His hand flexed on the controls.
Draanthing ridiculous. They had to get out eventually.
But the urge stayed sharp. Possessive.
Mine to protect. Mine to shield. Mine.
He shoved the thought away and reached for his door release.
“Let’s get this done.”
Chapter 4
The transport door opened and cold air hit her face like a slap. Juni blinked against the brightness. The light from the two suns reflected off stone buildings, off windows, off the frozen ground of the colony square. Her boots hit packed earth with a crunch that sounded too loud.
People. So many people after the silence of Goraath’s ranch. They clustered in the square, pretending to be busy while their gazes tracked her every movement. A vendor arranging produce that didn’t need arranging and a group of colonists on the other side of the square whispered between themselves.
Her skin prickled. She’d been on display before, at corporate events, smiling through groping hands and propositions and being treated like eye candy. This wasn’t that. The looks held curiosity, but not entitlement. But, still, all those eyes made her shoulders tighten.
“Juni!”
She spun.
Aida stood outside a supply shop, grease already smudged on her cheek, grinning wide. Beside her, Finley clutched a datapad to her chest, and behind them—oh thank god, they were all here.
Goraath tensed beside her, that massive frame going still the way it did before a decision.
“Go.” His voice came out rough. “Spend time with them.”
She looked up at him, startled. His jaw worked, that muscle pulsing in the corner.
“I need supplies. One hour.” He turned toward a building on the far side of the square. “Meet back here.”
Then he walked away.
Just walked away, left her standing there in the middle of the colony square.
Holy shit.
Her feet moved before she decided to. She crossed the square and Aida’s arms wrapped around her in a bear hug.
“You made it! We were worried when we saw how far out your ranch is.”
“I’m fine.” The words came out cheerful. “It’s beautiful out there. Quiet.”
So much quiet.
Finley’s eyes narrowed behind her glasses.
“How’s your host?” Autumn’s voice stayed gentle, but her gaze tracked to where Goraath had disappeared into the supply building.
“He’s...”
What did she say? That he’d barely spoken to her? That he’d made it clear she was an unwanted invasion? That he’d caught her when she fell and she still felt the ghost of his hands around her waist? “Adjusting.”
Anja snorted. “That’s one word for it.”
“Come on.” Val’s hand settled on her shoulder, solid and grounding. “Let’s show you around. You’ve got an hour, right? Let’s make it count.”
