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“Has he ever?” Steve asked.
“He didn’t get to where he is by being a stupid man,” I said softly. “He sees us—me—as leverage and won’t like the idea of us leaving, no matter what the reason. But he’s in no position to override Waurlyn’s orders.”
Waurlyn caught his stare and waved me over.
“In your own words, what is the mission?” Waurlyn asked when I reached them, confirming that Thomas wasn’t a fool.
“Try to convince Molev we aren’t making a mistake that will end the failing scraps of humanity in complete egotistical arrogance,” I said without hesitation.
Thomas’s gaze narrowed on me.
“Whether I agree with it or not, I understand the mission. Just like you understand that Molev’s trust in what we’re doing here is hanging on by a thread. Don’t mess this up, Thomas. We can’t afford another mistake.” I looked at Waurlyn. “Where do you want us?”
“The far aircraft,” she said. “I’ll be joining you in a few moments to rehearse what we’d like you to say.”
I nodded sullenly and returned to the group.
“We’re over there,” I said, gesturing toward the far aircraft. We took our places while the scientists went in the other one along with the majority of the volunteers.
Waurlyn was the last one onto the aircraft. The door shut behind her as she took her seat and gave me a long look.
“After the way he previously interrogated me, any other response would have been inappropriate,” I said.
She exhaled and closed her eyes as the engines started. It took a few minutes to connect the cargo carriers, and then we left Fort Irwin behind.
We reached the base by midday. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when we landed. However, the overstaffed, crowded landing pad wasn’t it. People moved about, carrying supplies and reloading another container nearby.
“The aircraft will take supplies to the evac site before returning for us,” Waurlyn said, claiming my attention. “Molev’s this way.”
The team and I followed her to two waiting vehicles that took us to a building on the far side of the base. The scent of food teased my nose when we opened the door, and my stomach growled.
Molev looked up from his plate of food, and his gaze locked with mine as we entered. I doubted he saw the other people with me. He was on his feet a second later, closing the distance between us.
It was hard to admit to myself how much I missed him in the weeks we’d been apart.
“Molev,” Waurlyn said. “I know you were looking forward to seeing Andie, but if I could have a moment of your time before you take her away, it’s really important.”
He glanced at her then back at me.
“You need to hear what she has to say,” I said. I could see the resentment and anger growing in his gaze. Rather than let him think I was trying to put him off, I grabbed a handful of his long hair and tugged him down to my level.
“A quick hello kiss isn’t going to hurt anything, though,” I said softly.
His lips curved at the corners, and before I knew what he intended, he had me in his arms, flush against his chest, with his strong hand gripping the back of my head as his lips claimed mine in a powerful kiss.
I wrapped my legs around his waist and gave back as good as I got. The kiss scorched through me, making me ache for the feel of him again.
Someone cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry to break apart your reunion,” Roland said, “but the faster you listen to Waurlyn, the faster you can take Andie somewhere else. I’m not sure Roni can handle much more of this display.”
“Shut your face, Roland,” Roni said. “I’m two seconds from making some popcorn.”
Molev kissed my forehead then set his to mine.
“I missed you,” he said.
“I missed you too.”
