Runner's Moon: Yarrolam (11 page)

            She gasped, jerking back. It wasn’t his features. It was the color of his skin.

            His skin was no longer pale. It was green. A mottled green, almost like camouflage.

            Urgently, she shoved his shoulder. “Liam! Liam, wake up! Liam!”

            He opened his eyes. The silvery flecks in them reflected the light like tiny stars. He blinked, focusing on her.

            “What’s wrong? Are we—”

            “You’re turning green!” she hissed softly.

            He froze. An instant later, the dark coloring paled until he was once again fair-skinned. Liam checked around them to see if anyone had noticed his near-transformation, but thankfully most of the travelers were still sleeping.

            “Thank you,” he murmured.

            She could feel her heart beating rapidly. He’d been transforming. He really was a green alien. The shock ran through her with the impact of a speeding train.

           
Well, what did you expect? He told you what he was.

            Yes, but hearing it, and actually witnessing it, are two different things.

            Geez, Cherron. Guess it’s time to take what’s left of your skepticism and throw it out the window.

           
Liam eyed her but didn’t say anything more. She turned away from him and remained staring out at the passing scenery. Waiting for him to say something, or to ask her something.

           
Not now. Please, not now. Just…give me some time to adjust,
she mentally requested. Thankfully, she heard him sigh. But when he withdrew from her, breaking that small contact of his shoulder against hers, for some odd reason it saddened her.

           
The bus slowed, stopping at a traffic light. Two blocks later, the transport pulled into the terminal and eased onto the tarmac a dozen yards from the front doors. Liam waited for everyone to exit before stepping into the aisle. He gestured for her to remain behind him as they walked off the bus. He grabbed their suitcase where it had been unloaded and entered the terminal. Picking an isolated area, he scanned the room, then handed her the luggage.

            “Stay here. I won’t be but a minute. I’ll have you in sight the whole time, so don’t worry. But keep your eyes open, just in case.”

            She nodded, placing the suitcase between her knees and resting her hands on the handle. Many of the passengers who’d been on their bus meandered out of the terminal and headed for the parking lot. A few were greeted by friends or relatives. Thankfully, no one looked suspicious.

            “Cherron.”

            She glanced up, starting in surprise. A chunky Hispanic man with a pleasant face smiled down at her. For a second, she felt fear at the sight of the strange man, until she noticed his sparkling brown eyes.

            “Liam?”

            He chuckled. “Pretend I’m asking you something. Shake your head. There are cameras recording us. I’m going outside to wait for you. In another minute, follow me with the suitcase. I heard there’s a motel a couple of blocks away. We can get a room there for tonight.”

            There was no mistaking the accent.

            She shook her head and pointed in a direction toward the bus. Liam nodded and ambled away in that direction. She gave him a few minutes, then got up and walked out the terminal.

            Liam was across the street, waiting for her, and gestured for her to join him. Cherron hurried over, and they proceeded to go the couple of blocks to where the motel was located.

            Once inside the office, she was finally able to see the time displayed behind the check-in counter. It was nearly eleven o’clock. She heard Liam ask for a room with two beds for him and his sister. The man gave her a cursory glance but didn’t remark. Between her and Liam’s current state, they probably looked like two homeless vagrants to the guy. Liam paid in cash, when the owner asked about their car, Liam explained they were traveling by bus, and the man nodded.

            “I get a lot of customers from there,” he replied, handing Liam an old-fashioned metal key. “Room twenty-seven.”

            Liam thanked him, and Cherron followed him to their room.

            Dropping the suitcase next to the dresser, she collapsed on the bed closest to the front window as Liam locked the door. The room was stuffy, but it appeared clean. Rubbing her eyes, she sighed.

            “I can’t believe the guy didn’t ask you for any identification. Guess we squeaked by on that one.”

            “I paid cash. Places like this normally don’t need an ID if you pay cash…and tip the guy an extra twenty for his help. Besides, you heard the man. This motel gets a lot of overflow from the bus station. Take the far bed, Cherron.”

