Page 9 of Warrin
An alarm suddenly blared, and he drew her close to his side as he turned to face the main console.He peered at the largest screen, which was covered by symbols she didn’t recognize, and issued what sounded like a curse in his native tongue.
“What is it?”
“The boundaries of the nearest blockade just changed, and there are several areas of combat that are also getting too close.I need to move theRennshato a safer, more hidden location.”He pressed a button, and the alarm ceased blaring.Then he turned her in his arms and gave her a comforting look.“Please don’t be afraid.I will keep you safe, little sarr’ahh.I promise.”
His words filled her with relief—initially—but then she glanced out the viewport, and her stomach flipped.Black smoke darkened the horizon, and dozens of rebel crafts now hovered in the sky.
“I suspect the U.S.military is using the aerial blockade to trap as many rebel crafts as they can in the area.It would make sense, since there’s more rebel activity in Tennessee than in most other states in your country.”
“When you say aerial blockade… do you mean a massive force field that will prevent all aircraft from leaving or entering the area?”she asked with a sinking feeling.
“Yes, though the forcefield’s boundaries extend to the ground, so land vehicles can’t enter or leave either, nor can any armies invade on foot.”
Her thoughts went to Rory.She really hoped her friend was safe.She reached into her pocket for her phone, only to realize she’d left it in the bathroom.
She peered out the viewport, as though expecting to see the blockade, but she didn’t see the telltale shimmer of a forcefield.She’d heard about such blockades on the news, though she’d never imagined one would happen so close to Oakdale.Furthermore, she’d had no idea there was a high concentration of rebels in Tennessee, and she was starting to doubt the accuracy of the government-controlled newsfeeds.She supposed she was lucky she’d made it as far as Grantville before getting trapped by the fighting.
Warrin guided her into the co-pilot’s seat, then he sat behind the main navigation console, and his hands once again flew over the controls.Awe filled her as she watched him work.A short while later, theRennshaturned, facing away from the smoke-blackened horizon.
They traveled for several minutes, passing over small, war-torn towns and roads filled with abandoned solar cars.She also spotted refugee camps and farms that had been razed to the ground.The more she saw, the more certain she was that the U.S.government was trying to conceal the full extent of the unrest affecting the country.
“I-I had no idea,” she said as she continued gazing out the viewport.“I didn’t know it was this bad.The town I lived in a little farther east—Oakdale—was mostly peaceful.”
“Why did you leave Oakdale?”Warrin asked in a thoughtful tone as he shot her a concerned look.“Why were you on a road trip with all your belongings in your solar car?”
“It’s kind of a long story,” she said.“An embarrassing one too.”
What would he think if she told him she was a wanted criminal?Never mind that she wasn’t guilty…
What would he think if she told him about her failed relationship with Tobias, as well as his betrayal?Logically, she knew she hadn’t done anything to deserve her former fiancé’s cruel treatment.But that didn’t mean she didn’t experience moments when she worried there was something wrong with her—some horrible personality defect that had repulsed Tobias and prompted him to break her heart.
“Perhaps after I finish navigating theRennshato a safe location, we can retire to my quarters for a meal, and you can tell me about how you ended up in Grantville.”The glimmer of concern didn’t leave his eyes, and she couldn’t help but feel touched by the gentle way he was asking about her situation.
“Okay, it’s a deal,” she said.
He guided theRennshato a rock formation on a small mountain, then landed the ship between the massive rocks.It was such a close fit that the rock they were facing rested only inches away from the viewport.He issued a verbal command to the computer, but he spoke in Vaxxlian, and she wasn’t certain what he said.But a second later, a faint blue shimmer flashed outside the viewport.
“An invisibility shield,” he explained.He reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers.
Heat sparked between them, a rush of sensation that traveled up her arm to every nerve ending in her body.Goosebumps rose on her flesh, and she felt simultaneous flashes of hot and cold.
“How long do you think we’ll have to stay here?”she asked, and her voice came out high and breathless.
“As long as we must.As I’ve already explained, I refuse to risk your safety.”His deep voice rumbled straight through her, and his green eyes glowed brighter.
Spinning his seat toward her, he leaned closer until their faces were perhaps two inches apart.Her heart stammered when she realized his intent—he wanted to kiss her.Still holding her hand, he reached for her face with his free hand, cupping her cheek as he continued holding her gaze.He rarely blinked, and she found it difficult to keep looking at him, yet even more difficult to look away.
So, she stared back at him, waiting…
Wanting.
The woodsy, masculine scent that clung to him filled her senses, and the heated pulses between her thighs came faster.She felt on the verge of whimpering, or moaning, and it was a struggle to remain silent.It was also a struggle not to squirm around to alleviate the achiness in her core that was almost becoming unbearable.If he didn’t kiss her soon—and touch her—she would burn up with longing.
At last, he pressed his lips to hers.The whimper that had been building in her throat instantly escaped, and she found herself melting into him, parting her lips to allow his tongue to sweep along hers.He shifted even closer and cupped her face in both hands as he continued kissing her.
Then his tongue started vibrating against hers, and she couldn’t restrain another whimper.Oh, God.She’d had no idea Vaxxlians’ tongues could vibrate.She wondered if it was an automatic response to his arousal, or if he could make it vibrate at will.
Her thoughts scattered as he deepened the kiss.His tongue vibrated faster, and a low growl also emanated from his throat.Not breaking the kiss, he lifted her and settled her on his lap.
