by Rose, Renee
“Where, brother?” Lanz gives me a look. “Give me the coordinates, and we’ll be there in a heartbeat.”
“I don’t know.” Frustration wells up. “Listen. I’m grateful the human females are here short-term to help us carry our DNA and heritage forward. But some planet rotation we won’t need them anymore.” I shrug. “Be better off without them and their erratic emotions and unpredictable behaviors.”
The image of Kianna looms up in my mind—her constant teasing and prodding. The way she looks up at me with feigned wide-eyed innocence out of those huge, green eyes. The way her long black hair looks all silky and soft on her shoulders. I constantly have to guard myself against falling for her allure. Her beauty, the sensuality of her soft form, the musical lilt of her voice—all are like an abyss sucking me in, swallowing me whole.
“It’s no wonder you’re still alone.” Domm ducks free from Lanz, and punches me harder than I punched him, and I think there’s a degree of actual anger in it. “Time for you to open your eyes and see that Zandian life is moving on. Suggest you come along with us.” He raises a brow. “Because Mirelle is not just adequate to be my mate and the mother of my young, she’s perfect. I’d choose her any planet rotation, even if a thousand Zandian females showed up.”
“That’s right.” Lanz crosses his arms.
“Well, she’s different,” I allow. “She’s a good fighter. Even if she’s too emotional.”
“You need to be more emotional.” Domm grins. “Be good for you.”
Rumor is that Zandians with human brides become as emotional as their human mates. I would sooner die than face that fate.
I growl. “Get out of here. You’re getting soft.”
“Still see you later for sparring practice?” Lanz puts up both hands and dances. “You’re getting weak, old one. Hoping that you senior citizens can still muster up some strength to fight.”
“You’re going to go put some healing lotion on that place I hit you,” I tell him. “And as for senior citizen, yes, I may be a few solar cycles older than you are. But also several solar cycles wiser.”
He snorts even as he grins. Following his gaze, I see what has captured his attention as their human lifts her hand to wave when the group around her begins to disperse. Lanz slaps my shoulder. “Well, I’m wise enough to know that Mirelle’s far better company than you—”
“Not to mention a much more entertaining sparring partner,” Domm cuts in to add.
He and Domm grab their gear and head off, joking and pushing each other in a companionable brotherhood that makes me wistful—for a split second.
Then I shake my head. How in the stars can two Zandians share one female without getting angry and jealous? I could never do it.
I think about them going back to their domicile with Mirelle, and what they will be doing. Her loud cries, her soft skin…
But as I imagine the picture, the Zandian doing the vecking is me. And the soft beautiful human beneath my hard body, the one whose eyes flash and whose soft little cries undo me, is Kianna. The one whose alabaster ass tips up for my hand is the little female who sasses me every planet rotation here on the jobsite. The one I’m dying to take over my lap and punish and then veck until her eyes fill with stars and her lips are full of my name, only my name, forever.
I push one fist into the other. These thoughts don’t help anything. Sure, Kianna is the prettiest human on the planet. And I’ve seen the way she looks at me, her eyes full of heat and hope. And yes, I’d like to take her back to my dome and make her mine. For a solar cycle or two.
But I don’t want a human mate. And even if I’d be satisfied to get her out of my system, I can’t be sure she’d do the same. Humans, I’ve come to learn, bond completely. That’s the last thing I need.
I head back to my workstation and pick up the capacitors and resistors. My king has given me an order, and I will carry it out. I will create the perfect energy storage system so that we can capture the light energy from the solstice.
Still, as I cipher rapidly, working out equations regarding max flux and heat transfer, I’m thinking about Kianna’s smile.
Chapter 2
Kianna
“What do you think of this one?” In front of me, my friend Mirelle twirls, holding up a gossamer gown that looks like it’s made of spider silk and air.
“I think you and your mates won’t even make it to the Crystal festival.” I raise my eyebrows. “You’ll stay at home all solar cycle long.”