            She opened her eyes, and was surprised to see the Hispanic man had disappeared. Instead, her Liam, her scruffy-haired Liam, watched her. “It’s going to take me a while to get used to you doing the abracadabra thing,” she remarked with a nervous giggle, and waggled a finger at him. “Don’t your clothes fit funny after you change?”

            “Sometimes. I try to keep a similar body shape, unless I have another set of clothes I can put on once I switch. Listen, are you hungry?”

            Now that he’d mentioned it. “Yeah. Thirsty, too.”

            “I’m going out and scout around. I thought I’d bring back a late supper.”

            She smiled. “Sounds like a plan. I’m famished. Thanks, Liam.”

            “Anything in particular you’d like?”

            She shook her head. “Whatever’s easiest for you. I’m not picky.”

            He smiled, and reached to open the door, when he turned to face her again.

            “I know, I know,” she said before he could. “Lock the door and don’t open it for anyone.”

            “Actually, I was going to thank you.”

            Cherron saw the earnest expression on his face. “Thank me?”

            “Yes. For trusting me. You’re the first human I’ve told about my true existence.”

            “Liam, you’ve got that backwards. I should be the one thanking you for saving my bacon. Twice!”

            He smiled warmly and shook his head. “I would do anything for you,
t’korra.
And you know that for the truth.”

            Before she could reply, he slipped out the door, closing it firmly behind him. Automatically, she went and turned the deadbolt, then slipped the chain into place. Pressing her forehead to the frame, she pondered his last words to her.

           
“I would do anything for you,
t’korra
. And you know that for the truth.”

           
Yes. It was the truth. As much as it was the truth that the feelings she had for him were some she’d never felt for another person, human or otherwise.

            And the funny thing was, she realized she liked the way she felt when she was around him. In fact, she hated it when he had to leave her, but not because she feared for her life without him near. It was because she couldn’t get enough of those wonderful vibes, which filled her when he was with her. She wanted to continue feeling this way. Feeling these warm, safe, comfortable, and somewhat erotic emotions he evoked in her.

            “Be safe, Liam,” she whispered. “Be safe, and come back to me soon. Come back to me…forever.”

Chapter 16

Run

            Yarrolam surveyed the area as he wound his way through the back streets. As he’d hoped, there was a twenty-four hour diner open not far from the motel. Going inside, he placed an order, then took a seat in the first empty booth to keep an eye on the front door.

            Taking the phone from his pocket, he debated whether to try calling Aaron again, or the police. He feared the longer this mess dragged on, the greater the chance something could happen to Cherron. That, and the possibility the truth about the Ruinos would be revealed. After years of hiding and trying to keep as low a profile as possible, he dreaded the thought that he could become his people’s downfall.

           
I could try calling Viharrud. See if he’s heard anything.

           
But the Ruinos could be running, shed of his human guise and soaking in the freedom of being himself. Yarrolam’s next thought was of the deputy sheriff, Thom DeGrassi, Tiron’s mate.

            Thom isn’t Ruinos. He wouldn’t be running. Plus he has connections to law enforcement. Maybe he has some new information.

            His finger hovered over the buttons when he heard his name called. His order was ready, so he paid in cash and hurried back to the motel.

He knew Cherron was waiting for him behind the door before he knocked. She opened it, and a wave of lilac-scented air washed over him. He held out their food.

            “Your delivery, madam.”

            She snatched the bags from his hand and set them on the bed. Pulling out a Styrofoam container, she lifted the lid, then looked at him in surprise. “Fried chicken? Thank you! And here I was thinking it was going to be another burger night. Wait. Is the chicken yours?”

            “No. Mine is the one with the salad. I got you a soda. Hope it’s okay.”

            She peered into the bag. “There’s only one drink?”

