My Chameleon Loves [Galactic Nuptials 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Missy Martine

  He walked over and turned on the water and then pointed to a collection of small spouts on the wall beside the tub. “Here are some different scented soaps for you to use. Nothing is harmful so just indulge yourself. The towels are on this heated rack.” He bent and opened the cabinet under the sink. Grinning, he pulled out a fat, pink plastic pillow. “Use this and just relax for a while. It’ll be easier for you to sleep if you soak for a while.” He gave her a tender smile. “Is there anything else you need?”

  Jeni felt her pulse race as a tingling sensation washed over her skin. She wanted to walk into his arms and find the comfort she knew would be there. She felt safe with him and Kernz, and that’s something she’d never really experienced before. She cleared her throat and lowered her eyes. “Yes, as a matter of fact I’m going to need some clothes and maybe something to sleep in.”

  Zin’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, no. We forgot to get your luggage at the station.”

  Jeni shook her head and crossed her arms across her chest. “There isn’t any luggage.”

  “You didn’t bring your things with you?”

  She shrugged. “No. Rich said that prisoners don’t pack their suitcases when they go to jail. They depend on the prison to furnish what clothes they’re allowed to have. He said I’d have to make do with whatever you could give me here.”

  Zin’s eyebrows lowered, drawing together. His fists clenched, his nostrils flaring. “I’ll lay a shirt on the bed that will do for sleepwear, and we’ll find something for you to wear tomorrow. I think we can borrow some things from Freya until we can send off-world to get some new things for you.”

  Jeni nodded and blinked back tears. “Thank you, Zin. I’m sorry to be such a bother.”

  “You’re not a bother, flower. But I’m definitely going to have words with Rich before this night is over.”

  She grabbed his arm as he walked toward the door. “Be careful of him, Zin. He doesn’t seem quite right to me. I’d be wary of him. I don’t wanna see you get hurt.”

  “Don’t worry, love. I’ll be careful, I promise. You don’t worry about them. There’s no way I’ll allow them to take you away now that we finally have you. If you need us for anything, just come looking. My room is the last door down the hall, and Kernz is right next door to you.” He paused and took a step closer. “May I kiss you good night?”

  Jeni licked her lips and nodded. Zin moved closer and took her in his arms. For a moment he stared into her eyes and then he bent, closing his lips over hers. At first, Jeni held herself stiffly. When he began to nibble the corners of her mouth, she melted, her body almost fusing with his. They were pressed tightly together, her breasts against his chest, his erection tight against her abdomen. When his tongue tickled the seam of her lips, she opened to let him inside. The warm wet glide of his tongue against hers had her moaning harshly. Her hands snaked up his arms to clench in the silky strands of hair on the back of his head while his closed over her ass, hauling her up against his chest. Slowly she let her hands slide down his chest to the fastenings of his shirt. She’d just begun to pull the material apart when he ended the kiss and set her on her feet. He seemed to be having as much trouble catching his breath as she was. She could see his nostrils flare as he took in her scent, his hand coming up to tenderly trace the contours of her face. “Sleep well, flower.” He turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.

  * * * *

  Zin sat down at the kitchen table and ran his fingers through his hair, his hand slightly trembling. He looked up when the door opened and Kernz and Rmantk walked in. “What’s wrong?” Rmantk had a troubled look on his face.

  “We need to talk, my prince.”

  Zin sighed. “I told you to cut that nonsense out. Here, I’m just Zin.”

  “Fine! Zin it is. I think we may have trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?”

  Kernz pulled a chair out and sat down. “We think the men from Earth may be hiding something.”

  Rmantk sank into a chair and rubbed the back of his head. “They’re guards, but I sense that one or both of them is something more. They’re very adept at hiding their thoughts, but I’ve definitely picked up they’re trying to hide something from you.”

  Kernz nodded. “I’ve sensed it as well. What do you think they want?”

  Zin shrugged. “I’m not sure, but I’m willing to bet it has something to do with what our mate is hiding.”

  “What are you talking about?” asked Rmantk.

