Beast Planet 2: Captive Salvation (14 page)

“Anna, easy. Stand aside I can do the rest.”

I gladly relinquished my spot, scooping up the Put disruptor, raising it ready to fire on anything daring to come through.

“Be prepared, I never had time to calibrate the power surge from the planet’s core.”

Augurra groaned and Galvan worked, his fingers flying over the console. The whole table began to glow brightly and a beam burst from the center. A massive shockwave ripped through the room, knocking us both off our feet. Pain burst through my body as my back slammed hard into the far wall, hitting my head. My vision blurred and my ears rang from the impact. The pain vanished, leaving me dazed and dizzy.

At the same time, I was dimly aware of the door shattering and half a dozen attack drones sailed into the room.

I tried lifting the disruptor, only to find it a few feet from my grasp. It was like watching a movie in slow motion. The room lit up with disruptor fire, drones exploded as Zakiu filed in, their weapons never missing their mark. They did not stop until all the drones lay in shattered, sparking and burnt remnants all around us.

Two Zakiu dropped down to their knees before me, I could see their lips moving, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. What was wrong with me? I couldn’t seem to make my body work. One of them touched me. They exchanged a glance and shook their heads. One leaned forward, gently scooping me up into his arms.

There was a tingly feeling running down my back and into my legs. But I still couldn’t move. I wanted to scream for Morrdrook, my vision blurred as warm wet tears spilled down my cheeks.

Was I dying? I needed my husband, needed to see him one last time. A dizzying wave swept over me, I tried fighting, but it was too strong, pulling me down into darkness.

Chapter Fifteen

Warm sunshine, was there anything better to chase away the chill from your body? Springtime on my father’s farm was my favorite time of year. I loved the sweet scent of wattle bush blooms drifting in the air. Everything was still lush, yet the spring sun warmed the air in the prelude to summer.

My dad would take the whole family on camping trips into the mountains ranges, when the mornings were still cool and the land green. How I missed them. They would never know if I was alive or dead. But none of that mattered any more. I saw Morrdrook’s face appear in my mind’s eye and I smiled, knowing exactly where I belonged.

His wonderful deep voice drifted through my mind, over and over.
Aunna, my Aunna. Wake up now, come back to me.

I drew in a deep breath, rolling to find a nice warm spot and opened my eyes, only to find my vision blurry. I blinked several times to clear my vision against the sun light streaming through wide-open doors.

A growl emanating from my stomach and made me realize just how hungry I was. My gaze travelled around the huge open room…one of our chambers in the palace. I turned my head, feeling the mattress dip beside me.

Morrdrook lay stretched out, his face turned towards me, his usual tight features relaxed in sleep. I turned onto my other side, facing him, lifting a weak arm to trace the contour of his handsome face. He looked almost boyish.

Oh how I loved him. We were so similar yet so different, humans and Zakiu. He nuzzled into the palm of my hand and I smiled. His facial muscles twitched and his eyes fluttered open. I found myself gazing into pale blue crystal depths as he stared back, blinking several times.

“Hi.”

He drew in a deep breath, his eyes widened in surprise. “Aunna, you are awake.”

I loved his deep smooth voice.

“Yes, and so are you.”

My mind ran back to the last thing I remembered before passing out. “I’m guessing it worked, if we’re here in the sunshine and not in a Druel prison.”

“Yes, it worked. The Guardian Shield is running. No more Druel can get through. Our home is safe, thanks to you.”

He lifted his hand, running it over my head and along my jaw. “I feared you would never awaken.”

Puzzled, I frowned. “Never awaken? I don’t understand.”

“Aunna, the blast knocked you hard against the wall and broke many of your bones. You were so close to death. The Attenders struggled to find ways to stop your bleeding.”

The baby! My hands flew to my stomach, the sudden surge of panic tightening my throat.

“No, my love,” his hands covered mine. “He is fine.”

“Oh, thank God.” I heaved a gusty sigh, my shoulders relaxing knowing my baby was okay.

“It was you we worried about. It took two days to heal all your physical injuries. And you have been asleep ever since. The Attenders said you would only wake up when your mind was ready.”

“I was dreaming of my family back on Earth, and of you, as if I had to make a choice.” I tried to recall the dream, but it was fading fast. I let it go and smiled at my husband. “I choose you, always and forever.”

He shifted forward, pressing his lips to mine in a tender kiss.

“Humm,” Morrdrook’s arms tightened around me, pulling me against his naked chest. “Is everyone all right, anyone get hurt during the attack?”

“Oh, my Aunna, always thinking of others. We lost half dozen men and all injuries have been treated.” I loved the feel of his chest rising as he drew in a deep breath before continuing, “Killiu is angry you outwitted him, but relieved you are all right. He, along with the head commander, have been standing guard outside our chambers every day. Everyone is waiting for you to awaken. They wish to honor you, for all you have done to save our people.”

“I don’t want any honors, my motivations were purely selfish. All I could think of is saving the two most important people to me in the universes.” I slipped my hand out from under his, placed it on top and over my belly.

The smile lighting his face stole my breath. “Let them believe what they wish, you are the most giving and loving creatures I have ever known. I am honored to call you mine.”

My chin wobbled and tears stung the back of my eyes as I was swamped with deep, love-filled emotions. “Don’t make me cry, please. I love you so much. There is nothing I wouldn’t do or give for you.”

I could see tears in his eyes as he stared down at me. “We are free, free to love as we please, free to rule our planet and free to have forever.”

Silence filled the room as we simply healed each other. Words would never adequately express the deeper feelings of our hearts, but we would always know.

My lips curved up in a grin. “You know, I could eat an elephant right now.”

His chest rumbled in a deep chuckle. “If I knew what an elephant was, I would get it for you. Until then, I will endeavor to ease the burden of your hunger.”

“Humm, not just yet though. Just hold me a little longer before we have to face everyone again.”

He placed a kiss on my forehead. “My love.” A kiss on my left cheek. “My queen.” He kissed my right cheek. “My Aunna,” he kissed my lips, a long deep kiss, before pulling back and gazing into my eyes, his shining with love. “I will hold you until the end of time.”