by Keri Kruspe
Sherri stilled and swallowed with a dry throat. God, she hopened she wasn’t losing her mind. “I…I think he’s really gone.”
“Why do you say that?” Ki’s eyes narrowed. Those mesmerizing irises deepened their dual color. He twitched as if to cover her hand again, but pulled back with a frown.
“I… A…” How in the world could she confess what really happened? If she told him a female dragon appeared in a dream and ate the pirate, he’d think she’d gone crazy. At best, their relationship was tenuous, and it wouldn’t take much for him to decide not to take her to Earth. No way would she let the Zerins go there on their own. As far as she was concerned, their record in dealing with humans was crappy. Besides, human women had a right to say what happened to them. When she and Lora talked about it, they’d agreed the male leaders of Earth wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage and sell women off to the slave planets. Her lips pinched. They probably ask for sexbots in their place.
It was her responsibility to keep an eye on things.
“Not sure,” Sherri gave an unblinking stare. “But I know the asshole is gone.”
Masculine lips thinned as his head cocked.
She doubted he believed her, but she’d be damned if she’d get dumped somewhere and be left behind.
Ki folded massive arms across his wide chest.
For the first time, she noticed the black leather suit he wore—it was smooth and buttery soft, fitting his masculine body like a second skin. A nagging memory from Cheithe told her the outfit housed the male dragon, Grirryrth. Did she have to have a suit like that?
Scooting back to rest against the wall, Sherri kept her palms flat on the cot to stop from trembling in weakness. With a glare, she dared Ki to argue. His slight frown told her he didn’t take the bait.
“I hope you’re right.” Ki uncrossed his arms and rested his hands on muscled thighs. “How do you feel otherwise? Any physical anomalies?”
Anomalies? What did that mean?
“No…” Sherri drew the word out while she did an internal check. Odd, she remembered getting stabbed, but maybe it didn’t happen…maybe the whole thing had been some sort of bad dream. “I’m okay. Just a little weak, I guess.”
Ki gave a sharp nod with a frown. “Ready to continue?”
Finally, a change of subject. “Of course.” She jumped off the bed but misjudged how weak she was. The sudden movement made her dizzy and she almost planted face-first on the floor.
Ki caught her before disaster struck.
Her gaze flew to his and held as they stared at each other. Time slowed as Sherri sought to see if he was as affected by her as she was by him. Masculine warmth wrapped around her as she wet dry lips.
Instead of the expected kiss, he lowered her and backed away.
Her heart shrank with disappointment as heat crept up her face and neck. “Sorry. I’m not usually so clumsy.” She glanced away and ignored the wave of regret.
He stepped back farther, lips tight. “That’s understandable, given everything you’ve been through.”
She nodded and looked around. Where were they? It looked like a bland, small room furnished with a chair and the cot she’d been lying on and nothing else. The round walls were a matte-black metallic substance. She couldn’t tell if it was actual metal since it surrounded them in one solid piece with no seams or breaks in the construction. “Are we back on Elemi?” The last place she remembered was the frozen atmosphere of the asteroid.
“Yes, you’re back in the bosom of my loving care.”
The sickening, condescending croon of Elemi echoed around her. Sherri tried to hide her wince but obviously hadn’t succeeded since Ki frowned.
“I’ve also provided you with appropriate attire,” Elemi continued. “You’re welcome.”
Wow, she wasn’t wearing a pullover sweater and skinny jeans. Now she had on the basic Zerin attire of a long tunic split at the sides over wide pantaloons and soft slipper shoes. Nice, the almond-crème color complemented her skin tone and hair. But, Lord… no mystery on how, or rather who, changed her clothes. Maybe she had been wearing blood-soaked garments, it sure wasn’t something she wanted to do, but…damn, the thought of Ki undressing her made her mouth go even drier. Clenching her jaw, she vowed that first chance she got, she’d put her own clothes back on.
“Elemi, how far are we from reaching the coordinates to generate the wormhole to Ganymede?” Ki turned and walked out the narrow doorway.
With a sigh and a shake of her head, Sherri followed.