  Kernz got up and pulled three bottles of Sajja from their cooler unit. “We sat through her trial back on Earth. At first she insisted she was innocent. Then, near the end of the trial, she changed her plea to guilty.”

  Rmantk took the bottle he offered and frowned. “She admitted to committing a crime?”

  Zin took a long drink and set the bottle on the table. “She didn’t admit to anything. She changed her plea to guilty for some unknown reason. We know she had a closed-door meeting with her attorney the day before her plea changed. What we don’t know is what was said during that meeting.”

  “Do you know for a fact she wasn’t guilty?” Rmantk leaned back when Zin cursed.

  Zin understood the question. Only a true mate can read the inner emotions of their Laan Asawa. “It’s a difficult question to answer.”

  Rmantk scoffed. “What’s so difficult? Either she is innocent or guilty.”

  “She didn’t steal the money for herself, but I’m convinced she knows where the money is. There’s something to the story we don’t know.” Zin frowned and looked at Kernz. “Do you agree?”

  “Yes. She’s filled with sorrow and fear about something.”

  Rmantk absently peeled the label on his bottle. “You said she was headed for prison without your offer. Wouldn’t that be enough to instill fear in her?”

  Zin shrugged. “Maybe, but in this case I think there’s something else she’s afraid of. Something that’s consuming her, all powerful that she can’t control.”

  “Does she know what you are?” asked Rmantk.

  “No, not yet.” Zin stood and placed his bottle in the sink. “I wanted to wait until we got her here before we showed her what we can do. I know I don’t want to show her in front of her so-called guards.”

  Rmantk stood and crossed to the door. “What are you going to do?”

  Zin looked at Kernz and smiled. “Whatever we have to do to protect our mate.”

  * * * *

  Jeni squeezed the sponge over her shoulder and groaned with the warm sluice of water down her back. Sighing, she leaned back and rested her head on the soft bath pillow. The constant whirr of the overhead fan had her struggling to stay awake. If things had been different, she could have been totally all over Zin and Kernz. They were sexy as hell, but it was hard to get excited when the long arm of the law watched her every move. Something about Rich made her uncomfortable. He watched her every move on the shuttle, never giving her a moment of privacy. She shuddered to think what might have happened if Danny hadn’t been traveling with them. Rich acted like he knew nothing he did would have any consequences. He’s probably on Carl’s payroll. I’ve just got to stay clear of him for the next two weeks. Zin promised he wouldn’t let them take me back, and I trust him and Kernz.

  “I made the right decision. Carl would have found a way to get to me if I’d stayed on Earth no matter where I was.” She grabbed a towel and wiped the tears from her eyes. Linda, where the hell are you? She’d searched everything in their offices, but there was nothing to tell what happened to her friend. Did you find out what their business really is? Did you see something you weren’t supposed to see? I can’t feel you anymore. What did they do to you?

  Sighing, she released the stopper and stood up, reaching for a fresh towel. Quickly she dried off and went back to the bedroom. She snickered. “Guess Zin forgot about leaving me something to sleep in.” Yanking back the blanket, she crawled onto the fresh, crisp sheets and collapsed, pulling the covers over her naked
body. I’m gonna make this relationship work. I’ve been given a second chance and I’m not gonna blow it. Reaching over, she touched the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. In moments, she drifted off to sleep.

  * * * *

  “How’s that breakfast coming, Zin?”

  Zin glanced at Kernz and turned his attention back to the stove. Slowly he stirred the eggs in the bowl, waiting for the pan on the cooking unit to heat. “As far as I can tell it’s going well. I’m glad you suggested bringing back some of the foods familiar to Jeni, but to be honest, these little white balls look somewhat disgusting when you break them open. I don’t think I’ll be able to eat this.”

  Kernz chuckled. “You don’t eat them raw. It will all change once you put it in a hot pan. The mixture becomes fluffy and quite tasty.”

  “I’ll take your word for it. Are the others coming in for breakfast?”

  “Yes. Tenik said they’d be here in about a half hour. Do you think we ought to wake Jeni up?”

