Lina
LINA
T he ancient elevator lurched, sending me stumbling into Tharion’s solid chest. His arms instinctively wrapped around me, steadying us both against the jerky ascent. The metal box groaned and creaked, each floor passing with an ominous clank that echoed through the shaft.
“Well, this is cozy,” I tease, trying to ignore how safe I felt in Tharion’s embrace.
Tharion’s low chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Enjoying the ride?”
I stepped back, instantly missing his warmth. “Oh yes, nothing like a death trap elevator to really get the blood pumping.”
His gaze gleamed with amusement. “We’ll be fine. I’m sure this old girl’s tougher than she looks.”
As if on cue, the elevator shuddered violently. I grabbed the railing, knuckles white.
“You were saying?”
Tharion shrugged, completely unfazed. “A little excitement keeps life interesting.”
I could only marvel at his calm. “So, what’s our next move once we reach the surface?”
“Get to my ship as quickly and quietly as possible,” Tharion replied, his expression turning serious. “The less attention we draw, the better.”
I nodded, chewing my lip. “Maybe Dr. Heylarth can help. He’ll be worried sick, and he might know what’s happening back on Mithond.”
Tharion’s brow furrowed. “It’s risky. Any communication could be traced.”
“I know, but he’s like family. I can’t just disappear without a word.”
Tharion studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “Alright. We’ll find a secure way to reach out to him. But it has to be brief, understand?”
Relief washed over me. “Thank you.”
The elevator continued its halting journey upward. I could feel Tharion’s gaze on me, heavy with unspoken thoughts.
“There’s... another option we should consider.”
I turned to face him, curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”
Tharion took a step closer. My breath caught as he towered over me, his presence overwhelming in the confined space.
“I could claim you as my mate,” he said, the words making me swallow hard. “No one in their right mind would dare challenge a Vinduthi’s chosen partner.”
My heart raced. “Claim me? As in...”
Tharion’s hand cupped my cheek, his touch surprisingly gentle. “It would involve a mark, here.” His fingers trailed down to the junction of my neck and shoulder. “A permanent bond, declaring you as mine to all who see it.”
My mind froze, torn between desire and uncertainty. “That’s... a big step.”
“It would keep you safe,” Tharion murmured, his face inching closer to mine. “And I find myself... reluctant to let you go.”
Before I could respond, Tharion’s lips brushed against my neck, right where he’d indicated the mark would go. A soft cry escaped me as he nuzzled the sensitive skin, his pointed canines grazing ever so lightly.
“Tharion...” I breathed, my body betraying me as I leaned into his touch.
The elevator lurched again, snapping me back to reality. I placed a hand on Tharion’s chest, gently pushing him back.
“Let’s escape this place first,” I decided, my voice shaky. “It’s not a decision to make lightly.”
Tharion nodded, respect and something else – disappointment? – flickering in his eyes. “Of course. The offer stands, should you choose to accept it.”
The air between us crackled with tension as the elevator continued its ascent. I found myself hyper-aware of Tharion’s every movement, every breath. Part of me wanted to throw caution to the wind and accept his offer, to lose myself in the safety and passion he promised.
But the rational part of my brain screamed caution. I barely knew this man – this alien – and yet he’d already turned my world upside down. Could I really trust him with my life, my future?
The elevator groaned to a halt, the doors creaking open to reveal the bustling underground city of Larakis. Tharion stepped out first, scanning for threats before motioning me forward.
I stepped out of the elevator, my senses immediately assaulted by the cacophony of the Larakis bazaar. The air was thick with exotic spices, machine oil, and the unmistakable musk of countless species. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to take in the chaotic scene before me.
Tharion’s hand found the small of my back, guiding me forward. “Stay close,” he murmured, his breath hot against my ear.
We moved through the crowd, weaving between stalls and aliens of all shapes and sizes. A Gorgolian merchant with six arms waved us over, his tentacle-like appendages writhing with excitement.
“Fresh carnivorous plants from the moons of Xylos! Guaranteed to eat your enemies!”
I shuddered, quickening my pace. Tharion’s grip on me tightened, his body tensing as he scanned our surroundings.
“Over there,” he whispered, nodding towards a shadowy alcove. “We can regroup and plan our next move.”
We reached the alcove, tucking ourselves into the darkness, Tharion’s body shielding me from view.
“We need to keep moving,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “The spaceport is two levels up, but we can’t risk taking the main lifts.”
I nodded, trying to calm my racing thoughts. “Service tunnels, maybe?”
Tharion’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “Clever girl. I saw a maintenance hatch near one of the food stalls. If we can reach it without being spotted...”
A commotion erupted nearby, drawing our attention. A group of Krelaxian guards pushed through the crowd, their scaled faces twisted in frustration.
“Spread out!” One barked. “Don’t let them get away!”
Panic tore at my chest. “Tharion, they’re looking for us. What do we do?”
He looked at me with fierce determination in his eyes. “We blend in.”
