Page 30 of The Arabis Triad

Love her.

His heart stuttered with the enormity of that realization. He actually had a life to look forward to with a mate, his family. Children.

That was something worth fighting for. With the scaled ones here on this planet, he would do anything it took to protect her. He realized what life was really all about now that he finally had it, and he also knew that if something ever happened to Evelyn, life could truly hurt him.

He held out hand for her to take, “Come, my mate. Let’s get you some fresh air.”

As her hand folded in his, he was more aware of the danger they were in. Danger that had the power to cut him deep if the scaled ones attacked and reclaimed their victim.

Chapter Twelve

Evelyn

Evelyn secured the final strap on her new boots and stood, concentrating on the way they conformed to her feet and calves. They were a little big, but that left wriggle room for her toes, and the straps around her calves would stop them from slipping up and down. Now she felt like her old self.

The dress was pretty, and she felt feminine, but she was a jeans and t-shirt type of girl. She ached to put on her leathers and helmet and ride her bike on the open road.

She twirled, liking the way the boots fit. “These are fabulous.”

“They are combat boots,” Paxt said, throwing his brother a scandalized glance.

Maybe the women on their planet were more feminine than she ever would be. Just another reason she needed to stop whatever it was they were determined to have between them and leave.

“Just like mine at home. I have something similar when I ride my bike,” she said.

If she could have found the pants and jacket to go with them, she would be a happy girl.

“Bike?” Paxt asked.

“Yeah. A motorcycle. A kind of motorized vehicle on two wheels.” It was hard to describe something they might not have on their planet. That sinking feeling built in her gut again.

“We have something similar, however it uses anti-grav technology. It is for a single or dual rider and can skim the tops of trees. A rider can cover a great distance, however they are not particularly safe,” Coltan said.

“Sounds something similar what I ride—rode, whatever—but it doesn’t skim trees. You don’t fly it. You drive it along a road.” She was intrigued by the thing Coltan described though. A motorbike that could also fly. That sounded… fascinating.

“I have several at home. I would be honored to take you out on one,” Coltan said.

She gawked at him. “Several?”

“We all have them. My brothers and I race. It’s not often they are able to beat me,” Paxt said.

“So you say. He cheats, mate. Don’t listen to him,” Coltan said.

Ashir walked into the room, a pack strapped to his large shoulders, and surveyed his brothers, “You two drive like the elderly. They don’t go a click over twenty. Often I take a nap, waiting for them at our chosen destination.”

There certainly was some sibling rivalry going on, but it seemed healthy, as though they were an extension of each other in a good way. She’d never had a sibling. It would have been nice on those nights when things weren’t so pleasant. Then again, perhaps it was better never to have had a brother or sister considering her less than ideal childhood.

“Ashir is the slowest of the lot. He arrives when we’re ready to go!” Coltan said, but the grin on his face belied the pretense in his posturing.

“Well, I think I’d give you all a run for your money,” she said. “If it’s anything like your flying skills, I’d win hands down.”

She got that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach again when all three turned their gorgeous eyes to her. Moments stretched and she was about to apologize when a broad smile appeared on Ashir’s mouth. Coltan’s brows lifted to his hairline as he chuckled. She looked at Paxt beneath her lashes. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything. She didn’t really know them and anything she said might be misconstrued, but Paxt’s laugh was the most contagious.

He stood, picked her up, and swirled her around in his arms. “By the gods, the Fates always get it right. Brothers, I see no sense in waiting to take our mate out on this glorious day. Are we ready?”

“In this, we agree.” Coltan slapped Paxt on the back and walked out of the room. Ashir grinned at her and followed.

She tapped Paxt’s shoulder when he went to follow. “I can walk, you know. I have these new boots and everything.”

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