Page 38 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
Logan was devastated, blaming himself over and over again for leaving behind the two women he loved most in the world. It took everything I had to get him to understand that no one could’ve predicted a heart attack, sudden and violent as it was.
I was shaken too. That woman was the closest thing to a mother figure I ever had, even if I only saw her a few days each year.
But what’s been occupying my thoughts the most... is Sam.
How is my little blonde sunshine holding up, all alone on Gekkaria?
Did she turn to Albert, the only family she has left there? That good-for-nothing is a walking disaster—toxic and bound to drag her down.
No, I picture her surrounded by those humanoid geckos she’s so fond of. They give her a safe haven, a peaceful space where she can feel grounded and free. But that bond also keeps her isolated from other humans, and I can’t help but wonder if that might stunt her connection to the rest of the galaxy.
Logan lands our two-seater on the clearing at the edge of Gekkar Creek.
“Go on,” he tells me. “I’ll finish the post-landing checks and catch up with you.”
“How about we switch? You go see your sister, and I’ll handle the procedures. I’ll catch up later.”
“So you can forget half of them? Not a chance! She can wait five more minutes. It’s not like she knows we’re coming anyway. And hey, let her know Jason and Xenon are right behind us.”
For the first time, our two friends are coming to Gekkaria—the place they’ve heard so much about. They’re mostly here to support Logan through his grief. Igor and Vlad were too far out to join, but their hearts are with us.
“Fine, I’m going ahead,” I grin. “Try not to fall asleep over your checklist!”
I descend the ramp and head up the main street toward Sam’s house.
God, I hope Logan doesn’t take too long.
Being alone with her stirs up all kinds of emotions—excitement and dread in equal measure.
The last time I saw her was last year, during Logan’s recovery.
And let’s face it, I was in worse shape than him after tangling with those damn ruminants.
Spending endless days near her, breathing in her scent, feeling her eyes burning into my back when she thought I wasn’t looking... That whole recovery period was anything but restful.
Logan used to tease me for being irritable, blaming the lack of action. If only he knew the real reason was the magnetic pull I felt toward his sister.
I’m just a few steps from the house when I hear it—her voice, crying out for help.
And not just any cry. Her voice.
I bolt toward the door and freeze at the sight inside.
Albert’s getting his ass handed to him by some brute while another guy’s got Sam pinned, a dark bruise blooming on her cheek.
“You’re gonna calm the hell down, or I swear you’ll regret it! Try that again and I’ll knock you out cold and carry your ass onto my ship!” the bastard snarls at her.
I’m going to kill him. Okay, not literally—I did take an oath to protect all life—but surely a few exceptions are allowed, right?
Logan won’t snitch.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t do that,” I say, voice colder than space itself.
They both turn to me.
The one restraining Sam sizes me up with caution.
“And who the hell are you supposed to be?” he snaps. “Back off if you know what’s good for you. It’s not your business.”