            “I prefer water right now. Go ahead and eat.” He strode into the bathroom and washed his hands before drinking from the faucet. Returning to the bedroom, he found Cherron sitting cross-legged on the bed, devouring her meal. “Is it good?” He chuckled.

            “Delicious.” She motioned at the box on the other bed. “You eat lots of salad, don’t you?”

            “My system can’t tolerate beef or chicken, although eggs and seafood don’t bother me for some reason.” Striding over to the window, he cautiously pushed aside the blinds and checked outside. “Cherron, I need to leave.”

            “What?” She stopped chewing to stare at him. Her dread was a web of electricity settling over him. He flashed her a smile.

            “I need to shed this skin and let my true self breathe. I won’t be gone long. I promise.”

            “Why? I mean, why can’t you do that here? In the room?”

            “I need to run. I have to stretch my legs and muscles. There’s a few acres of undeveloped land not far from here.”

            “But what if you’re spotted?”

            He tried to project reassurance to her. When her shoulders relaxed slightly, he knew she’d felt it. “I’ve had years of practice keeping to the shadows. Plus my natural coloring helps me to blend in. Don’t worry, Cherron. I’ll be back soon.”

            “Be careful. Please.”

            Changing into the Hispanic form, he slipped out the door. He heard Cherron lock it behind him before he reached the end of the walkway.

            It took him less than five minutes to reach the plot of land he’d told her about. A large sign advertised it was the future home of some discount store. But for now, vegetation and small trees crowded the property.

            Stuffing his clothes behind the sign, Yarrolam shifted into his true self and breathed in deeply. Although he hadn’t taken Cherron sexually, her fragrance clung to him like a delicate fog. Waving his clawed hand in front of his face, it was as though her lilac presence remained with him. A ghostly reminder of her courage and beauty.

            He took off, circumventing the four and a half acres twice as fast as he could pump his legs. The world enveloped him in the richness of loam and sun-baked grasses, even in the dead of night. Tiny creatures darted away in fear. Somewhere a cat hissed in warning and slinked toward a pile of dead tree limbs and brush.

            He didn’t mind how the weeds scratched his legs. He didn’t care if the tall brush left marks and scrapes on his arms and thighs. It was times like these he felt most at home. A home he hadn’t seen in years. A planet which probably no longer existed.

            His thickly-padded feet with their sharp, curved claws dug into the dirt. Yarrolam pushed himself to build up his endurance and strengthen his muscles. It felt good to let himself go free and uncovered, bared to the summer moon.

            He finally stopped a few yards away from where he’d left his clothing. By the end of the week, they’d reach Tumbril Harbor. But even with the help of his fellow Ruinos, his troubles were far from over. As for Cherron…

           
At least she’s innocent of whatever mess Aaron’s involved in. The authorities will quickly clear her of any wrongdoing, but I’m going to be questioned extensively. As long as Cherron’s safe, I can deal with it. I have the SEC on my side, proving I’ve done nothing wrong. If they’d suspected me of anything, I would have heard from them before now.

           
He glanced back in the direction of the motel. “Aaron, you’ve known about this for some time. You’ve known the feds were breathing down your back for weeks. And yet you continued to run business as usual. Your callous disregard for anyone else’s safety has put me and the woman you claim to want to marry in danger. I may be ignorant of this planet and the ways of courtship among its inhabitants, but among my people, we would never,
never,
place ourselves above those we love.”

            A wisp of concern floated to him. Cherron was growing worried about his extended absence. The woman was intended to be his. Her life was meant to be shared with him. He prayed she would soon declare herself free of Aaron. When she did, it would enable him to take her and freely love her as she deserved. And hopefully, soon afterwards, he would be able to convince her that true love, real love, existed.

            His stomach clenched, reminding him he needed to eat. He returned to the sign and dressed. Checking the phone for the time, he saw he had two missed calls and a text message, all from the same number. The text was brief.

            CALL ME NO MATTER THE TIME. THOM