Ka'Cit's Haven (Riv’s Sanctuary #3)

It was busy; it was fun; it was exciting…

They didn’t go to the Exchange regularly because Riv hated the place and she never went with Sohut and Cleo because their idea of travel usually included heading off into some wilderness tracking wild animals.

But those weren’t the only reasons they hardly visited the Exchange.

The market could be dangerous if you were new to Hudo society. There was always someone watching from the shadows, ready to rob you…or worse.

“You’re heading to the Exchange?”

“Yea.” Lauren smiled. “I mean…we’ve been thinking about it. We need some supplies for the baby.” She rubbed her stomach.

“Oh, well, I’m in!” Nia hopped off the mound of hay and headed toward the house.

Lauren’s concerned gaze held hers as she approached.

“Are you sure? It’s kinda dangerous and…”

And she was an illegal alien.

Yea, she knew.

“I know, but I’ll have you and Riv there with me.” Nia smiled. “Plus, you’ll need help carrying the bags.”

Lauren paused, studying her for a few moments before she smiled.

“Okay. If you’re sure…”

“I’m sure.”

As sure as she was ever going to be. If not for opportunities like this, she’d be stuck on the Sanctuary forever.

They’d just have to be careful while at the Exchange. It wasn’t the first time they’d be making a trip out there, and it wouldn’t be their last.

And like the last time, everything would go smoothly.

Right?

Nia pushed back the little thread of doubt weaving in her mind.

Everything would be fine.

3

As the hover car sped across the plain, the tall yellow-orange grass swayed in the wind.

Off in the distance, she could see wild grazing oogas, their large bodies standing out against the grass.

Nia adjusted the hood of the huge brown cloak over her head.

It was big enough that it hid her face almost completely.

She was even wearing one of Riv’s face coverings over her nose and mouth.

The cloak closed in front and hung all the way down to her toes. It also covered her hands, reaching the tips of her fingers.

She was pretty sure she wouldn’t draw attention with this get up. No one would know she was human underneath this thing.

But that wasn’t the whole reason she was covered.