Rykhan (Book 1 of Mate Search Series)

by J. A. Hornbuckle

  Not really. Not until that very instant.

  It was a moment that went on and on as the sounds of the many voices dropped away, as even the other human bodies ceased to exist in his concentrated regard of his female. And she didn’t seem to want to look away from him either, didn’t play a game of flirtation, the pretend coyness or false shyness that he’d been subjected to while moving amongst the other females seated at their tables. No, her clear gaze lacked pretense and he wondered at her courage in staring down a Picari warrior in his prime and well caught in the middle of his quest.

  Almost without his volition, his feet moved and he wound his way in and around the various clusters of humans standing between them but their connected gaze never faltered. As he made his way closer, her shiny, full lips part as she wet the bottom one with her tongue. His already full tailpor flexed at the subtle, yet innocently alluring gesture.

  He finally stood in front of her and he could not help breathing deep in order to take in more of the heady fragrance that exuded from her skin, any more than he could help searching her dark eyes for any sort of recognition of what they were to mean to one another. Finding none and wanting to get through the introductions as quickly as possible, he spoke without any sort of preamble.

  “I am Rykhan of Galaxi,” he pronounced carefully in English.

  She smiled slowly and he found he liked the way her eyes crinkled at the corners as she did so. “I’m Leah from Phoenix.” She blinked and dropped her eyes to the smaller female standing next to her side. “And this is my friend, Pam.”

  He pointed his chin in the general direction of the other female but his eyes never left the beauty of his Leah’s face. It was all he could do to offer that little bit of acknowledgment for the other one when the vision, the connection, and the aroma of his mate consumed him. However, at the confusion he sensed from her, he knew he needed to speak again.

  “It is nice to finally meet you,” he ground out. Each of his carefully chosen group had been studying English as well as the cultural greetings and goodbyes but the actual speaking and interaction with the humans was still new enough to be uncomfortable

  “Finally? Well, okay. But you would’ve eventually met me,” she said softly with a tilt of her head. “Probably in the next round of musical chairs.”

  He tried to make sense of what she said, of the meaning of her words but he was unable. There must have been evidence of his struggle because she went on.

  “You know, like the kid’s game? That’s what this thing feels like to me anyway,” she explained, pointing her thumb over her shoulder at the open doorway.

  “Will you be staying until the end?” He had to know if there was any possible way to separate her from the others now beginning to surround them. Her feelings seemed much more relaxed the more they spoke together

  Leah’s eyebrows rose slightly as their gaze again caught and held. Her emotion morphed into something that held more caution. “Well, I did pay for the experience. I guess I’m kind of stuck here until it’s over.”

  Rykhan’s impatience rode him hard but he planned to make his intentions clear before allowing her to get away. “May I take you out afterward?”

  “I think they have rules against that,” the smaller female, Pam, advised. “I think you turn in a piece of paper of the people you want to see again and then you’ll get an email.”

  What a torturous thought! To wait until someone else provided him with his own mate’s contact information? Not while he lived and breathed! “That will not…work for me, unfortunately. Surely we can simply go for…” Rykhan tried to remember the correct sequence of events as expected by a human female when being pursued by a male. “…a coffee when you are finished here?”

  “You aren’t going back inside?” Her voice gave evidence of the surprise he felt along their connection. He wondered if she had a sense of what he was feeling as well, although he could not be sure. Was she unaware of the link already growing between them?

  Wyst moved to stand beside him and took the initiative to answer for him. “I believe my brother has already found what he came to find.”

  Leah’s lips again parted and her eyes widened at Wyst’s words. Along with her surprised look, Rykhan detected a change in her scent, a muddling that signaled the first stirring of caution at the other warrior’s words. “I believe what Wyst meant was that I no longer find this event suitable for me and my search.”

  Glancing between the two men, Rykhan’s female seemed to brush aside whatever had made her wary. “Hi, West. I’m Leah and this is my friend, Pam.”

