4 Mangroves Islands

 

Abby

It was early dawn when Abby roused. She blinked at the light filtering through the tangled mangroves. It took a moment to remember where she was as she lifted her face from the pillow of hard red flesh. Embarrassment filled her when she realized she’d drooled all over Ash’s pec.

Seriously, Abby!

She quickly swiped it away then studied the swirling tattoos that covered Ash’s chest, which extended over his shoulders and down his arms. The intricate black design stood out on his blood red skin. She never really cared for tats, since most of them seemed cheesy. Except, on Ash they fit, adding to his formidable aura.

She felt bad. Poor Ash spent the entire night on the hard, bumpy ground. She was amazed she managed to stay perched on his chest. Then again, he was rather broad, and his corded arms were wrapped around her, keeping her securely in place.

Something by her leg moved, startling her. Abby screeched when it dawned on her what was coiled around her calf.

“There’s a snake on my leg.” She frantically reached for it.

Ash quickly flipped her onto her back and planted his mouth against hers. She instantly forgot the intruder. His tongue snaked out, demanding entrance. She was stunned by how she automatically parted her lips, like she had in the water, as if it were a matter of life and death. His tongue slipped in, gliding over her smooth teeth. The tip teased her tongue as he explored. Ash tasted spicy, like candied ginger. She didn’t remember him tasting so good last night, of course, she’d been frantic for air. Abby pulled in a deep shuttering breath. It was like his kiss was drugged with the way the spicy flavor worked its way into her, bringing every sense to attention. She was suddenly aware of his massive body caging her in, the hard planes of his chest pressing against her eager breasts, his hips wedged between her thighs. In the back of her mind she knew she should probably pull away, but deepened the kiss instead.

Just as she was about to grip his broad shoulders, Ash reared back. He titled his head as he rolled his tongue around his mouth. The way he studied her with those intense dark eyes, his brow furrowed, had her instantly wondering if he was tasting her morning breath. It was like a cold bucket of water.

Just when I thought this whole scenario couldn’t get any more embarrassing!

“I haven’t brushed my teeth yet,” she indignantly retorted. Abby scrambled back, pulled up her knees and wrapped her arms around herself to cover her lacy bra. “You kissed me first.”

“You do not taste bad. I was just surprised by something unexpected.” Ash shook his head. “I’m sure it was nothing,” he mumbled with his growly voice, but it translated at full volume. Ash cast the translator on his wrist an annoyed look.

“Oh crap, the snake. Where’d it go?” She looked around frantically.

“It wasn’t a snake.” Ash’s easy-going expression returned, amusement dancing in his dark eyes.

She wasn’t sure what he found so funny.

“Well it wasn’t a branch wrapped around my leg. And by the way, why did you kiss me?”

“It seemed like a good way to silence you.”

Her mouth gaped at his audacity. Ash grinned, and she remembered he liked the faces she made.

“My people don’t kiss. I was curious. I find that I like it—a lot.”

His sardonic smile and candor had her flustered. Part of her was relieved he wasn’t put off, since apparently this was his first kiss. But that twinge of pride was tempered by the very large, underdressed red alien sitting in front of her. She couldn’t help glancing at the scrap of fabric covering his unmentionables.

Holy hell. Ash wasn’t standing at full attention, but the bulge was tenting the scrap of fabric.

“Why don’t you kiss?” she asked as her head popped up.

“These.” Ash tapped his canines. “It’s a custom your people introduced.”

“Oh. I see.”

Abby blushed and fidgeted under his scrutiny. His steely gaze followed her every move. She felt like a cornered bunny with a hungry tiger staring her down. Her tongue darted out to lick her suddenly dry and kiss-swollen lips. Ash’s dark eyes narrowed further, and he leaned in.

“Um, you said it wasn’t a snake,” she quickly interjected, before he could pounce.

Wherever this was going, it couldn’t be good. Right?

“Ah, yes. It was dark, so you didn’t notice last night.”

Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open when a long tail snaked out from behind Ash.

“Don’t scream or I’ll have the privilege of kissing you again,” he warned with a cocky smile.

Her cheeks heated further while she fixated on his tail which lazily flicked back and forth. It was as shocking as it was mesmerizing.

