The Lonely Orphan (The Lost Planet 5)

Truth: I’ve never wanted something as much as I want his kiss.

As though he can read my mind, his lips come to mine. The world may be crashing down around us, but at least we’ll burn together. That’s what kissing Hadrian is like, being slowly lit up from the inside out. A glowing ember inside my chest that ignites and spreads like molten lava throughout my blood. His lips slide along mine, his teeth nipping, then tongue soothing. I go lightheaded and feverish, weak at the knees, but his body presses me against the wall to keep me upright.

Truth: I’m afraid that I’ve found my happiness, only to be destined to lose it.

All too soon the elevator dings at our level and we break apart in increments. His gaze ensnares mine as we take a step away from each other. A voice clears in the doorway and we whirl to find Theron waiting for us, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

“They’re waiting for you,” is all he says.

Without looking at either of them, I push by and walk on leaden feet to the command center. I find Willow sitting in front of the computer screen, her eyes still sheened with tears, the tracks of fresh ones on her cheeks. She turns to me and smiles, but there’s pain lingering in her eyes.

I force myself to lock away everything I’m feeling. To think only of seeing Aria. The Rades, my growing need for Hadrian, all of that can wait. This is the moment I’ve been fighting for, seeing her again.

I take a step forward, feeling like I’m going to collapse at any second, but I have to hold it together. The screen where I’d first seen Hadrian when he’d ordered us to submit to kidnapping shows the interior of a dated room not unlike this one. Its yellowed electronics beep and whir and standing in front of a bank of computers is a monster who looks so much like Hadrian—not so much in appearance but in the confident way they carry themselves—I do a double take.

And by his side…by his side is my sister.

My hand flies to my mouth and the image of Aria in front of me does the same. We both burst into laughter and it’s like the years and distance between us disappear in seconds. I throw myself into the chair and scoot as close as possible, wanting to drink in the sight of her, memorize her face until I’m certain I’ll never forget it again.

“Limerick,” she breathes. “Is it really you?”

I nod and feel Hadrian’s presence behind me, his hands on my shoulders. “It’s me. Though everyone calls me Lyric now. Oh my God, I never thought I’d see you again.”

Tears fall down her cheeks and her mate pulls her close against his side. “You’ve grown up,” she says in a watery voice. “You’re not a teenager anymore.”

“Space travel is a bitch.”

“I don’t get it…Molly said something about the time space continuum…”

I snort. “Nah, way less complicated than that. According to our friend Stella, who was awoken early on the ship a few years before landing, the ship was collecting prisoners as they built the prison. Because of the harsh conditions on Earth, it took them longer than they thought. Decades.”

Aria gasps. “Decades?”

“Decades,” I confirm. “We all entered in at different times and were just held in cryosleep.”

“You mean you and Aria could have been on the ship at the same time?” Hadrian asks, astonished. “Willow and Molly too?” He lets out a pained sound. “But then we took Aria and Molly, separating you…”

“You kidnapped them?” I bite out. “I thought they were your willing companions.”

“We are willing companions.” Aria waves it off as though kidnapping is no big deal. “We got the better end of the deal too. I’m thankful for our sweet morts.”

“Hmph,” I grumble.

Hadrian squeezes my shoulder and it feels like an apology. My heart does a little flutter. I guess apology accepted.

“We have so much to catch up on,” Aria babbles. “I want to know everything.”

Her mate, Breccan, squeezes her arm. “In due time. I know you’re both very excited, but first we must contain The Rades so we can transport you to the Facility as soon as possible.” Breccan nods to another of the morts in the background. “This is Avrell, our facility’s doctor. He helped treat us all during the last outbreak. Avrell?”

His expression is grim as he adjusts his camera and steps into view. “Based on the documentation from your nurse”—thank God Zoe is in the infirmary or she’d go off on him at being called a nurse—“I must agree with Theron and Hadrian. Your people are in danger. I won’t lie to you. The Rades…” He trails off as he seems to lose track of thought. “We’re going to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of your people.”