Awakening (Earth Evolution Series Book 4) (8 page)

Chapter 12

They held each other, taking comfort in being together. She had her head on his shoulder and he marveled at how perfectly they fit together. She really was everything to him and he wanted to make sure she knew that.

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there when you found out about your past.”

She snuggled closer to his shoulder. “It was disappointing but not surprising. I guess all the dreams I had of other children in beds were from the orphanages I was raised in. My mother abandoned me and I had not been adopted. It makes sense to me now why I had been so standoffish with others, distrustful of them. I knew something was off inside me, like I was missing something.”

He couldn’t let her think less of herself. He turned them on their sides and lifted up on his elbow to look into her striking eyes. “That is just your origins, beautiful. It is not who you are and it does not show what you can do.”

“What am I?”

“You are a survivor of a horrific, catastrophic event. A hero for risking your life to warm strangers that they were in danger. A caring person who worries that others like herself will be left and forgotten. You are a beautiful young woman who is stronger and braver than many of the warriors I know. Above all that, you are the only woman besides my mother I have ever let into my heart and you have the power to crush me if you choose to.”

She cupped his cheek. “Why would I ever want to hurt you? You are my life, Quinn, my everything.”

“As you are mine.” He sighed, knowing that what he had to tell her was not going to be easy. “I need to tell you something important. My uncle did give me an assignment, and it’s one that I can’t turn down.”

Her face paled but she nodded. “I don’t want to hold you back. When do you leave?”

“The thing is I may not have to leave the command ship at all. I am going to be going undercover to try to infiltrate the meeting of those Drastan traitors to my uncle’s command. I am to try to find out the identity of as many members of that group as I can.”

“Will it be terribly dangerous?” She looked very concerned for him. He kissed her lips again to reassure her.

“I will be careful but, yes, it could be dangerous. The hardest part, though, is what I’m about to ask of you.”

She suddenly sat up. “What do you need me to do?”

Quinn went over his plans with her, listening to her concerns, questions, and suggestions. His Lihali had experience getting into places unseen and her insights were spot on. They made love a few more times and slept a few hours before they had to part ways. She needed to get back to her quarters before the shift change for Tagar happened. He only hoped it went well.

*****

The next morning

Squirrel took a deep breath and opened the door to her quarters. Lt. Sage was standing outside guarding her door. He had taken over at shift change for Tagar. “Good morning.”

The man just nodded at her. He wasn’t a talker like Tagar, which was fine by her. It took time for her to warm up to people anyway. This guy’s silence made her feel uncomfortable for some reason.

“I’m supposed to meet my friends at the cafeteria on level four. I’m not sure I’ve been there before.”

He motioned for her to go ahead of him as he directed her down the corridor. They took the lift to the fourth level. When she got off, she caught sight of Lily and Jared standing at the entrance of the cafeteria. Several people were out in the wide corridor socializing. That’s when she spotted Quinn. She knew what was coming but she still hadn’t been prepared for it.

Quinn was walking close to a Drastan woman and she was laughing at something he said. She took a deep breath and approached him. “Where have you been?”

Quinn stopped to roll his eyes at her. “Busy.”

“I thought we were going to work on our relationship.”

He snorted and made sure he was loud enough for everyone in the corridor to hear. “You can work on it. I’ve got better things to do.” He started to walk past her and she grabbed his arm.

“I thought you cared about me.”

He sneered at her as he yanked his arm from her. “You Earth people are so clingy. I don’t know how my cousins could stand to be mated to one of you. We never should have come to this horrible planet. Your people self-destructed and have done nothing but give us shit since we came to help. We don’t owe you anything.”

The woman with Quinn moved to stand next to him and rubbed her hand over his chest. “Come on, Quinn, don’t waste any more of your time on this—person.”

Squirrel stood there watching the man she loved walk away. She should have known what was going to happen; they discussed it last night in detail. The reality of playing this little charade out in public hit her hard. It almost felt real. She was touching her heart and breathing hard, fighting the tears that threatened to spill.

“Squirrel, are you okay?” Lily was next to her, gently patting her back.

She hadn’t seen or heard the other woman move toward her. “I need to go.” She turned to head back to the lift. She got inside and looked up in surprise. Lily and Jared had followed her.

Jared moved to one side of her and Lily was on her other side. The security guard was standing in front of them. Lily leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“Squirrel, he didn’t mean that.”

She nodded but didn’t say anything in case the guard was listening. Lily was rubbing her upper back in comfort, but she couldn’t find comfort.

The words he used were supposed to sound like what the Drastan traitors would say so he could catch their attention, but they sounded like they had truth to them.

Humans did self-destruct and almost destroyed their own planet. The humans, especially the rebels, had done nothing but protest and fight against the Drastans being there. Drastans didn’t owe humans anything. She wouldn’t blame Commander Devlon if he decided to pull the fleet out and leave the humans to finish off the job they started when the nukes were released. Her biggest concern was over whether she had been too clingy to him. Did he really see her that way and was too afraid to tell her?