“You’re nearly as red as me,” Ash laughed.

“Because you’re being a flirt. And you’ve seen humans before, but I’ve never met a…” she paused, not recalling what his people were called.

“Cadi,” Ash supplied.

“Yes, well it’s a lot to take in all at once.” She scowled as she admonished the rowdy behemoth.

“That is true. I apologize for taking advantage.” Ash smacked one fist against his chest as he gallantly bowed his head while apologizing. His expression was serious rather than teasing.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” She shook her head at the man, the corners of her mouth tipping up.

She wasn’t offended, more surprised by it all. Granted they didn’t know each other very well, but something told her Ash would’ve stopped if she insisted. And the kiss had been very nice, although she wasn’t about to encourage the man.

Don’t read too much into it. She had no clue about the Cadi. Maybe they were free spirited, and Ash was just curious, like he said.

“Do you feel well rested? We need to try to reach my cruiser this morning.”

“Yeah. Although at this rate our clothes will never get dry.” Abby grimaced at their damp clothes hanging over the mangrove branches. It didn’t look like they’d dried one bit.

“I would go on my own, but you are not safe here. The thought of what one of those reptiles would do to you…” Ash finished his statement with an inarticulate growl.

She smiled at his concern. It was sweet.

“I don’t like the idea of leaving our clothes here.”

“No, I agree.” He nodded.

Ash glanced around, assessing their surroundings. He stood and picked his way through the dense growth. She blinked, her mouth dropping open as she stared at his shapely red ass. The little breechcloth did nothing to hide his flexing cheeks. Not even the sight of his flicking tail could detract from the magnificent sight.

She was still gaping at the break in the trees when the silver-haired demi-god returned, dragging the dead python he’d tossed into the brush. This view was just as fine as the one of him retreating.

Dear lord, he’s got a vee of muscles along his hips, pointing straight to his…

“What are you going to do with that?” she quickly asked before Ash noticed her staring at his washboard abs.

“We need a bag.”

“Uh, okay.”

Ash grabbed a knife from his cargo pants then hunkered down with the fat snake. She watched with a mix of awe and disgust as he proceeded to cut off the snake’s head and tail, then begin peeling the skin off. The snakeskin came free in one long, macabre tube. Ash washed it in the puddle nearby and tied one end into a knot.

“Can you hand me our clothes, please?”

“That is the coolest and grossest thing I’ve ever seen,” she commented and passed him their clothes.

“The beast has grown cold, but that happens when things die,” he replied, while stuffing their clothes into the snakeskin turned inside out.

“No, cool also means fascinating,” she laughed.

“Ah. So, you are disgusted and impressed. I think that’s the most interesting compliment I’ve ever received.” Ash grinned, puffing up his chest. “Do you want me to put your little bag inside the reptile?”

She shook her head both in response to his question and his pride at the unintended compliment. “You are an odd character, Ash.”

“You are the one with such amusing conflicting emotions, Peanut.” She could tell he was teasing her back, in his own foreign manner. “The serpent was already dead, we needed a waterproof carrier. I was being practical.” He tied another knot, sealing the tube shut.

“I’m a girl, it’s my prerogative to be contrary.”

“Is that the secret to females?” Ash asked soberly, a cheeky grin splitting his face a moment later.

“Yes, but don’t tell anyone I told you.” She made a motion of zipping her lips.

“You have my solemn oath that I will not reveal the secret of all female kind.” He bowed low, still wearing the amused expression that made his dark eyes light up. It was truly captivating. “Come on.”

Ash hefted the creepy bag and slung her waterlogged, designer knock-off purse over his shoulder.

“I can carry that,” she offered, repressing a snort seeing the big man carrying her purse.

“I got it. It is a very convenient little bag.” He shrugged as they headed for the river.

I’ve started a trend, she giggled, imagining a race of giant alien men carrying purses.

 

Ashtoret de Origa

Ashtoret tried to keep the concern from his face as Abby swam beside him. He hated bringing her along, not knowing what likely awaited when they reached his cruiser. His mission was to protect the humans and get home safely. But now his purpose had shifted to include finding Vintor and protecting Abby. The way her own people were so cavalier about mounting an attack on her home infuriated him.

She might also need protecting from you. He shook his head.

