Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Other Titles

About the Author

The Bare Essentials

Exposed to the Elements

Honey Phillips

Copyright © 2021 by Honey Phillips

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author.

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover by Maria Spada

Chapter One

Janet clutched the steering wheel so tightly that her hands ached as she tried to peer through the windshield. Heavy, wet snow was falling faster than the wipers could remove it. The small section through which she could see was little help – the road was barely visible in the swirling cloud of white.

“Damn you, Rick,” she muttered.

If her ex had been even the slightest bit more responsible, she wouldn’t have had to make this treacherous journey. Unfortunately, it was too late to turn back now. She was twice as far from town as she was from the isolated cabin she had inherited from her father. If she could just make it there - and if the pipes hadn’t already frozen - it was equipped with enough supplies for her to wait out the storm.

Normally she enjoyed the drive through the rugged scenery, but this was terrifying rather than exhilarating.

“God, I’m such an idiot.”

No.

She refused to take responsibility for the fact that he was a worthless bastard. Unfortunately, that seemed to be her type. She always fell for a smooth talker with a charming grin – and a complete lack of morals, apparently.

Rick hadn’t even been ashamed when she caught him with the blonde bimbo. He’d just shrugged, not a hint of remorse on his good-looking face.

“I guess I’m not cut out to be a one-woman man, babe.”

She had refused to show him how much he had devastated her. The fact that the blonde bimbo was her complete opposite only added salt to the wound. Darlene was tall and voluptuous, built like the proverbial brick house, whereas Janet was small and slim and had barely more curves than a twelve-year-old boy. They were both blondes, but her short curls were nothing like the other woman’s mane of smooth golden waves.

“Whatever.” She had managed to keep her voice cool and dismissive. “Just give me back the keys to the cabin.”

The cabin was the reason she had discovered the two of them. Rick loved the cabin as much as she did, but the last time he had wanted to go, she hadn’t been able to get off work. She’d sent him off with a fishing buddy instead, but he’d seemed so disappointed that she felt guilty. She had decided to surprise him with a trip for the two of them. Instead, she had found him in bed with the bimbo.

She hadn’t had the heart to go up that weekend after all. And she wouldn’t be going now except that when the weather report indicated temperatures would be below freezing, she had called Rick to make sure that he had followed her instructions and drained the pipes when he left.

Of course he hadn’t, just as he hadn’t followed any of her other instructions for closing up the cabin. He started on his usual list of excuses, but she just hung up. It wasn’t even worth the time and energy to swear at him.

Her boss Alice, a practical older woman with a gruff manner that concealed a loving heart, hadn’t rebuked Janet when she explained why she needed the time off.

“Don’t worry about it. This is our slow season anyway.” she peered at Janet from under thick gray brows. “Why don’t you take the whole weekend? You need a break.”

“I need to work,” Janet protested.

“You have been working. Not that I object, but maybe you need a little time to get your head together. Think about your choices.”

“You mean like Rick?”

“And Steven. And Alex,” Alice said dryly.

“I know, I know. I have shit taste in men.”

“So do something about it. You’re a smart woman – too smart to keep making bad decisions.”

The worst of it was that Alice was right. She was too smart to be making such terrible decisions. As the snow grew even thicker and her pace dropped to a crawl, her thoughts kept returning to the subject, probing at it like a sore tooth. Why did she always go for the losers?

Was it because she hadn’t always had the best relationship with her father? Being raised by a single dad after her mother died hadn’t been easy, and her teenage years had consisted of one battle after another. She had headed off to college, and then a job in the city, without a backwards glance.

But the two of them had reconciled when she came home to nurse him through his final illness. After he died, she’d been content to remain in her small hometown.

But Cedar Springs wasn’t exactly overflowing with eligible bachelors. She got tired of her own company, and maybe that made her an easy victim for the next man with a smooth smile and a hint of the devil in his eyes.

She was so lost in her thoughts that when a massive deer appeared out of the swirling snow in front of her, she didn’t react with her usual caution. Instead, she instinctively stomped on the brakes. As soon as the rear end of the tuck started to slide out from under her, she realized her mistake and tried to steer into the skid, but it was too late.

The truck slid rapidly towards the bank of the road, gathering speed as it went. The last thing she saw was the oncoming tree. And then everything went dark.

Janet’s hand felt like it was burning, the sensation penetrating her unconscious and startling her awake. Confused memories of the truck crashing filled her mind. Her whole body felt hot. Was the truck on fire?

She forced her eyes open, then blinked as bright sunlight blinded her. Squinting against the light, she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. The snow had disappeared, and so had the truck. She was lying at the bottom of a tall pillar of rock, while in front of her stretched miles of open desert. The sand was cotton candy pink, with gold particles that sparkled under the brilliant sun.

Her hand burned, and she realized that it was not under the shadow of the rocks but exposed to the full heat of the sun. She hastily snatched it into the shade – the very small amount of shade.

Where the hell was she?

And where were her clothes?

Her jeans and down coat, her thermal layer, even her underwear had disappeared. She instinctively put her arm across her breasts, peering around to see if there was anyone nearby.

There were no signs of life at all, only the wind whispering across the sand.

The heat of the sun reached her bare foot, and the practical need to find more shade was a welcome respite from the questions swirling through her mind. Feeling ridiculously exposed despite the empty surroundings, she pushed herself to her feet and started to edge along the rock.

Her foot immediately snagged on something. The long strap of a crudely woven bag was wrapped around her ankle. She snatched it up eagerly, hoping it would provide some type of answer.

To her vast disappointment, it only contained two items. The first was a sheet of some kind of plastic, covered with symbols that made no sense to her. The second was a small silver square that seemed equally as useless.

With a muttered oath, she stuffed them back into the bag, then resumed her trek along the rock wall. It ended abruptly, revealing a small pocket of space between several more of the wide stone pillars. The area was open to the sky, but the rock was tall enough to block most of the sun. She slipped into the larger patch of shade with a grateful sigh. It even seemed cooler here.

But where was here, exactly?

She frowned at the sand still clinging to her fingers. She had heard of pink sand, of course, but she had always thought it was only found on a few beaches. There were no beaches anywhere in sight – just that endless expanse of desert.

And even the rocks, striped in pink and gold and purple, were like nothing she had ever seen before. It almost felt as if… as if she wasn’t on Earth anymore.

Don’t be ridiculous, she told herself. You’ve seen too many science fiction movies.

She just needed to find some sort of civilization. And water. Her mouth already felt parched and dry.

But the sun was far too intense for her to brave the desert now. She would have to wait until it was much lower on the horizon. In the meantime, she should rest and conserve her energy. She sat down in the deepest pocket of shade with her back against the rock and prepared to wait.

Coming up with a plan, even a minimal one, gave her courage, but as the minutes ticked by, there was nothing else for her to think about but where she was and why she was here. None of it made any sense.

A squawk sounded from overhead, and she looked up to see a small bird watching her from atop one of the rock columns. Except… it wasn’t a bird.

The creature looking down at her from sharp yellow eyes had wings all right, but they weren’t made of feathers. Instead, an intricate pattern of pink and purple covered thin membranes that looked more like bat wings.

A cold shiver swept over her body despite the heat. She was certain that such an animal didn’t exist on Earth.

“I haven’t been watching too much sci-fi. This isn’t Earth, is it?”

The answering squawk sounded almost like agreement, then the little creature spread its wings and flew away.

Tears threatened but she refused to give in to them. She had learned a long time ago that crying didn’t solve anything. She hadn’t cried for Rick, and she wasn’t going to cry now.

Despite her resolution, her mouth quivered as she wrapped her arms around her knees. She pressed her lips together to stop them trembling. Her plan hadn’t changed, except now she would head in the direction in which the bird creature had disappeared. Then she would find whoever brought her here and make them take her back.

Chapter Two

As Sabrost returned to the small monk’s cell that had been his home for the past ten years, Brother Ystava accompanied him. The two of them walked silently through the long, stone corridors, past the archways that opened out into carefully manicured courtyards, dripping with green moss. The constant cool mist drifted through the openings and left streaks of water on the gleaming stone.

“I will pray for you tonight,” Ystava said solemnly when they reached the entrance to Sabrost’s cell. “May Tetlana show Her favor to you.”

“Thank you, brother.” Sabrost bowed and slipped through the curtain of polished beads into his room.

It had taken him most of the first year to grow accustomed to the confined space and the heavy stone walls, but eventually, this space had become his sanctuary.

Tonight, however, he felt as restless and uncertain as he had that first year. His feelings were illogical – he had worked and prayed for this moment, and tomorrow he would become a fully ordained Priest of Tetlana. And yet he found himself pacing back and forth the few steps the space permitted. Eventually, he sighed and went to kneel in front of the small statue of Tetlana. The crudely carved wooden statue was almost as old as the monastery, the wood rubbed smooth by countless hands and only a faint trace of gilt remained on the bowed head.

“I offer myself into your hands, my Goddess. I wish only to prove myself worthy. Help me to find peace.”

He waited in silence until at last weariness overtook him, and he made his way to the hard, narrow bed that remained one of his tribulations. As his eyes closed, he kept the image of Tetlana firmly in his mind.

The first thing he noticed was that he was no longer cold. Instead of the cool stone that he had forced himself to become accustomed to, warmth surrounded him. What felt like warm sand cradled his body, just as it had done on his native planet of Hsslak.

His eyes flew open to see an arc of brilliant blue sky above him. But it was not the sky of Hsslak. Only a single sun blazed above him. And the sand that cradled him and scratched comfortingly at his scales was a soft shade of pink, highlighted with small, glittering specks of gold.

He was also most definitely not on Lisko. There was no trace of green, no cool brush of misty air, no forbidding stone walls.

Where was he?

He’d had little opportunity to travel before he entered the monastery, but this place did not resemble anywhere with which he was familiar. In fact, there was no explanation for his presence here, unless…

Had Tetlana heard his doubts? Was this a final test?

As if in response to his thoughts, a hot breeze flickered across his skin, and he realized that he was naked.

That seemed appropriate if he was being tested – that he should be bare before the Goddess.

The breeze also stirred something at his feet. When he investigated, he found a crudely woven bag, already half-covered with sand. The bag held a long sharp knife and a sheet of flex plas.

A shiver ran down his spine, despite the heat, and the line of thin spikes along his backbone flared.

Tetlana’s symbol was printed in two places on the sheet.

It was a test, and he vowed he would prove worthy.

On further examination, he decided that the sheet contained a map. Obviously his task was to journey from his current location – marked by the first symbol – to the location of the second symbol. Next to the second symbol was a green circle that could possibly represent Lisko.

He cast another look at the sun high above him. It would be better to burrow into the sand and wait until the cool of the evening to travel, but a restless excitement filled him.

He should not hesitate to fulfill Her commands, he told himself.

On a more practical note, while he could go for long periods without liquid, he would eventually need to find a source of water. A rocky outcropping in the distance seemed promising. A song of praise filled his heart as he set off.

He had forgotten that distances in the desert could be deceptive, and it took him longer than he had anticipated to reach the rocks. But he enjoyed the journey – the ability to walk freely and at his own pace, the sun heating his back and shoulders, the soft sand beneath his feet – all so different from the cool stone and restricted lifestyle of the temple.

A tantalizing fragrance drifted past on the breeze as he neared the stone pillars. He parted his lips to let the secondary scent receptors on his tongue experience it more fully. The sweet, slightly floral scent was like nothing he had ever encountered, but he was eager to discover the source.

He rounded the first outcropping and came to an abrupt halt.

The pillars of rock formed a rough oval, and a small figure was huddled on the ground in the pocket of shade between them.

His tongue flickered, tasting the air, and he had no doubt that this was the source of the tantalizing scent. He took a few cautious steps closer, but the figure did not stir.

As his gaze traveled along slender curving legs to gently rounded hips and a delicately molded back, he suddenly realized that he was looking at a female – not a Hsslak female, but a female nonetheless. Except for the images of the Goddess that were scattered throughout the Temple, he had not seen one since he entered the monastery.

He hissed a shocked breath, the sound unusually loud in the compact area. The female jerked and rolled her feet in one sudden move.

“Whothehellareyou?”

He was so busy staring at her that at first he paid no attention to the fact that he couldn’t understand her words. A tangle of bright golden curls – the color dedicated to Tetlana – topped her head.

Was this a sign? Was she a Chosen of the Goddess?

But then his gaze dropped and his thoughts traveled in a far more profane direction as he took in the beauty of her naked form. Small, perfect breasts were topped with large, rosy nipples. For a startled moment he wondered if she was with child – the only time the breasts of a Hsslak female were noticeable – but as his eyes slipped further down her slender body, he decided this was her natural state.

His gaze was arrested at the apex of her thighs. Tetlana had blessed her with another patch of golden curls, both highlighting and concealing her feminine folds. His kalu stirred within its sheath at the enticing sight, but he forced himself to ignore it.

“Dontcomeanycloser.”

The sound of her voice shocked him into snatching his attention back to her face. The words still held no meaning, but the defiance in them was unmistakable. Unfortunately, he could also see the fear behind the bravado and was immediately ashamed. Chosen of the Goddess or not, a female should never have to worry when a priest of Tetlana was nearby.

He quickly dropped to his knees and bowed his head.

“Please forgive me. I mean you no harm.”

There was no response, and he looked up to see that she was edging along the rock wall towards the sparkling pink sand of the open desert. He frowned. Her pale, defenseless skin did not look as if it could withstand the rays of the sun still high overhead

“You do not have to leave,” he assured her, but the speed of her movements only increased at his words.

He sat back on his heels, watching in distress as she left him. He did not want to frighten her, and yet, he did not think she should leave the shelter provided by the rocks.

What would Tetlana wish him to do?

As he sent up a prayer for guidance, he realized that the female carried a woven bag similar to his own. But the significance of that fact faded as she stepped out of the shade. He saw her wince when her bare feet touched the hot sand.

Unacceptable.

He rose to his feet, humming soothingly as he approached her. Despite the obviously painful heat of the sand, she turned to flee, and he shook his head. While he admired her spirit, he would not let her damage herself.

With the speed ingrained in him by his training, he quickly caught her and lifted her into his arms.

She immediately screeched and began fighting him, her arms and legs flailing as she tried to escape. She succeeded in landing several blows that would have damaged a lesser male, but he ignored them, carrying her back into the shelter of the rocks, and placing her gently on the ground.

As soon as he did, he missed her scent surrounding him. Only a hint of her delicious fragrance lingered on his scales and he had the strangest urge to rub her against his body..

She glared at him defiantly and took a step back, then another. He only watched as she retreated, but as soon as she was several feet away, she turned and dashed for the desert again.

He shook his head and went after her.

This time he was more prepared and secured her arms and legs as tightly as possible when he lifted her into his arms. Unfortunately, that meant holding her closely against his body, her impossibly soft skin and delicate female curves arousing sensations he had never thought to experience.

It was harder to let her go this time, and when she slid down the front of his body, he had to fight back a groan.

Once more, she immediately took a step away from him.

“Yourenotgoingtoletmegoare you?” she muttered.

Despite the unfamiliar language, the way she looked from him to the opening in the rocks was all too clear.

He shook his head. “I will not allow you to harm yourself. You are under my protection. Whether you like it or not.”

They stared at each other, and then she gave a defiant sniff. He almost laughed at the frustrated expression on her face, but such an action would be unworthy of a follower of Tetlana.

Instead, he bowed his head once more, and decided to try and establish a common ground. He pulled his bag from around his neck and offered it to her, gesturing to hers.

“I believe we may have a shared purpose.”

Not that he understood that purpose, but surely Tetlana would reveal it in time.

The female’s eyes widened, and for the first time he noticed that they were a soft, clear green, the color of the stone dedicated to the Goddess. Yet another sign that Tetlana had sent this female to him.

The question that remained was, why?

After studying him suspiciously, the female gradually extended her own bag. He took it as gently as possible, even as she snatched his and jumped away. She was as skittish as a Tevonian colt.

Once again, he was tempted to laugh, but she was wise to be cautious and he kept his face as solemn as possible.

Her bag only contained two items as well. One was a small packet containing a kestava cloth, and he wondered why she had not bothered to unfold it to use it as protection against the heat of the day. The second item interested him more – a flex plas sheet similar to his own. The symbols on the sheet were different but their placement on the sheet appeared to be the same. Obviously an indication that they should journey together

He looked up, intending to show it to her, and saw that she had seized the knife from his bag. The tip wavered only slightly as she pointed it at him, and once again began backing towards the open desert.

Chapter Three

Janet did her best to keep her hand steady as she tightened her grip on the knife. The weapon didn’t make her feel as secure as she would have liked.

The golden skinned stranger – the golden scaled alien – was too big and too strong for her to underestimate. Had he realized that he was handing her a weapon?

The thought that perhaps he had realized and was still completely unafraid was both annoying and terrifying. She did her best to focus on the annoying part and ignore the fear. She would show him that she was not to be underestimated.

Despite her determination, she moved as quickly and silently as possible away from him. He didn’t seem to like being out on the sand since he kept dragging her back between the rocks. Perhaps if she could get far enough away, he wouldn’t chase her.

She was just at the last outcropping when he looked up and their eyes met.

His were so dark they were almost black, with eyelids that flicked across them in a disturbingly alien manner. His features were not entirely dissimilar to those of a human – two eyes, a somewhat flattened nose, and a wide mouth – but that only accentuated the fact that he was not human. His body, too, was basically humanoid, except bigger and more muscular than that of a human male.

When he had caught her and carried her back amongst the rocks, she had been aware of the overwhelming strength of his hold. Despite that, he had not hurt her. In fact, his hands had been surprisingly gentle, even when she had been kicking him with all her strength. Of course, her strength was probably laughable to him.

The golden scales that covered him were smoother than they looked, dry and almost silky against her skin.

He was studying her now, his head tilted a little to one side and she froze. Her instincts told her to flee, but she already knew that he could catch her.

He said something unintelligible, his voice low and soothing. She had expected his language to be more sibilant given his somewhat reptilian appearance.

