I stared at the tiny objects as the heat they emitted warmed my hand, before closing my fingers around them. It befuddled me that these miniature jammers could be so powerful.
Murda grabbed a stick and bent down on one knee. The moon cast enough light for me to watch as he used the edge to draw an image in the powdered dirt.
“Here is Colonel Petroff’s office,” he said, pointing with the stick, “and we believe the space research station is here.” He drew steps down to a basement level. “You would need to gain access and place one device inside the door.”
“Easy enough,” I said with casual confidence.
Inwardly though, I rolled my eyes. That would be damn near impossible.
Me and my bright ideas…
Sketching out the rest of the building, he pointed to the top floor. “Place the other one here.”
“Let me guess, it’s also restricted?”
“Yes.” He stood to his full height. “You do not have to do this.”
He might not like me doing it, but I was still his best shot. The only way he could get even remotely close to those areas was if he barged in with force, killing everyone around him.
“I know.”
Gently, he cupped my chin with his hand and lifted it. My eyes met his; he was concerned. It didn’t make sense. Why would he worry about me?
Bah. He’s probably afraid I’ll lose his precious jammers, I told myself dismissively. That has to be it.
Gazing into those strange, exotic eyes—the color of molten honey—I saw the glow reflecting from the specks of bright yellow sprinkled in them. I could drown in those eyes. Warm and fierce. Sensual and hard.
His gaze dropped to my lips, and I had this overwhelming desire to kiss him. My insides heated with want as I dropped my own gaze to his lips. How had I not noticed how plump, moist and inviting they looked before now?
Oh yeah, the color was off-putting at first. The color of hours-old death.
With that realization, a smile played on his lips and he stepped back. Did he know what I was thinking? No, not possible. He had probably realized the absurdity of almost kissing an ‘ugly Human.’
Clearing my throat and hoping to put this awkward moment behind us, I glanced down at the jammers. “So, I just have to place them inside the room. Can they be on the floor or would they need to be in the center?”
“Inside the room.”
“Why not outside the door?”
“The security system in place and the thickness and material of the doors and walls. These are unknown to us, so the interior is best.”
“Okay…” I had no idea how I’d pull it off without anyone finding out. Maybe I could feign ignorance?
Startled, I stepped back at the sight of several Tizuns marching our way. With their twisted, angry faces, they would scare anyone.
“Kyrio!” one of them called out. Murda turned, blocking my view as the three stopped in front of him.
His voice was as hard as I’ve ever heard it when he said low and menacingly, “You forget yourself.”
Peeking over his shoulder, I watched the worry drain from the newcomer’s face, an impassive expression descending in its place.
“My apologies,” he said, lowering his eyes to the ground.
Turning back to face me, Murda’s body was suddenly cloaked in an invisible fortress. “Thank you. Be safe, Human.”
And then he turned, stalking away. The other three followed slightly behind.
That was strange, I thought, bewildered and staring down at the jammers. Well…no time like the present.
10
Millicent
Funny, now that I was here, my skin prickled even as my nerves made me anxious. My heart galloped and I took deep breaths, trying to look cool and confident.
I was far from it.
Walking into the government building, I stood just over the threshold and took a quick survey. Nobody seemed to notice me.
“May I help you?” Okay, nobody but the security guard checking everyone who walked through the front door.
I graced him with a self-assured, almost flirty smile. “No thank you. I’m just here to visit my uncle.”
Even though I’d written him off, I would certainly use the relationship to my advantage. Nothing wrong with that.
“I see.” He pulled out a clipboard. “Who might that be?”
“Colonel David Petroff.”
His eyes scanned a list of names before recognition sparked. “Ms. Castillo, of course. Do you know the way or do you need…”
I held up a hand. “Thank you. I know where his office is.”
“Very well, have a nice day.” He smiled, transforming his older no-nonsense face into a younger, handsome man. Even if he was at least fifteen years my senior.
Moving further inside the building, I swallowed hard and quickly glanced over my shoulder. The security guard was busy questioning someone else now.
Down or up? Weaving through the official-looking men and women, I grabbed the rail and headed up. Again, I was struck by the richness of the stairs and the building in general. Each glide of my hand reminded me of the power that Earth’s government wielded. Each step had me questioning this brave yet stupid mission I had volunteered for.
Why should I care if the Tizuns were able to send a signal for help? I mean, they were the ones who had landed here in the first place. Not to mention that Murda had threatened Cara, and now I was helping him?
In the back of my mind, I knew I was trying to talk myself out of this dangerous quest by rationalizing. But wouldn’t any normal person do the same thing?
After reaching the second floor, I turned down the hall opposite David’s location. Near the end sat another set of steps. These were not inviting; about one-third the width, the metal clanged slightly with every step.
I still had time to change my mind. Taking that last step though, I reached the top with a finality, knowing I was fully committed to this stupid idea. Too late to chicken out now; this was the point of no return.
Looking both ways, no one roamed the desolate halls. If caught, how could I possibly convince someone I had wandered here by accident? Scoffing, I almost laughed. I couldn’t.
