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She looked so delicate with her eyes closed. I’d have to steer clear of her boots again if I ever told her. But that’s what she was to me: delicate and determined. Strong-willed and too damn stubborn.

Her stubbornness was what kept her from running away. She had her opinions about teamwork and trust. I wondered if Harper saw betrayal and loss like I had at the hands of Isath and those I used to fight alongside in battle. She could put her trust in the Wanderstar fleet and whatever allies they were trying to gain among the galaxies.

I didn’t need them. All I needed was her. And I intended to fight this beast within until I could claim Harper as mine.

Chapter Five

HARPER

Iopened my eyes thenext morning when I heard the birds and small creatures of the wood chatter. Panning my gaze over to the log, I saw Varus still seated. "Have I been asleep all night?"

He was unfazed. "You were tired."

"I was supposed to keep second watch."

"I don’t need much sleep. It’s fine."

"No, I told you. We have to look out for each other." I stood to my feet, clutching my back. "I feel like I aged thirty years sleeping on that hard ground. Be right back."

I went outside the camp into the woods to tend to morning ablutions. On the way back, I tested my com link device on my wrist. No activity from my squad. No signal from the Mission Flyer.

Not good.

When I returned to camp, I informed Varus. "I tried using my com link to contact my squad. I got nothing."

"Your device might work when we get closer."

I wanted to remain positive. "I hope it’s something simple like the atmosphere. We did have trouble contacting HQ once we hit the asteroid belt."

Varus did a quick sweep of the camp to make sure we didn’t leave a trail for more predators. "Let’s go so we don’t have to spend another night out here."

"Your space heater helped." I stretched, rising on my toes.

He viewed me, his eyes following the line of my legs to where my back arched. "Let’s go."

"You said that already." I jogged after him when he commenced walking.