"Ah! Ahh! Achoooo!" Rae hid her face in the fluffy—now grossly damp blanket. She desperately wished there was a tissue nearby because she was pretty sure if she moved a huge glob of snot would string down from her face.
Just as she was considering walking with the blanket temporarily attached to her nose, a small box was placed lightly on her hip. Peeking off to the side she saw the white material sticking out of the cardboard box and that's all it took for her to swipe her hand out and bring the soft tissue to her crying nose.
After giving it a hearty blow to clear out the sinuses that threatened to clog, Rae took a moment to recover. She looked back down to the tissue box and frowned. "Tomak?"
A soft, almost inaudible rumble answered from behind.
She wanted to sound irate and cross, but her nasally voice worked against her in that endeavor. "You suck."
The deep rumbling quickly transitioned into a chuckle. Rising from his crouch, Tomak looked down at her with amused eyes.
It had taken some time, but he was beginning to have an understanding of her strange human phrases; remembering before how her usage of the word 'suck' had no actual relevance to the action of sucking.
It was a poor attempt to prick at his pride, but he would allow her to think otherwise.
Normally a remark used by his brothers would test him, pushing him towards either forcing them to submit to him, or getting them back in some way. In this case, Tomak was convinced that would never be an option with the little female that barely came up to his midriff. For now, at least in her sickened state, he would let it go.
"It's not funny!" she swatted at him, not unlike her useless feline pet. "Thanks to you, I'm sick!"
He chuffed at that. It was not his fault her body could not properly fight off tiny microorganisms. Yautja did not suffer from such a problem.
As if reading his mind, she scowled and pointed a tiny finger at him in accusation, seemingly emphasizing each statement as she went, "I told you it was too cold for a bikini! And did you listen to me? No! Now I have a scratchy throat, a fever, and a blocked sinus! And it's: All. Your. Fault!"
Placidly blinking down at her, Tomak considered her words.
She exhibited the characteristics of a human quite well: whining, cursing, blaming, acting as if life itself were over. He crossed his arms in pure yautja arrogance. "Had you won, you would not be ill."
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "I probably lost because I was running on an empty stomach," she grumbled irritably.
"That is unlikely. Eating beforehand would have slowed you even more than you were."
His swift retort stung like salt in the wound. Just as she was formulating a proper comeback, he was gone. Yeah he better run, she thought angrily to herself before a phlegmy cough got the better of her.
Despite what she thought, Tomak only left her for a short while, going to collect something in the other room.
Upon returning, he watched as she quickly sat up, snatching another tissue before a second sneeze wracked her whole body. The sound was peculiar. It was the mix between a snort and a hiss, but it appeared to be painful, certainly not a sound yautja would or could make for that matter.
She fell back against the pillow once more and sighed frustratedly.
Kneeling down beside her, Tomak presented the cooled cloth he had prepared for her and placed it over her feverish forehead. He was aware this was how some reduced rising temperatures amongst her kind. It was primitive but effective.
Unable to get upset with him, the corners of her mouth curled into a small appreciative smile. "Thank you."
His mandibles twitched. Nodding once, he rose and left her to rest.
And slowly she did. As much as she tried to watch TV, she was suddenly overcome with exhaustion, her eyelids drooping heavily until she could no longer keep them open. She felt console from the darkness that enveloped her, and just before she went out like a light, she thought about how sweet it was of Tomak to get her a cold compress.
—
Taking a sharp intake of breath, Rae woke to the sounds of a new show starting.
Groaning, she shifted stiffly, managing to sit up with the blanket draped around her. Wondering just how long she slept, she looked up at the clock. It surprised her that it was late in the afternoon. It felt like she had slept for maybe an hour at most.
Massaging the back of her neck, she pinched the muscle there until it became painful. Although she didn't feel great, she could sense a change. The exaggerated nap had restored some of her energy at least.
Oddly, just like wounds, she was never under the weather for much longer than a day, the worst she had experienced since her abilities was about two days, but her symptoms were nothing to really complain about. It was as if her immunity were quadruple to what it ought to be.
Lifting her head, releasing her neck as she did, she froze seeing Tomak's bulk leaning against the wall that separated the living space from the dining area.
"How long have you been standing there?" she eyed him warily, wondering if her senses were that null or if he was that stealthy.
He tilted his head like he always did, as if he was curious. "Not long," he answered deeply.
"What's 'not long' to you?" She imagined the yautja watching her with the silent expression he always wore.
He shrugged his broad shoulders.
That was about as much as she suspected getting from him. She leaned back, unable to stop a tired yawn. "Is there something you want?" The next queued question.
Rather than answering, he surprised her as he moved away from the wall, his large frame passing by to sit on the couch right beside her. His immense weight dipped the cushion in such a way it almost had her sliding into his side. Adjusting herself to make sure that didn't happen, she looked at him questioningly.
"Why do you not heal yourself?"
Straightening her gaze she curled her fingers tighter around the soft blanket, feeling a sense of security with it wrapped over her. "It doesn't work that way."
After discovering her ability to heal, Price had the same security officer she had healed in a previous demonstration shoot her in the leg. The gunshot had served two purposes. The first to clarify for her that she had made no friends in saving the man's life, and second, she could not will herself to heal, despite how desperate she became. In the end, she was put unconscious to have the bullet removed surgically. At least they were nice enough to put me to sleep, she grimaced inwardly.