It was shameful the way he threw himself at her on the island. He hadn’t given it a second thought when he silenced her with his lips. He should’ve known better than to act that way with a vulnerable female.

Dishonorable. What is your problem?

Something about Abby drew him in and he couldn’t seem to help himself. The way she responded to his kiss, her lush body leaning into him was irresistible. Who knows how far he would’ve taken things if the sudden disturbing need to bite her hadn’t struck him in the gut. It was almost like Abby was his…

No. Couldn’t be. He dismissed the notion.

A large pod of creatures sluggishly swimming in the muddy water captured his attention. They had gray fat bodies, with two flippers instead of forelegs, and a single broad flipper for a tail. Their bulbous noses were whiskered, and they had two small solemn eyes. They didn’t appear dangerous but looks could be deceiving.

“Peanut, what are those beasts?” He paused and pointed.

“Oh, they’re manatees.” Abby tread water beside him.

“Benign?”

“Yeah. We also call them sea cows. They’re harmless. Fun fact; you’d think the gators would feed on the manatees since they’re a slow-moving feast, but they usually leave the adults alone.”

He watched as one of the sea cows lazily munched on a bit of river grass, glad to have his theory about their temperament confirmed. A large group of such massive beasts suddenly springing to attack would’ve been bad. They were getting close to their goal, and the disturbance would’ve undoubtedly drawn attention. A thought occurred to him as he processed what she said.

“Stay here with these sea cows. If what you say is true it will be safer than coming with me. Keep an eye out for a flicker in the sky, it’ll be my vessel. I’ll skim the water and pick you up.”

“Are you sure? What if the Spec-ops are still there?”

“If I’m not back by the time the sun reaches its zenith, you head for dry land. Hide if anyone else passes.”

Abby didn’t like his plan, based on the way her brow furrowed. He didn’t like it either, but this was the safest option he could conceive of. He passed Abby their bags. She used the snakeskin tube like a floatation device.

“Take my knife. Caution, it’s very sharp.”

“I’ve seen.” Abby nodded to the snakeskin wearing a grimace as she took the blade.

He started swimming toward one of the sea cows at the edge of the pod to enact the second part of his plan.

“Ash,” Abby said, concern lacing her voice.

“Yes.”

“Be safe.” Her chin quivered.

Abby’s concern pulled at him. He nodded then dove beneath the water before he changed his mind. He grasped the sea cow’s flippers. With gentle but firm insistence, he urged the manatee up river. He was grateful the gentle giant didn’t balk too much.

Thank you for being my cover. He chuckled to himself as he swam. The sea cow probably never moved so fast in its life. I’m sorry, my blubbery friend, but you would make a horrible manx. The mental image was amusing.

They were nowhere near the landing site, when he was forced to stop. There was a line of boats blocking the river. These weren’t like the few fishing vessels he avoided on his swim here. These were occupied with dark-uniformed human warriors.

Ashtoret rolled beneath his water steed, hiding himself from the human’s view, then urged the sea cow deeper, maneuvering her beneath the boats. When they surfaced on the other side, he let the beast drift closer to the shore and move at a more natural speed. Occasionally he ventured to peer out of the water as they passed boat after boat. He grimaced when he sighted several odd craft with whipping blades circling in the sky overhead.

This is not good. They’ve quarantined the area.

He reached the site of his cruiser and things were as grim as expected. Two large vessels were hauling a massive object out of the river. He didn’t need to see beneath the tarps to know it was his cruiser.

Son of a metcor! Aculus is going to be pissed.

There was no way he could get to the cruiser hatch without being seen. This was an utter failure. Dejected, he submerged with the manatee and slowly worked his way back down the river.

 

Abby

“Your whiskers tickle, you greedy fatso,” Abby wanly chuckled as the manatee took the bunch of grass from her hand and lazily chomped.

She started feeding the sea cows when they tried to meander off. Her ploy worked, and now she just had to keep from getting crushed by the floating behemoths.

Where are you, Ash? She again glanced nervously at the sun’s position in the sky, while absentmindedly feeding another gaping gray mouth. Ash said to get to dry land, but it seemed wrong to leave. And what exactly do you think you’re going to do if he’s captured? Waltz onto the base and demand to see your father and the aliens they apprehended? Yeah, that’ll go over well.