She laughs and turns pink. “Oh, stop.” She places the dress back on the bed, smoothing it with her fingers and arranging the sleeves. “It will be a fun change to wear this instead of my flight suit.”
We both look across the room to where her black trousers and fitted top hang on a rack, along with a state of the art helmet and boots.
“You are such a badass. No wonder everyone loves you.” I can’t imagine what kind of courage it takes to fly out into the void every cycle, relying only on your quick wits to avoid death at every turn. I shudder.
“Everyone loves you too.” She glances at her wrist. “Kee. Look how fast this is healing! See?”
I look at the thin white scar. “Wasn’t that cut open just yesterday?” I take her hand and pull her arm closer; she lets me. I whistle. “Wow, that’s something else.”
She nods. “Yup. It’s the new healing tech from the palace. Plus, you know, I have some Zandian blood in me.”
“From when your mates gave you a transfusion to save your life, right?” I let her arm go. It’s thin but strong, muscled and taut. She really is an extraordinary being. Maybe if I was more like her, tougher, smarter? Maybe then Mykl would—
“Yeah. Dr. Daneth is researching whether we can do something like that for all humans, but it’s still in the beginning stages. So I get to be a superhero for now.” She picks up the dress and slides it back into her clothing area. Looks back at me. “But you are, too.”
“I think you’d be a superhero even if you had sand in your veins. I mean, you’ve been an outlaw pirate fighter since you were born.” I can’t keep a note of jealousy out of my voice. “Whereas I can’t even garner the respect of my stupid master.”
“Mykl.” She comes and sits beside me.
“Yes. Mykl.” Even just saying his name gives me a little thrill, a little pop of adrenaline in my stomach.
“He’s a bit of a challenge.”
“You don’t say.” I narrow my eyes, and we both giggle.
“I think…” She hesitates. “I mean, I see him looking at you, sometimes.” She pauses again. “It’s different from the way he looks at me or Amber.”
“How do you mean?” I’m eager for this. Lap it up like it’s the purest of water, and I’m dying of thirst. “How?”
“Well.” She purses her lips. “Sometimes he looks at you for a long time, a few seconds longer than a being typically examines another. And his eyes are so fierce.”
“That could be because he hates me.”
“I don’t think so.” She shakes her head. “It’s more the kind of look that means he wants to eat you up. Devour you. Kill you, but in a good way.”
“Right.” I wrinkle my mouth. “More like in the traditional way.”
“He gets so irritated at you. It’s like you’re under his skin.”
“No, he’s just sensitive to being teased.”
“But mostly by you.” She raises a brow. “And he stands really close to you when you two are arguing. Closer than beings do. I think it means something.”
“It means he thinks I’m difficult, and he needs to get in really close to tell me all about it.” I’ve noticed all the things she said. I just don’t want to assume anything and then get my heart broken.
“I think he’d like to tell you all about his huge Zandian cock.” She sticks out her tongue.
I make a tiny scream of delight. “Mother Earth, no! He does not.”
“Bet you.”
“No.” I stand up. “So what is the
human group doing to prepare for the festival?”
“The decoration committee asked if you want to help.” She goes to her food storage area. “Want some berries?”
“Please.” I join her at the table, where she sets out fluid tubes as well. “That could be fun.”
“The entire city will be transformed into a crystal paradise.” Her voice is reverent. “We’re going to have lanterns and crystals all over. The entire capital will sparkle with light and love.”
“Ribbons too?”
“Yes, made of spider silk.” She leaves the berries, grabs her comm device and pulls up some images. “Look at these renderings I got from Esalyn. This is how the main streets will look.”
“Oh, Mother Earth.” My voice is low. “It’s like—nothing I’ve seen.”
The human woman has skillfully drawn a perfect rendition of the main square, and the way it’s decked out with crystals and flowing cloths and shining lanterns makes something sing inside my soul.
“It’s not even the festival yet, and I’m already happy.”
“That’s why it’s so powerful.” Mirelle takes my hand across the table. “The energy in the air is already higher as the sun gets closer to the peak. The solstice itself is just the maximum point. And every being, not just Zandians, feels the energy.”
