Page 44

Abby

Almost there. Almost there, Abby chanted as Ash ran toward the teardrop-shaped spaceship. The helicopters were nearly overhead.

“You’ve got impeccable timing, Aculus,” Ash grunted as he pounded up the ramp of the silver craft.

She sighed in relief when they crossed the threshold. The doors instantly slid shut behind them.

“I do, indeed. It looks like you have one female too many, Ashtoret,” Aculus chuckled as he tapped a panel on the wall.

The man had a communicator similar to Ash’s, making it possible for her to understand him, except that wasn’t what drew her attention. Aculus wasn’t Cadi at all. He was a daunting new species, covered from head to toe in armored plates, forming an exoskeleton. Knotty ridges flanked his forearms and calves. They were also in place of eyebrows, haloing shocking red eyes, extending over his bony head.

Her eyes widened when the armored man reached for her.

“I don’t think so,” Ash growled and turned away.

“Very well, I’ll assist the other ivory beauty.” Aculus extricated Hope from Ash’s grasp.

“Abby!” Hope screeched as the bony giant cradled her.

“Hey! What are you doing with my sister? Ash?”

“Slow down, Aculus. Abby’s sister just learned about us. She’s scared and injured. Relax, Peanut. Everything is all right now. I promise.”

“Ah. I see. This must be very disturbing for you. I am very sorry. There is no need to tremble. I would never dare harm such a fine-boned creature. Show me where you’re hurt.” Aculus put one armored finger under Hope’s chin and gently lifted her frightened, pale face. “Your tiny nose is bleeding. Come, I will fix you up.”

It was strange hearing such a harsh looking man croon at her sister.

“Abby?” Hope frantically looked at her.

“It’s okay. Aculus is Ash’s friend,” she encouraged. How good a friend he is, I have no idea, but he just saved our asses.

“Who is Ash?” Hope’s head swiveled toward Ash, her eyes wide as saucers.

“We be the cavalry, ma’am,” Aculus interjected.

Abby gawked at the bony behemoth.

“Providence and my dad say that!” Hope declared then grimaced as her nose started bleeding again.

“We’re friends with your sister, and by the way, you have the same lovely eyes,” Aculus complemented Hope.

“You really do know my sister.” Hope gaped at the armored man. Her chin quivered, and tears started streaming down her cheeks.

“Yes, and she is well. Please don’t do that, ivory beauty. It pains me. We will explain everything while I fix your little nose.” Aculus walked off carrying her sister.

“Uh, Ash. Is he okay?”

“He won’t hurt her, he likes females…all sorts of females.”

“Ash!” She slapped his chest, but the rotten beast just grinned. “You know what I promised earlier, you’re about to lose your privileges. That bony gladiator better not get handsy with my sister.” Aculus was more of a flirt than Ash was.

“That’s terribly disappointing. I guess I’ll have to settle for this tongue-lashing instead,” Ash chuckled as he followed the others.

“I heard that. What the hell have you two been doing?” Hope declared as Aculus set her in a bucket seat.

“Yes, explain slowly and in detail,” Aculus gave a hearty laugh as he fetched a box from a panel in the wall.

Hope snorted at the comment. “Ow.” She cringed again and held her nose.