Page 35 of Solar Bound
"Dani," Poppy exclaimed, relief evident in her voice. "Thank goodness. Lunar said you need a doctor?"
"No. I just twisted my ankle," Dani downplayed, though she winced as she shifted her weight. "I'm more worried about Solar. Have you seen him?"
Poppy shook her head. "Not since the retreat. Lunar's been tracking energy signatures through the caves, but Milano's equipment is interfering."
She helped Dani squeeze through the narrow opening, supporting her as they emerged onto a sun-baked ledge high on the canyon wall.
“Here, give me that,” Poppy reached for the backpack.
“That’s their tech,” Dani said.
"What tech?" Poppy asked, steadying Dani as she stumbled.
"Rowan called Pete from the crystal shop to cause a distraction. Marvin, one of his alien enthusiast friends, managed to grab some items from the suite before Milano took over. Devices, something Lunar called an energy stone... I don't know what they do, but I figured they shouldn't fall into Milano's hands."
"Good thinking. Even seemingly innocuous alien tech could be dangerous if reverse-engineered," Poppy said, carrying the bag. "There’s a jeep hidden about a quarter mile from here. We need to get moving. Milano's got helicopters searching the area."
As if on cue, the distant thump of rotors echoed across the canyon.
Poppy helped her along a narrow path that hugged the cliff face. They reached a point where the path widened, allowing them to move more quickly despite Dani's injury. In the distance, a black helicopter swept low over the canyon rim.
"Down," Poppy hissed, pulling Dani behind a large boulder.
They pressed themselves against the warm stone as the helicopter passed overhead, its shadow sliding across the ground. She bit her lip, trying not to cry out at the pain the sudden jarring motion caused. After the helicopter moved on, Poppy led them through a maze of rock formations until they reached a dry wash where an old jeep was hidden under a natural overhang.
"Nice ride," Dani commented.
"It knows these canyons better than any Milano SUV," Poppy replied with a hint of pride. She helped Dani into the passenger seat, then checked her ankle. "This needs ice.”
She pulled a first aid kit from under the seat and found it empty. “Dammit. I forgot to restock.”
“It’ll be okay,” Dani said, rubbing her calf as if to soothe the pain in her ankle. "What's the plan?"
"I know a place about twenty miles into the backcountry. Off-grid cabin, no electricity, no cell service. Milano won't find us there." Poppy glanced toward the cave entrance they'd emerged from. "I told Lunar we’d go there once he finds the others."
"If he finds them," Dani said quietly, voicing the fear that had been growing since she'd lost sight of that golden glow in the cave.
Poppy gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "He'll find them. Lunar may seem cold, but he's incredibly determined. And Solar strikes me as the type who'd burn through a mountain to get back to someone he cares about."
The sentiment brought a lump to Dani's throat. She'd only known Solar for a short while, but the thought of losing him felt like having her heart torn out. It wasn't just the amazing alien sex or the novelty of dating someone from another planet. There was something about his directness, his intensity, the way he saw her fire manipulation as art rather than entertainment.
"I need to go back in," Dani decided. "I can't just leave him in there. I have to do something."
"You can barely walk," Poppy pointed out. "And Milano's combing every inch of these canyons. The best thing we can do is secure a safe location for when they get out."
Logic warred with emotion as Dani stared back at the cave entrance. Poppy was right, damn her. Going back in with a busted ankle would only endanger herself and potentially Solar if he had to rescue her.
"Fine," she relented. "But we need supplies. Food, water, first aid. If they're injured when they get out..."
"Can you ride?" Poppy asked.
“Ride?” Dani raised an eyebrow.
“Crotch-rocket.”
“Yeah, but…” She glanced around.
“Good. I’m taking you to the animal clinic. I’ll drop you off and come back here to get the others. You wrap that ankle, stock up on first aid and supplies, then meet back up with us. The staff motorcycle is around the back of the building. Take it.”