  “Not necessary. I’m already awake.”

  Zin turned to look at his mate standing in the doorway. Her dark-brown hair hung loose, falling in gentle waves over her shoulders. Her green eyes twinkled in the morning light. “Good morning, flower. I hope we didn’t wake you. Did you sleep well?”

  Jeni nodded and moved toward the table. “I slept like a log. It was probably the longest I’ve slept since I went to work for Gracely Investments. I can’t believe how much at peace I feel here.”

  Kernz moved forward and placed his hand on her face. “We want you to feel at peace here, love. We want you to think of this as your home.”

  Zin watched as a blush spread across her fair skin. “Are you hungry?” Her stomach growled loudly in response. Zin laughed. “I guess that answers that.”

  “I’m starving.”

  Zin nodded toward the table. “Then have a seat, and we’ll have you some eggs and bacon in no time.”

  Jeni peered over the stove and grinned. “Really? Bacon and eggs?”

  Kernz dropped his arm across her shoulders. “We thought you might like to have something familiar, so we brought some supplies back from Earth.”

  * * * *

  Jeni watched as Kernz flashed a smile before he moved away. The clink of glasses echoed loudly as he placed them on the table.

  “Jeni,” said Zin. “We thought we’d take you on a tour of the area today and maybe pack a picnic.”

  “That sounds like fun. Is there a lot to see? I mean, is your farm really big?”

  Kernz pulled a pitcher of juice from their fridge. “We have a pretty good-size piece of land we’re responsible for. We were hoping to take you over and show you our version of the ocean.”

  “Oh, I love the ocean. Is it anything like the ones on Earth?” She frowned when she heard the oil sizzling in Zin’s pan.

  “It’s similar in size, but ours is fresh water, so the fish and flora are different.” Zin poured the egg mixture from the bowl into the hot pan and jumped back when it sizzled loudly.

  Jeni frowned and moved closer. “You need to turn down the heat.”

  Zin reached over to obey and jumped back again when a loud whistle sounded from the kettle at the back of the stove. “Kernz, the water is boiling. Why don’t you make Jeni a cup of tea?”

  “You got me tea?”

  Kernz blushed. “Yes, your lawyer told us how much you like a good cup of tea. He picked out some of your favorites and got us the kettle.”

  Jeni turned away and brushed at the moisture in her eyes. No one had ever gone to the trouble to find out what pleased her before. They really care about me.

  Zin tapped the spoon against the side of the pan and then poured the eggs into a bowl. He looked up and grinned. “I think everything’s ready. Kernz, why don’t you call the others to come eat?”

  “Will do.” Kernz moved toward the door but stopped when it opened.

  Rmantk walked in, followed by his two friends and the men from Earth. “Are we too early for a morning meal?”

  Kernz slapped him on the back. “Not at all. Please come in and take a seat.”

  Jeni watched the men file in and then noticed Rich staring at her, a smirk on his face. She glared back and raised her chin a fraction. “As you can see, your presence wasn’t needed. I didn’t run off last night.”

  “You couldn’t have. We made sure to guard around the house last night.”

  Zin turned from the sink and looked at Rmantk. “Is this true? They watched our home during the night?”

  Rmantk shrugged. “I didn’t see the harm in letting them stay outside all night. If they wanted to freeze their asses off, who was I to stop them?”

  Kernz snickered and placed a second pitcher of juice on the table.

  Rich yanked out a chair and sat down, shooting Rmantk a harsh frown.

  “What is that?” asked Tenik.

  Jeni turned to see what he was looking at. “It’s bacon and eggs.” When he gave her a questioning look, she smiled. “They’re from Earth. The eggs come from chickens. They lay the eggs or you can eat the chicken itself.”

  Zin placed the bowl on the table. “Andon and Tarik have a similar animal on their farm. They call it a tenndrat. It also lays eggs that can be consumed called waents. He says they’re quite tasty although I believe they are much larger than these.”

  Kernz grabbed the bowl to put some eggs on Jeni’s plate. “Wait until you meet their Fidelius, Jeni.”

