Page 36 of Bound

“For now,” I rasp. “May have to have further treatment later.”

She spins away from me with a laugh and pulls on the fresh clothing I obtained from the Zarvu, who seems to have an ability to procure anything.

We leave the accommodation behind and following the instructions I was given, we walk through the pleasant wide thoroughfares of Kal towards the transport hub.

“The water in the baths must have some excellent properties,” Chrissie says as we walk. “Usually my joints ache for half the day, but this morning I have hardly any pain.”

“Perhaps getting away from Tatatunga and crashing a space ship is what you needed,” I suggest.

Chrissie puts her hands on her hips. “I didn’t crash the ship, you did.”

“Let’s say it was a joint effort.” I grin and hold out my hand to her.

“I like the idea of being a bit destructive,” she says thoughtfully as we leave the room. “Makes a change from being sick.”

“Maybe you’re getting better?” I suggest, bringing her to a halt next to a stall selling hot joh and baked goods. I purchase both and put them in her hands. “Eat.”

Chrissie has a defiance flashing in her eyes, but just as I think I’m going to have to threaten a punishment, she takes a bite of the large bread twist and chews at me.

“Happy?”

“Always.”

“I don’t think I can get better,” she says as we continue walking. “Fenek had a medic look at me once, and he said the virus was permanently in my system.”

Something about her phrasing sets my feathers on edge.

“When we get back to Tatatunga, I’ll take you to the medics in the dome. They’re the best there is. They can tell us whether you still have the virus or not.”

“Okay,” Chrissie says, finishing up the food and licking her fingers.

An action which goes straight to my cocks, again. Something I’m sure she is well aware of, my naughty mate.

It’s early enough on a non-market day our presence is not causing the same level of interest as last night. I can’t imagine my sword, displayed between my wings helped much as the society here in Kal appears to eschew visible weaponry.

However, with fewer residents around, it means when I see the collection of armed Oykig, they stick out like a pikrat at a banquet. I grab hold of Chrissie and pull her into a nearby alley.

“What the…?” she exclaims, attempting to keep hold of her cup of joh without spilling it.

“I recognize those Oykig from the crash site. Although they don’t have any bots with them.” I keep my voice down, hoping she will follow suit.

“You do?” she says, quietly, peering around the corner at where I’ve indicated. “Are you sure? We saw Oykigs yesterday.”

“These ones are from Tatatunga. They have too much in the way of plasma weapons on them to be from Kal,” I respond. “And I can smell the dirt of the city on them.” I snort.

“Not just a pretty face then.” Chrissie smiles up at me.

My abdomen is flooded with relief she is not frightened by this turn of events.

“I need you to do exactly what I say.”

“If it involves you going to hack them to pieces while I wait here, I’m not going to do that,” Chrissie says in a hoarse whisper.

I open my mouth. She holds up a finger.

“Or if it means we separate, I’m not doing that either.” Chrissie puts her free hand on her hip in defiance.

Fierce little mate.

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