Shalia's Diary Omnibus

by Tracy St. John

  Sure, jewelry is nice. I freely admit to sighing over a particularly pretty bauble or two. But this—if this was the real thing, it was over and beyond what I could imagine someone giving to me.

  I rubbed my eyes. “Your bumpkin background is showing again, Shalia,” I told myself. Okay, maybe this was the genuine article. Maybe I was looking at an outrageous amount of money—to me. Clan Aslada had shown that for some people, money was not that big a deal. They had plenty of it, so they lived extremely well. Hadn’t there been what I was sure to be priceless art in their mansion? The finest furnishings? A huge staff to wait on every whim of the trio? I’d spent weeks surrounded by opulence that left me uneasy, but Aslada, Meyso, and Jaon hardly noticed it at all. They’d been born to privilege and lived in its easy luxury their whole lives.

  What seemed excessive gifts to me might be nothing more than trifles to such men. The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. I was flipping out over nothing.

  I need to get a grip on myself and stop making mountains out of molehills.

  December 8 (later)

  Who’s a lucky gal? Me. Me, me, me. And why am I lucky? Because Clan Seot couldn’t wait to visit me after they were done with work this evening. When they commed to ask if they could come over, I barely let Seot finish the question before I answered, “Yes!”

  A million times yes.

  They were at my door in a twinkling. Talk about instant happiness. I was enthusiastically hugged and kissed. It could be I enthusiastically hugged and kissed back. Anrel received her due adoration every bit as joyfully. Cifa was beside himself with delight to hold her again. I’m positive he’s Anrel’s biggest fan in the entire universe.

  We had dinner in the complex’s courtyard once all the smoochy-huggy stuff calmed down. I hate to sound needy, but it was terrific to be in the company of doting men again. If that makes me pathetic, so be it.

  Sitting outdoors under a sunset-streaked sky, with food and the bottle of bohut the fellows had so thoughtfully brought along, was a treat. The nearby firepit blazed cheerfully though it was warm outdoors. We sat far enough away that it didn’t add too much heat to enjoy.

  “I must figure out how to ask how your stay with Clan Aslada was without appearing too nosy,” Seot mused after we’d gotten comfortable. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “And to extract information that might help us outdo them.”

  I laughed. “Usually it’s Larten who tries to be devious. I’m shocked, Seot. You’re always so gentlemanly about my other options.”

  His handsome face grew more devastating with a cheerful smile. “Ah, good. The ploy to be charming is working. Oops, did I say that out loud?”

  I shook my head at him. “I spy that dark heart of evil you’ve kept hidden. Oh, I’ve been so naïve!”

  He hugged me close, laughing at our silly play. “Seriously, how did they treat you? If it wasn’t with perfect consideration, I’ll pull Dramok Aslada’s nose off his handsome face.”

  “Stop it. Considering we spent so long dealing with Mom, they showed themselves in a positive light.”

  Cifa sighed, our conversation dimming his happiness. “I hate that it wasn’t in our power to do more for Matara Eve. I’m glad you had people who were able to set her on the road to recovery and take care of you while you were in need.”

  I winked at him. “Okay, guys. You can stop being good sports about my other suitors. I know you put Anrel and me first, no matter how much you dislike the situation.”

  “Okay. I despise Clan Aslada and hope they disappear from existence,” Larten said.

  I gave him a playful shove, laughing at how he spoke his mind. His tone had been mild, but I knew he didn’t tease. He meant every word.

  Not that I agreed with him. Clan Aslada had been amazing during my stay with them, holding me together as Mom fought her way back into living. They’d been my rocks as she and I battled, trying to figure out our new relationship.

  I refused to downplay their contribution. “Your rivals were patient with Mom, and that’s saying a lot considering the abuse she threw at them. They were wonderful to Anrel, which is always high on my list of priorities. They treated me like a princess and handled my storms with grace. That’s what you’re up against,” I advised them.

  “Thank you for stating the situation so clearly.” Seot applauded me. “I appreciate being advised on our competition.”