Still watching her carefully, he held out her bag. Was he offering to trade back? She almost snorted. As if it was of any use to her.

She shook her head and tightened her grip on the knife handle. She much preferred the weapon, thank you very much.

He held up the sheet of plastic she had found in her bag and then gestured to the one she had discarded from his. For the first time, her impulse to flee subsided long enough for her to really think about the situation.

She had been dumped here, naked, with only the bag. And he was certainly naked, she thought, letting her eyes flick down over his body. That had been obvious when she had been pressed against him. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to possess any male genitalia – although somehow she was quite sure that he was male. Given his lack of clothing and the presence of a bag similar to her own, could he have been dumped here as well?

Despite his appearance and the fact that he seemed familiar with the desert surroundings, perhaps he was as much a stranger here as she.

One hand still firmly gripping the knife, she moved slowly back between the rocks until she reached his bag. She had discarded it as soon as she’d seen the knife.

Watching him carefully, she reached inside and pulled out a sheet of plastic that matched her own. He nodded encouragingly but didn’t move from his position.

Like her own, the sheet was covered with meaningless scribbles.

“I don’t understand. Why is this important?”

He tilted his head, clearly listening to her words, then held out her copy. He obviously wanted her to take it, but that would mean getting within arm’s reach of him.

She looked at him, then darted a quick glance back over her shoulder at the vast expanse of desert. Now that her initial panic had subsided, she remembered why she had stayed within the shelter of the rocks to begin with. She wouldn’t last long out there at this time of day.

With a resigned sigh, she reached for the other sheet.

He let her take it from his hand – from long fingers tipped with short dark claws – and made no attempt to touch her. She snatched it away from him and scurried back against the rocks.

When she laid the plastic sheets out on the sand in front of her, she realized that they were almost identical. At first she thought they were completely identical, but then she noticed that hers contained a small bluish dot, while his contained a green dot in the same place.

As she looked at them more closely, her heart skipped a beat. The pattern on the blue dot – could that be an image of Earth from space? And if her map showed Earth, did the green dot on his represent his planet?

She looked up to find him studying her, dark eyes intent on her face.

“Is that your planet?” she asked.

After pointing at the blue dot and then herself, she pointed at the green dot and then at him. He nodded solemnly.

“Lisko.”

Was that the name of his planet? She pointed to the blue. “Earth.”

“Earth,” he repeated, his pronunciation surprisingly clear.

Well, that was interesting – but what did it mean?

She scanned the sheets again looking for additional differences. This time she noticed that there were different symbols next to each of the colored circles.

Hers was rather like a rectangle with a gold dot at the top. His was a double-barred line. Neither one made any sense to her.

She shook her head, looking up at him. “I don’t get it.”

Moving very slowly, he stretched out a long arm and tapped the gold dot, then pointed at her head.

“You think that’s me?”

It hardly seemed likely, but then again nothing about this experience was believable. And if the one symbol indicated her, then the other…

She tapped the barred line, then pointed to him.

He nodded, and then smiled for the first time, revealing two distinctly snakelike fangs. She hastily averted her eyes and did her best not to flinch.

“I hope you don’t smile a lot,” she muttered, then gave him an inquisitive look. “I’m still not sure I understand the significance.”

She scanned the sheets again, then realized that the symbols representing the two of them were repeated a second time. Again they were in approximately the same position on the sheet, in an area surrounded by waving lines. “Do you think these represent us as well?”

He had his head tilted again, but he didn’t respond verbally. Instead, he tapped on the second image, then walked his fingers across the sheet to the one by the planet. The light finally dawned.

“You think this is a map?”

She mirrored his gesture and he nodded, then repeated carefully, “Map.”

Studying the sheet of plastic with a skeptical eye, she shook her head in disgust. “If that’s a map, I think I’m going to stay lost.”

Her companion resorted to sign language once again. He pointed to her symbol, walked his fingers across the supposed map again, and then tapped on the planet. “Earth,” he repeated.

“You think that if we find this other place I could go home. To Earth?” She tapped on his planet symbol. “And you could return to Lisko?”

He raised a shoulder slightly in what could possibly interpreted as a shrug, then added something unintelligible. It wasn’t quite the confident response she had hoped for.

“I suspect that means something along the lines of it’s as good a chance as any.” She sighed and looked out between the rocks at the expanse of desert. “But it’s not as if I have another plan. Can you get us there?”

She watched her fingers across the so-called map the way that he had done and gave him an inquiring look. This time he nodded firmly.

“I guess that means we’re traveling companions. My name is Janet.” She tapped her chest and repeated, “Janet.”

“Janet.” He said her name almost reverently, and she had the oddest desire to blush.

“And you are?” she prompted, when he didn’t supply his own name.

A flash of something that looked like surprise crossed his face, although she didn’t understand why.

“What is your name?” she asked again.

“Sabrost,” he said slowly.

“Sabrost.”

His eyes closed when she said his name and his scales seemed to flicker. Well, that was odd. And a little creepy. Hastily changing the subject, she pointed out at the desert.

“Should we get going?”

To her surprise, he shook his head, and she frowned at him.

“Why not? The sooner we reach this mysterious destination, the sooner we can go home.”

He pointed up at the sun, still high in the sky, and then marked a curve in the air, stopping when his finger was just above the horizon.

“You mean you want to wait until the sun goes down?”

Now that she had a destination she was anxious to get moving, but he had a point. The sand had been burning hot beneath her bare feet, and her hand was still inflamed from where it had been in the sun when she awakened. She sighed.

“All right. I suppose we can wait. What are we going to do in the meantime?”

Chapter Four

Sabrost breathed a sigh of relief when the Chosen of the Goddess accepted his suggestion that they wait until the sun was lower before beginning their travels. He would have been reluctant to return her to their present shelter if she had attempted to go out onto the open once more, but neither would he have let her hurt herself.

He was still shocked she had gifted him with her name.

“Janet,” he repeated silently, savoring the sound.

And he had been even more shocked when she asked for his name. So shocked that he had provided her with his birth name, instead of the name he had been given at the Temple. Hearing his name on those small pink lips had sent a shiver of pleasure down his spine. The urges of his body, suppressed for so long, threatened to overwhelm him, but he firmly pushed them aside.

Janet was giving him an expectant look, and he realized he had missed whatever she had been saying.

“My apologies, Chosen One.”

“Water?”

She mimed raising a container of liquid to her lips. Ah. Water. Of course she thirsted. He was immediately ashamed that he had not anticipated her need.

He turned his attention back to their surroundings. Although no surface water was in evidence, the sand beneath the largest rock formation was darker than the surrounding sand. It was the lowest point between the rocks, and any moisture would have pooled there.

Hurrying over, he began to dig. His claws cut easily through the dry surface, sending the sand flying as he dug.

The satisfaction filled him when he reached the hidden layer of water sand. He sat back on his heels and gave her a triumphant smile.

“Water, valitta.”

She had stayed away from him while he was digging, but now she joined him eagerly.

“Youwerediggingfor water? Youlookedlikeadoggoingafterabone,” she muttered, then gave him what was clearly an apologetic look. “Sorry.”

He didn’t understand why she was apologizing, but he gave her a reassuring smile. Just as she had done the last time he smiled, she shuddered and looked away. Did his levity disturb her?

Before he could decide, he was distracted by her sigh.

“Ithoughtyousaidtherewas water?”

He nodded. “Water.”

Perhaps her lack of familiarity with the desert extended to the source of liquid. Although his spines flared at his temerity in going before her, he dug his own fingers down into the damp sand, then licked away the moisture. He gestured for her to repeat his movements, but she was staring at his mouth with a horrified look.

“Youhaveatonguelikeasnake.”

He ignored whatever she’d said and pointed at the water sand again. “Water.”

She sighed and shook her head.

“Look, Sabrost. Lickingsandisntgoingtowork.”

Doing his best to ignore his pleasure at his name on her lips, he tried to understand her reluctance. Perhaps her body was not equipped to absorb liquid from any available source. He considered the problem, then went to retrieve one of their bags. Pressing the woven material down into the wet sand, he waited until it was thoroughly saturated. He removed it from the sand, turned it to the clean side, and then presented it to her.

She made no attempt to take it from him. “Nowwhat?”

“Water.”

He offered her the bag once more, but she still didn’t take it. How could he make her understand?

When she opened her mouth to speak again, he simply stuck the water-soaked cloth into her mouth. Her eyes widened, but then she sucked eagerly.

The sight of her soft pink lips enclosing the rough bag, her mouth working, her eyes fastened on his, brought to mind a forbidden image he had seen in the library of the Temple. His kalu jerked inside his body with such force that it threatened to emerge.

Shame immediately swept over him. How could he have such thoughts about one of Tetlana’s Chosen?

“Goddess, forgive me,” he prayed silently.

“Icantbelievethatworked. Istheremore?”

The sound of Janet’s voice distracted him from his prayers for forgiveness. He opened his eyes to find that she was handing him the bag with a hopeful look.

He watched in fascination as her tongue swept across her lips to capture the last traces of moisture. Small and pink and smooth – completely unlike his own, and yet he had never seen anything so enticing.

“Water?” she asked again.

Forcing his lustful thoughts aside, he repeated the process twice more until she waved him away.

“Enough. Wecandoitagainlater.”

“Later?”

She mimicked his earlier gesture indicating the path of the sun. Ah. She would want more water before they set out – and during their journey. He was confident that he could find sufficient liquid to satisfy the needs of his own body, but what of hers?

He needed a way to transport water. It would have been nice if the Goddess had provided him with a flask instead of a knife, he thought wistfully, then immediately rebuked himself. The knife had provided the Chosen with the confidence to communicate with him. The Goddess always knew best. Which meant…

He retrieved the packet of kestava cloth that had been in her bag.

“May I?”

She shrugged and nodded, and he flipped it open to its full size.

“Ohitsablanket.”

“Blanket?”

She snatched it out of his hands and wrapped it around herself, and he nodded. The kestava would provide protection from the elements. The finely woven cloth was also waterproof.

He reached for the material again, but she immediately stepped back, keeping it wrapped around her body. Did she feel the need to adjust her temperature?

“Are you cold?” he asked.

She only frowned at him, her hands gripping the cloth.

He wouldn’t remove it against her will, of course, but perhaps if she understood that he only needed a small portion, she would be accommodating. Moving very slowly, he positioned a claw over a corner of the cloth, then looked to her for permission.

“Youwanttocutaholeinmy blanket? Why?”

He tried to use gestures to indicate his intentions but could not feel that he was successful. He needed to learn her language as soon as possible. A challenging task, but not impossible. He had always had a gift for languages – a gift that had been enhanced by his duties at the Temple. He had spent much of his novitiate translating the Words of Tetlana into other tongues.

He patiently repeated his movements. “I only need a small amount.”

Finally, she sighed and nodded. “Goahead.”

Using his claws, he carefully sliced a square from the bottom of the cloth as well as a long thin strip, then put them together to make a crude pouch.

“Youremakingmeapurse?” Janet asked.

She watched as he took her woven bag and used it to gather more moisture from the water sand, then squeezed it into the pouch.

“Thatsbrilliant!”

The excitement on her face filled him with immense satisfaction. He continued the tedious task of adding small amounts of water to the pouch with joy in his heart.

After watching him for a short period, she offered her assistance. Of course he refused, but when she insisted, he reluctantly handed her the bag. Her small hands were not strong enough to squeeze much liquid into the pouch, but she bit her lip and kept at it.

However, as soon as her hands began to shake, he took the bag away from her despite her protest.

“I am obedient to your will, valitta, but I refuse to allow you to hurt yourself.”

His meaning must have been clear because she rolled her eyes, but she let him continue until he judged the pouch contained enough for their journey. He carefully tied the strings and placed it on top of the cooler sand in the hole.

Checking the angle of the sun, he realized that they would be waiting for several more hours.

“Perhaps you should rest,” he suggested.

When she frowned at him, he patted the sand and indicated that she should lie down. Her look immediately turned suspicious.

“Justbecauseyoufoundme water, Ihopeyourenotgettinganyfunnyideas.”

“You are safe with me,” he assured her.

His heart ached that she thought she would have any reason to distrust him. Did she not know that the Chosen of the Goddess were sacrosanct?

He pillowed his head on his hands and closed his eyes.

“Youwantmeto sleep?”

“Sleep,” he repeated firmly.

“Idontbelieveyouexpectmeto sleep onastrangeplanetwithanaliennexttome,” she muttered.

The words of her language were starting to come together for him, aided by the easily read expressions on her face.

“Sleep. You are safe.”

“Imnottired.” Her obvious protest was followed by a wide yawn.

For the first time, a smile crossed her face, those luscious pink lips tilting up at the ends. “Isupposeitwouldnthurttotry.”

He smoothed out the sand as best he could and patted it encouragingly. Keeping a wary eye on him, she laid down. Apparently she did not find the sand as comfortable as he did, because she kept adjusting her position. He was on the brink of offering to provide his body as a more comfortable resting place when her restless movements finally ceased. A few minutes later, he heard her breathing deepen as she settled into slumber.

His spines straightened with pride. She trusted him enough to sleep in his presence. Determined not to betray that trust, he quietly investigated the rest of their small shelter. The only sign of life was a small avian perched high on the rocks above them, too small to be dangerous.

He found no other sign of danger, but no sign of anything that would prove useful either. Returning to her side, he sat back against the rock and prepared to keep watch.

Chapter Five

Janet awoke feeling like she was on fire and impatiently cast off her covers. A low hiss made her eyes fly open. Her golden scaled alien was sitting next to her, his strange black eyes focused on her now exposed breasts in obvious appreciation. She froze, afraid to move, but he did nothing other than stare at her. Her nipples tightened under the intensity of his gaze before she finally came to her senses and pulled the thin blanket back around her.

For someone who didn’t seem to have any genitalia, he certainly seemed fascinated by her body. It was almost a shame, she thought, as her eyes traveled over his impressively muscled body. The rest of him was built like the epitome of male perfection – assuming one didn’t mind scales. Or claws, she added, as her gaze reached his long, sharp-tipped fingers.

Wait. Why was she even thinking about this?

He was an alien and most certainly not her type. His smile was frightening rather than charming, and he could hardly spin her a smooth line of bullshit when they couldn’t even speak each other’s language.

That didn’t stop her from watching appreciatively as he finally dragged his gaze away from her now-covered breasts and rose to his feet. The muscles of his abdomen rippled as he stood, the slanting rays of the sun highlighting each strongly defined ridge.

The sun…

Looking past him to the open desert, she saw the sun was low on the horizon. She had slept for most of the afternoon. It must be time to leave.

As she climbed to her feet, she tripped over the trailing ends of the blanket. The thin material slipped free and fell to the ground, leaving her naked once again. Blushing, she reached down to retrieve it, but couldn’t resist a quick glance at her alien. As she suspected, his gaze was fastened on her once more with that almost… worshipful look on his face.

His enthrallment helped to soothe the lingering sting of Rick’s betrayal, and she might not have covered herself quite as quickly as possible.

Don’t be an idiot, she told herself. Maybe it’s just because he’s never seen breasts before. Although his interest certainly seemed like more than just curiosity. She darted another quick look at him to see that he was turning away from her, his hand rubbing his lower abdomen.

As he bent over to retrieve the water pouch, her gaze traveled down over wide shoulders and a muscular back to a tight, round ass. For the first time she noticed that he had a row of long, thick spines down the center of his back.

“Sabrost.”

Again his scales seemed to flicker at the sound of his name and the spines stirred, lifting slightly. Fascinating. Perhaps it should have been frightening as well, but somehow her fear seemed to have disappeared while she slept. He hadn’t touched her, and he hadn’t left her. As far as she could tell, he had spent the entire time watching over her. It had been a long time since anyone had cared enough to do that.

“Valitta Janet?”

He had turned to face her, dark eyes intent on her face, and for no reason at all, she blushed.

“Can I have some water before we go?” she asked, resolutely ignoring her unexpected embarrassment.

He nodded and handed her the water pouch, still watching her face as she took a small sip. When she attempted to hand it back, he shook his head.

“Water,” he urged.

“But what if you can’t find more?”

He tilted his head inquiringly and she sighed. This language barrier was a pain in the neck.

“More water. Out there?” She gestured to the desert.

“Kyllavalittu.”

He nodded as he spoke, so she assumed that he was responding positively. “We just say ‘yes.’”

“Yes,” he repeated.

His accent was almost perfect, which gave her an idea. Moving over to one of the rock formations, she pressed her hand against it. “Rock.”

“Rock,” he repeated obediently.

“What do you call it?” She pointed from his mouth to the rock.

“Raidallankeilmassa.”

“Really? That’s the word for rock?”

He nodded, and she sighed.

“I suspect you’re going to pick up English a lot faster than I can pick up your language.”

But maybe all of his words weren’t that complicated. Reaching down, she gathered up a handful of sand. “Sand.”

“Sand.”

“And in your language?”

“Kuivahiekkivienvlilla.”

“You’ve got to be kidding. Ok, I think we’ll stick to teaching you English.” Despite her frustration, she couldn’t help but smile when he nodded solemnly. “However, since the sun is going down, perhaps we should continue the language lessons later?”

“Language later,” he agreed, gathering up their few supplies and placing them in his bag. He hesitated when he reached the knife, still lying next to where she had slept, then offered it to her.

The fact that he even thought to offer it to her only confirmed her early decision that she was safe with him.

“Thank you, but I don’t really have a way to carry it.” Especially if she was going to have to keep clutching the blanket around her with one hand. She needed a better method of remaining covered. “Can you turn around, please?”

He tilted his head again, so she pointed to him, then made a circle with her finger. With a puzzled frown, he turned in a complete circle and she laughed.

“No, I meant turn your back.”

Stepping closer, she put her hand on his arm to guide him. That same shiver ran through him, his scales flickering. His breath came out in a low hiss, and she felt the firm muscles beneath her fingers turn to stone as he froze in place.

She immediately removed her hand and stepped back. “I’m sorry. Should I not have touched you?”

