Lara
Is anybody out there? the same masculine voice from earlier asked.
So, now you want to talk? I smiled, hoping he knew I was teasing.
It wasn’t the best response, but escaping gave me confidence. I still couldn’t believe that I got away. Happiness soared and I wanted to talk to someone. And it wasn’t as though he was standing right in front of me. I mean, what could possibly happen? I was only talking to him. Okay, talking with my mind…yeah, that was a little weird.
You surprised me before, he said.
To be honest, I surprised myself.
I will do as you ask and rescue you.
Strange…I felt his anger, and that scared me a little.
No need, I escaped. But thank you for offering.
I probably did need help, but hiding out beat exchanging one prison for another.
Regardless, I am coming for you, the deep masculine voice echoed inside my head.
Who are you? I demanded, getting a little pissed.
And why would he be coming for me when I already freed myself? Did he think I needed him? Well, I didn’t. Mom made it through just fine raising me on her own. She taught me through her actions that women were strong, independent, and resilient.
I am someone here to help you. Now tell me where you are! Are you still being held on the ship, or are you hiding out on the space station?
And I’m just supposed to believe you? Just like that?
Female…he growled.
Stop growling at me!
Seriously, how could he proclaim to want to help and then growl at me? That might be kosher in his part of the universe, but not mine.
I am here to help you.
Why?
Silence. Yeah, that’s what I thought. And yet, some part of me wanted to trust him, believe him, which irritated me a little. I didn’t need some man to rush in and save the day. I’d already done that myself. But given my dire situation…I might take his help. Maybe.
Tell me where you are.
I don’t think so. And stop growling! And how do I know that you’re growling?
It means that I am supposed to help you escape.
News flash! I’ve already escaped. Give me one reason why I should trust you?
My anger grew; at him for demanding compliance, and at myself for wanting someone to help me, but not because I was weak. Having never been in space, how should I navigate this new discovery? The government never taught us anything about space, or the aliens on this station. So technically I did need help. But how would I know who to trust? Everyone looked dangerous. Couple that with my fear of the unknown and I was totally screwed.
You are Human, are you not?
I sucked in an astonished breath. Of all the things he could’ve said, that shocked me. How did he know that I was Human?
How do you know that?
I felt his reluctance, almost as if he was betraying someone or something.
I just do, he replied.
Listen buddy, you have to do better than that! For all I know, you could just be reading my mind, picking up bits of information to help your cause. Although I’m not sure what that cause is right now.
You are the one who contacted me first.
Well crap, he had a point.
Yeah, sorry about that. I was desperate. And to be honest, I never thought Gypsy magic would actually work. Although I tried several times before and nobody answered.
Gypsy magic?
Never mind. So tell me the truth, how do you know about Humans? Can you read my mind?
I didn’t know how it was possible, but I could feel his reluctance—I knew he didn’t want to answer. Unless he gave me a good reason to trust him though, my butt was staying put. At least here, I felt safe. Begrudgingly, I admitted that at some point I would need to eat, use the bathroom, you know? The necessities. But not right now. Right now, I wanted to relax and feel free.
My…friend…has mated a Human.
I inhaled deeply. How was that possible? I mean, there were no other Humans in space! A thought niggled my brain, making me a little uncomfortable. And what did he mean by mated? They had sex? Did she do so willingly or…
He growled again, which pissed me off. I was allowed to have my own thoughts and process information without him censoring me!
Stop growling at me!
No one forced the Human. She is with him by choice!
He still sounded angry, but that was alright, I was totally pissed off anyway.
If you say so.
The corridor traffic picked up and I heard the rustle and bustle of others, saw their feet as they hurried by. Legs like animals, bowed the wrong direction, other legs that hopped instead of stepped…some looked like mine, but not many.
The smell, although better than the cell on the ship, still reeked of strong body odor mixed with cheap perfume. My head ached from both the smell and talking with…hmmm. He never told me his name.
Not that it mattered. Sure, I liked talking to him, but knowing what he was feeling? That scared the hell out of me. Really scared me! How could someone be so connected that you could feel their feelings? What else could he do? It was better not to ask. Someone that powerful…
Chewing on my lower lip, my head fell against the metal lining and I chastised myself for getting this involved in the conversation.
Just tell me where you are!
My eyes popped open with his demand. Yes, I said demand. As far as I was concerned, he could just get over himself. It didn’t matter that I felt his urgency; I didn’t take orders from him or anyone else. At least not willingly, even if I was attracted to him. Okay, attracted to the deep baritone in my head, since I’d never really seen him. And that didn’t make a bit of sense. Better to stay away until I knew for sure what to do.
No.
Why will you not let me help you?
Because.
Because? What does that even mean?
It means, genius, I don’t know you.
Frustration bled from him to me, which made me even more cautious. This wasn’t normal, I didn’t think. Mom never mentioned Gypsy magic being this strong. Come to think of it, I shouldn’t be able to actually speak to him this way in the first place. Get a few vibes, maybe an idea of what would happen next, but not outright talking. That was just wishful thinking on my part. Closing my eyes, I tried to think. The lack of good food seemed to make my head fuzzy, clouding my judgement somewhat.
I am Roark.
Ha! Did he think that made a difference? Being not only cautious, but a little mischievous, I said, Nice to meet you Roark, I am Natalya.
Natalya…beautiful name.
My delight morphed into hesitation. Mine or his? Did he know I was playing with him?
As the adrenaline seeped from my veins, I yawned. It’s been sort of nice talking to you Roark, but I am tired.
Tell me where you are!
I ignored him and drifted off to sleep.