But what was she going to do? The government could easily make everyone disappear, like they never existed.

No, no, no, don’t think that way. Ash is fine. Everyone is going to be fine.

It was strange how quickly she connected with Ash. She was responsible for him, and dependent on him all at the same time. It felt like they were the only two sane people and the rest of the world was out to get them.

Please, Ash, don’t get captured. She blinked back the tears trying to form.

“Peanut, we need to get out of here.”

Abby almost screamed hearing Ash’s voice behind her. She spun around.

“Don’t do that!”

“I’m sorry.”

The words were barely out of his mouth when she tackled him with a giant relieved hug.

“I thought they caught you for sure.” Her heart raced a million miles a minute.

“No, but we need to leave this area.”

“What happened?” she asked as they waded away from their blubbery friends.

“Your warriors captured my cruiser. They were dragging it out of the water. There were a lot of boats and vessels in the sky. We need to find cover.”

“Oh, no.” Her heart sank. “Okay. The islands where we spent the night were pretty dense. But what then? We can’t hide forever.”

“I don’t know,” Ash growled. “You need to eat and get dry. This has turned into a disaster.”

Her eyes widened at his angry reply.

“I’m sorry about your friend and ship, and I’m sorry you’re now saddled with me.” She frowned.

“You’re not a burden,” he insisted, looking remorseful for having lost his temper.

“It’s okay. I understand.” She tried to smile to let him know she truly meant what she said. Ash had every right to be frustrated, he was screwed.

Ash was just being kind when he said she wasn’t a burden. There was a long list that said otherwise. She’d been so worried about ditching him earlier. She thought because Ash was an alien on her planet, he might need her. But that was foolish. He was infinitely more capable than she was. He probably would’ve been able to get to his ship last night if she wasn’t hanging around his neck. Even something as simple as talking to her was a chore. Every time he spoke, he had to lift his wrist out of the water, just so she could hear the translated words.

She grew quiet as she swam beside him. Ash was twice as wary as before. Whenever he heard a boat or helicopter coming, he swiftly tugged her against him and ducked beneath the water. It wouldn’t have been that bad, if Ash’s sense of hearing wasn’t so much better than hers, and she had forewarning. But she wasn’t about to complain.

She was physically and mentally tired by the time they finally left the river.

“This looks like it connects to the main land,” he commented as they waded on ashore.

Abby looked around to get her bearings.

“I think you’re right. That looks like the causeway over there.” She pointed to the area half a mile downstream.

Ash held back branches as they hunted for a spot to settle in, making sure they didn’t slap her. Except the undergrowth was so dense, a broken limb still managed to scrape across her bare thigh.

“Ow dammit,” she mumbled.

Ash spun and looked down at the red swath across her leg. She was almost used to prancing around in her skivvies, but now wanted to cover herself with the way he stared at her. Ash’s brow furrowed as he reached toward the welt.

“It’s fine.” She attempted a smile, and they continued hiking.

Abby felt silly for making a peep as she studied Ash’s muscular back. Among the swirling black tattoos there were numerous scars. She doubted he even noticed when he earned half those marks, just like he shrugged off the wound on his bicep and thigh.

The man said he was in a war, for God’s sake. He’s a living, breathing gladiator.

“How about here?” she asked, after Ash bypassed a few places that looked good.

“No, we’d be visible from overhead.” He looked up through the break in the trees.

“Oh, okay. You’re right.”

She clamped her mouth shut, trying not to become disenchanted as her feelings of being a giant helpless anchor magnified.

Ash paused, looked around, then nodded at a tiny clearing. Abby grabbed a large branch and started tugging it out of their way.

“I’ll get that.” Ash took hold of the limb, like it was a mere twig, and tossed it into the undergrowth.

“Okay. I’ll hang up our clothes, so they’ll finish drying.” She picked up the snakeskin bag and started tugging at the knot. “Dammit.” It refused to give.

“Here.” Ash held out his hand.

“No! I got this,” she snapped.

She fought with the knot some more, wanting to scream in frustration. It was the stupid straw that broke the camel’s back. It didn’t help Ash was staring at her. Abby threw the snakeskin onto the ground, as angry tears started to leak from her eyes. She spun, facing away, so Ash didn’t see her cry.

