A mug was thrust into her hands.
“Drink,” Jakkar urged. She barely had the energy to lift the mug to her lips but she responded to his order and sipped. Cool liquid exploded into her mouth. Was it water? The taste was similarly pure and clean but there was a wild undercurrent that tantalized her taste buds. She drank deeply and felt her strength returning.
Refreshed, she sat up and looked around. They were in a small clearing, surrounded by what she assumed were the equivalent of trees. Rather than single massive trunks, these plants had clusters of tall slender trunks. None of the vegetation was green. Instead, the leaves were predominantly red, shading into pink and orange, but they were unlike any fall colors she had even seen. Still, the overall shapes were familiar and the faint rustling as the leaves trembled in the gentle breeze made her feel at home. Vines covered with tiny silver leaves wound among the trees and they shimmered as the light caught them. The ground was covered with a thick layer of deep orange moss that felt warm and comforting to her fingers as she stroked it idly. On one side of the clearing, a small stream tumbled over more of the red rocks and she realized that was the source of the refreshing water.
Jakkar had moved on to give Melia a drink. The woman was sitting up, but even from here Anna could see that she was shaky and pale. Teron was still crouched close by but Smerg had moved to the end of his chain and had his head buried in the stream, lapping up the water.
Anna slipped the pack off her back and relaxed against it, watching Jakkar tend to Melia. A pang went through her as she watched him gently help the woman drink. She knew it was ridiculous; she knew that she had no claim on him, but she hated to see his hands on anyone else. God, when had she become so possessive?
Tearing her eyes away, she continued her survey of their surroundings. The valley floor stretched out to her left but behind the clearing the land rose sharply. The sun was high overhead and the filtered light through the trees was pleasantly warm; however, she remembered how quickly the air had cooled the previous night and wondered what Jakkar had in mind for shelter. Somehow she didn’t doubt that he had a plan.
As if her thoughts had summoned him, his tall figure loomed over her, blocking out the sun. Reaching down, he pulled her to her feet and away from the rest of the party.
“There is a cliff higher up. There may be caves to provide shelter.”
She nodded uncertainly.
“I don’t want to put Melia through the trip until I’m sure. I am going to scout.”
“You’re leaving me…I mean, us?” she stuttered.
He gave that amused growl that sent shivers up her spine and pulled her close.
“No, little human, I’m not leaving you—at least not for long.” He ran a finger down her cheek as it flamed pink. “But someone needs to keep an eye on those two.” He scowled at the Ithyians.
“Me?” she squeaked.
“Yes.” He pulled out one of his weapons and gave her a quick lesson. “This controls the intensity of the blast. This makes it fire.”
Her hand shook as he pressed the weapon into her reluctant fingers. She had never even picked up a gun on Earth.
“I’m not sure that I could…” Her voice was doubtful.
“You shouldn’t need to. Rantor will be here with you and those two are still chained. But if you have to—” he paused and raised her chin so that he could look into her eyes. “—if you have to, I know that you can do it.”
His faith warmed her and she gave him a hesitant nod. His fingers stroked over her chin and his eyes flared gold as they dropped to her trembling lips. He swooped down on her and her gasp parted her lips and let his tongue thrust into her mouth. The swift hard invasion sent her senses reeling and she melted into his embrace, relishing the feel of his strong arms and his intoxicating aroma. His cock was hard against her stomach and her nipples were tight points against his chest as she pressed closer.
Reluctantly, he pulled away and she bit back her protest.
“Later, little human,” he whispered, and strode off into the trees. As he disappeared into the undergrowth, she turned back to the clearing and realized that the rest of the party was looking at her. Melia smiled wearily, but knowingly. Teron had a thoughtful expression on his face. Smerg was glaring at her with a mixture of lust and hate that scared the hell out of her. Determined not to react, she looked away, taking comfort in Rantor as he prowled over and demanded her attention with his usual head-butt. At least he wasn’t interested in her relationship with Jakkar.
The time passed with agonizing slowness. Each rustle from the surrounding trees had her jumping and her fingers twitching uncertainly on the weapon. She hadn’t been able to decide if it was more disconcerting to have its heavy weight constantly in her grasp or out of her hand. She eventually compromised by laying it on the ground next to her, her palm resting on the handle. Rantor curled against her other side, getting up occasionally to circle the clearing restlessly. Melia had collapsed back down on the sled and Anna thought she was sleeping. The two Ithyians were quiet, Teron sitting by the sled and moving his gaze back and forth between the sleeping woman and their surroundings while Smerg still crouched by the stream, fingers plucking at the chain fastened to his wrist.
Despite her nervous awareness, Jakkar still took her by surprise when he returned. Only the faintest sound reached her ears and she grabbed the gun as she turned to find him standing close behind her, his brow raised in faint mockery. He reached between them and pointed the weapon at the ground before removing it from her grateful fingers.
“Little warrior,” he murmured in her ear as he holstered the weapon and moved into the clearing.
“There are caves in the cliff face,” he announced to the rest of the group. “The path up is not long, but steep in places.”
