Dottie also stiffened, startled by the loud crack that vibrated through the building and straight to our bones. “Well, good thing it didn’t overreact.” Dottie’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Even big hunters fear thunder,” I said, wishing the feline could understand my words.
“Don’t tell me you’re scared of thunder,” Dottie said with a wry grin.
“When I was a young hunter, yes. And even now, the sound gives me pause.”
“Really?” She leaned into me.
“Yes. I still remember the first time I experienced this phenomenon.”
“Tell me about it.”
“It was at the first planet I’d ever fought on. Before then, I’d only known the sounds of the mothership. There were terrifying beasts on the planet that didn’t understand we were there to help, so it was already a hostile environment. The storm had forced my shuttle to land. It was my first storm, and the winds were brutal. I still don’t know how I managed to land safely. But even on the ground, my shuttle was being tossed around like a dried leaf.
“The thunder was so loud, I thought for sure the fabric of reality would tear and some monster would come out to retrieve me. Lightning had hit the spire right next to where I landed. I can still recall the way the electricity moved the air around me.But somehow I was left alive. For years after, thunderstorms would scare me, but I dared not tell the other hunters.
“It wasn’t until I became overseer that I realized it was a common fear. But no one spoke of it, so no one knew.”
“How did you become overseer?”
I hesitated, unsure if she understood the truth about those assigned to the mothership. Many ended up there after injuries left them unable to serve anywhere else, yet they had also refused to die. Younger hunters eventually learned this as they gained experience, and the reality became impossible to ignore.
I had ended up there after yet another storm, this one much more destructive. I’d tell her the story eventually, but not now. Especially when the weather was turning sour outside. Storms and I had never gotten along.
Mama Cat served as the perfect distraction as she dared to leave the safety of the drawer to snatch up another piece of food bar, this time getting much closer than before.
“Ooh, she’s getting really brave,” Dottie said with a grin.
“She is. And this is a good place to wait out the storm,” I said, ignoring her question. “It is warm, dry, and comfortable. This tiny hunter has done well in finding a place for her younglings.”
I stood slowly so as not to startle it and sat up on the sleeping platform, pulling Dottie with me.
“I could use a nap. What a morning.” She stretched, then frowned, rubbing the side of her neck.
“What is wrong?”
“Nothing. Just a bit sore. Honestly, I’m surprised all I have are some scrapes and bruises and some sore muscles.”
“Lie down,” I said, taking her jacket from her. I pulled the top, dusty layer of fabric off the bed and exposed a much cleaner, dust-free surface. “I will soothe your muscles while I keep watch.”
Chapter 19: Dottie
The day had wrung me out, and it wasn’t even over yet. Every muscle in my back and shoulders felt tight, like I’d fought off an entire swarm of bugs instead of just a single centicreep, and badly too, mind you. My thoughts were scattered, and my body and brain were running on fumes. I didn’t have the energy to pretend that I was fine. And I definitely did not have the energy to pretend I didn’t need a back rub.
The dust of being left abandoned for many years came off the bed with the top comforter, which was now shoved into a corner of the room. The sheets underneath were surprisingly clean. I let Ror’k turn me onto my belly as he settled behind me on the bed, which dipped under his weight. His massive legs straddled either side of my body in a warm embrace. But the thing that calmed me most was the soft rumbling sound coming from his chest.
He reminded me of a giant cat, and I wondered what Mama Cat was thinking a few yards away. But I wasn’t able to wonder for too long because the moment his hands ended up on my shoulders, all thoughts flew from my head.
His palms were warm and confident as they slid over my skin under the thin fabric of my shirt. A teasing heat followed everypass of his hands, like he knew exactly how easily he could turn my muscles to mush. He moved to the base of my neck, kneading with slow, deliberate pressure, working through tension I hadn’t realized I was carrying this whole time.
His thumbs pressed in just right, coaxing the tightness to melt, and with it all my worries. My body softened under his touch, almost feeling like it was melting, and I gave in with a helpless moan that would’ve embarrassed me if it didn’t feel so ridiculously good.
“Relax,” he murmured, voice low and rough behind me. “I will protect you. You are safe.”
The way he said it sent a warm shiver down my spine, and I let out another soft, happy sound.
I could practically feel the satisfaction of my reaction rolling off him. His hands drifted lower, his fingers somehow both infinitely strong and gentle, attacking and coaxing every knot into submission.
