[Atlantean's Quest 02] Exodus (26 page)

“’Tis time to go.” He squeezed her hand in reassurance.

Jac’s gut clenched.

Eros and Rachel stepped forward to the edge of the black void. Jac pulled free of Ares and rushed forward. She grabbed Rachel in a bear hug, tears stinging the back of her eyes.

“I don’t want you to go.”

“I know.” Her eyes glistened with what could only be described as hope.

“Be careful, you hear?”

Rachel hugged her back, then pulled away. “Everything’s going to be all right, Jac.” She smiled. “I’ll see you on the other side.”

Jac nodded, glancing into the unknown before stepping back, fear beating at her chest like a drum. She watched as Eros and Rachel exchanged a loving look and then stepped through, disappearing instantly into the void. Two by two the others followed.

Ares had sent out a few scouts in search of Coridan, but they’d come back unsuccessful in their hunt. No matter the young warrior’s past deeds, no one of Atlantean blood would be left behind, especially with the red-devil closing in. And Ares knew he drew nearer. He’d sensed him, along with at least a dozen others making their way toward the village. By the time the bastard got here, with any luck, the Atlanteans would be gone.

* * * * *

Professor Donald Rumsinger tramped through the brush, anticipation fueling his drive. He knew they were within a half click of the famous lost tribe. His pudgy hand moved to the holster at his side, rechecking the pistol secured there. He wasn’t taking any chances after what he’d seen over the past few weeks. The men of this tribe were unusually large, virile looking subjects. He looked forward to studying and probing them thoroughly before reporting his findings to the world.

If he happened to encounter Dr. Rachel Evans again, he’d take care of her for good. Anger rolled through him as he thought about her and her friend Jaclyn Ward. The two women had made a fool of him more times than he’d care to remember and he wasn’t one to take that lightly. They would pay. He’d make sure of it.

The professor called out to his lead guide, Manuel, “How much further?”

The brown skinned man squinted across the clearing they’d entered. “Twenty minutes at the most,” he called back.

The knee-high grass was unusual in the jungle, but then again so were clearings. Donald Rumsinger stamped his feet to scare off any sleeping reptiles. Poisonous snakes loved to bake in the sun. The professor glanced at the sky and then down at his watch. It was almost two o’clock. They’d lose the light within three hours, as the sun sank below the tree line, leaving the jungle in deep shadow.

“Pick up the pace,” Donald shouted to the small caravan of men. He didn’t want there to be any chance for the tribe to slip away or hide before their arrival. The jog was hard on the professor. His body wasn’t used to these kinds of physical activities. Donald gritted his teeth and wheezed out a breath, propelling his rotund body forward by the sheer excitement pouring through him. He was on the brink of becoming the most famous explorer of the century, perhaps of all time.

* * * * *

Ariel, Jac, and Ares stood in the empty clearing beside the transport, frowning. They’d been unable to locate Coridan and had run out of places to search. If the young warrior had left the jungle there was no telling where he’d gone. He had been shamed, outcast by his own people, for his foolishness. Ares looked to the two women standing beside him.

“We must go, the enemy is drawing nearer.”

Ariel’s eyes widened, in what looked to be fear. “We cannot leave Coridan behind for the red-devil to find.”

Ares blew out a heavy breath, his heart troubled over the loss of a fellow Atlantean, no matter how misguided he’d been. His gaze sought out Jac’s, her face instantly softening under his perusal. Ares tucked a strand of hair around her sensitive ear. She shivered.

“I shall stay here until I find him,” Ares offered.

Jac’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. “You’re not staying here without me.”
“You must go. Danger draws near.”

“What about you? That asshole Rumsinger could hurt you. Or worse. I’m not heading off to another planet without you.” She shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. Her jaw set firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Ares took a step forward, trying to appear threatening. “I will not have my mate putting herself in danger needlessly.”

Jac tilted her head and glared at him. “I said I’m staying.” Her hands moved to her hips.

“Do not make me pick you up and toss you to Zaron,” he growled. “I do not think the first impression you make on the people should be on your bottom.”

Jac’s face flushed red. “You wouldn’t dare,” she hissed out.

“Try me.”

“Enough!” The force of Ariel’s one uttered word stopped their squabbling immediately.

They both turned in unison to look at her. Ariel’s face held a calm façade that she probably didn’t feel, but the bickering was getting them nowhere.

“I shall stay here and search for Coridan.” She gazed at the trees, concern coloring her features, before glancing back.

Ares opened his mouth to protest, but Ariel held up a hand, stopping him before he could utter a syllable. “I realize I am not a warrior, but ‘tis not as if I’m without means.”

“I cannot allow you to make this sacrifice. You’ve guided our people for thousands of years. ‘Tis your right to see our home planet, more so than any other.” Ares spoke softly.

“I will see our Zaron…soon. But for now, you must leave this place. Make sure your mate is safe.” She smiled at Jac, her eyes pleading. “Do this for me, Ares.”

Ares sensed there was something the seer was not telling them. He once again went to speak, this time Jac laid her hand upon his arm, stopping him. “It’s time to go. Ariel knows what she’s doing.” Jac smiled back at the seer.

Good luck, Ariel. I hope you find whatever it is you seek.

The seer grinned wider, an unspoken understanding passing between the two women, then Ariel bid them on their way.

Jac and Ares stepped toward the transport, their muscles trembling in anticipation. They looked over their shoulders once more at Ariel.

I’ll be right behind you, after I have one more quick look around. Now go.
The seer waved, then shoo’d them on.

Ares glanced down at Jac’s face, her eyes met his, and he nodded, with that they stepped forward into their new life together.

Atlantean’s Quest Book Three: Redemption

Sneak Peek:

Ariel blew out a ragged breath. She’d find Coridan and get them back here as soon as possible. She returned to the village, making her way down the narrow trail, until she reached her hut. She heard a slight rustling inside her dwelling and her heart swelled with anticipation. The seer stepped forward and threw back the hide flap, a welcoming smile painted on her face.

“How nice of you to join us, my dear,” the red-haired man’s voice purred.

Ariel felt the blood drain from her face. She raised her hands to defend herself, but before she could fire off an energy burst, two men stepped from the sides and subdued her. Ariel struggled to no avail, the men were too strong. Her eyes narrowed on the devil sitting at her small table.

The professor’s ruddy face split into a smile. “You’re not exactly who I was hoping for, but you’ll do.”