by Cook, M. L.
Aquino grabbed her face with both hands. Then leaning close enough to smell the carrots she’d been chopping on her breath, he demanded, “Look at me. Jannette, stop fighting me. What Travis said is true. It’s considered weak if you can’t control your mate. I do not have a mate. Even if I did, I would never put my hands on her in anger. I would never hurt someone I love. This I vow. I’m not like them… Please tell me that you see me as different.”
Closing her eyes, she nodded. Fighting back the sob she felt clogging her throat, she murmured, “I just couldn’t. Any man who hurts a woman isn’t a man at all.”
Aquino kissed her forehead, then winked and said, “I agree. Now, how about if I help you with these disgusting onions?”
Chapter Ten
Jannette filled a plate with a huge portion of scrambled ham and eggs, with a side of breakfast potatoes. Then she added a few biscuits fresh from the oven, with a large dallop of homemade apple butter. Walking over to the refrigerator, she poured a tall glass of orange juice and set it beside the over-flowing plate. Before she could grab the tray, the back door opened.
Carson slipped inside, nodded to Jannette, then said, “Good morning. Since she’s sleeping anyway, I figured I could come get her breakfast.” He shrugged, then added, “Save you the trip… if that’s okay?”
Jannette grinned, “Is that okay? Are you kidding me? You can do that whenever you want. That frees up more time to get breakfast started for everybody else.”
Carson frowned down at the offerings, “Sure is a lot for one person.”
Jannette patted his arm and commented, “Well, she is pregnant.” After grabbing another dozen eggs from the refrigerator, she called to Carson’s departing figure, “Thanks, again!”
Travis had been gone nearly a week. Jannette’s morning routine had gotten easier. Usually, when Carson was guarding the shed, he came to pick up Tiana’s breakfast. But not every morning. When she asked him why, he told her that he always checked first. If there were people milling around, he would stay close to the shed.
It was one of those mornings when it happened. Jannette felt like an idiot. She’d never questioned what the man said, she just took him at his word. Why wouldn’t she? How could she have known what he was doing? Looking back on it now, she realized she’d never seen anyone awake, much less walking around, so early in the morning. The moment she saw the unguarded door, a feeling of foreboding came over her. But when she stepped inside and saw Tiana…
Jannette brushed another angry tear away. She’d been sitting here since Eric took over preparing dinner. Her appetite was gone. Every time she thought about what Tiana had gone through, she felt the bile rise in her throat. The image kept coming back of Tiana’s bruised and battered body lying in that bed. And then to see how much weight she’d lost in such a short time, it made Jannette sick. Not to mention how close she’d come to losing the baby. All because nobody had noticed what Carson was doing. All those mornings he’d graciously picked up Tiana’s breakfast, it was just so he could eat it. Tiana was lucky to be alive after the beating he’d given her.
The fire helped to distract her. Every few minutes she’d throw another log on. She wasn’t sure who she was angrier with, herself, or Carson. Since the man was dead, she decided to center her rage on the only one left. Herself. Fighting back more tears, she grabbed another log and threw it on the fire.
Rachelle, that was the name she’d picked out for her own baby girl. The one she’d not even had a chance to tell Lucas about before it was too late.
When their tour was up, her and Lucas would be flying to California for a big wedding, with Brooke and Aubree standing by her side. Best of all, she had a secret. One that not even Brooke knew. Next spring would be ushering in more than just daffodils and tulips.
Because of the freak chance of sitting in the right place at the right time, she’d survived the EFP. The same one that had taken out every other member of her team, including the man she was due to marry in just a few short weeks. Now there would be no paradise wedding in Southern California, nor would spring be heralding in a new life.
She was startled out of her thoughts when a blanket was draped over her shoulders.
Aquino reached for her hand, then whispered, “It’s time to come to bed, little warrior. As you’ve said to me many times, morning comes awfully early.”
