Page 51 of Truthful Deceptions

“Good,” she grunted, bending down to grab me under my arms. Lifting me, she turned and handed me to Tolly. He took me and cradled me against his chest. Purring, he rubbed his cheek against my hair. His familiar scent filled the air, making me relax into his embrace.

Pelrow frowned. “That is not how you should carry Opal. Where is your backbox?”

“We don’t have one,” I said. “But this is fine.”

Pelrow looked around and then pointed at one of the Marpers standing around. The individual stepped forward, and she said a few words that didn't translate.

I could still hear sounds coming from inside the ship, but it didn't sound like they were fighting anymore. It sounded more like they were simply destroying things and having a lot of fun doing it.

Good for them!

The individual Pelrow had talked to disappeared for a few moments then returned with two of the backpack boxes so many of the Marpers wore.

“This is a gift,” Pelrow said, taking one and presenting it to Tolly. “If you turn around, I'll put it on you.”

He turned and she placed the padded hooks over his shoulder and then buckled the chest strap. After that was done, Pelow took me from his arms and set me on the box. I was quick to move my leg so there was no pressure on my ankle and foot.

I didn't like it as much as being held, but I wasn't going to complain. As long as Pelrow let us leave, she could do just about anything she wanted.

Pelrow looked down at Sloane. “Who is your keeper, human?”

Wordlessly, she pointed at Mieshorum. All the Marpers holding him let go. With a loud purr he rushed up to her, but Pelrow made him put the backbox on before he was allowed to pick her up.

“I don't think Sloane can balance on the box,” I said.

Pelrow grunted. “You're right. You can show her how to ride the box after she isn't so sickly.” Pelrow stepped up to Tolly’s side so she could look at me. Sitting on the box mounted high on Tolly's back made us the same height.

“Come back in the future,” she demanded. “We'll drink and I can show you all the ways I'm big. You can meet my men and children. They are all big.”

“I'd like that,” I said, surprised that I meant it.

“Could you tell the others to release Narmuna and Lexarit?” Tolly asked. “We need to take the humans home and assess their injuries.”

Pelrow looked to where the men were being held and made another gesture and they were freed. “Yes, of course. Goodbye.”

I guessed Marpers weren't ones for long farewells because Pelrow turned and left, disappearing quickly into the crowd.

The Marpers who'd all rushed into the ship were leaving. They were covered in goo and one of them was carrying a leg. They were grinning and chatting as if they'd just finished a good meal.

I looked away with a shudder.

“Time to leave,” Tolly said. I couldn't agree more.

Chapter 16

Opal

“Follow me,” Narmuna said. Tolly and Mieshorum got behind him and Lexarit took the position at the back.

The caution wasn't really needed. Everywhere we walked, the Marpers cleared a path for us. What happened in the bay must've spread across the station with the speed that gossip always moves.

It wasn't long until we were back on the ship. Tolly went straight to our cabin, and I saw Mieshorum disappear into his cabin with Sloane. I should’ve said something. I felt responsible for Sloane. Even though I knew she was better off here, she didn't know that and I should be there to reassure her.

Concern for Sloane was pushed out of my head by the pain in my foot. Even though Tolly tried to be gentle, I cried out when he lifted me off the box and set me in the nest.

Before I could ask for drugs, Tolly was ripping open a package and shoving a wafer into my mouth. It barely took the edge off.

“I need something stronger,” I said.