“Come, we’re going to take you back to your quarters and order you some food.” Jared took her elbow and led her off the lift.

Squirrel walked in a daze, letting herself be led. She felt so many different emotions and doubt was keeping her from being able to clear her head. Once they were alone in her quarters, Lily gave her a hug.

“Oh, honey, he didn’t mean it. You know that. It wasn’t real.”

“It sounded real. It, it felt real.”

Jared wrapped his arms around both women. “It wasn’t real but he needed it to sound real for others who were listening.”

“I know. He, he told me he would say things but I guess I wasn’t as prepared to hear him actually say them.”

Jared let them go and pulled something out of his coat pocket. “He gave this to me a few hours ago and wanted me to give it to you.”

Lily released her and stepped back so that Squirrel could see what was in his hand—a small box and a letter. “What is it?”

“I did not read the letter. I’m going to leave you and Lily to go get some food. Our Thomas is taking lessons right now but gets out early for lunch. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll go see what you have in the kitchen. I know you need more groceries,” Lily told her before leaving her some privacy.

She sat on the couch and opened the letter first. It was handwritten, letter, which seemed so old-fashioned and human. He had taken the time to write to her.

“My Lihali, I know this is hard on you. It is hard on me as well. Every moment away from you is pure torture. What I have to say and do to complete my assignment is more difficult than words can say. Please don’t let any of my words today hurt you. What I do now is to protect you and all the other humans and strengthen my uncle’s command over the fleet. It’s vital that I do this and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support. Take this small token from me and hold it to your heart. Every time you have doubts or feel pain from our separation, touch this and know you have my heart. I belong to you as you belong to me, my Lihali. I love you with all my heart and soul. Yours always Quinn.”

Tears were streaming down her cheeks. What Quinn wrote was so touching, and exactly what she needed to hear. She took the small black box and opened it slowly. Inside was a small round blue stone. It had a small hole on the end and a chain had been attached. She held it up by the chain, marveling at it.

“What kind of stone is that?”

“It’s a type of quartz. The, the closest we have on Earth is called a Dumortierite Quartz. Isn’t it lovely?” Lily came over to help her fit the chain over her head. The stone rested between Squirrel’s breasts.

“It’s gorgeous. I love it but where did he get it?”

Lily smiled as she sat next to her. “Quinn wanted to bring a piece of Drasta with him so he took a few of these stones that come from their mining caves. Can you imagine caves that have these stones growing naturally from the roofs and walls? I can’t wait to see it myself.”

“He has more than one of these? They must be worth a fortune.”

Lily nodded. “He has a few smaller pieces that Jared is making me an engagement ring out of, and Maggie and Rachel also want some of them. Quinn is also making you a few other pieces.”

“I’ve never owned anything like this.”

“He wanted to give you a piece of his home. He loves you.”

“I love him, too, but what can I give him? I have no money, no job, and no priceless stones.”

“You give him your trust, your love, and your heart every day. When you are both ready, you can also give him a child. Quinn will make a wonderful father.”

“I know. I can’t wait.”

Chapter 13

Quinn ran his hand through his hair in frustration. There had been real hurt in his Lihali’s eyes. He regretted the things he’d said as soon as he saw her expression. Did she believe he truly felt that way? He needed to go to her, make sure she was okay. He made it halfway to the door before a female—Lt. Nix Saber—stepped in front of him.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Nix asked.

“I need to check on her.”

“You told her about the plan, right?”

“I did but I didn’t realize the effect those words would have on her. Our relationship is still very new and she’s suffered so much.”

“Are humans so weak that they can’t handle few hard words?”

“You’re just cold, Nix,” a man said from the corner of the room. It was the human male—Corey Nash—from Maggie’s tribe. He had been training on board the command ship for months. He was nearly unrecognizable from when Quinn first met him. Before, he was pale and underweight. Now he was healthy and had added muscle. He wasn’t as tall as a Drastan warrior but he was still tall and looked like a warrior. Nix had been overseeing his training and from personal experience Quinn knew she could be brutal.

“Did I tell you that you could speak, human?” She glared over at Corey. Quinn flinched at the tone she used. He felt sorry for the poor human because even though Nix was one of the most beautiful females he had ever met, she was the toughest warrior they had, which was why she was given the responsibility of training new warriors. The human didn’t back down, though.

“I’m not on duty right now, so I can speak to whomever I please.”

“You’re such a pain in my ass!”

Corey gave her a wink. “I’m happy to get in that ass any way I can.”

Quinn had to hold back his laughter. Nix’s face turned red and she sputtered before she turned to storm out of the room. He released his laughter and gulped some air. “Careful, Nash. She’s got a mean streak and she believes in revenge when a man does her wrong.”

Nash stopped smiling and looked at Quinn, assessing him. “Who has done her wrong and how do you know so much about her?”

“I’ve been on tour for a few years. We’ve trained together many times.”

“Have you ever been in a relationship with her?”