His dark eyes burned as he looked down at her, then he very gently took her hand and placed it back on his arm. They were so close she could feel the heat of his body. A spicy scent that reminded her of cinnamon teased her nose and she realized it came from him.

“Um, I just want you to turn around while I rearrange the blanket.” Her voice came out low and breathless.

His gaze flicked down over the thin cloth, and she had the sudden feeling he could see right through it. Her nipples tightened, and his eyes focused on the small peaks.

Reaching out with one sharp-tipped finger, he just grazed the tip.

“Taydellinenvaalean,” he breathed.

A completely unexpected bolt of lust swept over her as the delicate touch sent a pulse of excitement straight to her suddenly aching clit.

“Nipple,” she whispered.

“Nipple.”

His forked tongue flicked out as if tasting the air, and the unexpected sight brought her to her senses. She stepped back, tugging him around to face the rock in the process.

“Language later, remember? Now you stay there while I sort out this blanket.”

To her frustration, he immediately turned back towards her, but he stopped when he was facing the desert. He pointed in that direction, his face etched in a stern mask.

“Stay there. Watch.”

It was sweet that he wanted to keep watch, but did he really think there was any danger in that vast empty expanse? The thought sent a different kind of shiver through her body.

Stepping behind him, she wrestled with the blanket until she managed to make a type of sarong, tying the ends around her neck. Not exactly the height of fashion, but she was covered and her hands were free.

“Okay. You can turn back around now.”

As he turned to look at her, a breeze gusted past the rocks, molding the material against her body. Dark flames burned in his eyes again, but he made no attempt to step closer. His eyes traveled down over her, leaving an almost palpable heat in their path.

“Taydellinenvaalean.”

The word was barely audible, but she was sure he was referring to her nipples again, peaked from both the breeze and the look in his eyes. Her tongue flicked across suddenly dry lips and his gaze snapped to her mouth, watching avidly before he looked up to meet her eyes.

His big body was framed in the mouth of the ravine like that of some mythic warrior, as the last slanted rays of sunlight caught sparks of gold on his scales. The breeze wafted by again, carrying his spicy scent to her. His dark gaze ensnared her, the moment frozen in time.

Finally, he sighed and looked away, breaking the spell.

“Later,” he said, pointing out to the desert.

“Yes, I know it’s later.” Despite her eagerness to find the location on the map – and hopefully, her way home – she felt an odd reluctance to leave the shelter of the rocks. But she’d never let fear of the unknown hold her back before, and she wasn’t about to start now.

Once again he offered her the knife and this time she took it. It might be awkward carrying it, but it undoubtedly gave her courage as well.

Sabrost frowned, then retrieved the sandy remnants of her bag and sliced off the strap with one alarmingly sharp claw. The same claw that had touched her breast with such delicacy.

She was so distracted by the memory that it took her a moment to realize that he had fastened the strap into a rough belt and was indicating her waist.

“Oh, I see. That’s a great idea.” She took the belt, ignoring the spark of excitement as their hands touched, and fastened it around her waist. The knife fit neatly into the small loop he had created for it.

“This is perfect. Thank you.” She smiled up at him, and when he smiled back, it no longer looked as strange.

Chapter Six

As they set out into the desert, Sabrost was so busy reproaching himself for his audacity in daring to touch the Chosen of the Goddess that he almost missed the fact that she was wincing as she walked.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” he asked anxiously.

She gave him a rueful smile and held up a reddened foot. “The sand isstillhot.”

Of course, the heat of the sun had not yet left the sand. Shame filled him that he had been too lost in his own guilt to have noticed earlier.

“I’m sorry. I should have been more aware of the conditions.”

He reached for her, intending to carry her, but she backed away. His heart skipped a beat. Had he shamed himself so badly in her eyes?

“Youdontneedtocarryme.”

She mimed him holding her, then shook her head.

“It would be an honor,” he assured her, but she stepped back.

Looking around for inspiration, he noticed the tattered hem of the blanket. If she would permit him to take more of it…

He did his best to indicate his intentions, and she finally sighed and waved her hand. “Go ahead.”

This was different from the last time he had taken some of the material. He had to kneel down beside her, close to the warmth of her body, close enough to taste the lingering scent of her arousal. An unworthy sense of pride filled him. She had stepped away so quickly that he hadn’t been sure, but it was obvious now.

She had been aroused by his touch.

A touch he should not have made, he reminded himself.

But she was so perfect, so tempting. Even now he longed to brush his fingers across the smooth skin of her calf, to wrap his hand around her leg, to slide it higher and find out what was hidden beneath that tempting patch of gold…

No.

He forced himself to concentrate on his task as he cut off more of the cloth, then fashioned coverings for her small feet. When he indicated that she should raise one foot so he could tie the covering in place, she obeyed, putting her hand on his shoulder to keep her balance.

Her soft little fingers clutched at him, and he had a sudden vision of her holding on to him in just such a way as he worshipped her body. His kalu jerked.

Goddess, what was wrong with him?

Was this Her test? To see how he responded to almost unbearable temptation?

“Sabrost? Issomethingwrong?’

Janet’s voice recalled him to his senses, and with a muttered apology, he completed his task.

She smiled up at him as she placed her now covered feet back on the sand.

“Thatsmuchbetter.”

“Better,” he repeated.

“Yes. Thank you.”

They set out again, and he did his best to temper his pace to her much smaller steps. The sand was soft and warm beneath his feet, the air dry and pleasant as it brushed across his scales, and his spines flared with pleasure. How much he had missed this.

He had often wondered why the Goddess had chosen to establish Her Temple on Lisko when there were so many more pleasant worlds She could have chosen. But then again, many of his fellow monks had enjoyed the cool, green serenity. What would they think when they came to collect him for the ceremony? He hoped they would understand that it was one of the Tetlana’s miracles, not a failure on his part.

A short time later, the sun sank in a blaze of glory along the horizon, setting the sky alight with shades of rose and gold. They both paused to watch as it finally sank below the horizon.

“Beautiful,” Janet breathed.

“Beautiful,” he agreed, but he was no longer looking at the sunset.

Her cheeks turned a shade of pink that matched the sky before she looked away and started walking once more.

The wind picked up soon after the sun went down, and the temperature dropped rapidly. He saw her shiver and realized that the way she had arranged the cloth, while undoubtedly becoming, left most of her arms and shoulders bare.

He stopped again.

“You are cold, valitta.”

She frowned up at him and, greatly daring, he ran a finger along the cool skin of her upper arm. Her soft flesh quivered at his touch.

“You should cover yourself.”

He tried to tug the cloth over her arms, and only succeeded in causing it to part between her breasts.

“Stop.” Her small hand came up to cover his. “Turn around.”

This time he understood her command and obeyed immediately. When she gave him permission to turn back, more of her was covered but she was holding the cloth together with one hand. He could see the ends flutter in the breeze. She was not sufficiently protected, and that was unacceptable.

Without giving her a chance to protest, he wrapped the cloth more tightly around her and lifted her into his arms. The feel of her hard little nipples pressing against his chest sent a jolt of pleasure through his body, but he did his best to ignore it.

“Sabrost! Youcantcarryme,” she protested, but at least she wasn’t fighting him this time.

“Yes. Carry you,” he said firmly, and set off into the gathering darkness.

With a sigh, she settled into his arms without further argument. Thank the Goddess.

The last remnants of the sun had faded, but he had excellent night vision and had taken his bearing before the sun disappeared. If he had interpreted the map correctly, they would be leaving the sand behind and heading into a rockier area. Hopefully, it would be more capable of supporting life.

“Whydoyouthinkweendeduphere?” Janet asked suddenly, tapping his chest, then her own, and pointing out at the desert.

“I do not know, valitta,” he admitted.

Was it a test? Or could it be an answer to his prayer? He had asked Tetlana to help him find peace and, despite the strange circumstances, he did feel at peace. Walking through the desert beneath the wide, starry sky, his female soft and fragrant and protected in his arms, filled him with a satisfaction far deeper than translating a musty scroll into a new language.

Wait. His female?

His spines flared at his presumption. He was quite sure that Janet was a Chosen of Tetlana. And yet, if She had sent them both here, did She intend Janet for him?

If She had, he vowed he would prove himself worthy.

“MaybeIdiedinthatcrash,” she murmured. “Althoughyoudontlooklikeanangel.”

He couldn’t understand any part of what she said, but when he looked down at her, he could see her smiling up at him. His arms tightened for the briefest of instants.

He must prove worthy.

She continued to talk to him as they walked. Much of what she said was unintelligible, but he began to pick up the structure of her language, as well as certain words. If he understood correctly, on her planet she was responsible for gifting people with drinks – no doubt an important job. She had encountered something called snow – which sounded most unpleasant – and ended up on this planet.

“And you?” she asked.

“I sleep.”

“Hmm.” Her small fingers tapped rhythmically against his chest. “So we were both unconscious.”

She continued to speculate about how they might have arrived here, but he had a hard time following her theories. He wished he had enough knowledge of her language to tell her that the Goddess had brought them.

Eventually her words stopped. He could tell that she wasn’t asleep, but she seemed content to rest silently in his arms as he walked through the night.

The landscape gradually began to change – the soft, open sand replaced by harder, rockier ground. They began to climb as well, into what he thought were the low hills indicated on the map. Large boulders surrounded them, and his pace slowed as he threaded his way through them.

He stumbled once, and then again.

“Maybe we should stop for the night. Get an early start in the morning,” Janet suggested. “You must be tired.”

Offended at her lack of confidence, he was about to reject the suggestion when he realized that perhaps she was the one who was weary.

“Safe sleep,” he agreed, and slowed even further as he began looking for the best place to rest.

There wasn’t much to choose from, but he eventually settled on a narrow opening in one of the larger rocks. The small entrance would be easy to defend.

She made him put her down and he reluctantly turned away while she attended to her bodily needs. When she returned to his side, she was shivering.

He wished he could make a fire but although he might be able to strike a spark from the surrounding rocks, there was absolutely no tinder for a fire. At least the crevice he had spotted would provide some protection.

He wedged himself into the small area, then patted his chest.

“Sleep here.”

“You want me to sleep on you?”

“Sleep here. Warm,” he added when she hesitated.

“I suppose it does make sense to share heat. All right, but no funny business.”

“No funny business,” he repeated. He wasn’t quite sure what it meant, but it was obviously a warning of some kind.

That enchanting smile crossed her face again as she somewhat cautiously lowered herself onto his thigh. He tugged her firmly against his chest, making sure that the cloth covered her completely. For a moment she stiffened, then she signed and nestled against him. Her soft little bottom settled between his legs, the warmth and pressure sending an almost painful streak of pleasure to his kalu.

“Sleep, valitta. You are safe,” he whispered.

Chapter Seven

Janet woke to find that they had somehow shifted positions during the night, and she was lying half under Sabrost. The blanket had shifted as well and she could feel his scales against her bare breasts, a surprisingly erotic feeling.

He hissed, and she looked up to find him watching her, his gaze fastened on her breasts again.

“Nipple,” he whispered.

There was no cloth between them this time as he raised a finger to her breast. Her breath caught as that sharp black claw approached, but just as he had before, he circled it with astonishing delicacy. The light touch sent shivers of pleasure down her spine, and she found herself arching into his touch, wanting more. He grasped the taut peak and tugged it gently, too gently.

“More.”

Placing her fingers over his, she showed him what she wanted. He caught on immediately, rolling her nipple firmly between his thumb and forefinger.

“I… want… taste.”

The words were shy, almost hesitant, but the meaning was quite clear. The thought of his mouth on her breasts sent a little throb of excitement to her clit.

“Yes.”

The word was hardly out before his mouth closed over her, shockingly warm and wet, but just as gentle as his finger had been.

“More,” she urged again.

His tongue wrapped around her nipple and she suddenly remembered that forked tip, just as he began to tug on it. Oh my God. Her hand clutched the back of his head as he combined a rolling pressure with a deep sucking pull. His hand worked her other breast with the same rhythm, adding to the sensation. She writhed against him, her body hovering on the edge of climax, then a sudden firm pressure against her clit sent her flying. Bright spots danced in front of her eyes as she shuddered, waves of pleasure washing over her.

She was still shaking when Sabrost stood abruptly and turned away, the muscles on his back and shoulders rigid.

“Sabrost? Is something wrong?”

“Check area.” His voice was hoarse as he strode quickly away.

Sabrost hurried away from their resting place, unable to face the Chosen and see the accusation in her face. As soon as he was out of sight, he forced his kalu back inside his slit, ignoring the pain. How could he have exposed it to her? He had not asked her permission.

Only last night he had vowed to be worthy of her, and at the first hint of temptation, he had been unable to control his body. But she had been so soft in his arms, so delicious on his tongue, the perfume of her arousal making his head spin…

His kalu threatened to emerge again at the memory, but even though he was now alone, he kept his hand over his slit. He hadn’t had this little control since he entered puberty.

Determined to atone for his presumption, he started to kneel. As he did, a small rock skittered away from him, then slipped into a crack beneath one of the massive boulders that filled these hills.

He heard it drop, then… splash?

Peering through the narrow gap, he caught the glint of liquid and heard the trickle of water over rocks. Excellent. This would make it easier to attend to the Chosen’s needs. Perhaps Tetlana did not find his behavior unforgivable after all.

Deciding to offer prayers of thanksgiving instead, he dropped to his knees once more.

He was halfway through the first prayer when he heard Janet scream.

The lingering satisfaction of Janet’s climax disappeared as she watched Sabrost rush away. Was he upset by what had happened between them?

Anger began to mix with her dismay. It wasn’t as if it had been her idea. Well, maybe she had urged him on, but he had been the one to ask to taste her. Was it her fault if it felt so incredible that she had climaxed?

Scowling, she climbed to her feet and rearranged her blanket as a sarong once more. The sun was already beginning to heat the surrounding boulders, but there were enough of them to produce some shade. As she took a small sip from the water pouch, she couldn’t help thinking wistfully of the espresso machine at the restaurant. Even though she knew she was lucky to have the water, she missed that first delightful jolt of caffeine.

At the thought of the restaurant, her stomach growled, but she did her best to ignore it. Hadn’t she read somewhere that you could exist for weeks without food? It was a depressing prospect, and she wondered if Sabrost could find food for them. He seemed remarkably competent. Perhaps she would mention it when he returned.

If he returned.

But despite the gloomy thought, she couldn’t believe that he would abandon her.

As she put down the water bag, she heard a small clucking noise and looked up to see something watching her, half hidden behind another boulder. About the size of a chicken, it had a round body and an equally round head with two bulging green eyes. As she watched, it hopped a step closer on long skinny legs that were completely out of proportion to the rest of its body. The faded orange and pink stripes that covered its body matched the coloring of the surrounding rocks. It was so ugly it was almost cute.

“Hello there. Where did you come from?”

Was it thirsty? They had such a small supply of water, she wasn’t sure if she should share it or not. She gave the water pouch a hesitant look, trying to decide how much was left, and when she looked back up, the original creature had been joined by two more.

All three of them hopped a few steps closer, those bulging eyes fixed on her face, and her heart started beating faster.

A loud squawk made her jump, and she looked up to see the flying creature she had seen the previous day, or at least one that looked exactly like it. Her three visitors paused at the bird’s cry, but then they moved a little closer, and now there were four.

Without taking her eyes off them, she fumbled at her makeshift belt for the attached knife. Her hand closed over the hilt just as the fifth creature appeared.

Her pulse raced, noticing they had formed a semicircle in front of her, leaving her no easy way to escape. Where the hell was Sabrost? If he was checking the area, how could he have missed her visitors?

The one directly in front of her opened its mouth, revealing an alarming array of sharp looking teeth, and gave a yodeling cry. The bird screeched in response as all five of the creatures charged at her.

“Sabrost!” she cried. “Help!”

And then she had no more opportunity to call for help. The first creature dove for her leg, and she instinctively tried to kick it away, her foot connecting with a sickening thud. The bird dive-bombed another one of the creatures, despite its larger size, and sank sharp little talons into its back, making it screech.

Pain flared in her leg as claws dug into her calf, and she leaned down to swing her knife at the attacker. She felt the knife connect, but while she was bent over, another one leapt for her shoulder. She screamed as its claws sank deep, and then it was gone.

Sabrost had arrived, roaring with rage. He moved with lightning speed, his own claws slicing open one of the attackers and his foot disemboweling another before he dashed the third one against a rock. The creature the bird was grappling with collapsed with a gurgled cry, and the bird squawked triumphantly. The one she had kicked away still hadn’t moved.

Everything had happened so quickly that she could only stare up at Sabrost in shock as he rushed to her side.

“Where hurt?”

“I… I don’t know.” But even as she spoke, the shock began to subside and she felt the burning pains in her shoulder and calf. “My shoulder and my leg. Those things scratched me.”

He hissed angrily, then gathered her carefully into his arms before striding back in the direction from which he had appeared.

“Where are you taking me?”

“Water.” He muttered something in his language, then added. “Clean wound.”

“You don’t think those things are poisonous, do you?” Were the scratches going numb or was she still in shock?

His hold tightened for a brief second, but he shook his head.

“Clean.”

She wasn’t sure that meant that the wounds were clean or that he would clean them, but she tried to believe he knew what he was doing. He carried her to another spot on the rocky hillside and carefully lowered her to the ground. With an apologetic look, he sliced off another piece of her blanket covering, but she didn’t have the energy to protest.

Trying to distract herself from the growing ache of her wounds, she watched as he knelt down next to one of the boulders and dipped the scrap of fabric into a narrow crack. When he pulled it back out, it was soaking wet, so wet it was actually dripping.

“There’s water under there? However did you find it?”

He looked oddly embarrassed, but he didn’t attempt to answer her. Instead, he gently wiped the wet cloth across her calf. It was her turn to hiss at the unexpectedly fiery pain as the water touched the wounds.

“Forgive.” Sabrost looked up at her with worried eyes.

“There’s nothing to forgive,” she assured him. “I know you’re trying to help.”

His expression didn’t ease, but he continued to clean the wound. Eventually it reached the point where it was still sore but it no longer burned when the water touched it.

“That feels better. Thank you.”

