Raff (The Vorge Crew Book 4) Read online

  “Hang on,” he yelled. “We’ll break free of orbit soon.”

  He stared at the cargo hold door, debating on trying to reach it with Lilly or waiting until they were in space first. More blaster fire sounded and he just held her tighter, clinging to the straps. It was best if they stayed put until the battle was over. The shields on the shuttle could take it and Dovis would be firing back, taking out the other shuttles.

  The shuttle began to violently shake and Lilly nearly collapsed to her knees. He got a better hold on her, lifted her a little, and worried with her bare feet it probably hurt her to feel that without the protection of shoes. His feet hurt in boots. They were breaking orbit. Even if their pursuers followed, if Dovis missed hitting them, The Vorge wouldn’t. York would be blowing up anything chasing their shuttle.

  The sound of the engines softened, telling them they’d reached space.

  “It’s okay,” he told Lilly. “We’re safe now.”

  She lifted her head as he eased her back onto her feet. Her features seemed unusually pale. “You people are crazy!”

  He nodded. “They got us, didn’t they?”

  She was trembling.

  That killed his amusement. “It’s fine now. We’ll be on The Vorge in minutes.”

  “I thought that shuttle was going to crash when I saw it and then it all that dust!”

  She really seemed upset.

  “It’s the Cregion maneuver. Marrow flies full speed at the surface but then uses the thrusters at the last second to avoid hitting it. They opened the shields just where the cargo door is to let us run in and then blast off the surface as fast as possible.”

  She released him and stumbled back, swaying on her feet. “I think I’m going to be sick.” She lifted her hand over her mouth and made a small gagging sound.

  He released the straps, shrugged off his bag, and lunged for her just as her knees gave way. He lifted her into his arms and strode toward the door, it opening when sensing him, and entered the passenger area of the shuttle. Marrow and Dovis sat in the front seats, both turning toward them.

  The Vorge showed beyond them as they flew toward it. He spotted a blast of light shoot from it. York was firing on whoever who had been stupid enough to follow them into space. He flashed his two crewmates in the front a grin but turned, entering the bathroom. He made it to the sink, twisted Lilly in his arms, and she puked into the basin.

  He kept hold of her, using his free hand to pull all her black hair out of the way. “It’s fine, Lilly.”

  She retched again and he figured she had to be his mate since it didn’t gross him out. Mostly, he worried about her. She finished and he released her hair, reached up to tap a panel, and it opened. He got her a mouth cleaner kit and set it down.

  “Do you know how to use that?”

  “Yes.”

  He had to strain to hear her voice. “I need to talk to my crew.” He gentle released her, making sure she could stand on her own. Her knees held her upright. He backed off. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

  He watched her for long seconds. Her hands shook as she opened the kit, removing a toothbrush from the clear bag. He turned, opened the door, and exited the bathroom.

  Dovis stood right there, waiting. “Is the human injured?”

  “No. Just not used to space travel.”

  Marrow huffed from the front. “That wasn’t space travel. That was me committing every pilot’s worst nightmare on purpose to save my crew. Again. If I’d been off by four feet, we wouldn’t be here. Our asses would be dead.”

  “Thank you.” Raff hated to feel indebted to anyone but his crew had come to his rescue. He had gotten Lilly safely off G4.

  “We have the medical android prepared to assess the human you rescued and our humans will be waiting for us to land in cargo hold one to meet her.” Dovis kept glancing at the door. “How traumatized is that female? I didn’t get a good look at her when you rushed from the cargo hold.”

  “Her name is Lilly and she’s going to be fine.”

  Raff turned to enter the bathroom to check on Lilly but Dovis snagged his arm. He released him instantly. Raff didn’t like to be touched and they all knew it. He faced Dovis.

  “I need a rundown on what that female has suffered. Cathian has made her my responsibility and she’s under my care. You said you rescued her from a brothel? Was she sexually assaulted? Will she feel comforted by the sight of other human females or is she mentally unstable? I won’t risk her attacking Mari because she believes everyone wants to do her harm.”

  Hot rage filled him. “Lilly is mine.” His hands instantly reached for his daggers.

  Dovis’s dark eyes flared wide and he took a step back. “Easy, Raff.”

  “Mine,” he repeated. “Lilly is fine. No one will be caring for her but me. Anyone tries to take her and I’ll kill them.”

  Dovis searched his eyes, watching him. “Understood.”

  “We’re entering cargo two.” Marrow cleared her throat. “Should I signal for them to clear a path or let them stay to greet us? Nobody would hurt this Lilly, Raff. You know that. Cool your temper and release the blades. We’re your crew. Nobody thought you’d get attached to a female. We’re just all surprised. No one meant to offend you or piss you off. Captain figured someone should be assigned to care for the human. Now you’ve set us straight. She’s yours.”

  Raff turned his head, looking at her. Marrow was busy connecting to The Vorge, not sparing him a glance. “Clear a path.”

  She gave a sharp nod. “Please take her to see the medical android though. I doubt whoever had her gave her all the immunizations she needs. Gluttren Four isn’t a civilized world.”

  “Agreed.”

  The shuttle engines were shut down and Marrow stood, finally meeting his gaze. She appeared stunned. “You and a human. I’m surprised. I’m glad for you, Raff.” She darted a look toward the bathroom. “Does she know she’s yours?”

  “Yes.”

  “Scary.” Marrow motioned to Dovis. “Let’s go out there first and tell everyone to get lost. Although I’m sure they already know since the Pods are with them.”

  Raff watched them exit the shuttle. He turned, opened the bathroom door, and found Lilly washing her face. She didn’t seem to know how to dry it though so he approached her, opening another panel, and passing her a towel.

  “Thank you.” She refused to look at him. “Sorry I puked.”

  Her cheeks were pink again. He hid a smile. A lot embarrassed his little human. “Gravitation forces that we just endured can be rough on anyone not used to it. Come. I’m taking you to see the medical android and then we’ll go to my quarters. I’m sure you’re hungry.”

  “I still feel a little sick.” She finally peered up at him. “I’m only in a shirt. I can’t walk through your ship.”

  “No one will see us until later.” He focused on the Pods, ordering the mind reader race to make certain the crew avoided them for a bit. “Come, Lilly. Can you walk or do you want me to carry you?”

  “I can walk.” She straightened her shoulders.

  He felt proud of her. She was a brave female, for having such a frail body. He held out his hand, offering it. “Come.”

  She took it. He grinned, knowing she was his.

  Chapter Seven

  Lilly felt nervous as Raff helped her sit on a medical bed and the robot approached her. Raff went to back away but she clutched at his arm to make him remain close. They didn’t have anything like the android on Earth. It had the shape of a humanoid form, only all metal, and she noticed the four fingers and two thumbs on each hand.

  “It’s safe,” Raff urged.

  “Hello, human. I’m the medical robot.” It had a cold, sterile male voice. “What may I do for you today?”

  “Total scan and blood tests,” Raff ordered. “She’s from a planet that never went into space until recently. Pirates stole her. Check to see if she was given any vaccines and fix that if she’s missing any.”

  “R