She felt his stare, it was penetrating, and she couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, but she elaborated anyway. "If there's a trick to it, I haven't figured it out, but every attempt has failed. Maybe it's because I already have the energy inside of me, but I can't be sure."
There was a silence between them that told her he was thinking, or maybe he was just watching the show that had started on the channel, but he highly doubted it. Her energy seemed to be what interested him the most, which was odd. Pretty much anyone that knew the real side of her, was afraid, but then again Tomak was different. Remembering his immense trophy wall, she had to admit there was probably very little that could scare him.
"Explain it, the healing" he suddenly spoke, his attention still remaining on the TV screen.
"Umm," she frowned, subconsciously rubbing her temple as she thought about how to explain such a thing, "it's uh… it's kind of hard to explain." She never thought she'd have to. Lowering her eyes to her clasped hands, she shook her head with a tired sigh. "You probably wouldn't get it anyway." She felt his stare.
Then the couch dipped as he leaned in towards her, finally earning her undivided attention. "Try me," he challenged, his glowing eyes aflame with an unmovable determination.
Blinking nervously, she tore her eyes away, looking in the general direction of the picture of her and her father. He always did seem to inspire her. "I don't know," she sighed, "I think… I think it's sort of like an exchange of energy."
Looking back at him, she watched as his prominent brow lowered, further shadowing his eyes. "I still do not understand."
To be honest, she didn't fully understand it either, but she got the gist of it. "Okay," she crossed her legs, turning to face him. completely. "Are you familiar with osmosis?"
He tilted his head.
She smiled at the sight, holding back a giggle, "Okay, that's a no." Doing a brief look about, her eyes searched for something to use for example, then they landed on his lap. She reached for him, "Give me your hand."
Without a moment's hesitation, he lifted his hand willingly between them.
"Okay," with one hand, she wrapped her small fingers as best she could around his thick wrist, gently directing that he keep it there. She then put her fist up against his palm, watching as she began to place firm pressure. His reaction was naturally to resist her. "Don't let me move it," she teased him with a smile, feeling his arm lock-up in response. Geez! her eyes widened. She knew Tomak was a powerhouse, but she was pretty sure that even if she threw her whole weight into this one arm, it wouldn't budge. If he ever challenged her to an arm wrestle the answer would be no. She was strong, but not even remotely in the same category Tomak was in.
Remembering what she was trying to explain, she cleared her throat. "So osmosis is essentially the movement of a liquid like water from an area of high concentration," she bumped her fist against the palm of his hand, getting his attention, "to low concentration." Her hand then slipped past his. As soon as it did, he instinctively caught her arm, preventing her from going any further.
She had to laugh, his eyes going from being centered and focused entirely on her hand, to curiously taking in her lighthearted expression. "Well at least in osmosis, it does," she teased, getting him to release her. "Gasses do something similar, moving from high pressurized areas to lower ones."
Getting to the point, she reenacted the demonstration again. "My energy behaves a lot like that, or at least it feels like it does." She pushed her fist against his hand once more, "Before I healed you, I had a high concentration of energy, but when I relaxed and opened myself to feel your energy, I could sense how low of a concentration you had and thus," she slipped her hand past him, this time noticing how he allowed her to move freely, "my energy was drawn to you, to regenerate what was damaged."
His eyes moved up from their hands to her eyes. "Drawn to me," he trilled.
"When I allowed it to," she added. "I don't understand the mechanisms of it in its entirety. I just know how it feels." Admittedly, she had done some research regarding the laws of energy and how it worked, hoping to learn more about her condition, but inevitably, there wasn't a paper or textbook that would go into full-detail regarding her specific case. So with time, she ended up dropping the search entirely.
"And what of my energy now?"
His sudden question drew a tender smile from her. Biting her lip she giggled softly, "Well do I have your permission to touch you?" She gestured to his hand which he graciously held out to her once more.
Smiling wide at his enthusiastic participation, she gingerly touched the pads of her fingers to his, the slightest touch sending an electrical tingle down her arm. She withheld the instinct to shiver and moved to trace his large palm, feeling the grooves of every muscle and crease.
Closing her eyes she allowed herself to sense the energy inside him, following it, tracing it. Doing so pulled at the corner of her lips ever more.
She could feel it alright; his energy was warm and inviting. Following where his energy pulsed that much stronger, she felt along until her hand came to a stop, flattening against him. It was almost dangerous the way it behaved, knowing very well this was how he got his explosiveness in battle, but she could also sense a calmer, more gentle side to it, a control.
Opening her eyes, Rae found her hand pressed firmly against his left pectoral.
No longer focusing on the energy within him, she was now left with the feeling of his textured skin, and the muscle flexing just under the surface. She swallowed as heat rose in her face. Looking up to see his reaction she was met with his intense stare.
"Your energy is strongest here," she tapped his chest, before completely withdrawing her hand. "Most living things are strongest there," she added quickly, hoping to cover over the fact that she openly touched him like that. Why did she always make a fool of herself?
"Was your energy low during our spar?" the depth of his voice pulled her from her pathetic self inspection.
Meeting his eyes she was faced with that awful look he gave her, a combination of humor and arrogance. He was making fun of her. The corner of her mouth twitched, she was trying so fervently not to encourage him. "There is no need to brag."
