7 Truckstop

 

Abby

A ping awoke her. She blinked and roused as Ash sat up. He grabbed the communicator off the side table and swiped at the screen. An odd deep voice spoke rapidly. Ash’s face instantly lit up. For a moment she got excited, thinking it was Vintor, but the speaker sounded nothing like Ash, there were too many odd guttural clicks and rolled R’s.

“Aculus, I’ve been trying to reach you. We’ve got a problem. Vintor and your cruiser were taken by the human authorities.”

The character with the odd voice spoke and Ash’s face twisted into a scowl.

“I knew I had the cloaking shield up, but I was starting to doubt. I guess it’s a minor relief to know I didn’t cause this,” Ash sighed. She rubbed his back, feeling some of the tension dissipate. He had been carrying around a terrible burden. “The humans must have a technology we are unaware of surrounding their base. Our tracking signal went offline shortly after we landed,” he commented to her then returned his attention back to his fancy phone. “We must be far enough away from their stronghold now, if you’re reading me.”

Ash listened as his friend spoke and Abby tried to follow along, but it was a little difficult only understanding half the conversation.

“No, it was best the other teams stayed on your cruiser. It was a good call.” Ash nodded. “I need a pick-up. I’ve been evading the human warriors with Providence’s sister. Her father, our contact, was also apprehended.”

What Ash said suddenly struck her. He’s leaving. You knew this was coming. But she didn’t expect it to hurt so much.

“Later, my friend.” Ash smiled at whatever his friend said. “Right now, we need to find a way to retrieve Vintor, wherever the humans have hidden him,” he sobered speaking about his friend. “I’ll find an isolated spot and hail you.”

“I know of a place your friend might be able to land. There’s a campground not far from here, on Lake Poinsett. We can probably hitch a ride at the truck stop,” she offered.

“Did you hear that?” Ash asked his friend. “Good. Once you see my signal, come in and get me.” Ash nodded at whatever Aculus said as the communication cut off.

“I guess we better get ready,” she sighed.

This was a good thing. Ash was going to be safe soon. So why was she so miserable?

Cause you like him—a lot. She frowned. I never should have slept with him. Theirs was an impossible relationship. The amazing night they spent together just made the inevitable all that much harder to face.

Ash picked her up and carried her into the bathroom. She adjusted the shower and they both stepped in. She leaned against Ash’s back as he washed, kissing his tattooed shoulder blade. Her chest was incredibly tight as she fought back the threatening tears.

“You are quiet. Are you feeling okay?” Ash turned around and helped soap up her body.

“Yeah.”

“That was hardly convincing. Aculus will help. He’s a good male.”

Abby nodded. She smiled as Ash’s tail joined his hands, wrapping around her waist. The tip tickled at the seam of her pussy.

“Ash!” she exclaimed, unable to repress the giggle.

“What? I don’t control what it does.” He held up his hands in mock innocence.

“Uh huh. Rotten beast.” She batted his wayward tail away from her nether region.

He chuckled. The sound made her incredibly happy. Ash had the uncanny ability to turn her mood around in an instant.

So just enjoy this. It’s not goodbye, not yet. Don’t ruin what time you do have.

She committed to memory the way Ash’s hands felt on her body, and the texture of his skin as they finished bathing. It was amusing watching him wrangle his tail, forcing it into his pants. Maybe there was a grain of truth to him not being able to control it. She wondered what he usually wore, doubting it was a pair of khaki fatigues. He made silly faces while she covered his face with foundation to help him blend in. It seemed such a shame to cover his red skin. There was nothing wrong with it. Too soon they had their stuff gathered and were ready to go.

They were about to walk out the door when she glanced at the phone. After Ash’s friend picked him up, she’d need a ride. But that wasn’t the only thing that occurred to her as she considered calling Hope.

“I’m going to call my sister. She can meet us at the campground. Even though your friend is helping you, I still think contacting Frank is a good idea. I bet he has an idea where Vintor and my dad are, since his tracker isn’t working.”

