Ash: A Phoenix Warrior Romance (Phoenix in Flames Book 9) Read online

  “Yes, we’ll start at the gardens. Mike likes them especially well but she said to warn you about giant lizards.”

  “Giant?” She looked a bit scared.

  “Only the size of an average housecat. Elm assures me they are gentle and only eat small bugs.”

  “Okay. That can’t be too bad.”

  They finished eating, put up their trays, and got on their way. “These gardens supply a large amount of the vegetables and fruit for the cafeteria, but there are also exotic flowers and other plants that you will enjoy.”

  He’d not been in the gardens in person although he’d taken a tour on the computer. The large lizards, most were a bright blue, were a bit off putting but they paid them no mind seeming intent on feeding. Nila was fascinated by the bright flowers, especially some bright red lilies. The lily pads floating in the small pond at the foot of the fountain also drew her attention.

  The small frogs were cute until one jumped on Nila landing on her shoulder causing her to shriek loud and long. He pulled it off and tossed it back to the pond. “Sorry. It startled me.” She explained.

  He took her hand and led her past the pond to the vegetable garden. Produce hung off the plants in large amounts. Vines were overloaded and automated robots picked the vegetables and fruit sending it to where it was processed. Waterers turned on giving the plants what they needed. Some of the fluid was colored with the food the plants were fed.

  The fruit was also hanging from the trees in abundance. He picked a peach handing it to Nila. “It smells so fresh and sweet.”

  “This is where most of our fruit comes from. It’s why it tastes so good.” Ash admitted. “Teresa had all this set up by specialists.”

  “They did a good job. Finding the best of everything is what Teresa is talented at.”

  “She and Flicker are the best.” He admitted. It was good for him and his brothers too that their leaders had such a good crew. These wonderful females on their ship turned out to be the perfect mates.

  “It’s amazing the way this is setup to grow so much in a small space.” Nila observed.

  They had incorporated the best tech with the latest methods for growing food in space. That wasn’t all, a few things, like growing tomatoes on vines that went all the way up the walls didn’t seem to be truly farming methods at all. The large sunflowers shaded the plants that grew all around their roots. Herbs mostly and dandelions or so he thought. A small room to the side grew plants that needed cooler, moister climates. He’d heard the rumor they would soon have coffee and cocoa.

  The tanks were full of all types of exotic fish and aquatic animals and plants. Some of the seaweed actually made a nice salad that was served once a week with a lovely grilled fish. How could their two leaders have such a broad range of talents? It truly was remarkable.

  Now they’d made it to the large fish tanks. The lights inside were a pale blue, the color of Earth light after it filtered through many layers of water, or so he’d heard. The colors of the many varieties of exotic sea life flashed by and Nila’s face was filled with wonder.

  Taking a chance, he turned her toward him pressing her against the glass and giving her the sweetest kiss. It was barely a brush of his lips. She sighed and a small smile came to her face. Romantic, that’s all he wanted for now. Time would tell him when to become more sexual before he pressed his desire to mate her fully.

  “These fish are incredible.” She said. Then she jumped and squeaked. “What the hell is that?”

  A creature much like an eel grabbed a small fish and swallowed it whole. “It’s an Eel lizard from Oison. They were found in some of the caves. The Mazlans love to eat them. They grow to the size of an Earth crocodile. The larger ones resemble them except in color. This one is in the wrong tank.” He pressed a button on the tank.

  “State your problem.” A voice said.

  “An eel fish is in a general tank eating the fish in it.” He replied.

  “Thank you. We will send someone to take care of that right away.” The voice said.

  “Most of the care of this area is automated.” He explained.

  “How will they get it out?” Nila asked.

  “They will segregate sections of the tank. Once they find it, they will force it into sections closer and closer to one of the openings. When it get to an opening, they will pull him out.”

  “Why are they doing this so quickly?”

  “With unlimited food, an eel fish can grow rapidly. They become dangerous at a certain size.”

