She’d failed. Her dream was as dead as the planet behind them. Janey was dead. It seemed unbelievable; she’d been so bright, so beautiful. But the rest were safe—she had to cling to that thought.
Skylar called in, ten minutes later. Tannis wiped her eyes and straightened in her seat. She had to be strong for the rest of them.
“The Trog’s dead,” Skylar said.
Shock hit her in the solar plexus and the breath left her. “How?”
“He tried to save Janey. He went crazy, and they killed him.”
There was more. She could hear it in Skylar’s voice. Although she was obviously making an effort to keep her tone blank, the emotions seeped through. Barely suppressed rage but tinged with fear.
Not Rico. Please God, she hadn’t brought his death as well.
“Tell me.” Tannis forced the words out.
“They wouldn’t release Rico. They said he was to be executed for the murder of Hezrai Fischer. He could be already dead. They wouldn’t risk keeping him alive. And Alex. They kept Alex as well, said she would have the chance to resume her position as priestess. If not, then she dies as well so a new priestess can be born. I had to knock Jon out in order to get him away; he was going crazy—I was scared he would get himself killed, too.”
“Is he okay?”
“He’s come around, but he’s not good. He’s shifted now—it’s the best thing. But at least they’re unlikely to kill Alex quickly. They’ll give her a chance to change her mind, take up her old position.”
“We’ll get her back. We’ll get them both back.”
“Maybe.”
She’d never heard such defeat in Skylar’s voice. She’d always been so strong. Tannis arranged a new rendezvous point and switched off. For a minute, she sat gazing unseeing at the monitor. Then she commed the priest.
“You said you’d release my crew, you lying bastard. Release my pilot or we’ll be coming to get him.”
“That would be a waste of time. He’s already dead, burned in the cleansing fires.”
Her mind went blank, refusing to make sense of the words. Rico couldn’t be dead. He was the one constant in her life for the past fifteen years. Her friend. Her mentor.
Smashing her fist on the comm link, she squeezed her eyes shut. Beyond tears now, red-hot rage flooded her mind. She wanted revenge.
Tannis set the ship to automatic and put in the coordinates of the new rendezvous point. After that was sorted, she dragged Callum onto the floor, laid him on his side so his wings wouldn’t be in the way, and put a cushion under his head. She sat close by, leaned against the wall, and watched him.
On Trakis Seven, he’d told her they could have eternity together. She’d never believed she could hold such a man for eternity, but maybe she could have him for the time she had left.
However short.
Chapter Nineteen
It was hours before Callum regained consciousness. He blinked open his stunning purple eyes but didn’t speak.
“How are you feeling?” she asked.
“Empty.”
“Me, too.”
He dragged himself up, then crossed to where she sat and slumped down beside her. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her against him, his big hands rubbing the skin of her back, massaging away the tension.
Tannis realized she didn’t want to talk. For a little time, she just wanted to forget. Emptying her mind, she concentrated on the feel of his touch. No one had ever touched her quite this way. Not sexual, just soothing. She closed her eyes and allowed sleep to blank away the memories.
When she awoke, she was still wrapped in is arms. Callum was half sitting, leaning against the wall behind him, and she was in his lap.
He took one look at her eyes. “What happened?”
She took a deep breath. “Rico’s dead. And the Trog. And they have Alex—she’s alive for now, but I’m scared she’ll lose it and shift. Then they’ll kill her for sure.”
“Bastards.” He stroked her hair. “I’m sorry.”
“I want him dead. Temperance Hatcher.”
“You look so fierce, like a hawk.”
“I am fierce.” She bit her lip. “Usually. I just can’t believe Rico is gone.”
“He meant a lot to you, didn’t he?”
“He was my friend. Strangely, he taught me how to be human.”
“Tell me.”
She’d never spoken to anyone about her time in the research station. Even Rico. It had been too painful. Now she knew it was time to let go. Pulling free of Callum’s arms, she struggled to her feet. She swayed, weakness washing over her.
Could she be sick already? Then her stomach rumbled and she realized how long it had been since she had eaten. It was strange, but life went on. A few hours ago, she couldn’t have imagined ever feeling hungry again.
“I will,” she said, “but let’s go find some food first.”