Saving Verakko: The Clecanian Series Book 3 by Victoria Aveline (books to read for teens TXT) 📕

She beamed at him and wiped her tears away, then wrapped her arms around his neck. Goddess, this felt right. His purr started in his chest again. And as he had the night before, he let it rumble through him. Lily didn’t seem to mind it the way he feared she would.

Pulling away, she said, “We should cross to the other side, right? Walk along the forest on that side.”

In an instant, he recalled the Strigi threat. Shooting tense, he nodded. “Hold my clothes. I’ll carry you across on my shoulders.”

She sprung to her feet, snatching his clothes as she went. “Ready.”

Verakko was slower to move, surprised by the lack of argument she gave concerning being carried. She scooped the woven bag from the ground and waited. He knelt before her so she could perch on his shoulders, but she paused.

“Are you sure? It feels so silly for you to carry me when I’m perfectly capable of swimming.”

He craned his neck to grin at her. “By all means, take off all your clothes and swim with me, then.”

She stifled a smirk and draped her legs over his shoulders without another word. He rose, clenching every muscle, not because carrying her was difficult but to prevent himself from thinking too hard about her supple thighs cushioning his ears. He crossed the river, moving a little slower than needed. When the shadow of a large bird passed over the sky, he reluctantly picked up his pace. Rather than letting her go on the shore, he strode to the edge of the forest, stealing any extra moments he could.

When he knelt again and she got back on her feet, she held out his clothes and boots.

“Thanks.” She lifted to her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

His only thoughts were of the soft feel of her lips against his skin. Unable to stop himself, he clutched her neck gently, holding her in place. Lily stilled.

What now? Verakko was lost, his instinct to keep her close warring with the knowledge that he couldn’t be her male right now. Not in the way she deserved. Let her go, you pishot.

It was a battle, but gradually he removed his hand, letting it fall at his side. She lowered until she was standing on the ground again and peered up at him through dark lashes. Her lips twisted into a knowing smile. Resting her hands on his shoulders, she stretched toward his other cheek and planted a soft, lingering kiss there.

Verakko’s lids slid closed and his rattling purr, so foreign to his ears, vibrated through him. He felt the whisper of a smile against her lips. Then, she moved away again, leaving him cold.

“We should keep going,” she said softly.

They gazed at each other for a moment, understanding passing between them. She began walking downriver once again, and Verakko quickly dressed.

I’ll find a way for us, mivassi. I promise.

***

Lily couldn’t wipe the smile from her face. It felt like a fifty-pound weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Alex had survived, and they were on their way to find her. Suddenly, all of her problems seemed surmountable.

She took in the sight of Verakko walking along the river, as alert and thoughtful as he’d been all morning. She’d had a while to think through their predicament on the long walk and had decided two things. One, she wanted to get to know the real Verakko. Initially, he’d held himself with an air of irritating superiority, but Lily could see it was just a superficial layer. Underneath it all, he was caring and attentive and honorable.

He also had a carefree, flirtatious side that had reared its head a few times now. Like her, he seemed to reveal more of himself the more comfortable he became with a person. This led to thought two—a far more involved and difficult thought, to say the least. Despite his claims that morning, Lily wanted to work things out with Verakko. If she needed to become an established member of his society to qualify for consideration by his mother, then she’d do just that.

Back on Earth, when she’d wanted to emancipate herself from her parents, she’d done it. When she’d wanted to get a diploma without ever having stepped foot in a classroom, she’d done it. Lily always accomplished her goals, no matter how seemingly impossible they appeared. And now on this new planet, she had new goals. Help Alex. Make a life. And give a whirlwind, out-of-the-blue relationship with a literal alien a try.

Finding that note from Alex had restored her confidence, her drive, and a small portion of her happiness. Verakko’s fleeting moment of vulnerability earlier proved to Lily that he was just like any other creature. He wanted love and comfort, and even if she could only give it to him for a short while, she would.

There was no question about what her primary concern continued to be. Alex, of course. She still wanted to make sure they were both safe. But, in the meantime, she’d learn as much as she could.

Back on Earth, there hadn’t been many things she’d missed about the wilderness. At night, she’d missed the sounds. When the litter and smog from the city had been too much for her, she’d missed the tranquil scenery. But most of all, what she’d missed was the honesty. Something about being alone with another human in nature cuts through all of the facades people wear. There was never enough energy left to be disingenuous.

Lily ducked under a low branch and marveled at the scenery anew. They’d been heading steadily downhill for the past few days until today, where the elevation had leveled out. The forest was more crowded here. Bushes and saplings battled for resources, making it almost impossible to walk