She bit her lip, hoping Ash would agree to let her help him further. This way they’d still be working together. Although she wasn’t sure how she’d reach out to him with the information.

One thing at a time.

“All right.”

Abby gave him a broad smile, picked up the motel phone and dialed Hope.

“Abby!” Hope picked up on the first ring.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“Bloody hell, there were a lot of cops at the club. I looked around for you, but you were gone.”

“Shit, Hope, did anyone harass you?”

“No, I kept my distance. The house is trashed. What the fuck is going on?”

“I already told you. Listen up, I have to make this quick. Meet me where Dad used to drag us kicking and screaming every spring break.”

“Where?” Hope sounded frazzled. She could sympathize.

“You remember. He used to try to convince us it was a suitable vacation spot, but even Mom agreed it wasn’t.”

“Do you mean…”

“Yes. Shut up. Someone might be listening in. Watch your back. I gotta go.” She quickly hung up and turned to Ash. “She’ll be there. Let’s go.”

They walked beside the road, heading toward the truck stop. They made a side trip to a golden arches and she got them breakfast, while Ash waited outside near the dumpster. The kid behind the counter looked at her funny when she ordered half the menu. They ate as they continued toward the truck stop.

“I’ll talk to the truckers, while you hide. Once someone agrees, follow us, and climb into the back of the trailer.” She pointed to the big-rigs.

Ash nodded as they approached the long line of trucks. He ducked between the vehicles while she stood out front, waiting for one of the drivers to leave the building.

“Hey.” She approached a middle-aged guy in a ball cap. “I’m looking for a ride to a campground at Poinsett Lake, but anywhere nearby will do.”

“Sorry, honey, heading the other way.” The guy walked on.

Abby shook her head at Ash, who was waiting in the shadows. She tried a few more times and was turned down. Finally, someone agreed.

“Sure, sweet thing. My rig is over here.”

Of course, the guy who looks like Grizzly Adams agrees. Oh well.

She slowly followed the man, so Ash could follow them to Grizzly Adams’ truck.

“It must be kinda difficult driving such a big vehicle.” She captured the man’s attention, so he faced away from the rear of the trailer. She stood at the front bumper and patted the truck, watching to make sure Ash got in all right.

“I’m used to handling big loads,” the man chuckled as he eyed her up and down.

Oh great. Yeah, real subtle. She repressed an eye roll at the comment. This was the last place she’d be if they weren’t desperate.

Abby watched Ash gently shut the door, then gave the trucker her most convincing smile.

“Well, I won’t waste your time asking silly questions. I appreciate your help.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

It took a bit of effort climbing up into the cab, but she finally managed it. Grizzly Adams started up the truck with a rumble and pulled out on the open road. The lake and campground weren’t that far down Ninety-five, but still too far to walk.

“So, what’s your name, doll?”

“Rachel,” she lied.

“Jeff. So, why you heading to the lake?”

“Meeting my family. We like to camp once a year.”

She complained earlier about their camping trips, but as she and her sisters grew up and life got busy, cavorting around the lake with her family were some of her fondest memories.

“That’s real nice.” Grizzly Jeff nodded, as he took the highway off-ramp.

Abby watched the passing scenery. She noticed the sign and recalled the road her Dad usually took.

“Oh, I think that was our turn.” She tapped on the window.

“I know a shortcut.”

She eyed the trucker warily. Grizzly Jeff was still smiling as he stared at the road ahead, but it was definitely creepier than it was moments ago. She knew she was in trouble, when he turned off onto a deserted access road among the trees.

Fuck!

 

Ashtoret de Origa

The large vehicle stopped, but Ashtoret could still hear the engine rumbling. He waited to make sure they weren’t just halting at an intersection. He heard Abby’s murmured voice as a door shut. It was faint but there was something about her tone that captured his attention. Every hair on his body stood on end, and an instinctual growl vibrated from his throat. He grabbed his knife and jumped from the storage bay.