  “Who’s Fidelius?”

  Zin snorted. “You should be asking what Fidelius is.”

  “Okay! What is Fidelius?”

  “He’s their pet. They tell me he’s similar to a dog, but somewhat larger with different characteristics.” Kernz handed Jeni a fork. “He’s really friendly.”

  Jeni grinned. “I love dogs. Maybe we could get a pet.”

  Zin set a plate filled with bread on the table and sank onto a chair. “Maybe we can. Everyone, eat up.”

  Quenk poked at the meat on his plate. “You said this was bacon. What is bacon?”

  “Bacon comes from pigs.” Jeni grinned and took a big bite.

  “Think of a baboy only smaller,” Zin said.

  Quenk nodded and placed several strips on his plate.

  “What are your plans for the day, Zin?” asked Rmantk.

  “We want to take Jeni on a tour of this area and maybe show her the ocean.”

  “Absolutely not.” Rich got to his feet so quickly his chair toppled over backwards.

  Chapter 4

  Jeni grabbed Zin’s arm and gasped.

  “What in the world is wrong with you now?” Zin softly caressed Jeni’s hand where her fingers dug into his arm. “What possible harm could there be in showing her around the farm?”

  Danny picked up Rich’s chair. “There’s nothing wrong. I think we’re just conditioned to object when our prisoner is going to be out of our sights.”

  Kernz growled. “She’s not a prisoner.”

  Danny held up his hands and smiled. “I’m sorry. Bad choice of words. What are your exact plans for today?”

  Jeni picked up her fork and sighed. “Zin said we’re going on a picnic.”

  Tenik looked up. “Picnic. A meal you take with you and eat somewhere outside. Yes?”

  She smiled and nodded. “That’s right. Are you guys coming with us?”

  “No!” Zin cleared his throat. “I mean, no, they’ve got to make some calls while the wormhole is still open.”

  Kernz scowled at Rich. “I suppose you and your partner will need to come along.”

  Rich glanced at Danny and then shook his head. “I guess I don’t see the need since the shuttle is scheduled to leave for a maintenance run this morning. The only shuttle left is the private one owned by you, and we know she can’t fly it. I figure we’ll take the day and get some rest while we can before we have to start home.”

  Jeni narrowed her eyes. His complete turnaround seemed out of character. “I thought the shuttle only stopped here
every three weeks.”

  Zin poured some more juice into Jeni’s glass. “That’s right.”

  “That’s true,” Rich said. “Normally the shuttle would leave for a new run and not return for three weeks, but it’s time for them to do maintenance. They told me they would leave here and run maneuvers to check all their systems for the next week and then land back here to load up on supplies. After that, they start up their normal runs again. We’ll take the shuttle back to Earth when it returns in seven days.”

  “You told me I was on probation for two weeks and you had to stay at least that long.”

  “Are you complaining?” asked Rich. “Danny and I talked last night, and we both decided it was pointless to stay here an extra week. Basically, we were to deliver you to your permanent home and make sure you were going to stay here as per your plea agreement.” He shrugged. “It’s pretty easy to see this is where you want to be, so there’s no reason for us to hang around.”

  “That’s very generous of you.” Zin placed his hand over Jeni’s fingers where they’d begun to drum against the table. “You’re welcome to stay here until you leave, but please confine yourself to the guest house. I’ll make sure it’s supplied with whatever you need. There’s a small cooking area where you can meet your own needs.”

  Danny put down his fork. “You want us to stay out of your house?”

  “Is that a problem?” Zin released Jeni’s hand and stood. “It’s not like you’re an honored guest here. Your very presence brings pain to our Laan Asawa.”

  Danny nodded. “Does the guest house have a communicator? We’re supposed to check in with our superiors back on Earth every three days.”

  “Yes. There’s a terminal in the main bedroom of the cottage. Feel free to use it as often as you need to.”

  Rich pushed back his chair and stood, his body tense and rigid. “Very well. If you’ll excuse us I’d like to call in our report and maybe take a walk to look around. This is my first time off-world, and I’m interested to see what I can find.”