“She is good to me.” He bent half-over for a tender kiss. “I will enjoy peeling this off you later.”
I reached for the lighter bag on his back, which must be mine.
He twisted away. “I can carry both.”
“I’m sure you can, but I can carry my own as well.”
“We’ll be traveling fast, at tassuone speed. The journey is not far, less than a full day if we don’t pause often for breaks. We will also have to spend the night on the return trip.”
Venturi and his people saw me as weak. Yeah, and in comparison to them I was, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t pull my own weight. If I was going to live among these people, I had to set a precedent. I might be child-sized tassuone, but I wasn’t a child.
“Give me the pack.” I set one hand on my hip and gestured with the other.
He’d only seen me when I was sick and helpless. Was that what he wanted in a mate? If he saw how independent I truly was, would he lose interest? I wouldn’t pretend to be somebody else. He kept telling me to trust his spots. That we were meant to be together. So, I’d just have to trust his tell-sign.
Reluctantly, he slid the pack off his shoulder. “I do not mind carrying this for you.” He almost seemed hurt.
I set the pack on my back, swallowing the groan at the unexpected weight. Yeah, me and my big ego were going to hike in heavier gravity than I was used to and keep up with giants in a tree.
Go team Wendy.
I smiled up at my big softhearted sweetie. “If I get tired, you can carry it.”
Compromise was a cornerstone of a good relationship. I’m sure I read that somewhere.
His face loomed with his smile and butterflies took wing in my stomach. His sister had nothing to worry about. I was a goner.
Chapter Four
Wendy
“Okay, I give up.” I handed Venturi my pack and plopped down on the sky road to catch my breath. I’ve been using my spear as a walking stick even though his sister had warned me not to. Tassuone speed meant running for the human.
Sweat beaded on my skin. My hair was plastered to my head and I smelled like sweaty pits. My kingdom for some deodorant.
Venturi crouched and handed over the water skin. “We are not far.”
I gave him the evil eye. “You’ve said that twice now. I think maybe you don’t know where you’re going.”
His smile told me he knew I was joking. Pointing to the next street over, he said, “That is the hunter’s nest we slept in the first night we met.”
I stared where he gestured and could make out the outline of the shelter. A blush made me even hotter as I recalled how we spent our time that night.
A pleasurable noise rumbled from Venturi’s chest as he ran his nose over my cheeks. “You are doing that thing I like again.”
“Blushing?”
He nipped my ear lobe. “Yes, so pink and soft and tasty.”
“Go find some cover, the both of you.” Ne’flav collapsed and drank from his own water skin. At least I wasn’t the only one slowing the group. “How much farther?”
“We cross a canyon, then will reach a scar in the land. From there…” He glanced at me. “How long did you walk before—”
“I ran into you trying not to be eaten alive?” I interrupted.
Venturi’s smile brightened to compete with the suns. “Yes.”
“Less than a day.” I wasn’t sure how to tell time in tassuone. My language upload didn’t carry anything like hours. So I wasn’t sure how else to describe the length of my journey.
Ne’flav leaned on his elbow. “Did you say canyon?”
“He did.” Argeer brought up the rear of the group, hurrying us along and making sure the healer didn’t fall too far behind.
“The same one he broke his legs on.” Returning from scouting ahead, Rog broke through the cover of the foliage.
Venturi’s grin faded. “You say it like I had injured myself on purpose.”
“Anyone swinging across that canyon is attempting to hurt themselves. Remember who had to carry you home. Our path appears clear from here. No storm damage that I can see.” His brother joined the other hunters in the shade a little farther along the road.
The chief, surprisingly, sat on my other side, accepting to drink from my water skin. That was a good sign. He seemed like a tough nut to crack.
“I don’t want to swing—” I couldn’t finish speaking because Venturi planted a quick kiss on my lips so the again was left out.
He gave me a warning look, as if asking me not to divulge our adventure over the canyon.
“—the canyon,” I finished and cleared my throat.
Argeer returned my water skin almost empty. “No worries.” He slapped me on the back, almost dislocating my shoulder. Holy shit. “We will cross with the sky road.”
“Yeah,” I wheezed out and rolled my aching deltoid.
Venturi grabbed Argeer’s wrist. “Careful, she’s delicate.” Before I could protest, my mate gathered me in his arms and carried me from the group.
“I’m not that delicate that I can’t walk.”
“He hurt you.”
“I’m sure he didn’t mean to.” I squirmed loose and climbed down his body. The chief struck me as the type that if he wanted to do me damage, I wouldn’t walk away from the encounter.
The two other hunters, Sem and Benali, were gathered on a small limb, sitting with their tales wrapped around the branch, legs dangling loose.
I shuddered. What if the branch broke?
Rog stood off to the side, but they all watched me with curious fascination. I’d also overheard some of their conversation on our trek. All three were daydreaming about human mates in different respects.
Venturi settled on the ground so I stood eye to eye with him. Cat-slit violet irises met mine with sweet adoration. All annoyance melted away. It was hard to stay upset with someone who treated me like the best thing since chocolate. Especially hard when he’d saved my life several times and five of his tribesmen were hiking the jungle to help save my crew from a slow, agonizing death.