“Let go of my hair. Ash!”

Abby’s scream seared through him like a hot brand to bare flesh. He’d been through war and never experienced a seething rage like what boiled in his veins as he raced around the corner. The scene that greeted him was his worst nightmare come to life. The vile male had his mate by the hair and was forcing her to the ground. The look of terror on Abby’s face stilled his blood. He reached her in an instant and grabbed the male by the nape of his neck.

“You dare touch her,” he roared as he ripped the puny piece of shit off Abby and held him aloft, while brandishing his knife.

The male futilely punched him in the face.

“She is not yours to touch.” He bared his fangs and snarled in rage.

The male’s eyes widened with horror as he focused on Ashtoret’s face. The offensive human started to babble incoherent pleading sounds, and a pungent odor rose up. Ashtoret growled again in disgust. The male was brave enough to attack a female, but cowardly soiled himself when his crime was discovered.

“You are the worst kind of filth.” He raised his blade to end the pathetic bastard.

“No, Ash.” Abby gripped his arm.

“He hurt you and has assuredly done this before. The male has earned a swift trip to Vrag for such a dishonor.”

“Just let him go. We can’t kill somebody,” she pleaded.

He huffed, taking in several breaths as his rational mind returned. Abby was right, ending this male would probably make things more difficult.

“Please,” the bastard choked out, his face bright red and eyes bulging.

Ashtoret snarled in his face, giving the male a rough shake.

“Shut up, asshole. You’re lucky I stopped him from gutting you. Remember that the next time you think about being a raping bastard,” Abby screamed at the male, then headed toward the vehicle cockpit.

“What are you doing?” he asked, wearing an amused smile at how she lit into the pile of filth.

“I’m getting his keys.” Abby climbed into the vehicle and shut it off. “Got’em. Let him go.”

“Run.” He tossed the male and snarled.

The human wisely did as he was told. Ashtoret shook his head in disgust seeing the stain on the retreating male’s breeches as the vile bastard ran down the dirt road. The moment Abby was within reach, he tugged her against him.

“Are you all right? I’m so sorry.” He examined her bare arms, snarling as he noticed the scrapes on her elbows.

“I’m fine.” Abby wrapped her arms around him.

But she wasn’t fine. Abby trembled, making him want to race after the disgusting male and finish what he started. Instead he picked her up and kissed her full red lips.

Goddess, thank you, he sent up an earnest prayer while clutching her close. He hated thinking what could’ve happened if he hadn’t heard the faint sound of distress. They always said a bonded male’s senses were heightened, but he never fathomed how intense it would be. Everything in him was keenly focused on her.

“Get rid of these.” Abby handed him the jangling metal keys when they finally parted.

“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” he repeated a phrase Abby used and threw the keys as far as he could into the brush. It wasn’t nearly as satisfying as force feeding them to the bastard.

“Which way do we go?”

“Back out on the road, or if we go toward the lake we can follow it to the campground.” She pointed into the trees.

“All right. Hold on.” He shifted Abby to his back. She grasped his neck, her legs encircling his waist, and he started to run.

“Thank you,” Abby repeated as she jostled on his back.

“Always,” he replied past the lump in his throat.

He still wanted to shred something. It infuriated him this happened. It never would’ve if he wasn’t forced to hide instead of sticking by her side. That was no way to guarantee his mate’s safety. If Abby’s sister wasn’t meeting them, he’d stop in the nearest clearing and hail Aculus now.

“You’re growling, handsome. I’m much better now. I was freaked out more than anything.” Abby kissed his neck. “How about I let you kill the next guy that touches me?”

“That is never happening,” he snarled.

“That’s super sweet, and really hot,” Abby purred in a sultry voice, her tongue following the shell of his ear.

He stumbled and came to a stop.

“Abby, unless you want me to mount you here in the forest, you better behave,” he warned over his shoulder.

