Read Online Haven 6 by Aubrie Dionne - Free Book Online

Was it illegal to report to family members? “I just sent her a message on my locator saying we landed safely.”
    “Has she written back?”
    “Only to say good luck.”
    “Oh.”
    He checked his own locator and the screen remained blank. For the Heritage ’s Sake! He’s not checking up on me; he’s trying to get ahold of Aquaria. Her sister had written to Eri before writing to her lifemate. Guilt trickling through her, Eri shrugged and pretended not to notice his disappointment. “She’s probably stuck in the evening Guide ceremonies.”
    “Of course.”
    An uncomfortable shiver crawled up her back, and she felt like she’d spit out the bite of dry wafer that rested on her tongue. She’d rather wander alone with the jungle than talk with Litus about Aquaria. Her mind scanned all the different excuses she could come up with: I have to get my coat in the ship. My feet are asleep and I need to walk it off. Mars wanted me to review the readings with her … But Litus spoke first.
    “Aquaria’s been distant since our pairing ceremony.”
    The thin beam of light buzzed in the silence, making it seem like eons passed before Eri could think of an appropriate answer. “Give it time. You need to get to know each other.”
    Litus sighed, his broad shoulders slumping forward. “I wish she’d speak with me as openly as she speaks with you.”
    Eri fidgeted with her wrapper. Of course. Aquaria was a closet rebel, and she couldn’t voice her thoughts to do-gooder Litus. Especially when he hadn’t opened up to her yet. The guy was destined for lieutenant-hood. He probably studied the Guide every night before bed. What could Eri tell him? Loosen up and you’ll be fine?
    She shrugged. “We’re sisters.”
    “Yes, but you have a special bond.”
    Heat blossomed on Eri’s cheeks. “I guess I’ve never thought of it before. Or I didn’t think anyone else could see it.”
    The corners of Litus’s mouth curved with envy. “Her love for you is plain as black space.”
    “Aquaria’s taken a social beating to associate with me, illegal pairing and all. I owe her so much.”
    “Listen.” Litus turned toward her and his voice grew low. “Like everyone else on the ship, I know about how your parents…” He looked like he had trouble even saying it. “How they paired outside of the system. But their actions have nothing to do with you. You make your own reputation. Not them. Besides, I think it’s kinda neat you were born of something that doesn’t always happen in lifemate pairings.”
    “What?”
    “What I’m trying to find with Aquaria: love.”
    Eri almost fell off the supply container. Litus talking blasphemy against the system? Had the universe turned upside down?
    It must have, because he’d just told her he accepted her for who she was. She smiled tentatively at Litus. Maybe Aquaria had underestimated him. All of a sudden she wanted to help him win Aquaria’s heart. “You know, you could be a little more—”
    Movement blurred the leaves behind Litus’s head. A slender black shaft pierced the air, careering across camp to lodge in one of the soywafer boxes.
    Litus stood and whipped out his laser. “Take cover.”
    Another shaft whizzed through the air, knocking one of the perimeter poles to the ground. An ear-cracking zap made Eri cover her ears as the energy stream broke. A section of blue light fizzled out. Litus turned to Eri, his eyes alert. “We need to get back to the ship.”
    This isn’t happening. Eri ducked behind the supply container and fumbled with her laser, yanking the gun out of the holster. What was the code? Her brain blanked. Arrows rained from the sky, three piercing the plastic where she’d just sat with sickening thump s. That would have gone right through my leg.
    Litus returned fire, his laser light illuminating the darkness. Leaves and branches moved as if the trees themselves released the arrows. Maybe they did. Who knew what the aliens really looked like? They could