“You realize my people will have lots of questions when we arrive.” I fiddled with one of his braids. The bead on the tip was made of a bright blue stone.
“I am prepared.”
Good for him. I sure wasn’t. Especially the mating part. I was sure someone would notice Venturi and me fawning over each other at some point. My stomach rolled at the image in my mind. Here they were frightened and sick while I’d boinked my way across the jungle. What if one of these warriors spotted for one of my crew? I was trying to save them, not pair them off with alien boyfriends.
“Venturi?” I twirled the braid around my finger. “We need to discuss your tribesmen mating with my people.”
“Is it such a terrible thing?” He tilted his head, his nostrils flaring.
“Not at all.” I leaned against his chest and absorbed his strength. “I’m very happy.”
“Then why do you smell like fear?”
“You smell… Never mind that.” I shook my head and crossed my arms. “No one is being naked without their consent.”
There, I said it. My worst fear spoken.
Venturi caressed my cheek. “Why would you think this would happen? Did I force you?”
“You’re different. You let me choose.” My gaze traveled to the others. “Will they be so patient?” The tassuone were used to insta-love. Spots popped up on their skin and voilà, happily ever after. That didn’t happen with humans. We struggled and fought for happiness every damn day of our lives.
“Trust in the tell-signs, When-di. If the spots appear, there is a reason. Let that couple deal with it, but—” He pressed a finger over my lips as I opened my mouth to protest. “Any male who wishes to meet a human will have her consent.”
“How can you be so sure?”
He shrugged. “They are my people. I know them. No female is ever taken by force. It’s just not done so I don’t see how a meeting would be di
fferent. If anything, I think it makes it more important for the female to agree.”
I took a deep sobering breath. I couldn’t demand more. We were dependent on the kindness of aliens. The least we could do was be as accepting of their culture as they were of ours.
Argeer rose, pulling Ne’flav to his feet. “We go. Venturi, carry your mate if you have to. I can take the extra pack.” He held out his hand.
“Whoa, this mate can still manage to walk. Lead on, chief.” I danced out of Venturi’s grasp.
“Nothing would give me greater pleasure.” He managed to caress my behind as we fell in line with the others.
“If you keep that up, we will never arrive there before dark.” The healer made a disgusted noise and passed us.
My subconscious agreed with his opinion of our behavior. I was fed, had a caring boyfriend, clean clothes, and most of all, I was healthy again. The others were probably starting to feel the effects of the radiation by now. No running water. Rationed food bars.
I sucked as a leader.
Venturi rested his hand between my shoulder blades, magically sensing my worry. “You are bringing them help. Stop your tortured thoughts.”
“I can’t help it.” I picked up my pace, running to stay with the group with Venturi watching my back.
When we arrived, the suns were fading behind the thick, green canopy, which sent sparkles of sun beams between the leaves. I got a glimpse of the silver hull of the ship and gasped at the damage. From the treetops, it looked a mess. How had we survived?
I wanted to sob with relief. Instead, I headed for the trunk trail and descended before the others.
Venturi called my name, followed by a few choice swears when I ignored him. I was getting my crew out of that deathtrap.
Please let them still be alive.
Angie was going to be all right. With some TLC, I’d help my little sister cope with Darrell’s gruesome death. Maybe one of these boys would spot for her and treat her right. Unlike that ass.
Ne’flav would be a nice match. He was so sweet and gentle and easy on the eyes.
Suddenly, my feet weren’t touching the tree. Something dangled me above the ground. I swung my spear around and tried to stab it just like Sandala had told me to do.
“Easy, my love. I prefer my hide without holes.” Venturi hung upside down from above and held me in his mighty hands.
“Put me down!”
“Let my brother scout the jungle floor first. There are many things that would like to snack on a human.” He lifted me for an upside down kiss as if I weighed nothing. That was so sexy.
Rog strode past us, tale lashing back and forth in annoyance. He muttered under his breath.
“What did he say about my ancestry?” I asked. Nothing good, I’m sure. Silently, I urged Rog to hurry.
“You were foolish to rush off alone again.” My mate set me back on the path and joined me. The others squeezed past us, leaving us behind while Venturi blocked my way.
I ground my teeth. Why did everyone else get to go to the ship before me?
Venturi lifted my chin. “Do not do that again. You do not understand the dangers on this world yet. Until then, you must remain with someone at all times.”
“I can take care of myself.” But as soon as I said it, I knew I was wrong. I broke eye contact and glanced at the shipwreck. Every time I endangered myself, I endangered him because he would always throw himself blindly to protect me. “Sorry.” I didn’t say that often but when I did, I really meant it. “I’m used to being in charge.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” He pressed a kiss to the top of my head.
It took a bit longer to climb down to the broken ship. The trunk trail didn’t run to the ground, so once more I climbed onto Venturi’s back and let him descend using his powerful yet injured claws. How he received those injuries, saving my life by carrying me in a storm, made me love him even more.
I climbed over a hill of churned dirt where the ship had plowed through the earth.
Nothing had changed…except the airlock was open.