“Peanut?” he said in confusion and concern.

She shook her head frantically. If Ash did or said one more sweet, considerate thing for the damsel in distress, she was going to lose it entirely. She swiped at the tears streaming from her eyes, but they kept coming.

“Peanut,” Ash said softer. He put a large palm on her shoulder and gently urged her to turn.

“I can’t, Ash.” She shrugged him off. “I’m having a little moment here, but I’ll get over it.”

“I am sorry I was curt with you,” he rumbled deeply and the words translated where his hand hovered by her shoulder.

“Don’t apologize. Please!” Abby spun and looked up at his face framed by his disheveled silver hair. His expression was remorseful, making her feel even worse. “I’m not upset with you. I’m upset at me. My people are a bunch of assholes. They took your friend. They’ve got my dad. They stole your ship, and shot at us.” She weepily gestured with fluttering hands at the injuries he sustained. “And now we’re hiding out naked, and I can barely stay alive, let alone help you with a damn thing. You have enough to worry about. I know you said I’m not a burden, but that’s bullshit, I am. All of this is.” She waved at the world at large.

She couldn’t evade Ash when he ensnared her in his steely arms and pulled her against his chest, but she didn’t fight either. He hunkered down on the ground, cradling her in his lap.

“Much has happened, Peanut,” he crooned, his chest vibrating.

“The last thing you need is me being a wreck,” she hiccupped, while snuggling into his warm, comforting body.

“I have only met a few human females, but one thing that amazes me is your strength.”

“Ha!”

“It is true,” he sternly insisted. “I sometimes wish Cadi could cry and get things out.”

Ash tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him, when she just wanted to hide. His ebony eyes were filled with sincerity. He cupped her cheeks and wiped away her tears with his thumbs.

“Ash.” The gesture made her tear up more.

“I have witnessed many horrors and lost many friends. As a young warrior I learned to harden myself to it and go on to fight another day. But now that we have peace, it angers me how we all were. Perhaps if we allowed ourselves to feel the depth of our loss, let it wash over us, maybe we wouldn’t have been so cavalier about going into battle, and the war would’ve ended sooner. You human females, as fragile as you are, have strengths that astound me. How such a dichotomy can dwell in the same place, I will never understand.”

“I’m sorry for everything you went through.” She couldn’t begin to imagine what Ash suffered and didn’t blame him for hardening his heart just to cope. She reached up and caressed Ash’s jaw, feeling the way the stubble tickled her palm. “I will be okay, I promise. Everything is just finally settling in. This is all so crazy, Ash. I’m totally out of my element and freaked out. I wish I was calm and numb and able to help you.”

“You helped us get away last night. Your warriors were so numerous, they would’ve caught me if you didn’t rescue me.” Ash hugged her tighter against his chest.

“That was a coincidence,” she snorted.

“Much in life is, and it’s only those who think fast who succeed and survive. You are the only one I know here. There is no one who will trust and understand I mean no ill will like you. You know this place and the people better than I ever will. Do not underestimate yourself. I am honored to have such a partner.”

“Thanks. You’re really good at giving pep talks.” Abby smiled up at him, and Ash grinned back.

“Let’s hang up our clothes so they dry by nightfall.” Ash snagged the snakeskin bag and untied the knot. “Now, female, go make yourself useful.” He nudged her off his lap with playful wink.

“Do you think you could reach in and pull them out? That bag is kind of gross.” She fluttered her lashes innocently.

“Of course.” Ash grabbed for the bag.

“Just kidding. Sucker!” Abby snatched it back with giggle. She might have been squeamish about the makeshift bag at first but had gotten over it.

“This is that contrary part, eh?”

She nodded emphatically and chuckled as she rose on her tiptoes to hang his cargo pants on a branch. She bent and fished her jeans out of the snake, glad the scales were on the inside rather than the fleshy bit. Her clothes already reeked of river water without adding snake guts.

Talking with Ash really had helped pull her back from the edge. Now that she had her melt down, it was time to discuss their next move.

Dust yourself off and get back on that horse, Peanut, she heard her father say.

