Alex Wales: Promise

and why did this place feel so familiar?

Where the hell did we crash?

All his questions faded when the bird attacked, again. This time, it seemed determined to pluck his eyes out.

Ulric managed to avoid every attempt, spun around, and stabbed his claws into the tough skin of the creature’s abdomen. The cold blood seeped over his fur, and the bird squawked and flapped its leathery wings, attempting to escape his clutches. He didn’t let go. He kept a tight hold, slowly embedding his sharp claws deeper and deeper, until he managed to tear right through the coarse skin.

The creature cried out, and Ulric threw it to the side. Before the bird had a chance to respond, he tore the wings right off its back, followed by the beak, and finally snapped its neck.

When the creature’s cries died and the life had completely slipped away from it, he glared at the hands still wrapped around the bird’s scrawny neck. His hands were back to normal.

I’m human. What the fuck is happening to me?

He looked up, feeling the pull of the glowing orb in the sky.

The moon seemed to be calling him, caressing his skin with its cool touch. Trying to draw out the monster he hadn’t had a clue lay hidden inside him. The canopy of trees above shielded him, giving him the chance to hold onto a little bit of control.

Ulric released the creature and stepped into the direct path of the moon. Instantly, he felt the fur crawl over his skin, so he stepped back. With the trees shading him from the full effect of the satellite, he remained a man.

Maybe Alex didn’t need to find out what had happened to him. As long as they got off this planet, he’d be fine.

A new bout of screeching caught his attention. Shadows played out on the ground, a multitude of them. He wasn’t going to stay here and make himself a target.

He looked at his hands. Both of Alex’s lucky charms were gone.

Ulric looked at the ground, careful not to touch the moonlight as he searched for them. The glint of the bronze key caught his eye, and he leaned over. He’d found the necklace but couldn’t find the bracelet he’d given her.

“Damn!”

He couldn’t waste any more time looking. The birds were closing in, and Alex was still being led away from him by some man who had no right to touch her.

Ulric turned and ran the way Alex had headed.

With any luck, he could avoid the light of the moon and still be the man she knew when he reached her.

Chapter Seven

With every step they took, Damon’s grip tightened around her hand.

He took Alex farther into the darkness of foliage around them. She was running blind, and as much as she hated the situation, she had no choice but to trust this stranger. The pressure of his grasp made the bandaged cut sting and itch, but she knew they had no other option but to keep going, and she certainly didn’t want to face these surroundings without a guide.

Whether she was ready or not, it looked like they were headed for his village. Wherever the hell that was.

She had no trouble keeping up with his fast pace. She’d done a lot of running during her life and was conditioned to it. The terrain, like everything she’d experienced so far on this planet, was harsh and dangerous. Twigs and leaves were getting caught in her hair, branches were swiping at her face, and the tangle beneath her feet made her feel as if she was about to fall with every step. She pushed on, determined not to become some creature’s lunch. She had things to do, places to go, a lover who was waiting for her on Anteris.

Why hadn’t she stayed with Ulric? Things would have been less complicated. Sackor wouldn’t have scratched her. She wouldn’t have made a new enemy and certainly wouldn’t have crashed on this shitty planet. Whenever she stayed with Ulric, things were mostly straightforward. Maybe thatwas part of the problem. It was all too simple with him. So, since she enjoyed a challenge and adventure, she should feel right at home here, right?

A shiver raced down her spine. Why did I have to go and think about him, again?

If she really couldn’t get off this rock, what would Ulric do…forget about her and move onto some other chick? What about her? What would shedo? She couldn’t take her eyes off Damon’s broad shoulders and the way his dreadlocks bounced around him as he ran.

The ongoing screeching overhead was suddenly replaced by a roar. Every thought slid from her mind. Her gut clenched with fear. What the hell kind of wildlife did they have on this damned planet, anyway?

Damon suddenly stopped in front of her, not giving her enough time to slow down before smacking into him. He didn’t seem to notice as he turned around, holding a finger in front of his mouth to keep her quiet. He looked over her shoulder. She followed his gaze, yet couldn’t see anything but the jungle engulfing them from every angle. She hated to think about the amount of insects creeping and crawling around her right now.

A shiver roused goosebumps when she remembered the worms.

“What type of animal made that noise?” she whispered, trying to catch her breath.

Damon looked at her for a second. “Come on. We need to keep moving.” He continued forward, dragging her behind him.

She groaned when a branch slapped her forehead, but she didn’t stop. Instead, she tried to stay as close to Damon as she could. The backpack was slapping her lower back with every move, and it was starting to grate on her nerves.

A small nip at the back of her leg made her stumble. She lost her balance, her hand slid from Damon’s, and she fell forward. “Son of a bitch!”

Damon raced back and helped her to her feet. “Don’t worry. We’re almost home, now.”

Alex spat out some dirt and wiped the rest from her front. “Something bit me.”

“It was one of the birds. The younglings like to toy with their prey. They’re small enough to hide in the bushes and take small bites until they immobilize you.”

“That’s comforting.” She took his hand, but instead of moving on, Damon pulled her closer. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pressing their bodies close together, until she could feel his heartbeat. Her frantic pace echoed against him, but his seemed calm compared to hers. “What the hell are you doing? Just let me blast it.”

“Shhh,” he whispered near her ear.

Alex opened her mouth to ask how standing around hugging was going to stop an attack, when movement on her left caught her eye. She turned her head very slowly, until her right cheek was pressed up against his firm chest.

Damon hugged her tighter and leaned over enough to rest his chin on the top of her head. What the hell was going on here?

The creature-stepping so close, she was sure they’d soon become an easy meal-hardly resembled a bird. Its body moved awkwardly. The fleshy wings were held tightly against its crooked spine as it used spindly legs to walk. Its eyes were beady as it inspected the area and used the long beak to feel around. She couldn’t believe it when the tip touched Damon’s arm but the creature turned away.

She didn’t say a word and held her breath until she was sure the bird had left. She tried to move, but Damon kept her pinned in his embrace. Assuming it meant that the threat was still close, she relaxed against him, maybe enjoying their closeness a little too much. He smelled really nice, like herbs.

When he loosened his grip, she pulled back a little, giving her enough room to look up into his