  Several workers came in and approached them. “This tank?” One asked. He nodded and moved Nila away so they could work. The male quickly hit several buttons and bright lights came on and glass shelves divided the tank.

  The tank was scanned and the eel fish quickly found. All but two dividers were retracted and those were replaced by dividers closer in. The eel fish kept moving unaware that it was being herded closer to the exit. Once it was in the smallest enclosure, the gate was opened and the eel fish sucked out. IT, the water, and everything else near it came out into a small pool like area. A worker netted the eel fish and quickly took it to another tank.

  This tank was full of predators. They were fed meat scraps from meals or purchased somewhere. The area that provided food for the crew was a complicated place. He was happy it was not his to run. Nodding to the workers, he escorted Nila out.

  “That was exciting, but I’m at my limit of excitement for today.” Nila admitted.

  He grinned at her. “How can you be in a job like yours and not handle excitement well? Almost every day has some kind of thrill going on.”

  “Not where Angel and I are. If we were on the raiding party, maybe. We just listen in and do our thing. You’re the one with all the kicks and grins.”

  “That’s a bit oversimplified, Baby. The whole crew gets excitement some of the time. This is why you’ve been doing the self-defense training. Tell me you’re taking more once that’s done.” He asked.

  “Because of what happened to Angel?”

  She was talking about the stranger appearing in engineering. “That and all the things just like it that could happen.”

  Nila giggled. “I’m taking a course on weapons too. My shooting is improving. It’s a surprise you didn’t know.”

  “I don’t know everything. I just try to know whatever I can. Don’t blame me for worrying about you. Want to go to the range?” That was what we called the place we practiced shooting at. It was an old Earth term and Teresa liked to use those.

  “Why not? Maybe you can give me some pointers?”

  He was sure he was standing taller with his chest puffed out now. “I’d be delighted to help you out.”

  Again with the giggles. Was he really that funny? “Lead the way.” Nila insisted.

  He took her arm and escorted her instead. “It’s funny that it’s right among the recreational places.”

  “Not really. Some of the crew shoots for fun. That’s why they are so good. That’s what Flicker said.”

  That might be true, but it was also said to relax those that were really bad shots so they wouldn’t feel so bad. He’d used that himself a time or two. It didn’t mean Nila was bad, but someone in her group must be.

  “Hey, Jose!” He called out as soon as they entered.

  Jose popped into the armory right away. “Hey, Ash. You brought some company to watch you shoot?”

  “Nah, she’s shooting too. Nila, this is Jose. Jose, this is Nila. She’s in communications.”

  “Lovely to meet you. I’ll get you both a gun.” Jose turned away and quickly came back.

  He winked at Nila. “This is for you.” Now he turned to him and his gun made hers look like a baby.

  Nila looks at hers then looks at his. “Girls and boys?” She asked.

  “No, I’m bigger than you and I have more experience. This gun has a hard kick. You wouldn’t like it. Once you know more, you can move up to a larger gun. Follow me, we’ll shoot some targets.” She follows him
to the targets that absorb laser fire. The spot that’s hit will light up. “You go first.”

  He stood there and watched her take the right position. She shot, once, twice, and three times quickly. The lights around the center lit up. Now he shot three times rapidly. Only the center lit up. Hopefully his mate was impressed.

  “I see the difference.” She admitted with a sigh.

  “It’s just a matter of aiming properly and keeping your hands still. You’ll get the hang of it. Let’s go again.” And they did over and over. She managed to hit the center a few times and that was an improvement. “That’s good. It takes time to improve and you have to shoot regularly. If I stop practicing it’s obvious.”

  “Really?” She asked.

  “It is. It’s a skill that requires practice. A lot of it. What you want to do now?” He asked as they both turned their guns in.

  “What about the 3D room?” Nila asked.

