Page 57 of Lost in Barbarian Space

“They look like early Markarians. Like my ancestors.”

Her eyes widened. “Before you had nanami? Before the First Warriors bred human DNA into them?”

“Yes. These creatures are similar. They just appear to be adapted for the cold weather. Instead of the bronze skin, they have fur.”

She slowed to a stop and put her hands on her hips. “Okay. So what do we need to know about them?”

“They are wild, beast-like, and excellent hunters.” He met her gaze. “Meat eaters.”

She groaned. “All right, let’s keep moving.” She looked at her watch. “We still have several hours until the storm dissipates and we can go topside.”

Colm reached out and touched the nape of her neck. “You don’t mind…that I come from something like those beasts hunting us?”

She touched his chest. “Warrior, that’s a stupid question. You’re part human, as well. You make the choices in your life to be good, be bad, protect, hurt. Those creatures don’t have that capability.”

Her words reminded him that one day he would no longer have that capability either.

“What?” she demanded.

He saw her watching him. “I am closer to those beasts than you think.” He shook his head. “We need to keep going.”

She looked like she wanted to demand more explanation, but she fell into step beside him. “Colm?”

He tensed. “Yes?”

“I don’t mind being stuck in ice tunnels, hunted by wild beasts, stranded on an icy moon, and lost in barbarian space as long as I’m with you.” Her tone was soft.

The feelings that moved within were a mess of savage satisfaction, hope, anger, and despair. He felt the connection between them, knew his nanami had been telling him this from the moment he’d met her.

Honor was his.

He dropped his hand and stepped back. And he could never claim her.

“Let’s go.”

Trekking through the ice tunnels, Honor could feel the tension throbbing off Colm.

“Colm, talk to me.”

She saw a muscle working in his jaw, but he stubbornly remained silent.

She stopped. “I’m not taking another step until you tell me what’s wrong with you. I know you’re hiding something⁠—”

“My nanami…they have slipped my control. Seeing you threatened has them riled.”

“I’m fine.” She nudged him with her elbow. “And I can take care of myself, remember?”

He stopped and looked down at her. “I know, my little warrior, but that doesn’t change my need to protect you.”

Quiet fell between them and all she could hear was the rapid beating of her heart. “Do you…do you feel that way about all the women who share your bed?”

“No.”

His answer warmed something deep inside her.

They walked on, taking twists and turns through the tunnels. As they came to a junction, she saw him cock his head.

“What is it?”