Chapter Five
Wendy
Worry struck me anew as I stared at the broken ship. Had I left them behind too long? That hadn’t been part of the original plan. To be honest, I shouldn’t even be alive.
I grasped Venturi’s hand. “If anything happened to them…” I couldn’t even voice the thought.
Venturi squeezed back. “We are here. All will be well now.” His words were comforting. I wasn’t a rescue party of one anymore and I didn’t have to do this all on my own. Venturi’s tribe was our cavalry, which was pretty freaking great.
He surged ahead of the group, with me following at a jog.
I clung to his hand and didn’t protest. I had to know if everyone was alive. Just had to.
Time slowed as we approached the open airlock where I had exited the ship. That wasn’t right. Both doors were open, exposing the inside of the ship to the alien environment and elements of the planet. Those doors were made to never open at the same time. The ship could lose all its atmosphere in seconds if that happened.
Argeer pushed ahead, peering inside, weapons ready in hand. “Let us go in first.”
“Are you nuts? They’ll freak out if you go in like that,” I cried out. “Let me go first. These are my people. They won’t hurt me.” I spoke the last part to Venturi, who looked ready to protest and join Argeer’s side.
My crew wouldn’t attack me, not on purpose. I couldn’t promise they wouldn’t hurt the tassuone.
I set my spear against the ship and climbed inside with a little help from Venturi since the airlock was quite a few feet off the ground.
Stars flicked in my vision and I realized I was holding my breath. I exhaled and listened.
Quiet.
Oh God, I was too late. Maybe they had left the ship and had been eaten by a balaur? “Hello?” I called loudly. My heart pounded so hard it hurt. “It’s Wendy.” I had switched to English, which felt natural. “Don’t jump out and scare the shit out of me.” Please.
Quiet.
I studied the airlock. Someone had pried it open from the inside.
Then I heard it. I moved farther into the dark ship. Where were the lights? Oh crap, the systems had failed like Ne’flav predicted.
“Wendy?” Tammy appeared at the end of the hallway, holding a heavy pipe and flickering flashlight.
I gave a sigh of relief and gratefully rushed to hug her tight. “You’re alive.”
She appeared pale, her skin waxy and cool to the touch. “I’m alive? You should be dead.” She was the only one who knew my enviro suit had been torn and that my mission to the beacon was a one-way trip.
“Long story, but I brought help.”
Her eyes went wide. “Earth couldn’t have sent someone already.”
“Nope.” I pushed past her. “Where is my sister?”
The stink on the bridge washed over me and I fought not to gag. It smelled of unwashed bodies and urine. A single red emergency light still burned over my console. A body lay on its side facing away from me. Rolling it revealed her to be Leah.
She moaned and blinked her eyes. “Wendy? You’re back. Is the beacon on now?”
Tears welled in my eyes. Sweat beaded on Leah’s forehead and her hair was matted. I didn’t need to touch her to sense the heat of her fever. She seemed so weak and wouldn’t be able to walk back to the village.
I moved to the next body and found the captain still comatose but breathing. Barely.
The investor and her assistant—in my panic I couldn’t even recall their names—hadn’t fared any better than Leah. I spun to face Tammy, the last one standing. “Where is Angie? And Jerry?”
“We lost them yesterday.” Tammy leaned against the wall and slid down until she sat. “I’m so sorry, Wendy. I tried to take care of her.”
Her declaration kicked me in the gut. I couldn’t breathe. I reached for the wall before I fell over. “She’s dead?”
“The systems started to fail shortly after you left. Air was a first to go and we had to override the airlock and keep them open to breathe.”
I had guessed as much.
“Angie and Jerry left the ship in an attempt to fix the communication array yesterday. Since the beacon never came on, we assumed you died on the way. They were both healthier than any of us and I was too weak to stop her from leaving.” She pressed a hand to her forehead. “They never came back.”
I peered at her in the dim lighting, my heart grasping at any hope. “She might not be dead then.” I rushed off the bridge and leaped to the ground, ignoring Venturi’s protest.
The other hunters crouched in surprise as if ready for an attack as I ran along the length of the ship, calling Angie’s name. Venturi was hot on my heels. I couldn’t afford the time to explain. My little sister might have passed out from radiation poisoning or twisted her ankle. She needed me.
I stopped, hands on knees to catch my breath, when it was obvious no one was responding to my shouts.
“When-di, what is wrong?” Venturi had my spear ready in his hand. His eyes darted to the thick undergrowth growing around the base of the trunks ready to fight.
“My sister.” I gasped for air and pointed to the crushed communication array. “She came out here to fix something with another crew member, but they disappeared yesterday.” I twisted around and called Angie’s name out to the jungle. Heart in throat, I could imagine quite well what might have happened to her, from cat-beast to balaur to man-eating plants.
Venturi called to Rog, who trotted over. He explained what happened to my sister then pulled me away from that array. “Let my brother look at the area. He is our best tracker. Maybe he can tell us what happened.”
I blinked up at Venturi. “She’s my baby sister. I was supposed to take care of her.”
Venturi, Complete Serial Parts 1-4: Alien SciFi Romance (Crashlander) Page 16
