got to, because I refuse to ruin my friend’s life. He’s been good to me. My mind turns over what Chantel said about Borak, and I realize a few things. Up until now, I hadn’t thought of him or anyone else in a romantic light. During a war, most soldiers are in survival mode. Long term relationships are usually not something you give a lot of thought to unless you already have one in motion. Then you miss them and spend a bunch of time messaging home and hoping they send you vids of everything you’re missing.
Chantel’s words shift Borak from the battle buddy category to the potential lover category in my mind. Images flash though my brain of him flying. He’s got absolutely gorgeous wings. They’re huge. I can’t even begin to guess his wingspan.
Chewing my bottom lip, I also remember that time he took his shirt off. The barrel chested warrior is totally ripped, with more muscles than I’ve ever seen on any man in my lifetime. Though he wouldn’t be described as traditionally handsome, I wouldn’t throw him out of bed over appearances. I smile to myself when I realize he’s kind of like the troll dolls Chantel loved to see in the museum as a child. He’s so ugly, he’s cute. Then I feel guilty, because I honestly don’t see him as particularly ugly.
I’m enjoying my morning brew and the little mental break of thinking about Borak as a potential mate for the first time when someone drops down into the chair in front of me. I barely notice because she’s so tiny. Looking up, I recognize her immediately as the priestess we pulled out of that temple in Japan. “Hello, Amber. How are you today?”
She leans forward conspiratorially. “I am not well, and only you can help me.”
Okay, maybe this is fate giving me a chance to redeem myself for all my recent screw-ups. Lowering my voice, I invite her to explain. “Tell me everything.”
She lights up like a Christmas tree, which is interesting because for some reason she has a huge old fashioned Christmas ornament in her hands. “I just discovered that all my harmonic friends did not make it to the ship.”
Damn, I knew that decision was going to come back on us. It looks like I was right, and it sure didn’t take long. “I was there when they were loaded. The shifter reported several didn’t want to leave.”
“They are grieving deeply for their lost loved ones. They need understanding and coaxing.” Her voice takes on an earnest quality. “I have known many them my entire life. They would place their trust in me.”
I give it my best guess. “What you’re asking is for me to take you back to the temple on the down low.”
Her face lift to mine, and I see a world of aggravation in her eyes. “The Draconians have said our warrior gave them permission to leave the few behind. They will not risk taking me back. That was not his decision to make.”
I sit back in my chair, thinking it over.
She’s squeezing so hard on that glass ornament that it begins to crack. Reaching out, I still her hand. Amber’s expression breaks for a second. “I need you understand the harmonics are my closest friends. I can’t leave without them.” Grabbing my hand tightly, she whispers, “I won’t leave without them.”
I frown at the stubborn woman. “If they didn’t listen to one of their own kind, why would they listen to you?”
“We must do everything in our power to make them see that leaving is the only way. They are sensitive beings. Right now they are traumatized by the deaths of so many of their brethren. Many were consumed alive by the Vithacan parasites, and the pain was felt throughout the psychic link. One day they will recover. When that happens, they will realize we left yet more of their kind behind to die. Their anger will be immense.”
Well, I’ll be damned if that doesn’t make perfect sense. I can’t imagine what kind of danger the creatures could pose, being so small and needing to stay close to water. Then it hits me. What if they all imprinted on Draconian warriors? I can’t even guess how a war between the two species would play out, but it’s pretty clear all the humans would be caught in the middle. My brain immediately flips to planning the logistics, because I can’t risk not helping her and I don’t think