  “Interesting name,” Pam cooed, swirling the remaining liquid in her glass while looking up at Wyst through her heavily coated eyelashes. “And you say you’re brothers?”

  “Brother in arms,” Wyst supplied. “As for my name, it is spelled differently than the direction in which your sun sets. W-Y-S-T.”

  While their two companions continued conversing, Rykhan and Leah remained as they had been since the moment their eyes had locked. It was not until Sabrina, the female hostess of the event came by and shook her small bell that caused their eyes to disengage.

  Rykhan’s gut twisted at the break of their shared stare.

  “C’mon folks, we still have round two,” Sabrina called to the room at large before she turned and placed a long talon-tipped finger to the middle of Rykhan’s chest. “And there are several ladies that have specifically asked to meet you, handsome!”

  Leaning back as far as possible without actually taking a step, Rykhan could not help his shudder of revulsion at the woman’s touch, especially in front of his predestined mate. “I am sorry but we will not be continuing this evening.”

  “You’re not staying for the second half?” The small redhead’s demeanor went from sexy to sneering in half a heartbeat at the news. “We don’t give refunds, you know.”

  “Nor did we ask for one,” Rykhan smoothly replied as he turned to capture Leah’s hand, removing her wine glass before he handed both it and his tumbler to the furious Sabrina. “Would you take care of these for us? Thank you very much.”

  Wyst grabbed Pam’s drink and went to give them to the redheaded hostess but the woman speared the other warrior with a narrow-eyed glare and quickly marched away. Shrugging, Wyst simply set the glasses on the floor by the wall before offering his arm to the much smaller Pam. “Shall we?”

  As the blonde-haired person looped her elbow around his with a giggle, Rykhan’s hand unerringly found Leah’s and he threaded his fingers through hers.

  Rykhan did not think it was his imagination when his wahrom firmly pulsed, growing even hotter with their skin-to-skin contact. She disconnected their handclasp in order to raise it to her own bicep to rub, shocking him to his core. He sensed a flash of her bafflement along their link as she stroked her arm. “Are you all right, Leah of Phoenix?”

  “I-I think so. It’s just my arm got really hot for a second,” she said, raising her eyes to his. “When you t-touched me.”

  As her hand fell away and he reached to gather it in his own, Rykhan eyed the place where she had indicated the perception of heat. When he saw the slightly pink outline that marred her beautiful skin, he could not help his stagger.

  ‘That’s not possible!’ his mind roared, but he had seen it, seen the outline of his own wahrom on her flesh even though the pink was fading fast. Almost as fast as the thoughts swirling through his head. Overcome with the mere idea of his brand on her beautiful, creamy flesh, he almost did not hear her.

  “Are you okay?” Her eyes squinted and a tiny furrow appeared between her brows. “I mean, I get the feeling that you’re in a state of shock about something.”

  Praise Tsiran! He was sure she also had felt his emotions along the link of their connection,! Too stunned to speak, Rykhan squeezed her fingers in reply. Her touch seemed to calm him and allow his hearts to slow their rapid rhythm.

  It was obvious she was unaware of what was going on between them. He did not know th
e English words to explain. Not the right words to help her realize that since their birth, Rykhan and Leah had been destined to be together. He only prayed given time, his Leah would find their preordained union as exhilarating as he already did.

  “Where do you want to go?” Her voice quiet as they stepped into the warm September night, stopping on the sidewalk just outside of the casino’s doors to join the other couple who were chatting and laughing.

  Turning in order to face her fully, Rykhan spoke from his very soul, not caring who overheard. “Anywhere. Everywhere. Just as long as I’m with you, Leah, I absolutely do not care.”

  A split-second before she stepped back, twisting her wrist to pull her hand out of his, Rykhan again became aware of the change in her emotions as well as her scent, at the dark metallic tang of the trepidation, which was very evident on her face.

  He had spoken without thinking. Had talked much too plainly, too early in the dance of human courtship and had made her cautious, wary which was the complete opposite of what he had hoped to achieve with his honest words.