He folded his bulky arms. "I disagree. I prefer basking in your defeat." His eyes glittered seeing the exasperation evident in her face.
"Oh I'm sure you do, you big jerkasaur. And don't think I forgot about what you had me wear yesterday, it's going to be a little bit before I can forgive you for that."
He outright chortled at that.
She rolled her eyes, willing herself to not make any outward response to his laugh. Crossing her own arms, she mirrored his pose. "You could have made me take a dip in the ocean in just my clothes, you know. That would have been punishment enough, so why the bikini?" His answer was far from what she imagined it would be.
His mandibles pulled in what she recognized to be a yautja smirk. "Because you had so much distaste for it."
She looked at him straight then, her voice level, and her eyes narrowing. "You made me wear it because I didn't like it?" her eyebrow rose steadily, carefully observing him as she gave him a deadpan expression.
He grunted with that spark of mischief in his eyes, not at all afraid by her false façade, and almost goading her to get up and do something about it.
Lucky for him, she was still sick and not nearly motivated enough to put her remaining energy into such a pointless and draining endeavor. There was really nothing she could do. And the big beast knew it.
"Wow," she shook her head at him. Then an idea of her own sparked, causing a grin to form and she was useless to resist it after watching Tomak's expression turn from goading to suspicious.
"Well, if that's the case," she sat up taller, a twinkle in her own eyes, "you should know then that I hate chocolate and watching movies late at night." Much to her delight, he caught on real fast and his narrowed expression turned unimpressed, his whole body practically deflating like a cartoon.
Laughing, she tried to think of another one as she twisted in her seat, leaning back against the couch's arm. Comfortably facing him now and even daring to stretch her semi-bared legs, her sock-covered feet resting mere inches from his partially bared thighs, she thought of another one. "Oh! And I cannot stand massages."
Tomak snorted humorously, settling his gaze on her overly relaxed form, "Is that all?"
Her mouth quirked some. "No, there are more, the color of your eyes being one of them."
He snapped his eyes up, meeting hers instantly. She didn't know how it was possible, but his eyes appeared to be glowing brighter at her statement. Her heart practically stopped at the intensity of the mere action and she quickly scolded herself for being so careless to let such a comment fly out of her mouth unchecked.
"You like my eyes?"
Rae was unsure if that was in question form or not, but being under the weight of his stare was suffocating. She was quite sure she saw something pass through his gaze, and she wondered how such a look could make the gravity in the room feel so much heavier. She swallowed her nervousness and veiled it with a roll of her eyes. "I said I didn't like them," she clarified, failing to withhold a smile.
The short chuff in response almost broke her practiced poker face.
Weirdly, she liked it when they did this together. This little banter back and forth was something she only got the chance to do with Naomi, but it felt good doing it with Tomak too. She felt like she was truly getting to know him better when he showed the 'laid back' side of himself.
Snagging a plush cushion that had at some point fallen to the floor, she propped it up behind her back and better adjusted the soft blanket to better cover her legs. More comfortable, she leaned back against the newly added support and turned the spotlight back on him. "How 'bout you?" she grinned up at him.
He tilted his head again. Rae equated it to the way a bird would, that inquisitive, considering mannerism that looked way too cute on such a large beast.
After a moment of impatience and getting no response, Rae conceded, "Fine, don't answer that." Wouldn't want to make you blush, she snickered inwardly, knowing she would likely find herself in the ocean waters once again if she ever voiced such dangerous thoughts.
Relaxing a little more, she followed where Tomak's attention had turned and looked back to the TV where they were displaying the size of a great white off the coast of Australia. Subtly she looked at Tomak, who was enraptured with the underwater creature. She smiled. Focusing on the screen's display, she watched as the marine biologists tagged the large shark, who seemed to not notice or care before moving on.
Seeing the scars and marks littered over the beast's white belly made her go back to observing Tomak, who paid no mind. Her eyes scanned the scars that covered him as well, at least the ones she could see. In both instances the marks made them look fiercer, but she just couldn't feel the same about her own. She didn't think she looked fierce, and she didn't want to. Was it too much to ask to just look normal? Normal was not scary, it was accepted. Dropping her gaze to her forearm, she recalled Tomak touching the length of the jagged scar the other day, the thought strangely making her stomach flutter.
Well at least Tomak liked them, she thought soberly. Or most of them. She still couldn't understand what spooked him yesterday when he saw the one on her back and that pushed her to want to find answers. "Can I ask you a question?" she peered at him hesitantly.
He turned his head towards her, giving her a waiting look.
She licked her lips nervously, hoping he wouldn't be offended by her bringing it up. "The mark on my back," she began slowly. "It bothered you seeing it. Why?"
Tomak was slow to answer at first. She watched curiously, noticing the tension in his massive frame. "Where I come from," he growled softly, "it means enemy."
Her eyebrows knit together. "But we're not enemies."
His agitation subsided as he turned back to the TV. "No, we are not."
"So…?" she lingered for a bit, trying to bridge that gap where she lacked full comprehension. "Why worry about a scar that coincidentally looks like that cool flame."
"Corvious," he corrected dryly.
"Fine, corvious flame. What does it matter?"
He breathed deeply, the muscles in his arms going rigid. Seeing it bothered her, but she had to consider that this flame business was really bad where he came from. Which was honestly quite scary. What in the universe could make a yautja like Tomak uncomfortable? Whatever it was, she didn't want to be associated with it.