He gave her a grim look and indicated that she should sit in front of him. As she obeyed, she realized that her shoulder still needed to be cleaned.

The first swipe of the wet cloth across her shoulder hurt so much that she couldn’t stop herself from crying out. Sabrost hissed and pulled her closer, but he didn’t relent.

She buried her face in his shoulder, breathing in his comforting cinnamon scent, while he washed the wound until it too lost the fiery burn. He inspected it, then nodded solemnly.

“Clean.”

A small chirp echoed his words, and she looked up to see that the bird creature had followed them, perching atop the closest rock. Sabrost growled and tensed, but she put her hand on his arm.

“I think he’s a friend. He tried to help me when those creatures attacked.” She shuddered. “Where do you think they came from?”

He shook his head in obvious frustration. “No sign. Go now.”

She agreed with him one hundred percent, but when she tried to rise to her feet, her wounded leg wouldn’t take her full weight. Sabrost had her up in his arms at once.

“You can’t carry me all the time,” she protested. “What if you need to defend us again? Which reminds me, we left the knife and the water pouch. We should go back and get them.”

He hesitated, clearly reluctant, then nodded.

All of the rocks looked like to her but he seemed to have no difficulty finding his way back to the place where they had camped. At least, she thought she recognized it, but the bodies of creatures who had attacked them were gone. There was no sign that they had even been there at all.

“I don’t understand. Where did they go?”

Sabrost looked even grimmer as he rapidly collected their few belongings without putting her down. They were on their way in less than a minute.

“Food,” he muttered as he increased his stride to the point where he was almost running.

“You mean something ate them?” A queasy feeling swept over her. “You think there’s something larger than those things?”

He darted a quick look down at her, then shook his head and said reluctantly. “More of them.”

The sick feeling increased as she realized what he meant – that they ate their own kind. And how many more of them were there?

She wanted to ask, but she suspected that Sabrost knew little more than she did. Right now, the most important thing was to get as far away as possible. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kept her mouth shut.

His arms tightened briefly in a quick hug and despite everything, she took comfort in his presence. Casting a quick look over his shoulder, she realized that the bird was fluttering along behind them. She found his presence surprisingly reassuring. It looked like she had two protectors.

Chapter Eight

Sabrost’s pace didn’t slow until the sun was almost directly overhead. Janet could feel the heat beating down on her, despite his attempt to keep to the shade. The land started to change again. Instead of the maze of scattered boulders, they were in an area of bare, craggy rocks that reminded her of some of the mountains near her home.

For the first time, she spotted a few scrubby bits of vegetation, although there were no other signs of life. But perhaps the absence of life was a blessing, given their last encounter.

Her head started to spin as the heat continued to increase. Sabrost said something to her, but she couldn’t process the words. He muttered something that even in her befuddled state sounded like a curse.

Her vision wavered as time ceased to have all meaning. Then suddenly, she was in a pool of deep shade, and Sabrost was dribbling water into her mouth. She grabbed for the source, eager for more, but he held it out of reach.

“Slow.”

She forced her tired brain to make sense of his word, then nodded.

He gradually gave her more water, cradling her like a baby as he dripped it into her mouth. The combination of the water and shade revived her to the point where she could finally take stock of her surroundings.

They were inside a cave. Not a small crevice like the one that had sheltered them the previous night, but an actual cave with a ceiling that arched above them. Despite the welcome coolness, she cast an uneasy glance at the shadowy corners.

“Are you sure we’re alone in here?”

“Yes. I check.” She must have looked skeptical, because he opened his mouth and flicked his tongue at her. “No taste.”

Something she had once read about how reptiles could use their tongues to identify scents flickered through her head. Was he telling her that he couldn’t smell those disgusting little creatures? She decided to take it on faith and nodded.

“All right. If you say so. Are we going to stay here until it gets dark?”

He hesitated, then ran a gentle hand along her wounded leg. “When walk.”

“You want to stay here until I can walk?” The thought was both appealing and dismaying. She really didn’t want to walk yet. Even if it meant it would take a little longer to get back to Earth, she felt surprisingly comfortable with Sabrost to keep her company. On the other hand, she thought as her stomach growled, it would be nice to have something to eat.

Sabrost must have heard her stomach because he put a warm hand across it. “Need food.”

He looked so distressed that she gave him a warm smile.

“I’m all right. I know we haven’t had time to look for anything.”

“Unacceptable.”

The word was so unexpected she stared at him. Where had that come from?

He was obviously too busy thinking to notice her surprise. Looking from her to the entrance of the cave, he said tentatively, “I hunt.”

“You want to leave me and go hunting?” The thought terrified her but he must need food as much as she did. She gave him a brave smile. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

A chirp sounded from behind her, and she looked up to find the bird perched on a small ledge in the wall of the cave.

“See? I’ll even have company.”

He still looked undecided, but reluctantly rose to his feet. His hand briefly touched her cheek, then he strode towards the entrance of the cave. For a brief instant his big body was highlighted in the opening, and then he was gone.

Sabrost’s determination to hunt for his female faded almost as soon as he left the cave. He hated the idea that she was alone and unprotected. Although he had told her the truth when he said that he could detect no sign of the creatures who had attacked her previously, what if there were other predators that he had not yet identified?

But if they were to remain here until her leg healed, they would need sustenance. Had she understood why he wanted to give her a chance to heal? While he would happily carry her wherever she wished to go for as long as she would let him, he hated to see her so vulnerable.

As he wavered, he noticed a small area of dry scrub. Inspiration hit him.

“Thank you, Tetlana,” he said gratefully as he went to gather an armful..

As he reentered the cave with his findings, Janet looked up in surprise. He saw the gleam of water in her eyes before she gave him a determined smile.

“That was fast. Why are you bringing me a bush?”

He smiled at her as he began breaking the scrub into shorter pieces. Her face lit up as he started to arrange them in a rough pyramid.

“A fire? You’re making a fire?”

He nodded, then went to search for the type of rocks needed to strike a spark. It had been many years since he had done this, but his skills are still with him. Within a short time, he had a small blaze going in the center of the cave.

“That’s wonderful.” Janet struggled to her feet as he hurried to her side, then shocked him by throwing her arms around his waist. “Thank you so much.”

Her face was alight with happiness, and he hated to leave more than ever, but he still needed to feed her.

“I hunt,” he said reluctantly.

“I know. Good luck.”

She placed a small hand on his head and tugged him down towards her. He obeyed willingly, even though he didn’t understand her intentions.

To his utter shock – and overwhelming delight – she pressed her soft lips against his mouth. His spines flared as he groaned with pleasure. By the Goddess, what an amazing sensation.

But then her smooth, little tongue actually slipped inside his mouth, and he lost the ability to think. Her delicious scent made his head swim, and he eagerly entwined his tongue with hers, exploring every inch.

She moaned into his mouth, and for a moment, he thought he had offended her. But then her arms tightened around his neck, her body pressed closer to his, and he felt the sweet press of her stiffened nipples against his chest.

His kalu jerked, threatening to emerge as it had earlier, but he managed to force it under control.

Her legs trembled, and he realized that she was putting too much weight on her wounded leg. Without releasing her mouth, he reached down and put his arm under the soft curve of her bottom, lifting her up against him. Her legs went around his waist, and he could feel the damp heat of her cunt against his slit.

It took every ounce of the self-control and discipline he had learned at the Temple to keep his kalu under control, especially when she moaned again and began to rock against him. Did her movements indicate that she wanted it to emerge?

No.

She hadn’t asked. He had to leave before he lost control.

After one last sip at her delicious mouth, he slowly and reluctantly raised his head.

“I hunt.”

That delightful pink washed over her face as she tried to scramble down.

“I’m sorry – that got out of hand. I just meant to wish you luck.”

He helped her back onto a small rock near the fire.

“Luck.” He ran a finger along her lips, even pinker and more swollen now. “Much luck, valitta.”

And then he forced himself to leave.

Janet pressed her hand to her mouth as she watched Sabrost leave the cave. Excitement still hummed in her veins. What was it about him? Despite their differences, she couldn’t deny the desire that flared so quickly between them.

Neither could she deny that his big muscular body was ridiculously attractive, and his more… alien features were unexpectedly arousing. But she suspected that it was more than just his physical appeal. He was just so… thoughtful.

She couldn’t imagine any of her former boyfriends treating her so reverently or being so determined to care for her. If she had been stranded with Rick…

She snorted at the very idea. Even up at the cabin, he never bothered to bring in wood or try to start a fire.

“Maybe aliens are just better than men,” she muttered to herself.

The bird squawked in seeming agreement, and she looked up to find him watching her, his head tilted to one side. It did make her feel better to know that she had some company.

“If you’re going to stick around, we should give you a name.”

She considered his pink and gold wings and the tiny crest on the top of his head. “How about Tinkerbell?”

He chirped amiably, and she smiled at him as she tried to get comfortable on her rock seat.

The fire cast a warm glow that helped to illuminate the dim cave, but the back wall was still thick with shadows. She found herself peering anxiously into the flickering darkness, trying to decide if there was anything back there.

“This is ridiculous. I’ll just take a quick look.”

Picking up one of the longer branches that Sabrost had brought into the cave, she pushed herself to her feet. Her leg was still painful, but with the aid of the branch she hobbled towards the back of the cave. Tinkerbell fluttered along behind her.

There was an odd little gap along the back wall, and for a heart stopping moment, she thought it was a back entrance. Instead, it was only a small crevice that gleamed in the firelight. She touched the shiny surface with a cautious finger and discovered that a small amount of water was trickling down the wall.

Delighted at the discovery – and thrilled to have something to do other than just worry – she retrieved the water pouch and began the slow process of refilling it.

Tinkerbell hopped down next to her while she worked, lapping at the dampness.

She reached out slowly and very gently touched his head. She wasn’t sure what she had expected the featherless skin to feel like, but it was remarkably soft and smooth, like the finest suede.

He squawked nervously when she first touched him, but he didn’t move away as she stroked the small crest. When she stopped, he nudged her finger again. She laughed and stroked him a few more times before returning to her task.

Chapter Nine

By the time Sabrost returned, Janet was once again sitting by the fire. He pushed several more dried bushes into the cave, then arranged two of them to block the entrance.

As he came towards her, she saw that he had the largest snake she had ever seen slung over his shoulders. Admittedly, it wasn’t exactly a snake, but the resemblance was close enough that her stomach churned.

“What is that?” she asked doubtfully.

“Food.”

Oh God. She was afraid of that. But he looked so proud and happy that she did her best to give him an encouraging smile.

She averted her eyes while he skinned it, telling him about the water she had discovered. He smiled as proudly as if she had discovered a cure for cancer, but she couldn’t help a glow of satisfaction.

She looked away again as he threaded the snake meat on a branch and started roasting it over the fire, but the delicious smell made her mouth water despite her doubts.

“Small bite,” he warned, as he handed her a portion.

“I don’t think you need to worry about that,” she muttered.

Since he was watching her eagerly, she forced herself to take the tiniest bite she could manage. Her hesitation immediately disappeared. The meat was tender and delicious with a delicate flavor that was like an odd cross between lobster and chicken. She devoured the piece in seconds.

Sabrost looked pleased at her enthusiasm but made her wait before eating the second piece. By the time she finished the third, her stomach decided she was done.

A hopeful chirp made her look up to see Tinkerbell regarding her. She laughed. “I suppose you want some too?”

Sabrost watched curiously but didn’t object as she fed the bird a small portion.

“Thank you, Sabrost. That was wonderful.”

“Much luck,” he said, his gaze flicking to her mouth.

Her clit gave an excited little pulse as she remembered their kiss. His tongue was so amazing. First on her breasts, and then in her mouth. What would it feel like between her legs, she wondered before she could stop herself.

There was a low hiss from across the fire and she looked over to see Sabrost watching her, his eyes hungry. His tongue flicked out and she remembered her earlier guess that he used it to scent the air… Or maybe to scent her? Could he tell she was aroused?

The possibility might have embarrassed her if he hadn’t been so obviously appreciative. A wicked little idea popped into her head.

“We should continue our language lessons,” she suggested innocently.

He looked a little surprised but nodded.

She gestured at their surroundings. “We call this a cave.”

“Cave,” he echoed.

“What do you call it?”

“Paikkavarjojtumien.”

“Of course you do.” She rolled her eyes, then smiled at his puzzled look.

The lesson continued. He was an amazingly quick study, although he seemed confused at her use of the term rock, offering several different – and lengthy – alternatives in his own language.

Finally, she patted the rock next to hers. “Come and sit next to me. We’ll try a few more body parts.”

Sabrost obeyed willingly when Janet asked him to come closer. Her delicious scent filled his senses as he sat down next to her, and he realized that he was becoming addicted to her fragrance. His tongue flickered, and he noticed that her scent contained an added sweetness – the scent of her arousal.

Did she find him as stimulating as he found her? He gave her a hopeful look, but her expression gave nothing away.

Then her hand touched his shoulder, soft little fingers gripping the muscle. His spines flared.

“Shoulder.”

It took him a moment to realize that she was naming the body part.

“Shoulder,” he repeated obediently.

She smiled at him, and then her hand trailed down along his arm, caressing each muscle. He did his best to control his breathing. This was a lesson, nothing more.

“Arm,” she whispered.

He managed to stutter out a response, and then her hand was on his chest. She explored it slowly, running her fingers between his pectorals and circling his nipples. He would have sworn that they were not sensitive, but when she brushed across them, his whole body jerked. Her smile broadened.

“Chest.” Her hand slipped back across his front.

“Nipple.” She teased the small nub, and he had to put his hand over hers before his kalu escaped his control and emerged.

“You don’t like this lesson?”

Her green eyes were wide, innocent. Her smile was anything but. He growled as he realized she was deliberately teasing him. Perhaps he should return the favor…

He cupped her small shoulder, his hand so much larger. “Lempkaarpaastal.”

“I’m pretty sure I can’t repeat that.” Her voice was breathless.

He ignored her failure to mimic his word, running his hand down her arm instead. So soft and delicate, and yet she hadn’t hesitated to use it to defend herself.

“Hauraspiensivarr.”

“Mm. If you say so.”

He hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing, but she swayed towards him. He placed her hand on her chest, his fingers spanning the entire width.

“Rohkearinnassa.”

She didn’t respond verbally, but she angled her body so that her breast was cupped in the palm of his hand. His fingers clenched involuntarily, but she sighed with pleasure and he felt the taut peak of her nipple thrust against his hand.

Even though she was so delicate, she seemed to enjoy it when he touched her more firmly. Watching her face carefully, he squeezed the soft mound. Her lips parted, her eyes heavy with pleasure, and leaned into his touch.

“Breast,” he whispered.

“Yes. And what did you call these?” She cupped her other breast in her own hand, as if offering it to him, and stroked her thumb across the rosy tip.

“Taydellinenvaalean.”

Before she could pull her hand away, he covered her thumb with his own much larger one and repeated the gesture. The scent of her arousal deepened.

He could have spent hours playing with those enticing peaks, but perhaps she would be willing to extend his knowledge. Greatly daring, he ran his finger down her stomach to the small patch of soft golden curls. He had wanted to explore those hidden folds since he had first seen her.

“Pehmarkusitti.”

Carefully sliding his finger between her folds, he was shocked to discover that she was hot and slick with desire. From what he’d been told, this did not occur with a Hsslak female, and yet he couldn’t imagine anything more delightful.

He fell to his knees in front of her, determined to discover the secrets of her sitti, and put his hands on her legs to urge them apart.

She gasped, and he was suddenly afraid that he had overstepped, but then her hands went to his shoulders as she slowly parted her legs. The exquisite scent of her desire washed over him as he stared in awe at the delicate pink folds, glistening with wetness.

He leaned closer, his tongue flickering out to take in more of her scent as he used his fingers to open her even more. No wonder Tetlana blessed her with those golden curls to conceal her sitti. Every inch of her was exquisite.

He ran a careful finger along her folds until he discovered the impossibly small entrance to her body. Could she even take a male inside her? He probed it delicately with his finger, but then it flowered open around him and he felt the tight, hot grip of her channel surround his digit. If she could stretch to take his finger, perhaps she could stretch to take his kalu. His spines formed a rigid line along his back as the tantalizing thought crossed his mind.

“Here. Touch me here.” Janet interrupted his erotic speculations to show him a small, hardened nub of flesh at the top of her folds.

He obeyed immediately, brushing his thumb across the small pearl of flesh. She shuddered, her blunt little nails digging into his shoulders. He focused his attentions there, using her soft cries to guide his actions. As she rocked into his touch, he remembered her neglected sitti. Without abandoning her pleasure spot, he slid a finger into the tight little channel. Her moan of approval encouraged him and he thrust deeper, repeating the movement until she cried out and he felt her convulse with pleasure, felt her liquid heat surround him.

His kalu escaped his control but he ignored it. He had to taste her desire. The thought consumed him as he pulled her impatiently to the ground, determined to feast on every inch.

Janet winced as her back hit the floor, as hard as well, stone. Sabrost noticed immediately. Before she could grasp what was happening, he had taken her place on the floor of the cave and lifted her up over his face. She was about to protest when his mouth closed over her clit.

Oh my God. He twisted the ends of his tongue around the greedy little nub and tugged. Her body was still sensitive from the last climax, and a second sharp, hard climax washed over her. She heard him groan approvingly, but he didn’t stop. He kept licking and tugging, his hands tight on her ass, the faint prick of his claws adding to her pleasure.

Her whole body shook, her pussy clamping down on emptiness. Then his tongue slid into her channel, thick and hot, the divided tip exploring every inch. It was if he was stroking her clit from inside her body, and yet another orgasm swept over her. He licked her through it, prolonging the pleasure until at last she pushed weakly at his shoulders.

He released her immediately, lifting her off his face and letting her slide down his body. She quivered again as his hard, silky scales brushed across her sensitive flesh. She started to settle back so that was straddling his narrow waist rather than his broad chest, but as she did she felt something thick and hard and hot against her ass.

She cast a startled look back over her shoulder.

“Oh my God. You do have a dick!”

