Page 20 of Riv's Sanctuary

She didn't need niceness. Goodness was more important.

From the look of the sanctuary as well, she'd probably enjoy living there.

She'd never done farm work before, but she could learn. If she was going to make the most of this, then she would learn.

The last thing she wanted was to get tossed around to different "owners" like she was some sort of unwanted property. Chances were that she would end up with someone horrible who used her for exactly what Geblit had told her most aliens thought humans were good for...sex.

And that was off the table.

She could only hope that her luck hadn't run out and this third "owner" wasn't the one who would try to have his way with her.

As the hovercar slowed and finally came to a stop in front of the barrier to the farm, Geblit cut the engine, his eyes darting around the animal enclosures on the other side.

"We're here." His eyes moved to hers for just a second and that uneasy feeling returned.

"Ok. So, now what?"

Geblit turned to her, his eyes blinking once.

"Now, you hide."

5

There was little time to respond as Geblit unceremoniously reached over, pushed her head into the box, and closed the lid.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Hush! Be quiet. He cannot see you."

"What?" Pushing against the lid of the box was doing nothing. It wouldn't budge. Whatever locking mechanism Geblit had engaged was doing its job. "Isn't the whole point of this for me to stay at this farm? Don't you think this Riv will be suspicious if you lock me away like you're hiding something?"

She could hear Geblit shuffling as he exited the hovercar.

"Hey!"

Was he hiding something? It sure as hell seemed like it.

The thought made her back stiffen.

Spinning around in the box, there were two slits in the side where she could just about see the barrier to the farm.

"Geblit!" Her whisper was harsh and she didn't even know why she was whispering but the prickling of the hairs standing on her arms and the general feel of the situation had her leaning on caution.

Something wasn't right.

Well, that had been evident from before but now that she was right at the actual handoff, the feeling was rising all across her back like a shadow monster about to devour her.

"Geblit!"

"Hush and keep still. I cannot risk for Riv to see your hideous form and deny you entry. Raxu knows you might be the most hideous creature to be placed on his farm."

This little…

Lauren narrowed her eyes so hard, her vision became two dark slits.

"This again..."

"Yes!" Now it was Geblit who was whispering harshly. "I cannot afford for him to say no. Cargga will be most displeased if I return with you."