  “So long as you realize I have to return the favor,” I said. “I’ll visit with them again, under less stressful circumstances. They are worried that I was so consumed with squaring Mom away that they didn’t have a fair chance to court me.”

  Larten waved his hand in a show of non-concern. “They’ll weep and give up in despair when they hear how well we fit with you and Anrel. They’ll know they are not worthy to be your clan.”

  I snuggled against him as I laughed harder than before. Larten’s exaggerated confidence never fails to amuse me. He snickered and hugged me close, giving me a loud kiss for good measure.

  We had many excuses to laugh as we reconnected. A few serious topics popped up from time to time. Most notably – Dramok Nang.

  Larten’s droll attitude turned dark when my former lover’s name came up. “I’ve been communicating with my sources and Nobek Oses to pin down Nang’s whereabouts. It’s been months now, and he’s not shown up anywhere we thought he might.”

  “That’s bad, isn’t it?” I asked.

  The Nobek shrugged. “It could be he’s gotten himself into the kind of trouble that keeps him from returning to Kalquor.”

  “You mean he could be dead.”

  “I don’t want to upset you. He’s a danger to you, but I know you don’t want him hurt.” Larten kept his expression impassive. He’d as soon have Nang dead and no longer an issue, but he wasn’t about to say anything so callous. Especially since it was possible that Nang was Anrel’s biological father.

  “Any other reasons he hasn’t been spotted?” I asked.

  “He’s been delayed somewhere and remained hidden. Or he’s using a route that keeps him away from our people, which would keep him away from the empire for even longer.” Larten shrugged. “It’s impossible to know, but I’m not going to stop asking questions. He won’t sneak back onto this planet without our knowledge if I have anything to do with it.”

  “With all that in mind, were you able to keep up with your training?” Seot asked me.

  I grinned. “You bet. Nobek Toleca was a terror. Larten, why do I get the idea he’d tear out someone’s throat for the fun of it?”

  “Because he would, but only if they were worth the effort of killing.”

  I snorted at Larten’s sorry attempt to soothe my worries about the knife-fighting trainer he’d sent my way. “He’d consider murdering opponents a way to express how much they’d impressed him. He’d take it as a compliment.”

  “I think you’re right,” Larten chuckled.

  We moved on to happier subjects, including our upcoming cruise the next week. I snickered. “They should give my room here at the complex to someone else. I’m barely around to use it!”

  Yep. I’m going to be packing again soon.

  We took up space in the outdoor dining area for a couple of hours until I had to put Anrel to bed. The guys insisted on being taught how to settle her for the night…even Larten. Cifa already knew a lot about such things. Seot and Larten were cheerfully awkward as they tried to dress her in a sleeping gown, giving Cifa and me a lot of entertainment. Who knew a kicking and waving baby could come so close to defeating two massive hulks? They were determined to win the battle, however. They pounded each other’s backs like victorious fighters when it was over and Anrel was yawning in her crib. I never saw Oses celebrate with such enthusiasm after fighting Tragooms. Of course, Cifa and I cheered our dauntless bedtime champions.

  We went to my greeting room to relax while the baby drifted off. I waved Seot and Larten to the lounger while Cifa and I relaxed on seating cushions. I was glad the
guys were sticking around. We cracked open another bottle of bohut. I’d only had the one glass at dinner, determined to not be sloshed in front of my kid…and I preferred a clear head to enjoy my companions.

  Cifa noticed the gifts from Clan Aslada. I’d hidden away the jewelry, terrified that someone might kill me in my sleep as they burgled the gems. The gown boxes were half-open, and his gaze fell on a particular rich red, velvety frock that peeked out. “Wow. Is that yours? Can I see?”

  He took out each gown in turn, commenting in admiration. “These are gorgeous, and you’d look astounding in them. Bring at least two on the cruise.”

  “On a semi-private ship? Cifa, I’m not that fancy a girl to be flouncing around in gowns every day. I know it’s normal for your women, but it’s too frou-frou for me.”

  “No, not all the time,” he reassured me. “And not on the ship. We’ll stop in some ports, however, and these will be perfect for a couple of the eateries we could visit.”

