more than you know,” Val uttered under his breath.
“You can’t. You can’t possibly know what it’s like.” She stepped closer to him. “Anyway.” Huffing, she put her hands on her hips. Her breasts were pushed up, stretching her shirt. “My place is here with our people. This is my world. It’s the only world I have. And, Cora and Anya are expecting me. I can’t let them down either. I promised.” Her tone turned to more of a pleading. Her eyes sparkled in the dim lighting.
“Yes, I can understand how you feel. I respect your feelings.” He started toward the other end of the room. “After we go to my ship and you speak to your father, I’ll take you to the Med-Vac camp.”
“What if you aren’t allowed?” She stopped again, hands still on her hips.
“I’m the captain of my ship.” He continued to walk toward the cots. “So chances are I’ll be allowed.” He chuckled.
“You are?” She looked surprised. “You’re the captain of the big ship?” She pointed up. “I thought you were the captain of your spacedisk. I guess I do not understand military ranks. So why did you come down here to help us? Isn’t this duty beneath you?”
“No, it’s not beneath me. I came to find you.” He shook his head. “Yes, I’m the captain of the battle ship, not just my spacedisk.” He nodded. “So being allowed shouldn’t be a problem.” He winked at her then sat down on a cot. The cot moaned from his weight. “I will take you, unless something else stops me from taking you, like a full-out attack by Realmist on my ship.” He looked up at her. “But to my best ability I’ll see you get to see your friends.” He carefully placed his weapon next to his cot.
“You promise?” She stepped even closer. Her tone was softer.
“Yes, I try to keep my word.” He reclined back. The way she was watching him made his cock stir with anticipation. It pushed against his uniform. I don’t care if you see my cock grow. Go ahead take a good look. He grinned. You shouldn’t be so hot. Now we’re alone, you look hotter than ever. Your little temper tantrum turns me on more.
“What are you smirking at?”
“I’m not smirking.” He closed his eyes then opened them to see her standing over him. “Now, little princess, I want to take a nap while we wait for sunlight. I would go to my spacedisk now. But you can’t see in the dark or can you?” He waited for her to answer.
“No.” She widened her eyes in surprise. “Can you?”
“Yes.” He nodded as he adjusted his pillow. “The dust has settled, making visibility pretty good right now.” He positioned his pillow behind his back. “But I don’t want you to trip over something you can’t see, so we’ll wait. Let’s get some rest. I’m tired.” He shut his eyes. “I’m gonna close my eyes for a nap. You should rest, too.”
* * * *
Zalora started repacking her backpack. She went through some papers on her desk. Deciding what to take and what to leave was difficult. Tears rolled down her face as she thought of her destroyed home. Finally, she sat down on a cot near where he was resting. Anxious, bored, she decided to examine him. Amazingly, he had the longest eyelashes she’d ever seen on a man. They rested against his flawless skin, black and thick. He seemed at peace, although war was all around them. Zalora felt the ground shake. Another bomb or a building had fallen. Trying to ignore her world’s destruction, she concentrated on him. His lips were perfectly shaped. I wonder what they feel like. They look soft. She got hot again with her straying thoughts. The increased humidity she was generating made her hair curl more. His face was angular, strong, along with his features, which were a perfect mix, making him a masculine beauty.
Putting her feet up, she lay down on her side, still watching him. She pulled her blanket up over her shoulders. He seemed to be sleeping soundly, yet she suspected he was alert on some level. A man like him probably was always alert. Warriors had to be. Plus he was an animal. Something about him made her certain he was aware she was watching him. Another wave of heat flashed over her, and sweat beaded above her mouth. She looked away to cool herself. Eventually, she relaxed, closing her eyes. She was fully undisturbed for the first time in days.
“Zalora.” She felt his warm breath near her face. His voice was deep, his body warm. She awoke, tensing. For a moment, she forgot where she was. “It’s me, Val.” He patted her arm. “Be quiet.” She opened her eyes to see him kneeling next to her cot. He was armed, fully attentive ready for battle. He placed a finger over his lips. Intensity shone from his amber eyes. “Quiet, they’re trying to open our doors.” She sat up. “Quiet.” He tapped her arm. He was curt.
“Who?”
“Our enemy, I’m guessing.” Val held
his automatic weapon in his other hand.
“I don’t hear anything.” A loud boom rang through their shelter. Zalora jumped, almost into his arms.
“Did you hear that?” His breath moved her hair. Zalora nodded.
“Of course.”
