“Yes. But they also could be flying into a trap.”

“Great. Why can’t I ever win an argument with you?”

“Because I am your much older, much wiser mate who is very skilled in all types of battle.”

“Arguing isn’t a battle.”

“Is it not?” I was glad she could not see my grin as I detected a hint of irritation overcoming her fear. That was good. Angry was better than afraid. “You will remain here while I make sure it is safe.”

“Bossy. Except I don’t like it this time.”

Unexpected laughter burst through me. I pulled her to my chest and massaged her back through her suit. “Pretend we are playing hide and seek.” The thought of our last game made my cock hard and my breathing shorten. I stepped back and pointed to her hiding place. “But this time, count to ten thousand.”

“Is that supposed to be funny?” she grumbled as she dropped to her hands and knees and crawled under the rocks.

“Very.” I could not resist watching her ass wiggle, recalling how her hot pussy felt wrapped around my cock, as she scrambled into place.

“I can feel you looking at me.”

“I like the view.”

“You have a terrible sense of humor. Has anyone ever told you that?”

“Many times.”

“Of course they have. You’re a caveman.”

“Then it is a good thing you like cave males.”

“You’re the first.” She huffed. “And there you go again, winning an argument. I’m going to have to work on my strategy.” Her sigh was audible. “But then, there are all the orgasms. Gives you a massive advantage.”

I laughed again, shocked at how one small, sassy female could so completely change my life. I did not laugh. I did not play games. I did not speak to females outside my duties to my legion. Abby was changing everything. “I will be back, Abby, once I know it is safe. Do not fear and do not move from this place.”

“Ten thousand? You’re crazy, you know that?”

Once Abby disappeared from view, I turned back and closed the distance to the abandoned structure. The base was in worse condition than I’d thought. Up close, it was easy to see the distinctive markings on the Hive structures. They made everything in patterns, usually multiples of three. Even the walls were etched with their odd geometric designs. Massive boot prints covered the ground, some so large only an Atlan in beast mode could have made them.

Had there been a battle here? Perhaps the Hive had held off the Coalition forces just long enough to escape? Or maybe they had decided the base was of no use and abandoned it by choice.

I approached the doors, shocked when the doors slid open to allow me entrance. Blaster in hand, I stepped into darkness. The built-in lights on my suit cut rays of white through the shadows.