Return to Dark Earth

by Anna Hackett

  She spun, watching the creature focus on her again. Its muscles flexed, and its mouths opened, showing off impressive fangs.

  “Get back!” Niklas called out.

  Trusting him, she leapt backward.

  Flames spewed from the top of the vehicle. Nera dived and rolled across the ground. The beast’s heads caught fire and the sound it made was ear-splitting.

  Nera raced back to the front of the Centurion. She reached for the damaged cable and slapped the spare repair patch over the one that didn’t seem to be working. She shot a quick glance at Niklas. Her throat tightened. He looked incredibly fierce, wielding a flamethrower. Beside him, Solomon was manning the laser rifle.

  She connected the patch. Come on. Come on. It turned green. Yes!

  She turned…just in time to see the heavy bulk of the flaming, mutant beast smash into her.

  Nera slid across the hood and landed flat on her back on the ground on the other side of the vehicle. The cat leapt upward, landing on top of her. Three of its paws hit the ground on either side of her body, but the claws of one sank into her side, shredding her armor like it was made of paper.

  She winced at the pain. The horrid stench of burning skin engulfed her and those dual jaws snapped close to her face. She shoved her arm up and managed to toss the multi-tool into one of the creature’s mouths. It reared back, making a choking noise and she felt its claws dig deeper. Damn, that hurt.

  Biting her tongue to keep from crying out, she fumbled for her sword. It was awkward, but she managed to reach behind her and yank it out of its scabbard. She jabbed it into the creature’s soft belly. It howled, the stench of its breath making Nera’s eyes water.

  As it leapt off her, she rolled. She staggered to her feet and realized the weight of the animal landing on her had broken something. Just a few ribs, she hoped. Worst of all, it had really made a mess of her side. Blood was seeping into her trousers. She stumbled her way around the back of the Centurion.

  And saw a mob of zombies rushing out of the jungle.

  Someone was firing at them. She hoped that kept them off her. She took another step and her leg went out from under her. Her knee sank into the mud and she willed herself to ignore the pain and move. But her body didn’t seem to be obeying her.

  Hands slipped under her arms and jerked her up. She got a glimpse of Niklas’ set face.

  No. He shouldn’t be out here. “You shouldn’t have left the vehicle.”

  “Shut up.” He hauled her up the side of the Centurion. Zombie hands reached for them and Niklas paused to kick out at them, catching the closest one in the face.

  Then Solomon was there, hauling her in. Her chest was tight as she waited for Niklas. A second later, he slid inside and slammed the hatch closed. “I suggest you get us the hell out of here,” he yelled at the driver.

  “On it.” The engine flared to life and the driver accelerated. Fast. They were all thrown against the seats.

  Nera blinked. She was feeling a little dizzy.

  Hands tore at her armor and clothing. She stared at Niklas’ big hands and realized they were shaking a little.

  “How bad?” he asked quietly, his voice ruthlessly tight.

  “Not…sure.”

  “Liar.” He lifted up her shirt and hissed. “Solomon, I need a med kit.”

  Seconds later, the young treasure hunter set the kit down beside her. With a grim face, Nik bent over her and started tending her wounds. “Dammit, Nera, this is deep.”

  Her wounds were bleeding all over the place. She watched impassively as he pressed some sealers down on her injuries and they sucked into place. She was feeling a little nauseated now.

  When he lifted the pressure injector, she shook her head. “No painkillers.”

  “You need it—”

  “Hate drugs.”

  He pushed her hand away, and hesitated for a second. “I’m sorry.” He jabbed the injector against her neck. She cursed him as she felt the chems hit her. Ugh, she hated this feeling.

  He leaned down, his lips at her ear. “It’s okay. You don’t need to be in control here. I’ll take care of you.”

  She glared at him, but couldn’t maintain it for long. The drugs were kicking in, making her feel high. “It burns.”

  “I know.” He paused and brushed strands of hair off her face. “You are so damn brave it scares me to death.”