She allowed him to pull her up and guide her toward the tent that she’d set up for Tiana and Travis just a few days ago. For now, Tiana would be sleeping in Jannette’s bed. At least until she was strong enough to ensure the baby would be alright. Since it happened, Travis hadn’t left her side. Jannette was glad he’d pulled his head out of his ass and realized what a treasure he had.
Looking up at Aquino, she whispered, “How could I have not noticed?”
Aquino kissed the top of her head, then scolded, “You need to stop. If anyone else talked to you the way you are speaking of yourself, you’d beat them until they were unable to talk.”
Nodding, Jannette just wanted to go to sleep. She’d allowed the situation to get to her. All she could think about after learning what Carson had done to Tiana was her own lost child. If she could have, she would have made them pay for what they did, not just to her, but to the man she love as well. Since then, she’d not allowed herself to get close to anyone. It wasn’t just her fear of losing another man. But she also knew that no one would want a woman as damaged as she was. She looked at Aquino. Certainly not him. He’d already told her what his future looked like, and nowhere in that picture was a human woman who could never give him the children he wanted.
After Aquino zipped them in, he pulled her into his arms. Kissing her he murmured, “Sleep little warrior. Tomorrow is a new day, bringing with it possibilities for a brighter future.”
***
Aquino was right on one count, each day brought with it new possibilities. Just not necessarily for a brighter future. If possible, the world just kept getting darker. With the only semi bright spot being Tiana’s baby. She was beautiful. Each day Jannette found it easier to look past their differences. The more time she spent with Tiana, the more she learned how many things they had in common.
Brooke was, and always would be her best friend, but Tiana was quickly ranking up there. Jannette had never considered the possibility that she could have two best friends. Brooke and Tiana were both so different, yet each possessed qualities Jannette admired.
Jannette found Tiana sitting on the swing, patting Quence’s back. Sitting beside her friend, she asked, “Can I?” After taking the baby from Tiana, she closed her eyes, and inhaled the universal scent that every baby had. Because of her own painful memories, she’d always avoided babies. Jannette was amazed at how much her world had changed after watching Quence’s first moments in this world. Not only was she able to overcome the gnawing ache, but she’d also fallen hopelessly in love with Quence. Even if she never had a child of her own, she would always have this precious baby girl.
Cradling the sleeping infant in her arms, she knew she would do anything for her. She also realized, knowing what she did now, she would have to do everything in her power to help the other victims.
Jannette glanced at her friend, who was now watching her adopted son play with the other children.
All Kaiden saw when he looked at the human children, were more kids to play with. They weren’t human kids, they were just Jason, Marcus, Luke, Melanie, and Cindy. Just as those kids only saw Kaiden as another child. Except he was cool. The fact that he had light green skin was completely overlooked. At first, they’d wondered why he didn’t have any hair. Then he blinked. Now it was a daily thing for them to beg him to blink again. Terrapians, like their ancestors, had a second lid that closed involuntarily to keep dust out. But also, just before they blinked. The first time the kids saw it, they all cooed over how cool it was.
Tiana had been kidnapped by men pretending to be more victims of the Terrapians. While being held at the Terrapian camp, she’d disc
overed there were more females who wanted the freedom she’d found. Her cousin had been killed while trying to escape with Tiana. A few days later, Tiana was introduced to her nephew.
Jannette decided it was time to talk to Tiana and get some ideas of what she could do to help the other Terrapian females. Nudging her friend, she said, “I want to help… you know, with your people. Tell me what I can do.”
Tiana stared at her for a moment, then shrugged and replied, “Other than actually going in… Except, maybe there is something. If you can come up with a way to turn the leaders against each other, it might give the resistance the edge it needs to take control.”
Nodding, Jannette let the idea roll around for a few minutes. Perking up, she asked, “What would happen if they thought the Terrapians were mating humans?”
Tiana nodded, “The leaders? How would you do that?”
“Maybe we could make a video of one of them with a human,” Jannette offered.
