Hope for the Alien Warrior (Treasured By the Alien #12)

Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

F elicity bit back a sob as Luxor vanished into the darkness between the cages. In spite of their very obvious differences, she’d been so sure she could trust him. Had that sense of recognition, of connection, simply been a lie?

John, her on-again, off-again boyfriend had lectured her often enough about being too trusting even though it was her belief that there was a decent man buried beneath the arrogant surgeon that had kept her with him. Is he wondering where I’ve gone? Has he even noticed?

Pushing away the bitter thoughts, she sank back down on the metal ledge, careful not to disturb the still sleeping Nina. The distant hum of the ship’s engines vibrated through the metal ledge she sat on, inexorably marching them towards whatever horror awaited at their destination. She rubbed her temples, forcing her mind to focus. There had to be another way. Maybe she could convince one of the guards that Nina was sick, create a distraction…

Bobby whimpered in his sleep, and Carla stirred, pulling him closer before blinking at Felicity with tired eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Carla’s gaze darted around the cage, then to the empty cage where Luxor had been imprisoned. “Where did he go? I didn’t hear the guards.”

She shook her head, fighting back tears of frustration.

“I don’t know. I thought… I thought he was going to help us. That we could all escape together. But he’s gone.”

Carla’s fingers twisted in her torn shirt. “They’re going to take Bobby from me. I know it.”

“We’ll find another way.” The words sounded hollow, even to her, and she hesitated, biting her lip. “If you had to choose between keeping Bobby with you or letting him go to save him, what would you do?”

“I’d let them do whatever they wanted to me if it meant Bobby was safe. Why are you asking?”

“I made Luxor promise that if it came down to it, he would save the children. Maybe he really is gone, but if he comes back…”

A shadow moved at the edge of her vision. Her heart jumped as a huge form emerged from the darkness. Luxor, his black eyes gleaming in the dim light. In spite of everything, relief flooded her. He’d come back. She hadn’t been wrong about him after all.

A metallic click echoed through the chamber. The cell door swung open.

Carla’s breath hitched. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks as she pulled Bobby’s sleeping body closer against her, but she rose to her feet. Felicity joined her, her heart aching as Nina stirred in her arms, dark eyes blinking open to focus on Luxor.

“Everyone out.”

Even pitched low enough to avoid detection, his deep voice rumbled through the cell and sent another pleasant shiver down her spine.

“Everyone?” she whispered, and he gave a curt nod, his face grim.

Carla gave her an uncertain look.

“How do we know?—”

“We don’t,” she cut in. “But staying here isn’t an option.”

The girl hesitated, then nodded, skittering out of the cell and keeping as far away from Luxor as possible. She followed her out of the cell, her breath catching as she reached his side. She’d known he was huge but it hadn’t prepared her for the reality of standing next to him. The top of her head barely reached his chest, and his shoulders were so broad they blocked out most of the corridor. It should have been intimidating. Instead, she felt… protected.

Nina’s small hand gripped her silk blouse. The little girl didn’t make a sound, but her gaze never left Luxor.

“Move.” His tone brooked no argument.

They crept between the cages as quietly as possible, even though her heart was pounding so hard she was afraid it would give them away. A creature with luminous eyes tracked their progress, but remained silent.

A warm weight settled around her waist. She jumped, then realized it was Luxor’s tail, steadying her as they hurried forward. The contact sent an unexpected spark through her body, despite their dire situation.

“Left,” he whispered. “Stay close.”

“I thought—” She swallowed hard. “I was afraid you weren’t coming back.”

His tail tightened around her waist. His jaw clenched, the muscles in his neck rippling.

“You doubted my word?”

The hurt in his voice cut through his controlled tone.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. She reached down and patted his tail apologetically, the subtle texture intriguing beneath her fingers. His jaw tightened even more and she hurried on.

“I’m sorry. Everything’s been so?—”

“I understand.” His words came out clipped, but he put his hand over hers for just a second. “I had to ensure our path was clear. I also stole the key. I thought it would be faster than trying to pry open another panel.”

“It was a good idea. I should have trusted you.”

She patted his tail again, not sure how to reassure him. The thick, warm appendage twitched, and she felt his whole body stiffen before his tail slowly relaxed.

