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“I’m a girl, it’s my prerogative to be contrary.”

“Is that the secret to females?” Ash asked soberly, a cheeky grin splitting his face a moment later.

“Yes, but don’t tell anyone I told you.” She made a motion of zipping her lips.

“You have my solemn oath that I will not reveal the secret of all female kind.” He bowed low, still wearing the amused expression that made his dark eyes light up. It was truly captivating. “Come on.”

Ash hefted the creepy bag and slung her waterlogged, designer knock-off purse over his shoulder.

“I can carry that,” she offered, repressing a snort seeing the big man carrying her purse.

“I got it. It is a very convenient little bag.” He shrugged as they headed for the river.

I’ve started a trend, she giggled, imagining a race of giant alien men carrying purses.

Ashtoret de Origa

Ashtoret tried to keep the concern from his face as Abby swam beside him. He hated bringing her along, not knowing what likely awaited when they reached his cruiser. His mission was to protect the humans and get home safely. But now his purpose had shifted to include finding Vintor and protecting Abby. The way her own people were so cavalier about mounting an attack on her home infuriated him.

She might also need protecting from you. He shook his head.

It was shameful the way he threw himself at her on the island. He hadn’t given it a second thought when he silenced her with his lips. He should’ve known better than to act that way with a vulnerable female.

Dishonorable. What is your problem?

Something about Abby drew him in and he couldn’t seem to help himself. The way she responded to his kiss, her lush body leaning into him was irresistible. Who knows how far he would’ve taken things if the sudden disturbing need to bite her hadn’t struck him in the gut. It was almost like Abby was his…

No. Couldn’t be. He dismissed the notion.

A large pod of creatures sluggishly swimming in the muddy water captured his attention. They had gray fat bodies, with two flippers instead of forelegs, and a single broad flipper for a tail. Their bulbous noses were whiskered, and they had two small solemn eyes. They didn’t appear dangerous but looks could be deceiving.

“Peanut, what are those beasts?” He paused and pointed.

“Oh, they’re manatees.” Abby tread water beside him.

“Benign?”

“Yeah. We also call them sea cows. They’re harmless. Fun fact; you’d think the gators would feed on the manatees since they’re a slow-moving feast, but they usually leave the adults alone.”

He watched as one of the sea cows lazily munched on a bit of river grass, glad to have his theory about their temperament confirmed. A large group of such massive beasts suddenly springing to attack would’ve been bad. They were getting close to their goal, and the disturbance would’ve undoubtedly drawn attention. A thought occurred to him as he processed what she said.

“Stay here with these sea cows. If what you say is true it will be safer than coming with me. Keep an eye out for a flicker in the sky, it’ll be my vessel. I’ll skim the water and pick you up.”

“Are you sure? What if the Spec-ops are still there?”

“If I’m not back by the time the sun reaches its zenith, you head for dry land. Hide if anyone else passes.”

Abby didn’t like his plan, based on the way her brow furrowed. He didn’t like it either, but this was the safest option he could conceive of. He passed Abby their bags. She used the snakeskin tube like a floatation device.

“Take my knife. Caution, it’s very sharp.”

“I’ve seen.” Abby nodded to the snakeskin wearing a grimace as she took the blade.

He started swimming toward one of the sea cows at the edge of the pod to enact the second part of his plan.

“Ash,” Abby said, concern lacing her voice.

“Yes.”