Tallusian Nights [Xihirian Shifters 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Ciara Lake

herself.
    “Zalora…Zalora.”
    “Yes.”
    “Listen, I need quiet. Understand me?” He was firm. “I’m going to land this ship. I need you to be calm. Do not scream again.”
    “Oh sweet Creator.” His warnings of being quiet did not truly register in her mind. Her stomach was in her mouth. “Okay, we’re going to die, too. I’m ready.”
    “Zalora, trust me, be calm.” His voice was cool, but his tone more compassionate. “We’re going to survive.”
    “I trust you. But you’re not the ship or the ones shooting us.” Their ship dropped lower. Now they were gliding fast at a descent. Gravity was pushing her back in her seat.
    “Zalora, when I tell you, tuck your head between your knees. Do it. I’m aiming for a clearing I’ve identified. These ships are the envy of other worlds, and they can stand heavy impact. We’re going to make it.”
    “Okay.” There are so many things I want to do. Hot tears rolled down her face. I wanted to be a mother some day. This nightmare, her existence was about to end in an even more horrific way.
    Val maneuvered his ship with incredible expertise. Gravity let up on her, allowing her to breathe again. She could tell he had control over their descent. Working up the nerve, she looked out her cockpit window. Land was fast approaching. In front of them was a clearing he had obviously identified. “Head down,” he ordered. Their ship slowed again, causing her to strain against her belt. They hit the ground. It bounced, bounced again, hitting hard. Then they went into an endless slide. A loud noise caused by their ship straining under the impact was deafening, making her cringe. The ship screamed louder than she had. Unable to keep her head down anymore, she sat up. They continued to slide now at an angle. Brownish water washed up over their cockpit. Now we’re going to drown. I hate drowning. Falling and drowning are two of my least favorite ways to go. She sighed as dread made her chest heavy. The heaviness silenced her as she anticipated her death. Finally, they stopped abruptly. She was hurled her against her restraints, hurting her breasts and shoulders. Her belt hurt her waist, too, as it held her. She cried out in pain.
    “Zalora.” Their amplified communication was gone. Val yelled her name. “Zalora, you okay?”
    “Yes, my belt hurt me. But I’m in one piece.” Her body ached, and her head spun. She wanted to throw up.
    “We’re in a swamp. But we’re above water. The ship’s resting on the bottom. We may need to swim to shore. Are you able to unbuckle your belt, to move?”
    “Yes.” She unsnapped it then moved slowly to the edge of her seat. She was going to jump out of her skin. Her hands shook, and she was sweating profusely.
    “Grab your bag as well as the other bag under your seat. We have two survival bags onboard.” Manually he unsnapped the cockpit, opening it. Mustiness of the swamp floated into the cockpit. Val turned, looking back at her. His face was bloody. He had a huge cut over his right eye. It was badly swollen. His bottom lip was busted open. Bright red blood dripped down his jaw onto his uniform. He’d been beaten up quite badly by the dash of his ship.
    “Val, you’re hurt.” She stood up.
    “I’m fine. It seems the dashboard hits hard.”
    I’m surprised he’s conscious. His right cheek looked bruised. He wiped his mouth with his hand then grinned.
    “It’ll heal.”
    Despite your injuries, you still look great. The air was humid but chilly. It was truly uncomfortably cool. Forgive me Creator for thinking about how good this man looks. I must be irrational with fear. Zalora put her hands on both sides of her head as if to regain her sanity. She could see her breath on the frigid air. It smelled musty, wild. I am not a wilderness girl. I hate this. But I’m grateful to be alive. Zalora gazed up as if to heaven, then looked out, taking in her unpleasant surroundings. It looked like they weren’t too far from shore.