"Okay, let's just change the subject," she piped up.
Eager to hear him talk more, she gave him the floor. "Is there anything else you wanted to know about me? I asked a sensitive question, so you can ask whatever you want. Make it even."
He snorted. "Make it even?" he questioned, facing her.
"Yeah," she grinned. "Whatever comes to mind."
He seemed to take his time as he thought it over. "You fear humans when you are powerful enough to destroy them."
Rae's eyes widened some, but she nodded for him to continue, waiting on the question part of his observation.
Meeting her gaze he shook his head in obvious confusion. "What is there to fear?"
She dropped her gaze to her hands, clenching them tightly. "That's not me, Tomak. I was taught to value life, not take it."
"Even your enemies?"
Rae gave him a soft smile, "Well we were once enemies, right?"
He stiffened beside her before replying rather tersely, "You were my prey, not an enemy."
She crossed her arms. "Well we sure weren't friends, that's for sure."
He didn't respond to that.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is, if I was the monster they painted me to be, I wouldn't have hesitated in killing you, but I did. And for that I'm grateful." She didn't want to imagine how her life would be without him in it. The big meanie had gotten her to smile more, even if he could be a jerk at times. He was pulling out the qualities she thought she lost in Price's labs. She was learning to become more trusting, positive, cheerful even.
Just thinking back to her imprisonment, she thought of all they had taken from her. It made her angry. "I will never give them what they want, I'll never kneel to them, not after what they did."
"If you are so confident, what is there to fear?" he pressed.
She let out a shaky sigh, "Just because I won't cooperate, doesn't mean I'm not afraid of what they will do to me if they get me."
"Your fear is irrational," his tone was denouncing, which made her livid.
"How can you say that?!" she accused outrageously. He was aware of the torture she endured and the death of her father. So how could her fear be unfounded?
Speaking arrogantly, Tomak silenced her inner turmoil. "It would be unwise of them to anger a yautja."
Rae opened and closed her mouth. Did Tomak just assure her that he wouldn't let that happen? He wouldn't let them take her?
"But your fear leaves you open to weakness," he assessed, looking her over carefully, "Only you can protect yourself from that."
Rae swallowed, looking down to her lap as she bit her lip. What Tomak said was true, her fear did make her weak. It had always been a goal of her to control that, but she was never very successful. Mindful meditation only did so much.
Taking her silence into consideration, he purred, "But with determination and proper training you can learn to conquer it."
Slowly she lifted her head, releasing the lip she had been nibbling on. She stared at him in disbelief, before sitting straighter. "Are-are you offering to train me?"
He nodded once.
This was more than anyone had ever done for her after the labs. Overcome with elated emotions, she had to hold herself back from wrapping her arms around him and giving the big brute a hug. Instead, she thanked him profusely.
"You may not thank me by tomorrow," he warned, his growly voice deepening.
But it no longer acting like a deterrent for her. Not anymore. She was growing accustomed to him, and strangely, she found listening to his voice to be almost therapeutic. Like the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, or the rolling drum of thunder, it was something that you could just fall asleep to, giving you that warm feeling of security.
It had been two months now since the resort and already she was becoming attached.
Nervously, Amanda escorted the Admiral and his second down the halls toward her boss. This was an unexpected visit and one that likely would not end positive. She could only imagine how Mr. Price would respond to such a visit.
Turning down another corridor, she felt the men behind her slow their pace. She turned to find the Admiral peering at the predator mask stored safely in the display case.
Normally the curious looks would always be followed by questions about where this artifact was found, how old it was, and what human tribe wore it, to which she would then have to correct them. With the Admiral, she sensed that wouldn't be the case, in fact, she was surprised to see almost a familiarity in his once over, and as she had predicted, he turned and continued on, not one question being relayed to her.
It intrigued her and she faintly wondered if the man had come across the species before.
"Right this way," she smiled politely and led them further into the complex facility.
Entering through the glass paned doors, with their guests hot on her tail, she addressed the man on the far end of the room. "Mr. Price, you have visitors."
The man turned and smiled, "Well, Admiral Harrigan," his face was perfectly schooled to hide his true feelings to the officials' presence. "Of all places, you come knocking at my door. What a true honor-"
"You can save the pleasantries, Director. You should know why I'm here."
"Never one to beat around the bush I see. Please," he gestured to the two chairs neatly pushed up against the conference table. He proceeded, "Would either of you care for coffee or tea?"
Both officers stood impassively, neither moving to take a seat.
"I would like a detailed report on what exactly you have been up to," Harrigan replied stiffly.
Price's smile grew, "Coffee it is. Amanda?" he addressed his assistant and she quickly left to do his bidding. "I have news that will please my shareholders and it involves the damage at that ski resort in Vermont. I'm sure you have already heard."
Harrigan was unmoved, "Yes, it's a shame what the earthquake did."
Briefly Price's eyes flashed with a rare slip of his unveiled anger. "Yes, keep going with the lies they are feeding the public. You and I both know the truth."
"Really, then please enlighten us Director."
Folding his hands in front of him, he answered simply, "With my asset out in public, this incident is a call for military support."
Harrigan's lieutenant scoffed by his side. "It seems every government project claims to need that these days. What makes this one any different?"
