Runner's Moon: Yarrolam (24 page)
Read Runner's Moon: Yarrolam Online
Authors: Linda Mooney
Tags: #romance, #aliens, #action, #sci-fi, #adventure, #science fiction, #sensuous, #shape shifters
“So you believed us when we said Aaron is trying to drag Liam into this mess for some unknown reason?” Cherron verified.
“We believe Mr. Shulcrist doesn’t want to take the full blame for his actions. Who does? Fortunately, thanks to many of his victims, we’re gathering quite a boatload of evidence, in spite of Mr. Shulcrist’s refusal to cooperate. There’s too much he can’t explain. Hopefully, by the time this goes to court, we’ll have a better understanding of the details.”
“Like why he did it?” Cherron wondered.
A faint smile crossed the detective’s face. “That one’s not hard to guess, Miss Greene. In fact, his motive is the one thing we’ve already figured out.”
“What’s that?” Liam questioned.
“Greed, Mr. Vost. Just plain old avarice and greed.”
Chapter 34
Plan
Cherron stepped outside the federal building and took a deep breath. It was going to be another scorcher of a day, but she didn’t care. It was already a beautiful day, as far as she was concerned.
She was aware of the figure walking up to her, and his sense of relief made her content.
“I’m ready for this to be over,” she admitted.
Liam came up behind her and drew his arms around her waist. The warmth of his body penetrated through her clothes, and she felt a familiar tingling sensation between her legs. If they weren’t standing out in public, she’d turn around and give him a satisfying kiss while reaching between them to grasp his hardness.
Whoa, girl. That’ll come later. Just be patient.
Liam chuckled. Its vibration seeped into her muscles. “I am, too. But your justice system is slow. We’ll have to return once Aaron’s case comes to trial to testify.”
She cocked her head to look up at him. “We’ll have to return? From where?”
The smile on his lips grew wider as he continued to stare outward. “I’ve been thinking. I felt your excitement when Sheriff Klotsky mentioned the possibility of you taking over the clinic in Tumbril Harbor. The idea of remaining together with others of my kind for safety’s sake would be a wise choice.”
“I’d love to hold down the clinic, but what about you? What kind of job would you do? You can’t go work at the mill.”
He bowed his head for a few moments. “Thom called me last night. He asked if I would consider working at the bank, given my background and expertise in the financial market.”
This time, she did turn around to face him. “Liam, that would perfect for you!”
He gave a little shrug. “If that opportunity doesn’t pan out, I could always work at the mill until something else came along.”
“But you wouldn’t be happy,” she softly protested.
Silvery-flecked eyes met hers. “My happiness is secondary to having you,
t’korra.
Wherever you are, if I’m with you, I’ll be content. If I must work at the mill for the time being, I will.”
“So, when are we leaving?”
The smile returned. “Not so fast. There are a few things on my list I’d like to check off first.”
“Such as?”
“Well, for one, you never got to see New Orleans. The real New Orleans, as well as the historic one. I want to take you on a tour through some of their iconic plantations. Then I thought we could take an air boat out into the swamps. There’s the French Quarter you need to experience, plus riding the streetcars.”
“I’d like to visit at least one of those old above-ground cemeteries.”
“We can do that. Take our time. Relax and enjoy. Do the tourist traps.”
“And take a paddle boat?” She grinned.
“You mean a riverboat?”
“Yes!”
“Sure. Why not?”
Drawing her arms about his waist, she snuggled closer, ignoring the looks people threw at them as they passed by. “Okay. Say you take me on the grand tour. Then we leave for Maine?”
“Well, I thought I could pack up my things here and have them sent up north. We could go to your place and do the same.”
“Yarrolam Vost, are you suggesting we shack up together?” she teased.
“No. I’m suggesting that we end this engagement, get married, and live together. In Tumbril Harbor. Tiron says the national forest is an excellent place to stretch my muscles.”
Cherron wove her fingertips between the buttons of his shirt, letting her nails lightly scratch his chest. “I have a better idea. Let’s go to your place, fool around, and afterwards we can pack it up. Then we’ll go to New York, fool around some more, and pack up my things. We can then head to Maine, find a place to live, and tie the knot.
Then
we can come back to New Orleans for our honeymoon and do all those touristy things you mentioned. Well? How about it,
t’kor
?”
Liam bobbed his head. “I like your suggestion better.”
“I thought you would,” she purred. “By the way, in case I haven’t told you, there’s something I think you need to hear.”
“Oh?” His curiosity was piqued.
“Yeah.” She took a deep breath and faced him straight on. “I love you, Liam. My Yarrolam. I honest-to-God love you, and I want you to believe it.”
“I do, my Cherron.” He nuzzled her forehead. “I’ve known it for some time. I’ve just been waiting for you to realize it, and to admit it. And to say it aloud.”
Pressing her nose to his chest, she inhaled his rich, cinnamon scent. “I’m admitting it now. I love you. Only you. Forever you.”
He didn’t respond. But from the way his arms tightened around her, and the feeling of bright joy washing through her, she knew she’d made him happier than he’d ever been in his life.
After another gentle hug, he tugged on her shirt, and together they went in search of their rental car to begin putting their plan in action.
Epilogue
‘
Report.’
‘
Recent attempt to recapture cargo unsuccessful. Will recoup for another try.’
‘
Has the escaped cargo mated?’
‘Affirmative. Escaped cargo has mated and been confirmed.’
Transmission static.
‘Repeat. Has lost cargo been targeted?’
‘Affirmative. Location of cargo is confirmed.’
‘But attempts to re-contain cargo remains questionable?’
‘Affirmative. Lost cargo is being aided by the natives of this planet. Natives are willful and surprisingly resilient.’
‘Yet those natives are unsuitable stock for our needs?’
‘Affirmative.’
Transmission static.
‘Hold off additional attempts to regather lost cargo. Strategy has changed. What is the condition of the cargo still under restraint?’
‘Remaining cargo is well and holding.’
‘And it is confirmed the natives of this planet are suitable mates?’
‘That is correct. On several counts, the cargo has successfully mated with the natives, and triggered the signal.’
‘Change of strategy. If unable to regain escaped cargo, then concentrate on the cargo still in possession. Begin bringing natives from the planet up to the ship, and have them mate with the cargo.’
‘Confirming. Focus on bringing the planet’s natives up to the ship to find possible mates for remaining cargo.’
‘Correct. Begin new tactic immediately.’
‘Affirmative. Understood.’
‘Is there anything else we need to discuss or clarify?’
‘No.’
‘In that case, this transmission is ended.’
‘Acknowledged. Transmission ended.’
Transmission static.
About the Author:
Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel.
A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love.
She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book MY STRENGTH, MY POWER, MY LOVE was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book LORD OF THUNDER was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance.
In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith.
For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website.
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