“I will guard the door,” he grunted, surprised at his own words.His Instinct wanted to please her, but the rational part of his mind told him leaving her alone was a mistake.Which was why he added, “Only if you do not try anything, female.”
“Afraid I’ll escape?”
Devix felt the corners of his lips curl before he forced them back down.“You can try.I welcome it.I like a good chase.”
He heard her breath hitch in her throat.Fear?Or something else?
He continued, “Let me make this clear, female.Petrika is one of the most dangerous colonies in all the Quadrants.If you try to run, another predator may find you before I do.For your sake, you better pray to your gods that I track you down first.I will not harm you while you are under my care, but anotherwill.They will beat you and rape you, perhaps at the same time.”Disgust made him sicken, but he spoke the truth.“If you try to escape, I cannot guarantee your safety.”
Devix realized it was the most he’d spoken in eight rotations.His voice was nothing more than a rasp, as unused as it was.
“Y-you’re just trying to frighten me.”
“I am,” he admitted, “but only to keep you safe.While we are on Petrika, you best stay close to my side.”
Under her hood, the female studied him from a few paces away, as if trying to gauge his honesty.He could practicallyhearher mind working.
Good, he thought.An intelligent charge would be easier to deliver to Sarkon.He didn’t have time to fix any foolish decisions on her part.He only had six spans to deliver her to Azatia.
Finally, she cleared her throat and said, “I wish to bathe.”
Devix’s shoulder relaxed slightly and he jerked his head in a nod.He unbolted the door and stepped into the dark, narrow hallway.He shut it firmly behind him.His hearing was excellent and the walls were thin.He’d be able to hear if she tried anything.
It didn’t prepare him for the sharp stab of lust at the rustling of fabric, however.It didn’t prepare him for the light sound of trickling water, or the small, breathy, feminine sigh that drifted through the door.
Devix clenched his fists at his side, the slabs of muscles lining his body growing in size.His horns lifted slightly off the crown of his skull.His claws curled.Luxirian always became stronger when aroused, but right then he was trying tocontrolthe raging desire, as hot as it was punishing, not feed it.
Six spans, he thought, leaning his head against the door, listening.
Devix had a feeling the next six spans would be the most trying of his life.
THREE
Despite the fact that the bath water was lukewarm and a strange greenish color, Cara didn’t care.It had been so long since she’d last bathed that she was certain she could bathe in dirty, muddy, slimy water and she would think it’d feel like heaven.
Again, she tried to think how long she’d been locked away in the Pit, but couldn’t.Her throat tightened with panic whenever she thought back, so she tilted her head to lean against the edge of the small tub and found the dull light that illuminated part of the room with her eyes.She’d spent so much time in darkness that she wondered if she’d ever be able to be in it again without wanting to scream.
Cara lifted her hand and watched as water trickled through.Again, she thought of the alien just on the other side of the thin door.She strained to listen for him, but heard nothing.She could hear other things, however.Yelling, laughing, loud moans.There was no doubt in her mind that this place was filled with beings like those in that bar.This whole—what had he called it?—colonywas filled with degenerates.
But it wasn’t worse than the Pit, from where she’d been caged.
Where she was going, she didn’t know.Nothing else mattered up until that moment.She couldn’t change what had happened to her, but perhaps she could influence what her future would be.
Cara wondered if she’d ever see Earth again.If she’d ever see her friends, her city, her restaurant again.
Unlikely, she thought, steeling herself against the pain that assaulted her at that realization.She’d always been pragmatic.She’d always been a realist.So she knew that the possibility she would ever return to her planet was slim to none.
Who the hell knew how far from Earth she was?
Far enough where it doesn’t matter, she thought.
Cara eyed the door again.
She knew better than to try to escape.She’d caught enough glimpses of this colony to know that she’d probably be raped or dead or both by the morning, despite her heavy cloak shrouding her face and body.
No, she knew that gruff, maddening alien spoke the truth.Her best bet was to stick close to him regardless of what his motivations were.He said they would be leaving in the morning, which meant getting off this god-forsaken colony.Perhaps wherever he was bringing her would provide more means for escape.She could rest as they traveled, revive her strength, which would give her a better fighting chance once the time came.
One thought, however, wouldn’t stop nagging her.What would happen if he brought her somewhereworsethan the Pit?