  “Let’s go see if it’s empty.” He took her hand and led her along the hallway. It was a surprise the room was empty. “What would you like to see?”

  He handed her headgear and they both put it on.

  “Pick something for me. I don’t know what’s available.” She admitted.

  “Okay. What about this?” He’d picked a snow covered mountain.

  It felt like they were on a sled and sled moving down with snow flying all around. This was so real, she felt the exhilaration of hitting a ledge and flying off if it. Now she understood the question about heart problems. On this mountain was the way to discover any defects of the heart. They went airborne and hit hard when they landed. The sled just kept going all the way to the bottom.

  Now they took their headgear off. “Was that alright?” He asked.

  “I liked it because it wasn’t real. I could never ride a sled like that in real life.” She admitted.

  “Not even with me controlling it?” He asked.

  “I think I’d be too scared unless it was a life or death situation where I had to.” Nila declared.

  “I hope you’re never in a situation like that. Let’s try another.”

  This time it was a waterfall with tropical flowers all around. Brightly colored birds flew about and small animals ran in front of them as they headed to the deep pool. “God, this is gorgeous.” She observed.

  Chapter 2

  What Now?

  Nila was enjoying herself and that was dangerous. She had a weak spot where Ash was concerned. There was chemistry between them and it was strong. For a few weeks now she’d tried to deny it. Had even hoped if she spent time with him she’d realize it was only skin deep or he’d see her for the damaged woman she was.

  Neither of those things had happened and their relationship had only become closer. They were becoming friends. That with the physical bond wasn’t good. She should let him go so he could find a female of his own race. One who hadn’t been abused like she had.

  Instead, here they were in a tropical paradise that reminded her of Eden. Just the two of them, alone. Ash was handsome, there was no denying that. The fact that he saw her as attractive was also obvious. Moving forward with this was dangerous. If she fell and he left her she might never recover.

  “What are you thinking about so hard?” He asked.

  “N-nothing.”

  He gave her a look like he could see right through her. “Just relax and enjoy our day together. When is the last time you did that?”

  Oh, God! She couldn’t even remember. It had been so long, too long. And now they’re in the jungle which was alive with sounds and scents. The desire to live, to enjoy, and just to let go of the control she’s held over herself for so long washed over her. She felt like goddamn Eve in paradise with Adam.

  Ash is so perfect. He’s her dream guy and she’s already had some hot dreams that have featured him. There was a time she was such a normal girl, but not anymore. Probably never again and Ash deserved normal, didn’t he?

  Looking at him, she figured he was young. Just like her? She’s what? Twenty-three, now. Yeah, she should remember that, but she doesn’t keep track of those kinds of things. Not like she did before then. Back before she was taken she had a bright future or at least she thought she did.

  “Tell me about yourself, Nila. Where are you from?” Ash asked.

  “I’m nobody from nowhere.” She answered automatically. Her canned answer so she doesn’t have to deal with more questions.

  “No, really. I heard you were from Earth.”

  “Originally. I think my parents are still there, if they are alive.” She answered.

  “What happened?”

  She turned to look at him. His eyes are on her along with all his attention. “I went to Moon Station to train to be in communications. I was about to graduate when they attacked. Slavers, they were hitting all the stations. When they took me, I was gone for a while before Teresa and Flicker freed me along with the others. I lost contact with my family, friends, and hell, just everyone. Angel is helping me finish up my training and gain more knowledge. So, that’s the story of my life. What about you?”

  “That’s not exactly your whole life. It does tell me how you ended up here. You want to know about me? I’m the youngest son, but Maple is a year younger. I’ve been trained in the Phoenix military in just about everything on a ship. We have an agreement with the Mazlans to provide personnel for our mutual protection and my brothers, sister, and I all ask to be on this ship. When I met you, I was glad I was here.”

  She thought it was a sweet thing to say, but it was clear he meant it. Both his brothers found their mates here and it was obvious he intended to as well. There was no way she could fit into his life, was there? Her interest in him made her want to. What did it all mean? Could she even try to settle down with someone while the nightmares still plagued her?

