Raff (The Vorge Crew Book 4) Read online

  “Hang on,” he yelled. “We’ll break free of orbit soon.”

  He stared at the cargo hold door, debating on trying to reach it with Lilly or waiting until they were in space first. More blaster fire sounded and he just held her tighter, clinging to the straps. It was best if they stayed put until the battle was over. The shields on the shuttle could take it and Dovis would be firing back, taking out the other shuttles.

  The shuttle began to violently shake and Lilly nearly collapsed to her knees. He got a better hold on her, lifted her a little, and worried with her bare feet it probably hurt her to feel that without the protection of shoes. His feet hurt in boots. They were breaking orbit. Even if their pursuers followed, if Dovis missed hitting them, The Vorge wouldn’t. York would be blowing up anything chasing their shuttle.

  The sound of the engines softened, telling them they’d reached space.

  “It’s okay,” he told Lilly. “We’re safe now.”

  She lifted her head as he eased her back onto her feet. Her features seemed unusually pale. “You people are crazy!”

  He nodded. “They got us, didn’t they?”

  She was trembling.

  That killed his amusement. “It’s fine now. We’ll be on The Vorge in minutes.”

  “I thought that shuttle was going to crash when I saw it and then it all that dust!”

  She really seemed upset.

  “It’s the Cregion maneuver. Marrow flies full speed at the surface but then uses the thrusters at the last second to avoid hitting it. They opened the shields just where the cargo door is to let us run in and then blast off the surface as fast as possible.”

  She released him and stumbled back, swaying on her feet. “I think I’m going to be sick.” She lifted her hand over her mouth and made a small gagging sound.

  He released the straps, shrugged off his bag, and lunged for her just as her knees gave way. He lifted her into his arms and strode toward the door, it opening when sensing him, and entered the passenger area of the shuttle. Marrow and Dovis sat in the front seats, both turning toward them.

  The Vorge showed beyond them as they flew toward it. He spotted a blast of light shoot from it. York was firing on whoever who had been stupid enough to follow them into space. He flashed his two crewmates in the front a grin but turned, entering the bathroom. He made it to the sink, twisted Lilly in his arms, and she puked into the basin.

  He kept hold of her, using his free hand to pull all her black hair out of the way. “It’s fine, Lilly.”

  She retched again and he figured she had to be his mate since it didn’t gross him out. Mostly, he worried about her. She finished and he released her hair, reached up to tap a panel, and it opened. He got her a mouth cleaner kit and set it down.

  “Do you know how to use that?”

  “Yes.”

  He had to strain to hear her voice. “I need to talk to my crew.” He gentle released her, making sure she could stand on her own. Her knees held her upright. He backed off. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

  He watched her for long seconds. Her hands shook as she opened the kit, removing a toothbrush from the clear bag. He turned, opened the door, and exited the bathroom.

  Dovis stood right there, waiting. “Is the human injured?”

  “No. Just not used to space travel.”

  Marrow huffed from the front. “That wasn’t space travel. That was me committing every pilot’s worst nightmare on purpose to save my crew. Again. If I’d been off by four feet, we wouldn’t be here. Our asses would be dead.”

  “Thank you.” Raff hated to feel indebted to anyone but his crew had come to his rescue. He had gotten Lilly safely off G4.

  “We have the medical android prepared to assess the human you rescued and our humans will be waiting for us to land in cargo hold one to meet her.” Dovis kept glancing at the door. “How traumatized is that female? I didn’t get a good look at her when you rushed from the cargo hold.”

  “Her name is Lilly and she’s going to be fine.”

  Raff turned to enter the bathroom to check on Lilly but Dovis snagged his arm. He released him instantly. Raff didn’t like to be touched and they all knew it. He faced Dovis.

  “I need a rundown on what that female has suffered. Cathian has made her my responsibility and she’s under my care. You said you rescued her from a brothel? Was she sexually assaulted? Will she feel comforted by the sight of other human females or is she mentally unstable? I won’t risk her attacking Mari because she believes everyone wants to do her harm.”