Ash silently sat, likely debating what they needed to do. Abby glanced over her shoulder and a blush instantly heated her cheeks seeing what Ash was preoccupied with. His dark gaze was riveted to her lacy panties. No doubt she’d been giving him quite a show bending over and stretching upward. She wanted to groan. Next to Ash, with his ripped abs, corded arms, and an ass she could bounce quarters off of, she was a bunch of pudge.

I sooo need to start working out.

“So,” she cleared her throat, before turning around. “I was thinking our priorities are to find food and better shelter, like you said.” Her stomach growled at the thought of food. Thankfully she’d accidently sucked down enough river water to keep from being dehydrated. “Then if I can reach my mom, she has the number for my dad’s good friend on the force, Frank. Too bad my damn cell got wet,” she grumbled.

“Frank!” Ash perked up. “I believe that was the person Brennan was talking to before the warriors ambushed us.”

“Seriously? Did you hear what they said?”

“No. But I got the impression this Frank warned your sire that something was going on, because Brennan told us we needed to leave right afterward. Unfortunately, the warning came too late.” Ash scowled as he recalled the event.

“Then I’d say he’s our best man on the inside.” Of course, that still didn’t guarantee Ash’s safety. “Have you tried to contact your people again?”

“While we were walking here.” He nodded. “Something must be interfering with the signal.”

“That’s not good.” She worried her lip.

“Come here, Peanut, your skin has those little bumps you get when you are cold.”

Ash tugged her down onto his lap and wrapped his warm arms around her. She instantly relaxed into his warm embrace.

“Thanks, Ash. Your name fits, cause you are hot.” She had to keep from snickering at her innuendo.

Ash leaned in and placed his lips next to her ear. “I have heard this word before from you human females,” he informed her.

Her eyes widened. Although the translator didn’t convey every subtle intonation in his voice, the sultry way he growled into her ear spoke volumes. She hadn’t expected Ash to understand what she’d been implying.

Ash exhaled, letting out a subtle growl. His breath skated across the crook of her neck, his warm lips ghosting over her skin. A shiver worked all the way down her spine, and her nipples tingled, beading up to tight points that scraped against her lacy bra. Ash’s large palm spanned her entire stomach and she felt positively small in his embrace. One long finger leisurely traced her ribs, coming perilously close the underside of her breast. His other hand cupped her bent knees. Images of Ash urging her legs apart and running his capable fingers down the inside of her thighs, mixed with the tantalizing memory of his intoxicating kiss. Her breath sped up as she silently willed Ash to do more, foolish as it was.

 

Ashtoret de Origa

The swell of Abby’s creamy breasts tempted him as he stared over her shoulder. He liked the way her pale skin contrasted with his own. She was also softer. So smooth. His gaze traveled lower to the scrap of fabric covering her lush hips. The sheer material barely hid the mound at the junction of her thighs. He fixated on the patch of ruddy hair covering her sex. The hair on a Cadi female wasn’t nearly as thick, so they let it go. But Abby obviously tamed the little curly tuft into a neat stripe. It took everything in his power to keep his shaft from standing at attention as he imagined where the strip led. Abby would surely notice that while he held her to keep away the chill.

Act like you have some honor.

But despite his best intentions, his fingers moved of their own accord over her soft skin. She smelled so good. He salivated as his mouth parted, instinct demanding he sink his teeth into her neck.

Ashtoret’s eyes widened and he paused. He tasted the conjugo serum filling his mouth, lacing his saliva with its spicy pheromone. There was no ignoring it, not this time. He knew he was attracted to Abby, but this meant more than that. If he acted on the things he was feeling, Abby would be his. As much as the notion appealed to him, she was vulnerable. Too much had happened to her. He wouldn’t thrust this onto her on top of everything else. Not here in the woods, while the human warriors pursued them. Abby deserved better.

“What do you have in here?” He grabbed Abby’s little shoulder bag to distract himself.

“Oh, um, a variety of things.”

He ignored how breathy her voice sounded, unzipped the toothy metal clasp and peered inside the bag. There were half a dozen confusing little trinkets inside.

“What’s this?” He pulled out a black shiny tube.

“A word of advice, never go digging around in a woman’s purse.”

“Is this another one of your pieces of sage wisdom about human females?”

