Free Changing of the Glads by Joy Spraycar Page B

cabin.”
    “Cabin?”
    He nodded.  “A place the hunters stay while searching for game.  After securing meat, they return to their homes.”
    “Hunters?”
    “There is so much to teach you.  But for now, you need your rest.”  He placed a hand against her cheek.  He knew every part of her, and every part of her reacted to even the slightest touch.
    “Max, stay here with me.”
    He scooped her into his arms, sat, and rested her in his lap. 
    Her limbs sagged and felt like the lead weights she used during training.  Resting her head against his bare chest, she listened to the slow rhythm of his heart.  Warmth flowed through her like sunshine rising over the mountains back home as day began. 
    He pressed his lips to her hair.
    The simple gesture sent shivers racing up her spine.  She wished for more than a simple kiss and being held in his massive arms.  More than the closeness of his skin or the mere touch of his hand.  She wanted something to curb an appetite that had nothing to do with hunger, yet growled for relief below her stomach.
    “Not yet, my love.  You must heal.”
    “What?” She pulled away from the warmth of his skin and looked into his eyes.
    “You want to become one with me, but you are not well enough.  There will be time.  He put his hand on her cheek and gently pressed her head back against his chest.  “Soon.  Very soon.  I have not the will to resist for long when it comes to you.  As soon as you are well enough, I promise, we will be one.”
    She had no idea what he was talking about, becoming one, but sensed it would be wonderful.  For now, she would stay content to be held.  To feel him close and know this special being was hers.  He knew so many things and was content to just hold her when he wanted something she only had an inkling existed.  Something she longed for with every fiber of her being, although she had no idea what it entailed.  She closed her eyes and wondered, then drifted off.

CHAPTER 7
     
     
    The twittering of birds called to Zalphia’s foggy mind and teased her eyes open.  Sunlight seeped through the strange sideways trees.  She tried to lift her head.  Crap, it was heavy.  She might as well be trying to lift someone twice her size instead of simply rising into a sitting position like she did every other morning.  Letting her head fall back, she was grateful for the feathery cloud beneath it.  Wouldn’t want to break things with her rock-like head.
    “Max?” 
    The sound of a raspy whisper barely slipped past her cracked lips.
    Coming, Zalphia.  Be patient, I will be there shortly.
    Gathering what strength she could muster, she once again fought to raise the dense weight which had become her head.  Air barely sifted between her hair and the cushiony surface of the pillow before the world tilted sharply to the right and spun away.  Closing her eyes, she once again relaxed and let her head plop down.  Had removing a chip, as Max called it, also taken away her ability to remain upright?  She wouldn’t be able to fight if the trackers showed up here.  Heck, she doubted she could do anything but lie here and watch them kill Max and her or let them haul her away to be crushed beneath the stones.  Would she ever recover enough for them to flee?
    The door flew open, and Max rushed to her side.  “It is all right, I am here.”
    “My head.  Something’s wrong with the world.  It slid away from me.”
    “I know, love.  You have not fully healed yet.”
    She opened her eyes and reached for him.  “How long will it be?”   
    Concern etched on his face, he rested a palm against her cheek.  “I do not know.  I truly expected it before now.  I am very sorry, but we must leave right away.  Those who pursue us are but a day away.  With your condition, we will be unable to move very fast.  We cannot take the chance they will catch up to us.  You will have to allow me to carry you.”
    She couldn’t ask him to carry her.