He looked at Melia resting on the makeshift sled and hesitated. Anna realized it would probably be difficult to pull the awkward contraption uphill, but the other woman was already sitting up.
“I have rested. I can walk.” Her voice was firm but they could all see how unsteady she was as she started to rise. As she started to sway, Teron appeared at her elbow and grasped her arm. Jakkar growled and started forward but Melia gave Teron a brief, grateful smile, and let the Ithyian support her.
“Perhaps I can walk with help,” she added wryly.
Jakkar was obviously not happy with the situation but after a moment, he inclined his head in agreement. He released Teron from the chain but kept the man’s wrist in a bone-crushing grip.
“Be very careful,” he warned.
Teron paled but met his eyes and nodded before bowing his head submissively. Turning away, Jakkar swiftly loaded their supplies back onto the sled, leaving Smerg chained to it. He directed Melia and Teron to the edge of the clearing where he had emerged.
“Up there,” he pointed.
The two headed in that direction, Melia still leaning heavily on Teron’s arm. Jakkar followed them, one hand on his gun and the other reaching out to pull Anna along next to him. He ordered Smerg to follow and Rantor to guard the rear.
The land rose rapidly as they moved away from the valley floor, twisting between the trees. Jakkar called out directions as they climbed, their path meandering from moss covered clearings to steeper ascents through broken rocks. Teron was almost carrying Melia, and Anna was equally grateful for Jakkar’s support as the path grew steeper and the surface more uncertain. Behind them, Smerg was snarling almost continuously as he banged the sled along, with Rantor providing unwanted encouragement.
Between the earlier long walk and the intensity of the climb, Anna’s legs were trembling by the time they emerged at the top of the hill and paused to rest. She sagged against Jakkar’s side, trying to catch her breath, and enjoying the sold warmth of his body for several minutes before he nudged her.
“Look,” he said softly and Anna finally looked up and took in her surroundings. She gasped in astonishment. Ahead of them was an enormous lake, deep emerald green and peacefu
l in the sun. Behind the lake, a massive cliff stretched away in both directions, dark red stone reaching up to the jade sky. A waterfall tumbled down the rock face, splashing into the lake and casting rainbows into the air. The trees curved around the other side of the lake, their red and pink and orange leaves dancing in the soft breeze. The scene was serene and beautiful and utterly alien, and a chill shivered up her spine.
She looked up at Jakkar at a loss for words, and he studied her face for a long moment before curving a warm hand briefly around her cheek. The gesture was unexpectedly comforting and she leaned into it, no longer feeling quite so lost. He smiled, and the movement drew her attention to the sensual curves of his lips and need swept through her with a startling intensity. His eyes flared gold and she knew he was responding to her rising passion but he moved her gently away from his embrace before pointing to the cliff face.
“The caves are there.”
She followed his gesture but couldn’t see an opening in the folds of the rock.
“I don’t see anything,” she argued.
“Trust me,” he said and turned to lead the others along the lake shore. The words echoed in her head. Did she trust him? Despite his enormous strength, he hadn’t hurt her, well except in a good way, and he had taken care of her since they landed. But she didn’t know him at all. The air of suppressed violence that surrounded him still scared her while the ease with which he dominated her senses and swept her under his sensual spell was both thrilling and unnerving.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t realize they had reached the cliff until it loomed in front of her. This close she could see the veins of gold and silver that shimmered through the rock. She followed Jakkar as he circled a natural outcropping and there indeed was the entrance to a cave. She eyed it uncertainly, thoughts of bats and bears and other nasty creatures running through her mind, but he urged her ahead and she entered reluctantly.
The cave was almost as much of a surprise as the lake. Behind the small entrance, the cavern soared to an unexpected height, an opening high above sending light washing down the rear wall. Smaller openings led off the central space, leading to sheltered alcoves. She wandered around in astonishment, running her hand along the rock walls, as the others entered. Melia immediately collapsed to the ground and Anna hurried to her side, feeling guilty that she had let herself be distracted by her surroundings.
Teron had crouched down too, but he stood and backed away as Anna knelt at Melia’s side to offer her a drink. Jakkar immediately pulled him further away and led both Ithyians, and the chains, to one of the side alcoves. Melia opened her mouth to protest but before she could say anything, Jakkar had already dragged the two away. Teron did not say anything, although Smerg was muttering under his breath as usual.
Jakkar returned to the central cavern to find both women glaring at him.
“What?”
“Why did you chain him up?” Anna exclaimed. “He has been nothing but helpful.”
Anger surged through him at his human defending one of the vile Ithyians.
“Why are you so interested?” he snarled. A feeling that was oddly like jealousy had his eyes paling and his muscles preparing for battle. His human should have no interest in other males.
Anna opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, Melia added her protests.
“He has done service to my House. That puts him under my protection.”
“And I am under contract to protect you. Ithyians cannot be trusted.”
Once again Anna opened her mouth but he saw Melia put out a restraining hand.
“Your contract is with my House. If he is part of it, your protection extends to him.”
“If?” He knew he was growling but his temper was still flaring.
The Gliesh woman dropped her eyes and sighed. “It would be the honorable thing to do.” She hesitated. “But I, too, have my prejudices.”
