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Chapter Three
Tayla
I paced back and forth in front of the ship, my hand resting uneasily on my weapon. We hadn’t exactly planned for danger on such a new planet, so I found our options very limited, but I was able to arm myself with a handgun and a Tazer. I didn’t even know how to use either of them, but Alec gave me a quick tutorial and we both hoped it would be enough.
Idid notlikenot being in control of the situation.
“You okay out there?” Alec asked from inside the ship.
I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of his voice. I had to steady myself before calling back.
“Yeah, I’m good. Nothing to see out here.”
“Why don’t you come in and rest, then?” he asked softly.
This was not the first time we’d had this conversation since the sun dropped out of view and left us in the dark. We were both tired, but I insisted on taking the watch. I just couldn’t believe that we would be safe until we knew what was on that other ship, and I wasn’t going to investigate until the sun came back up. If that meant forcing my eyes open all night long, then that’s what I would do.
“How much longer until morning?” I rebutted, trying to keep the weariness out of my voice.
“Heh. A long time, Doctor.” He poked his head out of the ship and shook his head at me, mocking sadness on his face. “I’m serious. You need to rest, and I don’t think you shooting our limited supply of ammo at every shadow that moves in the dark is going to keep either of us safe. It would be a lot better for you to come in here, lock the doors, and get a good night’s rest. Please?”
I hesitated, looking over my shoulder and scanning our surroundings once again. Before I could give it any more thought, I felt Alec’s hand on my wrist, gently holding my arm steady as he pried the gun out of my fingers.
“But-”
“Come on, Tayla. You’re on the brink of delirium.”
I huffed at the use of my first name. I was so used to being addressed by my formal title; I didn’t like the sound of my own name on his lips. It felt too… personal. But I couldn’t protest. He was already closing the door behind me and securing the lock. He stepped aside and let me inspect his work, I supposed for my own peace of mind. I heard the pressurization system kick in as soon as we sealed the airlock, and then he reached over, loosening the straps of the oxygen mask, pulling it from my head and setting it aside before ushering me back to the cramped sleeping quarters. Once he had me corralled, he crossed his arms over his chest and blocked the doorway, preventing me from leaving.
“Go on,” I snapped. “I’m a grown woman. I can put myself to bed, thank you very much.”
But the way he eyed me told me he wasn’t so sure about that.
“Doctor, I’m just here to make sure this trip is a success. If that means putting you down for a nap like an insolent child, I will do it.”
Anger flared in me at his words, and I threw myself back onto my pillow, balling my hands into fists.
“There. Are you happy?”
He smirked at me, and turned to leave, but I couldn’t let it go.
“We’ll talk about your responsibilities tomorrow, Alec. Don’t get too comfortable giving orders around here.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
#
The next morning, I woke to the sound of Alec moving around somewhere on the shuttle. I hurried myself out of bed, actually grateful for how refreshed I felt after all. Okay, maybe Alec had been a little right, I admitted to myself. But he still wouldn’t get away with treating me like a toddler.
Making my way toward the front of the shuttle, I nearly hissed at the bright light streaming in through the front windshield.
“Why is it so bright?” I moaned, rubbing at my eyes.
Alec’s face lit up when he spotted me, and I could already tell he was in too good of a mood for me to handle without first having coffee. But to my surprise, he offered me a pouch and a smile.
“I warmed it up for you. I hope you don’t mind.”
I took a sip from the pouch, wrinkling my nose as the first bitter notes hit my tongue. Then my face relaxed, and I nodded my approval.
