Heather licked her dry lips, and his eyes tracked the movement. His heat seemed to cover her like a warm blanket, making her feel relaxed and a little drowsy. She leaned into his side and laid her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. It was the first time since she was a child that she felt safe and comforted.
They simply sat together, enjoying the ride and the closeness. She lost track of time, and before long they felt the subcar begin to slow down. She looked out the windows.
“We’re here. That was quick.”
“Yes, no problems with the tunnel or the power. I think this will be a successful improvement for your people.”
As they departed the subcar she looked around at the newly made stop area. It wasn’t a usual subway station, but one that was specially built to lead to the dome without going aboveground. That was really convenient, because it allowed them to have access at any time regardless of the weather and would help protect them from radiation exposure. She knew they were building something like this, but this was the first time she’d seen the changes.
Two uniformed military men were guarding the entrance. They recognized Devlon right away.
“Commander Devlon, welcome back.” They looked at her and obviously had no idea who she was. Devlon introduced her.
“This is Tribe Leader Heather Bates.”
She smiled at the two young men. “Hi, nice to meet you.”
The two soldiers went to introduce themselves, but Devlon cut them off.
“This way, Heather.” He motioned for them to open the large round metal door, and they entered the newly made concrete tunnel. It was probably twenty-five or thirty feet, before there was another door. Devlon pressed a button on the wall.
“This is Commander Devlon of the Drastan fleet with Tribe Leader Heather Bates here to see Lt. Colonel James.”
The door was opened outward. As soon as they stepped out of the tunnel they entered the core ground level of the large dome. Heather was still amazed at the size of the thing. It was shaped like a ten-level circular mall with several clear elevators. On each level there were markets, medical facilities, schools, and housing. Hallways on each level led away from the center of the dome. Most of the hallways led to housing areas.
She’d been jealous over the ease of which these dome dwellers had lived while her people suffered. Now with the building of the apartments and the market potential, her people had a better life in store for them. All thanks to Devlon and his people.
One of the soldiers took them up on the elevator to another level and down a corridor. It opened up to two-story apartments similar to what they were building for the tribes. This was the first time she’d been this far in the domes. Usually she met the dome leaders aboveground or in a conference room.
Lt. Colonel James was standing outside of the complex, talking to two tall men whom she recognized as two of Devlon’s sons: Mediko Jared, the eldest, and the lieutenant, Kyle, who was the youngest. The three men turned to greet them as they approached.
“Good to see you, Commander,” Lt. Colonel James said as he reached out to shake hands.
“We’re all family here, so there’s no need for us to be formal today.”
Devlon smiled as he nodded. “David.”
“Devlon. And welcome, Mrs. Bates.”
“Call me Heather.” She shook his hand.
“Come inside, the girls were finishing getting the food ready.”
“I hope they made those little tiny sandwiches. I like those,” Devlon commented, making everyone laugh.
She felt Devlon’s hand at her back guiding her inside the apartment building. They took the elevator up to the next level and down the hallway to an open doorway. Heather was a little nervous about being around Devlon’s family. They were a tight bunch. She stood to the side as everyone else in the room greeted Devlon.
Kyle’s mate Rachel was very round with child, lounging on a couch with her legs up. “It’s about time you got here.”
Devlon bent down to kiss Rachel on her head and patted her round belly. “We are here exactly on time.”
Rachel looked over the back of the couch and waved at Heather. “Thanks for coming.”
Heather smiled, feeling awkward. “No problem, thanks for having me.” She heard female laughter and turned to watch as several women came out of what was probably the kitchen, carrying trays of food. One of the women was Mediko Jared’s mate, Lily, and the other was the wife of Lt. Colonel James, Rachel’s mother. They had made the little sandwiches, and had fruit and vegetables on the dining table, which had been pushed to the side to make more room for chairs.
Mrs. James hugged Devlon, and Heather had to hide her smile when the Lt. Colonel pulled his wife out of the embrace. Those two were obviously still very much in love, even after all these years and two daughters. Speaking of daughters, their eldest daughter Maggie came out of the back bedroom, smiling.
“Milly finally went to sleep. She was fighting it, but after feeding and rocking, she gave in. Where’s the food? I’m starving!”
