Free Stardust by Mandi Baker Page A

well, little one. You climbed the great rock. ”
    Aurora stood at his side. “ Do not think I do not know of your treachery, Darton. Distracting me with your words about my friend. If you were not so grievously injured, I would show you the depth of my feelings. ”
    Darton laughed at the flash of spirit within the violet eyes. “ I fear not your reprisal, Aurora. Better males than you have tried. ” His hand encircled her neck, pulling her to him. His lips met hers, the dampness of the water transferred to her mouth as his tongue plunged between her teeth. He ended the contact seconds later, breathless, but not from his injury.
    “ I fear I will need your help now, ” he said, ignoring the stunned look on her face. He glanced upward as a flash of bright red light appeared in the evening sky. “ The Sybortron has found us and I cannot climb this mountain alone. ”
    “ We will lodge in the cavern. You burn with fever, ” Aurora stated, concern for him edging her voice.
    “ No. ” Darton shook his head. “ The Sybortron will climb this path. Siara and I have laid false tracks to slow his progress, but the dwelling is not safe. He will explore the entrance and the cavern beyond. But we will give him a warm welcome. ” His eyes filled with a renewed burst of energy at the thought of defeating their enemy. He bent to open the pack, taking several items from its depths. “ Where is that turin of yours? ”
    Aurora knelt beside him. “ I left her at the top. What are you doing? ”
    He straightened and headed back into the cave, glad the dizziness had subsided somewhat. He did not fool himself for a moment thinking he was out of the woods yet. Many head injuries worsened and bettered themselves time and time again. He must prepare a place for Aurora in case he lost consciousness again. “ I bet the flea infested ball of fur did not like that. ”
    “ No, she did not. ” Aurora followed him inside, curious to the metal prongs he was placing in various places along the cave ’ s ceiling. “ She suggested you were not worth the effort to retrieve. ”
    Darton mumbled under his breath concerning the worth of rodent pudding.
    “ What are you doing, ” Aurora questioned, ignoring his comment.
    “ I am making welcome our new friend. When the Sybortron crosses this path, a small blast will occur, bringing rock down upon his head. ”
    “ Will it be enough to cause termination? ”
    “ No. ” Darton shook his head in resignation. “ It will merely slow him down. ”
    “ Show me what you do, ” she demanded.
    Darton ’ s eyes flickered over her pale skin, noting the revealing fit of her clothing. Even in his injured and exhausted state, he still wanted her. “ We do not now have time, my beautiful warrior. We must climb upward. ” He motioned her from the cavern.
    “ No. ” She remained where she knelt. “ I must know these things in case something happens to you. I did not like the feeling of helplessness when you were missing. ”
    His large hand cupped her jaw. “ Nothing will happen to me or to you. My spirit will always protect you. ”
    Aurora would not let herself be persuaded by the bright, sensual pull of his gaze. “ Then why do I find you in a cave, unaware of the world around you? ”
    “ Damn, but you are a stubborn female. If I promise to show you these things when we reach the crest of the mountain, will you come with me now? ”
    Aurora nodded her head, following her mighty warrior along the rocky path. They made their way deftly back to the top where she absently commanded Talena to follow. Treading with great care along the rocky mountain, she cast furtive glances at the silent male walking by her side. H ow she wished the circumstances of their meeting had been different. She wished she could have shown him her world – as it used to be. Glancing down at her torn and filthy seka, she grimaced in disgust. She would also like to show him how well she could p resent herself. She sighed,