  “Well I, for one, am starved!” Pam announced, with a handclap. Turning to Wyst, she propped a hand on one hip and with a challenge in her voice, asked, “What are your thoughts on double bacon cheeseburgers? Are you for or against them?”

  The other man shot Rykhan a look but even Rykhan could not answer, having absolutely no idea what a cheeseburger was. “For?”

  “Are you asking me or telling me?” Pam’s voice held the edge of laughter as she teased the brawny warrior whose own face reflected delight at their play.

  “Telling. I am telling you.” The deeply grumbled reply came through smiling lips.

  “All right, then. I say we hit it!” Pam announced, grabbing Wyst’s arm. Looking over her shoulder at the couple who stood side by side but were no longer touching, the petite blonde-haired woman laughed outright. “Shake your tail-feathers, folks! There’s grub that needs grabbing! I’ll drive.” Pointing a finger at Wyst, she continued. “And you, you hunka-hunk of burning love, get to ride shotgun.”

  “I haven’t any idea of anything you just said,” Wyst muttered, casting a wary glance in Rykhan’s direction before stepping from the sidewalk to the asphalt. “But it sounds like fun.”

  “You betcha ass, ‘cause fun is my middle name.”

  “Wait!” Leah shout was breathy, causing all three to stop in their tracks and turn to her. Rykhan liked the way her cheeks reddened before she seized Pam’s arm to propel her friend a few steps away. “I need to talk to Pam a minute.”

  Wyst moved closer to his fellow warrior as the women moved closer to the doors. “What is the problem, do you think? I thought we were leaving because the small, loud female was hungry.”

  “I believe she is nervous about leaving with us,” Rykhan growled, his eyes glued to the beautiful, dark-haired female.. For some reason, he was not yet ready to speak of his connection to his beautiful Leah. “We are strangers and they have been cautioned against strangers since they were younglings.”

  Wyst turned to glance at the women who seemed to be engaged in an argument although it performed in whispers. “So it’s true. Females are so plentiful on this world that they are not valued and can be vulnerable to the darker natures of the human males.” He turned back to Rykhan. “I did not believe it when I read it.”

  “Nor did I,” Rykhan replied, his eyes never leaving her. “And as a Protector, the thought makes my blood boil.”

  “Okay, change in plans,” Pam announced as she strode back to where the warriors stood. “This place has a couple of restaurants so we’re all going to just hang here.”

  “Hang?” Wyst’s voice held an incredulous note that made the smaller woman giggle. “Wouldn’t sitting to consume a meal be more comfortable?”

  “Oh, buddy. You’ve got a lot to learn!” Pam snagged the arm of Wyst’s jacket and stepped back towards the lobby doors with a smile. “C’mon you two. Let’s eat!”

  Immediately, Rykhan moved to Leah but was careful not to crowd her. Her wariness reached him in subtle waves and he did not want to alarm her further. He smiled and received one in return which trembled the tiniest bit at the corners. He reminded himself to behave more circumspectly around her even though it chaffed at him to do so.

  “Is your Pam always so…” Rykhan started but did not know how to continue without saying something which might sound derogatory.

  “Effervescent? Enthused? Energetic?” Leah supplied as they turned as one to follow the other couple back inside. “Pretty much. I’ve known her since we were nine and she’s always been a live wire.”

  “That is a good description. A live electrical wire. Yes, I can see that.” Rykhan did not want to talk about Pam. In fact, if he had his way there would be no talking between them because their lips would be used other purposes. Like those he had viewed on Earth’s vids. However, it was too soon for that if a simple, truthful declaration had caused her to act and feel so guarded. A human couple walked towards them, aiming for the elevators and the male’s hand settled low on his partner’s back, guiding her in the right direction. Perhaps that movement was the socially appropriate way the people of Earth touched early in their pair bonding.

  Rykhan let his eyes follow Pam and Wyst as they continued to walk while laughing and teasing one another. He brought his fingers to Leah’s back, feeling the roughness of her glittery top. When she did not pull away, he took heart. Though he was anxious to claim her as his own, he would allow her to set the pace in a way that was most comfortable to her. It was through their shared connection Rykhan knew he had made the right move at the correct time.

