Page 39 of Warrior's Purpose

7 Truckstop

Abby

A ping awoke her. She blinked and roused as Ash sat up. He grabbed the communicator off the side table and swiped at the screen. An odd deep voice spoke rapidly. Ash’s face instantly lit up. For a moment she got excited, thinking it was Vintor, but the speaker sounded nothing like Ash, there were too many odd guttural clicks and rolled R’s.

“Aculus, I’ve been trying to reach you. We’ve got a problem. Vintor and your cruiser were taken by the human authorities.”

The character with the odd voice spoke and Ash’s face twisted into a scowl.

“I knew I had the cloaking shield up, but I was starting to doubt. I guess it’s a minor relief to know I didn’t cause this,” Ash sighed. She rubbed his back, feeling some of the tension dissipate. He had been carrying around a terrible burden. “The humans must have a technology we are unaware of surrounding their base. Our tracking signal went offline shortly after we landed,” he commented to her then returned his attention back to his fancy phone. “We must be far enough away from their stronghold now, if you’re reading me.”

Ash listened as his friend spoke and Abby tried to follow along, but it was a little difficult only understanding half the conversation.

“No, it was best the other teams stayed on your cruiser. It was a good call.” Ash nodded. “I need a pick-up. I’ve been evading the human warriors with Providence’s sister. Her father, our contact, was also apprehended.”

What Ash said suddenly struck her. He’s leaving. You knew this was coming. But she didn’t expect it to hurt so much.

“Later, my friend.” Ash smiled at whatever his friend said. “Right now, we need to find a way to retrieve Vintor, wherever the humans have hidden him,” he sobered speaking about his friend. “I’ll find an isolated spot and hail you.”

“I know of a place your friend might be able to land. There’s a campground not far from here, on Lake Poinsett. We can probably hitch a ride at the truck stop,” she offered.

“Did you hear that?” Ash asked his friend. “Good. Once you see my signal, come in and get me.” Ash nodded at whatever Aculus said as the communication cut off.

“I guess we better get ready,” she sighed.

This was a good thing. Ash was going to be safe soon. So why was she so miserable?

Cause you like him—a lot. She frowned. I never should have slept with him. Theirs was an impossible relationship. The amazing night they spent together just made the inevitable all that much harder to face.

Ash picked her up and carried her into the bathroom. She adjusted the shower and they both stepped in. She leaned against Ash’s back as he washed, kissing his tattooed shoulder blade. Her chest was incredibly tight as she fought back the threatening tears.

“You are quiet. Are you feeling okay?” Ash turned around and helped soap up her body.

“Yeah.”

“That was hardly convincing. Aculus will help. He’s a good male.”

Abby nodded. She smiled as Ash’s tail joined his hands, wrapping around her waist. The tip tickled at the seam of her pussy.

“Ash!” she exclaimed, unable to repress the giggle.

“What? I don’t control what it does.” He held up his hands in mock innocence.

“Uh huh. Rotten beast.” She batted his wayward tail away from her nether region.

He chuckled. The sound made her incredibly happy. Ash had the uncanny ability to turn her mood around in an instant.

So just enjoy this. It’s not goodbye, not yet. Don’t ruin what time you do have.

She committed to memory the way Ash’s hands felt on her body, and the texture of his skin as they finished bathing. It was amusing watching him wrangle his tail, forcing it into his pants. Maybe there was a grain of truth to him not being able to control it. She wondered what he usually wore, doubting it was a pair of khaki fatigues. He made silly faces while she covered his face with foundation to help him blend in. It seemed such a shame to cover his red skin. There was nothing wrong with it. Too soon they had their stuff gathered and were ready to go.

They were about to walk out the door when she glanced at the phone. After Ash’s friend picked him up, she’d need a ride. But that wasn’t the only thing that occurred to her as she considered calling Hope.

“I’m going to call my sister. She can meet us at the campground. Even though your friend is helping you, I still think contacting Frank is a good idea. I bet he has an idea where Vintor and my dad are, since his tracker isn’t working.”

She bit her lip, hoping Ash would agree to let her help him further. This way they’d still be working together. Although she wasn’t sure how she’d reach out to him with the information.

One thing at a time.

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