  “Wanted…you safe.”

  He stilled, his gaze on her face. “You drive me crazy.” He checked her side. “Bleeding’s slowing, but we need to get you to the medbay.”

  “We’re approaching the Drake,” the driver called back. “They won’t risk landing, so they’re going to lower the cargo lift.”

  Nera couldn’t lift her head to look, but when the vehicle stopped, then drove forward, and stopped again, she guessed they were on the lift. Seconds later, the Centurion jerked, and they started upward.

  Once the Centurion was back on board, Avril leaned forward, and cleared her throat. “We can’t let Darc onto the ship. She’s contaminated.”

  Nera was feeling so mellow, she couldn’t summon the energy to raise a brow. She was sure Dr. Perky would like to toss Nera off something very high and then she could sidle up to Niklas in peace. She stifled the urge to laugh. Like that would ever happen.

  Niklas straightened and Nera’s chest went tight. God, couldn’t Avril sense the dangerous energy in the man? He might mask it with his smart, scholarly persona, but there was definitely an alpha male buried underneath.

  “What did you just say?” Niklas said in an icy tone.

  “That creature could have infected her—”

  “She just saved your life, Doctor. It’s your fault she had to go out there because you were damn well wasting time on a myth.”

  Avril stiffened. “Nik, I won’t—”

  “Shut it. She needs a doctor and the medbay.”

  “I can’t jeopardize everyone on this ship—”

  Galen stepped forward, holding out a small device. “We have a handheld scanner. Run a prelim scan and see if she’s carrying anything problematic.”

  Niklas snatched it off him and flicked on the switch. After a second, his shoulders relaxed. “No infectious zombie disease. There are a few local bugs, but they can be eradicated by decontamination.”

  Avril nodded. “Fine. I must demand that Darc enters the decontamination chambers. You have to stay in there for two hours. The Spectra lighting system will destroy any pathogens, harmful chemicals, or infectious material.”

  Niklas’ jaw tightened. “She needs medical help.”

  “We’ll send a medscope with her.”

  He looked just about ready to explode. “Fine. But I’m going with her.”

  Nera watched, bemused, as Avril gave a jerky nod and stalked off the Centurion. “I don’t think she likes me.”

  Then her world tilted as Niklas lifted her into his arms and carried her off the vehicle.

  She blinked up at him. “No one carries me around. Ever.”

  “Well, your titanium-tough reputation will have to handle being carried by me. Don’t worry, you’re leaving an impressive trail of blood.”

  She leaned her head back to look behind him. Hmm, he was so warm…it made her want to snuggle. She never snuggled. She eyed the ship’s floor. “There’s no blood trail.”

  “Be quiet, Nera.”

  Soon he was settling her on a flat bench in the decontamination chamber. Agent Ryant appeared. “Medscope.” He handed the slim metal wand over to Niklas. “You’ll need to get rid of all your clothes and place them in the incinerator chamber in the wall. And scrub down with soap in the showers back there. The light will do most of the work, but the decon soap helps. Clean clothes are in the cupboard on that wall.” He pointed.

  “You’re being awfully helpful,” Nera said.

  “You got the Centurion operational, and saved our lives.” That was all he said before he closed the chamber door.

  There was an electronic click. Then a
female computer voice said, “Decontamination chamber is now locked. Decontamination cycle will begin in thirty seconds.”

  The lights changed, a muted blue light filling the room. It made the hollows and lines of Niklas’ face look even more intriguing.

  He knelt in front of her. “Let’s get your wound healed up.”

  He tugged her shirt up. He pulled off the sealer patches and clicked on the medscope. It also projected a blue light, but it was barely noticeable in the decon room. She watched him work on her, his big hands warm on her skin, his brow creased in concentration.

  A shiver snaked through her. God, she’d never wanted like this. Craved a person with every fiber of her being. It was like everything about Niklas Phoenix had been specially designed to tempt her.

  “Cold?” he asked.

  Unable to form words, she shook her head.

