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But why?
The sound of wind whistling makes me stiffen. Lyric lets out a huff, storming over to the bay. As soon as she starts to fling the door open, I know why.
The outer door is standing wide-open.
“Lyric!” I roar, racing over to her. “No!”
My shouts alarm her and she freezes as she practically melds her body against the door. I slam my palm on the surface, making sure it remains shut, my breaths heaving.
“Why don’t you have your zuta-gear on?” I rasp, my heart racing with fear. What was she thinking going out there unprotected?
“My what?” she whispers, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.
I frightened her. Tough, strong, mouthy Lyric. I made her afraid. It makes me feel sick inside. I shouldn’t care because she kneed me in the rekking sac the solar before, but I can’t help it. Gently, I raise my hand and stroke a claw through her hair, tucking it behind her ear so I can see her face.
Wide blue eyes. A pert, freckled nose. Pale pink skin that darkens with her moods. Soft brown hair.
“Hadrian,” she murmurs, her voice soft.
Not alien or monster or whatever else she likes to call me.
Hadrian.
It has my spine straightening, the need to protect her intense. “You can’t go out there unprotected. It’s not safe. There’s more than just beasts.”
Her brows furl. “More? Not safe? Explain.”
“Mortuus has high R-levels. They’re responsible for mutations and disease,” I tell her firmly. “You absolutely cannot go out there unprotected. These decontamination bays exist for a reason. All food must be checked before entering as to not poison the people.”
I can’t believe she nearly went out there unprotected. If Calix knew this, he’d have a fit. These aliens are alone here in this prison without proper knowledge of our planet. They’re in danger.
What would Breccan do?
He’d put his foot down and take control.
Yeah, rekking right. Like Lyric will allow that.
Think.
“Lyric,” I say softly, so she doesn’t react again and knee me in the sac. “I need you to pass on to the others how important it is to stay indoors. Allow Theron to explain to Zoe and Willow and the others the decontamination processes. He can give them insight on the harmful things your people are up against.” I give her a pleading look that has her relaxing.
“Okay.”
Okay?
I cock my nog in confusion. Did she just agree with me? Without argument?
“Now move, you big, ugly monster before I make you,” she hisses, pressing a magknife to my sternum.
There she is.
Bold. Fiery. Brave.
Fierce female.
Flashing her a wide grin that shows my double fangs, I let my gaze peruse her face for a lingering moment, pausing at her lips. She licks them, causing a rumbling growl to vibrate through me.
“Hadrian,” she rasps. “Step away. We have a mission.”
“Thanks for trusting me,” I murmur, leaning in to her ear. “I won’t let you down.”
Instead of tossing a snarky comment back at me, she nods. “Thank you.”
* * *
As the females discuss the newest development—the rekking door being left open—I pull Theron aside. Our mission has been delayed slightly. Both Theron and I’d been shot down when we again suggested we take the Mayvina up so we can reach Sayer and the rest.
Stubborn females.
“Work on Willow. She’s a lot like Molly. If anyone can see some sense, it’d be her,” I instruct, my voice low. “Get into the Mayvina and make contact with the Facility. We need Calix’s insight and advice.”
Theron smirks at me.
“What?” I demand.
“Nothing.”
I whap him upside his nog with my hand. “Sure doesn’t rekking look like nothing.”
“You.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, you piece of rogshite. You’re the only you I’m looking at.”
“Are you going to elaborate or are you going to make me beg?”
“Begging is nice.”
I glower at him until he laughs.
“That. Right there. You, my little mortling, are growing up. You have the Breccan scowl down pat. I can’t wait to tell him.”
I chuckle and shove him. “You’re annoying.”
“You like it.” He waggles his brows at me.
“Okay, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, quit playing. It’s time to roll out,” Lyric barks out.
I pull Theron to me and hug him. I’m not sure what we’ll run into out there, but I need to draw strength from him. He hugs me back.
“You’ve got this, Hadrian.”
We pull apart and I walk with Lyric to another side of the prison where the zu-gear is located. I help her find a suit that fits properly and check it obsessively. She grows impatient, but this is a battle she won’t win. Once I’m convinced it’s free of tears or holes, I raise my arms so she can check mine as well. I expect her to rush through it, but she takes her time.
“Tell me about The Rades. You’ve mentioned it. I want to know more.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Its mortality rate is high if contracted. We have one survivor in our Facility. Draven. He nearly passed on to The Eternals, but by some miraculous feat, he pulled through.” I bow my nog. “But not without leaving scars. Both inside and out. He’s not right. Angry. Afraid. Edgy. Molly was his cure.”
