Page 47 of Yasmin and the Yeti
“You found the source of the poison? What was it?”
“A secret lab…” He suddenly came to an abrupt halt. “You understand everything I’m saying, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she said happily. “Njkall gave me a translator.”
“Njkall?” He shook his head. “He told me things had changed, but I didn’t realize how much.”
“And there’s another Hothian with a human mate. Maybe two,” she added, thinking of Polly.
He shook his head again. “I think Cera was trying to tell me that when she came to the cave but I thought she was interfering.”
She laughed. “Knowing her, it was probably both. But you found the problem and it’s all over now?”
He tensed and her stomach churned even before he shook his head.
“I’m afraid not. We need to return and destroy the lab.”
“But you said you found the source?”
“I did, but as long as the lab is there, they will keep poisoning the river. And it’s not just that. The lab is concealed in the Valley of Echoes. They desecrated a sacred place. It is where Ayla is buried,” he added, a world of pain in his voice.
“Oh, Rhaal, I’m so sorry.” As much as she hated the idea that he might be in danger, she knew nothing would stop him from returning. “When are you leaving again?”
“At daybreak. And I can’t stay long—I have to assist with the preparations.” Despite the warning, he shifted his position, settling back against the pillows with her and placing his hand over her stomach.
“I missed you,” she whispered.
“I missed you too. Both of you.”
He bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to her stomach, and then they were kissing, desperate and hungry for the taste of each other. He covered her like a living blanket, and she was filled with him—his scent, his taste, and then, finally, the heavy warmth of his kotra as he slid into her aching channel and brought them both to a shuddering climax.
Afterwards, she lay cradled in his arms, her head pillowed on his broad chest.
“I have to go,” he said reluctantly.
She wanted to protest, to demand he stay with her, but she knew he needed to prepare.
“I know. But hurry back.”
“Always,” he promised, and slipped out of bed.
She was sure she wouldn’t be able to sleep but between the pregnancy induced exhaustion and the lingering satisfaction of their lovemaking, her eyes drifted closed. As sleep claimed her, her last thought was not of fear for the coming battle, but of hope for the future. A future where she and Rhaal would raise theirchild surrounded by a clan that had finally welcomed them both home.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Rhaal crouched at the edge of the ridge, the frigid wind ruffling his white fur. Below, nestled against the mountainside, the hidden entrance to the lab was barely visible—a testament to the offworlders’ skill at concealment. His claws dug into the snow as he sketched a crude map, outlining the internal layout he had memorized during his reconnaissance.
“The main lab is here,” he growled, carving a deep circle in the snow. “Three chambers extending outward, like this.” His claw sliced through the pristine white surface, creating a rough floor plan. “They have taken samples from our sacred waters, our plants, our fish. They seek the source of sothiti.”
Around him, a dozen warriors huddled in the gathering twilight. Their massive forms, nearly invisible against the snow, were unnaturally still. Only their glowing eyes betrayed their presence, burning with cold fury in the deepening shadows.
Njkall stood directly across from him and Broc was at his right hand, his face a mask of stone, his grip on his staff white-knuckled with tension.
“How many?” Njkall asked, his deep voice barely audible above the wind.
“Twelve scientists. Five guards with energy weapons.” Rhaal’s lips curled back from his fangs. “They are soft. Unprepared. They believe their technology makes them untouchable.”
A low, collective growl rumbled from the assembled warriors. These offworlders had not just invaded their territory—they had desecrated their most sacred ground, polluted their waters, and threatened their most valuable resource. Worse, they had defiled the resting place of their dead.