Standing from his seat, Price straightened his suit jacket, "Not every operation has an escaped asset that threatens public safety. As I had stated before, Project Spitfire is capable of mass destruction on a level you could not begin to understand."
"Amphibians absorb water through their skin to survive, we believe the asset has similar properties with that of energy," Amanda reappeared, bringing a fresh cup of coffee to Price.
"So we're dealing with a walking battery," the Lieutenant's tone was mocking.
The woman frowned behind her glasses, turning toward the disbelieving man. "A walking battery that can store kilotons of power. Lieutenant, are you familiar with what happens to an overloaded battery?"
The official clenched his jaw, getting the picture.
Harrigan, who remained quiet, absorbing the information suddenly lifted his gaze to the Director. "And none of your other side-projects are capable of such destruction?"
Price laughed, moving around to lean on his desk, coffee in hand. "The asset's energy absorption capabilities are unlike anything we have seen. She is the key to unlocking everything. Regeneration, advanced weaponry, super soldiers, to name a few."
Ignoring the Director's plans, he acted surprised, "So the asset is female." Crossing his arms, the Admiral pushed further, "What was your plan after retrieval? Imprisonment? Biopsy? Euthanization? What were your plans with the girl?"
A none too familiar silence filled the room. The sudden interrogation was surprising but not entirely unpredictable. Price rode the uneasy aura with skillful ease. "Now Admiral, don't tell me you are going soft."
Harrigan's eyes flashed in warning.
Almost too eagerly, Price met the opposing gaze, thrumming his fingers leisurely against his dark oak desk. "As far as I'm concerned, the asset is a weapon, and weapons should be under containment, don't you agree?"
"She is a living, breathing person, not an object, not a weapon," he growled back.
Price's voice took on a questioning tone that cut harshly like shattered glass. "What about the living, breathing thing that killed Danny Archuletta, or how about Jerry Lambert while you served in the LAPD? Do you think they would describe that monster as a weapon?" he challenged, his eyes as sharp as his words. "I see no difference with my asset."
Unbidden, faces of his past flashed to life, people he had not thought about in a long time. Just bringing them up soured his mood worse. "If it were my choice I would have shut you down long before your little breakthrough, but for some reason my superiors believed you could produce results."
Echoing his commanding officer, the Lieutenant prodded, "What makes you any different from Weyland?"
Holding his relaxed poise, the man tilted his head in consideration. "Weyland was obsessed with those black serpents which ultimately led to the company's failure to answer to our country's needs. Rather than focus on the enemy, I looked for a solution to contend with them," recalling the original deal, he stared intently at the Admiral. "And I have done just that. I have a contender."
Ignoring the satisfaction practically dripping from the Director's statement, Harrigan lifted his chin. "Evidently, your findings will not be enough," he emphasized, taking a step forward, "they are questioning this project's worth after revealed evidence that your contender was a child held against her will and forced to endure a torturous environment. Do you know what the charges are for child abduction?!"
"I have my reasons for the work I accomplish, and my reports were truthful. The asset is a danger to society, it doesn't matter the sex or age. So are you telling me Admiral, there would be no repercussions if you somehow misplaced a thermonuclear bomb?"
"The child was an American citizen!"
"Well then," his eyes brightened some more, "it would seem you know more about this case than you admit. I'm willing to bet your superiors aren't even aware of the child's existence, hence, why this was a meeting and not an arrest," he sneered, watching as something wavered in the Admiral's stance. That small flicker of doubt was all it took for Price to know the truth.
Harrigan clenched his fists, his jaw winding tight as he dismissed the blatant attempt to try and incriminate him. Why the government put their faith in this snake was beyond him. Price could be as crafty as the Devil himself and despite his business appearance and sharp mind, he was as untrustworthy as any criminal.
Taking his silence as admittance his smile widened, "So was that your plan then, Admiral? To cover your bases and keep the child's identity a mystery from the government?" his voice held a mocking tone.
"You have some gall accusing me after what you've done." Harrigan curled his lips in disdain as he drove home his intent. "There is no prison in the world that will want to hold the filth you are and once I'm finished with you, there will be no need."
Price chuckled at his threat. "Interesting choice of words. That was almost exactly what your son said. It's really too bad he's no longer with us," his smile turned cruel.
Pain almost as sharp as the day he received the news, flooded his system. It felt like a torrent of fire was passing through his body, his outrage nearly overpowering him as he held the director's gaze.
His second, as if sensing this, stepped forward, his eyes murderous as he stared Price down. "Admiral, just give me the word and I'll stick this son-of-a-bitch."
Though appreciating the back-up, Harrigan raised his hand, wordlessly telling him to stand down. Now was not the time. Never breaking eye contact with the Director he spoke resolutely. "My superiors have made it clear, you have one month. One month until your luck dries out and then I'm coming for you."
Unphased, Price nodded towards his security. "Good day, Admiral."
As soon as they were escorted out Amanda stepped up to him, staring interestingly in the direction of their visitors. "He knows something."
His thoughts exactly. "I want everything we have on Admiral Harrigan's family."
"Yes sir." Happy to please, Amanda briskly left the conference room and went straight to her office.
Entering the small space, she sat down in her seat, withholding an exhausted sigh. A mixture of things had just about done it for her today. The constant research, a new analysis being done on former subjects' DNA, the sudden and unexpected appearance of two higher-ups, and now here she was looking into the Admiral's family history. What else could be added to her growing list?
