Later that evening, Khamuel watched as the twins broke into a run the moment they saw their modir and jumped on her bed. They hugged and kissed Lena and tried to nurse her "boo-boos." He enjoyed watching their interaction. Lena's face glowed as she cooed over her progeny, checking them over to reassure herself they were well.
His interest was caught when a serious look came to Lena's features and she asked her bantlings pointedly, "Girls, do you like it here? Do you feel safe?"
"Yes!" the girlings said in unison, then began chatting away about Pnina, whom they dubbed their "baby-sitter." Though … Khamuel was fairly certain his sister never rested her bottom upon the bantlings.
"We have a decision to make," Lena told her daughters. Her attention was wholly on the twins, forgetting that Khamuel stood in the room with them. "We have to decide if we want to stay here."
Tears filled Sasha's eyes instantly. The brave bantling attempted to blink them away. "If we stay here, we can't see Daddy again."
Khamuel watched as Lena swallowed, her own eyes glistening. "Sweetpea, we talked about this, remember? Daddy isn't with us anymore. He's-"
"He's with the angels now," Leila finished solemnly. "He's dead and dead means not coming back, right Mama?"
Khamuel wanted to enter Lena's thoughts. He wanted to know for himself exactly what Lena was feeling, yet knew it would be a true invasion of her privacy. He could only watch with avid eyes as Lena addressed the difficult topic with her girlings.
Khamuel could not say for sure what it was he, himself, was feeling. Unsettled that he felt so affected by the sadness of the three females, perhaps? He wished to comfort them all but understood; it was not his place to do so. What words could he offer that would help them find solace? None, he knew. No words would heal their hearts.
Lena nodded at Leila, and when she spoke, her voice was thick with emotion. "Yes baby. That's exactly what that means. You know it wasn't his fault though, right? Daddy would never choose to leave you. He loved you so much."
"I want my daddy," Sasha said, as her chin trembled and tears fell.
"I know, baby." Lena gathered both girls to her. "And I would do anything to bring him back for you if I could."
Khamuel understood the pain of the bantlings; he'd lost his own mother at a young age. Yet Khamuel wondered what emotions the modir felt. It seemed to him the sorrow she felt was more for her progeny than for the man who died. Had the man been a temporary life partner or just a lover?
Leila straightened after some time and looked at her mother. "If we stay, can I keep my room? I like my new room. I have lots of toys in there and I don't have to share with Sasha. Sasha is messy. Not like me. I always keep my room tidy. Sasha always leaves her underwear on the floor."
"I do not!" Sasha said with an affront that made Khamuel smile. The child did indeed leave her underthings about, as well as all the rest of her clothing, toys and even food. Sasha was disorderly in most things. "And I don't like sharing a room with you either! You're always burping and you think farts are funny."
"They are funny!" Leila insisted, a scowl on her face, then burped for emphasis.
"No, they're not!" Sasha wrinkled her tiny nose. "They're 'asgusting!"
Khamuel looked down to hide the widening of his smile.
Lena knew an argument was brewing and redirected. "I want you to think about whether you want to stay here. We have time to decide, but not much, so I need to know what your thoughts are."
Leila-of-the-many-belches looked at her mother with surprising maturity for one so young. Her words made Khamuel raise his head, his gaze softening at the heartfelt words. "I just want to be where you are, Mama."
"Me too," said Sasha softly.
"I'm going to be honest, girls. I'm thinking of staying."
Khamuel's eyes honed in on Lena. Despite Noah's sternly voiced assertion that the three females remain aboard, Khamuel inwardly balked at being a party to abduction. Bringing her aboard Charity had been only to save her life, not to steal her from the life she created for herself.
And the an'thee? He could not deny its call. Felt the urge in himself even now to act on it. Yet, he denied himself. It was not difficult to do so yet. The curatives still floating through her blood altered her body chemistry, making it so he did not feel the full pull of his ownership over her. And he was glad of it. The woman was still too vulnerable. She needed time, and in truth, so did he.
Yet, knowing that she was considering making Charity a permanent place for herself, he could not help to be pleased. It would ease his conscience if she stayed of her own accord.