A very impressive one. Long and thick, a deeper gold than his skin, it glistened in the flickering light. A wide base led to a broad tip, and she just had time to realize that the tip was divided before Sabrost clamped his hands over it.

“Sorry. Sorry.” He apologized repeatedly as he tried to force it back inside his body.

From the expression on his face it was obviously a painful process, and she put her hand over his. He shuddered, and she felt him flex against her hand.

“It’s all right. I was just surprised.”

“Did not ask.”

“Well, you were a little busy.” She smiled at him, but he still looked distressed. Had he violated some cultural taboo?

“You did not ask,” he said slowly.

“You mean you wanted me to ask to see your cock?”

He gave a jerky nod. Oh.

“I wouldn’t have thought to ask. Human males don’t hesitate to whip it out.”

“Whip it out?”

“Never mind. What I meant was that I wouldn’t have asked, but I was curious,” she admitted.

“Yes? See?”

His cock jerked beneath their combined hands as he spoke. Her cheeks heated, but she nodded. It was a little late for an attack of maidenly shyness, especially since she’d just come all over his face.

She gently tugged his hand to one side so she could get a better look. Oh my. He was even larger than she had thought in that quick glimpse. Very tentatively, she ran a finger along his shaft. No scales here, just hot, silky skin.

He jerked again at her touch but made no attempt to seize her hand. Emboldened, she circled the divided tip. He groaned and she felt it flex around her finger, as agile as his tongue. Her clit pulsed as she tried to imagine how that would feel inside her.

“Do I need to ask to touch you?” she whispered. She intended it as a teasing comment, but it came out breathless.

“Never. Yours.”

The words emerged before Sabrost could prevent them, but Janet didn’t seem alarmed. No doubt she had males worshipping at her feet wherever she went. The thought made him hiss angrily, and he was immediately ashamed. Ten years of study and discipline and he was still so easily reduced to his primitive instincts.

Janet paused, frowning up at him, and he did his best to give her a reassuring smile. Greatly daring, he gave her finger an encouraging nudge. Her frown disappeared.

“We didn’t finish our language lessons. What do you call this?” Her fingers skated along his kalu, sending shivers of pleasure through his body.

“Kalu,” he gasped.

She stopped what she was doing and looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Kalu? Really? You have ten syllable words for everything else and your word for cock is so short?”

“Kalujokamahtaviasotura,” he admitted, unable to resist thrusting his hips gently against her hand.

She laughed, even as – thank the Goddess – she began stroking him again. His essence started to coat her fingers, and she raised one to her lips. She gave it a cautious lick, then smiled.

“You taste like honey. Cinnamon honey.”

The words didn’t translate but no matter. It was obviously a compliment –

His mind ceased to function as she bent down and licked the length of his kalu, humming approvingly. His hips arched towards the tantalizing touch before he could restrain himself, but she didn’t seem offended. She laughed and tried to wrap her small hand around his shaft. Her fingers didn’t quite reach, but even that portion of a grip felt amazing. She returned to her licking as she began to slide her hand up and down. The sensations rushed over him, shockingly pleasurable, and then her mouth closed over his tip and she sucked.

He roared, seed exploding from his body for the first time in his adult life. Control was impossible. He clutched her soft curls as his body shook in waves of ecstasy.

He should have been appalled by his behavior, but even when the convulsions finally died down, he was too limp with pleasure to regret anything.

Janet looked up at him, her small mouth pink and swollen, her lips wet with his seed, and smiled.

“I guess you liked that.”

“Like?” The word did not seem strong enough, but translation was beyond him at the moment.

He found enough strength to reach down and pull her up his body, tucking her against his chest.

“Sleep.”

She laughed softly, her body vibrating pleasantly against his.

“I guess all males are alike after all. Once you’re satisfied you just want to fall asleep. Don’t worry about me.”

An uneasy suspicion penetrated his dazed stupor. Was she unsatisfied?

“More funny business?” he asked.

“I thought you were tired?”

“Never.” He would never be too tired to worship her sweet body, to feast on her delicious sitti. He had thought his kalu completely drained, but it stirred eagerly at the prospect.

He started to lift her back over him, but she smiled and shook her head.

“I was just teasing you. I’m more than satisfied. But maybe later?”

“Yes. Later. Yes.”

Chapter Ten

Once again, Janet woke up wrapped in Sabrost’s arms. The fire had died down to embers and she could see only darkness outside the cave. Her body still felt limp and relaxed from their earlier activities, and she was tempted to nestle close and go back to sleep.

Unfortunately, her bodily needs couldn’t be ignored and she reluctantly started to free herself from Sabrost’s grasp. He awoke immediately.

“What wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” She gave his chest a reassuring pat, tempted to let her fingers linger on those warm, firm muscles. “I just have to… um.”

Fortunately he seemed to understand without her going into further detail. He rose, lifting her with him, and headed for the entrance to the cave.

“What are you doing? I don’t need any help.”

“Leg,” he reminded her.

“It feels better. I’m sure I can stand on it for a few minutes.”

The rest did seem to have helped. He nodded but didn’t put her down as he started clearing away the brush from in front of the cave entrance.

“I guard.”

She couldn’t really argue with that, especially given that it was a cloudy night and it was hard to see very far. He refused to go more than a few feet away from her, but he obediently turned around when she circled her finger.

As soon as she was finished, he hustled her back into the cave, casting an uneasy look into the darkness.

“Is something wrong?” she asked as he began to reassemble the brush barrier.

“Do not know.” He hesitated, as if searching for words. “Bad signs.”

They settled back down to sleep, but despite the reassuring presence of his big, warm body, sleep didn’t come to her. She worried about whatever he had detected, but she also found herself thinking about the two of them and what was going to happen when they reached their destination.

Even if he were willing, he couldn’t possibly accompany her to Earth – although she had to admit to a certain longing to see Rick’s face when confronted by everything that was Sabrost. The thought made her smile, but she knew it was impossible, and she was beginning to dread the day when they were forced to part.

Despite that reluctance, when Sabrost sighed and proposed they continued their journey, she didn’t object. She could tell that he had not been sleeping either.

“You think it’s safe?”

“Protect,” he assured her, but that didn’t exactly answer her question.

By the time they refilled the water pouch and packed the rest of the previous night’s dinner, the cool, predawn light was entering the cave. Tinkerbell had been perched on the ledge in the cave wall with his head tucked under his colorful wing, but he opened an eye as they got ready to depart. Janet could have sworn the bird sighed, but he shook out his wings and, to Janet’s delight, flew over and landed on her shoulder. His small claws prickled her bare skin as she gently stroked his crest.

“Are you ready to continue our journey?” she asked.

The bird squawked in seeming assent, but when they merged into the cloudy dawn, he didn’t take off. Instead, he remained perched on Janet’s shoulder. Sabrost frowned at him.

“Too heavy.”

“Don’t be silly. He hardly weighs anything. And I’m fine.” It was true. Despite the lingering soreness in her calf, she felt surprisingly well.

Nothing like a little food – and a couple of orgasms – to make a girl feel better.

Sabrost shook his head, but he made no further protest. As they set off, Janet could see him surveying their surroundings intently. When she put her hand on his arm, she could feel the tension in his muscles.

“Do you still think something is wrong?”

He shook his head, but more as if he was uncertain than if he was disagreeing. He shot a wary glance at the cloudy sky, his tongue flickering out, then shrugged a shoulder.

“Don’t know.”

Aside from Sabrost’s obvious tension, Janet found herself enjoying the walk. The clouds kept the heat of the sun at bay, and the rocky hillside was easier to walk on than the shifting sands of the open desert.

Unfortunately, the slope grew steeper and more treacherous, so Sabrost led them down into a ravine that twisted through the hills. The ground turned sandy once more, but it was not as deep as the desert sand and they were able to make good time.

Despite that, her leg started to ache again. She was about to suggest they stop for a break, when Sabrost froze, his head up and his eyes scanning the horizon.

“What is it?”

“Storm.”

She frowned up at him, but he had turned to scan the rocky edges of the ravine. As she followed his gaze, she realized that they were surrounded by sheer walls. There was nowhere for them to go.

Just as she reached that conclusion, she heard a distant roar. Looking into the distance, she caught her first glimpse of a towering wall of sand racing towards them.

“Oh my God. What are we going to do?”

Sabrost snatched her up in his arms and started to run. Tinkerbell squawked and took to the air, darting along in front of them.

Janet could hear the wind increasing as the first grains of sand stung her exposed skin.

Her heart raced wildly, but she did her best to keep her eyes on the surrounding rocks, looking for any hint of shelter. Tinkerbell’s wings flashed as he disappeared behind a slight outcropping.

“There!” she yelled, trying to be heard over the rising wind, but Sabrost was already following the bird.

They came around the small lip and found an even smaller crevice leading back into the rocks. Tinkerbell hovered just inside, but it was such a tiny space. Would Sabrost even fit?

He didn’t hesitate, putting her down and urging her into the narrow space, then using his body to block the entrance behind her. She could hear the constant scrape of the sand and saw him flinch, even though his face remained stoic.

She squeezed her way further back into the crevice, tugging on his arm and trying to pull him into the protection of the rock. The storm was all around them now, deafening her with its roar.

She took another step back and then her foot dropped out from under her as the ground gave way.

“Sabrost!” she cried, clutching his arm with desperate fingers.

He reached for her other hand, but she was already slipping and the awkward position unbalanced him.

They fell.

Chapter Eleven

When Janet reached for him, Sabrost forced himself deeper into the narrow crevice, ignoring the rock scraping painfully at his sides. He managed to make it past the opening, but the effort threw him off balance. She started to slip away and he didn’t have the leverage to stop her fall. He knew that he was about to follow her, but he refused to let go of her hand.

Wherever she went, he would follow, even if it was to his death.

The ground disappeared out from under them, but rather than falling into empty space, they hit a steeply angled rocky surface. He managed to pull her close enough that his body could provide some protection, but he heard her muffled cries as they tumbled down a long rocky tube.

Darkness surrounded them as they plummeted downwards for what seemed like an eternity. He sent up a silent prayer to Tetlana, praying not for himself but that Janet would be spared a lingering death. The thought that he might lose her so soon after finding her made his chest ache, but he refused to give up hope.

The bottom of the tube rushed up to meet them without warning. One minute they were falling. The next they were sprawled in an ungainly heap. Fortunately, they landed in deep sand, softening the impact.

“Janet! Where hurt?” Unable to see, he ran his hands frantically over her body searching for injuries.

The kestava cloth had provided some protection, although he found several places where her delicate skin had been grazed. At least none of her limbs were broken. Thank the Goddess.

“I’m fine.” Her voice sounded shaky, but her small hand patted his chest in the familiar gesture. “What about you?”

“Fine,” he quickly assured her. He had multiple bruises and he could feel the blood trickling from some of the deeper cuts, but he would live.

“Where are we?” she whispered.

“I don’t know.”

He sat up, lifting her with him, as he tried to determine where they had landed. Sight was useless in the thick darkness, but he did his best to extend his other senses. He tasted the air, surprisingly fresh considering how far underground they must be. A small breeze brushed past his face, and he felt a sudden surge of optimism. If the air was moving, perhaps there was a way to the surface.

He listened intently, trying to determine the direction of the air, and heard a distant rushing noise. Could it be the sound of water?

He tasted the air again and thought he could detect the faintest trace of moisture. His hopes rose again. An underground stream would be likely to surface at some point. If they could find it and follow it, it might be their way out of the darkness.

“Water,” he said slowly. “Find water.”

“You think there’s water here, under the rock? Like that stream you found?”

“Yes, valitta.”

He listened to the distant sound, trying to determine its direction. Despite the darkness, he didn’t feel as if they were in a confined space. He gave a low warbling cry, listening for the way it echoed back to him. It had been a long time since he had made use of that particular skill, but he believed that his assumption was correct and they were in a large open space.

A squawk sounded above them in the darkness, followed by the rush of wings. He saw the glow of two yellow eyes, and his body tensed, preparing for battle. Then he recognized the scent of their avian companion, just as Janet called out its name.

“Tinkerbell! How did you get down here?”

The small glow of the bird’s eyes enabled him to follow it as it settled down on Janet’s shoulder.

“Do you think he’s all right?” she asked anxiously.

“Yes.” The fact that the bird had followed Janet down here increased his optimism that they would find a way out – although wings would certainly have been helpful.

“Find water,” he said again as he stood and helped Janet to her feet.

“I don’t see how you can find anything in this darkness.”

But despite her pessimistic words, she slipped her hand in his. He pulled her against his side, putting his arm around her to shield her in case the edge of the space was closer than he thought. Extending his other hand in front of him, he led them away from their landing spot.

Janet didn’t understand how Sabrost could find his way through the utter blackness, but he moved with surprising confidence, occasionally making an odd, low pitched noise. The surrounding darkness terrified her, so she concentrated on the warmth of his arm around her and the slight weight of Tinkerbell, once again perched on her shoulder. Thank God she wasn’t alone.

After they had walked for several minutes, she heard the rushing sound of water – a lot of water. That must have been what Sabrost had heard previously. His senses were obviously much better than hers.

“Can you see in the dark?” she asked hopefully.

“No. Little light.”

After turning that over in her mind, she decided he meant that he had to have at least a little bit of light to see. She remembered that he had carried her through the darkness in the hills, but there had been starlight to guide him.

The noise of water continued to increase, beginning to sound like a river. Sabrost came to a halt.

“Water in front. Following.”

He was suggesting they follow the stream? It sounded like a good idea to her. She squeezed his hand, and they began walking again, keeping the sound of the water to their left.

They walked along the river for what seemed like an eternity. The rushing of the water and the weight of the sand dragging at her feet never changed, although the lingering aches from the fall grew more painful. The air was heavy with moisture, unpleasantly cool on her skin. Only the comfort of Sabrost’s presence and the warmth of his hand in hers kept her moving.

The change occurred so subtly that she didn’t immediately realize what she was seeing. She had been staring into the darkness for so long that at first she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. She finally decided that there really was a faint lessening of the darkness in front of them.

“It isn’t my imagination, is it? It’s getting brighter?”

“Light,” Sabrost agreed.

Hope made her heart beat faster. “Do you think it’s the way out?”

There was a perceptible pause before he responded. “No. Wrong light.”

“As far as I’m concerned, there’s no such thing.” Even if it wasn’t daylight indicating the way out, she was happy for anything other than this total blackness.

The light continued to grow until Sabrost finally led her around a curve in the rock, and she gasped in surprise. A vast cavern stretched out in front of them, illuminated by a soft, pinkish glow that seemed to come from the walls themselves. They had emerged on a raised ledge, and she could see the entire space spread out in front of them.

The river they had been following flowed along one side, turbulent and fast-moving, while stalactites in a thousand shades of rose and gold hung from the ceiling. Equally elaborate formations of stalagmites rose from the floor between a network of stone slabs. There was something oddly familiar about the shape of them.

“What is this place?” she whispered, barely loud enough to be heard above the rushing water.

“I don’t know. Old old.”

She knew what he meant. There was an indefinable sense of age that hung over the space, as if it hadn’t been inhabited in a very long time. Inhabited…

The straight lines of the rock formations took on a new meaning. “Do you think someone lived here?”

Sabrost had been surveying the area just as intently, and now he nodded.

“Yes.”

“I wonder who it was. And what happened to them.” She regarded the space thoughtfully, trying to imagine who might have lived here once, then shrugged it off. The inhabitants were long gone, and they had more immediate concerns. “Do you see a way out?”

“No. Not yet.”

She sighed, but she was tired and sore and this was as good a place as any to take a break. There was an eerie beauty to the huge space, and at least they had light.

Tinkerbell was still perched on her shoulder, but now he trilled happily and took off, winging his way across the cavern. As she followed his flight, she noticed wisps of mist drifting up along the far wall and saw the shimmering reflection of water. For the first time she noticed that the air was warm as well as damp – which meant a source of heat.

“Do you think those might be hot springs over there?” she asked hopefully.

“Perhaps.”

“Can we go see? It would be awfully nice to have a chance to take a bath.”

He gave her an odd look, then nodded. As he turned to find a way down from their ledge, she cried out in horror. His back was covered with cuts and bruises. Several of his spines were broken and torn.

“What is wrong?” He whirled back around at her cry.

“You’re hurt. From trying to protect me.”

Her eyes filled with tears, and he gently wiped one away.

“Protect. Always.” Then he shrugged, a curiously human gesture. “Not bad hurt.”

She didn’t entirely believe him, but there was very little she could do. Hopefully, she would at least be able to clean his wounds.

“Then let’s go check out those springs.”

Chapter Twelve

Sabrost helped Janet down from the small ledge, hiding his smile as she exclaimed over his wounds. They were painful, but not significant, and her concern for his welfare pleased him. Skirting the network of stone slabs in the center of the cavern, they crossed the wide floor. Stalagmites covered a good portion of the area, but the rock was smooth and level between them so the walking was not difficult.

Janet continued to speculate about the hot springs, but he was too distracted to really concentrate on her words. She hadn’t seemed distressed when he told her that there was no way out of the cavern, but he was seriously concerned. The river they had been following disappeared through an opening on the far wall – an opening that left no room for them to follow it. The walls appeared to be unbroken.

He reminded himself to put his faith in Tetlana. She aided those who aided themselves. Once they had bathed, he would conduct a more thorough investigation. Perhaps another exit was simply concealed amongst the rock.

He tightened his grip on Janet’s hand, determined not to fail her. She looked up at him and smiled, and the trust on her face made his heart ache. He would do whatever it took, but he would make sure that she would be safe.

As they reached the far wall, he came to an abrupt halt. Instead of the rock formations he had assumed they would find, water flowed through a series of three perfectly round pools, clearly formed by technology rather than occurring naturally. Despite the surrounding ruins, they were in pristine condition.

“I do not like this,” he said slowly.

“I don’t understand. If this is the remains of a city, everything else is in ruins. Why are these still intact?”

Not only intact, but each one was filled with water, steam drifting from the surface. At least it appeared to be water that trickled from the largest pool, then down to the other two, before escaping beneath a crack at the base of the wall.