“Yep. That’s lipstick. It’s for decorating my lips.”

Abby pulled off the cap and applied a smear of red to her lips. He liked her lips just fine as they were, but now they did have an enticing glossy appearance, bringing his thoughts back around to other undoubtedly glossy pink lips.

“And these?” He quickly pulled out two green metallic packages, while beating back wayward salacious thoughts.

“Oh, I forgot the granola bars I shoved in there.” She snagged one, tore it open and shoved the brown square toward his mouth.

“Mmmm.” He nodded in appreciation after taking a bite of the crunchy sweet wafer.

“Eat the rest,” Abby insisted as she opened the other package and nibbled on it.

“See, you provided food,” he encouraged, alluding to their earlier conversation.

“It’s not much. But beggars can’t be choosers.” She smiled.

“Indeed. If I wasn’t worried about attracting attention with a fire, I’d hunt something.”

“And if I knew anything about plants I could probably find us some wild munchies. Oh well, this will have to tide us over.” She offered the other half of her snack to him.

“No, you finish it, Peanut.”

“This is a peanut.” Abby pointed to an oval nut in the bar with a giggle.

“Looks about right. It’s tiny just like you, so eat it up.” He grinned at her.

“You’re huge, you need the calories. Meanwhile, I’ve got a nice layer stored up. I could live out here for weeks.” Abby squeezed her thigh.

“I have heard you human females complain about this,” he scoffed. “A Cadi warrior likes a curvy female. Our females have them, but yours are exceptional.”

“That’s a nice way of putting it.” She glanced back at him, her eyes making an exaggerated roll.

His brow rose in censure at Abby’s self-deprecating response. How was it possible she didn’t know how gorgeous and exotic she was?

“It is very attractive and supremely feminine,” he husked near her ear. “Add your small size, and it’s enough to incite a warrior’s need to protect.” And do other things that such luscious curves would allow for, but he didn’t mention that.

“Oh.”

Abby’s cheeks flushed a lovely pink color before she turned her face away. He could see over her shoulder that the color extended down her chest. It drew his attention to her stiff nipples, barely hidden by the sheer garment that cupped her breasts.

“What’s this colorful packet?” He changed the subject before he dwelt too long on mounting her.

“Oh my god.” She grabbed the wrapped tube and shoved it back into her little bag. “That’s something just for ladies and I’m not explaining it,” Abby snorted, turning redder than she already was.

“Fine,” he chuckled at her embarrassed response. “What’s this little carrier, or is it also private?” he teased as he held up a squat leather cube with a silver clasp.

“No, smart alec. That’s my wallet. The cards inside access money and identify me. There may even be some cash in there.”

“Ah yes. Credits are good to have.”

He pulled a slip of paper out of the wallet and studied it. The water had smeared some of the colors, but it was clearly an image of Abby, Providence and their sisters. There were two little young standing in front of the females, and a triangular tree with lights in the background. He grinned seeing the happy smiles they all wore, each holding a toy.

“I forgot about that.” Abby took the picture and smiled wistfully. Pain filled Ashtoret’s chest as he watched tears well up in her eyes and spill onto her long lashes. She quickly dashed away her tears and her smile returned. “You recognize Pro. Well that’s my sister Hope, the brat, April, the nerd, and Beth with her two boys. Jake and Jonathan decided since we were girls we needed princess dolls for Christmas. They were so excited to find ones that matched us. See how mine has frizzy red hair,” she snorted while tugging at one of her curly locks.

“The little males look very proud.”

“Yeah. They’re good little guys. How Hope ended up blonde, I’ll never know. Pro thinks I was adopted, but clearly that was Hope.” Abby caressed the image with her thumb. “Tell me, Ash, is Pro doing all right?”

“She is. I think her only concern is for her family. Would you like to hear the whole story?”

He might not succeed at anything else on this mission, but this was one thing he could accomplish, and they had more than enough time for him to relay everything that would hopefully mend Abby’s heart.

“Yes, please.”

“Just after our Daimio, Kagan quo Rordan, defeated Vigdis, unifying our world, the Jurou Biljana merchants returned. We learned those reptiles were the ones who sold Vigdis a weapon that killed a whole city.”

