Page 12 of Devil’s Night (Vinduthi Captured Mates #7)
SARGON
W e emerged into a dimly lit room that reeked of stale smoke and spilled liquor. My senses went on high alert, scanning every corner for potential threats as I pulled Nicole closer to my side.
It was a cheap hotel room, the kind of place you’d never want to spend the night unless you had no other choice. Tattered curtains hung askew, the bedsheets were stained, and there were suspicious dark splatters on the walls I didn’t inspect too closely.
I spotted a faded, threadbare cloak hanging on a rusted hook and swiftly grabbed it, wrapping it around Nicole’s slender form. Her wide hazel eyes met mine, full of questions, but I just shook my head and motioned for her to stay close.
Keeping one hand on the knife sheathed at my hip, I led her out onto the balcony overlooking the street below. The reddish evening sunlight filtered through the smog, setting the chaotic scene on fire.
A cacophony of sounds and smells assaulted my enhanced senses - the blaring of vehicle alarms, the sizzle of exotic street foods cooking, the acrid stench of exhaust fumes mixed with the sweet aroma of spices. Vendors hawked their wares in a multitude of languages. I glanced down at her as a thought struck me. I could understand, but Nicole couldn’t decipher a single word.
A translator patch needed to be high on my shopping list.
We made our way downstairs, Nicole sticking so close that I could feel the warmth of her body against mine. At the front desk, a hulking Krolian stood behind the counter, his four beady black eyes fixed on us with obvious suspicion.
“What business do you have here, Vinduthi?” the Krolian spat.
I moved to stand slightly in front of Nicole, shielding her from the Krolian’s leering gaze. She couldn’t understand the exchange, but the hostile undertone was clear even to her. I felt a surge of protectiveness, my instincts roaring to life at the mere thought of her being threatened.
“Just passing through,” I replied curtly, meeting the alien’s glare without flinching. “We’ll be out of your establishment soon enough.”
The Krolian snorted, his fleshy nostrils flaring as he took in Nicole’s scent. “The human female smells ripe. I could offer a fair price if you’re looking to trade.”
A low growl built in my chest as my fingers twitched, longing to close around the insolent creature’s throat. How dare he make such a crude insinuation about Nicole? She was no common commodity to be bought and sold.
Before I could unleash the torrent of blistering threats on my lips, Nicole tugged at my sleeve, her touch like a soothing balm against the fury burning through me. I forced myself to turn away, pulling her along as we exited out into the bustling street.
The midday sun blazed down with searing ferocity, as if focused through a magnifying lens. I blinked against the harsh glare, my eyes better adapted to low light, while Nicole squinted and shielded her face.
All around us, a swarm of beings milled about - seven-foot-tall, fur-covered Hirvath lumbering on reverse-jointed legs; slender, elegant Alauri with their iridescent carapaces shimmering in the sunlight; hulking Gorathi covered in thick scales and bony protrusions. The sheer variety of colors, shapes and forms was dizzying.
Nicole’s grip on my arm tightened as she pressed closer, no doubt feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable amidst this strange new world. I allowed myself a covert glance at her face, unable to resist drinking in her features - those delicate cheekbones, the pert nose lightly dusted with freckles, the full lips parted in awe.
“We need to find somewhere secure to lay low for a while,” I murmured, mostly to myself. Too many potential threats out in the open like this.
“What about that last place?” she asked, tilting her head up to look at me with wide, trusting eyes. “Couldn’t we just stay there?”
I shook my head grimly. “That hovel? If Doar has an alarm telling him that anyone has emerged from the time trap, that will be the first place he checks.”
She considered for a moment, worrying her full lower lip with her teeth. “But if we stayed there, maybe you’d have a better chance of catching him? Taking him by surprise?”
Perspicacious little human. But her safety was my prime concern, eclipsing any desire for vengeance against Doar. I fixed her with an intense look, allowing some of the steel in my voice to slip through.
“Forget about Doar for now. Getting you someplace secure is my only priority.”
She didn’t argue, simply giving a small nod of acceptance. Good - she was wise enough not to question me on this.
I turned and began leading her down a side street, scanning for the telltale green-glass dome I knew marked the Rulion embassy’s attached inn. Surely they would have adequate security and discretion to keep Nicole sheltered until I could formulate a plan.
Soon enough, the gleaming structure came into view, the sun’s rays refracting through the curved glass in dazzling patterns. I pressed my thumb against the DNA reader at the entrance and stated my identity code in a low rumble.
“Vinduthi bounty hunter Khor and human companion. Requesting private quarters.”
The computer chimed in acknowledgment, and the front doors slid open with a soft hiss. I gestured for Nicole to precede me inside.
As we stepped through the lobby, her head swiveled this way and that, trying to take in every sight. I couldn’t help but smile faintly at her wide-eyed wonder. To her, everything must seem so bizarre and strange, but to me it was utterly mundane.
I took her hand, savoring her soft skin against my calloused palm, and led her to the guest quarters. Our room was spacious yet spartan, with smooth white walls and minimalist furnishings. But what caught Nicole’s attention were the various amenities.
She drifted over to the food dispensers, studying the controls with rapt fascination. “Is this a replicator? Like from Star Trek?”
“I don’t know that reference,” I admitted. “But yes, it can materialize any food or beverage you desire by rearranging the molecular structure of the base matter.”
Nicole let out a soft laugh of delight, shaking her head in disbelief. Then her gaze landed on the transparent aluminum window offering a panoramic view of the cityscape beyond. Slowly, almost reverently, she reached out to trace her fingertips along the seamless pane.
“It’s beautiful, “ she breathed. “Like something out of a dream.”
I said nothing, content just to watch the play of emotions flickering across her lovely features. She was like a child experiencing true wonder, her sense of awe and excitement utterly captivating.
After exploring every facet of the room, she made her way to the open doorway of the bathroom, peeking inside. A look of pure bliss crossed her face as she took in the gleaming, state-of-the-art facilities.
“Oh, a real shower…” Nicole’s shoulders slumped with relief. “I would kill for a chance to get cleaned up after tramping around in that dusty old house.”
She turned toward me then, catching my gaze through her thick fan of lashes as she wet her lips. “Would you care to join me?”