“We’ve shared sex but only to ease the loneliness. Years in deep space can make a person feel a soul-deep loneliness. We helped each other through it. I consider her a friend, which is why when my uncle suggested adding a female Drastan to the scene we played, I knew Nix would be the perfect person. I trust her with my life.”

“How many men has she been with on board the command ship?”

Quinn narrowed his eyes at the human. “Why are you so interested in Nix? I won’t have you play with her feelings. She is a strong female and one of the best warriors we have, but she still has feelings and I won’t stand for anyone to play her.”

“That’s mine and Nix’s business. I can appreciate you looking out for her. Let me give you a little bit of advice since I know human women. Whatever you shared with Nix, don’t tell your woman about it. Our females can be quite jealous about other females having been with their men and still working side by side.”

“I think that would apply to all females of any species. Make sure your intentions for Nix are good, or I’ll make your life a living hell.”

They stared at each other, neither backing down. Nix came back in the room and ignored Corey. “Your uncle is ready for you. Make it good.”

Quinn nodded at her. He had to go fake a fight with his uncle in front of some of the warriors. Their goal was to get the rumors flying that there was dissension among the ranks and especially among the Estros. The idea of snagging an Estro to support their cause would be too tempting for the traitors to pass by.

He followed Nix out of the room and traveled down the corridor to his uncle’s office. Warriors turned to look at him as he passed, and some stopped to watch. He didn’t bother to close the door to the office but left it open so that those in the corridor would hear what was said.

Quinn looked at his cousins briefly before focusing on his uncle. He stopped in front of his desk without saluting. “I heard you wanted me to come by. This is my day off so make it quick.”

His uncle raised an eyebrow. “Take a seat, Lieutenant.”

“I would rather stand.” Quinn crossed his arms over his chest.

“What has come over you? Your cousins tell me that you made a scene this morning with the human woman and hurt her. You were asked to come in for a shift and you refused. Now you are showing your superior attitude.”

“Why not show you attitude? You’ve brought the fleet to a worthless planet with inhabitants that care so little for themselves and their planet they almost destroyed everything. These humans are ungrateful and have done nothing but attack us. We need to leave them to deal with their own mess!”

“Lieutenant, you are out of line!”

“You’re not fit to command this fleet!”

“You are dismissed from duty until further notice! Go to your quarters and stay there or I’ll have you secured!”

Quinn picked up a chair and flung it across the room. It hit the wall and splintered into pieces. He turned and stormed out of the office. People jumped out of his way as he walked down the corridor to the lift. He didn’t look but he could hear whisperings. If that didn’t get these traitors’ attention, he didn’t know what would. Now they had to sit back and wait.

*****

“What do you think? Will they buy it?” Devlon asked Liam and Kyle. They had closed the office door after Quinn stormed out.

Liam nodded. “That’s what the entire crew is discussing right now. They are seriously questioning Quinn’s loyalty and are probably questioning whether you’ve made the right decision to come to Earth.”

“Was that wise? We don't want more people to join the ranks of these traitors,” Kyle questioned.

“Better to test the loyalty of the rest of the crew and know who I can trust and who I can’t now than to have them turn on me later.” Devlon stood up and walked over to where pieces of the chair were lying on the floor. “I really liked that chair.”

Liam chuckled. “Quinn is very dramatic. He and Kyle used to play battle of the commanders and they would get quite loud about it.”

Kyle smiled. “Quinn won most of the time because he always went over the top with everything.”

Devlon smiled, remembering Quinn’s mother telling him about the misadventures that Kyle and Quinn got into. He was so proud of the type of male that Quinn had grown up to be. Devlon loved him as another son and had promised his brother he would look after Quinn and his mother. He didn’t like the idea that Quinn was putting himself right in the middle of danger and it was Devlon’s idea. He would have to do everything in his power to keep Quinn and his sons and their mates safe. He would not lose anyone else if he could help it.

*****

Quinn went back to his quarters and shut the door. He sighed with relief then chuckled. He didn’t know why he chose to throw that chair but the expression on his uncle and cousins’ faces was priceless.

He caught sight of a container on his table and the smell of delicious food came to him. He smiled at how his cousins’ mates were always worried that he wasn’t eating enough. He shook his head and walked over to the dish. When he removed the top he noticed there was a piece of paper sticking out from underneath the dish. He pulled it out and opened it. Warmth filled his heart at seeing it was from his Lihali.

“My love. Thank you for your letter and for the beautiful necklace. I am never taking it off and will proudly wear it close to my heart. I wish I had something to give to you but I have nothing but my own heart to give and it is yours. Please be safe and know that I love you with every breath I take. Yours forever…your Lihali.”

Quinn closed his eyes and let her words sink into his heart. He needed to hear from her so badly. He wished he could see her, hold her, taste her sweet body. She was everything he ever hoped for in a mate, more so.

Once this mission was over, he would shower her with all the gifts and love that she deserved. Not to mention he would have her in his bed and not let her leave for days.

He took the note and went to bed, placing it under the pillow next to his. He couldn’t wait to have her next to him every night for the rest of their days.