Page 25 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
“I make no promises.”
A genuine smile that doesn’t make me want to punch him in the face appears. However, I don’t like what itdoesdo to me.
“I expect nothing less.” He opens the door—bringing with it a hint of daylight and flicker of sunshine—before walking out and closing it behind him.
My plate is nearly empty, but I’m suddenly not interested in finishing it. Which is unusual, because since coming to Bohna and eating real food, I don’t ever let any of it go to waste. I refuse to start now.
Just as I’ve finished off the last piece of bread, there’s a knock on the door. Since I assume it’s the “tour guide” Janik’s assigned to me, I answer it.
“Bannik?”
He quickly ushers me inside and closes the door. “Keep your voice down.”
“Why are you in the rebel camp?” Is he part of the rescue party come to get me? Or has he been a spy all this time? But for Alik or Janik?
“If you want to go back to Preska, then you need to come with me. Now.”
Duh. “Of course I want to go.” I’ll analyze later why he avoided my question.
“We need to hurry.” Bannik opens the door and glances from side to side.
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. I don’t even bother grabbing the beautiful dress I wore to Quinn’s wedding. Instead, I follow him out of Janik’s house. He keeps off the main path and we slink in the shadows of buildings, staying low and pausing every so often so he can make sure the coast is clear.
Finally, we cross outside the border of the camp and into the rainforest. It’s probably early afternoon, but it’s hard to tell within the canopy of trees surrounding us.
“Why are you helping me?”More accurately, who are you working for? Something tells me Bannik won’t answer that second question so I keep it to myself.
“Don’t concern yourself with my motives.”
I study him. This isn’t the same shy and nervous guy who brought Quinn her bags to the dormitory the first day we arrived on this planet. The one who stammered and nearly blushed when I told him he better not hurt my friend after he asked her on a date. Was that nothing but an act? A front he put on while he spied for Janik? I’m so confused.
Behind us, the trees rustle loudly and I whirl at the same time Mak comes loping out of them. She bares her teeth at Bannik and snarls. His hand goes to the blaster at his hip and I stay him with my hand.
“Don’t you dare.” I stare at the wolf, not taking my eyes off her. “Mak, no.”
She stalks forward a step with a deep growl, and I move in front of her to block her view of Bannik. Why I think she’ll listen to me or not attack either of us, I don’t know, but I have to try.
“Mak.” I make my voice firm. She finally turns her focus to me and whines. “You need to go back. Go.”
She doesn’t move. Not sure what to do, I continue walking away and hope she remains there or finally listens and returns to camp. Bannik walks as well, but he keeps his eyes on the wolf, who does the same with the Bohnari. Just when I think she’s going to stay where she is, she follows.
“Damn it, Mak.”
We trek through the rainforest that’s eerily quiet aside from our footsteps. I suppose silence is better than some roaring beast. Of course, I probably just jinxed myself. Nothing of the non-existent path we take looks familiar. Of course, between being slung over Janik’s shoulder for some of the time and walking aimlessly the other, it shouldn’t.
Sweat beads on my forehead despite the chill in the air. Bannik’s pace has been swift. I catch a few flashes of what might be buildings, but it’s hard to tell through the dense foliage. Finally, he comes to a stop so I do as well.
“Up ahead is one of the gated entrances to Preska. Just keep walking straight and you won’t miss it. There should be a couple of guards who will let you in and escort you to the palace.”
“You aren’t going with me?”
Bannik shakes his head. “No. And you’ll be wise to keep to yourself how you were able to get out of the rebel camp. From everyone.”
“Understood.” Not really.
He turns around and disappears through the trees with only a short glance at Mak who I swear glares at him. Since I don’t want to get caught out here alone, I hurry in the direction Bannik pointed. The wolf, once again, follows. I don’t have time to worry about her right now. Not when freedom is so close.
Sure enough, there’s a break in the trees and just past it is a gate with two armed guards who raise their weapons at my approach. I show my hands in surrender.
