He followed suit and climbed up her body. “You’re already hot, and to be honest, I’m not sure I can last, Senna.”

  She hooked one arm over his shoulder. “Then don’t.”

  “Wait. Protection?”

  Senna laughed against his mouth. “No problems. We’re safe.”

  This time their mouths clung as they came together. Franklin moved, positioning his cock against her. She wound her legs around his waist as he slid home, filling her, and the sensations came close to exploding her mind.

  The movements turned frantic as the coil deep inside her belly demanded fulfillment. Her fingers found the wiry tendons of his shoulders, dug deep and clung. “Oh God,” she cried, throwing back her head. A kaleidoscope of color burst behind her closed lids as she demanded more.

  The quicker they moved against each other, every slide and grope fed the urgency. Senna panted as his lips slid down her throat. She arched, body reacting instinctively as the sudden deluge of orgasm ripped through her system.

  She clung tight, holding him close as the start of his jetting began. He grunted, his fingers speared into her flesh to hold her close, and the scent of their passion wreathed them. Their bodies were slick from exertion as they released their frantic holds.

  “I… Senna, I’ve never…”

  His voice quavered, and she heard the surprise in his tone.

  “Me either.” That was something she’d need to investigate. Later, she promised herself, nestling into his embrace. After she’d had time to rest and recover.

  Franklin lay there, gazing at the ceiling, amazed, if not a little shell-shocked, at the emotions that ran like a deep river through him. Senna snuffled in her sleep, curled around him as if he were some kind of security blanket.

  The passion that had exploded between them had been overwhelming. Almost too much to cope with, and his first instinct was to rise and head to his own room.

  “No,” he told himself. He wasn’t a quitter, and that smacked of cowardice.

  Instead, he wondered about the next step. What would it take to form a lasting connection with this woman? She didn’t appear to the be flowers and candy kind of woman—and he was thankful for that—but what to do next?

  Would she demand some kind of relationship? Was he reading too much into it?

  The restless emotions exhausted him until he too dropped off to sleep holding her close.

  CHAPTER 15

  “The colony ship is now loaded,” Jonah stated. “The colonist’s pods are secured into position, as is the cargo. Meteorology indicate that the launch window is clear and optimal, and the security is tighter than ever around the perimeter. We’ll scramble the jets in prep, and they’ll circle the ship in a concentric pattern, looking for any incursions.”

  Senna made notes in her pad, highly aware of Franklin sitting beside her, their knees brushing against each other. Every pass heightened her awareness, and it took a great deal of willpower to concentrate as much as her splintered mind was capable on the briefing.

  “Senna and her team have carried out the final inspection of the cargo, and our reinforcements are looking for anything that would give us an indication of an imminent attack.”

  Jonah stepped back, and Daniella took the podium. “Well done, everyone. So far, we’ve managed to control information to only what had to be released. My team has been working hard, and beginning today, will release incorrect information widely as part of a concerted effort to protect the lift-off. The people are demanding information, and after the fact, we will release more, but as of now, we’re announcing that primary launch date is one week from today.”

  Some in the room rose in their seats, the hubbub rising to levels unusual in such a briefing, as they shared their discomfort with the subterfuge.

  Daniella held up her hand. “Just a moment, please. Consider why we’re doing this. That ship is loaded with hundreds of colonists. Their safety is of primary concern. Should the children know that we plan to launch today, I believe—and so does the commander—that the base would be overrun.” Her face was hard as she slammed them with the undeniable facts. “We cannot allow that, hence our choice to distribute misinformation. We are not allowing media in for the shuttle launch, instead focusing on creating a media program that will help us calm the populace and increase their support of the government in the first instance. We also believe that once the launch takes place, safely, that we will be able to broadcast our reasons and the majority of the populace will understand. Our first scheduled broadcast goes live in half an hour.”

  Without taking any questions, Daniella walked away from the podium and out the door.

  “I don’t know about the misinformation. I mean, people will question everything they say after they know the truth,” the woman on Senna’s left murmured.

  Another commented, “Propaganda has been part of the battle environment for centuries. People will forgive, just like they always do. It just takes time.”

  Senna kept her own counsel, preferring to focus on Jonah standing up and taking control, both hands in the air to calm the chatter.

  “I know some of you question the efficacy of our decisions. Hell, it’s not been easy, but it’s necessary.” He pounded the desk, and Senna was intrigued by the changes that had been wrought in Jonah. Previously, he’d been happy to take orders, but now he washe’d become a polished and confident as a leader. “With the reinforcements we’ve secured over the last week or so, the level of base security has risen and we’re once again in a position to go on the attack. And attack we will. I’ve drawn up plans for a multi-pronged mission which will be circulated later today. You’re my best, the leaders of teams and men. In difficult circumstances, you’ve held the line, ensured the safety of the base, but now we have to ask more. More of you and your people, but we believe in you. Know that you are equal to the task that lies ahead. We have faith in you. Good luck and good hunting.”

  Now the room rose, buoyed up. There was no time for questions as Jonah left, but the mood had risen.

  Senna stood and waited as Franklin did the same. As they moved toward the door, they were beckoned over by Jonah. “I need to talk to both of you.”