“Do you think it’s safe?” she asked, and he could hear the longing in her voice.

He stepped closer to inspect them, testing the air, but he could only detect the scent of water. The water was a deep purple, but it was absolutely clear, revealing the smooth interior surfaces. Before he could decide the best way to test the liquid, the avian fluttered down to land on the edge of the largest pool. It dipped its beak and drank, then submerged its head, shaking it playfully. Was the Goddess answering his doubts?

“Let me test it,” he said slowly.

He probed it with a cautious finger, but it felt the same as any other heated water. Scooping up a handful, he brought it to his mouth, but he could still detect nothing other than water with a faint mineral undertone. There was a barely detectable effervescence, but otherwise it seems completely normal.

“Well?” Janet demanded.

“It seems safe enough.”

She gave a relieved sigh. “You don’t know how much I’m looking forward to this.”

Unfastening the tattered remains of the kestava cloth, she let it fall to the ground. The soft pink luminescence highlighted the sweet little curves and valleys of her body. Even though he had already seen her naked, the enticing sight still made his kalu jerk and threaten to emerge.

She turned to climb into the lowest pool and he hissed as her back came into view. The scrapes she had received during her fall were worse than he realized.

“You are hurt.”

“It’s not serious,” she assured him as she swung her leg over the side, then slid down into the water with a sigh of pleasure. “Oh this is wonderful. There’s even a ledge here where you can sit.”

He hesitated outside the pool until she shot him an undeniably seductive look. “Don’t you want to join me?”

Thrilled that she had asked for him, he plunged into the water, splashing her in the process. She laughed.

“You’re certainly enthusiastic.”

“I always wish to be with you.”

An odd expression crossed her face, but she didn’t say anything. Instead her small hand patted his chest as he sat down beside her.

The water stung briefly as it covered his wounds but was soon replaced by a comforting warmth. The heat soothed even the deeper aches and bruises and he sighed with pleasure.

Jenna’s hand was still on his chest and he covered it with his own. They sat in silence as the water swirled gently around them.

“I should look at your wounds,” he said eventually. “Turn around please.”

“I’m fine,” she insisted, but she obeyed.

His breath escaped in a low hiss as he saw her back.

“What is it?”

“Your back. It is healed.” He ran a gentle hand over her pale, unblemished skin. Only the faintest trace of redness remained.

“I don’t understand. I’ve heard of healing springs on Earth, but nothing that happens that quickly.” She tried to peer over her shoulder to inspect her back. “Let me see yours.”

He turned away from her and heard her gasp before she ran her fingers across his skin. “It’s healed as well, although not completely. How did this happen?”

He ran his hand along the circular edge of the pool and then down the smooth inside. “Perhaps the technology that created these did more than shape them. Apparently it still works.”

She looked up at him, green eyes huge in her pale face. “It’s kind of creepy. These pools have just been sitting here for hundreds –”

“– thousands,” he corrected.

“– of years.” Her eyes widened even further. “You understood the number.”

He had. He had corrected her without thinking, but now he realized that he fully understood everything that she said.

“Can you understand me as well?” he asked in his own language.

She tilted her head and frowned uncertainly. “Pretty much. Although I don’t think I could speak your language the way you speak English.”

“Perhaps that is because I was already acquiring the knowledge of your language.”

“It’s still shocking to hear you go from two or three words to full sentences,” she said tartly, but he could see the concern on her face.

“It could also be considered a form of healing,” he suggested.

“I suppose,” she said doubtfully. “I wonder what happened to them – to whoever built this. I know we haven’t explored much of the surface, but we haven’t seen anything to indicate an advanced civilization – no buildings, no roads, no planes flying overhead.”

“It is a mystery,” he agreed. “It reminds me of the story from my home world of settlers exploring a new continent. When a second group went to join them, the original settlers had vanished entirely.”

“We have a similar story on Earth as well.” She looked around the empty cavern and shivered. “Do you think maybe they were settlers?”

“I don’t know. But we should be grateful for the technology they left behind.” He sent up a silent prayer of thanksgiving.

“I do feel a lot better,” she admitted, settling back down next to him. He could feel the soft press of her skin against his side and was immediately distracted from thoughts of the past.

“A lot better,” she repeated, and then she swung her leg over to sit astride him on the wide ledge. The water swirled around her breasts, the rosy tips appearing and disappearing. He could feel the slickness of her sitti against his abdomen and his kalu pressed against his slit, seeking to emerge.

“Janet.” Her name was a prayer on his lips.

“Do you want me to move?”

Her eyes sparkled, already knowing the answer to her question, as his hands clamped down on her hips to hold her in place. He opened his mouth to apologize, but before he could speak, she leaned forward and kissed him.

Once again he was lost in the sheer erotic pleasure of her mouth. Her soft little tongue entwined with his as her delicious taste washed over him. The stiff peaks of her breasts brushed against his chest as her hands tightened on his shoulder. When they finally parted, her pink, swollen lips curved in a smile.

“You said that you should wait until I asked before releasing your kalu?”

“Yes,” he groaned, knowing he was close to losing that battle.

She sat back a little and slipped her hand between the bodies, tracing the sensitive edge of his slit.

“I’m asking,” she whispered.

His kalu surged through his slit with such force that he felt dizzy.

The pink in her cheeks deepened in color as it thrust upwards between her legs.

“Oh my.” Her small fingers caressed him, sliding easily up and down the length of his shaft, but he wanted more.

“I… I want you.”

Her eyes focused on his, glowing green in the soft light. “I want you too.”

Once again his hands tightened on her hips as he lifted her over him. His tip probed her small entrance, hotter and slicker than the water surrounding them, gradually slipping inside the narrow channel as her body stretched to accommodate him.

“Oh my,” she repeated. “You feel amazing.”

He didn’t have the control to respond. His whole being was focused on the sensation of entering her body. His instincts urged him to thrust upwards, to bury himself inside her, but the slow stretch as he worked his way inside her was too exquisite to rush. Never had he felt such heat, such a tight slick grip. He was shaking with the effort to control himself by the time she had taken all of him.

She had been watching where their bodies joined, but now she looked up at him, her face glowing. His control threatened to evaporate completely, but he forced himself to continue to move slowly. She was so delicate, so light in his hands. He lifted her again, her sheath clinging to every inch of his kalu as if she could not bear to be separated from him, then slowly lowered her. Her hands gripped his shoulders, and he could feel her channel fluttering around him. His tip separated, stroking the inside of her body as he repeated the movement, and she gasped. Her small nails dug into his skin.

“More,” she demanded, and he obeyed, stroking faster, harder.

Lines of fire rushed down his spine and his kalu pulsed, but he refused to release until he felt her convulse around him as she called out his name. Unable to wait any longer, he thrust wildly, once, twice, then he was coming in a rush of ecstasy that left him limp and drained.

Her head dropped to his shoulder, and they clung to each other as the water swirled gently around them.

Finally, Janet sighed happily, smiling up at him. “In spite of everything, I’m glad we’re here together.”

He hugged her closer in silent agreement, sending up a prayer of gratitude to the Goddess.

Chapter Thirteen

Janet finally decided it was time to get out of the water and climbed reluctantly out of the pool. Sabrost followed her, his scales smooth and shiny once more. Her gaze traveled down to where his cock – his kalu – had disappeared into his body. It was hard to believe that he could conceal such an impressive length.

A pleasant shiver traveled down her spine as she remembered that wide girth stretching her open. She had never felt something quite so amazing – or overwhelming. She could still feel a faint, pleasant ache between her thighs, but she wondered if it would have been more intense if they hadn’t been in the healing pool. We’ll just have to try it somewhere else next time, she thought with a pulse of excitement.

Sabrost shot her a questioning glance, and she blushed as she turned to look for her clothes. Her discarded blanket was crumpled in a dirty heap next to the pool, and she gave it a disgusted look.

“You don’t suppose the magic pool heals fabric as well, do you?” She was only half kidding.

“Try it,” he suggested.

She shrugged and swirled the material through the steaming water. When she pulled it out, the rips were still present but the blanket itself was shiny silver once again.

“At least it’s clean.” And only slightly damp. she realized as she wrapped it around herself.

“You do not need a covering,” Sabrost assured her, his eyes gleaming as he watched the damp cloth mold itself to her slight curves.

“I know, but I prefer one.”

“Then you shall have one.”

It was a sweet, if unrealistic, promise, and she patted his chest. “Now what?”

“You should rest. I will inspect the area.”

She wasn’t really tired, her body still filled with the pleasant afterglow of their encounter in the pool, but she nodded.

“All right. Just let me know if you find a McDonald’s,” she added with a teasing smile.

“McDonald’s?”

“It’s a restaurant on Earth.”

“Ah. You are hungry. I am not caring for you properly.”

He looked so appalled that she hurried to reassure him.

“I’m fine. I was just kidding.”

“I will hunt.” Ignoring her protest, he stalked away.

“I wonder what he thinks he can hunt in here,” she said to Tinkerbell as the bird fluttered over to land on her shoulder. “Still, if anyone can find something to eat, Sabrost can.”

Now that she was dressed, she fastened her belt back around her waist. Keeping a reassuring grip on the hilt of her knife, she decided to do a little exploring of her own while she waited. On their trip to the hot springs, they had skirted the labyrinth of stone slabs that occupied the center of the cavern. She really wanted to find out more about them.

As she approached, she realized that seeing them from a distance hadn’t given her a true understanding of their size. Each slab reached several feet above her head. They were encrusted with the same material that made up the stalagmites, but it did little to disguise the fact that they were laid out in straight lines.

She skirted along the edge until she reached a wide opening, leading towards the center of the cavern. Her heart started to beat a little faster as she turned into the corridor, but there had been no signs of life and she was absolutely sure that Sabrost would come to rescue if she called for him.

“Don’t be a baby,” she muttered to herself as she entered.

At one time the entire area might have been covered, but any roofing was long gone. More openings led off of the central pathway, but she decided not to explore them. She only paused at each one to inspect what lay beyond.

“I don’t think people lived here,” she said thoughtfully to Tinkerbell.

“Why not?”

Sabrost’s voice made her jump as he appeared behind her.

“The way it’s laid out. It’s more like these were offices. Or…”

“Laboratories,” he finished.

“Exactly. But why would you have an underground laboratory?”

“You might if you were working on something dangerous,” he said grimly.

“Do you think it’s still dangerous?”

He hesitated, then shook his head reluctantly. “It is unlikely. I think it has been empty for many, many years.”

In mutual accord, they turned to walk back towards the entry, but Sabrost paused at the last opening off of the corridor. The enclosed space was relatively small and there were no other passageways leading out of it. A broad ledge stretched across the far wall. He walked over and ran his hand along the surface, then sighed.

“Moss.”

“Is there something wrong with that?”

“Merely that I have seen enough to last me a lifetime. But it will be more comfortable than the bare rock. We should rest here.”

“All right.” She followed him over to the ledge and ran her own hand across the moss. It was a deep orange, almost indistinguishable from the rock, but it felt soft and lush beneath her fingers.

“Wait here while I bring you McDonald’s,” he said with a smile, then vanished through the open doorway.

He returned moments later with a long thin fish that bore a disturbing resemblance to a snake. What was it with this planet and snake creatures?

“I am afraid there is no fuel for a fire,” he said apologetically as he borrowed her knife and began to clean the fish.

She did her best to hide her dismay, even though the thought of eating raw fish made her stomach churn.

Sushi, she told herself. Pretend it’s sushi.

She still had to force himself not to gag when he handed her a small piece of almost translucent flesh. She reluctantly took a small bite, but it was not as bad as she had feared, with only a faint salty taste. Her stomach growled, and she ate the rest without hesitation.

Tinkerbell had devoured the organs of the fish with equal enthusiasm, and now he trilled sleepily and fluttered up to the top of the wall. Janet found herself yawning as well.

“You should rest,” Sabrost urged.

“Aren’t you going to join me?”

“I should inspect the cavern.”

“I don’t think it’s going anywhere,” she said dryly. “And I would rest more easily if you were here with me.”

It was true, but it wasn’t the only reason she wanted him to stay with her. Despite the healing power of the water, he still looked tired. She shuddered as she remembered how damaged his back had looked before they entered the pool.

“Please, Sabrost.”

“Very well. I will dispose of the remains and return.”

He took the fish bones and disappeared as she laid down on the moss-covered ledge. It was not exactly a foam mattress, but it was the most comfortable bed she’d had since she arrived on this planet. Aside from Sabrost, of course, she thought as he returned and lifted her into his arms. She nestled down against him, breathing in his familiar cinnamon scent, but she didn’t immediately fall asleep. Her thoughts kept returning to the previous occupants.

“Who do you think they were?” she asked softly, but there was no response. Sabrost’s chest moved rhythmically as he breathed deeply, and she realized he was asleep. A few minutes later, she followed him.

When she awoke, Sabrost was still sleeping. She felt remarkably well and energetic, but he had been hurt a lot worse than she had. Perhaps he needed more time to recover.

She watched him sleep, studying the features that no longer seemed strange to her. Beloved features, she thought, then caught her breath.

She couldn’t possibly have fallen in love with a golden scaled alien. Could she?

His head tossed in his sleep, distracting her. He must be having a bad dream. She stroked her hand lightly across his chest.

“Shh, Sabrost. I’m here.”

His body stilled and he smiled, his eyes still closed.

“Thank you, Tetlana.”

Tetlana? Who the hell was that? The searing sense of betrayal that went through her was a thousand times worse than when she had discovered Rick with his bimbo.

Because she hadn’t really cared for Rick, she realized. Not the way she cared for Sabrost. And here he was calling her by another woman’s name!

Stop it, she told herself fiercely. You don’t know that. Ask him.

As if he felt her watching him, those strange dark eyes opened, and he smiled up at her. Not at all like a male with a guilty conscience.

“Who’s Tetlana?” she blurted out.

“You know of the Malatar? The… Goddess?”

Relief rushed over her.

“No. But you spoke her name in your sleep.”

“Ah.” He smiled ruefully. “Since I was dedicated to Her, I have prayed so often that perhaps it continues in my sleep.”

“What does that mean? Dedicated?”

“I became a novitiate at Her monastery on Lisko.”

“A monastery? You’re a priest? I seduced a priest?”

At the expression of horror on Janet’s face, Sabrost rushed to reassure her.

“No,” he said quickly. “I had not completed my… training.”

And to be honest, he had never had a true vocation. He had always tried to follow the Word of Tetlana, but he had never intended to be ordained.

The youngest son in his family was always dedicated to the Goddess, and indeed his brother Dostral had seemed eminently suited for the role. Even as a child he had been quiet and contemplative, more prone to thought than action, and clearly devout.

The accident had happened the day after Sabrost’s eighteenth birthday. He had been in his room packing, preparing to leave for the flight academy, when his father had appeared at the door, his face pale and stern.

“I am not late yet, Father,” Sabrost had protested.

“There has been an accident.”

“An accident? Not Mother?”

“No.” His father’s spines flared. “It was Dostral.”

Sabrost collapsed on the bed. He was not close to his brother, partially because of the number of years between them, and partially because he had always known Dostral would be going to serve the Goddess.

“But he’s so young. What happened?”

“A sand viper appeared while the children next door were playing. Dostral intervened to save the youngest, but he was bitten instead.”

The sand viper’s bite was usually fatal even for a fully-grown adult. His small brother would not have stood a chance.

“The Goddess was merciful. He died instantly,” his father continued. He looked at Sabrost, then looked away. “It seems Tetlana requires much from our family.”

Still shocked by the news, it had taken a moment for the words to sink in.

“You cannot mean…”

“The youngest son of the House of Ihmiset belongs to the Goddess. You know this. You must take his place.”

“But…”

“It is your duty,” his father said firmly, still not looking at him.

A chill swept over Sabrost as he felt the distance growing between them.

“You will not need any of that.” His father gestured at the half-packed bag. “Tetlana provides for her servants.”

Two hours later, he was on a ship headed for Lisko, leaving everything he had known behind. He had never seen his family again.

And after ten years at the Temple, he had ended up here. The Goddess moved in mysterious ways. Perhaps She had never intended for him to become a priest after all. Instead, She had given him this precious female to protect. He vowed he would not fail either of them.

Chapter Fourteen

Despite his explanation, Janet couldn’t help but feel guilty as Sabrost climbed out of their bed. On the other hand, he’d been a very willing participant in their encounters. Very willing, she thought reminiscently. And she suspected she needed him much more than that monastery of his needed him.

He glanced at the door opening, then returned to her side, his face solemn.

“I need to finish my investigation of the cavern.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“Stay here and rest.”

“You know I really don’t need as much rest as you seem to think,” she said tartly.

“I’m sorry. I did not know if our… encounter would tax your strength.”

The obvious concern on his face made her ashamed that she’d snapped at him, but then his words penetrated.

“What do you mean, you didn’t know? Sabrost, have you had sex before?”

“No.” He studied her earnestly. “Did I please you?”

“Very much so. Apparently you’re a natural.”

He smiled and she saw his spines straighten.

“I’m glad that I pleased you, valitta. You must tell me if I don’t behave appropriately.”

He looked so sincere that her chest ached, but she managed to smile.

“I promise. Now go investigate.”

“You do not wish to come?”

“No, it’s fine.” She suddenly felt the need to spend some time alone to sort out her confused emotions.

He pressed a quick kiss to her lips and left.

She stared after him. A virgin priest. An alien virgin priest. When she had told Alice that she would make better choices, this wasn’t quite what she had in mind.

“Maybe he was my type all along,” she sighed.

Tinkerbell let out a long trill, then fluttered over to the bed, and pushed his small head under Janet’s finger. She laughed and stroked his crest.

“You’re my type too. Shall we go have another look around this complex while Sabrost is away?”

The two of them explored more of the buildings, but the unchanging light and the rush of the water felt oppressive this morning. They were back in the sleeping room when Sabrost returned with a worried look on his face.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I have found what I believe to be another exit.”

“Isn’t that good?”

He hesitated, pacing to the other side of the room and back, and she could see his spines quivering.