“We are almost there, Ki dear.” Elemi’s voice at least had a more reasonable tone than the one she used with Sherri. “I am analyzing the correct parameters and should be able to access the wormhole tunnel within the next several clicks.”
“Acknowledged.” Ki’s wide frame strode with purposeful steps through the dim interior before entering another open doorway. He had to stoop to avoid bashing his head before going into the other room.
Sherri didn’t have that problem and passed without ducking. Why didn’t Elemi adjust her interior to accommodate Ki’s bulk? She smiled. Stupid ship wasn’t perfect.
“You can sit there.” Ki pointed at one of two black bucket seats in the small cockpit.
Sherri swallowed a retort at his commanding tone and sat where he’d gestured. The minute her butt hit the chair, safety straps crossed her chest and lap. Startled, she gripped the side rests until her knuckles turned white.
Ki took the opposite seat. As his large body lowered onto the soft cushions, it adjusted to his size and strapped him in as he barked last-minute orders at Elemi.
Before the last word left his lips, the ship gave a sharp lurch that pushed Sherri back into her seat.
The 3-D display in front changed and expanded. Instead of the typical stars whizzing by on a wall-sized screen, the surrounding walls disappeared as a swirl of colors in the shape of a funnel whirled around them.
The dizzying sight terrified yet filled her with awe. She glanced out of the corner of her eye toward Ki, just to make sure it was normal. His nonchalant attitude calmed her tight nerves. With concentrated effort, she lifted each finger from the tight grip she had on the edge of the seat. When nothing happened, and she stayed comfortably in place, her breath came out in a whoosh. She was free and flying through space. Oh, yeah!
Much too soon, Elemi restored the original vid screen.
With a wide smile, Sherri snuck another peek at the Zerin man on her left.
His large body was a dance of pure grace as he faced forward. Ki checked the gauges and readouts, lips compressed and eyes narrowed. He appeared consumed by what he was doing.
She took the opportunity to study him as his attention remained focused elsewhere.
Those three-fingered hands were dexterous as they navigated across the console. A firm line compressed his lips as his eyes narrowed on the various computer displays in front and to his left. With each breath, his large torso went in and out, showcasing the muscled bulk within the black suit to perfection.
Then there was his lap. The roped muscles of his thighs clenched and unclenched as his body shifted back and forth as he worked.
The sight of his fluid control had Sherri’s chest squeezing and her sex pulling in appreciation. She snorted. It certainly didn’t take her long to become aroused just sitting there watching him. Wow, that had never happened to her before. Even that delicious granite expression as his brow furrowed while he worked was appealing. Why was she attracted to someone who had a huge neon sign blinking on his forehead saying, No Trespassing? Funny, that sign was in the “off” position when she kissed him. Ack! What was she? A preteen daydreaming about a crush on some boy? Time to suck it up, remain professional, and move on.
Lost in her thoughts, it startled her when she got caught in his sharp gaze. Sweat beaded between her breasts and along her hairline. Great, now she’d be as shiny as cheap lip-gloss. It took everything not to glance away. Instead, she raised her chin and returned his powerful star
e with one of her own. “Something wrong?” She crossed her arms. He must have caught her staring at him. Her face heated.
A mahogany eyebrow lifted. “I am not certain.” He gave her his complete attention. “Is there?”
Elemi disrupted their conversation with a flat tone. “Coming out of the wormhole and approaching Jupiter’s moon, Ganymede.”
The heat in Sherri’s face traveled down her neck. Did Elemi know what she’d been thinking about? Wait, why did she care what some ship thought? Damn, now she’d lost it… worrying about what a ship thought.
Ki opened his mouth but Elemi spoke first.
“I have the lead scientist on Ganymede, Researcher Wapho, available for your communication.” The feminine voice snapped on the last word.
Oh, for God’s sake. Would someone please save her from this jealous ship?
“Thank you, Elemi.”
Ki’s strangled tone caused Sherri to give him a narrow glare.
“Patch him through.” He cleared his throat and stared ahead.