  “You’re thinking too hard. Just relax and have fun. Let’s take this path and explore.” They weren’t really walking, but it seemed like they were.

  “This is amazing. Where is this supposed to be?” She asked.

  “You don’t recognize Earth?” Just then she screamed bloody murder as this huge dinosaur looked at her. “T Rex. We’re in the dinosaur age of your planet. Beautiful, but dangerous.”

  “Who set this up?”

  “Teresa, she has a fossil collection. The plants and animals are based on what was supposedly there then. Exciting, huh?”

  “It’s beautiful and amazing, but a little scary. Why didn’t that T Rex come after us?”

  “This is set up so you’re an unseen watcher. There are too many predators to be interactive. Even some of the plants are dangerous. The world we are watching was full of pitfalls. Any part of the water, the ground, the animals, plants, and even the weather could kill you. It’s a wonder your early ancestors survived.”

  “So I’ve heard. It must have been meant to be. This world may have been dangerous, but it was gorgeous. Is there somewhere else we can go?” She asked.

  “Let’s do something completely different.” Suddenly water surrounded them. Bubbles came up from them and moved to the surface.

  “We’re not watchers here.” She commented.

  “No, but we’re protected.”

  Watching, she saw creatures that looked like dolphins playing. Sharks patrolled but they didn’t attack. Maybe they weren’t hungry yet. Large whale like creatures frolicked on the surface. Schools of colorful fish swam by. The sea floor was littered with shells and shiny rocks that she itched to pick up. Coral grew in reefs and plants grew in patches along the bottom.

  In the distance the sea floor gave way to a dark trench that seemed to go on forever. There was an inky blackness and no bottom could be seen. That was some place that begged to be explored, but she feared to try to do so. There were places like this on Earth and she could only wonder if that was what this represented.

  “Come, we should go now.” Ash said.

  It surprised her that they’d been busy for hours. “This was nice.”
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  “Just nice? Not exciting or thrilling? You didn’t love it?”

  Her cheeks heated. “I did love it but I didn’t want to gush. I’ve been told that males need to be kept in check so their heads don’t swell until they burst.”

  “Sounds like something Mike would say.” Ash observed.

  “I have to get advice from my girls. I’m lost when it comes to interacting with guys.”

  “We can just work things out. Neither of us really have a lot of dating experience.” He admitted.

  “I thought you would have more experience. Don’t Phoenix date?” She asked.

  “It’s complicated. When we’re young, we stick with our families and other relatives. As we get older and go out into the world, we look for our fated ones. If we have needs, we see to them with casual relationships. No one wants to be tied to the wrong female or male. Finding our fated mate is everything to us.”

  “But what am I to you?”

  “Everything.”

  Now it was starting to sink in. This wasn’t just casual dating for Ash. He was pursuing her as a mate. There was no doubt now. If she continued with him, eventually they would be together. They went to the cafeteria to eat supper because they’d missed lunch. It was a surprise that Angel, Elm, Oak, and Mike were all sitting at a table almost as if they were waiting for them.

  Once their plates were full, they sat down with their group. “Any news about where we go next?” Ash asked before taking a bite of food.

  “Yes, all of our group is going to the meteorite. All of us have needed skills. We’ll be leaving in the morning.” Oak informed.

  “Were you going to wait until the morning to tell us?” Ash asked.

  “I knew you two were busy having fun. No one wanted to bother you. Did you have fun?” Elm asked.

  “We did.” Nila answered. “We checked out the gardens then the 3D room. It was amazing.”

  “We enjoy the Earth scenes too.” Angel admitted. “Teresa did an incredible job, didn’t she?”

  “I was never able to imagine Earth when it was primitive. It was beautiful, but deadly. Even the dinosaurs have their own strange beauty.” Nila observed.