She would not complain however, she was good that way. Unlike some co-workers, she knew when to be silent and when to speak up.
Typing away, she brought up the Admiral's profile as well as other hidden documents and files. Accessing them, she scrolled through the pages and skimmed through the countless subjects. She was thankful she got herself a coffee, as this would be a while.
For the next several hours, she made a note of certain names and numbers that intrigued her. Looking into each, her eyes brightened as she found something promising. The discoveries just kept getting better and better.
She quickly dialed an extension number. Someone picked up almost instantly. "Yes…. Yes this is Amanda. Stop all efforts in locating her in New York. I believe I have narrowed it down. She is most certainly in Maine and you wouldn't guess who else is there. …Yes. I will tell the Director myself." She hung up and dialed the boss's office. He would be very pleased.
It would seem they would have what they wanted soon enough.
"What is it?" Price's voice echoed through the speaker.
Amanda allowed herself a small smile as she stared at the file in front of her. "I know where she is."
"Rae? Hey, you okay?"
After shakily placing the dirty plates and mugs on the serving tray, Rae turned to Naomi who was behind the bar table, a concerned expression plastered on her face.
Going back to her work she answered slowly, "I'm fine, just getting into the groove of things again." It had been a long day. It was Saturday, one of the busiest days in the diner and her arms and legs were killing her. On second thought, every inch of her was hurting. The list would be much shorter if she listed off what didn't hurt.
There was no one she could really blame for her current predicament. She had happily agreed to Tomak's proposition. She was unsure of how training with him would go. She figured he would just hand her his alien weapon and they would duel like they had before. What she didn't expect was the full body workout she received.
The next day, as soon as she recovered from the cold, she met him outside with a positive attitude, eager to learn. That eagerness was doused rather quickly when she was met with the harsh uncaring stare of his emotionless mask.
Standing there with his perfectly stacked abs, and arms crossed in such a way that made them bulge, he ordered that she condition herself. She hadn't expected that she would be doing sprints down the beach and back. And twenty-times at that! She had counted every single one, and by the last set she had collapsed on her hands and knees, her body soaked with sweat.
When she felt his large shadow stand over her, she looked at him with a scowl as he growled out the next few exercises. One-hundred pushups. Not in bits and pieces throughout the day, but all in one go. Every time she fell on her side feeling that acid burn uncontrollably in her arms, begging her to take a break, he stared at her unmoving and commanded that she start over.
Okay, maybe I can blame someone for this, she reconsidered, placing a fourth mug a little too roughly on the platter.
They didn't even end up wielding the staffs, much to her annoyance.
"Mhm," Naomi watched her carefully. "Well once you're done with that, I could use some help over here."
"Alright," she sighed, ignoring the cry her arms internally made as she lifted the tray and carried it to the kitchen to be washed with the rest. Going back out, she found Noami where she was before and joined in the effort, carrying two hot mugs of tea to an older couple.
Meeting Naomi at the bar table, she rested her elbows on the counter and released a soft tired sigh. Things were finally starting to slow, which always made things more interesting.
Naomi nudged her, gesturing with her head to the new couple that had claimed a window seat. "Would you look at those two? What a sad sad sight."
Leaning against the counter further, she looked at the new couple and grinned. They must have been on a date because their eyes were locked on each other as they chatted. The girl was twirling her hair in an almost teasing fashion and the guy appeared to be telling her some sort of animated story.
As immature as it was, Rae couldn't help having a little bit of fun. She then proceeded to talk in a hushed tone, speaking on behalf of the woman. "Why hello there handsome. I like your hair."
Namoi grinned, happily stepping up to the plate, lowering the tone of her voice for the man. "Thanks, I actually showered today."
Rae had to cover her mouth, to stifle her laughter. "Well, thank you for that."
Naomi kept it up, "Yeah, I took it just for you babe."
"Oh umm…" Rae stared at her friend with an unsure smile. How was she supposed to reply to such a ridiculous remark? She decided to change the subject, "Um, do you smell that? I think it might be our food coming."
"Oh no, that's not food babe, it's my new cologne I call 'Manly Le Pew.' Do ya like it?"
Rae snorted into her hand. "Do I?" Somehow, Naomi always managed to take their silly games and bring it to new heights, the conversations getting more and more ridiculous as they went. "Well Mr. Le Pew, it's been lovely chatting with you, but I suddenly have the urge to rethink my whole afternoon." They snickered at that.
"Ehem!"
Caught, they both froze, turning their heads hesitantly toward a man who was sitting on the far corner of the bar table, looking none too pleased with their shenanigans.
He then proceeded to lift his empty glass in their direction, shaking it expectantly. "Can I get some more water or what?"
Rolling her eyes, Naomi returned to her task and whispered to Rae with full blown annoyance, "Who asks for more water?"
Rae shrugged, walking past her, "This guy does."
Walking over to the mildly irritated man, she smiled politely, taking the glass from him, "Sorry for having you wait, sir. I'll have this refilled for you."
He actually harrumphed as she left, which pretty much summed up to no tip. Some people could be about as friendly as a pin cushion.
Giving Naomi a look as she passed, she went in behind the double doors and over to the side wall where the drinks were being kept cool. After partially filling the glass with ice, she grabbed the water pitcher and quickly filled it, making sure to return to the waiting customer in record timing. He didn't even thank her as she set it down for him.