“He could be useful,” Anna piped up, and he turned on her with a fierce glare that made her pale.
“Th-there are only five of us,” she stuttered but continued. “We have to survive here and everybody will need to contribute. You can’t take care of everything.”
His human thought he could not provide for her? His rage was so intense he could almost feel the blood boiling in his veins. Drawing on the last threads of his self-control, he forced down his anger.
“I will provide. Stay here.” The words gritted through his teeth and he immediately turned and left the cave.
Chapter Ten
Anna glared after Jakkar as he strode out of the cavern. The intensity of his fury had startled and scared her, and she took refuge in her own anger.
“What is wrong with him?” she asked Melia.
A choked noise met her words and she turned to find Melia trying to suppress her laughter.
“What?”
“Anna, you just told a Sardoran warrior, a man who has already claimed you, that he cannot provide for you.” She sobered and continued. “Normally that would be a mortal insult and would probably result in a death duel. Instead you just emasculated him.”
“I didn’t mean to,” Anna protested, suddenly feeling guilty.
“I know, that’s why it struck me as so amusing.”
“Wait a minute.” Anna was replaying Melia’s words in her head. “What do you mean he has already claimed me?”
Melia merely raised a brow in response and Anna blushed.
“That…that was just sex.” She wasn’t sure if she was trying to convince Melia or herself
“Perhaps,” the woman conceded and Anna tried to ignore the sinking in her stomach. “But I have seen him with you and I do not think that is all it is, although he may not realize it yet.”
“But we are not even the same species.”
Melia nodded. “True and I have never seen a Sardoran claim a mate who was not also Sardoran.”
“Well, there you go.” Anna forced a cheerful note into her voice and tried to ignore her disappointment. Why would she be disappointed? She had only known the enormous warrior for a few brief days. Surely she couldn’t have feelings for him. Her attempts at logic were not making her feel any better and she pushed the whole subject to the back of her mind.
“Now, what can we do to make this place more livable?”
There wasn’t much to work with but the women did their best to make the cave more comfortable. Anna did most of the lifting as Melia was still too weak to do more than offer suggestions. She gathered rocks and made a fire pit against the back wall that opened to the sky. Briefly she considered leaving the cave to gather wood but Rantor had followed Jakkar and she did not want to leave Melia alone. Behind one of the back walls, she found a narrow passage that led back to a fissure in the rock. Moisture trickled down the wall and into a hole in the cave floor. It was a perfect latrine and she took advantage of the opportunity.
After sorting through their small bundle of possessions, she and Melia decided to store the supplies in one of the smaller side caves. One container held stacks of the large white cloths and a smaller one held more of the cleansing cloths. In addition to the medical kit and what looked like a small sewing kit, there were other sets of equipment that held no meaning for her. The remaining containers were stuffed with packets of what looked like dried food and small tubs filled with dark crystals. Very cautiously she touched a damp finger to the substance and brought it to her mouth, instantly recognizing cafir. There were two of the self-heating mugs and she added crystals and water before pressing the heating button. Delighted with the results, she hurried to share the warm drink with Melia.
As the women drank, Jakkar stalked in, not looking at the women, and dropped a pile of something against a side wall. Before Anna could offer him a drink, he marched back out. Cautiously, she investigated the pile and found that it consisted of large squares of the orange moss. The moss would definitely be more comfortable than the rock floor and she carried a few over for Melia to sit on. The woman smiled gratef
ully as Anna helped her on to her new seat.
She was debating what to do with the rest when Jakkar returned with more. Once again he left without a word or a glance in her direction and she felt unexpectedly hurt. Melia caught her watching the cave entrance with a dejected look and waved at her.
“He can’t be far. Go see if you can help. I’m fine.”
“He said to stay here,” Anna said uncertainly, still remembering the anger in his voice.
“And?” Melia flipped a wrist. “Begin as you mean to go on.”
Anna hesitated a moment longer then smiled at Melia and slipped through the cave opening. She paused at the outcropping that protected the entrance and searched the surrounding area. She immediately spotted Jakkar, kneeling under the trees and cutting the squares of moss with a large knife. He was piling them to one side as he worked and she took a deep breath before walking over to the pile.
“I told you to stay inside.” His voice was a threatening growl but she ignored him, picked up the pile of squares, and headed back to the cave. He growled again but continued his task and her shoulders sagged a little with relief. The pair of them worked steadily, Jakkar cutting and Anna carrying, until they had a huge mound against one wall. Jakkar followed her into the cave with the last load and immediately began redistributing the squares, carrying bundles into two of the side alcoves.
Curious she followed him into the one nearest the door and swallowed as she realized he was creating a mattress, a large mattress. Hastily she backed away and peeped into the other alcove. The pile of squares was much smaller, and the resulting mattress would be, also. She regarded it with mixed feelings. Two caves, two beds – who did he intend to occupy them?
Sniffing defiantly, she returned to the main room and started collecting some of the squares—that she had helped to gather—intending to create her own bed. He stopped her before she got the first square down.
Anna and the Alien: A SciFi Alien Romance (Alien Abduction Book 1) Page 8