Page 60 of Wayfinder
Yet, I stood frozen in indecision. My thoughts lingered on the image of Pearl in the alleyway. How she stood over the Aljani, fierce determination shining on her beautiful face as she wielded the club to defend herself... and me. The memory caused a surge of guilt, and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her vulnerable and unarmed should the situation arise again.
“Here.” I pulled a blade from my bandolier. It was shorter than the knife I preferred and had a stunted handle that should work better for her small hands.
“You’re giving me a knife?” One perfect brow arched, and the corner of her lips lifted in a half smile. I knew she recalled our first meeting, just as I did.
“I don’t think finding a stick to defend yourself with will be that easy on this level,” I chided, drawing a smile.
I clutched her hand as we crept towards the maintenance door, keeping to the shadows, and using crates and errant pieces of machinery as cover. Every step felt like a gamble. The cool metal of the walls pressed against my back as we hugged them, my eyes scanning for any sign of danger. It was a nerve-wracking game of hide-and-seek, but we made it through undetected. Even the groan of metal as I opened the door went unnoticed amid the clang of machinery and the whirr of landing ships.
“It’s a fireman’s pole.” Pearl’s lips twitched as she noticed the gleaming chrome pole suspended in the air from our level to the area below.
“Fireman?” I vaguely had a recollection of the word from my Earth studies.
Affection and pride warred for dominance on her features. Gently, she reached out and traced the edge of the bandage circumventing my bicep. “They’re warriors like you. Warriors who help others.”
I grunted in agreement, glad to know there existed Earth men worthy of a female like Pearl. She was a warrior in her own right, determined and strong, and I was proud to call her mine.
Grabbing the pole, I tested its sturdiness, finding it as solid as always. Descending the pole came easily for me. However, my mate might not find it so.
“I can carry you down if you climb on my back,” I began the offer.
“Oh, hell no,” Pearl snorted, followed by a giggle. “There’s not a kid alive who hasn’t wanted to slide down a fireman’s pole."
I glanced into the darkness below, my feelings swapping from pride to worry. “I will go first and make sure the area below is safe. Do not follow until I tell you.”
Pearl gave an excited nod.
The smooth, cold metal pole greeted my palm as I gripped it tightly. I hooked one leg around it and slid, feeling the rush of warm air as I descended to the level below.
The deafening clang and bang of the engineering level reverberated through my ears, drowning out all other sounds. The overwhelming scent of oil and burning rubber permeated the air, burning my lungs with each breath. In this dimly lit space, intense heat radiated from the incessant movement of the massive machines that kept the space station running. I bristled at having to bring Pearl into this uncomfortable space. Hopefully, Jala had already arrived, and our time here would be short.
“Come down, Pearl,” I shouted, making sure she heard me over the machinery.
Seconds later, I watched the approach of her perfectly rounded ass as she slid down the pole, her squeal of joy barely discernable above the bang and clang of the machines.
“That was fun.” Pearl linked her arms around my neck, grinning up at me as I caught her. My lips brushed over hers. I couldn’t help myself... I could never help myself where she was concerned and kissed her soundly.
“Is Jala here?” Pearl brushed the hair away from my forehead, and I noticed moisture on her fingertips. It was hot here. I felt the dampness of sweat on my pelt and saw the sheen of it on my mate’s forehead and cheeks. Jala needed to hurry. I needed to get Pearl out of here. I did not like her discomfort.
“I don’t know,” I told her honestly, surveying our surroundings. Dim glowing bulbs gave off little light, and the sound and overwhelming scent of machinery made my other senses basically useless. Anyone could be down here, and I wouldn’t be able to pick up on their presence until too late. “I need to find a place to hide you until I’m sure Jala has arrived.”
“I’m not leaving you.” Pearl crossed her arms over her chest and glared at me. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Pearl,” I grated, ready for an argument. Pearl frowned at me, and then her eyes went wide, noticing something just over my shoulder.
I spun, cursing the ineffectiveness of my senses in this place.
The Aljani stood a few feet away, blaster raised to shoulder level. He was larger than the other two, and the metals adorning his light gray uniform suggested prowess in battle. I stepped squarely in front of Pearl. Most times, a Vaktaire could withstand a blaster hit and keep fighting, but at this range, a shot to my head or heart would debilitate if not outright kill me and leave Pearl vulnerable.
No. I would not allow it.
“It is forbidden to use a blaster on the space station,” I said, keeping my voice even, almost uninterested. Jala had outlawed blasters for all save her highly trained guards. An errant blast causing a hull breach would prove deadly for everyone. The populated upper-level walls were thickened to prevent such an incident. The walls on this level were thinner to allow the chill of space to assist with keeping the machinery cool.
The Aljani remained unfazed. His eyes narrowed toward where I knew Pearl peeked around my shoulder. “At this distance, I will not miss my mark.”
Pearl’s fearful gasp tore at my heart, and I reached back, tucking her firmly behind me.
“She is a prized possession of Baron Oappo. He will not take lightly to your inference with his property.” The words made my stomach lurch, but I would say worse to protect her.
