Shalia's Diary Omnibus

by Tracy St. John

  Candy rolled her eyes. “I was betting you’d spend all your money on her. Now that you have a little more, you should buy yourself something nice too.”

  I shrugged. “I could use weight-training gloves. I tore up mine during the Tragoom attack.”

  She shook her head at me. “Wow, what a splurge.”

  We set off on our spree. We soon found that Earther women were still new enough that there wasn’t a ton of options to choose from as far as clothing was concerned. There was even less for babies. Only three shops had ready-made clothes for Candy and me, and one for Anrel. The items were nice however, and the proprietors – one of whom was Earther herself, about the age of Katrina – promised us they got shipments of items in once a month. I picked out a few items for Anrel. After Candy kept bugging me, I bought myself a blouse.

  There was a custom shop too that would fit us with any of its thousands of designs, all guaranteed to be delivered within an hour. It was a bit pricey, which led Candy and I to decide we’d come there for special occasion wear only.

  I spent a decent amount on specialty snack items, especially chocolate. That was pricey as could be since cocoa is hard to come by. The owner of the gourmet foods store claimed there were plans for a cocoa bean farm on a Kalquorian colony. I was glad to hear that, along with the news of plans to cultivate coffee beans as well.

  I didn’t spend much, certainly not all of my personal allowance. I touched none of what I considered Anrel’s money or what my fathers had contributed. Still, I’m ashamed to admit the greater part of what I did spend was on alcoholic beverages. Not that I planned to become a drunk or anything. I hoped to have refreshments on hand when Oses and Betra came over. I also refused to depend on Clan Seot or any other dates to supply all my party booze. When I invited someone over, I preferred to be a halfway decent hostess.

  The fees for having the shops deliver our goodies were reasonable, and we gladly paid rather than having to lug everything to the complex. I was delighted since I carried Anrel. Even with her in the carrier pouch that kept her close to my chest, it would have been awkward work to deal with all that.

  It was no surprise that we and the other Earther women roaming the marketplace received a ton of attention from the fellas. Bows, smiles, and compliments were the order of the day as we were flirted with. I had to stop often so people could exclaim over Anrel and tell her what a lovely mother she had. Candy, a ray of sunshine with her gold curls, got her fair share of attention too. I was amused at the diffident attitude she adopted, as if the compliments were only a vaguely polite exchange of pleasantries. Ms. Bubbly was playing hard-to-get today.

  We were left the liquor store and readied to return to the first square to decide on our lunch choice. “Let’s make it cheap,” Candy sighed. “I went through most of what I had.”

  “I can cover your lunch.” My stomach was talking and I was determined to eat good food.

  Before she could respond, my name rang out from two different directions.

  I turned first to the more familiar voice and saw Betra and Oses coming from the direction Candy and I were planning to head toward. Yay! The guys were here!

  Then I glanced in the other direction to discover who else clamored for my attention. The beaming trio of Seot, Cifa, and Larten were heading toward us.

  Well. This was awkward.

  “Oh boy,” Candy breathed, a smirk spreading. “I have front row tickets to the show.”

  “Hush,” I grumbled. I waved to both sets of men who were coming near and gazing at each other with surprise … and a touch of suspicion.

  Plastering on a smile that hinted nothing at how uncomfortable I found the situation to be, I made the introductions. “Nobek Oses and Imdiko Betra, this is Dramok Seot, Nobek Larten, and Imdiko Cifa. Candy, you weren’t formally introduced to Clan Seot last night, so now you are.”

  “The ‘hubba-hubba’ woman,” Cifa said brightly after all five had bowed to each other and Clan Seot bowed to Candy. “I wondered what that meant, Matara?”

  Candy flushed as Betra snickered, but she couldn’t help but return Cifa’s friendly smile. “It means you’re better looking than most.”

  “We appreciate that, Matara,” Seot said. “You are very kind.”

  Yeah, hubba-hubba is such a thoughtful, considerate thing to yell at guys you don’t know. I had to fuss over Anrel to keep from braying laughter.

  “Nobek Oses, it is an honor to finally meet you.” Larten seemed at ease. “Your record is most impressive.”

  “As is yours, Nobek Larten. I have a couple members on my security staff who were trained by you. They are among my best blade fighters.” Oses was as friendly as a Nobek could manage with another Nobek. In other words, he didn’t glower at Larten.

  Betra watched as Cifa greeted me and Anrel with his typical effusive delight. I waited for any signs of jealousy, but Betra merely appeared amused. I was tempted to remind him how silly he’s been with the baby in the past, but I kept my mouth shut.

  Seot grinned at me. “My clan was shopping for furnishings during our midday meal break. We wondered if we might not run into you. How is your day going so far?”

  “Pretty good. This market is fun. I love the fountain.” I indicated the central feature of the second square. “And the buskers are entertaining.”

  Cifa had relieved me of Anrel and was deep in conversation with Betra. Betra told him, “Wait until you hear her laugh. I mean, really laugh. You’ll lose your entire day trying to keep it up.”