"Tell me about your time here. I want to know everything!" Lena said as she settled back against the pillows.
Khamuel watched and listened, enjoying the way the girlings detailed their adventures aboard Charity, vying for their modir'z attention. When Lena laughed just as she did now, the husky sound pleased his ears. He was entranced as the lovely woman asked questions and reveled in the vibrant health and well-being of her progeny. Reassured of their contentment, Lena's eyes teared up and she looked at Khamuel. Thank you for this. They are absolutely perfect and happy and alive. Thank you!
He nodded, making a concerted effort to ignore the effect her pretty smile had on him. Too easily, the woman could bewitch him if he did not keep his wits about him. His attention was drawn to the gentleness with which her scarred hands caressed the cheeks and hair of her bantlings.
Lena did not appear a woman accustomed to the softer things in life, yet with her bantlings she was all that was kind and good. Once again, Khamuel wondered at her past. What trials had she weathered?
The moment he noticed Lena's energy flag, he called the bantlings to him, intending to let her rest.
Instant anger ignited Lena's eyes as she projected rudely into his mind. Like hell you're taking them! They're not going anywhere!
He cocked a brow at her temper, amused by her spirit. I am not keeping your bantlings from you. You need rest. Resting will allow you to heal faster. The faster you recuperate, the faster you may return to live with your 'chil-dran' again. I will return with them again on the morrow and every day until you are well enough to take up your place in our society.
Anger had her rising from the bed. "Girls, go wait outside with Avem. I want to speak to Khamuel."
"You're 'asposed to call him Kravan'n, Mama," Leila said, tsking at her mother who should know this.
Khamuel fought his amusement at the bantling's words. He did not think Lena would appreciate it. "Heed your modir, young one. Await me with Avem."
The moment the girls were out of the room, Lena started in on him. "I'm well enough now. They're my children!" Khamuel took her arm and helped to settle her back onto the bed when she swayed on her feet.
"We shall return, Lena. Every day until you are well enough, I vow to bring you your daughters."
She searched his features, and he knew she was trying to believe his words. Finally, she nodded. Her countenance turned stony, and when she spoke, an icy chill laced her words. "If you don't bring them to me, I will hunt you down Khamuel, and I will make your life miserable."
Nodding sagely, he kept his features impassive. "It shall be as you say."
Though a stout-hearted Ka'al male and brave, battle-seasoned warrior, even the 'NKa'al knew better than to laugh at an angry woman. How could such a small, wounded creature be so fierce?
***
The next day, after finishing dinner and sleeping for a bit, Lena slowly rose from her seat beside the bed and gingerly tested her steps. Soon, she was pacing the room slowly, her thoughts tumultuous.
What if this was all some fantasy in her head?
What if, despite everything she had seen and observed, these last two days were just a figment of her imagination?
How could she be sure this wasn't just some elaborate government conspiracy to test her hold on reality?
Lena was beside herself, warring with what she witnessed to be true and what humans had taught her to believe. And Khamuel didn't help. Every so often she would feel him probing ... yes, probing ... her mind, until she had no choice but to accept defeat and reassure him she was doing well.
She looked to the door of the ministry and headed towards it on shaky legs. Startled squeaks escaped Kiara and Avem when she limped by with no warning. She heard Kiara call after her. "Where are you going? You're in your pajamas!"
Lena ignored them and continued to walk. Where are you?
Do you need me? I will come to you.
Don't bother. I'm coming to you.
He said something in his own language, his tone irritable. Show me where you are.
Show him? Like a mental picture? She tried to focus on sending him the view before her.
Turn around, you are going the wrong way, he responded drily. I'm in the control room; you are headed towards the menagerie.
Oh, she retorted, you mean there's a difference?
She heard his snort of amusement as Kiara sidled up to her and gripped her arm firmly. "You're pushing yourself too far, Lena. Lean on me."
Lena allowed Kiara to guide her as they made their way through the ship's epicenter. The walk was a long one, but Lena forced herself to put one foot in front of the other. She refused to look weak, even though she was now doubting her intelligence. Her legs trembled under her. Exertion made blood rush through her veins, causing her head to ache. God, what she wouldn't do to be back in her bed right now.