Shaking her head, Tiana corrected, “They would never do that.”
Jannette snickered, “Of course they wouldn’t. But what if someone were to impersonate one of them?”
Aquino stepped out of the house, smiling at the happy scene, he leaned against the porch railing. When the females immediately got quiet, he queried, “What’s going on?”
Handing Quence to her mother, Jannette took Aquino’s hand and said, “Let’s go for a walk.”
Now that Brooke was back, she could leave running the group to the one who excelled at being a leader. Rubbing her hands together, she grinned. It was time for her to do what she did best, blowing things up and killing the bad guys. Now if she could just convince Aquino not to interfere.
They walked a few miles from the farm while Jannette explained her idea.
Aquino was quiet for a moment, then nodded, “Yes, it could be done. As a matter of fact, one of the commanders, Ulmand, and I look very much alike. We’re very close in build, plus we have the same skin tone. It wouldn’t be very difficult for me to pose as him. Not only that, but he’s also one of the few leaders who hasn’t found a mate. Plus, he’s known for favoring exotic females and has expressed an interest in humans.” He stopped and pulled Jannette closer, “I would very much enjoy posing as a male who has decided to mate a human.”
Chapter Eleven
Jannette had always held out hope that one day she could find a way to make someone pay for kidnapping Tiana. By joining the search for more groups that had sided with Terrapian invaders, she was sure that wouldn’t be a problem much longer. Maybe they could even find the ones who’d taken her. Jannette was determined to be the one who would get to take that shot. As a bonus, they’d also be searching for more Terrapians, like Tiana, who wanted a better life for themselves.
If they were successful, there could be little lizard/humans running all over the place in less than a year. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice when Aquino came into the room.
He walked over, picked up her bag, looked inside, then asked, “What are you doing?”
Grabbing her bag, she continued to shove clothes inside. Smirking, she said, “Packing.”
Aquino reached for the pack again, dropped it on the bed, then snapped, “You’re not going with us.”
Jannette slung the bag over her shoulder, then returning attitude with attitude, she growled, “Yes. I am.”
Pushing her way past him, she walked over to a truck that Jay was sitting in while talking to James. She opened the driver’s side door, then demanded, “Scooch over, I’m driving.”
Jay looked from her to Aquino, who was now standing on the porch glaring at him. He chuckled, then said, “Aquino doesn’t look very happy.”
Shrugging, she waved her middle finger toward the large green man. “It’s not my job to make sure he’s happy. Now move.”
Shrugging, Jay climbed into the passenger seat.
After putting the truck in gear, Jannette stopped before turning onto the highway and asked, “Which way?”
Jay stared down at the notes, “Go North. If there’s any chance that any of these camps really are there, we need to check. But it’s possible Mark was just setting us up. When we get within a mile or so, we need to pull over and go in on foot.”
Nodding, she steered onto the highway, while checking to make sure everyone was following her.
Thinking about the man who’d led the assault on Tiana, Jannette clenched her teeth. She’d not been with the men who’d gone to rescue Tiana; therefore, she missed her chance to take her vengeance out on that one. But knowing he was dead, certainly helped. She just wished she’d been there to see the shocked look on his face when he knew he was about to die.
“You know, Aquino was pretty upset when you picked me to ride with you instead of him,” Jay commented while adjusting the rearview mirror to look at the glaring face of the green alien.
They rode along in silence for a few minutes, before Jannette finally said something. “I don’t want him getting too close.”
Jay looked back at her, “What do you mean?”
Thinking about her response, Jannette took her time. Finally, she said, “I know it’s no secret that we’ve been sleeping together. He was starting to get too…” She shrugged.
While staring at her, he queried, “Okay, but why?”
Jannette gripped the steering wheel tighter, “I don’t want anything permanent, okay? A quick toss in the sack. That’s enough for me. I could tell things were getting too serious when he got all protective of me. When I told him what I was doing, he got all caveman.” She deepened her voice, then grunted out, “Me man, you no go.”