  Something in the pit of her stomach yawed. What could possibly be wrong now?

  They trailed him into a small room, and he shut the door. “The security briefing raised a problem, and I need both of you to take control of the situation.”

  Senna waited, wondering what more things could arise.

  “We think we’ve located a device, possibly a missile. I need people I can trust on the ground. Senna, I wouldn’t be surprised if they haven’t booby-trapped it, so you’re my go-to.”

  She raised her hands to argue, but he stilled her with a firm shake of his head.

  “Look, I’m not expecting you to disarm anything, but you and your team are the only ones trained with the scanners. I need you there when the demolition team arrives.”

  A weird kind of buzzing took up wing in her head. The responsibility he was laying at her feet was massive.

  Jonah turned to Franklin, and dread pooled in her belly, seeing the sudden slump of Jonah’s shoulders. “I need Franklin there with his particular skill set too. We’re going to need snipers to cover the team, and Franklin, you’re the best I know. I’m sending you both in with a handpicked team. We need to neutralize the threat, because they’ve already got their device in place, and while we’ll have birds in the air, there’s too much at stake. Senna, you and Franklin together are a force to be reckoned with.”

  Franklin straightened. “All right then. Details?”

  “You leave as soon as your team is assembled. They’re the best, guys. Just like you.” Jonah shoved a document wallet into Franklin’s hands. “Just be safe, okay?”

  Jonah nodded, then he pushed the door open and they stepped outside.

  CHAPTER 16

  They hunkered down, and Franklin kept his fingers on his lips, indicating the need for silence as he watched the movement ahead. Three children—though more accurately, they looked like teens—hovered by the unit.

  They seemed to be waiting, whether for an older person or some indicator, he couldn’t say. Just that they were there and appeared uncomfortable.

  He shuffled back, drew level with Senna. “There’s three there, but I don’t think they’re the ones in charge,” he whispered. Franklin could still peer around the block they sheltered behind. It was imperative that he kept them and the projection unit in sight.

  “Why?”

  “Because of their movements. See how they barely move near it? I’d be willing to bet their sole job is to keep an eye out, and they’ve been told to stay away. The one in charge is likely nearby, so we’re going to have to be careful.”

  Franklin motioned to the others, his eyes scanning the whole time, looking for threats. He moved them back, around the corner, and posted a watch.

  “We’re in the right location. The intel was on the money, but we’ve got at least three guarding it. I’m thinking the one who is trained to fire is nearby. You wouldn’t place something like this without them being ready. Gunther and Ian, find a position somewhere with views. I’m on the roof and so is Irbam. Senna, your job on my cue is to scan for anything that might cause us a problem. Fawcett, Carrington, and Ellesdarm, eyes open. Any hostiles, you know the drill.” He’d worked with them before and knew they’d protect Senna. That just left the two in charge of disarming any threats, including the launcher. Hopefully, it was that simple.

  They passed around the canteen of water and drank deeply as they centered themselves. His team was the best. They all knew how to achieve their aims. All they needed now was luck and good timing.

  Ellesdarm, on the watch, hissed. They rose, melting into the shadows of the building as the three were replaced by three more.

  Franklin slid to the corner, watching the movements. With barely a word, the children who’d been watching handed over the guardianship, and Franklin cursed their timing. The sun was still high in the sky, and who knew how long these children would be on watch?

  Senna touched his hand, and for a moment, he blinked, aware she’d snuck up on him. “What do we do?” she asked.

  He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Wait.”

  They settled in, finding a grated sewer that allowed them to hear and see without being spied. One hour passed, then another. The team waited patiently, aware that acting in haste could be life-threatening.

  As the sun finally slid below the horizon, he pushed the grate aside. and one by one, they slid from the depths. He waved two fingers to the west, and the men he’d chosen to survey the field bled into the night.

  Irbam gave a single nod, then, on silent feet, he headed off to find a position on a rooftop.

  One last look over his shoulder, then Franklin moved away, knowing Senna would be careful. Responsible. Anything else didn’t bear consideration.

  The inner-city region where they’d been called to find the missile was quiet. Rubble—left over from one of the children’s attacks most likely—littered the ground, and he sought a building with an external ladder. Found one and pulled on the metal. It clattered, setting his teeth on edge. He risked a look, and the palpitations of his heart settled when no one came to see what caused the noise.

  A buzz in his headset told him the team was coming online. Good, I can keep track of the mission.

  Three floors were nothing, his heartrate barely impacted by the climb, and he wrestled himself over the edge of the building. He tugged the ladder into the retract position and waited. Every second of the wait an eternity. Finally assured nothing would get up there after him, he moved to the edge nearest the missile with stealthy moves.

  Tugging the rifle off his shoulder, he changed his sight filter so it didn’t reflect any light but read heat signatures of those waiting by the device. He would monitor his people. He knew that right now they’d be donning their munitions-proof vests.

  “Move into position,” he murmured into the spy-ear.

  He watched Senna, with slow but purposeful movements, maneuver into the agreed location, just out of view of the children. They’d need a minute or two, to assure themselves that they’d eluded detection, and to reposition now that he was in a better position, before making the call for her to proceed.