What the hell was she thinking to hop out of bed, only half healed and trekking through these - Lena looked around and her eyes widened - these beautiful hallways. The walls seemed alive. She reached out a hand to feel its texture. Warmth emanated from its pearlescent, rosy-pink, skin-like structure. Pliant and as smooth as the skin of a baby. It was sturdy, not giving way to pressure and strong enough to bear thousands of pounds of its own weight. There were murals everywhere, beautiful renderings of landscapes and sea sides, mountains and night skies. Some looked like Earth, but some had to be images from foreign worlds she might not live long enough to visit.
A merchant began to set up shop, and Lena gasped as the walls curved and bowed until it became an alcove, allowing the merchant to lay out her wares. Lena wanted to stop and ask questions, but rarely allowed herself to be distracted from her purpose, so she kept moving, set on her course.
She was a little disappointed that there were no droids she could marvel over. There were several robotic animals, though, that roamed around. They were too damned cute for their own good. Kiara informed her the robotic animal, with its dog-like face and rabbit body, was called a flchia. It was filled with calm-inducing oils and herbs that acted as therapeutic services for anyone who needed to decompress. The knee-high robot was a miniature version of the true animal which was nearly as tall as a Ka'al, but as tame and mischievous as a puppy.
Ka'al ambled around, going about their business. Even though she was used to Avem's and Khamuel's pearlescent skin, she marveled that this race of people came in unique tones of pearl from dull, almost tarnished looking to shimmery pinks and cream as light played over their skin. Although they glowed under the light, none had the inner glow that Khamuel did.
Lena almost gasped as she came across a full-blooded reptilian who stared at her openly. He was dressed in that deep red and black uniform that Khamuel always wore. She wondered what the uniform signified. Was he a captain like Khamuel? A soldier? A cop?
She noticed some of the Ka'al also wore the uniform, but Lena had to fight to keep her composure when she realized that most of the Ka'al walked around nearly naked. Women dressed in scarves tied together artfully, showing off their curves and femininity with none of the self-consciousness a human woman would display, covering only their naughty bits, but allowing anything and nearly everything else to be on display. The men were really no different, with only a simple sarong tied at the hips. And while the Ka'al were mostly over six feet, at least half the men were thickly muscled and over seven feet tall. Kiara informed Lena that those larger men had suffered something called an'thee.
"They're totally huge, aren't they?" Kiara sighed dreamily. "Their bodies literally collapse as it changes to become stronger. It only takes a few minutes but I hear its crazy painful."
"Why does it happen?" Lena asked. "Is it like, puberty?"
Kiara laughed so hard, she let go of Lena and clutched her stomach. "Oh, my God. I love you!" She cackled some more, and wiped her eyes. "I mean, in a way, I guess it could be likened to puberty. Basically, it's because they've met their mates. The theory is that, since Ka'al are known warriors, there are many who challenge them. They've evolved this ability to grow rapidly the moment they meet their mates in order to protect them and their future children."
"Oh." Lena chewed her inner cheek. "Sooo … Khamuel?"
Kiara puffed out a forlorn breath as she stared straight ahead. "Yeah. He hasn't claimed her though. Not sure what the deal is there. Anyway, from what I understand, meeting your mate doesn't necessarily mean meeting the love of your life. It just means that you've met the one person who is most compatible to give you healthy offspring. I guess it's possible he's not into her? I dunno. Can't imagine she wouldn't be into him. He's completely edible."
Lena hummed her agreement. A shiver rocked her body and Lena decided Khamuel's mating problems were none of her concern. She should have put a jacket on. Outside of the ministry, the ship was near freezing in its temperature, but this didn't seem to bother anyone other than her. It was so cold her breath misted when she spoke. Yet, everyone walked around as if they were perfectly comfortable while Lena fought off the shivers.
She walked down a few hallways, noting several gathering places decorated with what looked to be big, square-shaped foam blocks and a few low tables. They passed along the outskirts of a bazaar, similar to what she had once seen in Qatar, where shoppers milled about lazily, some haggling for wares.
