Roar (Phoenix in Flames Book 1) Read online

  The best thing she could do is stop talking and get to work. This kettle would have to be scraped and then soaked. Argh! It wasn’t something she looked forward to doing. There was a brush with a scraper in the end and she used that to get the worst of it off. Pouring hot water and soap in, she left it soaking. Treva worked hard until it was nearly lunch before she took a break. Grabbing a plate of food and a drink, she sat outside in the back near the dumpsters and relaxed while she ate.

  Sitting in the shadows, she watched people walk by and tried to imagine who they might be and why they were here. A hot looking guy wandered by and he looked familiar. She remembered he’d been looking for a runaway last time he’d come by. Now she worried that he might be working for the labs. He didn’t look anything like the guards she’d dealt with every day, but she knew she was too naïve to make those judgements. Treva got up and looked around the corner. Yes, he went right inside Homer’s place.

  Now she would have to stay away until he left. Homer would go nuts, but what choice did she have? Tawny came out the back door. “That guy looking for a runaway is back. You’d best stay out here until he leaves. He never asked about you and I didn’t even realize it was him until I got to the kitchen. Now I got a damn headache.”

  Well, that was weird. Tawny came back forty minutes later to let her know it was safe. Treva sighed. “I’m glad he’s gone. I don’t think it’s me he’s looking for, but I’m not sure he’d believe it.”

  “You’re right, Sugar. I wouldn’t believe it. Don’t be scared and let me tell you who I am and why I’m here.”

  “Holy crapazoid!” Tawny said. “I led him right to you. I’m sorry.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “I’m not here to hurt her.” Roar insisted getting irritated. “Let me have my say before you make a decision.” Treva nodded her eyes on him wide and frightened.

  “I was working with the people who came to save you. We found out one of the guards took you so they sent me after you. I only want to reunite you with your people. Jetson is most concerned and Jazzy, his mate will be upset with me if I don’t bring you back. She is a Moon Hunter.”

  “I’ve heard of them. They are good people, Treva.” Tawny said.

  “How do we know it’s true?” Homer asked. He had made his way outside too.

  “I can try to call Jetson. I’m not sure what the time difference is. Will that be enough proof for you?”

  “I want to speak to Jetson.”

  Roar pulled out his com and pressed a button. The com buzzed and then a voice answered. “This is Jazzy. Please leave a message.” There was a sound like a click.

  “Roar? Did you find her? Is she safe?”

  “Yes and yes, but she wants to speak to Jetson.”

  “Treva? This is Jetson. We were scared to death when we heard Forman had you. Roar caught him and the idiot had no idea where you might be. Roar will bring you here to Oison so you can be with all of us. We’re so excited to hear you are alright and will be on your way.”

  “Jetson, I knew you and the others would be freed. I will come with Roar.” She said nodding her head at Roar. “I can’t wait to see all of you.”

  “We can’t wait until you get here. We’ll let everyone know you’re coming. They were all worried.”

  The line went dead. Treva knew they had either woke them or interrupted them. “Thank you. When do you wish to leave?”

  “We’ll sleep in my rooms tonight.” He saw the look she and her friends had. “You will of course have your own bedroom. We’ll leave in the morning after we are rested and eat breakfast. The ship is not a large one.”

  “Okay. I’ll finish my day here and it will give me a chance to say my goodbyes.”

  “That is acceptable. What time should I come here to escort you to the hotel?” Roar asked.

  “Eight tonight.” Treva replied.

  “Six,” Homer said. “You need to get some rest, girl.” His tone brooked no disagreement.

  “Fine, Six.” Treva agreed.

  “I’ll be back then.” Roar accepted. He turned and left.

  “Wow, wasn’t that something?” Tawny asked.

  “I certainly never saw that coming.” Homer agreed.

  Treva finished her day and packed up the few things she had gathered. “Tawny, could you give this book back to Isa and tell her goodbye for me?”

