The male spoke with the certainty of the fanatic, and she shivered at the cold authority in his tone.
“A child?” The second voice was not quite as certain.
“A Key,” the first male corrected. “One of the Seven. Now continue searching.”
“Yes, your worship.”
They’re looking for the baby,she realized as the footsteps moved away again.
She was moving before she made a conscious decision, crossing the chamber in three quick strides and reaching for the release mechanism on the pod. The lid hissed open, and warm air rushed out, carrying that sweet organic scent she’d noticed before. The baby stirred, her tiny face scrunching, and a soft whimper escaping her silver-tinged lips.
“Shh, shh, it’s okay, sweetheart.” She scooped the infant into her arms, cradling her against her chest with an ease born from years of working with children. The baby was lighter than she expected, her skin cool and smooth against Emma’s bare arms. “I’ve got you. I’ve got you.”
The lights had come back on when she moved, and she suddenly heard the heavy footsteps returning. A huge grey-scaled hand caught the edge of the damaged door and began to slowly but inexorably force it open, the metal screeching.
No. No, no, no?—
She clutched the baby to her chest and looked desperately for another exit. She found a panel on the far wall and ran for it, slapping at the control panel next to it. The panel slid open, and she plunged through into another corridor. Behind her, sheheard orders being issued with an icy control that was more terrifying than any amount of shouting.
The baby began to cry almost silently, her small body shaking as tears dripped down her cheeks.
“I know, I know, I’m sorry,” she whispered as she ran, her bare feet slapping against metal. “Just hold on, okay? Just hold on.”
She took corners at random, driven by pure panic. Her lungs burned. Her legs ached. She turned left at the next junction and slammed directly into something massive and solid.
Strong hands caught her before she could fall, firmly gripping her upper arms and she gasped, struggling instinctively.
“Easy.” A deep voice, rich and rumbling. “Easy. I’m not going to hurt you.”
She looked up.
Up, because whoever had caught her was enormous—easily seven feet tall, with broad shoulders and a powerful build that made the corridor feel suddenly cramped. His skin was covered in short, tawny fur marked with darker stripes, and his face was... feline. Strong jaw, high cheekbones, a broad nose, and bright blue eyes that caught the light and seemed to glow. Pointed ears twitched beneath a mane of thick golden hair, and a tail—an actual tail—lashed behind him in obvious agitation.
He was beautiful. Terrifying and alien and absolutely beautiful.
“The Grorn are coming.” His eyes dropped to the bundle in her arms, and something shifted in his expression. “That child—where did you find her?”
“Hidden chamber.” Her voice came out as a croak. She clutched the baby tighter, instinctively protective. “They’re looking for her. They called her a Key, and said something about a Vault.”
The blue eyes widened. For a single heartbeat, the male went completely still, every muscle locked in a way that reminded her of a cat spotting prey. Then the stillness broke.
“We need to move. Now.” He released her arms but stayed close, positioning himself between her and the sounds of pursuit. “The hangar. This way.”
“Why should I trust you?”
It was a stupid question. She knew she didn’t have any better options. But the words came out anyway, defiant despite her terror.
He looked down at her, and something in his expression softened just enough for her to glimpse something other than predator beneath the surface.
“Because I’m the only one on this ship who isn’t going to sell you or kill you.” His hand pressed against her lower back, urging her forward. “Now move.”
The baby’s cries had faded to hiccupping whimpers, her silver face pressed against Emma’s chest. She could feel the infant’s tiny heartbeat, rapid and frightened.
I’m not letting them have you,she thought fiercely.I don’t care who those monsters are or what they want. They’re not getting you.
She moved.
CHAPTER FOUR