Finally, they made it to the control room. Khamuel met them at the door. Being so attuned to him, she noticed the way his eyes went directly to Kiara. His nostrils flared as he stiffened when he made eye contact with the beta-Dracona. Then his expression shuttered, and he turned his attention to Lena, cocking a brow at her night attire.
"Not a word," she warned, knowing she looked ridiculous in her fleece pajama bottoms and cookie monster t-shirt. He raised his hand in a supplicating gesture, then motioned for the two women to enter the large room. She barely took a full step inside when her mouth fell slack. "Oh. My. God!"
The entire room was one large pane of glass. The sight of the moon looked close enough to reach out and touch and just beyond that lay Earth.
"Henry, magnify optics," Khamuel said. "Bring Earth into clear focus."
And there she was. Big and deceptively beautiful. Earth. Lena's heart squeezed in her chest and her eyes stung.
One of her small hands covered her mouth. "This … this is real … I'm really …" She met Khamuel's eyes helplessly. "I'm really in space. You're taking me away from my home." Her voice held both accusation and wonder.
His cool expression didn't waiver, and when he made no comforting response, Lena turned back to the sight before her.
"Would you like to hear her?" he asked quietly.
"What?" Lena asked, unable to turn from the sight in front of her.
"Your home. Every planet, every astral body, has its own frequency that it emits. Would you like to hear her? Would you like to hear Earth's song?"
"Yes," she whispered.
The room filled with a beautifully eerie sound. Throbbing, high pitched and lower tones weaved and wafted around her. Transfixed, Lena walked forward to the glass, placing both hands on it, listening intently to Earth's voice. The soft vibrational tones filled her ears and calmed her heart. Her entire being swell with emotion as Earth called to her. From this distance, the beautiful blues, greens, and whites of her planet was an oasis in the void. She could almost forget how cruel life had been there. Almost.
Her fingers traced over the scar on her neck. Seeing the distance between her and the harsh planet, Lena felt at peace.
She was leaving Earth and everything she ever suffered there. As tears streamed down her cheeks, Lena's thoughts shifted slowly. In leaving Earth, maybe she could finally forget; forget her vicious mother, her twisted father, her perverted brother, the abuse, the foster homes, the war.
Life on Earth had rarely been kind to her, and Lena looked on in wonder, feeling that her heart could finally heal. The tips of her fingers gave her scar another quick brush and then she placed her hand back on the view before her.
Deep space travel was real. Aliens were real. She was to be part of their civilization now, whatever that meant. Although Lena knew life on Charity was no more guaranteed to be a safe haven, at least it was a fresh start. A way to disappear, a way to be free. She rested her forehead against the pane of cool glass and closed her eyes in farewell.
Lena wiped her cheeks and braved looking around the room. Except for a few, the flight crew seemed to be Ka'al, tall, athletically built, pearlescent skin with hair colored in shocking platinum or palest blond and eyes in varying shades of blue never seen on an earthling. Earthling? Had she just referred to her own people as "earthlings?"
Ha! Eat your heart out, Armstrong!
Work stations littered the room, and most everyone was intent on their tasks. The man in the pilot seat eyed her with intense concentration. She felt herself being pulled in and took a hesitant step in his direction. He stood and walked to her.
Rough-hewn features with a prominent brow and strong, ridged nose spoke of a man familiar with conflict. He clearly wasn't a Ka'al but his glittering, bronze skin, which shimmered with golden flecks at his slightest movement, emphasized his craggy good looks. Maybe his skin wasn't tactically sound for someone who was obviously a warrior, but she deduced his sheer mass and musculature made up for any stealth his appearance lacked. She cocked her head at the man who seemed just as enthralled by her. He stopped short before her. "I am Mord. I piloted the forager that collided with your ground transport vehicle. I place blame upon myself for your injuries." He fell to one knee. "I beg forgiveness. 'Twas never my intent to inflict hurt or harm."
A brief flash of memory from the accident returned to her. Light washed over his stricken features as he looked down at her injured form. "I am at fault for this. Forgive me, small one. Forgive me."
As quickly as the memory came, it was gone.