Making the round trip, she gathered a customer's dirty dishes and brought them in the back. Naomi met her back there, doing the same. "So," she spoke conspiringly, "have you called him yet?"
Knowing exactly who she was referring to, Rae shook her head, "I've been kind of busy."
"Busy doing what? Being a homebody?" she nudged her as she placed the dishes down on the counter. She then looked at her friend with an arched brow, placing a hand on her hip, "Are you really going to make me do all the work?"
Naomi had originally set them up on a date that should have happened a week ago, but due to the whole mess she started with Tomak that early morning, Rae used it as an excuse to get herself out of her obligations. That wouldn't last forever, unfortunately.
Scrubbing a little harder at the platter she was cleaning, she admitted, "I just don't need my heart broken again, Naomi. Jake did enough, I just can't see myself settling down with anyone anymore."
Naomi's gaze softened. "Don't let my brother's stupidity get in the way of you being happy. There's someone out there for you," she nudged her supportively, "you just got to find him. Besides, I'm not asking you to marry this guy, just test the waters, look for compatibility. That's all!"
"Yeah," she patted the tray dry and handed it to Naomi who stacked them.
Releasing a heavy breath, Naomi slid her eyes to Rae. "By the way," her voice softened even more.
Her obvious hesitation made Rae tense.
"There's something you should know about Jake."
—
Rae couldn't have been more happy that her shift was over, giving her the afternoon to herself.
Angrily turning the wheel, she pulled down her hidden drive, trying her earnest not to have the indentation of her fingers added permanently to the steering. But that was becoming increasingly difficult as she processed what Naomi had told her about her ex-boyfriend.
She slammed her door shut after stepping out of the driver's side, ignoring both the ache in one shoulder in particular, and the way the car shuddered from her force.
Still steaming with anger, she trekked away from the house, and toward the ocean. It was better if Tomak didn't see her like this.
As she walked, she focused on how the sun's rays beat harshly on her back, making her at least thankful that she had changed out of her work clothes at the diner, now sporting a light blue tank top and black shorts.
Discarding her sandals, she carefully strode up the somewhat grassy hillside toward a little resting place that she liked to visit from time to time. It was generally the place she went to wind down and look out at the ocean without the worry of the wind getting sand in her eyes. Other than the archway, it was the perfect vantage point.
Rae slumped down against the large smooth boulder and stretched her sore arm with a groan. Maybe the pain was a good distraction, as much as she didn't want to admit it. And to be honest, she would have never thought that the "training session" with Tomak would have made her this fatigued, especially a day afterward. Sure, he didn't exactly go easy, not by any means, but she wasn't an average human either. Surely, her arm shouldn't have felt this used.
Just as she was rolling her shoulder with a hiss, a very tall and imposing shadow was cast over her. She squinted, her eyes traveling from the large clawed feet to the muscular thighs, tightening abdomen, rising chest, and finally to his unmasked face.
So much for being alone, she thought bitterly.
Tomak rumbled as he took her in silently, something he would regularly do when she returned. Maybe it was his way of checking in with her, but she couldn't be sure.
Rae immediately noticed that his focus was zeroed in on her shoulder, which she was currently prodding with gentle pressure.
"Are you injured?" he growled.
Never liking to admit weakness, Rae immediately dropped her hand away from her shoulder. "No, I'm fine," she faced away from him, feigning indifference.
She watched his eyes narrow, clearly seeing through her.
She had hoped and expected that he would leave her to it, giving her the space she so obviously wanted, but he never was predictable. To her surprise he stepped around her and sat down. There was just barely enough room against the large rock as his bare muscled thigh pressed firmly against hers.
She thought the scorching sun had been cooking her, but now she could only feel the immense heat coming from his leg.
"Give," he held out his hand expectantly.
Rae turned her head in surprise, looking from him to his hand. She knew better than to argue with him so she gave in and placed her arm in his firm yet surprisingly gentle grasp. She watched him with open curiosity as his mandibles fluttered in thought, his amber eyes scanning her arm carefully. He then began the process of pressing the inflamed muscle, manipulating it to his liking. Rae had to hold back a gasp, gritting her teeth as she bit back the uncomfortable and slightly painful feeling. That was until his large fingers found a knot.
"Ow!" she instinctively tried to pull her arm back, but he didn't seem to care about her reaction. Instead of giving her a break he relentlessly and mercilessly kneaded that area, until Rae couldn't stay quiet about it any longer. "Stop, that hurts!"
The torture paused.
"Stretch more often," he rumbled in reply, speaking as if that were the only reason she felt like this.
Her mouth parted, preparing to give a snappy retort, but then she considered the real reason behind her quarrelsome mood. Not wanting to take it out on Tomak, she swallowed her pride and remained silent.
Thinking he was done, she went to take her arm back, but was met with resistance followed by the touch of his other large hand against her opposite arm. Her eyes immediately searched his.
Tomak rattled in mild amusement as if chastising a child. "Not done."
She stared at him for a good long moment before an irresistible smile crept over her lips. With a shake of her head, she caved to his demand with an audible huff, "Fine." She remained complacent as he adjusted her to fully turn her back to him.
