“Do you think they are right?”
“I don’t trust anyone but you. I have spent no time with the other two players long enough to determine their nature. But it is a possibility.”
“They could have damaged my tent,” she offered.
“Possibly. I won’t rule anyone out at this time—including your admirer.”
“My what?”
“The other human. He constantly flirts with you, touches you.”
“Touch me?”
“He touches your hand, puts his hand on your back. He leaned in just last night to try to kiss you.”
“What? He did no such thing!”
“Mara, he tried to kiss you, but you looked away at something.”
She remembered the moment. Blaine was whispering something in her ear. But she turned to look for Vaelor. Mara didn’t let him know that bit of information.
“What else did they say?”
“I honestly don’t remember, I kind of sat there, nodded and tuned them out.”
She laughed. It was such a human thing to do and to know that this big strong alien warrior did that was just too funny. Some of the tension between them eased.
“What do you think the next challenge will be?” she asked.
“Not sure, but we will find out shortly.”
It didn’t take long for them to reach the challenge site. The small GSG technicians were running around, shouting out directions, loading equipment that was strange.
One of them came up to Mara and Vaelor. “Put your packs over there with the others.”
“No.” Vaelor growled out.
Mara was just as shocked as the technician. “Vaelor?”
Vaelor shrugged off his pack then took her pack and handed them to the stunned technician. “You will watch over our packs personally.”
The technician almost fell down with the weight of the packs. “But… but… that is not my job.”
“It is now. Our packs are to be watched by you alone. After the challenge I will find you. If you don’t have our packs, I will not be pleased.”
“Of course, sir.” The technician took the packs and stumbled away.
“Vaelor, was that necessary? I think you scared him or her.”
“Good, then he or she will make sure nothing happens to our packs.”
There was no arguing with him. She had to grudgingly admit that if someone was scared enough of Vaelor they would make sure the packs were not touched. Then they could concentrate on the challenge without worry.
Another technician called out. “Everyone into their circles. The show is about to start!”
Vaelor waited for her before stepping up to the circle.
“Are you ready for this?” he asked.