  “Sure, Kiddo.” Tawny looked away and Treva thought she saw tears in her eyes. She grabbed her bag, with her money in it and she looked around. Treva would miss this place but most of all the people she had made friends with.

  “Here, Treva.” Homer said pressing her pay into her hand, but when she looked at it, he’d given her too much.

  “I can’t take all of this.”

  “It’s a goodbye gift. Take it and be happy, Kiddo.” Homer insisted.

  She gave Homer a hug. He was just a big ole softy. “Maybe I’ll get to come back to see you all sometime.”

  “Sure, you come back whenever you can.” Homer said, but she saw he didn’t believe he’d ever see her again.

  She walked away and she didn’t look back because if she did, she would cry. It hadn’t taken long to get attached to the place and the people. As she stepped outside, she saw Roar leaned against the wall waiting. He had given her privacy to say goodbye.

  “Thanks. I’m ready now.”

  “Come on.” He said as he took her bag in one hand and grabbed her hand with the other. It felt good to be touching him. That was something she’d never given much thought to, men and touching them.

  Leading the way to the hotel, he tugged her along through crowds of people. She watched the different beings as she passed and was amazed at the variety. Some of them must not make it up to the second floor. A lizard-like creature hissed at her, making her jump.

  “He doesn’t like to be stared at. They are generally peaceful creatures.” Roar said.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You’ll learn. Anyone can tell you’re amazed by it all.”

  “Are your people spacefarers?”

  “That’s not the simple question you think it is.” Roar paused long enough, Treva thought he would just ignore her. “My people traveled the worlds when they were primitive and life on these planets did not have the ability to reach out to space. They aided those on these less technological planets so they could explore and see other worlds. Their reward was death and they retreated into the distant haze of legend. It is only recently, very recently, that we have dared to come out of hiding and observe what the worlds have done with the knowledge our ancestors imparted to them.”

  “I am truly sorry your people were unfairly treated.”

  Nothing more was said as they reached the hotel and walked into the entryway. Roar navigated the hallway until they stood in front of a door he opened easily with a click of the electronic key. He pulled her through the door to a surprisingly luxurious room. It was like nothing she’d ever seen before.

  “Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll order us something to eat. Oh, yeah. Here’s a bag with some essentials Jazzy had me get for you.” He handed her a black overnight bag.

  “Thank you.” Treva said as she hurried into the bathroom. It was much nicer than the showers in the labs, but after a little tugging and pulling, she figured them out. Throwing her clothes off, she stepped under the warm stream of water and began to relax and think about having a free future.

  Once she had gotten clean, she dried off and checked out the bag. There was a bottle of something and when she pushed the lid a stream of strong sweet smelling vapor came out. It must be perfume. She wasn’t sure she liked it as she sneezed repeatedly. Digging around, she saw clothes, but also a big T-shirt that she could sleep in. That was what she put on.

  There was underwear in the bag too. She blushed at the thought if Roar picking it out for her. They never got underwear at the labs, but she had seen new arrivals that wore it until it was worn out. It would be another adjustment to make but she had proved
herself capable of learning and she would.

  Chapter 5

  Spaced Out

  Roar had food brought so they could eat in the room then go to sleep. Treva came out in the cute cartoon covered T-shirt he had bought her to sleep in. She was adorable but still sexy. How did she manage that?

  “I set the food up on the table. I’m going to take a shower and then I’ll join you.” Roar explained. Treva just nodded and sat down at the table.

  When he came out, clean and dressed in a pair of lounge pants, Treva still sat there waiting. It was clear she’d not eaten yet.

  “I didn’t intend for you to have to wait on me.” Roar admitted.

  Treva sent him a lovely smile. “I never used to get to eat meals with others. It’s something I always wanted to do. I thought you wouldn’t mind the company either.”

  “No, I don’t mind. We can talk if you want to while we eat. Do you know anything about the food I had sent up?” Roar asked.