They needed to get to the campground, but the thought of bending Abby over was beyond tempting. He desperately wanted to eradicate the scent of that bastard that lingered on her. He started running again before he gave in to the notion.

“We get to safety and I’ll lick more than your ear.”

He faltered again and snarled as he recovered. Abby giggled wickedly. She was unrepentant with her teasing.

“I will hold you to that, female.” Ashtoret reached back and gripped her ass while he ran.

A smile tipped his lips. If she was taunting him, she wasn’t too upset. That helped soothe the angry beast inside.

They hit the lake and headed north around the perimeter. He pressed on till they reached the campground with a slew of tents and long boxy vehicles.

“The parking lot is that way.”

He kept to the trees as he followed her directions.

“I think that’s Hope at the picnic table.” Abby pointed to a blonde female, and he let her down.

She was about to leave the brush when a dark vehicle captured his attention.

“Wait.” He gestured toward the lot, then noticed another black vehicle parked amidst other colorful vessels.

“Dammit, she was followed,” Abby cursed.

“We need to capture her attention without going out in the open.”

It was time to get the females away from here and fast. He scanned the campground, trying to determine if there were warriors already hiding in the trees, then sent a one-word message to Aculus, ‘now.’

Abby whistled loud enough for her sister to hear. Hope turned toward the sound. Her head tilted to one side and started walking their direction. He stepped away from Abby, so he didn’t scare her sister. He halted when the doors on the black vehicles opened and several uniformed males emerged.

“Come on, Hope,” Abby hissed.

Hope peered into the tree line. She looked up at him and her green eyes widened. He really wished he could introduce himself properly, or at least not terrify Abby’s sister, but sadly that wasn’t possible. Ashtoret gripped Hope’s wrist and pulled her into the brush. He wrangled her onto one hip and grabbed Abby with his other arm.

“Hold on,” he rumbled and started running.

Hope screeched as she flailed, but he kept a tight grip on her.

“Relax, Hope. Hold onto Ash.” Abby gripped Hope’s arms on either side of his neck.

He darted between the trees to throw the human warriors off his track, while keeping a steady course toward the clearing he passed a while back. That was the best and most secluded spot for Aculus to land.

“What’s going on?” Hope cried. Her knees dug into his sides in a frantic attempt to stay seated on his hip.

“You were followed. We’re in danger,” Abby informed her. “Shit, Ash, hurry,” she urged after glancing behind him.

“Tuck your face against me,” he barked and ran faster.

Either Hope didn’t hear him or was too shocked to comply like Abby did. She cried out when a limb whipped her in the face, making him cringe as he barreled through the growth. Abby stiffened when a twiggy branch also grazed her. It killed him he couldn’t stop to check her over.

He heard the distinct sound of a vessel coming in fast and glanced up. All that was visible of the cloaked cruiser was a slight distortion in the otherwise cloudy blue sky, as Aculus zeroed in on their location.

“Thank Kali.” He ran faster toward the clearing.

“Shit, Ash, they’re still following us,” Abby panicked.

He kept to the tree line and circled the meadow. They were prime targets if they went out in the open.

“Come on,” he growled in frustration, urging Aculus to move faster.

“Abby, please. What’s going on?” Hope cried in terror.

Aculus’ vessel kicked up a long swath of dirt as it skidded to a halt. The human warriors emerged into the field. They aimed their primitive disrupters at the vessel and fired. The metal projectiles ricocheted dangerously in every direction.

How dare they risk my bonded and her sister, Ashtoret snarled in anger as he was forced behind a large tree trunk with his precious burden.

Two males advanced on them, while another two approached the cruiser. They were trying to cut them off from the ship.

“I will distract them. You get to the cruiser,” he told Abby.

“No, they’ll shoot you. You’re pretty fucking awesome, but I know you’re not bulletproof,” she countered.

“What are you talking about? I’m not getting on that thing.” Hope struggled, and he was forced to grip her tighter.

“Stop it, Hope. It’s not like we planned for this shit,” Abby snapped at her frightened sibling.