  Hot rage filled him. “Lilly is mine.” His hands instantly reached for his daggers.

  Dovis’s dark eyes flared wide and he took a step back. “Easy, Raff.”

  “Mine,” he repeated. “Lilly is fine. No one will be caring for her but me. Anyone tries to take her and I’ll kill them.”

  Dovis searched his eyes, watching him. “Understood.”

  “We’re entering cargo two.” Marrow cleared her throat. “Should I signal for them to clear a path or let them stay to greet us? Nobody would hurt this Lilly, Raff. You know that. Cool your temper and release the blades. We’re your crew. Nobody thought you’d get attached to a female. We’re just all surprised. No one meant to offend you or piss you off. Captain figured someone should be assigned to care for the human. Now you’ve set us straight. She’s yours.”

  Raff turned his head, looking at her. Marrow was busy connecting to The Vorge, not sparing him a glance. “Clear a path.”

  She gave a sharp nod. “Please take her to see the medical android though. I doubt whoever had her gave her all the immunizations she needs. Gluttren Four isn’t a civilized world.”

  “Agreed.”

  The shuttle engines were shut down and Marrow stood, finally meeting his gaze. She appeared stunned. “You and a human. I’m surprised. I’m glad for you, Raff.” She darted a look toward the bathroom. “Does she know she’s yours?”

  “Yes.”

  “Scary.” Marrow motioned to Dovis. “Let’s go out there first and tell everyone to get lost. Although I’m sure they already know since the Pods are with them.”

  Raff watched them exit the shuttle. He turned, opened the bathroom door, and found Lilly washing her face. She didn’t seem to know how to dry it though so he approached her, opening another panel, and passing her a towel.

  “Thank you.” She refused to look at him. “Sorry I puked.”

  Her cheeks were pink again. He hid a smile. A lot embarrassed his little human. “Gravitation forces that we just endured can be rough on anyone not used to it. Come. I’m taking you to see the medical android and then we’ll go to my quarters. I’m sure you’re hungry.”

  “I still feel a little sick.” She finally peered up at him. “I’m only in a shirt. I can’t walk through your ship.”

  “No one will see us until later.” He focused on the Pods, ordering the mind reader race to make certain the crew avoided them for a bit. “Come, Lilly. Can you walk or do you want me to carry you?”

  “I can walk.” She straightened her shoulders.

  He felt proud of her. She was a brave female, for having such a frail body. He held out his hand, offering it. “Come.”

  She took it. He grinned, knowing she was his.

  Chapter Seven

  Lilly felt nervous as Raff helped her sit on a medical bed and the robot approached her. Raff went to back away but she clutched at his arm to make him remain close. They didn’t have anything like the android on Earth. It had the shape of a humanoid form, only all metal, and she noticed the four fingers and two thumbs on each hand.

  “It’s safe,” Raff urged.

  “Hello, human. I’m the medical robot.” It had a cold, sterile male voice. “What may I do for you today?”

  “Total scan and blood tests,” Raff ordered. “She’s from a planet that never went into space until recently. Pirates stole her. Check to see if she was given any vaccines and fix that if she’s missing any.”

  “R
ight away. Please lay flat,” the android instructed.

  Raff met her gaze. “It’s all going to be painless. I’m right here.”

  “Okay. Please keep close.”

  “Always.”

  She released him and lay on her back. Lights flashed over her body, a stream of blue starting at her feet. It didn’t hurt. Something tapped the back of her leg but it was very light and didn’t hurt. A holographic imagine startled her more when it hovered over her. She stared at it, her mouth hanging open. It was her but on the inside. She could see her organs, bones, and every other part of her under her skin.

  “It won’t take long,” Raff encouraged. “You’re doing fine.”

  She darted her gaze to the android. He moved to a wall and scans lit it up. Dozens of screens flashed. Data streamed across each one but she couldn’t read what they said since it was too far away and not English. Something cold touched her shoulder blade and then there was tiny prick. She gasped, jerking.

