Free A Seacat's Love (Oceanan Trilogy Book 1) by Jessica Kong Page A

had kept Rick sane and moving forward.
    It was a joke to either man to even consider a life without the other. They knew each other so well they could predict the other’s reactions. This was why Rick could not understand how his best friend could do something so despicable behind his back. It made no sense. The Blaisdale he knew would never be associated to such a horrific deed.
    You knew about the aliens. Why did you take me to where they were being kept? Did you think you could persuade me to join you? It makes no sense. You know me too well to even consider it. How did they get to you?
    As soon as the aliens were safe, Rick planned to locate his commander and find out what happened to his friend. For now, Lance was the aliens’ biggest threat. He understood the way Rick thought. He knew where Rick lived, his friends, and his connections. Rick was positive it was only a matter of time before Lance would figure out who freed the aliens and came after them.
    This was the sole reason he drove like a maniac through the streets. What other excuse could there be for him to rush back toLeonora’s side? Surely, it could not be the image of her being in an empty house with a virile man obviously enamored with her.
    Rick drove into the garage and pressed the close button before the doors lifted fully. He jumped out of his car, neglecting to shut the door. He ran up to the entrance, jammed the key in the hole, and twisted it, almost breaking it. He burst into the small office and hurried into the living room without warning. No one was in the room. Rick stood motionless. His hearing strained to detect a noise. All was quite, too quite. A disturbing thought crossed his mind. He hurried to the guestroom. He turned the knob and found it locked.
    His temper flared. “Nora!” He banged on the door while pulling on the knob. “Open this bloody door! Now!”

Leonora sat on the edge of the bed feeling her forehead. Her fever was down, but her body ached terribly. She gave in to the mattress’s lure and lay down. She detested being weak and vulnerable. It was why she chose a dual career as a scientist and Seacat. A Seacat’s training regimen placed you in top form. However, no training could prevent poisons from weakening the body.
    To humans it was medication. To the felines of Earth, it was medication. To Oceanan felines, it was poison. Why? Because their DNA structure was a combination of the two.
    Onssa, just let it all end now
. Her lashes lowered partway.
If I close my eyes, I may never wake up
. They drifted lower.
I could fall asleep in a second. But Tigif might get in. I have to stay awake—at least until Rick gets back
.
    Tigif had tried several times to persuade her to open the door. Each time she ordered him to go away and leave her alone. Fifteen minutes passed since his last attempt. He seemed to be on a schedule, so she expected his dreaded knock any minute.
    What if he manages to get in? What should I do? Better yet, what will he do to me?
She huffed.
If he tries anything, I will defend myself
. Placing an arm over her forehead, she sighed.
I hope he is not that dumb
.
    The vigorous turning of the doorknob made Leonora jump out of her skin. A yelp escaped her lips at the savage banging that followed. The door shook. The hinges protested. Leonora bolted from the bed and into a fighting stance.
    “Nora! Open this bloody door! Now!”
    “Rick?”
    “I said open this door!”
    Leonora raised her hands and looked heavenward. “Thank you, Onssa.”
    Never had she known such joy or relief. She no longer had to beat up her sister’s fiancé. She swung the chair to one side and unlocked the handle. The lock clicked, and the door swung open. She barely leapt out of its way.
    Rick paused beneath the doorframe. His attention riveted to the bed, to what he expected to find. What he did not expect was to be thrown off balance once again. Only this time his body cushioned hers. He was stunned. He was elated. Nothing he pictured