“I’m going to talk to Vintor about his insistence we not bring disrupters,” Ashtoret rumbled in frustration as the sisters argued while saddled on his hips.

He surveyed the woods around the field, looking for a way to reach the vessel without going through the advancing humans. Things got worse when he heard the recognizable sound of rotary air vehicles approaching.

Hope suddenly screamed in his ear and he cringed. He glanced back at the clearing to see two of the humans laying in the grass. Frantic blasts echoed as the remaining males fired their weapons toward the cruiser. A series of responding flashes came from the cruiser.

“Yes,” Ashtoret bellowed in triumph when the last humans dropped to the ground.

Aculus stepped into view. “What are you waiting for?” he hollered, looking rather proud of himself.

Ashtoret didn’t waste any time racing toward the hatch, clutching both females.

 

Abby

Almost there. Almost there, Abby chanted as Ash ran toward the teardrop-shaped spaceship. The helicopters were nearly overhead.

“You’ve got impeccable timing, Aculus,” Ash grunted as he pounded up the ramp of the silver craft.

She sighed in relief when they crossed the threshold. The doors instantly slid shut behind them.

“I do, indeed. It looks like you have one female too many, Ashtoret,” Aculus chuckled as he tapped a panel on the wall.

The man had a communicator similar to Ash’s, making it possible for her to understand him, except that wasn’t what drew her attention. Aculus wasn’t Cadi at all. He was a daunting new species, covered from head to toe in armored plates, forming an exoskeleton. Knotty ridges flanked his forearms and calves. They were also in place of eyebrows, haloing shocking red eyes, extending over his bony head.

Her eyes widened when the armored man reached for her.

“I don’t think so,” Ash growled and turned away.

“Very well, I’ll assist the other ivory beauty.” Aculus extricated Hope from Ash’s grasp.

“Abby!” Hope screeched as the bony giant cradled her.

“Hey! What are you doing with my sister? Ash?”

“Slow down, Aculus. Abby’s sister just learned about us. She’s scared and injured. Relax, Peanut. Everything is all right now. I promise.”

“Ah. I see. This must be very disturbing for you. I am very sorry. There is no need to tremble. I would never dare harm such a fine-boned creature. Show me where you’re hurt.” Aculus put one armored finger under Hope’s chin and gently lifted her frightened, pale face. “Your tiny nose is bleeding. Come, I will fix you up.”

It was strange hearing such a harsh looking man croon at her sister.

“Abby?” Hope frantically looked at her.

“It’s okay. Aculus is Ash’s friend,” she encouraged. How good a friend he is, I have no idea, but he just saved our asses.

“Who is Ash?” Hope’s head swiveled toward Ash, her eyes wide as saucers.

“We be the cavalry, ma’am,” Aculus interjected.

Abby gawked at the bony behemoth.

“Providence and my dad say that!” Hope declared then grimaced as her nose started bleeding again.

“We’re friends with your sister, and by the way, you have the same lovely eyes,” Aculus complemented Hope.

“You really do know my sister.” Hope gaped at the armored man. Her chin quivered, and tears started streaming down her cheeks.

“Yes, and she is well. Please don’t do that, ivory beauty. It pains me. We will explain everything while I fix your little nose.” Aculus walked off carrying her sister.

“Uh, Ash. Is he okay?”

“He won’t hurt her, he likes females…all sorts of females.”

“Ash!” She slapped his chest, but the rotten beast just grinned. “You know what I promised earlier, you’re about to lose your privileges. That bony gladiator better not get handsy with my sister.” Aculus was more of a flirt than Ash was.

“That’s terribly disappointing. I guess I’ll have to settle for this tongue-lashing instead,” Ash chuckled as he followed the others.

“I heard that. What the hell have you two been doing?” Hope declared as Aculus set her in a bucket seat.

“Yes, explain slowly and in detail,” Aculus gave a hearty laugh as he fetched a box from a panel in the wall.