  The others followed suit, sliding in behind her.

  Time ticked by. One minute. Another. He barely breathed, hoping for the best but expecting the worst, just as he’d been trained.

  Senna’s comm clicked. “I’m not close enough, Franklin. Another couple of meters and—”

  “Not yet. We don’t want to spook them.” His fingers curled around the trigger, breathing shallowly in case he needed to fire.

  From the corner of his eye, he discerned heat signatures. Ones he didn’t know. Shit!

  “Don’t move, Senna. We’ve got incoming.”

  “What?”

  “Get down. Hunker down as low as you can.” Now he sighted them. Five moved, and he wanted to scream. Instead, he tagged the others. “Movement. I’ve got the front.”

  “Next,” muttered Irbam, and he knew there’d be no miss. Irbam was nicknamed Irbam the Deadly because his marksmanship was exceptional. The others would take their chances on who they’d pick off.

  “On my mark,” he muttered.

  In his mind, he counted. One. Two. Mark.

  A ping echoed and the first went down. Two others swiftly before he checked on Senna again, horrified to note she’d moved into the open, pistol in hand.

  “Senna! Get down!” He stood up, ready to run to the edge and stop her.

  Too late!

  “Franklin, help m—” The words cut off. All that remained was the oof as she was propelled to the ground.

  Her red heat signature exploded in his viewfinder, and he knew what he saw was the echo of blood. “Senna!” he bellowed. The firing from the others seemed to go on forever, every twang an insult to his excoriated mind.

  Instinct warred. Get down there and save her! His mind countered with save them all. Training won as he glanced in the viewfinder.

  A phalanx of children approached. At least twenty, he thought, but that would be a wild guess. We’ve been set up.

  Eyes stinging, Franklin lined up the missile, aware he had at most moments to ensure it wouldn’t destroy the ship.

  He heard the cries of the men on the ground calling out to him. “They’re taking the others. Including Senna,” Irbam called.

  I have to block it out. Use my training. Senna or the ship. He knew his job and would do it. But the cost would surely destroy what remained of his soul.

  Dropping the eyepiece and searching hastily, Franklin lined up the launcher, seeking the trigger. One place on the base that he knew was sure to destroy it.

  His finger squeezed just a little as he exhaled, then completed the task.

  The ground shuddered, dropping him to the floor as a hand wound around his shoulder, spinning him.

  Franklin came up, throwing the rifle to the side with a snarl of fury.

  Hands flew in rapid succession as he fought. Hatred and rage searing every part of his being. “I’ll kill you for this,” he snarled, planting his fist. It connected, the crunch of bone marrying with the sweet spurt of blood. “You’ll pay for what you’ve done!” The howl erupting from his soul.

  He plowed his fist again as his opponent fell to the floor. The haze of red obscuring his vision melted away, and he dropped to the floor, his hand sliding over his face as loss and horror enveloped him. Tears burned as his chest heaved. Senna. His beautiful Senna. Shot. Hurt or dead, he didn’t know, but the pain surrounded him.

  After a short while, Franklin rose, wiping mucus and blood from his face as much as the tears. “Senna?”

  “Unknown. But they took her and the explosives guys. We were sold out, Franklin. Some bastard passed us bad intel.”

  He knew that now. But by God they’d better watch out, because his fury knew no bounds.

  Coming to was a bitch. Senna more than ached, her side radiating pain and heat. She reached for the injury, hissing as her hand slid down to discover the wetness. investigating the wound site in the dark. Clearly whatever hit her hadn’t stayed, catching her side on the fleshy area of her hip.

  Cautious movements ended in more pain, but at least she could move and the wound site didn’t pulse blood, though it seeped more than she’d like.

  “Senna?”

  “Yeah,” she said, but nausea threatened to overcome her. The bile in her throat hot and sour. “I’ve been shot.”

  “We know. After they shot you, Franklin and his men took out most of them when the missile exploded. At least, I think that was Franklin’s work. They’d grabbed you, probably to take you prisoner, and we managed to pull you out of the pile of bodies—”

  “Wha—”

  He stopped her abruptly, sliding a hand over her mouth.

  Footsteps, loud and frantic, rushed past. In the darkness all she could make out was the shine of the man’s eyes.

  Light footsteps. Children.

  Time passed and someone in the place they hid shifted, the movement slow and almost soundless. “Where are we? Who else is here?”

  “In a sewer. I’m Fawcett. Carrington didn’t make it. Ellesdarm is further up the pipe. He’s the one that saved us. We climbed into the first sewer we could find with loose screws. They didn’t see us in the panic after the missile went bang, so we grabbed you and moved. It’s not safe really, but we needed time for you to regain consciousness. Now I need to check your wound. See how bad it is.”

  “Bad enough, but survivable at the moment.”

  Senna guessed the use of a light at this point wouldn’t be useful, and though she was aware that she’d sustained enough physical damage to be a long-term threat to her health, it would be nothing to what the warrior children would do to them if they were found. She shifted with a hiss toward the grating, stopping only when the stamp of many feet echoed a little too closely for comfort.