They reached a set of doors similar to the ones they had entered and he paused, his head tilted as if he were listening. All she could hear was the faint hum of machinery, but he waited for a long moment before quietly opening one of the heavy doors. The dimly lit corridor beyond was empty, indistinguishable from any of the corridors she’d seen before, but he didn’t hesitate before starting to the left.

Every shadow made her skin prickle as they made their way through the winding corridors of the ship. Every distant sound made her flinch, expecting guards to come rushing around the corner at any moment, but Luxor didn’t hesitate. His tail remained wrapped protectively around her waist, guiding her around corners and through narrow passages.

They had to hide several times, pressing into dark alcoves or behind pipes as heavy footsteps echoed nearby. Each time, she held her breath, clutching Nina tightly against her chest. The little girl remained silent, her wide eyes taking in everything.

The trip seemed to last forever and she felt her energy flagging. Nina wasn’t heavy, but the stress and fatigue were taking their toll as the initial adrenaline wore off. He glanced down at her when she stumbled, his dark eyes assessing.

“You are tiring.” It wasn’t a question. He stepped closer, his voice low. “I will carry the child for a while.”

She hesitated, glancing down at Nina. Would she be frightened of Luxor’s alien appearance? His size alone was intimidating and the little girl had already been through so much.

Before she could decide, Luxor surprised her. He crouched down, bringing himself closer to Nina’s level.

“May I carry you, little one?”

Nina stared at him for a long moment, her dark eyes solemn. Then, to Felicity’s surprise, she reached out one small hand toward his face. He remained perfectly still as her fingers traced the ridges that covered his head.

Then Nina nodded, as graciously as any queen, and held out her arms to him.

Her heart stuttered as he carefully gathered Nina against his broad chest, and she settled against him as naturally as if she’d known him forever. The sight of that tiny body cradled so delicately sent a strange warmth flooding through her. Nina rested her head trustingly against Luxor’s shoulder as he rose to his full height and his tail gently patted her back.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her throat unaccountably tight.

He gave her a startled look, then inclined his head and turned to go. She followed him, her gaze lingering on the two of them.

“That was nice of him,” Carla said grudgingly, and she shot the girl a guilty look.

“Do you want him to carry Bobby instead? He’s bigger than Nina.”

“No,” the girl snapped, then winced apologetically. “Sorry. I just feel better holding him. And I’m used to carrying him. You aren’t used to carrying a kid, are you?”

Her throat threatened to close again as she shook her head.

“No. It never seemed to be the right time, especially since my…” She struggled to find the right word to describe her relationship with John. “My companion,” she said finally. “He wasn’t interested in children.”

Luxor’s tail suddenly reappeared around her waist, and she looked up to see his mouth set in a hard line.

“I did not know the males of your species were so foolish,” he said, and she heard the anger in his voice.

“I suppose some of them are.” She shrugged, not really wanting to discuss John. “What about you?”

“I do not have a companion,” he said shortly, and his tail tightened around her waist again.

She had the oddest feeling that it was a possessive gesture, but that was impossible, wasn’t it? They hardly knew each other, despite that sense of recognition which kept growing stronger. Even his warm, spicy scent seemed familiar, comforting.

Carla’s eyes flicked down to the tail then back up to her face. The girl raised an eyebrow and she felt her cheeks heating, but she did her best to ignore that knowing look and concentrate on the journey.

Luxor’s tail unwound from her waist as they reached the hangar entrance. He pressed them against the wall, his head tilted as he listened.

“Guard on duty,” he murmured, handing Nina back to her.

The little girl clung to her, burying her face in her neck as Luxor melted into the shadows, his footsteps silent despite his size.

Muffled sounds echoed from around the corner—the impact of flesh on flesh, a grunt cut short. A sharp crack split the air and she flinched.

When Luxor reappeared, his face was grim. He motioned for them to follow, but her steps faltered as they entered the hangar. The guard’s body lay crumpled in the shadows, his neck bent at an unnatural angle, empty eyes staring at nothing.

As a doctor, the sight went against every instinct she had. Her job was to save lives, not take them. But this was a harsh new reality, one where survival often meant making impossible choices.

Luxor stood rigid as he waited for her reaction, but his tail lashed slowly against his leg, betraying his tension. He’d killed to protect them, to give them a chance at freedom. The weight of Nina in her arms reminded her what was at stake.

He hesitated, watching her face, then extended his hand.

She took it.