  “Oh, what’s the best way to do that?”

  Meanwhile, Oses and Larten were standing to the side, conversing in low tones. I thought I heard Nang’s name come up, but I couldn’t be sure. The dangerous Nobeks had identical predatory expressions.

  I exchanged a glance with Candy. She pretended to be disappointed that everyone was behaving so well instead of fighting to the death over me.

  Seot fussed with his handheld. He leaned over and muttered to Candy, too quiet for me to overhear. She blinked up at him. “Oh no, not tonight. I don’t want to intrude. But thanks. It’s kind of you to offer.”

  He nodded and finished tapping on his handheld. He put it in a pouch before giving me a smile. “I hope you don’t mind, but I made dinner reservations for you and your shipmates—” he nodded towards Betra and Oses “—at the Fuyan.”

  “Oh, that’s a great place to eat.” Cifa directed his comments to me and Betra. “Try the seared rizpah over sorp. You’ll love it.”

  Betra’s brow creased. “Is the Fuyan fancy? Oses and I have a somewhat limited wardrobe on hand.”

  “You and I are about the same size, don’t you think?” Cifa eyed him carefully and nodded. “Where are you staying? With Shalia? I’ll send something appropriate. Unless you’d rather wear your uniform, which is perfectly fine too. The owner is big on honoring the military.”

  Meanwhile, I was touched by Seot’s gesture. “It was amazing of you to arrange that.”

  “My pleasure. If you don’t mind more casual dining for lunch, I’ve directed the Gera to hold my usual table for you.” Seot gave Candy a pointed look. “I’m sure your companions won’t mind you joining them for that.”

  “Um,” she said uncertainly. I had the idea she was pondering her depleted funds.

  “It’s covered. Both meals,” he added.

  I was blown away by the generosity. I didn’t know what to say. He was paying for me to have dinner with my current sweeties? He’d told me he wasn’t upset that I was spending the next two weeks with them instead of his clan, but I’d never imagined someone could be that understanding.

  While I tried to collect my thoughts over this unforeseen turn of events, Seot moved close to Betra and Cifa. Now they were talking as quietly as Larten and Oses. Candy sidled over to me.

  “What the hell? No one can be that nice,” she whispered. “Except … well, maybe they are. Did you notice Betra and Oses aren’t acting a bit jealous?”

  I whispered, “Is this so
me Kalquorian thing?” Another notion occurred to me. “Or maybe I’m not turning out to be what Clan Seot wants after all. Maybe this is some bizarre manner of saying, go find another clan.”

  She shrugged. She was as at a loss over their behavior as I was. “At least they’re not beating the hell out of each other. And I’m eating a free lunch without having to walk to the complex’s dining hall.”

  While Seot and Betra continued to talk quietly, Cifa brought Anrel to me and helped me put her in her carry pouch. He eyed me with a note of worry. “I fuss over the baby like a lunatic. I’ve not given you nearly enough attention when we’re together.”

  I chuckled. “I’m used to her being center stage. Babies own the spotlight.”

  “I suppose, but you deserve the same notice. Please don’t imagine I’m ignoring you.” He reddened slightly. “It’s – well, I’m an Imdiko. I’m geared to take care of others, and no one is as helpless as a baby.”

  “I’m fine with that. In all honesty, I appreciate that she’s important to you. That means a lot.”

  He smiled, so sweet and adorable that I’d have forgiven him for murder if it ever came up. It’s a sin for someone to be that darn cute.

  Seot called to his clanmates. “I need to return to the office, and I suppose you need to resume your duties too.” He bowed to Betra. “Thank you for your time, Imdiko. If I don’t have the privilege of running into you and Nobek Oses again before you leave Kalquor, I wish you a safe journey.”

  Betra returned the bow. “Thank you, Dramok. Feel free to contact us should the need arise.”

  I wondered what he meant by that.

  I got a clue during lunch. We went to the restaurant Seot had recommended, a casual open-air dining room called the Gera. It resembled a huge covered porch, the only enclosed part being the kitchen from which mouthwatering smells wafted. It was comfortable, the wood plank flooring covered with cozy seating cushions which surrounded large, low tables.

  We ordered. I had a glass of dlas since I refused to be irresponsible with my care of Anrel. The rest enjoyed the more potent bohut.

  While we waited for our food, I decided to pin the guys down. “Were you and Larten discussing Nang?” I asked Oses.

  “We compared notes. I wished to make sure he had all the information I did since his clan will be close to you and Anrel in the near future.” Oses said, “I plan to speak to local authorities about the matter, as well as the Nobek of the other clan you’ll be seeing.”

  “I adore you for looking out for us. Among other reasons.”

  “Always.”

  It was Betra’s turn. “What were you in such deep conversation about?” I asked.

  “You.” His expression was contemplative, but pleasantly so. “They asked how they could help your transition go as easy as possible once Oses and I were gone. And to reassure me that if they eventually clan you, Oses and I will be welcome to visit as a members of the family.”

  Candy shook her head as she smiled. “Again, too good to be true … but I want to believe it.”

