Tallusian Nights [Xihirian Shifters 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Online Free PDF Page B

This also makes things more dangerous. We must move this along.”
    “What could they be searching for?”
    “We don’t know.” He shook his head. “But let’s get our next group identified then lined up at the door. We need to leave. Now.” He motioned for the other adults to come in his direction.
    “Oh, that quick?” Zalora started to help more little ones collect their things. Several children gathered around her.
    “Yes.” He nodded. There was cool intelligence in his eyes. He was definitely a man of authority. His hair was cut short in a typical military style. His bangs were longer. They hung down onto his forehead. She liked how they could fall into his eyes. His silky black hair with his amber eyes against sun-tanned skin made him incredibly striking. His eyes seemed to change frequently, which was curious to her. When he was close, Zalora found herself feeling nervous, like a schoolgirl. Her heart raced.
    She wanted to know more about him and was tempted to question him more. Blowing a curl out of her face, she observed him, admiring his arms, leg muscles flexing under his uniform when he moved. Another wave of heat passed over her, making her perspire more. He’s very powerful. She admired his backside, too. He wore his uniform like a second skin. In his groin area, it was almost too revealing, making her feel suddenly faint. I really have to concentrate on surviving, not his gorgeous body. Perspiration rolled down her back. I shouldn’t be looking there anyway. I need to get myself together. Stop looking at this man at all. My world’s under attack, and I’m having hot flashes over a man. This is what happens when I surround myself with children all the time. My first exposure to a handsome man and I’m mesmerized. I’m crazed. “I just don’t know about myself sometimes.”
    “Did you say something?” He looked at her. His eyes examined her from head to toe.
    “No, it’s nothing.” She continued packing up the last group. I think he’s looking at me a lot, too. She quickened her pace, feeling more nervous. “The children almost look like they’re going on a field trip. Instead they’re evacuating from their destroyed city.”
    A little girl tugged on Zalora’s pants. “What’s ’vacuating?”
    “You’re going on a trip out of the city.” She patted her head. “Everything is going to be okay.”
    “Are you ’vacuating, too?” She looked up at her with sleepy eyes.
    “Yes, I’ll be going, too.” Zalora smiled. “Don’t worry.”
    “I’m going to wait by the door for your next group.” Val tapped her on her arm. His touch sent a pleasant vibration through her. “Send them as soon as they’re ready to go.” He turned, leaving her staring after him.
     
    * * * *
     
    Within the next four hours, another ship arrived to take their last group. “I’m going with this group.” Zalora gathered her things together, stuffing her bag.
    “No.” Val stopped in front of her. “You’re not. You’re to go with me to my battleship to speak to your father. We’re in communication with him. He’s waiting to talk to you.”
    “Can’t I talk to him from our Med-Vac camp?” She grabbed her coat and bag as if she was going to leave anyway. “I anticipated going with this group.” Her hair bounced around her head, her face was flushed. She was a spitfire filled with determination.
    “No.” He shook his head. “It needs to be done from our ship in orbit.” He looked up. “I told you earlier you would be going with me.” He helped other adults out the door, handing them off to two crewmembers who meet them. Val closed the doors behind them, closing her inside with him.
    “Wait.” Zalora put her hand up as to stop him. He could see she was fuming. She’d yelled loudly. “I’m going. You can’t stop me.”
    “No you’re staying with me. This isn’t debatable. I have stopped you.” He engaged the door’s locks. “We’ll leave at first light.” He nodded his head