Jay scoffed, “You just described all of the men in our camp. It’s in a man’s nature to protect women. Hell, I’m gay and I want to protect you.” Seeing Jannette’s shocked expression, he laughed, then added, “I don’t know if you realize this… Even if your personality is huge, you’re a very small woman. Plus, you’re like a little sister to most of us.” When his smile died, he added, “How much more difficult would it be for one who was raised in a patriarchal society?”
Jannette continued to stare out the window. Taking a deep breath, she said, “My point, exactly. I don’t need to get mixed up with someone who refuses to accept me as I am.”
Jay stared at her for a few minutes. Then nodding, he said, “Ah, I get it. You’re falling for him.”
Jannette turned a glare toward Jay, “No, I’m not! I just don’t want him getting too attached.”
Jay turned in his seat, “Again, why.”
She glanced at Jay, back to the road, then questioned him, “What do you mean, why?”
“There’s more to it than wanting to protect him from your many wiles. Which, I don’t know if you know this or not, but you seem to be lacking said wiles. You’re kind of more like a cactus. Great to look at, but not something a person wants to snuggle down with at night.”
Laughing, Jannette punched his arm, “That’s just mean.”
Jay chuckled, “Maybe. But can you say it isn’t true? Why are you so adamant about keeping everyone at arm’s length? You don’t even let Brooke in that close, and she’s supposed to be your best friend.”
A single tear escaped before Jannette could stop it. Using an angry hand to wipe it away, she remarked, “Don’t you have things in your past you’d rather keep to yourself?”
Jay nodded, “Of course. I think everybody has at least one thing they keep buried in the deepest darkest recesses of their mind. Are you telling me it’s something you can’t even share with your best friend?”
Jannette turned her head away to stare at the passing fields. The tears were now coming in earnest, and she refused to allow anyone to see her as weak. Feeling Jay’s hand on her arm, she snapped her head around. First, she glared at his hand, then back to his face.
Jay threw his arms up, and offered, “Sorry. Jannette, don’t you know? Sharing something that has caused you the most pain doesn’t make you weak. It takes more strength and courage to tell
your darkest secrets than it does to rush into a fight with nothing more than your wits and a handgun.”
Jannette drove on in silence, while allowing his words to roll around in her mind. Looking over at the young man who was drumming his fingers against a knee while watching the passing scenery, she noted, “You know, you’re pretty smart for someone so young.”
Caught unaware, Jay turned to face her. His bright smile was sure to lighten anyone’s day, it certainly had hers. He laughed, “I guess James is rubbing off on me.” Turning back to the road, he pointed at the next intersection, “Turn left up there.”
Chuckling, Jannette steered into the turn, and commented, “Yeah. I’m sure that’s it.” She shook her head. She was amazed at how much the boy had changed in just a few short months. He’d gone from a cocky young man to someone modestly offering sage advice while giving credit to another.
“Pull over by those trees. We’ll go on foot from here.”
After steering the truck off the road, Jannette got out and waited for the others. She watched Aquino rolling out of the other truck before it came to a complete stop. As soon as he saw her scowl, he slowed his steps, but didn’t stop. Coming along beside her, he curled an arm around her waist, then looked back at Seth, and waited for instructions.
“Okay, from here on, no one talks. If there is a camp, we’ll create a distraction while Aquino goes in to search for anyone who might need to be rescued.” Seth looked at each person and waited for their nod.
Jannette wasn’t going to let it go quite so easy. “Wait, what do you mean, Aquino goes in… What? By himself?”
Seth stared at her a moment, then nodded, “Well, yes. Just like the last time.”
She crossed her arms, “And how is he going to explain his sudden appearance in their camp? Did you think that just because he’s Terrapian they won’t question how he got there?” She turned to Aquino, then questioned, “What are you going to say, if they ask where you came from?”