Slowly and ever so softly, Tomak's hand glided up her bare arm, to the exposed area of her shoulder. His claws ticklishly traced the muscle and bones of her back, easily finding the borders of her shoulder blade. This caused her to shiver. Her sudden reaction made him pause briefly, observing her before continuing. His thumb started to make slow circular movements, massaging and relaxing the tight area.
Rae had expected it to hurt, since he was so unforgiving before, but it actually felt really nice. The feeling was so moving she closed her eyes and shamelessly sighed, leaning more into his hot touch.
This wasn't just pleasing Rae though, Tomak was so caught up in her response to his touch that he fought the urge to purr.
"You must do this often," she hummed.
There was a grunt in reply.
This was common practice for him. He generally tended to himself after a long and strenuous hunt, making sure he was prepared for anything.
Although Rae could improve stretching and working these muscles on her own, he was aware that she had no ointment or medic to help assist her with those harder to reach areas lining her back, thus Tomak begrudgingly decided he could assist. After all, he was the one that caused the discomfort in the first place and he would not have her repeatedly nag and whine to him about it to the point of guilt.
After a couple minutes had passed, Tomak slowly came to the realization that this wasn't unpleasant. There was something pleasing about the relieved sounds she'd make as he massaged her discomforts away, and gradually he let his hands move lower.
Moving down her spine, he found another area that was also very tight. She arched her back, with a slight hiss of pain. "Be still," he spoke directly behind her.
Rae nodded, closing her eyes once more.
Tomak could distinctly feel her leaning more willingly against him. It did not disrupt what he was trying to achieve, however, he was beginning to become concerned about the effect her proximity had on him. To his dismay, it suddenly registered to him that he was no longer massaging her than he was using his claws to caress the exposed skin along her shoulder and arm. But what was even more disturbing than that was the realization that he enjoyed touching her, feeling her soft flesh beneath his hard, blunt claws. Moving his hand back over her shoulder blade, he stopped when he touched the tattooed mark.
"Remember this symbol," he could hear the voice of one of his previous masters. "The Corvious Flame is worn by our enemies as a symbol of hope, but really it serves as a warning. Be confident that wherever it goes, death will soon follow."
As if burned by hot coals, he swiftly tore himself away from her, getting to his feet in one fluid motion. "You should be fine," he growled. His thoughts for the little temptation were not healthy and his wavering self control required further reflection before he started something neither of them wanted. It was forbidden afterall.
Blinking out of her stupor, Rae stretched, feeling as if all her tension had just evaporated. She was actually kind of disappointed he stopped. It felt absolutely amazing.
Turning back to her normal position she noticed how quick he was to walk away, seemingly needing to go somewhere. As he strode down the embankment, she felt the impulse to say something. Anything. "Tomak?"
He stopped in his tracks, only turning his head enough to barely look at her.
Rae bit her lip, oddly feeling a spike of nervousness as one of his fierce predatory eyes met hers from over his shoulder. Swallowing her nerves, she smiled appreciatively. "Thanks for checking on me. I needed it."
He dipped his head in a single acknowledging nod before continuing towards the ocean, his back muscles flexing impressively as he went.
When he was further away, Rae rested her face in her hands and sighed, "What is wrong with you, Rae?" She could feel butterflies in her stomach as she looked in his general direction. Seeing Tomak from afar reignited that spark of nervousness again. "No," she snapped her eyes shut. She had to get it together. Maybe a walk would get her mind off of him.
As she had come to learn, Tomak was a warrior in his own right. One she assumed was highly regarded amongst his kin. On the contrary, she was just a human girl; granted, an above average one, but still small, still insignificant. They were two very different individuals from two very different worlds. They weren't even the same species!
As she plodded towards the stone arch, she decided more than walking was needed to purge these unwanted thoughts from her brain. That still wasn't the case however.
Even while clambering up the side of the stone structure, her mind continued to bombard her with how he touched her. "There is no way he likes me," she grunted out loud, managing to pull herself up over the edge. Sure, he had practically given his word that he would protect her from Price, but that didn't mean he liked her, at least not like that, right?
She decided to sit down for a small break and look back to where the water continuously met the shore. In the process, her accursed eyes found his bulk almost immediately. He was waist deep in the water with the waves smacking up against his chest. As he stood there, enjoying the cool water, Rae stared at his fierce face. The mandibles were the most prominent part, but although they had appeared ugly to her in the past, she couldn't stop admiring him.
She ripped her eyes from him and looked down at her dangling feet. "You are being ridiculous," she informed herself. But as much as she fought the urge, she slowly, painstakingly, looked back in his direction only for her heart to jump into her throat.
There he was standing in the exact same spot, only this time, with his face turned and blatantly looking up in her direction.
Rae held her gaze strong, suddenly becoming frustrated with herself. She was better than this. After all this time, she had well learned how foolish her heart could be. She wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.
Tomak never once took his eyes off of her, content to just watch, and she was okay with that. For all she knew he could be just thinking about what his next lesson for her would be. That made more sense.
"There is no way he likes me," she repeated to herself like a mantra, but something inside her silently wished that wasn't the truth.
Author's Note
It's official. I'm a procrastinator, but you probably already figured that out. *nervous laughter*
And another thing, I am super thankful for your comments. They always make me see a different side of my plot and then all of a sudden new story routes sort of begin to rise to the surface of my brain, so please don't stop! I need those creative juices flowing lol. Suggestions are welcomes too. Flames, well... we know how Tomak feels about those, but everything else is welcome! ;)