Page 60 of Zinnia and the Zombie
Before they went to the shuttle that would take them to Faith and Athtar’s ship, Doren caught his arm.
“One last thing,” he said, turning serious. “The Grorn aren’t just collecting keys. They’re eliminating competition. Anyone who might reach the Vault first.” His eyes narrowed. “Watch your back on Kaisar. Not everyone in the Empire wants the Grorn stopped.”
He nodded, filing the warning away. “Good hunting, Doren va Korr.”
“Same to you, Zathix.”
The transfer toThe Dancing Ladywent smoothly. The vessel was smaller thanThe Vagabond, but it had a comfortable, home-like feel, and Faith escorted them to a cabin with a large bed and private facilities.
“This is perfect,” Zinnia said.
He left her with Faith and found his way to the bridge. Through the viewport, he could seeThe Vagabondpreparing to depart, its battered hull gleaming dully in the starlight.
“He’s a strange one,” Athtar observed, coming to stand beside him.
“Yes,” he agreed. “But not without honor, in his way.”
“Perhaps.” Athtar gestured to the navigation console. “We’ve laid in a course for Kaisar.”
He studied the star chart, committing the route to memory. Old habits died hard—always know your escape routes, his commander had taught him.
The Vagabond’sengines flared to life, and the ship pulled away, banking sharply before disappearing into the darkness of space.
“He won’t give up,” Faith said as the two women joined them. “He’ll go to the Maw alone if he has to.”
“Then I hope he finds what he’s looking for,” he said. “Before the Grorn find him.”
When they were alone in their cabin later, he showed Zinnia the data Doren had given him.
“A distress beacon?” she asked, studying the coordinates.
“A very old one. But the signature is distinctly Zathixian.”
“Your people?”
“Perhaps. It’s in a very remote part of the outer rim. It would take weeks to reach from Kaisar.” He closed the display. “But it’s something to investigate. After we’ve spoken with the Emperor.”
She nodded, then hesitated. “Do you regret not going with Doren? To the Vault?”
He thought about it. Part of him was curious about the Vault, about what power it might contain, and part of him wanted to face the Grorn directly, to avenge his fallen crew.
But then he looked at Zinnia, and the answer was clear.
“No,” he said simply. “His path is too dangerous. Too uncertain.” He took her hand. “I want a future with you. A real one. Not a desperate gamble.”
“Me too.” She gave him the seductive smile that never failed to make his mating organ store. “Now weren’t we about to celebrate our escape before we were so rudely interrupted?”
He laughed and carried her to the bed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The stars streaked past the viewport in hypnotic ribbons of light as Zinnia curled into the window seat of their cabin.
“What are you thinking?” Jaxx asked as he came to join her, his golden skin warm in the dim cabin light.
She smiled, leaning against his solid shoulder. “I’m just wondering what the future holds.”
“Are you worried about it?”