  “Nearly there. Ribs are done. You won’t even have a scar.”

  She looked down and watched the skin healing before her very eyes. “I have a few old scars.” She held out one arm, and knew he’d see the faint lines up her arm. There were more on her back. Most were from her time in captivity. Whips and chains left nasty marks…especially when they were rubbed with a special compound to force a scar to form. She stomped down on the memories.

  “Why not get them removed?” Nik brushed a finger over the scars on her arm.

  Nera controlled a shiver. “They’re a reminder. Of what I survived, of what I escaped.”

  He got that look again, like he was ready to smash someone’s face in.

  “You are really handsome, you know that, Dr. Phoenix?” She cupped his cheek. “You must have had all the Institute girls after you when you worked there.”

  His eyes widened a fraction. “You really don’t respond well to painkillers, do you?”

  “Sometimes I just look at you and I want to bite you all over.” She shot him a goofy smile. “I’d tear your clothes off, first.”

  He groaned. “You are going to kill me for this later.”

  “Nah.” She brushed her fingers over his lips. “It’s already starting to wear off. I have a very fast metabolism.”

  “Come on, then. Shower next.” He slid an arm around her and helped her to her feet. “We’ll get these clothes off you and scrub you clean.”

  “You are so romantic.”

  He looked down at her with a mock scowl, but a smile was flirting around his lips.

  The shower area was completely open with four shower heads along the wall. Soap dispensers were attached to the plas tiles. Niklas helped Nera get her clothes off. She was feeling almost back to normal. Her wound was healed, the painkillers had worn off…and all she was left with was a growing throb of desire as she watched him. Every time he uncovered another part of her, he skimmed his hand along her skin, his face entranced, like he was touching one of those ancient artifacts he loved so much.

  Finally, he straightened and flicked on the nearest shower. “Under the spray.”

  Nera ducked her head under. The hot water felt wonderful. And this was the real stuff, not the mostly mist they had in the cabins. When she glanced back at Niklas, her stomach clenched.

  He was methodically stripping his clothes off. Uncovering inch after inch of bronze skin. She licked her lips. All hers to enjoy.

  She filled her hands with soap that had a faintly astringent smell, and started scrubbing. It had the tiniest bit of grit to it and stung a little.

  Suddenly, arms surrounded her, big hands sliding down her arms. He started rubbing her skin. “Need to get you clean.”

  She closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the moment.

  He moved to her shoulders, briefly massaging her neck. Then his hands scrubbed her back, kneading her muscles. Arousal sang along her veins. It didn’t seem to matter what Niklas did to her, she liked it.

  His hands slid around her front and cupped her breasts. “You are so perfectly formed,” he murmured.

  Her breath hitched. “All men say that when their hands are full of breasts.” Even those on the small side.

  His hands slid lower, his finger toying with her belly button. “I mean all of you. Not just your breasts.” His hand went lower still, sliding between her legs.

  She arched back against him. “I’m so far from perfect…”

  “You’re perfect to me.” He slid his finger through her folds. She was already so wet for him. He played with her, caressing, dipping inside, before his thumb found her clit with the amount of pressure she liked.

  She closed her eyes, her breathing quickening. “Niklas.”

  She spun and pushed him back against the tiles. When she jumped up, he was ready, catching her. She wound her legs around his waist. He supported her, his shoulder blades to the tiles, and held her as she moved, the head of his cock nestling against her folds.

  “You don’t risk yourself like that again,” he growled, and without warning, he thrust her down and slid into her in one long push.

  Nera made a strangled sound. Even outrageously wet for him, he filled her up.

  “You certainly don’t risk yourself for people who don’t even like you,” he continued.

  “I didn’t do it for them.” Her hands clung to his damp shoulders.

  He pulled out and slammed back into her, their wet skin slapping together. “No?”

  “I did it for you.”

  He just stared at her. So much emotion swimming in his blue eyes.

  She pushed against his chest. “Bench.” She nodded over her shoulder.

