Page 29 of Chieftain
“Hurry now. Keep to the shadows.” The old woman shooed us toward escape.
The passageway was dark, especially after pulling the shelves back into place.
“Can you see anything?” Emmy’s voice trembled, as did the hands with which she clutched at me.
"Yes." I clasped her hand tightly. "It is not far; I can smell the alley beyond." Vaktaire eyes saw well in the din, far better than human eyes.
The passage was narrow and low, with dampness lingering against the dirt and stone walls. Many times, I was forced to crouch to navigate. Emmy stayed pressed to my back, holding my arm tightly. I liked how she clung to me, trusting I would protect her. My cock gave a twitch. The appendage would have done far more if we weren't escaping a life-or-death situation.
"Oh, God." Emmy's nose scrunched, and she issued a gagging noise. "What is that smell?"
“We are here.”
The tunnel appeared blocked at first sight until I moved the obstruction with the push of my shoulder. Light filtered inward, and I noticed a large metal trash chute camouflaging the opening.
The alley was as dark and rancid as we needed it to be, space rats and arachnids the only other things breathing. Grasping Emmy’s hand, we sat off through the din.
“Bartuk.” The comm on my wrist flashed to life despite my low timbre.
A crackle of static preceded Bartuk’s, “Yes, Chieftain?”
“Location?”
“I await with the shuttle Chieftain.”
"Good." I glanced at Emmy, who stared up at me wide-eyed. "Take the shuttle and return to the Bardaga. There have been complications.”
"Where are you, Chieftain? I will be at your side. You will not fight alone.”
Pride flashed through me. Bartuk was a young warrior but well-trained in the Vaktaire creed. We did not leave our comrades to face solo.
"It is well, Bartuk. We face no immediate danger."
Emmy made a sound like she believed I lied. In a way, I had, but I wanted to be able to concentrate on getting Emmy to safety, plus the Kerzak would have someone watching the docking bay by now. Emmy and I would have to find another way home.
"Take the shuttle and return to the ship. I will contact Charick with further instructions."
"Why did you send our only means of escape away?" Emmy's voice was muffled, and I glanced down, noticing that she spoke with her hand resting over her nose and mouth.
The stench of the alley rested in my nostrils, a necessary evil. "I am sorry for this little one. Kerzak possess an exceptional sense of smell. It is said they can find a scent twenty of your Earth miles away. I watched the one you bumped into committing your fragrance to memory, and we must cover your scent however we can."
“Jesus!” Her whole body shuddered. “They are walking grizzles. He called me delicious; that was creepy as hell.”
My eyes ran over her pale face, her neck's creamy flesh, and her arms' exposed skin. "I have heard some Kerzak enjoy the taste of human flesh."
"Great!" Emmy snorted, her shoulder bumping against mine as she drew closer. "It's not enough that there are aliens who want to work me and fuck me. Now some want to eat me.”
The idea of licking over her creamy flesh shot a spasm of desire through me, and I squeezed her hand. “Do not fret, tiny human. I will not let them touch you.”
Green eyes flickered to my face, so deep and sparkling I would willingly drown in their depths, like the green seas of my planet. "I know." She said softly and, for a moment, let her head rest against my bicep. My cock twitched in gratitude.
"Why did you send the shuttle away?" Her tone was matter-of-fact, less fearful, but she kept her tight grip on my hand.
“I wanted Bartuk away to safety before the Kerzak discovered our shuttle.
“Would they hurt him?”
“Perhaps."
