Jack immediately noticed.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Unfortunately, we’re not alone.”
His expression changed instantly. Gone was the easygoing humor. Gone was the tourist fascinated by the odd alien marketplace. Jack Grey became alert. Dangerously alert. They continued at a fast pace, not quite running. At least, not yet.
She could see the ship ahead. It was a reassuring shape against the strange landscape.
Until five men stepped onto the path in front of them.
The men were all humanoid. They were large and armed. Their clothing looked like it had been pieced together from scavenged armor and military surplus. Probably mercenaries. Or bandits.
Either way, they were trouble.
Madelaine was so not in the mood for trouble. Another three bandits joined the men.
Madelaine sighed. “Great.”
The leader grinned. Several of his teeth were metallic.
“Evening,” the lead mercenary said, his metallic front tooth flashing in the light of the fading day.
Jack moved half a step and slightly in front of Madelaine. The motion was subtle, but very protective. Madelaine’s heart did something irritating.
The mercenary’s gaze settled on her.
“Pretty traveler,” he said.
Jack’s voice cooled several degrees. “No.”
The man blinked.
“I didn’t ask anything. Yet.”
“Still no.”
The others laughed.
The leader pointed toward the package.
“We’ll take the box.”
His gaze shifted to Madelaine’s body and lingered far too long.
“And maybe the woman.”
Jack shifted another half step forward. Not enough to look aggressive. Just enough that she disappeared behind his shoulder. The movement was so instinctive she doubted he even realized he’d done it.
“No,” Jack repeated, his tone lethal. It wasn’t something she’d heard from him before.
The leader laughed.
“No?”
“That’s right. No. Step back off the trail and hide again. You’ll have better luck with the next travelers on this path.”
The mercenary spread his arms wide.