  “You and me both. Or is there something I’m not getting here?” I asked Betra.

  “They seem to be decent,” he answered. “Their main goal is to make you a priority for as long as you continue to prove compatible.”

  Oses agreed. “I searched for a reason to dislike Larten, simply because he’ll be around you after I leave. As far as I can tell, his record and reputation are well-earned. He’ll be a fine protector for you and Anrel if you choose his clan.”

  Betra sighed. “I’m impressed despite myself. I have no doubt they’d prefer to be the only men in your life, but your needs come first. You could do a lot worse, Shalia.”

  “Clan them only if you truly love them.”

  Betra, Candy, and I stared at Oses. Candy got to tease him because she was the only one who could get away with it. “You big romantic, you,” she grinned at the Nobek.

  “If you tell anyone, I’ll have to kill them,” he said with a straight face.

  September 22, late

  Dinner at the place Seot had reserved for us was an extravagant affair. There were six courses, each paired with a beverage – usually alcoholic in nature. I sipped cautiously since we had Anrel with us. I hadn’t gotten around to evaluating the babysitting service at the complex, so she was along for the fun … much to our Imdiko waiter’s delight. I don’t know if the exemplary service was the norm or because he was so enraptured with the restaurant’s littlest patron. At any rate, we never had to wait for dishes to be cleared or glasses refilled.

  Oses was noble in his dress uniform, his coarse hair braided down his back. I found him riveting. I wasn’t certain if Betra took Cifa up on his offer to borrow an outfit, but I’d never seen the silky white shirt that glowed against his dark skin, its deep vee collar showing off his chest to advantage. The black trousers were familiar. I’d always appreciated how they clung so lovingly to his delicious ass. He’d brushed his straight black hair until it shone like a sheet of ebony.

  Anrel was adorable in a little green-and-yellow striped dress, with a matching bow in her hair. I wore a green dress of a deeper shade than what was on her outfit. Candy had been nice enough to style my hair so I didn’t feel too out of my element in the ritzy restaurant. Not that anyone else would have noticed me when they all stared in amazement at my baby, who was her typical happy self.

  The food was marvelous. The company was better. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, though I hate to contemplate the amount of the tab … but all the main dishes were served with several courses and drinks. It’s how the place operated. I’m sure Seot knew what he was in for when he put the meal on his account, but I felt guilty about it.

  Pleasantly full and pleased with our night, we strolled to the complex to put Anrel to bed. She was yawning her head off, but she didn’t start fussing until we were halfway home. She was slumbering contentedly in Betra’s arms by the time we entered my quarters.

  Once she was in bed, I went to the kitchenette. “Drinks?” I offered, pleased my purchases had arrived earlier that day.

  “Just kloq, please,” Betra requested. “I’m not crazy about heavy drinking, and I’ve had more than usual tonight.”

  “You’re on vacation,” I said, but I handed him a bottle and a glass. “No rationing for two weeks.”

  He shrugged. “I prefer my wits about me. I have more important things to indulge in.” He wiggled his brows at me suggestively.

  I laughed. “Oses?”

  “A small glass of bohut. I’m not that interested in drinking either.”

  I’d bought myself a small bottle of shel to celebrate their vacation. With our libations of choice in hand, we settled in the greeting room.

  It was wonderful to sit between my guys, relaxing with a drink in my hand. It was a lot better than last night, when sleep wouldn’t come. Being on Kalquor and facing my uncertain future wasn’t quite so daunting at the moment.

  There was no need to talk. We sat there, quiet and content to be together. I drank in the strong, warm bodies on either side of me and smiled into my glass of shel. Even the idea of them leaving in a couple of weeks couldn’t intrude on my sense of well-being. I was too happy to have them with me right then.

  I finished my drink and glanced from one to the other. “You are spending the night, right?”

  “Why? Does it mean something special if we do? Such as breakfast in bed tomorrow morning? That would be lovely.” Oses gave me an expression that I think was supposed to be wistful.

  Betra snorted surprised laughter. Sheesh, first a playful threat to kill anyone who found out Oses might be a romantic at heart and now this. Vacation Oses has a sense of humor. Alert the media.

  “You understand what’s in store if you stay,” I chastised. “Though if you’d rather go elsewhere and sleep alone—”

  “Clothes off,” he interrupted. Well, that was more like it.

  “You forgot to say please,” I smarted off, but I rose to my feet. A di
sciplinary smack to my rear made me yelp and hurry to the middle of the room.

  I faced my sweethearts and pulled my dress and underwear off. I stood naked before them, enjoying the admiring gazes they gave me.

  “Kneel,” came Oses’s next command. I sank to my knees.

  “Legs wider,” Betra joined in. “We insist on that pretty pussy being open for us.”

  What he didn’t realize was that I’d purposely knelt so I could be ordered to spread my legs. I love hearing such commands from them. It excites me.

  They glanced at each other. A look passed between them. It was all they needed, because they stood up and came over to stand before me. Their avid crotches were right in front of my face, and I could smell their arousal. I wondered if I would get a taste.