“It looks as if it was deliberately blocked,” he said finally.

“Recently?”

“No. Its age looks commensurate with the rest of these buildings.”

“Then if there was a threat, it would be long gone.”

“Perhaps.” His scales shimmered. “But the healing pools are still working.”

He had a point, but…

“Is there any other way to leave? What about following the river?”

He shook his head. “The current is too fast and the water is barely above freezing. Even so, I might be tempted to try it if I knew there were pockets of oxygen along the way.”

She shuddered. The thought of being swept along in the dark, icy river with no air terrified her.

“I vote for oxygen,” she said firmly. “You said the exit was blocked. Can you find a way through?”

“I think so. The rock is loose. It will take time, but I think I can shift enough of it to reach the doorway.”

“And I can help you. That will make it go faster.”

He immediately protested, but when he left to begin the work, she followed him.

The exit he had found was a massive door, mostly concealed beneath a pile of rocks in the far corner of the cavern. Fortunately, most of them were small and relatively easy to move. Despite his objections, she began removing the ones she could carry.

It was a long, hard day and by the time he finally called a halt, they had only uncovered the top of the huge door. It was obvious that it would take several more days before they would be able to clear away the rest of the rock.

“I’m sorry that I was unable to make more progress,” Sabrost said as they dragged their tired bodies towards the healing pools.

“It’s fine. It’s not as if we are in a hurry.” The thought stopped her in her tracks.

“Janet?” Sabrost turned back for her.

“It’s nothing.”

But it was something, she thought. She really wasn’t in a hurry to return to Earth, to her familiar life. Oh, there were a number of things that she missed, but being here with Sabrost was somehow much more satisfying.

“And there are worse places to be stuck,” she added with a smile. “We have food and water and hot baths.”

“And each other,” he added, dark eyes fixed on her face.

A lump appeared in her throat, and she had the sudden urge to blurt out the fact that she loved him. But he hadn’t said anything, and maybe it was too soon. She had been wrong about men before.

Even though she knew she was being a coward, she didn’t respond verbally. Instead, she kissed him and led him to the pool and proceeded to show him with her body what she could not say with her mouth.

Two work periods later, Sabrost stared up at the ceiling of the cavern far above him. It gleamed pink and gold, appearing eternal and unchanging. And yet, he knew that it was changing constantly, that the stalactites continued to grow, while around him these buildings – whatever their purpose – would eventually disappear beneath the slow accumulation of sediment.

He tried to sleep, but his thoughts would not let him. The constant soft pink light was disorienting, one day bleeding into the next without change. They would wake and he would hunt for more fish, then they would tackle the door. When the effort became too much, they would seek the respite of the healing pools, and then they would sleep.

There was an eerie similarity to the constant routine at the Temple, but at least here, he had Janet. She worked by his side, seemingly undaunted by their task. She talked to him and tried to make him laugh, and most importantly, she touched him. The soft press of her fingers against his arm could eliminate his fatigue, and the sight of her body never failed to arouse his kalu.

He could no longer imagine his life without her at his side. But what did that mean? What would they do once they left the cavern? The thought of reaching the destination on the map no longer appealed to him, but how could he keep her from her home?

He closed his eyes against the pink glow and tried to center his thoughts but failed to find the serenity of mind he had practiced for so long.

“Why are you awake?” Janet asked sleepily. “Is it morning?”

“Are there mornings here?” The bitter question escaped before he could prevent it. She rose up on one elbow to look at his face.

“What’s wrong?”

He didn’t have the courage to tell her what he had been thinking. “I think we may be able to open the door today.”

“Isn’t that good news?” She didn’t give him a chance to respond before she slid a teasing hand down across his stomach, hovering just above his slit. “You know, there are reasons to appreciate mornings.”

Her touch immediately distracted him from his dark thoughts. His kalu flexed inside his body.

“Such as?”

She bent her head and kissed her way down the sensitive edge of his slit. He heard his claws scrape across the rock as his fists clenched. She had convinced him that he did not need to wait for her permission to release his kalu, and he made no attempt to control it as it sprang free.

She lapped at him delicately, teasingly, then to his disappointment, sat back on her heels.

“You do not wish to continue?”

“I was just thinking…” Her eyes gleamed with mischief, and his kalu jerked. Whenever she had that expression on her face, the results were always pleasurable.

“What were you thinking?”

“Now that I know you were a virgin, I think it’s my responsibility to introduce you to other… possibilities.”

“I cannot believe that any other possibilities could be more pleasurable,” he protested, but he was intrigued nonetheless.

“Let’s try something.” She turned over on her hands and knees, then smiled at him over her shoulder. “What do you think of this position?”

His kalu liked it very much. Her delightful sitti was framed between her thighs, while the smooth curve of her ass begged for his hands.

“It is permitted?”

“Oh yes.”

She wiggled her hips enticingly, and he abandoned his questions. He surged forward, his hands gripping her hips just as he had imagined. Her entrance was perfectly positioned for his kalu and he slid into her in one long stroke. Her channel fluttered wildly around him, as her body tried to adjust to his size.

He heard her gasp, and he froze.

“Are you all right?”

“You feel even bigger in this position.” Her voice sounded dazed and he regretfully started to withdraw. “That wasn’t a complaint,” she added, and he felt her deliberately tighten around him.

He hissed with pleasure, his hips jerking forward involuntarily, and she gasped again. In this position, it was an easy matter to reach beneath her and run his finger across her pleasure spot. A rush of liquid heat escaped as she quivered beneath his touch.

He rocked into her, slowly at first, but she didn’t want slow. Her hips pushed back against him impatiently, demanding more, and he obeyed. He tightened his grasp on her hips and gave into temptation. He thrust harder, faster, lost to everything but the tight clasp of her body, her whispered cries, her scent filling his head.

She cried out again, louder this time, and he felt her convulse around him but his need was too great. He couldn’t stop, plunging into her faster and harder, until he finally exploded in a seemingly endless rush of seed.

He collapsed down next to her, weak with pleasure, but uneasily aware that he had lost control.

“That was acceptable?”

“That was wonderful,” she said dreamily, and he breathed a relieved sigh.

“You were right. There are many reasons to appreciate mornings.”

She chuckled sleepily, sending a spike of pleasure through his embedded kalu. He tightened his arms around her, smiling as he finally drifted off the sleep.

Chapter Fifteen

Despite the smile that Janet had put on his face earlier, Sabrost regarded the now cleared door with a deep sense of forbidding. When he had awoken from his sleep, he had tackled the project with renewed enthusiasm and succeeded in clearing away the rest of the rocks.

Unfortunately, the sight of the massive door brought back all his misgivings. In addition to the rocks that had been piled against it, wooden boards had been nailed across the opening. He was convinced that it had been erected as a barrier of some kind, but he didn’t think they had a choice other than to open it. They couldn’t stay in the cavern forever.

He began prying away the boards covering the door, wondering as he did where they had found the wood. The damp environment aided his efforts, the boards crumbling at his touch. The door itself had been locked as well with an old-fashioned metal lock, but that too had deteriorated and flaked away beneath his fingers.

“Stay behind me,” he ordered Janet, then sent a prayer to the Goddess as he started to pull the door open.

He had to use all of his strength to get it to move, but eventually the harsh scrape of rock against rock echoed through the cavern. As soon as he created an opening large enough for him to pass through, he stopped.

“Can you see anything?” Janet whispered.

He strained his eyes but all he could see was the beginning of a tunnel before darkness blocked his vision.

“Nothing. But the air seems fresh.” He tasted the air but could detect nothing other than a faint metallic scent that reminded him of the medicinal note in the water of the healing pools. “That’s a good sign.”

“It’s so dark.” He could hear the fear in her voice.

“I’ve been thinking about that, and I believe I have a solution.”

“Really?” she asked hopefully.

“Yes, although it will require the sacrifice of more of your blanket.”

“Anything to get me naked,” she teased. “Go ahead.”

“You know I prefer you that way,” he agreed as he removed another strip of the kestava cloth from the bottom of her dress. He couldn’t resist stroking her soft skin in the process, but he quickly forced himself back to the task at hand.

She watched curiously as he took the piece of material and pressed it against the wall, rubbing both sides repeatedly along the rock. Then he wrapped it around his hand and stepped through the opening and into the tunnel.

“It’s glowing!” She clapped her hands in delight. “How did you do that?”

“There are microscopic plants that live on the walls of the cavern. They are the source of the light.”

“That’s amazing. You’re a genius, Sabrost.”

He felt like one when she smiled at him that way, but he shook his head.

“What now?” She gave him an eager glance. “Do you want to explore a little?”

“I would prefer to gather our belongings and leave as quickly as possible.”

“You don’t want to wait until after we’ve rested?”

His spines flared in alarm. Even though he had yet to detect anything in the tunnel, the thought of sleeping here with the door open filled him with dread. The sooner they were through the tunnel, the better. Unless…

“Are you too tired to go on, valitta?” he asked.

“No, I’m fine. I haven’t been working anywhere near as hard as you have. Let’s get our things.”

She headed for their sleeping room, and he followed more slowly. He didn’t like turning his back to the opening even for such a brief period.

“Tetlana, protect us,” he prayed.

It didn’t take long to gather up their few possessions. Janet whistled to the avian and it flew over to perch on her shoulder. When they approached the doorway once more, the bird squawked and he saw it shiver, although it remained on her shoulder. Its concern only added to his own, but he still didn’t see another choice. He rubbed the material across the walls one last time, and then they entered the tunnel.

As Janet followed Sabrost into the tunnel, she could feel the tension in his body even though she wasn’t quite sure why he seemed so concerned. Admittedly it was kind of spooky, but with the soft glow from the fabric to light the way, it was far less intimidating for her than that first walk along the river in the suffocating darkness.

The tunnel seemed innocuous enough, although obviously formed through the use of technology. The ground was level beneath their feet and the ceiling arched overhead in a smooth curve. The air was noticeably dryer here, and there were no stalactites or stalagmites. A slight but perceptible slope upwards encouraged her to believe that they were moving towards the surface.

Time was impossible to tell in the shadowy light, but the increasing tiredness in her legs indicated that they had walked for some time before she saw it. Sabrost was holding the fabric light high in the air, his eyes constantly scanning the tunnel for danger. She looked down as she felt one of her foot coverings started to come loose. As she turned to let him know, she saw the faintest flicker out of the corner of her eye.

“Sabrost,” she whispered.

He whirled in her direction. “What is it, valitta?”

“I don’t know, but I thought I saw something. Over there.” Her fingers trembled as she pointed. He stepped in front of her, sweeping his hand along the wall. She was just about to decide that it had been her imagination, when she saw it again. A faint shimmer like the reflection of water.

She grabbed his arm and moved it towards that spot. When the light was in the right place, the wall turned translucent. A figure floated in the darkness behind it. Details were impossible to make out in the dimness. The arms and legs were too long for it to be human, but she was quite sure that it had once been a living being.

“What is that? Or who is it?”

“I think it is a Varjomas,” he said quietly. “I have seen images of their species, but it is thought that they became extinct many generations ago.”

“As long ago as the buildings in the cavern?”

“Perhaps.”

“He’s not… alive, is he?” She forced herself to ask the question. “Not trapped in there?”

“No, he’s not alive. Just very well preserved.”

She shuddered. “Who would do something like that?”

“I don’t know. But I suspect there may be more.”

He turned out to be correct. Now that they knew what to look for, they discovered more of the translucent panels, more bodies floating in the darkness. All of them appeared to be from different species. Sabrost recognized a few of them, although they were all species thought to be extinct, but there were many he didn’t recognize.

“I don’t want to see anymore,” she said suddenly. The knowledge that there were bodies entombed in the wall horrified her enough. She didn’t think she could face looking at another one.

“I understand, valitta.” He put his arm around her and drew her into the warmth of his body. She breathed in his comforting scent as she tried to regain a sense of perspective. Even though it was like a horrible combination of a zoo and a funeral parlor, at least there was nothing here to hurt them.

She finally managed to give him a shaky smile. His arms tightened for a brief instant before he turned to resume their journey.

As she started to follow him, some trick of the light had her looking straight into the face of another creature. This one was nothing like the previous bodies. Its skin had an almost metallic gleam, and it looked more like a machine than a living being, its eyes reflecting the light.

She shuddered, then froze in horror as it blinked at her.

Chapter Sixteen

Metal clanked as the figure stepped out of an alcove in the wall of the tunnel. It had two sets of thin metal arms on its upper body, while its lower body consisted of two thick, segmented legs. Multi-faceted eyes opened and closed in a slow rhythm, and there was something disturbingly insectile about its appearance.

Sabrost had turned at the first sound, and now he snatched her arm and pushed her behind him as he stepped between her and the metal creature..

“I am the Guardian.” The voice seemed to come from everywhere at once.

“We are merely travelers, passing through this place,” Sabrost said firmly, subtly encouraging her to move away.

“There are no travelers, only specimens.” A whirring noise filled the tunnel as it turned its creepy eyes towards Sabrost. “You are Hsslak. You are not unique. You will not be added to the Collection.”

“I can live with that,” he muttered, urging her back a few more steps.

Then its eyes focused on her. She felt eerily exposed as it surveyed her, as if it was seeing deep inside her.

“I have no data on your species. You are suitable for the Collection.”

“No, she’s not,” Sabrost growled. His spines stiffened in a formidable display.

The Guardian ignored him, its eyes still focused on her face. It started to move towards her, but Sabrost grabbed one of its metal arms. It turned one eye towards him.

“Do not interfere with the Guardian.”

“I won’t as long as you let us leave peacefully.”

“All specimens must remain in the Collection.” It started to move towards her again, even though Sabrost still gripped one of its arms.

“Run, Janet,” Sabrost ordered.

“Escape is futile.”

The Guardian’s body rotated and something gleamed at the end of another arm before it plunged it into Sabrost’s shoulder. He grunted, and to her horror, she saw blood glisten in the dim light as he lost his grip on its arm.

“Don’t get close to it,” he warned as she instinctively started to go to him.

The Guardian was still moving towards her, not quickly but as if nothing would stop it. She backed away, torn between running for her life and remaining at Sabrost’s side. He was slightly behind the mechanical figure now, and it was no longer paying attention to him as it focused on her.

He dropped to his knees and when the Guardian took its next step, he grabbed one of the heavy metal legs. His muscles bulged with the effort and despite his wounded shoulder, he managed to knock it off balance. The Guardian collapsed to the ground, metal crashing against rock.

Sabrost struggled to his feet, and she saw him sway briefly before he gained control of his body. Giving the Guardian a wide berth, he hurried to her side.

“We need to go. Now.”

She looked over his shoulder and saw the Guardian was already trying to stand. She grabbed his hand and they ran.

They fled up the tunnel for what seemed like miles. Her legs ached and her breath came in harsh pants as she struggled to keep going.

Behind her, she could hear the metallic clanking as the Guardian pursued them. It never faltered. It would never grow tired.

She stumbled over a rock and realized that the floor of the tunnel was no longer perfectly smooth. Had the Guardian been the one to maintain the rest of the tunnel? Were they outside its territory now?

She tripped again and lost her balance, but Sabrost caught her before she could fall and threw her over his good shoulder. As he continued to run, she could hear him panting for air and see the dark stain covering his other shoulder.

She strained her eyes into the darkness behind them, listening for the Guardian. She heard the scrape of metal against rock, maybe even the rock that she had stumbled over, but to her dismay, it didn’t stop there. It continued its slow, inexorable pursuit.

“Up there,” Sabrost gasped. “Light.”

She twisted her head around to see what he was talking about, and her heart sank. The dim light in front and above them was very faint. She had hoped that they were heading for the surface, but she was afraid they were only about to enter another cavern. Would that be enough to stop the Guardian?

Sabrost grunted, then dropped her to her feet. The light was coming through an opening at the top of a pile of rocks.

“Climb,” he ordered. She started to obey, then realized he wasn’t following her.

“What are you doing?” she cried.

“My shoulder…” The dark stain had spread and his left arm was hanging uselessly at his side. “I will stay here and protect you.”

“Fuck that.” She scrambled back down the rocks towards him. “I’m not going to let you get away with some type of useless noble sacrifice. You think I can survive out there without you?”

“But…”

“I don’t want to hear it. Would your Goddess want you to give up now? Don’t you think She needs you? I know I need you.”

He bowed his head, then to her relief, he started to climb. His process was painfully slow and awkward, and she could hear the metallic clanking getting louder. Frantically trying to come up with a way to help him, she removed her belt and slipped it under his arms. Ignoring his pained grunt, she pulled with all her strength while he pushed with his legs. It worked. He made it up over one rock, then another.

“The specimens must be returned to the Collection.” The mechanical voice was frighteningly clear, and she looked down to see the Guardian at the base of the rock pile. A metal arm reached up to grasp a rock, and she realized to her horror that it intended to climb after them.

“Brace me,” Sabrost ordered and she tightened her grip on the belt under his arms. He kicked at the rock beneath his foot, trying to dislodge it. His first effort had no effect, but the second time he managed to push it free. It tumbled downwards, and she heard it hit the Guardian, but she was too busy making sure that Sabrost didn’t fall to watch.

As soon as he found a stable position, she looked down. One of the Guardian’s middle arms hung at an awkward angle, and she grinned fiercely. It seemed only fitting after the damage it had done to Sabrost. But as they scrambled higher, the Guardian reached upwards again. She saw it begin to pull itself up just as they reached the opening at the top of the rocks.

“Go through,” Sabrost urged.

“Not without you.”

He hesitated, then nodded. “Climb through and brace me again. I’m going to try and make the rest of the rocks fall.”

“But what if you go with them?”

His dark eyes were steady on her face. “You won’t let me fall.”

Her heart pounded so hard she felt sick, but she wiggled through the opening. There were more rocks on the other side, but they were huge boulders rather than the rubble they had climbed. She braced herself against one, tightening her grip on the rope under Sabrost’s arms as he pushed his head and shoulders through the tight gap.