Lena, confused, looked to Khamuel for guidance on how to respond, but he was looking down at Kiara, who stood close by his side. Her smiling face was turned up to his and Khamuel looked as if he were enthralled, his glow burning with red tendrils around him. Swallowing, Lena looked away from them and back at the kneeling man with bowed head. "I don't understand."
The burly man's eyes gentled on her. "We are of a brand. I can smell the blood of our shared ancestors within you."
"Ancestors? How?"
"Aliens, as you call us, have been traveling to and from this planet for hundreds of thousands of years. Almost all of us aboard this ark have distant kin upon your planet."
Lena accepted his words easily. After everything she experienced to this point, accepting that humans were, in part, alien themselves, seemed like a small thing. She looked to Mord with a small smile. "There's nothing to forgive. Accidents happen. My daughters are alive and well. That's all that matters." She shifted uncomfortably. "Please stand up."
Mord rose and smiled warmly. "Lady, we are indeed family. Whatever your needs, I am at your behest. I will be as your father. I claim you as my daughter, my b'natu. In all things, I will guide you and protect your interests."
That sounded kinda creepy, but the big, ripple-faced man didn't give her time to think too much. He took one of her hands in his and placed it on his brawny chest, which was solid and pulsing with heat. He also placed a hand on her chest above her breast and said some words in a language she did not understand. When he was done, he placed a gallant kiss upon her hand and called out to his leader. "Kravan'n."
Khamuel tore his gaze away from Kiara distractedly, but his eyes cleared as he met Mord's suddenly hard ones. An unspoken conversation transpired between the two men and after a moment Mord looked satisfied, gave Lena a comforting pat on her shoulder and went back to his work.
Murmuring filled the room as everyone seemed to talk at the same time. Lena looked back at Earth, giving it one final, long look. She felt as if she were floating, and not just because she was in space. There was so much to take in all at once, and she didn't know how to process any of it.
Turning to Khamuel, she noticed he was once again looking at Kiara, his expression intent, glow still flushed. Maybe she called out to him, maybe he sensed her emotional upheaval, but he dragged his blank gaze away from Kiara and looked to Lena. He blinked once, twice, then gave his head the barest of shakes before he made his way over to her. To Lena's surprise, he didn't speak a word to her, only wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.
After having this man in her head for so long, it didn't dawn on Lena to be uncomfortable with his show of affection. It felt comfortable and right.
The sound of rhythmic banging made her look up. The entire crew was looking toward her and Khamuel, banging their hands against the flat surfaces closest to them. Lena didn't understand their sudden urge to break into music, but it was enough to shatter her moment of need. Hating the attention, she straightened her back, trying to move away from Khamuel. His arms tightened around her, making her think he wouldn't let her go, then his arms fell away and he took a measured step back.
Folding her arms self-consciously in front of herself, she looked away.
Khamuel held his hand up. The banging stopped, and the room was quiet once again. Lena peeked up at him. She wasn't sure, but she thought he looked flustered. "When you go back to Earth, to collect the rest of your cargo, may I go?"
"Nay."
"I don't want to stay there, believe me, I haven't left anything behind that I can't live without." A bit of guilt ate at her for that statement. She had a career. Knowing – by this point - they already viewed her as a deserter stung. There was also her cousin Lindsay. Would she even care that Lena had gone missing? Why would she? They barely knew each other. "I accept my place here. In fact. I want to stay here. I just have some things I need to settle. I'm in the Army and I don't want my unit thinking that I went AWOL."
"We defer this discussion for later."
Khamuel was obviously a man of some power aboard the ship. Everyone seemed to take their cues from him. Lena didn't want to test her limits without knowing the potential consequences. It wasn't smart to challenge a leader without knowing what they were capable of or without the backing of an army. She had to learn their ways first so she could better judge her actions and words. She let the subject drop.
Lena turned back to the large windscreen. Her eyes settled on the orb she had called home. "She's so beautiful. You would never know how ugly and harsh she can really be … Why are we behind the moon? Is it for concealment?"
"Nay. The moon's concealment is unnecessary."