  “God! What a couple of slow-pokes!” Pam announced from a pair of glass doors halfway down the hall. “Get a move on, people!”

  “She’s also pretty impatient,” Leah whispered meeting his gaze. Her eyes were not brown as he had originally thought but a beautiful deep, deep green.

  He bit back his smile at her words but humor laced his voice as he replied, “I can see that.”

  There was a flurry of activity as the hostess led them to a table encircled by one continuous seat in a shiny sort of covering. The young human female handed them large rectangles of plastic and advised them that their ‘waiter’ would be with them shortly.

  “What do you call this thing?” Wyst asked. Their two female companions had sat in the middle, allowing Rykhan and Wyst to commandeer the seating closer to the aisle.

  “What thing?” Pam’s muffled came from behind the large plastic she held close to her face.

  Wyst sighed and Rykhan knew it was because in spite of all their studies aboard the star-cruiser, the practical application of their knowledge lagged. “This thing we are sitting on.”

  Both women lowered the red rectangles they held and looked at him in confusion. “You mean the booth?” Pam’s blonde eyebrows shot up and bewilderment marred Leah’s face. The sense of confusion came through their link as well.

  “Ah…a booth!” Rykhan exclaimed and received a sharp glance from Wyst probably for his tone of voice. He only hoped his friend and brother-warrior would go along with how Rykhan intended to work their lack of knowledge. “It is called something different on our wor…I mean, in our country. What is this called?” He flapped the piece of flimsy plastic that contained both writing and pictures.

  “A menu?” Leah responded, her frown of puzzlement somehow deeper than it had been.

  Directing his grin at Rykhan, Wyst signaled his agreement to the plan. “There are so many things we’ve read and heard about but still so much is different for us.”

  “Read about?” Pam’s voice squeaked which Rykhan thought signaled her own bemusement at Wyst’s explanation. Luckily, a young male approached them with glasses filled with ice and liquid. After setting them down, he reached into a pocket of the small black piece of fabric surrounding his waist and pulled out a pad of paper and a pen. Both of the warriors had been surprised to see that the people of Earth still used an a
ntiquated mode of note taking when they received the packet of papers at the speed-dating event. From the looks of it, technology still lagged in a number of areas on the small planet.

  “Can I get you folks something to drink?” the male asked on a bored, heavy exhale. Wyst appeared just as amazed as Rykhan felt. Did not humans drink water? Therefore, why the young male would automatically provide drinks and then ask if he could deliver more was puzzling.

  “Iced tea,” Leah replied without hesitation.

  “Lemonade for me,” Pam said.

  Rykhan was unsure how to respond and that lack of knowledge caused his voice to come out gruffer than he intended. “This liquid is fine.”

  “I do not need anything extra,” Wyst announced and Rykhan wondered how the warrior could sound so sure of himself when Rykhan felt anything close to it.

  The Protectorate warrior, a holder of merits and medals that told of his bravery in the field and in battle within the Picardi Galaxy, realized he was completely out of his depths. Nevertheless, Rykhan was determined not to let it show.

  Especially not in front of the woman he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt was his.

  Chapter Eight

  As Leah sat back in the booth, she freely admitted that Rykhan made her nervous. Whether it was the intensity in the way he stared at her or the way he’d boldly confessed he was very, very interested in being with her, it was just too much to handle.

  Which didn’t even come close to how she could almost feel his emotions. How was that possible?

  She somehow knew of his physical desire for her as well as his feelings of acceptance of who she was, just as she was. And when he’d spoken about being happy just being with her? She’d known without a doubt he’d been totally honest.

  But that wasn’t feasible, was it?

  That was why she’d needed to pull Pam aside and argue against leaving the casino. Sure both men were tall, buff and too gorgeous for words. But wasn’t it a red flag? Why would guys that looked like they did want to be with her and her friend, especially when compared to all the other beautiful women that had attended the event?