On the 3D vid screen, an image of an upper torso and a head appeared. He seemed humanoid.
Kinda, sort of.
Thick, rubbery, skin with short, light-blue hair covered his head. He sported four eyes, two on the right, and two on the left. They were set at an angle… two eyes were toward the center of his forehead, while the other two nestled over the outer cheekbones. His pupils were elliptical—black slats ending in a dumbbell. The irises were a sea of light blue that matched his fur. Where a human nose normally was, narrow, vertical slits vibrated above a round, open hole for a mouth.
“Researcher Wapho, my name is M’alalu Ki E’eur and I am a representative of his majesty, Prince Qay of Zerin. I respectfully request an audience with you at your earliest convenience.” Ki tilted in a bow of respect.
Wapho’s mouth opened and a thin tongue vibrated as he spoke. “This is highly irregular, Master E’eur.” The mouth smacked before it opened again. “For what reason do you violate the non-contact agreement between the Geidonn research team here and the Zerin monarchy?”
“I’m afraid there is some disturbing news, Researcher.” Ki stroked the side of his bearded jaw. “I have it on good authority your base is in danger. I wish to meet and discuss how we may help.”
The round mouth flattened before it smacked open. “Will you be coming alone?”
“No.” Ki gestured toward Sherri.
Hopefully, the blue alien could see her.
“I will bring my companion, Sherrilyn Cantor of Earth.”
The four eyes on the Geidonn widened. “That is a human!” The eyes blinked at various rates while his round mouth made smacking sounds. The light-blue fur across his plump cheekbones darkened.
Asshole. What did he have against humans?
The alien turned those eyes toward Ki, the top orbs narrowed while the bottom ones stayed wide.
Okay, that was all kinds of freaky.
“Humans taken off planet for the Exchange are not allowed back on Earth!” His voice raised with each word as his pinky finger pointed.
Sherri hid a smile as Ki’s mouth tightened.
“I will explain the circumstances once we meet.”
A huff of air. “Yes…yes. A satisfactory explanation is needed.” The lipless mouth smacked. “I will send the appropriate coordinates to the display.”
“Coordinates received,” Elemi confirmed.
“I appreciate that, Elemi.” Ki got up and motioned for Sherri to join him. “Let’s go.”
“Wait!” Dare she ask for a favor? She had to. “Can I see what we’re orbiting?” She stepped back and tilted to avoid talking to his wide chest. “Is Jupiter visible from here?” She rubbed damp palms across the top of her pants waiting for the answer. How embarrassing…her nerd was showing.
Ki’s warm, knowing grin made her mouth drop. Holy God, that was one killer smile. Good thing he didn’t aim that deadly weapon too often, or she’d have to do something drastic. Like cover it with…say…her lips.
Damn, how bonkers was that? Sherri twined her fingers together behind her back. Slow down, missy. Leave the luscious alien alone. He’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with you. No need to feed his ego.
He is your TrueBond. Of course, he wishes to do something with you. A soft voice chided.
Did her conscience now have a strange accent? No, he doesn’t. Sherri huffed.
Oh, child, he can’t help himself—after all, he’s only male.
Well, she wasn’t going to stand here and argue with herself. Before she had a chance to reply, Ki spoke to the annoying ship.
“Elemi, please expose our current position.” His smile widened as everything around them disappeared. The walls, the floor, and even the ceiling.
One minute she was standing in the dark interior of the 11-15 ship, and the next she floated free in space. She lost her balance at the abrupt change. With a squeal of alarm, her arms pinwheeled. Before she fell, Ki’s strong arms enfolded her. Masculine warmth and strength steadied her as nothing else could. With her nose nestled against his rock-hard chest, a breath whooshed out before she breathed in. The now familiar aroma of male musk layered with his unique sea breeze scent made her heart beat a strong rhythm.
“You okay?” The tone came out lighter than his normal, deep bass.
He’d better not be laughing at her.
