Chapter 15
Tera found herself laughing at SimON, who was regaling her with stories of his training mishaps. The medic sent to take care of her bruises also fixed her something to eat. She couldn’t help but pace back and forth worrying over CristOF, hoping that he was okay. She had to wave the medic away each time he tried to give her a sedative to calm her nerves. That was a typical male solution to a woman who worried too much.
SimON decided to take it upon himself to distract her and she was eternally grateful. For just a short time, she could almost forget that the man she was falling in love with was going into danger.
The realization that she did have feelings for CristOF left her feeling a little dazed an in awe. It was just so fast. They’d only met a few days ago, but it felt like it had been longer. The time they shared was short, but in that time she’d gotten to know him.
CristOF was a brave warrior, honorable and dedicated to serving his people. He was also kind and gentle, patient with her, and had the ability to make her feel safe even in the worst possible situations. He brought out things in her that she didn’t know existed.
There was no way she would have climbed up or down a tree to escape if it hadn’t been for CristOF. He showed her how to remain calm and think clearly during a stressful situation. When she had to do something she had never done before, like row a boat, she was able to do so knowing that it had to be done to save both of them. She even found the guts to stand toe to toe when the older warrior questioned her presence. Tera liked how CristOF made her feel, like a strong and desirable woman.
Yes, she was definitely falling in love with CristOF. She wanted more time with him though—time to learn more about him, have him take her to where he grew up. He just needed to come back to her so that they could have that time together.
“Tera, did you hear what I asked?” SimON poked her arm lightly.
“I’m sorry. I was in deep thought. What did you say?”
“I asked if you missed your family.”
“Yes, I miss them terribly, especially my dad. He taught me how to fish and how to stand up for myself. I miss my mom and sisters too, but…”
“How many sisters do you have?”
“Four.”
“So many? Are they all as beautiful as you?”
She gave a bright smile to him and the medic, who had moved closer to listen to their conversation. “Actually, I’m kind of the plain-looking one in the family. My middle sister Vanessa is the great beauty.”
“You’re considered plain? That’s crazy!” SimON looked at her in shock.
“I agree, that is most inaccurate. You’re a rare beauty,” the medic added.
She laughed. “Thanks guys. You’re good for my ego.”
“If you weren’t already CristOF’s female I would definitely be all over you. I mean… I didn’t mean… Kitana!” SimON placed a hand over his own mouth and his cheeks turned a light shade of pink.
Tera placed a comforting hand on his arm. “It’s okay SimON. I take that as a compliment.”
The medic snorted. “Just make sure not to say that in front of her male. He’s very protective of her. No one is as skilled to track or hunt an enemy as he is.”
She liked hearing that CristOF cared for her. It made her heart warm and her own love for him grew even more. “I’m protective of him too.”
“I hope one day I will meet a female who feels for me what you feel for Warrior CristOF,” Simon told her.
“I’m sure you will.”
Suddenly, SimON stood up, reaching for his weapon. He sniffed the air.
“What’s going on?” Tera asked getting to her own feet. She felt a chill go down her back even though she had a new and CristOF’s coat on her.
SimON didn’t look at her but said quietly, “Medic TynER, get Tera to the shuttle.”
The medic reached for her arm and started pulling her after him toward the shuttle.
“What’s going on?” she asked, looking back at SimON.
“There are intruders,” he told her in a low voice.