  “Hold still, please,” the android ordered, not moving away from the wall.

  Raff took her hand. “Blood and tissue samples are being taken. It’s fine. You won’t have a mark on you when this is done.”

  The technology was incredible. If anything, she could appreciate that. They’d had a real medical staff on Bax, even if it were just two people. She glanced up, regretting it. The hologram above her was zooming in on various parts of her body, including her lungs. She could make them out, including every vein in them, looking away fast. It made her feel sick.

  Raff crouched down, his grip on her tightening. “What’s wrong? You’re breathing hard.”

  “I don’t like getting exams and seeing my insides. We have skin for a reason.”

  He grinned.

  An alarm beeped and the android spun, coming at her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing to worry about,” its cold voice stated.

  Raff stood, released her, and allowed the android access to her. “Report now.”

  “Kapintor cells have been found inside her body. I’m eradicating them.”

  “What?” She felt panic.

  “Easy,” Raff ordered. “It’s curable. You probably came into contact with it from the Rexis.”

  It was easy for him to say. Part of the bed side slid open and a panel slid out. The fingers on the android tapped on it and something jabbed her in the ass. She gasped, wanting to roll way. Raff was there in an instant, holding her still. He leaned in. Another alarm beeped.

  “Easy, Lilly.

  “You are confusing the scanner with your body, crewmember Raff,” the android instructed. “Move away.”

  “Trust me,” Raff rasped. “Hold still.”

  She gave a sharp nod and he backed off. The alarm stopped and she got another jab, that time to the back of the thigh. She closed her eyes. Something wet rolled down the back of her naked calf. She grimaced but didn’t flinch away. It felt as if the table licked her with a wet plastic tongue. It ended.

  Minutes passed but nothing else happened. The hologram over her shut off and the android backed away. It faced Raff.

  “Two immunizations were missing. The Kapintor cells are destroyed. Her lungs showed slight damage. It’s been fixed. Would you like a full report?”

  “Send it to my cabin. I’ll study it later. Is she healthy?”

  “Now she is.”

  “Thank you.” Raff helped her sit up and lifted her off the table. “Let’s go. I’m sure you’re ready to eat. I sent a mental comm to the Pods to ask Midgel to deliver food for us.”

  “The what and who?”

  He led her toward the door. “Pods are another alien race. Three of them live on the ship. They have strong telepathic abilities. They are able to hear you if you think at them. Midgel is the cook.”

  She nodded. “Telepathic? Mind readers? I read about a race that could do that but they were the Valer something or other.”

  “Later once you’ve eaten and rested, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the crew.”

  Another thought struck and she quickly stared up at him. “You can’t read my mind, can you?”

  “I wish,” he muttered.

  She kept staring at the ship as the moved through corridors and even took a lift to another floor. It was a nice place, way better than Bax. The walls weren’t just metal sheets and beams. It reminded her more of a fancy hotel. Raff finally stopped in front of a door and it opened. She gawked a little. Speaking of, it was a nice suite she stepped inside.

  “This is our cabin,” he rasped.

  She turned to face him. “We still haven’t talked about this um, marriage thing. Our cabin? I didn’t say I’d live with you.”

  He stalked to her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and cupped her face with his hand. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “The android thing would have said if I were pregnant, right? That means no shotgun wedding is needed.”

  He scowled. “Shotgun wedding?”

  She put her hands on his firm, warm chest. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and that distracted her. The guy had an amazing body. “Never mind about that. The android would have told us if I were carrying a baby or babies, right?”

  He caressed her cheek. “You’re not pregnant.”

  She felt relief, having enough on her plate to deal with at the moment without that too.

  He smiled. “Yet. We’ll fix that.”

  “Raff!” She pushed against his chest and tried to jerk away. He let her go. She put space between them, walking to a couch, and taking a seat. He was assertive and confusing. She lifted her hands, burying her face in them. The urge to cry or maybe scream hit. She wasn’t sure which one was stronger.

