Page 77 of Warrior Revealed

She was going to tell him about the bioluminescent ostriches then paused. Aculus was overwrought. Telling him a massive beast with a hooked beak and razor-sharp claws carried her to its nest certainly wouldn’t ease his fears.

He said this is an animal refuge.The birds are meant to be here. And what she’d been through really wasn’t anyone’s fault but her own for following the wayward panther.

“Anyway, I followed Tarsus into the rock. It was pretty stupid of me. A rock hit me on the head. I wasn’t sure how to get out and then I heard your voice,” she quickly summed up, leaving out the ostriches.

“I can’t even think about what could’ve happened to you down there.” Aculus grimaced at her then glared at Tarsus.

“I know. I was so relieved hearing your voice,” she sobbed, releasing the fear she’d felt as she snuggled against his chest.

“You’re safe now.” Aculus rubbed her back.

She was safe. The comforting knowledge permeated her with every caress of his strong hands. She leaned up and pressed her lips to his. When Aculus didn’t move, she pulled back. His bony armor crept back over his face, hiding his colorful skin. But it didn’t hide the pained expression still churning in his eyes.

“Nadzia, I don’t think we can do this anymore.” Aculus frowned.

“I don’t understand.” She got off his lap.

One second he’s clutching her, beside himself with worry. Now he says he can’t dothis.

“Nadzia, you’re my weakness. It’s more than this.” He showed his bare palm. “When you eventually leave it will break me.”

Her heart instantly dropped into her stomach.

“I’m sorry, Aculus, you’re right.” She nodded with a resigned frown.

As much as they wanted to pretend the future wouldn’t come, it would be here before they knew it. And every moment they shared, growing closer, the harder it would be to say goodbye. It was selfish of her to do this to him. Aculus was too wonderful to hurt like this.

“Please take me to the hospital.” She dropped into the other seat.

“Are you feeling worse?” Aculus cast her a panicked glance as he fired up the cruiser and launched them into the air.

“No. I think it would be better if I stayed there.”

Tears filled her eyes as she stared out the window. They were both silent the entire way to the hospital, not that it took them that long to get there in the cruiser. And yet it felt like forever as the reality of the situation gripped her. There was so much she wanted to say, but couldn’t find the words.

“I’ll walk you in,” Aculus offered.

“I can find my way.” She headed for the exit.

Aculus suddenly grabbed her hand and spun her to face him.

“I could make you stay.” His voice was a growl but his eyes were filled with anything but anger.

Things would be so much easier if he forced her to stay. Then again it wouldn’t be. She’d be angry he refused to listen to her, just like the whole needing to see a medic a little bit ago. There was nothing easy about any of this.

“But you won’t,” she said past the lump in her throat.

“Then just stay with me because you want to.” Aculus squeezed her hand tighter.

“I really wish it was that easy.” She blinked back her tears as she pulled her hand away and fled the cruiser.

Through bleary eyes she managed to find the way to her father’s room, avoiding people on the way so she didn’t have to explain why she was a mess. Her mother was fast asleep on the cot so she wandered to the capsule holding Brennan. His coloring was already much better, but the damage was so extensive it would take a while to repair.

“I could really use your help, Dad,” she sobbed as she rubbed the glass lid.

Aculus

Numbly he trudged through the Sanctuary with Tarsus dutifully following him to his suite. He glanced around the room but wasn’t quite sure what he was doing there.

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