Before I could process his words, Tharion pulled me against him, one hand cupping the back of my head as he kissed me, hungry and insistent. All I could focus on was the heat of his body, the taste of his mouth.
I gasped for air, my head spinning. Tharion’s eyes were dark with desire, but his voice remained calm.
“Public displays of affection make people uncomfortable,” he explained. “They’ll look away.”
I nodded, still dazed from the kiss. “Right. Good thinking.”
We emerged from the alcove, Tharion’s arm still wrapped around my waist. We moved through the crowd with purpose, no longer trying to hide, but acting as if we belonged.
As we neared the food stalls, the scent of sizzling meats and exotic fruits filled the air. My stomach growled, reminding me how long it had been since I’d eaten. Tharion smirked.
“Hungry?”
I rolled my eyes. “Now’s not exactly the time for a snack break.”
“On the contrary,” he replied, steering me towards a stall selling what looked like purple tentacles on sticks. “Nothing says ‘not fugitives’ like stopping for a bite to eat.”
Deftly lifting a commpad from the open bag of a passing tourist, he purchased two of the questionable snacks, handing one to me with a wink. I eyed it warily before taking a hesitant bite. To my surprise, it was delicious – sweet and tangy with a hint of spice.
As we ate, Tharion casually maneuvered us closer to the maintenance hatch. I kept my eyes peeled for any sign we were being followed, my nerves on edge despite our casual fa?ade.
“There,” Tharion murmured, nodding towards a rusty panel set into the wall. “That’s our ticket out of here.”
We approached the hatch, trying to look nonchalant. Just as Tharion reached for the handle, a sharp voice called out behind us.
“Hey! You two!”
I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. Slowly, we turned to face a hulking Droxi security guard, his multiple eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“What do you think you’re doing?” He demanded.
Tharion’s arm tightened around me, but before he could respond, inspiration struck.
I giggled, pressing myself against Tharion’s side. “Oh, honey, I told you we’d get caught!” I slurred my words slightly, playing up the image of an intoxicated couple looking for privacy.
Tharion caught on immediately, his expression shifting to one of sheepish embarrassment. “Sorry, officer. We were just looking for a quiet spot to, uh...”
The guard’s eyes widened in understanding, then narrowed in disgust. “For the dark’s sake, you two. Get a room like normal people.”
I grabbed Tharion’s hand, tugging him away from the hatch. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s go find somewhere more... private.”
As soon as we were out of the guard’s sight, Tharion pulled me into another alcove. “Quick thinking,”
I grinned, feeling a surge of pride. “I learned from the best.”
Our eyes met and Tharion’s gaze dropped to my lips, and I leaned in, drawn to him like a magnet.
A loud crash nearby shattered the moment.
“We need to find another way up,” Tharion growled, frustration evident in his voice.
I nodded, forcing myself to focus on our escape rather than the lingering heat of Tharion’s almost-kiss. “Maybe we can hide in plain sight? Join a group heading to the upper levels?”
Tharion considered this, scanning the crowd. “It could work. But we’d need a convincing reason to be there.”
“There,” I whispered, nodding towards a group of colorfully-dressed beings consulting a holomap. “They look like tourists. We could pretend to be part of their group.”
Tharion’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. “Good catch. Follow my lead.”
We casually wound our way towards the group, careful not to draw attention. As we drew closer, I caught fragments of their excited chatter.
“I can’t believe we’re finally seeing the Larakis Bazaar!”
“Do you think we’ll find any rare artifacts?”
“Just don’t get scammed like last time, Zyx.”
Tharion smoothly inserted us into the group’s perimeter. I leaned into him, playing the part of an enamored tourist.
“Oh darling, look at those crystal sculptures!” I gushed, pointing at a nearby stall.
Tharion chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. “We can look, but no buying. Remember what happened on Centauri Prime?”
They barely gave us a second glance. We moved with the group through the bazaar, inching closer to the upper levels and the spaceport.
As we ascended, the crowd thinned slightly, and the atmosphere shifted. The air grew cooler, tinged with the scent of metal and sweat. My muscles screamed with each step, expecting to be attacked at any moment.
“Relax,” Tharion murmured, his lips brushing my ear. “You’re too stiff. Act natural.”
I took a deep breath, willing my body to loosen. “Sorry. I’m not used to being a fugitive.”
His low chuckle vibrated through me. “You’re doing remarkably well for a beginner.”
As we rode the lift with the group, I couldn’t help but notice how natural it felt to be pressed against Tharion’s side. I fought the urge to snuggle closer.
Focus, . This isn’t real.
The lift doors opened, revealing the vast expanse of the Larakis spaceport, sleek starships and bustling crowds of every species imaginable.
We’d made it. We were so close to freedom.
Tharion steered us away from the group, his eyes constantly scanning for threats. “My ship’s in docking bay 17. We’re almost there.”
But as we rounded a corner, a familiar figure stepped out from behind a pillar, blocking our path.
Grax.
His mottled brown skin rippled with barely contained rage as he leveled a blaster at us. “Nobody plays me for a fool and gets away with it.”