"Being out here makes you feel pretty insignificant and omnipotent all at the same time… We have satellites, you know. The moon isn't so far away that my people can't detect your ship."
He grunted, non-committal. It was feasible, Lena decided, that either alien space ships in Earth's airspace were less of a secret than the governments would currently acknowledge, or the ship had its own means of concealment.
There was so much she wanted to say, but she couldn't get her thoughts collected enough. Lena swayed as a wave of exhaustion washed over her, no longer able to disguise the weakness she was feeling.
"Come, let us get you back to ministry." Khamuel took her arm and led her from the room. "You look faint."
Lena was more than just "faint." She barely made it several feet out of the control room before she stopped and leaned against a wall for support. Lena closed her eyes, not for the first time calling herself an idiot for leaving her bed. Kiara was right. She pushed herself too far. She took a few deep breaths to calm the spinning of her head.
Kiara and Khamuel reached for her at the same time. Khamuel gave Kiara a quelling look, and the woman backed away. Swooping Lena up into his arms, he carried her the rest of the way back to the ministry. As Kiara tried making polite conversation during the rest of the walk, Khamuel ignored her. Lena could feel his impatience with the other woman.
Only an idiot would be blind enough not to pick up on the tension between Khamuel and Kiara. Kiara couldn't take her eyes off of Khamuel, and Khamuel seemed intent on avoiding the other woman's gaze. Idly, Lena wondered if there was something going on between the two of them.
Nay, came the swift psychic response to her unasked question. There is no "thing" with her.
A sleepy giggle escaped Lena. One day, I won't forget that you can read my mind.
His grunt was vocal, but his words seeped into her consciousness. You needn't concern yourself with Kiara. She is naught to me.
Lena didn't fully believe that. The way the two danced around each other's glances, there was obviously something going on between them. She decided not to argue the point, as it really wasn't any of her business. She barely knew these people. What happened between Khamuel and Kiara was … well … between the two of them.
You do not trust in my word? He was annoyed.
You've been kind to me and my daughters. You don't even know what a gift you've given me by bringing me here and giving me the opportunity of a new life, so of course, I trust you. But I think you're in denial.
I am not.
It's none of my business, Khamuel.
His frustration washed through her, and for a moment, she wanted to apologize for her abruptness. Except, she neither said nor did anything wrong.
Unused to being silenced, Khamuel persisted. Kiara is-
Is someone you have unfinished business with, Lena couldn't help but needle him.
Sleep, he commanded.
Suddenly, he was fully inside of her mind, exerting his will. The shock of him taking up residence inside of her was tempered as something warm swirled through her middle, spread into her limbs, and fogged her thoughts. Feeling lethargic, she rested her head heavily on his shoulder.
Silly rabbit, tricks is for kids, were her last defiant words before she succumbed to what he was doing to her and closed her eyes.
***
He was there again, sitting by her bed, when she opened her eyes. If she wasn't careful, she would begin to rely on him always being there. Life had taught her better. He wouldn't always be there. She needed to remember that.
With a yawn and a stretch, Lena let her eyes wander over him. Khamuel studied a clear screen that hovered in front of him. Thanks to conversations she had with Kiara and Avem, Lena knew the ship was equipped with holographic technology, but she didn't realize they used the tech for something as simple as working outside of the proverbial office.
He'd weaved a few braids in the front of his hair to keep the long locks from falling into his face. It was a little disappointing to realize he trimmed his beard back some. She kind of liked the wild look his beard gave him while he wore his staid and severe looking uniform.
Except that, for once, he wasn't in his uniform. He was bare-chested and wore only the wrap-around sarong, knotted at the waist.
And lordy, lordy! His exposed chest was everything! The uniform Khamuel wore did little to hide the fact that he was muscle bound, but it certainly didn't do his physique any justice. Thick bands of muscle corded along his torso, tapering down to a trim V at the hips. He had ripples and striations for days and every time he moved, the light in the room teased over his pearlescent skin, making it look warm and inviting. There were more artistic brandings on his chest and arms. Oh boy, those thick, well-defined, veiny arms! No wonder she felt so good being held by him yesterday. Khamuel was a powerhouse of strength. Who wouldn't feel safe when being held by this marble Adonis?