“I need you to go hide under your desk. I’m going to take care of them.” He held her away from him, pointing to her desk.
“How?” Her heart jumped in her chest.
“Don’t argue, just hide. Now!” Again, he pointed to her desk. His face looked different, harsher. As she realized the severity of their situation, blood rushed to her head, making her feel light-headed. Before she fainted, she quickly grabbed her backpack. “Don’t come out until I call your name. Do you understand?” Zalora scrambled toward her desk. “Do you understand me?” His impatience was evident in his voice as well as his stance.
“Yes.” She ducked under the desk. In a hurry, she nearly hit her head against the drawer, which had been left open. From where she was hiding, she could see some of the room, until he switched off their lights. When he hit the switches, it was nearly pitch black except for two blue emergency lights at each end of the room. She couldn’t see anything. Panic made her stomach clench. It rumbled loudly in the quiet room. She wanted to retch as an acid taste came up into her mouth. Clutching her midsection, she prayed it would be silent. Footsteps echoed down the hallway. She pulled her knees to her chest in a fetal position. The resonance of their steps grew louder as they came closer. Otherwise, there was complete silence. It sounded to be at least four or more people walking toward them. Their boots made clicking sounds on the tile. When they reached the central room, there was a pause as if they were looking around. Zalora held her breath. Unexpectedly one of them made a high-pitched squeal. His cry was cut short. A bang of flesh hitting flesh followed, then a loud thud. It sounded like bodies slammed into walls. Several pieces of furniture glided across the tile floor until colliding. Then one of the larger tables crashed. A gust of air hit her in the face as it banged to the floor.
Whimpers echoed out. She could hear what sounded like bones being broken. The sounds made her feel more ill, causing her to want to gag. Then there was stillness and silence. It was more terrifying. Oddly, during the entire ordeal there were very little vocalizations. The trespassers seemed completely taken off-guard. Zalora held her breath. She closed her eyes, gripping her knees in a death hold. Dear Creator, help me. Her whole body shook. For several minutes, quiet continued. Silence was killing her. Her heart beat hard. It pained her. Surely, Val’s dead. Dear Creator what am I to do. Tears rolled down her cheeks stinging her face. What am I going to do? Fear made her unable to breathe.
“Zalora, they’re neutralized. You can come out. We must leave now.” The sound of his voice was such a relief her heart started pounding normally in her chest as if she were suddenly revived. She gasped for air. His tone sounded deep, guttural. It was different, but she recognized him. “You can come out, Zalora. I’ve called your name. You can come out now.” Taking a deep breath, she unfolded her legs. They were stiff. They hurt. No doubt, she was stiffer from lack of oxygen due to holding her breath. Shaking, she gathered her bag. The fear, which vibrated through her body, made it difficult to crawl out from under her desk.
“What do you mean they’re neutralized?” He voice was pitched high. Val turned the lights up just enough for her to see. The huge room had shadows everywhere, adding to her surreal experience. When she stood up on her wobbly legs, he nodded his head in the direction of one of the three men. The man was on one of the tables, facedown. It was flattened to the floor. He was lying unnaturally twisted. His neck was at an odd angle. The other three men were tossed against the walls, their bodies noticeably broken. None moved. Zalora was sure they were dead.
“See, they’re neutralized.” Matter of fact, he pointed to each of them. “I can’t hear their hearts beating anymore, so it’s lasting.”
“Lasting…oh.” Zalora shivered. “You can hear hearts beating?” She looked at him. Her entire body trembled more. She just couldn’t stop it. He walked over to her, pulling her close to him.
“It’s okay now.” He rubbed her back. “I’m sorry you had to see this. You’ve been through so much. I’m a soldier. This is what happens in war. You become immune.” He caressed her back in a soothing motion. Her trembling lessened. “Zalora.” He moved her back to look down into her eyes. “Listen to me.” His hands clutched both of her arms. He was gentle with her. His touch made her feel calmer. “We need to leave now. There may be more. I can’t take down an entire army of them by myself.”
“No, I wouldn’t think so.” She nodded.
“It’s dark outside. So I need to carry you on my back. You can’t see to run. We need to run to get to my ship quickly.” He watched her, forcing her to meet his stare.
“Okay.” Her eyes met his. They stood very close. His warmth enveloped her. She leaned into him.
“I’ll run with you on my back. You must hold on to me. I have to hold my weapon. We’ll get to my ship quickly if I run.” She stared at him. She was dazed. “Zalora, do you hear me?” He gently shook her.
