Page 30 of Possessed By the Alien Guard
“Things fell apart with the Varool, and people are getting sick.”
“But—”
“I have six other posts to call,” he interrupted.Then he coughed for long seconds before choking out, “Be ready.”
I stared at the screen, Fin’s outpost a dim outline in the fading light.
This is it.The time has come.It’s time to make a decision, JJ.
But I’d already made it.
I ran for the door.
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The river crossingwas the scariest thing I’d ever chosen to do, the rocks slippery, the view difficult in the low light and rain.
Will he even be there?Will he actually choose me like I’ve chosen him?
I ignored the doubting voice and made my next jump.
One more leap, and my boots hit the graveled bank.My foot slipped out from under me, and I pitched forward.
A blur of movement, and strong arms caught me.
“Fin!”He came for me!I clung to the firm strength of him as joy bubbled in my veins, filling my chest with lightness and warmth.
“Come.We should get out of the rain.”He loosened my arms from around his neck and led the way uphill.
“Billy?”I asked.
“He awaits us in the cave.”
With Fin’s arm wrapped around my waist for stabilization, I made it to the cave in record time, almost running to keep up with his long strides.Wind gusts no longer jarred me, and even the rain seemed to strike my face with less force with him by my side.
He steered us easily, even in the lower light.Did the Varool have better eyesight?It wouldn’t surprise me.
We ducked into the front cave, lit by a small lamp Fin had brought, and the goat-lope bleated from the passageway.
“Just a minute, Billy!”I helped Fin roll a boulder until it blocked the cave entrance, though he did most of the work.Then he removed the one keeping Billy penned, and the small animal dashed over to me, his little hooves thumping on the ground.
I shook off the worst of the water and bent over to pet him, and he headbutted my hand, wanting more.
When I stood, Fin handed me the lamp and gestured for me to go into the inner cavern.Once inside, I set it down, and his hands found the top of my jumpsuit.“You are soaked.”
“Are you sure it’s that and not just an excuse to get me naked?”I grinned up at him.
The zipper parted with a metallic rasp, and Fin’s nostrils flared as his eyes grew heated.“I need no such excuse.You are my mate.”
“What does that mean?”I asked.
“The Divine Mother crafted you for me and me for you.”He placed my hand over the center of his chest.“You brought my zural heart to life.It beats for you and no other.”
Oh!Emotion clogged my throat.That was the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to me.
“But know this.”His intense green eyes caught mine.“Varool mate for life.Once we do this, there is no going back for me.”