  Something creaked near her and she looked up as Raff shifted his weight where he’d taken a seat on the coffee table in front of her, or what passed for the alien version of one. He grabbed hold of her hands.

  “Talk to me. What have I done to upset you?”

  “Nothing. Everything. You confuse me so much. Half of me wants to agree to this craziness but the other part knows it can’t end well.” She held onto his hands rather than rejecting the comfort he offered. He’d been the only good thing to happen to her since the aliens had attacked and taken her from her work vessel. “It’s all so crazy, you know?”

  He nodded.

  “Leaving Earth was to be an adventure but it wasn’t supposed to be forever.”

  “Why did you want an adventure?”

  She hesitated but decided to unload on him. “I grew up in a remote desert area in a place called Nevada. The nearest large city was a few hundred miles away. Not that we ever went there. My parents and grandparents ran a solar power farm. Sometimes they’d hire extra workers if there was storm damage, too much for us to handle on our own, but mostly, it was just the five of us all year round.”

  He listened, watching her, but didn’t say anything. It encouraged her to continue.

  “They didn’t want me to go away to college, too worried something bad would happen to me. I had to argue with them to do it and we compromised. They found a school in a smaller city in Arizona. There were only a few thousand students. I was really excited to go but once I got there, I realized I didn’t fit in.”

  “Were the students not human?”

  “Oh, they were all human. I just had zero in common with them. My social skills were bad, as you can imagine. I focused on my studies. I dated a few guys but it turned into disasters.”

  His features turned harsh. “They hurt you?”

  “I was stupid and naïve.” She let go of his hands and ran them over the shirt covering her thighs. “I came from a family where you fall in love, get married, and stay together forever. My grandparents celebrated fifty-three years of marriage before I left Earth. My parents were married for twenty-seven years. Let’s just say that when a guy told me he loved me, I saw us having kids together and the whole nine yards.”

  “Nine yards?”

  “It means everyt
hing. Anyway, while I was mentally planning our wedding, he was plotting his next conquest. I learned he was never serious about me. He tossed that L word around to get girls in bed with him and once he got bored, he’d look for a new girl.”

  Raff frowned.

  “Then I met another guy, we dated, and he said he loved me. He even asked me to marry him. I said yes and took him to meet my family. It turns out he figured us owning a solar farm meant we had to be extremely rich. He dumped me when he found out that wasn’t the case. Solar farming is hard work, it earns a decent living, but never enough to become wealthy. I grew smarter and stopped trusting men. I got hit on a lot but most of them did that to every woman. Like it was a game to see how many they could get into their beds. I wanted no part of that.”

  “They were idiots.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate you saying that.” She smiled. “Then I graduated college and landed a great paying job at a large corporation. I was stuck in this small cubical, staring at walls. Day in and out. I lived in a large city finally but I understood why my family hated them once I did. Nobody talked to me and making friends was impossible. Everyone is too busy and I wasn’t exactly outgoing. I’m actually quite shy.”

  He frowned.

  “I am. Don’t look so surprised. You met me while I was trying to avoid being raped. Shy doesn’t mean I won’t fight to protect myself. Back to what I was saying, I spent four years at that job and I saw my future there if I stayed. Lonely, horrible, and boring. That’s when I overheard two of the women I work with talking about a job that was opening up. It was Bax.”

  “The ship you were stolen from?”

  “Right. I worked for the company that launched it. Those women in the breakroom were going to apply for the data entry job and gossiping about how many hot, single men would be there. They had heard that all of them would be single and how the last time a mission went out, seven couples hooked up and got married.”

  Raff looked confused.

  “I saw my opportunity. You know, that maybe I’d meet someone and they’d fall in love with me. For real. Worst case, it wouldn’t happen but I’d get to go into space, see cool stuff, and have a great story to tell. I wouldn’t be staring at a wall every day. Only I got there and the guys just wanted casual relationships.”