He started kicking again, and her arms shook with the effort of holding him steady. At first nothing happened, and her arms burned with the strain, but finally she heard rocks start to fall. First one, then another, then a thunderous roar as the pile collapsed. Sabrost started to fall with them, but she pulled on the rope with every ounce of strength she possessed. After an agonizing moment, the rest of his body slipped through the opening, and he collapsed on the boulder next to her.

“It worked!” Her relief was so great that it took several minutes before she finally noticed their surroundings. They weren’t in another cavern after all. They had made it back to the surface at last. The light had been dim because the sun was setting, but even as she watched, stars began to appear above them.

“We’re outside. We’re free.”

“I’m glad.” Sabrost’s voice was a mere thread, his face pale and tired, but he smiled at her.

“We need to do something about your arm.” She spared a brief, wistful thought for the healing pools.

“I can hear water.” He nodded to one side, and she followed the gesture. Even in the fading light, she could see a river rushing along below them.

She could see something else, she realized. More of the stone slabs that had been in the cavern were scattered down the hillside, but these were grouped in smaller units. Houses, she realized. Perhaps this is where the scientists who had worked underground had lived.

For a moment, she worried about what they might encounter, but then she dismissed the idea. They were outside, with a soft breeze swirling around them, carrying the scent of growing things. The remains of the houses looked sturdy and peaceful in the light of the setting sun, wildflowers growing along their walls. She felt safe.

“Come on then. Let’s get you down this hill.”

“In a minute. There’s something I have to do first.”

Sabrost reached up with his good arm and pulled her towards him. She went willingly as he guided her towards his mouth, and then he was kissing her. A kiss that started off soft, thankful, but grew increasingly urgent.

“I thought I was going to lose you,” he whispered when at last they parted.

“You saved me. You saved both of us.” Her smile felt shaky as she sat back up. “Now let’s get that wound cleaned.”

Chapter Seventeen

Janet clutched Sabrost’s hand and did her best to conceal her growing apprehension. They had spent a week by the river waiting for his arm to heal, and she had enjoyed every minute. The weather had been sunny and warm, the bright sunlight a welcome counterpoint to the dimness of the cavern.

Despite his injuries, Sabrost had managed to both catch several fish and set a trap for a long-legged furry creature not unlike a large rabbit. Even Tinkerbell had contributed, dropping a cluster of berries from a nearby bush that Sabrost had determined were edible.

She had refused to think about the future, content to eat and sleep and make love to Sabrost as he recovered. Then last night, he had pulled out the map as they sat next to the fire.

“I don’t think we are far from our destination,” he told her.

“We aren’t?” She tried to keep her voice casual, even though her pulse began to race. It had been the goal of their journey all along, but she was in no hurry to reach it, especially after their trials in the cavern. Perhaps Sabrost was more anxious, or felt a stronger sense of obligation to that Goddess of his.

“Not if I have interpreted these symbols correctly. We traveled underneath these hills instead of around them.” He looked up at her, his eyes dark and unreadable in the firelight. “I estimate it to be no more than a day’s journey from here.”

“And you’re well enough to travel?”

The question was as neutral as she could manage, despite her aching heart.

“Yes. We could leave tomorrow morning…”

Was he asking her or telling her? She forced herself to smile.

“Then we should have an early night.”

His eyes heated, then he seemed to swoop at her from across the fire, lifting her into his arms and carrying her to their bed of dried grasses. He made love to her with a silent, desperate urgency and she responded just as fiercely. Her body shook with the intensity of her climax, but silent tears poured down her cheeks.

“Valitta?” he whispered.

“I’m fine,” she lied, but for the first time since they met, she didn’t sleep curled in his arms.

Actually, she didn’t sleep at all and she wondered if Sabrost had either. They had both been silent as they walked, only Tinkerbell seeming to enjoy the journey.

Now, Sabrost came to an abrupt halt, pointing out across the grasslands.

“Look.”

A thick line of green in the distance indicated a heavily wooded area, but it was the building that caught her attention. White, angular, and obviously built using advanced technology.

From this distance it simply resembled two rectangles, a small one tucked next to a much larger one. She couldn’t detect any windows or see any sign of life, and she shivered. Even from a distance, the building didn’t look like it belonged there. It reminded her uneasily of the tunnel.

“Do you think that’s it? Our destination?” she whispered. Even though it was still far away, she had a sudden reluctance to reveal their presence to whoever – whatever – was inside.

“Yes,” he said, but he made no move to resume their journey.

“What is it? Do you think something’s wrong?”

His spines quivered, and then he dropped to his knees in front of her. He clutched her hands, his face tortured.

“Sabrost, what is it? What’s wrong?”

“I know you deserve the opportunity to return to your home, but I do not want to get any closer. I do not want Tetlana to take you from me.” His hands tightened almost painfully. “I know it is wrong to go against the will of the Goddess, but I cannot stand to lose you. I love you.”

A wave of happiness and relief washed over her. “I love you too.”

He pulled her down next to him and kissed her, his mouth hungry, desperate. She kissed him back just as frantically. When their lips finally parted, she smiled up at him.

“Well that’s a relief. I’ve been wanting to tell you forever.”

“Forever?”

“Since we were trapped in the cavern anyway. When did you know?”

“As soon as you threatened me with my knife.”

She giggled and he smiled back.

“I just couldn’t believe that Tetlana had gifted me with such a perfect female.” His face darkened. “But what if She only intended you as a temporary companion? What if She separates us?”

“You think that might happen if we go to that building?” she asked slowly.

“I don’t know, but the fact that our planets – our separate planets – are marked at this location… If it is a portal back to our homes, we would be separated.”

Lose Sabrost? The thought caused a deep, painful ache in her chest.

“I don’t want to leave you either,” she whispered.

“What if… what if we stayed here?” His words tumbled out in a rush, his usual calm completely gone. “I will provide for you, make you a home.”

“Stay here forever?”

Memories rushed through her mind – her dad’s cabin, Alice’s kind face, fast food, hot and cold running water… But they all seemed so far away, somehow blurred and insignificant compared to the vivid reality of this new life with Sabrost. Nothing she had left behind seemed as important as the thought of losing him.

“What about you?” she asked. “You would be giving up your family, your vocation.”

“I told you. I lost my family the day I left Hsslak. And as for my vocation…” He looked at her, his face serene once more. “I truly believe the Goddess gave you to me. Perhaps now She is giving me a choice. And I choose you.”

“Then we’ll stay here. Together.”

Exhilaration filled her. She had no illusions that it was going to be an easy life, but it would be an adventurous one, and as long as they were together, a happy one.

An answering smile crossed his face before he picked her up and whirled her around in a dizzying circle. She laughed and clung to him until he finally put her down.

“Where should we go?” she asked. “Towards the forest?”

He shuddered. “No. I’ve had enough damp greenery to last a lifetime. I think the desert has more secrets for us to explore.”

“As long as they don’t come with more little monsters.”

“I will protect you,” he vowed, and extended his hand,

She put her hand in his, and then, hand in hand, they turned away from the past and walked into their new future. Together.

Epilogue

Two months later…

Janet smiled with pleasure as she opened the valve and water – hot water – rushed into the large stone basin she used as a bathtub. After wandering for a while, they had decided to settle in the ruins on the hillside outside the underground complex.

The thought of being so close to the Guardian had made her nervous at first, but Sabrost had confirmed that there was no way to reach the opening through which they had escaped from inside the tunnel. To be even more cautious, he had blocked it from their side as well.

The hillside turned out to be a good compromise between the dry heat that he enjoyed, and the wider variety of resources in the grasslands and along the edge of the jungle. The remains of the existing structures also made it easier to create a new home. They were close enough to the river that he’d even been able to rework the ancient plumbing.

Adding a handful of dried herbs to the bathwater, she settled into the bath with a happy sigh. Sabrost was out hunting the rabbit creatures that populated the grasslands – but she had plans for him when he returned.

Tinkerbell darted in through the open window and landed on the edge of the tub. He trilled happily, then ducked his head in the water.

“This is supposed to be my bath,” Janet teased. “Do you want to be all sweet smelling for Sabrost too?”

The bird tilted his head inquiringly, then returned to his ablutions.

“I’ll take that as a no.”

She lingered in the bath for a few more minutes, but she was too excited about her plans to remain as long as usual. She dried off and went to prepare her outfit.

As Sabrost had promised long ago in the caverns, he had done his best to provide her with a variety of clothing. He had experimented with woven grasses, rabbit fur, and even snakeskin. The snakeskin had actually proven to be the most satisfactory – once she overcame her instinctive revulsion. The cured skin was soft and flexible and not too heavy for the warm climate.

But today she wanted something different. Retrieving the remains of the kestava cloth, she went to work with her knife, cutting away the tattered sections. The portion that remained was probably a quarter of its original size but it was enough to form a short, flirty dress.

She didn’t have a mirror but the feel of the silky fabric gliding over her body was enough to make her feel pretty and feminine. Hugging herself gleefully, she went to make the rest of her preparations.

Sabrost hurried back towards their home, still shocked by his discovery. He had to tell Janet, but he was uncertain as to how she would react.

The sun was setting as he reached the house, but all of the small oil lamps he had made were lit, creating a warm welcome. As he stepped through the door, her sweet scent mingled with that of the profusion of flowers she had placed throughout the room.

“Janet,” he called.

“I’m here.” Her voice sounded low and husky.

He turned to find her framed in the doorway to their bedroom. Her body shimmered in the flickering light, covered with a brief remnant of the kestava cloth that clung to each delightful curve. His kalu jerked, and he forgot about his trip.

“You look beautiful, valitta.”

As he took a step towards her, she moved to one side and he saw what she had created in their room. On a table by the window, two lights flickered on either side of a small wooden figure capped with gold. More flowers formed two wreaths placed on either side of the table.

“Is that…”

“It’s supposed to an altar for Tetlana,” she said quickly. “I know it’s not exactly right, but I had to make do with what we had -”

“It’s perfect,” he assured her. “But why?”

“I want a mating ceremony.” She peeped at him from under her lashes, uncertainty in those beautiful green eyes. “And I thought maybe you might want one too.”

Delight filled him. He had no doubt about their bond, but the fact that she had thought to go to the trouble of preparing the ceremony only strengthened his love for her.

“I tried to recreate everything you told me about,” she added. “Does it look all right?”

“It’s perfect,” he said again as he moved to her side and took her hand. “Shall we?”

As he stood in front of the simple altar and placed the wreath of flowers on her head, he didn’t think he had ever been happier. He bent down so she could do the same, then he guided her through the ceremony. He stumbled over his words, and she knocked over one of the lights, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was what was in their hearts.

He finished with a prayer of gratitude, Janet’s hand locked in his, then turned to her.

“Thank you, valitta. You have made me very happy.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes, but she smiled up at him. “The feeling is more than mutual. What comes next?”

“The ceremony is complete. Now we spend the rest of our lives together.”

She stepped closer, filling his head with her intoxicating scent.

“You know,” she whispered as she ran a finger down his chest. “On Earth, we have another custom after a mating ceremony. It’s called a honeymoon.”

“Honey moon?” The words made no sense together.

“Let’s call it a mating night. Where we spend the entire night showing our love.”

She pressed closer, her nipples thrusting against the thin cloth of her gown, and he suddenly remembered that very first language lesson.

“Nipple,” he whispered, circling the tight little peak with a careful claw.

“Taydellinenvaalean,” she replied and he shuddered. He found Hsslak words of love on her lips incredibly erotic.

His other hand slipped beneath the short hem of her dress, seeking her delicate folds.

“Cunt.” He stroked his finger through the slick heat that met his touch.

“Pehmarkusitti.”

His desire to continue the game suddenly vanished. He needed his mate and he needed her now. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to their bed.

A very long time later, Sabrost finally remembered what he had discovered that morning.

“Janet?”

“Mm?” she mumbled, snuggling her enchanting body closer against his side.

He forced himself to ignore the immediate response from his kalu.

“I have something to tell you.”

That got her attention and she frowned up at him.

“Should I be worried?”

“No. At least I don’t think so.”

“Well what is it?”

“I don’t think we’re alone,” he blurted out.

She sprang up, and he refused to let himself be distracted by the way her breasts danced at the sudden movement.

“I assume you’re not talking about the rabbits. Did you see someone?”

“Not exactly. I was following the trail of a wounded rabbit, and I didn’t realize how close I was to the building until I looked up.” He shuddered. He didn’t truly believe that he would be mystically snatched away if he approached it, but he still did his best to avoid the area. “Of course I turned to leave, but… I saw footprints.”

“What kind of footprints?”

“They were the size of mine, although shaped somewhat differently. But they were made by someone walking upright.”

Her eyes widened.

“Do you think it’s a native of this planet?”

“Perhaps. Although we still haven’t seen any sign of civilization other than the underground area.” He hesitated. “But I was thinking. What if we weren’t the only ones who were brought here?”

“Do you think there’s another couple?” Her face lit up with excitement. “Maybe another human woman?”

“I think it’s possible.”

“We should go and meet them.”

“Perhaps.”

“Why perhaps?”

“Because I only saw one set of prints. It could just be a single male. Or there could be many males. What if someone tried to take you from me?”

“You would never let that happen,” she said confidently, then grinned. “And I still have my knife.”

“My fierce mate.” The word sounded perfect on his lips as he pulled her back down beside him.

“But I still think we should meet whoever it is,” she said.

“Perhaps I could keep watch,” he agreed reluctantly. “If it is only a single male, and I do not think he represents danger, I could approach him.”

“Good.”

She nodded decisively, then ran a teasing hand down his abdomen. Delicate fingers stroked the edge of his slit, awakening his kalu yet again.

“But that’s for the future. Tonight is our mating night and I have plans for you.” She shimmied down his body and began pressing kisses to his kalu as it sprang free. “Lots of plans.”

“I am all yours,” he assured her. As her mouth closed around him, he sent a silent prayer of thankfulness to the Goddess. He had asked for peace, but She had given him so much more. She had given him everything he had ever wanted.

***

There, you see. Another successful test. Va’rik’at’char floated complacently in his tank, making no attempt to hide his satisfaction as he sent a message to his fellow scientist through his neural network.

I still maintain that it does not count, La’tok’at’bron responded immediately. The male did not complete the final test.

Because he had already chosen to stay on the planet with the female.

But he did not have the opportunity to offer his life for hers.

If Va’rik’at’char could have consumed oxygen, he would have sighed. They’d had the same argument many times over the past two months.

At least you cannot deny that there is a mating bond. The female even chose to perform a bonding ceremony.

There is a bond, La’tok’at’bron admitted. But breeding has not yet occurred.

We do not know that. I suspect that it has. It is unfortunate that they did not enter the lab and discover the medical scanner.

Then we do not have proof, La’tok’at’bron said, an indisputable air of triumph in his response.

Va’rik’at’char’s antennae waved in frustration. You are very stubborn, La’tok’at’bron.

Such emotions are beneath a true scientist. I simply refuse to base my results on incomplete data.

Va’rik’at’char could not entirely dispute the argument, but…

They are waiting, he reminded La’tok’at’bron, even though he knew the other scientist was equally aware of their responsibilities.

They have waited this long, La’tok’at’bron finally responded. We must be sure.

What will it take for you to be sure?

More tests. There are other areas of the surface to explore.

Did you have something in mind?

I thought perhaps the ocean. And a male with less… refined sensibilities.

Why?

So far we have chosen males with an ingrained sense of responsibility. Will the experiment be successful with the opposite?

It was a valid test. And despite his eagerness for a successful conclusion, Va’rik’at’char did find the experiments most enjoyable.

Very well, he agreed, then turned his attention to his other duties.

Author’s Note

Thank you so much for reading The Bare Essentials! Writing this series just makes me smile – especially when I get to write a hero like Sabrost! The desert heat was also a pleasant escape from the cold winter we’ve been having.

Whether you enjoyed the story or not, it would mean the world to me if you left an honest review on Amazon – reviews are one of the best ways to help other readers find my books!

As always, I have to thank my readers for joining me on these adventures! Your support and encouragement make it possible for me to keep writing these books.

And, as always, a special thanks to my beta team – Janet S, Nancy V, and Kitty S. Your thoughts and comments are incredibly helpful!

And there are more adventures in store for the unlikely couples who are the victims(?) of these experiments! Coming up next – A Nude Attitude!

Can Erica survive the hidden dangers of an alien ocean? And the charms of the alien convict stranded with her?

Click here to order A Nude Attitude!

To make sure you don’t miss out on any new releases, click here to sign up for my newsletter!

Other Titles

Exposed to the Elements

The Naked Alien

The Bare Essentials

A Nude Attitude

The Alien Abduction Series

Anna and the Alien

Beth and the Barbarian

Cam and the Conqueror

Deb and the Demon

Ella and the Emperor

Faith and the Fighter

Greta and the Gargoyle

Hanna and the Hitman

Izzie and the Icebeast

Joan and the Juggernaut

The Alien Invasion Series

Alien Selection

Alien Conquest

Alien Prisoner

Alien Breeder

Alien Alliance

Alien Hope

Standalones

Jackie and the Giant – A Cosmic Fairy Tale

Krampus and the Crone – A ScFi Holiday Tale

Cyborgs on Mars

High Plains Cyborg

The Good, the Bad, and the Cyborg

A Fistful of Cyborg

A Few Cyborgs More

The Magnificent Cyborg

The Outlaw Cyborg

Treasured by the Alien with Bex McLynn

Mama and the Alien Warrior

A Son for the Alien Warrior

Daughter of the Alien Warrior

A Family for the Alien Warrior

About the Author

Honey Phillips writes steamy science fiction stories about hot alien warriors and the human women they can’t resist. From abductions to invasions, the ride might be rough, but the end always satisfies.

Honey wrote and illustrated her first book at the tender age of five. Her writing has improved since then. Her drawing skills, unfortunately, have not. She loves writing, reading, traveling, cooking, and drinking champagne – not necessarily in that order.

Honey loves to hear from her wonderful readers! You can stalk her at any of the following locations…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoneyPhillipsAuthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/honey-phillips

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HoneyPhillipsAuthor

Website: http://www.honeyphillips.com