Page 9 of Stolen Slave

Fresh tears fell.

Live or die, I needed to accept that I was just along for the ride.

CHAPTER FIVE

KHORAHN

Just kill me already.

The female’s words tormented me. I wanted to decimate every Wsoau in this camp for all that they’d made her suffer that she so readily wished for death. But I refused to prolong her anguish.

The scent of her fear already wrapped around me as I jogged over the burn powder. She didn’t understand she was no longer in danger. That I would never harm her. And carrying her in such an uncomfortable position likely wouldn’t endear me to her. Yet, it was necessary to leave quietly.

Although anyone with half a brain could see that she was not a male Zoshesh, I hoped that the loose material of Anerman’s jumpsuit, covered in the Zoshesh’s scent, and her prone position over my shoulder would be enough to fool the Wsoau on the path and at the landing pad. However, I was not foolish enough to believe that would be the case if any Wsoau spotted me here so close to their precious bathing house where I wasn’t supposed to be.

Pausing at the edge of the building, I risked a quick look around the corner. The perimeter burners were too close. I retreated to wait.

Curling wisps of smoke rose from my feet. I didn’t know how much hide was left to burn away, but I didn’t think it could be much. While I’d rather not experience the burn of the powder, I wouldn’t risk discovery by leaving cover prematurely.

The human moved slightly, and I stroked her backside to soothe her. She immediately stilled. I continued to smooth my hand over her flank, willing to give her the comfort she needed. She shivered lightly in my arms, and I inhaled deeply, searching for anything other than fear. Unfortunately, that scent only intensified.

Given enough time and care, she would learn I meant her no harm and trust me to keep her safe. But I would be a foolish male if I expected her to understand that now.

The moment the perimeter burners turned, I bolted across the clearing and onto the path. No alarm rose behind me.

Relieved but not slowing, I continued running. The sound of agitated plate rattles faded quickly, but not fast enough based on the vibrant green showing through the withered, blackened mat on both sides.

I’d been lucky on the way to the bathhouse and had missed the Wsoau keeping the paths clear by moments. However, considering the regrowth in the scorch under my feet, I wouldn’t be so lucky again.

A burst of noise ahead alerted me to the next burner.

“Don’t char me, my friend,” I called, slowing to an easy walk.

The human tensed at the sound of my voice, and I quickly soothed her flank one last time before dropping my hand and rounding the corner. Other than her wish for death, she’d said very little, and I hoped she would remain silent now.

The Wsoau looked at me, then the path behind it, obviously confused.

Confused was good.

“Thank you for the tip, my friend. Unfortunately, this fleking tuber got away from me once we left the tunnels. He ran right into the veg. Lucky that I heard your burner, or the veg would have made a meal out of both of us.”

As I spoke, a vine slithered onto the path and encircled my ankle. I jerked my leg, snapping the vine.

“Very lucky,” the Wsoau said in agreement.

“This path needs your attention, and I need to get this bounty to my ship. Enjoy your bath, my friend.”

I walked away, keeping my stride easy but my free hand close to my phaser. The customary click sounded from the burner pack’s igniter. Prepared to dive off the path, I tensed and glanced over my shoulder. However, the Wsoau already had his back to me as he continued to char the encroaching vegetation.

Relieved, I hurried my pace and returned my hand to the female’s flank. She shivered again in response to my touch, and the scent of her fear thickened, but I did not remove my hand. Without her sight, she was vulnerable. The more I touched her without harming her, the faster she would understand she was safe with me.

The perimeter burners at the landing pad paid me little attention when I emerged from the path and strode straight to my ship. Another one thousand units of minerals waited by the bay door along with the Wsoau who’d rushed me to leave.

“You took a long time,” the Wsoau said.

“This one liked to run until I stunned him. Thank you for watching my ship. I’ll happily pay you twenty chit for your time, and however much of that mineral waste you want to offload.”

His plates rattled.

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