Chapter 10 #2
“Oh, that’s easy,” Leeam said.
Without warning, a blue canteen popped into sight and hovered in front of her, its shoulder strap dangling.
“Now that we have a little energy, we can conjure food for you.”
“What about a ship? If we can get past the force field?” Ellard asked.
“Sorry,” Leeam said. “We’re not strong enough for something of that magnitude. Our parents or uncle could do it, but we’re not strong enough right now.”
“It’s all right.” Gweneth grasped the canteen, reassured by the solid feel of it and slung it over one shoulder. “Food and water is a big help, but how does this work? The ship disappeared after we crashed. Will the food sustain us?”
“Yes, because we offer it freely, and you need it to survive. That’s the basic answer.
Maybe Uncle Niran could explain it better, but anything physical we make for you exists until you no longer need it.
” Leeam closed his eyes, and an instant later, a dark green tunic popped into existence in front of Ellard.
“If you accept this tunic, it will remain visible until you change it for another or remove this garment and leave it somewhere.”
“Chocolate,” Gweneth blurted. “Can you conjure chocolate?”
“I don’t understand—ah,” Sheera said, smiling at Leeam.
“I’ll do it.” She closed her eyes, and seconds later, a bar of chocolate appeared in front of Gweneth.
She snatched it up, glanced at the packaging, and grinned.
“One of my favorite New Zealand chocolates. Kaya will start to drool the sec she hears. She’s eaten the last of her chocolate stock, and none of the sweets we’ve managed to make have passed her discerning palate. ”
Ellard yanked the tunic over his head. “Let’s head out. No talking. Everyone alert.”
“Aye, aye, Ellard.” Gweneth did a snappy salute then ripped open the wrapping on the chocolate. She handed over several squares to Ellard and shoved two into her mouth. A moan of pleasure escaped as she chewed. Dark chocolate with hints of spicy chili to counteract the sweetness. Delicious.
Ellard glanced at the chocolate with a little more interest and bit some off. He chewed.
“Nice?”
“Different. I’ve heard you discuss chocolate before, but I couldn’t understand the attraction.”
“Ye of little praise,” Gweneth mocked.
“Shush.” He shut off her words with his mouth, his unhurried kiss taking her by surprise.
His tongue sought entrance, and the rich taste of chocolate fired her senses.
Raw need shot to the fore, and she almost dropped the chocolate in her urgency to get closer.
Almost. She wound her free hand around Ellard’s neck and rocked against him, the burst of sensation at the physical contact roaring through her in a heated rush.
This was so much better now. His kiss. His touch. His willingness.
He nuzzled her neck, his teeth nipping at her earlobe. The dart of pain made her breath catch, then an instant later, the throb sank downward to gather in her pussy. “Ellard.”
He released her and stepped back, his green eyes alight with mischief. “My debt is paid for this cycle. Let’s move out.”
His confident swagger made her grin while his rear view brought a happy sigh. The man’s body consisted of sexy muscles, and she enjoyed gawking. His kisses were also great for pain relief. She strode after him, scanning their forest surroundings as they followed a narrow trail between the trees.
As the star climbed higher in the sky, the heat intensified.
Perspiration beaded on her forehead and dampened her clothes.
Swarms of tiny flying insects, disturbed by their passing, flew in clouds around their heads.
Flapping her hand didn’t seem to get rid of them, and the insects kept dive-bombing her face. Talking wasn’t wise.
Overhead, she heard the odd bird or animal, but the dense treetops meant she never saw what made the sounds. Friendly or dangerous? She had no idea.
Up ahead, Ellard slowed. He flapped his hand over his face. “Can you hear that drone?”
“Yeah.”
“Force field,” Leeam said, his voice coming from over to her right. He and Sheera remained invisible to conserve their energy, although their faces had shone brighter after their kiss. Such an interesting race, and unlike any she’d met before.
“So the force field is above and in front of us,” Ellard said. “This doesn’t look good. I’m willing to bet if we walk in the other direction, we’ll also come to the force field.”
“If we’re in a trap, then how did we get through?” Gweneth asked.
“No idea. My best guess…it’s something to do with the ship. For some reason, it could pass through the field, but that doesn’t help us get out.”
“A ship,” Leeam said. “Can you hear it?”
They cocked their heads to listen, the uneven whine of the engines indicating the pilot had the ship hovering above them.
“They’ve found us.”
“Heat-seeking instruments,” Ellard said tersely, his large frame locked in position.
“I can flash up to the top branches,” Leeam said. “Stay here, Sheera.”
“Be careful,” Ellard said. “Until we learn whether it’s friend or foe.”
“I’ll be fine,” Leeam said. “I won’t be visible.”
“But I presume you still give off a heat signature?” Ellard scowled, his serious bodyguard expression. “Don’t get cocky. This situation feels wrong.”
Ellard continued frowning, his attention on the treetops, and Gweneth picked up his unease. They waited and waited. Leeam didn’t return, and without warning, the ship moved off. When they could no longer hear it, she exchanged a glance with Ellard.
“Leeam,” he called. “You can come down now. Leeam?”
Sheera’s face popped into sight in front of them. Tears welled in her eyes. “They’ve taken Leeam. I can’t find him. I can’t sense him any longer.”