  He carried her easily the few steps to the low bench. He sat and she settled on top of him.

  “I very much like your body too, Niklas. I don’t plan to let it get damaged in any way on this treasure hunt.” She lifted her hips, let his cock slide out of her until only the head of him remained inside her. Then she slammed down…hard.

  He groaned. “You aren’t my bodyguard.”

  But she was. She’d decided it was her role to fill. She rose up again and then sank down.

  He cursed, his hands digging into her hips. “Same goes, Nera. I don’t want you hurt.”

  She started riding him. God, the sensations were outrageous. She struggled to hold on to her thoughts. No man had ever addled her brain or affected her control before him. “I hardly need protection.”

  “I know. I love that about you. But you still have it.”

  She slid her hands into his thick hair, their gazes catching. It was extremely intimate to stare a man in the eyes as you took him inside your body. She’d never done it before. So many firsts with this man. His hands slid up, one cupping the back of her neck.

  He was definitely too good for her…but for now, she had no intention of giving him up.

  As Nera kept riding him, she felt the hard press of his fingers on her skin. She’d have bruises, and she’d cherish every one of them.

  “Nera.”

  She felt him tensing beneath her, his orgasm rocketing closer.

  “You’re so hot and tight and wet around me.” He made a growling sound. “You come first.” His hand delved between then. When he touched her clit, she jerked, losing her rhythm.

  “Yeah, just like that,” he said, satisfaction in his voice.

  “Together,” she murmured, moving faster.

  His blue eyes glittered with intensity. “Together.”

  He worked her clit again in a hard, slippery circle. She had no warning, just screamed, pleasure washing over her in a drowning wave.

  “Nera!” His shout echoed in the room and he slammed her down, emptying himself inside her.

  Chapter Seventeen

  After getting the all-clear from the decontamination, Nik was feeling pretty darn good. His head was filled with the beautiful, deadly woman he was claiming as his. He just had to be careful not to scare her off.

  As the two of them walked into the library, he had to force himself not to grab her. Instead, he focused on the large window behind Avril and the others clustered aroun
d the holo-table.

  Nik stiffened. “We’re in the mountains.”

  Avril glanced up. “Yes.”

  He saw the magnificent peaks. At the top—where no vegetation grew—they must have looked as they did before the Earth was destroyed. At the lower elevations, they were covered entirely by the thick, black vegetation.

  “You’re going after the Inca gold.”

  Avril pressed her hands to the holo-table. The ancient paper map was spread out on the surface. “We have to try. This is a massive treasure of historical importance.”

  Nik glanced at Nera, but she had her impassive, unreadable face on. He knew her well enough now to know she wasn’t pleased. But he also knew she had his back, whatever he decided.

  “Niklas, don’t tell me it isn’t worth at least a look,” Avril said. “Aren’t you curious?”

  “Sure.” He strode closer, taking a look at the incoming scan results flashing up on the table. “But according to these scans, the jungle below is teeming with mutated wildlife. And I’m sure plenty more zombies. You saw that beast, Avril. You want to face an entire pack of them?”

  The astro-archeologist chewed on her lip, then straightened. “It’s worth the risk.”

  Nik rubbed the back of his neck. God, he wished his brothers were here. “Everyone else in on this?” He looked at Gunn and Solomon.

  Gunn gave a short nod and Solomon eyed the holo-table before looking back at Nik. “No guts, no glory.” The young man shrugged. “We’re here, so we may as well take a look.”

  Nik didn’t bother looking at Galen. He might be security, and he might have helped them, but Nik didn’t trust what the man would do with any artifacts he could get his hands on.

  Nik looked at Nera. She nodded.

  “Fine,” Nik said with a sigh. “Let’s go kill ourselves looking for lost treasure.”

  It wasn’t long before the Drake hovered over the dense canopy near the coordinates listed on Avril’s map.

  Supposedly, the pilot had found a clearing where they could rappel down. Nik wasn’t convinced the patch deserved to be called a clearing.