  “I was starting to learn about food. The cheeseburgers are a popular food among Earth males and some of the females. Pizza is an all-around favorite and often uses unusual ingredients like anchovies and mushrooms. I enjoyed pizza the time I had it. Homer let me pick my own toppings.”

  “You were lucky to meet some good people. Things might not have worked out so well.”

  “They are good people. What is this?”

  “It’s a taco. Another Earth food. The stuff in the bowl is chili, but it is Mazlan style. That means it is extremely hot and you may find it uncomfortable to eat.”

  “You can eat it?”

  “Yes, my people don’t mind heat. Why don’t you taste it? Only take a little and if you like it, you may have it. If not, I’ll eat it.”

  “That sounds fair.” Treva took a small bite. She didn’t seem to have a bad reaction. “It doesn’t seem that hot to me.”

  “Maybe you are one of those rare women that can take the heat.” Roar announced. Treva just shrugged and began to eat the chili. Next time, he would get two bowls since it was one of his favorite foods.

  Roar ate a taco instead, but it wasn’t nearly as hot. Treva ate slowly and she enjoyed every bite. He couldn’t imagine what she had been through, but now she was free to do as she wished. He’d ordered a large amount of food, but it looked like they would eat it all. That was alright because the food on the trip wouldn’t be nearly as good. At least it wouldn’t be until they caught up with a big ship in a couple of days.

  “So do you like Earth, Mazlan, or Phoenix food best?” Roar ask as she finished some Phoenix BBQ.

  “Which was the Phoenix food?”

  “The last dish you sampled.”

  “It was sweet.”

  “BBQ often is, but that kind is usually hot too.”

  “It didn’t taste hot to me.”

  “Maybe you have a little Phoenix or Mazlan in you.” Roar smiled, but his mind was dizzy with the thought. He knew Mazlans had been used in the lab experiments, but Phoenix food was hot even for most Mazlans. Maybe it was silly to wonder if she was part Phoenix just because of such a small thing. Nevertheless, he did wonder.

  They finished eating and he showed her which room was hers and he settled into his. Roar was sure he would never get to sleep. Not only was he planning their trip to meet the Mazlan ship, but he had a thousand questions about Treva and she had none of the answers he wanted. It wasn’t her fault, but questions ran through his head and she had no knowledge of her beginnings. At some point the thoughts must have stopped running through his head, because he woke up to his alarm.

  Not knowing how long it would take for Treva to get ready, he knocked on her door and made sure she was up and getting set for the trip. Once she was getting ready, he ordered their breakfast and packed his bag. The trip wouldn’t be pleasant in the small ship, but at least it would only be a day or two. A knock at the door told him breakfast was there.

  Opening the door, he saw the cart and rolled it in. The food smelled wonderful and it seemed to draw Treva into the room. “Coffee or crue?” He asked wondering if she would choose.

  “I don’t know. I’ve only heard of coffee and I couldn’t tell you what crue is.”

  He poured her a cup of coffee. “People drink this in different ways. Try it black first then you can decide if you want it sweet or with cream.”

  “Which is this?” She asked before she took a sip.

  “Coffee.”

  “It’s not very strong.”

  “Why don’t you try the crue now?” He poured her a cup and set it in front of her.

  “Mm, yes. This will wake me up.” Treva said with a smile.

  Few females, even among the Mazlans could handle the strong drink without diluting it. Phoenix females were the exception. They loved crue, preferring it to coffee hands down. Crue was a strong drink the Mazlans had found and they used it like humans used coffee. It was thick and strong enough to give most people a shot of energy.

  They finished eating with Treva trying a handful of new dishes. She seemed to like most foods, but she loved the spicy ones best. He was probably putting too much stock in her food choices. The problem was once he’d started to wonder if she had some Phoenix in her, he just couldn’t let go of the idea.

  “Now that we’ve finished eating, let me grab our bags and we’ll get on our way.” Roar said.

  “I can help carry stuff.”