“Holy shit!”

“Yes, it was...” He shook his head at the terrible memory. “They are also slavers, and the reason we are here to protect your planet. They returned to Cadi to sell us Toufik slaves and other goods, but we were on to their ways. They were just waiting for the right time to pluck us like they will Earth.”

“Thank you for trying to come help us.” Abby placed her hand on his and squeezed.

“You are welcome.” He smiled back.

“Sorry to interrupt again, but who are the Toofeek?”

“They are a hairy race who speak with their hands. They used to be slaves on Cadi. In the final battle, another human, Gisselle, Kagan’s mate, convinced the Toufik to fight. Up to that point we assumed they were a gentle species. We were so very wrong. They can be vicious, but never fought because being enslaved on Cadi was better than returning to their dying world.”

Abby sat listening with her mouth agape.

“On one of the Jurou Biljana ships, Dagaa found more than just Toufik.”

“He found Pro.”

He nodded. “She’d was taken from your world by the Miran Sona. They are the benign species who are trying to save other species at risk.”

“That’s all well and good, but that sucks balls.” Abby scowled, wrinkling up her nose.

He burst into laughter at her colorful retort.

“It does suck balls,” he agreed when he calmed. “Even some of the Miran Sona aren’t amused with their people’s methods. Their ship was attacked, and your sister sacrificed herself to save the other humans, before they were discovered.”

“That sounds like Pro, too brave for her own damn good.” Abby shook her head. He decided not to mention Providence was found with stun burns all over her body.

“Providence killed a few of the reptiles, but they still captured her. And we found her along with the Toufik brought to Cadi. We then banned the Jurou Biljana from our planet but have been plagued by them ever since.”

“Good riddance to bad rubbish. You said Pro is married and has a baby coming?” Abby excitedly asked.

“Yes. That was an amusing event. Two warriors, Dagaa and Madhava, stepped forward to be Providence’s protectors. But our Daimio failed to name who would be Prime or Second. Your sister refused to choose who she wanted as her Prime and the males fought over the right.”

“Wait! You forced my sister to marry someone?” Abby’s cheeks suddenly turned red, and she looked livid.

“No, no, no. Let me explain.” He held up his hand to halt the impending tirade. “A Cadi female has her family until she chooses a mate, who becomes her Prime. Because of the war, it became tradition for a warrior to choose a Second who would take care of his family, should he die, which sadly happened a lot. If a female loses her family she takes a Prime and a Second, but not necessarily as her mate, but as a protector.”

“Okay.” Abby calmed. “But that still sounds odd. I’m sure Pro rebelled against the notion she needed a protector. She’s pretty independent and a badass.”

“Oh, she wasn’t pleased at all. Rather than accept it, Providence and Giselle found a crack in our laws. When Dagaa and Madhava challenged each other in a formal competition, she entered as well. Since no Cadi female has ever wanted to compete, we didn’t have a rule that said she couldn’t.” He laughed at the memory. “You human females are so precocious. Providence and Giselle manipulated Kagan into choosing events she was good at, knowing the Daimio wouldn’t want his friends to fight hand to hand combat.”

“Oh yeah, that’s Pro, challenging the status quo,” Abby snickered.

“Well, Providence won the position of Prime, another first on Cadi.”

“I’m not surprised. Pro has always been competitive.”

“That is true, but your sister didn’t compete to win. She didn’t want Dagaa and Madhava to ruin their friendship because of her.”

“She never feared a battle, but she’s always been a good peacemaker. Pro was really good at separating Hope and I when we were young.” Abby nodded, her eyes tearing up again. “So, who did she marry?”

“She mated both her Seconds.”

Abby’s eyes flew open. “She what?”

“It is not entirely common, we warriors can be rather jealous where our females are concerned, but it happens.”

“Way to go Pro. My sister has a harem,” Abby chanted with an ornery giddy giggle. “I sooo can’t wait to tell my sisters, and Dad’s going to shit himself.”

Ashtoret laughed at how Abby vibrated with excitement as they shared stories, passing the time till it grew dark. There was a time when he worried he’d never have anything in common with a female, being a warrior and pilot. But the human females were far from shy and reserved. Abby’s candid responses, unusual phrases, and questions kept him amused.