With a snort, she pushed away. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just startled.” She stepped back but kept a grip on his forearms and peeked around his massive body. Yep, the only thing to hold onto was the large Zerin as the huge land mass of Jupiter appeared behind him. It was easy to recognize the planet due to the churning cloud of brown-and-white strips that intersected with the violent, swirling red storm. The closer they got, the bigger the dusty-looking ball became, until it blocked the vastness of space. The speed at which they approached the largest moon around Jupiter was dizzying. The tight grip she had on Ki’s arm wasn’t going anywhere.
“Do you want me to maintain acceptable orbiting parameters, Ki dear?”
Great, the femme fatale ship just had to crash the party.
“Yes.” His voice lowered.
Sherri stopped gawking at the image of space long enough to be captured by his unbroken attention. Sparkling navy-blue and hunter-green eyes dominated her vision. With a shuddering breath, she leaned closer.
His body bent, dual-colored irises partially covered under heavy lids.
She watched his full lips and her heart thundered at the tempting prospect of them covering hers.
“Ki, Researcher Wapho is awaiting your arrival.”
Sherri jerked in surprise at Elemi’s smug tone. She closed her eyes and ground her teeth in exasperation. Damn ship. One day…
“Shall I transport you to the coordinates?”
Annnnd… the interruptions continued.
With a frown, Ki drew back from Sherri.
Interesting, maybe he’d been acting on instinct and hadn’t known what he was doing.
His beard-covered jaw clenched. “Yes.” His fingers released. “Once we are there, I will contact you to let you know our plans. Thank you, Elemi.”
“Anything for you, Ki dearest,” the ship crooned. “Transporting now.”
A good thing Sherri hadn’t wasted her breath commenting about the ship’s syrupy tone of voice. She’d spend all day explaining her choice words to her alien companion.
The blackness of the star-strung space changed to near pitch-black.
What? Where did the stars go?
“Here, put these on.” Ki placed a lightweight pair of glasses in her hand. “The Geidonns are photo sensitive and cannot have bright light in their living quarters. These will help you see while you’re here.”
Heh…reverse sunglasses. It took a moment to blink and adjust to the change. Well, at least she didn’t have to fumble around in the dark. A quick check around the area showed a hollow room, empty except for the raised platform where she and Ki waited.
/> “Good, you are here.” A deep, masculine voice boomed. “Please explain yourself.”
Sherri twitched, and tried not to jump off the platform. What the hell? She glanced around and couldn’t find the speaker. Just as she opened her mouth to ask where the sound came from, Ki bowed with his right arm crossing his massive chest.
“Thank you for receiving us, Researcher Wapho.” Ki’s tone remained respectful as he straightened.
It took a minute before it dawned on Sherri that Ki was looking down—way down—as he spoke.
She jumped when the small, three-foot-tall person, er, alien, moved in front of him.
An alien who glared at her much larger companion, arms crossed over his narrow chest. He wore billowy brown trousers encased in dark-taupe boots with a nondescript tan pullover shirt left untucked.
Holy shit, he was the four-eyed alien who spoke on the vid. Funny, she’d imagined him much bigger.
While small in stature, his body was in perfect proportion for his size.
“Yes, well, this is highly irregular and unprecedented.” The little being huffed and smacked nonexistant lips, standing with knuckled fists on narrow hips. “But, no matter.” He turned to leave the box-shaped room through an open arched doorway. “Now that you’re here, let’s find out what you think is so urgent.”
The tiny male swiveled his head at Sherri as his eyes independently examined her. The top eyes rolled toward the corners while the lower two went cross-eyed.
Wow, that was bizarre on so many levels. Ki had reached over and grasped her elbow while they walked. Good thing he saved her the embarrassment of staring back.
“I assure you”—Ki’s gentle grip on her arm kept her focused on where they walked—“not only are we here to warn you, but we have put measures in place to protect what scientific information you and your colleagues are working on.”
With steady steps, they went through a sharp-edged corridor the color of milk. Various aliens of the same race as their reluctant host filled the hallway. None were taller than three-and-a-half feet, but the thin hairs on their bodies ranged from light blue to gray to pale silver. Some fur colors appeared dimmer than their counterparts’ did. Maybe that was a sign of advanced age.