“Yes.” She could barely hear her own answer but nodded. “You can’t carry me while running. I’m too heavy.” He grinned as he shook his head.
“Zalora, just do what I tell you.” He pointed to her backpack and coat. “Now, put on your coat.” He spoke softly, slowly. “Put your backpack on then climb on my back. Did you ever play like this as a child?” He smiled.
“No.”
“Okay, you missed out.” His grin widened. “It can be fun. My sisters love it when they ride around on me.” He pushed her hair back behind her ear.
“You have sisters.”
“Yes, twelve. My mother’s having another child.” His tenderness made her feel like crying or kissing him. He was so close to her face. His breath had a pleasant spiciness. He was alluring in every way. It rather redirected her panic. “Then you’ll wrap your legs around my middle, hold on to me with both your arms and legs. Okay?” He looked directly into her eyes. Again, she just nodded. “You ready?”
“Okay.” Mindlessly, she grabbed her stuff. He turned around and got down on one knee, offering his back. “Let’s go.” He looked over his shoulder at her.
“Come on, jump on.” She slung her bag over her shoulder then jumped on his back. In one swift move, he was up. Her weight had no effect on his motion or speed. Clinging to him, he swiftly headed toward the exit. When they approached the door, she could see where the Realmist had used some sort of acid to open the lock. It was melted, a pool of metal on the floor. Before she knew it, they were up the stone stairs and into the dark night.
Chapter 3
Running through the ruins of her beloved city was like living a nightmare. The moon’s illumination enabled her to see outlines of the fallen buildings. The scene was eerie and bleak. This wasn’t terrorism. This was out-and-out attempted annihilation. First, the planet Gerial and now her world were victims of utter devastation. These Realmist were seeking to rid the universe of all others who were not like them. It was a blessing they had not irradiated them or at least not yet. But radiation would make Tallusia useless to them. “There has to be a reason for this. Hatred or prejudice couldn’t have caused this.” She pressed herself closer to him as he took a leap over what looked to be a body. No building was untouched. Most were in ruins. Either by now survivors had been rescued or this rubble was their tomb. A stench rose, confirming the latter for a large number of victims. “My home’s gone.” She clung to his warm, firm body.
This man was a true athlete, full of grace and unmistakable skill. He ran with ease. It amazed her. She realized he was her savior from an otherwise disastrous end. “Thank you.” She patted his chest where she clung to him. “Thank you.” Tears ran down her face. She wiped her face on his uniform. “Sorry I’m making your uniform wet.” He did not comment. She did not expect him to. His full concentration was on getting
them to his ship, keeping a look out for dangers. He ran swiftly while he held his weapon. On a few occasions, he jumped over hurdles of debris, landing smoothly, not breaking his gait. Zalora realized he was not the kind of man she was accustomed to interacting with. He was much more. No wonder these Earthen humans feared Xihirians. For Realmist, their fear had turned to hatred. Val slowed. “Are you tired?”
“No, it’s too slick to run now. I’m afraid I may fall. I don’t want to fall with you on my back. So I’ll have to walk fast for now. I believe we’re almost there.”
“How did you remember the way?”
“I paid attention.”
“I’m glad you did.” She hugged him tighter. He continued to walk at a quick tempo. Zalora closed her eyes. It was just easier to block out everything. Her anxiety ate at her stomach.
“We’ve arrived. It looks like others have been here, too. But I can’t sense anyone now.” Zalora opened her eyes.
“Have they messed with your ship?”
“No or they would have been shocked, literally.” Val tapped his communicator button. A low electronic buzz hummed. “Now we can touch it. I want you to hang my rifle over your shoulder.” He handed it to her.
“You do?”
“Don’t be afraid. It’s on safety.” He waited for her to do as instructed. He walked around to the other side of his ship. He was all business in every stride. His ship was black, sleek, and about two stories high. An electronic ladder came down to greet them. Before she realized, they were almost to the top of his ship. Again, he moved with inhuman speed and skill. Out of fear for heights, she gripped him tighter, and her nails dug into him. The cockpit opened. He helped her off his back then took his weapon from her. “Get into your seat and buckle in.” His tone was brisk as he pointed to her passenger seat.
Carefully she stretched her leg out toward the cockpit to get into her area. He held her arm to help her. Overcome with emotions, she paused just before she climbed in. Impulsively, she leaned into him, kissing him. Amazingly, he tasted delicious, scrumptious, making her want more. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed herself against him as if offering herself. All common sense fled her brain.
