“Did they see us?”
His expression gives nothing else away and worry begins to claw at my gut. I can’t lose him—and my mom—when I’ve only just found them. “I’m not certain. I must speak with the other morts.”
“Are we almost there?” I ask.
He nods to the small bubble-like window next to the bed and says, “Look.”
6
Theron
I didn’t realize I missed home until it comes into view. For so long, I resented the fact I’d been trapped there. That’s what we were—trapped. I knew there was a big universe out there with other beings, but we were chained to this world. The Mayvina had her limits, and despite my best efforts, we couldn’t set out into the great unknown without a bigger ship.
But then Breccan sent Hadrian and me away.
To Exilium.
Half a world away.
It was thrilling to explore and meet others. But there’s an emptiness inside me. I miss my family. All the morts, their humans, and the little mortlings too. I even miss that rekking rogcow of Molly’s.
I would love nothing more than to take Willow into the Facility and show her my rooms. To introduce her to the other morts as mine. To witness the reunion with her mother and hold her delicate hand through it.
I don’t get what I want, though.
This is a mission, nothing more. Extract a doctor and bring him back for the sick. There will be a brief reunion, but it won’t be long enough for Willow. I know this. We may be a “space fling” as she’s started to reference our relationship, but I’ve already begun to think of her as mine. The very thought of another mort like Galen or Oz taking her to bed is maddening. I want to rip their rekking nogs off and they’ve done nothing. Knowing she won’t get the precious time with her mother she’s craved for so long makes me sick to my stomach.
One day, bright star.
One day I’ll give you your family back.
We must complete our mission first.
“It’s hidden in the side of the mountain like Exilium,” Willow observes. “To protect against the harsh climate?”
“Geostorms are devastating,” I agree. “We’re past the violent season, but in no time, they’ll be brewing again, harder than ever before.”
The ship deck is clear of debris or predators and I make my descent. Sayer comes onto the comms, directing me to a smooth landing. As soon as the ship is on her cozy little bed, I turn her off. Willow and I set to putting on our zu-gear over our minnasuits. She allows me to strap her in tightly so as not to expose her to the harmful R-levels that always pollute our world. Once her nog is protected and all I can see is her face behind a small plate of glass, I pat her shoulder, and then put on my protective gear.
“Ready?”
She nods but gnaws on her bottom lip. I wish we were naked so I could roll her beneath me and take her lip with my own teeth. Kiss away her doubts and worries.
“Let’s go,” I urge.
Her feet are securely planted to the ground. “I, uh, Theron…” She furrows her brows and her blue eyes water.
“What is it?” I ask, my voice dripping with concern. “Are you feeling unwell?” The thought of her coming down with The Rades now makes my stomach clench violently.
“I feel fine. It’s just…” Her bottom lip wobbles. “What if she doesn’t like me?”
My brow hikes up. “Molly doesn’t just like everyone, she loves them. You’re worried about Molly not liking you? She’s your mother, Willow. Mothers love their little ones even when they grow to be big. The heart doesn’t turn off when faced with distance and time.”
She surprises me by hugging me, which is awkward through our gear. “Thank you.”
“Now her mate,” I joke. “He’s the one who doesn’t like anyone. It’s okay, he’ll be too distracted by growling at me for even being near her to focus on you.”
Willow pulls away, fear flashing in her eyes. “Will he hurt me?”
An explosion of fierce protectiveness shatters through me. “I wouldn’t let him even get close.”
This settles her and she nods. “I…I mean, I can handle myself. Been doing it for years, but…”
Gripping her shoulders, I turn her around and face her toward the door. “Sometimes, Willow, it’s nice when someone can help carry that burden.”
She looks over her shoulder at me and smiles. “You’ve got my back?”
I squeeze her delicate body with my massive hands. “I’m right here.”
With a few mashes of the buttons, we exit the Mayvina and walk out into the harsh elements. A strong gust of wind nearly sends Willow toppling, but I manage to grab the back of her suit just in time.
“Thanks,” she mutters.
Keeping one hand on her back and the other loosely clutching my zonnoblaster at my belt, I guide her to the access door. I type in the sixteen digits and then we’re allowed entry with a loud hiss. Once inside the decontamination bay, I close the door behind us. This is as far as we’ll be allowed.