13. Jax

13

Jax

Three Months Later

“Have I ever told you how impressive your ship is?”

Instead of looking at Runar, I keep my eyes forward. Many of my crew are staring at their screens, purposely not trying to mind our presence. “Only when you want something. So, what do you want?”

If he suggests slipping off somewhere after I deliberately told him that fooling around is not an option, I’m going to have to pull him aside and give him a scolding.

Today is a day of importance. It’ll be the first time we’ll be stepping onto Ventura. I’m meant to be checking on how colonies are settling and Runar is at my side to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Personally, I don’t think he could survive letting me go by myself. He gets all mournful if I leave him alone for too long. This trip is meant to last overnight.

Sneaking him a look, I see he’s not even trying to hide his smirk. I’ve hit his intentions right on the bullseye.

Unfortunately, I know if he says the words, I will cave. In truth, I’m no better than him, especially when we’ve had too many late nights filled with fulfilling our duties.

The threats on Ventura are still as dangerous as they were from day one. However, it’s getting better. Now that more weapons are distributed amongst everyone, they have a way to protect themselves. Plus, with Runar sending the four members of the Sixth over there to help teach ways to defend themselves, everything should be well and dandy when we arrive.

“You’re nervous,” he points out softly. Our bond makes picking up on emotions and feelings way too easy by this point in our relationship. “You have nothing to worry about. Flora’s reports are promising.”

He’s right. They’re working on the toxicity levels, managing them to the best of their abilities. Only so much can be done in a short amount of time.

Most of our invites were accepted. While most didn’t want to consider moving to the vessel, they accepted Ventura to be their home. Those who didn’t want to be given the anti-toxins had to pick a mysterious shot over dying a painful death.

Flora insists the peace is there. However, I feel unsettled.

Runar is like the president. We never let someone of such high power walk freely in an unknown area. What if someone with a grudge is holding something against him? What if something happens to him?

“Jax.” He soothes me with my very name before his hand is rubbing small circles against my back. “Tell me what is bothering you.”

“Just thinking about someone using the guns we gave them to shoot you, that’s all.” Forcing a laugh, I shift beneath his gaze. I hate being honest sometimes.

Before I can take back my truth, he’s taking me by the elbow and leading me off toward the crew’s quarters. My old room is a short ride to the top.

He knows I hate appearing weak to those around me. Once we’re completely alone, I let out a much-needed sigh.

“I worry about the very same thing every time you leave my side,” he admits as if it’s a secret. The words help ease the stress as I snort. “Still, I know everything will be alright. You have my back, just as I have yours. We will be fine.”

Nodding, I try to push all these pesky worries to the side.

Sure, there’s been a few bumps in the transition, but it hasn’t been as bad as it could be. Everything seems alright.

“You’ll get to see your sister again and all will be well.” Continuing his light touches, he even offers me a reassuring smile. “If anything goes wrong, we both know you’ll be the first one to step forward and correct any issues.”

Nodding my head, I grow a little too relieved with his touches.

“You know, you could’ve brought me to the meeting room if you wanted to give me a pep talk.” Pointing out the obvious, I can’t help the smile that teases my lips.

Behind us, my old bed is far too inviting. Despite being much smaller than the one on the vessel, I’m sure it could fit us both if we remained close enough. That shouldn’t be a problem.

“More quieter up here. Easier to think,” he explains with a smirk as he squeezes my hips. There’s only one thing on his mind and I can’t scold him. Not when I’m meeting him halfway by hooking my arms around his neck.

“We’ll be arriving soon, you know?”

He grunts as he picks me up. “We’ll be faster.”

With that argument, I can’t argue. Not when I need this more than I care to admit. As a laugh leaves my lips, Runar helps distract me in the best way possible.

* * *

“Jax!”

I grunt and stumble back as my sister throws herself into my arms. She smells like disinfectants. Did someone spill a bottle of rubbing alcohol on her lab coat?

Flora pulls back and gives Runar a smile and nod. Right behind her, Varrum stands with his hands at his back.

“You guys were taking forever, thought you had gotten lost.” She swats her hand as she encourages me to leave the outside of my ship.

“Ran into some asteroids. Slowed us down a little,” I lie as I swat Runar’s chest when he chuckles.

Thank goodness my sister has been more focused on her project over the last few months. She doesn’t even notice my flushed cheeks or anything.

She gives us a small tour of the current colony she’s residing in. While her defense is lowered, my guard is up.

Knowing I can’t stroll around with my hand resting on my pistol, I keep my steps steady. Runar’s hand on my lower back makes thinking about any sudden rebels popping out harder to do.

“Surprisingly enough, our vegetables don’t seem to be having a hard time growing in these climates. Of course, we haven’t figured out what seasons this planet is capable of, but the greenhouse is thriving.” Throwing a look over her shoulder, her grin is wide. “We’ve got strawberries, Jax. Strawberries. ”

I haven’t had a strawberry since we were in high school. It’s crazy how much we take advantage of things when we don’t know what it’s like to have such luxuries stolen away from us.

Hard to think about someone jumping out to attack when my mouth is immediately watering at the thought.

She lets out a laugh at my excitement. “Getting some animals here was not an easy task. There was a lot of trial and error as you probably saw in the reports, but I think we’ve got it.”

Listening to how proud she sounds, I can’t help but enjoy her reaction more than the state of this joint.

As she walks us toward some fences, I’m curious about whatever creatures they’re containing. Some sort of docile horned beasts.

“They’re not as pretty as cows, but the milk they give off is more nutritional than ours.” She looks over at a woman with a clipboard. “Quill has been keeping a good eye on them. She’s our head scientist.”

In the distance, Veltraz is straightening up and immediately saluting Runar. He’s all but another member of the Sixth. I’m sure the others are planted throughout the area.

As Flora continues her tour, Runar’s sigh catches my attention.

“I had my own concerns, to be honest, but it’s relieving to see everything is going well. Part of me was worried that they’d immediately have issues that would require you to stay here. I’m relieved to know that’s not the case. Not unless they’re saving the worst news for last.”

Glancing at the couple in front of us as they walk, I shake my head. “No, I don’t think that’s the case. My sister looks far too happy for anything to be wrong. I think they have things handled rather nicely. I’m sure there will be bumps, but they’ll be able to handle themselves.”

He hums in agreement at my side.

Now that we know we’ve worried ourselves over nothing, we can finally enjoy ourselves at this new location.

“You guys coming?” Flora calls over her shoulder. “Slowing us down with those slow steps.”

Unable to keep a smile off my lips, I intertwine our fingers and catch up to enjoy the rest of the tour.