Tiptoeing down the hall, I checked each solid door. All locked. Of course they were. Nothing was ever easy.
In the center of the hallway, I found the room I needed. The keypad and eye scanner were on this door alone, but the big large red ‘RESTRICTED’ sign sealed the deal.
I stared, knowing there was no way in hell I could break in. I needed a plan. It didn’t have to be good, it just had to work.
Think, Millie. I tapped my finger on my chin and tried to come up with something…anything.
I just need to get someone to open the door…I thought. Wait—I got it! It might draw suspicion, but hey, as long as it works...
Heading to the far end of the hall, I looked for a hiding spot. Naturally, everything was locked up tight. No corners to hide in, no cubbies to duck into. Maybe if I waited at the end with my back turned, no one would notice me. Or maybe they’d assume that I belonged there. That was all I had.
Fifteen minutes later…nothing.
Thirty minutes later…nothing.
An hour later, still no sign of anyone. Didn’t these people need to eat or go to the bathroom?
What the hell?
Tired of waiting, I marched down the hall toward the ominous door, willing it to open.
Nerves forgotten and patience waning, I had one last idea. It wasn’t the best or the smartest, but it still might work.
I took out one of the jammer discs and placed it on the floor, in front of the door. And then I lifted a hand and knocked.
Nothing.
I knocked again, louder this time. And I kept on knocking until I heard a hiss. The door slid open, revealing a woman with dark hair pulled into a severe bun, black- rimmed glasses, and a white lab coat. And standing behind her, a man dressed in combat gear pointing a gun—at me.
I swallowed ha
rd even when she sounded polite. “May I help you?”
“I…I…” Oh, God, this was much harder than I thought. “My friend, Carr…Carrie. She works here. I…I thought I’d surprise her.” Okay, that sounded stupid even to me.
I shifted my weight, stumbling to hide the disc as I kicked it inside the door. “I’m so sorry.”
The combat guy spoke. “This is a restricted floor.” He pointed the barrel of his gun toward the stairs. “There’s the stairs. I would use them before security gets here.”
Without a word, I turned on my heals and marched away. I couldn’t get off this floor quick enough.
My heart pounded with excitement. I did it! True, I only managed it by sheer, dumb luck, but it was done. One down, one to go.
It was a little different downstairs. This area had more people milling around. Hands in my pockets, I turned the disc over and over between my fingers.
Men and women shot me suspicious looks as they passed by. Could it be as easy as before? Just knock?
When I found the door, I thought I’d give it a try. Just as I raised my hand, I heard his deep voice: “Hello, Millicent.”
Dread unfurled. Slowly, I turned around and faced David.
He clamped a hard hand on my shoulder and turned me away from the door. Two steps away and a brunette in a lab coat smiled. “Colonel, what brings you down here?”
“Nice to see you, Laura. I was just showing my niece around.” The sharp dig of his fingers dared me to say a word.
My chance slowly slipped away with each passing second. Murda would never be able to slip past anyone; hell, even I couldn’t blend in. I had to do something. It might be a long shot, but it was better than nothing.
With the disc in my hand, I stumbled into Laura, almost knocking her down. In the confusion, I slipped the small object into her lab coat pocket, hoping that she wouldn’t find it anytime soon. An intermittent blocker was better than nothing.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” I righted myself.
“You need to be more careful,” the colonel hissed through a forced smile. “Please excuse us, we need to be going now.”
As soon as we were out of sight, I shook off his hand. “I can walk.”
“My office, now!”
“I am not one of your minions to order around.”
A sadistic smile played on his lips. “Actually, you are. Or have you forgotten that I’m your protector?”
How could I ever forget that. Not a question, but an ill- begotten fact.
When he shut the door behind me, the air chilled, his aura darkened, and I knew I was in deep shit.
“What were you doing around the restricted areas?” He took a menacing step forward.
“Nothing.” I stepped back. I honestly thought if he could kill me and get away with it, he would.
He bent, pressing a button.
“Yes sir?” a feminine voice answered.
“Send in Don.”
“Yes, sir.”
“What are you going to do?” My voice squeaked a little, heart kicking up a notch.
A knock sounded on the door before it cracked open. “You wanted to see me?”
The colonel stepped to the side and crossed his arms. “Search her.”
A big man in his mid-forties with thinning brown hair stalked over. I didn’t want his hands near me.
“What am I looking for?”
The colonel cocked his head, eyes narrowed and laser sharp. “That’s a good question. What were you doing there, Millicent?”
“Just looking around,” I lied as Don patted me down and searched my pockets.
“Nothing sir, she’s clean.”
Never breaking eye contact with me, he said, “Thank you Don. That will be all.”
Don nodded, and as the shut the door behind him, the colonel took a step forward. “You’re up to something.” When he stood about a foot away from me, he crossed his arms.
“I’m not. Can I go now?” I needed to go before I grabbed the scissors from his desk and stabbed him in the heart.
