Page 76 of Healing Creek
Grace made a hmpf of frustration. “What’s happening?”
Feeona looked from one person to the other and shrugged. “The compound is secure, and the guys are on the way back because we’re about to have company.”
“Company?”
Why was Grace worrying about the mission when her sister was safe and she was…ill?
“Your mother and brother arrived with an Alliance patrol. We need to get out of here before the Enforcers arrive. Mercury, Diablo, Carn and I are all under warrant.”
“I should stay to talk to them,” said Jennifer. “And Grace should be transferred to our brother’s ship. He’ll have everything she needs.”
“I don’t need—”
Grace stopped when Creek swept her into his arms and started walking her toward the hatch, Jennifer trailing behind. When Grace spoke again her voice was far less certain. “You’re not leaving me behind.” Her voice shook and it was clearly a question. It hurt his heart to hear her pain.
“I’m not under warrant.” As his feet hit the ground, the others emerged from the trees and headed into the ship.
“No, Creek,” Grace protested. “It’s too dangerous. You’re not a citizen and I don’t need any care I can’t get on theAbundance.
Jupiter stopped in front of them, concern furrowing his brow. “You’re not coming with us?”
“Grace needs medical care only her family can provide.”
Jupiter squeezed his shoulder. “We’ll contact their ship after the patrollers are gone.”
Creek nodded. “Be safe, brother.”
“You called him brother.” She smiled up at him as if he’d gifted her a prize.
How was he to give her up?
Chapter Thirty-Four
RomaResearchFacility,PlanetAB-93289
Earth Alliance Beta Sector
2210.205
“I’ll be fine,” Grace softly promised.
Creek would gladly carry her on a trek around the equator of this unknown world to ensure those words were true. Facing her family should be nothing. Only, it had been his responsibility to protect her and instead she’d saved him…twice. He’d witnessed the horrible price her sacrifices were taking on her body.
TheHawleyhovered briefly overhead before it zipped off into the night sky. The ship took with it the new family he’d become a part of. He’d expected he and Grace would be a part of that together.
“Creek, look at me. Please.” Grace reached up and cupped his cheek, drawing his gaze to hers.
“You look pale.” The moonlight made her always pale skin look luminescent, but he didn’t tell her that. She was ill and needed care he couldn’t provide.
Her lips tightened into a grimace before it softened into a smile that was only for him. “You’re still worried about me.”
Her words were whispered into the night that was alive with sound. Woodland creatures foraged, hunted, survived. Wind rustled the leaves in the trees that reached high over their heads.
“How will they know where to find us?” asked Jennifer. A purple bruise still covered one side of her face and her split lip was swollen and fat. They should have treated her on theHawley. Hers was the type of trauma the emergency med-bay was intended for.
“TheHawleywill let them know.” Creek breathed in the scent of the dense vegetation all around them along with Grace’s subtly off scent. Like his almond cookies had been left in the oven a touch too long. Did the slight difference in her scent mean Grace was right about her illness being nothing serious?
No. He’d seen the seizure. This was serious.