A pang of unease intrudes. “But the whole emphasis on mating selection.” I pull my hand away from hers. “That’s a big part of it, this time.”
“Well.” She doesn’t meet my eyes. Gets busy with the berries, arranging them on a plate with some kind of luscious cream. “It’s not a mandate, Kee. But yes, the king does want all unmated beings on the planet to make a real effort to choose. If they can. You know he doesn’t ever force.”
I nod. “I’ve been here an entire solar cycle and I’m still unmated.” And I feel super guilty about it.
Mirelle pushes the berries to me. “So I know you have a thing for Mykl. But if that doesn’t work out… I mean, how about those two warriors who like you? Arc and Bow? They’re handsome. Don’t you think?”
I shrug. In truth, the tall, fierce Zandians are—objectively speaking—are some of the hottest males on this planet. I know I’m lucky that such successful, strong and handsome beings want me. But it’s hard to muster enthusiasm at the idea of mating them. I can’t imagine being with one, let alone both.
“What if you just spent a little time with them? Just to see?”
“I guess.” My voice holds little enthusiasm. “I mean, is that an order from the king, or something?”
“First of all, I’m not his messenger. He has other beings for that. Second, didn’t we just talk about how he won’t force people into becoming couples?” Mirelle rolls her eyes.
“I just think I’m overstaying my welcome if I don’t get mated. I mean, every other human female finds someone right away. I’m taking too long.”
Mirelle looks at me, and her eyes hold sympathy. “I hope things work out with Mykl. And it’s fun to talk about him. But if it just won’t happen, you need to move on. Pick someone else. It’s better for you, too.”
Anger surges. “Yeah, you think? Thanks for the news flash.”
At the startled hurt in her eyes, I sigh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just on edge. Please forgive me.”
“I forgive you.” She smiles. “Just… spend some quality time with them. Okay? I’ll set something up with my mates. A get-together for all of us. No pressure. Say yes?” A beat goes by. “I just want to see you happy. You know, so many couples or trios here on Zandia ended up loving beings they initially didn’t even like. sometimes when you spend time, that spark is there. Give yourself a chance just to see.”
“Fine. Set it up.” I swallow. “I’ll talk to them again and see how it goes. But no promises.”
Her smile is wide and enthusiastic. “Great! This is going to be fun. You’ll see.”
* * *
Kianna
I am not having fun.
“You look lovely.” Arc lowers his head briefly and a glimpse of heat flares in his eyes, turning them more purple.
“Thank you.” My cheeks heat. Both of them—Arc and Bow, stand in front of me, massive and strong.
Bow smiles. “We are honored to escort you to the crystal viewing ceremony.” He offers me his arm. As I take it, Arc is right there for my other one.
It shouldn’t be a hardship to have two of Zandia’s most handsome eligible males at my side, but instead of focusing on these two beings, I glance around the Royal Falls grotto and caves area surreptitiously, checking to see who’s present. And who’s not.
“This is one of the most beautiful and sacred places on Zandia, the same location that will be the epicenter of the upcoming solstice.” Bow acts like he’s a tour guide, and I stifle my irritation because I already know these facts.
“Yes, I’m aware.” I smile at him.
Arc continues as if I haven’t spoken, taking over seamlessly for his friend. “This solar rotation, the sun will hit the very edge of the massive crystal formation at the top opening of the largest cave, sending a spike of light partway down into the grottos, illuminating ancient carvings on the wall.”
“So it shall.” I bite my cheek. Look around once more. Arc has a chiseled jaw and strongly muscled arms, but Mother Earth, he’s sort of… boring.
The things he speaks of fascinate me, though. In just a few more solar cycles, the sun will hit the crystal formation head on, and the resulting light will diffract and diffuse along the crystal grid all through the caves and all across Zandia.