“You can. Be back here at 1 p.m. Thursday.”
That’s the day after tomorrow, I noted silently.
“Why?”
His smile sent a shiver down my spine. And then he lowered into the chair behind the desk, dismissing me without a word.
_________________
Even if I didn’t want to admit it, I knew what would happen the day after tomorrow: he’d give me to Jyan. I was a nuisance he wanted to be rid of, and my time for revenge was slipping away.
Standing outside the government building, I watched as people went happily about their day. Those living in the Human Territory didn’t have to worry about raids or getting found out; they had the protection of the government.
But living in the Human Territory meant every female required a male ‘protector.’ Those without male relatives or husbands were fair game, and I wouldn’t put it past the higher-ups to assign the women an Andore guardian. Supposedly, she would have to consent, but I highly doubted they enforced that law.
As I stood on the precipice looking down, I needed to make a decision. Should I jump, knowing the likelihood of being killed or even abducted, or should I turn tail and run?
The only thing I knew for sure, was that Thursday…for better or worse, everything was going to change.
11
Millicent
The last rays of the sun streaked across the sky as I stood outside of Andore Territory, waiting like a serial killer stalking her victims. But I only had one prey in mind.
There were no gates or fences, only guards with guns, standing at the entrances to looming buildings designed to act as a natural barrier between the Neutral and Andore Territories. But unless I spotted Raun, I wouldn’t go in. I might seek revenge, but I wasn’t stupid enough to do it that way.
So I would wait.
An hour passed, and I found it difficult to focus in the dimness. My eyes hurt from squinting so hard. I needed to get closer.
Hunched down, I skirted toward the building. People—Andores—moved as shadows around the front. I didn’t care about any of them, only one.
Still, I waited.
Low chatter that sounded almost like static, and then I spotted his silhouette. A head taller with broad shoulders, I focused solely on him as I watched for a few minutes. It would be best if I could get him alone.
I inched closer, watching him disappear down a small alley between two buildings. At this time of night, it could only be a raiding party that flew overhead on solar boards, or maybe a kidnapping party. I never did like those bloody things, but I was grateful for the now nearly-deserted area.
Through the buildings and down the alley, I stalked him, dagger in hand. Everything I’d learned, everything I had dreamed of…all of it led up to this moment. Finally, I’d get my chance to kill him, or die trying. Hopefully I could do both—deliver justice and die afterwards.
That’s one way to get out of that absurd wedding, I thought with sardonic humor.
I’d almost reached the end when I spotted Raun, his back turned toward me.
My heart pounded with excitement.
A hand lightly touched my shoulder.
I startled, biting my lip to stop myself from crying out. Then I heard a deep but equally quite whisper: “What are you doing?”
I glanced over my shoulder and stared into narrowed, brimstone eyes.
Murda.
I sucked in a quick breath before glancing at Raun, who was now walking away. With Murda here, I’d lost my chance. My lower lip quivered slightly, then I sniffed.
“Millicent?”
“What are you doing here?” I hissed, staring at empty space.
“Looking for you.”
I glanced back at him and grimaced. “Why?”
“Come.” He gripped my shoulder a little tighter. “Let us go where we can talk without the risk of being discovered.”
“But I have to…”
“Not this night.”
>
He didn’t understand. It had to be tonight. My chance to avenge my family’s murder was slipping away…
And now it was too late.
“Come,” he said again, gently.
I stared at the emptiness and finally nodded once, then followed him away from Andore Territory, and away from my chance at revenge. Raun needed to be stopped once and for all. How many families had he already destroyed?
Despair settled deep, knowing that my chance had slipped away as I reluctantly followed Murda. Once we were a safe distance away, I spun around and faced him. “Wha—”
He held up a finger and I clamped my lips together. He didn’t want to talk here; I guess that made sense. He motioned for me to keep following, so I begrudgingly trekked after him. Each step away from my target made me angrier.
Some distance away from Andore Territory, we stopped at a large rock about three feet wide, with a shrub growing up the side. Murda placed a small disc on the side of the rock, and I watched in astonishment as the rock lifted from invisible hinges, revealing a dark entranceway.
What the hell?
“Come,” he whispered so softly I barely heard him.
He jumped down with a faint thud. When I glanced down, it was like looking into the abyss. “I can’t see.”
“Jump. I will catch you.”
“Uh, no.”
Is he out of his mind?
“Millicent…” he said with an undercurrent of impatience.
“What if you miss?”
“I will not. Now jump!”
I hugged my body and glanced over my shoulder, making sure we were still alone. I didn’t need someone sneaking up behind me. Lightly tapping my foot, I bit the inside of my jaw and debated running away.
There were very few things that scared me—except heights.
“I can’t,” I finally confessed.
“You can. I trusted you with my life; now I am asking you to trust me with yours.”
“That’s not fair!”
In the distance, I heard the rustle of leaves and my heart raced.
Andores on solar boards…
Murda must have heard them too.
“Now!” he snapped with authority.
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