Page 31 of Warrior's Purpose

Abby dug into the fried sticks, drowning them in the red sauce. She moaned and closed her eyes in appreciation. He sat back and watched her eat. It was so silly, but the simple act filled him with satisfaction. When she had a few, she pushed the plate back toward him.

“No, you need to eat more, Peanut,” he rumbled. Abby was way too small to go without food for so long, despite what nonsense she spouted.

“I will.”

Abby held a bite up to his mouth, tempting him. He opened and took the offering. Before her hand could retreat, his tongue swiped at the tangy red sauce on her fingertip. He couldn’t help himself.

Her eyelids drifted to half mast, her long lashes fluttering slightly, as a partial smile tipped her lips. The way Abby looked at him roused the primal side he was struggling to hold at bay. It was hard shoving down the growl building in his chest. The food wasn’t the only thing that looked good enough to eat. And it certainly didn’t help the place reeked of pheromones, the sounds of female gasps and squeals filling the air.

“Here you go.” The server set several platters down on the table.

The rest of their food came at a very opportune moment. He’d been debating doing something very foolish. He sat back and took a giant swig of his beverage, subtly reaching below the table to adjust his painfully hard shaft.

“Thank you, Natalie.” Abby passed the communicator back to the server.

They ate, and people-watched to pass the time. Ashtoret was amused and pleased every time Abby giggled at the foolish gyrating males. She certainly hadn’t laughed when she witnessed him in a similar state of undress.

Although she probably would have if you shook your shaft like that. That male should have more self-respect.

He glanced toward another stage to see a female dancing underneath the bright lights, while eager males surrounded the platform. Vintor had supposedly witnessed such a spectacle at the vile auction house, Distraho. But hearing and seeing were two very different things. To say the female was scantily dressed was kind. Her breasts were fully exposed, and the scrap of fabric around her hips was little more than a few-well tied strings. She wore more on her feet than anywhere else. He couldn’t fathom how the female could possibly dance wearing the spiky shoes. His eyes widened when she gripped a pole, spun upside-down and splayed her legs.

“Son of a metcor,” he murmured in disbelief.

“You thinking what it would be like to practice kissing with her?” Abby asked as she leaned against him.

He let out an incredulous laugh.

“Uh huh. Sure,” she replied in disbelief and took another drink of her beverage.

Ashtoret noticed she’d had a few but seemed to be handling them well. He was grateful to have a little alcohol. It helped them both relax. But he was conscious not to drink too much, considering their circumstances.

“Hey, what time is it, Natalie?” Abby asked when their server passed.

“A little after eleven. Can I get you another round?”

“Not at the moment, thanks.”

Abby stiffened as she looked past the brunette’s shoulder. He followed her gaze and saw two males in dark uniform. They reminded him of the human warriors hunting them. The pair walked over to the counter and showed a piece of paper to the server.

“How? The credit card! Oh fuck, you’re an idiot, Abby,” she mumbled. “Ash, we gotta go.”

Abby casually stood and headed for the rear door. He covered her back, casting an occasional glance toward the uniformed males, as she cracked the metal door. Flashing red and blue lights had her instantly closing it.

“We’re surrounded. Shit, shit, shit.”

“You go, and I will make sure they don’t follow you,” he rumbled.

“No.” She shook her head. “If anything, I’m the expendable one.”

He growled at the comment. Ashtoret glanced down the rear hall, wondering if there was another exit. Their waitress Natalie exited a back room, so he urged Abby that way. Quickly but calmly they approached their server.

“I know you don’t know me, but I have a little problem.” Abby crowded into Natalie’s personal space forcing her back into a room.

“Excuse me?” Natalie exclaimed.

He closed the door behind them and glanced around. It looked like a changing room, with metal cubicles, seats, reflecting glass and racks of bright clothing. There was an exit, but it led to the same road the other one did. Thankfully no one else was in the room.

“Um, Natalie, I need your help,” Abby nervously said.

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