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“We have been here for thousands of years. We are made up of different clutches, some bad and some good. Just like Earth, right?”
“Sadly, you’re right. Go on, please.”
“We alphas rule our clutch areas, looking out for the members. We try to make sure that everyone’s needs are being met.”
“Do … do all of your clutch members like that you are raising Earth cows?”
“No. They would rather I lived all the time among the clutch. I divide my time as I see fit. If anything develops, I go to our territory and take care of it.”
Back on the yacht, Deimos and Hope enjoyed a romantic lunch. The crew was discreet, serving them, then disappearing,
“Are the crew members shifters?”
“They are. And this is their job. Tell me about your life on Earth.”
THIRTEEN
HOPE
She relaxed in the seat and watched Deimos drive/fly them toward home. She could get used to this. Being anywhere with him was making her happy, even if she had really enjoyed the island. Leaving it behind wasn’t hard when she was with Deimos. She laughed as she watched him fly. She frowned, realizing what she was thinking.
You aren’t staying here, Hope. Don’t get too comfortable with everything going on. Remember that you’re here to help with the cattle, and then you’re returning home. This isn’t a forever thing. This is just like a short vacation.
She looked at Deimos, finding she really enjoyed today. A little too much, and that wasn’t good. She couldn’t have that. She couldn’t have any feelings for him when she knew she would be leaving.
So, she turned her gaze outside. She looked at the scenery taking in the changes. She looked at the grass and the shrubs. She liked how they reminded her of home, and yet they were so different as well.
The shades and the landscapes were what she expected a different planet to be like. Yet, she felt like she was at home.
Which isn’t how it should feel. This isn’t home. Earth is home. This is another planet you’re just visiting.
She sighed, and her eyes landed on something on the side of the road. She sat up taller and squinted at the object, trying to get a better look at it.
Only it wasn’t an object but an animal, and it looked hurt. She swallowed, looking at Deimos.
“Stop the vehicle,” she yelled, grabbing for her buckle.
He frowned and looked at her with a confused expression. “I can’t stop the vehicle, Hope. I have people behind me. Someone is going to hit me if I stop.”
“Stop the vehicle!” she yelled louder, looking outside the window. They were about to pass the animal. She frowned, seeing the creature was wounded.
Her heart skipped a beat as she saw red smeared next to it. The critter was small, possibly just a little bigger than her palm.
It made her think of a small rabbit with floppy ears and a puffy tail. Her heart twisted, seeing it curled up in itself.
She grabbed the handle of the vehicle, and the alarm button blinked on. Deimos whipped his head toward her, his eyes wide. “Don’t open that door! Hope, I’m still moving!”
“Then pull over!” she yelled back, glaring at him. She wasn’t allowing them to drive away when there was a hurt animal on the side of the road.
“All right! I’m pulling over! Don’t jump out.” He looked around at the other flying cars and slid over. A horn blared as it passed, and he frowned.
He pulled the vehicle over and came to a stop on the side of the road. She threw the door open, jumping out before he pulled the vehicle to a complete stop.
“For God’s sake, Hope. Careful, please!”
She ignored his worried words as her feet hit the ground. Vehicles honked horns angrily, but she ignored them as well.
She trekked back toward where the animal was. She stopped a foot away, taking in the deep purple of the fur and the ears that were cowardly downward. She could see little paws with nails digging into the dirt.