His legs parted in the way that men did when they sat, and his thick thighs and well-formed calves were just as defined as the rest of him. Jesus! Obviously, her body was healed enough from her injuries to feel a prick of awareness. She should be ashamed of herself for looking him over this way, but she was having way too much fun to care.
A small murmur of frustration escaped Khamuel as he frowned at the screen and lifted one of his hands to swipe at whatever he was looking at. The screen changed as he swiped back and forth, trying to be sure of what he was seeing.
Lena pushed the wonder away. Now that she accepted she would live out the rest of her life with these aliens, there would be plenty of time to ask about things like this. What she didn't have a lot of time for was making sure Khamuel realized that, even though she would bend to his authority in public, she still expected to be treated with respect.
Lena sat up, folded her legs in front of her, and rested her elbows on her knees. Khamuel glanced at her briefly, gave her a cursory once over, then turned back to his work.
"Khamuel?"
"One moment." He tapped some symbols on the screen, making the images change.
"I need your attention, Khamuel."
He never took his eyes from his work. "Aye, Lena. I acknowledge you. Give me a moment."
"No. Now."
He froze. Slowly, his head turned toward her. "Now?"
"Yes. Now. I need your attention now."
He stared at her with that stupid, impassive expression she was tiring of. Then he sat back in his seat and inclined his head, as if gifting her something grand by paying attention to her.
His arrogance grated on her last nerve, making her words much harsher than originally intended. "If you ever, and I mean ever, take control of my body like that again and use your mutant magic or whatever it is, to force me to your will, I swear to God, I'll make you regret it."
Arctic blue eyes clashed with sea green. It frustrated Lena that he closed his thoughts off to her. She had to restrain herself from lashing out.
"You will … make me … regret it?" He blinked at her, making it obvious to Lena that the concept was a foreign one.
"Don't think for a moment I can't. Just because you're some sort of leader on this ship with mutant powers doesn't mean I don't have a few tricks up my own sleeve. I'm not helpless, Khamuel. Take control of me like that again, and we're going to have some severe problems."
"You should not have left your bed, Farran. Do not do so again unless given permission."
His calm tone angered her even more. She leaned forward a little, wanting him to see how serious she was. "I realize I know nothing about your culture or customs, but I'm not a toy. I'm sure as hell not without a backbone. Respect me Khamuel, or you might as well send me back home now."
He flicked a few symbols on the screen that still floated in front of him. Her eyes widened in surprise when the screen vanished.
Khamuel leaned forward in his seat, pinning her with an unblinking stare. "It is important to you that I do not coerce you into sleep?"
His attention was fully focused on her now. Those eyes of his were amazing when he focused them on her like that. Every nerve ending inside of her came to life, heating her skin. Oh no! I can't have a crush on him!
"Is your wish to be heard now, as important to you, as my wish to be heard earlier?"
Lena frowned. "That's not the same thing at all you, jerk! You can't put someone to sleep just because they don't want to hear what you have to say."
"Jerk?" He leaned forward in his seat, eyeing her curiously.
"Yes, 'jerk.' You acted like a jerk; a big, fat, stupid jerk!"
A bark of laughter escaped Khamuel. It was a genuine laugh that crinkled his eyes and shook his body. How could it be that even his laugh was attractive? Frowning, Lena grabbed the pillow from behind her and chucked it at him. "I'm serious, Khamuel. Stop laughing at me!"
Khamuel caught the pillow in mid-air and gave her a lopsided grin.
"Ugh," Lena groaned in disgust as she rose from the bed to pace away from him. "I hate you so much right now."
"Nay," grinned the big, fat, stupid jerk of an alien. "You do not." He rose to stand in front of her and when she made to move away from him, her frown deepening, he caught her wrist. Green, cautionary eyes landed on his, and another chuckle escaped him. "You do not hate me, Lena."
His voice was smug, causing an irrational impulse inside of her to want to kick him.
"Don't I?" she challenged.
"Nay. Truth told, you are quite taken with me." One of his hands toyed with a stray curl of her hair.