  “If you insist.” Roar agreed and handed her a small bag. Grabbing the other bags, he opened the door and strode out into the hall.

  Treva followed him and kept up. Probably because he was carrying a load and she just had a bag. They made it to his ship quickly. It wasn’t very big and she shot him a look.

  “We’ll only be in it for two days at the most. There are two seats up front and a sleeping area in back.”

  Treva shrugged and climbed into the front, claiming the navigator’s seat. At least she would be someone to talk to on the trip. As soon as he called in for undocking, the clamps popped off and he was able to edge away from the station. Once he was far enough away, he sped up until he had engaged maximum speed.

  “I’ve never seen space this way.” Treva sat there with her mouth slightly agape watching as the stars rushed by fast enough to make someone unaccustomed to it dizzy. Yet, she didn’t seem bothered by it. Another Phoenix trait.

  “I hope it never loses its excitement for you.” Her eyes shone with excitement and Roar thought she was gorgeous at that moment.

  “What does the person in this seat usually do?”

  “They usually navigate and help watch for danger. This is an intelligence seeking vessel. It is sent out to spy on enemies and search out planets for other ships to explore. The Mazlans are much as my people once were.” Roar almost said our people. He needed to stop thinking of her as one of his.

  A proximity warning went off. “Damn!”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “There’s a pirate ship that I keep coming across. I can’t figure out why they are in this part of space. They are difficult to evade and a danger to us if we’re caught.”

  “Can’t you call for help?”

  “If I do, they will not only know we are nearby, they may be able to pinpoint our position.”

  “What can we do?”

  “Our ship has the best cloaking technology available. While we can see them, they probably don’t know we’re here. We need to keep quiet and slowly work our way in the opposite direction they are headed.”

  “That sounds wise.”

  “We also need to be quiet until we are out of range.”

  Treva pretended to zip her lips. He wondered if that was something she’d learned from her new friends. They were isolated in the labs that was true. Still, they could speak well enough to be understood and that might be from contact with the guards. Those that were used to entertain guests or had relationships with guards got special treatment. They were fed better, sometimes got out of the cells, and might even get to watch a movie or pl
ay a game. All things Roar took for granted.

  They inched around the pirate ship and once they were out of scanning range, they took off as fast as they could. The pirate ship was looking for something. There was no other explanation. They were taking a big risk hanging around major travel lanes. It had to be a big prize to lure them here.

  Now they were finally making good time and as the pirate ship fell further behind, Roar’s fears eased. He took the first nap since Treva seemed to excited to sleep. Eventually, she fell asleep in the chair like an overgrown kid. He knew everything was new to her, but it was hard to wrap his head around how little she’d been allowed to see or do. The first day came to an end with the most excitement he’d had being the appearance of the pirate ship. Roar was glad not to have any further excitement.

  It seemed he’d thought that too soon. He caught the pirate ship at the edge of his scanning screen. The big ship was much faster than his, but why were they moving in this direction at all? They would be foolish to head into Mazlan space. The Mazlans had the latest technology and wouldn’t take the trespassing lightly. Treva slept on, unaware of the danger and Roar was glad to leave things that way.

  Even though it would extend their trip, he moved as far away from the other ship as possible. Eventually, they moved past Roar’s ship and now he was following them. Since they were faster, once they were out of range, he sent a message to the ship he was meeting up with. It wasn’t the newest or the fastest ship the Mazlans had, but it still had some surprises. It was the Midnight Messenger. He had no idea where the ship names came from, but that wasn’t even the oddest one.

  Now dealing with the troublesome ship would be Midnight’s problem. Treva moaned and tossed about. He worried she would injure herself so he woke her. “Sweetheart, you need to get in the back where you won’t hurt yourself and can stretch out while you sleep.”

  “Will you lay there with me?” The girl was innocent and only wanted company. Maybe she felt nervous or fearful of space. It was not an unusual feeling for those newly initiated to space travel.