I don’t understand the physics of it, and I’m not sure our scientists do, either. All we know is that this thing happens once a solar cycle; when the sun hits the main crystal, the entire planet is bathed in a healing, empowering light. And this is the 1000th anniversary; the light will be extra strong at this solstice.
“Kianna. Let’s get a spot in front.” Mirelle comes up, her two mates behind her. She gives me a quick hug.
Relieved to see her, I squeeze her tightly. “That’s why we’re early, right?” I smile at how her two powerful warriors let her lead the way. When I see the expressions on their faces, besotted infatuation, I roll my eyes and smile. Then I bite my lip. Glance around again.
“Are you looking for someone?” Arc raises a brow. “I can summon anyone you wish.” He taps his wrist band.
“No. Thank you. I’m just examining the crowd.”
“So many beings here. It’s amazing.” Arc puts his arm around my shoulder, lightly, but the touch—deliberate—makes me anxious.
I feel eyes on me and turn, hoping it’s—“Oh, hey, Cressa.” I wrinkle my nose.
I don’t know her well, but Cressa is a recent addition to Zandia. She’s a few years younger than I am, and she works in the med area with Dr. Daneth and his mate, learning to be a physician.
“Oh. Kianna.” Her voice is flat, like mine. I notice that she’s dressed as if ready for a coronation—her dress fits her perfectly, and it’s even fancier than Mirelle’s. She’s so pretty—her skin is flawless, her eyes so wide and clear that she looks unreal. Her hair is a tumult of curls, all blond and red and brown mixed together. A rare combination.
She looks at Arc and Bow on either side of me, and her face tightens. “Arc. Bow.” She nods her head.
When she doesn’t step away, I realize I’m going to have to converse. “So. Cressa. How are things in the medical world?”
“Fine.” She blinks at me.
“Um, that’s great.” I glance to the side for Mirelle, but she’s darted away to chat with someone else. I hear her light laughter floating over.
“So.” I tap my foot.
“What are, ah, you up to these solar cycles?” She swallows.
Why is she bothering to chit chat? This is awkward at best. “Yeah, things. The solar cap banks, stuff like that.” I nod longer than necessary.
When she doesn’t answer, I start to say, “Well, I think we’ll head over�
�” just as she turns to Arc and says with a smile, “So Arc! I heard you’re going for lieutenant next month. I just wanted to wish you the best of luck with that.”
“Thanks, Cressa.” Arc takes his arm off my shoulder and steps forward. He’s so polite. I really should try to appreciate him more. “I’m the youngest recruit ever, but I’m working hard and I’m confident I can do it.”
“Well, the way you handled the raid at Xeres 7 was impressive. If they review that documentation, I’d say you’re a sure thing.” She bounces a little and her smile takes over her face.
I try not to make a face. Battles are completely not my thing. I didn’t even know Arc was up for promotion—not that we have really spent much time talking.
“You learned about that battle?” Bow steps forward toward Cressa, too.
“Oh, well, yes.” She turns pink. “I did, actually. I find it fascinating. And anyway, it’s important to learn about battle history since I’m focusing on new techniques to handle war injuries.”
I feel eyes on me again, and this time I know it’s Mykl. I turn, and there he is. Looking at me with a narrowed gaze, like he’s displeased to see me with Arc and Bow. Could he possibly be jealous?
At first I’m glad if he is. Then I’m terrified. He barely likes me as it is. He’s not the kind of Zandian who’d pursue me if it was even more difficult.
Arc and Bow are still engaged in polite conversation with Cressa. “Excuse me for just a minute,” I murmur, touching Bow on the arm. “I’ll be right back—just going to speak with a, ah, friend. Being. Someone.” I scoot between their strong bodies.
But Mykl’s disappeared. I glance around wildly, trying to locate him, but through the increasing throng, I can’t see where he went.
“Veck,” I curse. Like my human friends, I’ve adopted some of the Zandian words into the Ocretian we all speak.
Then I think I glimpse his cloak over to the left, away from the masses, behind a tree. I head over, and there he is—in a semi-secluded spot. Strange to find privacy in the midst of such a gathering.