"You're not being funny, Khamuel."
He snorted and tugged on her wrist, pulling her closer to him. He didn't pull her flush against him, but they were so close she could feel the heat of his body and the tingle of his glow. "Perhaps not. Yet I am thoroughly enjoying myself."
She noticed the teasing in his eyes and she had to concentrate on remaining angry at him. Lena had been a teenager the last time she felt butterflies in her stomach. They were alive and well now, their tiny wings fanning this budding bit of attraction inside of her. The problem was, although Lena was attracted to him, she couldn't quite forget the way he looked at Kiara earlier. Maybe he likes me, but he's lusting after Kiara. Only an idiot would be blind to that.
The reality of that thought caused the butterflies to cease their flapping. That quickly, Lena could focus again. She stepped away from him. Not being a total jerk, Khamuel let her go, the teasing light in his eyes dying when he noted the change in her.
"I'm serious, Khamuel. Never do your mutant-magic stuff on me again."
His face returned to its normal impassivity, and he nodded stiffly. "I will not. My apologies."
Lena inclined her head. "Thank you."
"And you, lady Lena, will not interrupt me. You will hear my words even when you do not wish to. You cannot always know what I intend to say. Do not assume your ability to occasionally hear my thoughts in any way means you are privy to them all. You must heed my words."
"Too easy. Deal," she said, but didn't really mean it.
"There is no 'thing' between Kiara and I," he reiterated for good measure.
She cocked her head and gave a shrug as if to say, "Whatever."
Annoyance flitted across his face and when he spoke again, he was far from the teasing man from a few moments ago. "By the All! I care naught for Kiara. She is a bane. Talented as a healer, yet she is a vexation I cannot abide."
Lena held up a hand. "It's none of my business."
"It is Lena. It is your 'business' for this foolish thought you carry inside of you that I long for her is in violate of what truly is."
"I think you're using the word inviolate wrong."
Khamuel blinked at her.
"Inviolate means-"
A burst of frustrated Ka'al flew from his mouth. Lena bit her lip, wondering what foul names he had just called her in his native tongue. He looked furious, and she had to bite back a laugh.
"I bloody well know what 'inviolate' means! I did not say 'inviolate' I said 'in violate' as in…"
Lena's giggle cut him off, and it was his turn to glare. "Perhaps you are a vexation as well."
She grinned up at him and sassed, "Maybe."
He made his determined way over to her. This time, he pulled her fully against him. She took a moment to absorb the feel of him against her. Heat spiraled from her chest, quivering her belly and pooled between her thighs.
"Heed me, Lena. Kiara is very much your business, if for no other reason than because I wish you to know I have no care for her. It is you who interests me."
The expression he wore suggested his own words stunned him. For a moment his mental guard dropped, and Lena could feel the truth in him as his thoughts trickled free. Lena could hear them all. His own words dismayed Khamuel, but he meant them. He was interested in her as a woman. He wanted to spend time with her and learn more about her. He wanted-
His guard was back in place, cutting off the free flow of his thoughts. Lena wanted to protest at the way he shut her out so completely, but if there was anything she understood, it was self-preservation. Still, the knowledge that he was interested in her gave her a little thrill even as her mind worked to remind her to be cautious. This alien could be more than she bargained for. When she spoke, her words were nearly a whisper. "You barely know me."
"Aye." He dropped his arms and went back to his seat to slump into it. One of his arms flung over the armrest of the chair, the other lifted so he could rub the back of his neck. "Yet we have been in each other's minds too long. I should have severed our connection the day you opened your eyes."
Lena wasn't exactly sure if she should feel insulted or not. "Then why didn't you?"
He sighed. "There is a bond that builds with such intimacy. Long has it been since-"
Lena watched as he struggled to find the right words. When his shoulders slumped in defeat, she chewed her inner cheek. "Can I ask for a favor?"
He looked up at her. Nodded.
"Make sure that whatever business you have with Kiara is over before you bring this up again. Can you do that?"
Khamuel looked away from her, a hand running over his mouth and beard. After a long pause, he heaved a sigh and nodded. "Aye."