Hope snorted at the comment. “Ow.” She cringed again and held her nose.

“It was funny, but not enough to hurt yourself. Let me see.” Aculus pried Hope’s hand away and dabbed at the injury with some bandages then applied a salve of some sort.

“Mind your own business, Hope.” Abby rolled her eyes. She wasn’t about discuss her sex life with her sister.

She took a moment to look around. They were in an overgrown cockpit with a half-dozen seats, a wide console, and a large screen up front. There were sensors and blinking lights not unlike the aircraft her dad had shown her, but entirely different at the same time. Even the smell was different from what she was familiar with. It all combined to create a surreal experience.

“Show me where the branch scratched you.” Ash helped her into the seat next to Hope.

“I am not lifting my shirt with Don Juan over there,” she informed him.

“Oh, I’m sure Aculus is not paying attention to you.”

He was right. The bony guy was preoccupied showing Hope how the seat harness worked. Abby grinned and lifted her shirt, exposing the minor abrasion. Ash applied some of the salve to her scratch and the redness instantly diminished.

“Thanks, handsome.” She smiled. “That stuff is pretty miraculous. I guess you’re forgiven.”

“I appreciate your help, but what is going on?” Hope asked the guys.

“What is your name?” Aculus inquired.

“Nadzia, but everyone calls her Hope, since that’s what it means,” Abby chimed in.

“Nadzia.” Aculus rolled the name with his unusual voice. “We were saving you from your soldiers.”

“Okay, okay.” Hope’s hand fluttered. “I got that, but how do you know Pro, and why are you here?”

“Calm down and listen up,” Abby began. “Pro was taken by some well-meaning aliens who are making a doomsday colony. Then while she saved other humans, some really bad aliens abducted her again. She was rescued by the Cadi.” She pointed to Ash. “And now she’s married to—wait for it—two hot red dudes.”

“Abigail Murray, you can’t just blurt all that!” Hope screeched.

“It gets better. These guys are here to hide our planet from the real bad aliens. Oh, and Pro is preggers.” She turned to Ash. “You just gotta rip it off like a Band-Aid.”

A twinge of remorse filled her as Hope paled after hearing everything. Her sister closed her eyes and started breathing slowly in through her nose and out her mouth.

“We are docking with my vessel now,” Aculus announced.

“Wow, that was fast.” She stared in shock at the view of space.

“Is that the moon? Are we landing on the moon? I can’t handle this,” Hope said in a panic.

“Shhh, shhh, ivory beauty,” Aculus attempted to soothe Hope as he knelt in front of her. “Would you like to speak to your sister?”

Hope and Abby’s eyes both swung away from the moon and the spaceship they were docking with.

“Pro is on that ship?” Hope asked eagerly, her demeanor brightening.

“No, but I can reach her.”

“I thought that was going to be difficult?” Ash retorted, sounding surprised.

“I have the resources of the Osivoire Nation at my disposal, nothing is too hard.” Aculus shrugged.

“Please.” Hope’s eyes again filled with tears as she nodded.

“Thank you.” Abby started tearing up, too.

“Don’t cry, Peanut.” Ash pulled her out of the seat and swung her into his strong arms.

“It’s just, well, I’d given up hope of ever talking to her again,” Abby hiccupped. “It was nice just knowing she was alive. I never thought I’d actually get to talk to her.”

“You will talk to her. You will even get to see her.” Ash nuzzled her hair.

“I can walk,” Hope declared when the bony giant also picked her up.

“Nonsense, Nadzia, you were hurt,” the armored man rumbled.

“Oh, do whatever, if I get to talk to Pro,” Hope huffed.

“Whatever?” Aculus’ bony brow rose.

“You know what I meant.” Hope pointed an accusing finger in Aculus’ face.

“Yeah, I think Aculus is smitten with Hope,” she whispered to Ash with a giggle. It was kind of funny how it agitated her sister. At least it got Hope’s mind off how crazy things were.