  “Okay, I don’t mind dressing up for dinner once in a while.” I was relieved. “I just can’t pull off that everyday glamor thing. If that’s what your sister is into, I’ll look lowbrow in comparison.”

  Cifa chuckled. “She only dresses that way in the office or for public. Otherwise, she’s in a soaksuit and sarong. She’s as addicted to sea life as I am.”

  “Pick the gowns you believe will work. I’m not used to that stuff. I can’t even fix my hair right.” I sighed over my lack of style.

  Seot winked at me. “Don’t worry about it, Shalia. Kalquorian women’s fashion is more about boosting their clanmates’ egos than personal comfort.”

  “How’s that?”

  “The thinking, as my mother explained it to me, goes that the costlier the fabric and the more intricately designed, the better it reflects on how a woman’s clanmates are able to support her. A pricey wardrobe is the public display of that.”

  I was delighted with this insight. “That’s why Clan Aslada was always trying to convince me to dress all out? To show they could give me the best possible life?”

  “That’s the usual motivation. Clans will spend a small fortune on their female mate’s wardrobe to prove to others that they are worthy of her.”

  Those many unwanted gowns…and that overwhelming jewelry…made sense to me. It wasn’t Clan Aslada trying to push me to conform to their standards so much as to establish their value as clanmates. Having me run about in comfy blouses and skirts could give off the wrong impression: that they either didn’t care or that they couldn’t keep me as well as another clan might.

  I sighed. I hated the idea of playing princess on a daily basis. Guessing my worries, Seot shook his head at me. “I don’t care how you dress, so long as you’re happy. Seeing you wear a smile is the only confirmation I need that I’m doing right by you.”

  “If any wish to challenge that, they can talk to me,” Larten added, clenching his fists.

  “I’m glad I don’t embarrass you with my grubby self,” I laughed. “Now how about more intel on the cruise itself?”

  Cifa went over the itinerary for our trip. We discussed some of the footage we would vid for the promotional push of the new ship. I lost myself in planning, impressed with his clear vision of how the latest acquisition of his family’s line should be presented. Cifa appreciates a balance between showcasing luxury along with the warmth of spending time with family and clan.

  “This ship is perfect for the young clanmates just starting out, an established family looking to reconnect, or an older clan rediscovering each other after many years of being together,” he enthused. “I’m really into the whole Earther idea of the honeymoon, but for everyone.”

  “Romance on the high seas,” I agreed. I thought back to my goodbye tour with Betra and Oses. “Instead of being distracted with too much entertainment, focus on activities and excursions that bring people closer.”

  “Exactly. We’re not selling a product; we’re offering an experience that will live in their memories forever.”

  Larten seemed bored with the conversation, but his gaze on us was warm. He didn’t act discontented. Seot watched the two of us with a satisfied smile.

  At length, he told Cifa, “I hope you don’t plan to work the whole time. We are supposed to be having fun and getting to know Shalia as intimately as possible.”

  I grinned. “Making vids is fun for me. Just the same, I intend to be known by your clan quite well before it’s all said and done.”

  On that note, Larten stood up. “I’ll check to see if Anrel’s asleep.”

  I almost protested that I could do it, but on second thought, who moves quieter than a Nobek? Definitely not me. I let Larten practice his daddy skills.

  He returned to stand next to the lounger with a noncommittal look on his face. “Shalia, you should come here.”

  I was up like a shot. “Is something wrong? Is Anrel okay?” I was on the move, not waiting for him to clarify the situation. Cifa shot to his feet, and Seot stood too.

  I was almost past the Nobek when he swept me into the air with a low laugh and tossed me onto the lounger. I landed on my back, startled.

  “She’s fine, fast asleep. I just wanted you in this position.” Larten covered my body with his and began kissing my jaw and throat.

  I didn’t have to protest the trick. Cifa pummeled his clanmate in revenge. “You scared me! Don’t do shit like that.”

  There was a thud and Larten’s black hair spilled over my face. I thought Seot had smacked him on the back of his head. “That goes double for me,” he said in his lord-and-Dramok tone.

  “Sorry,” Larten mumbled against my skin. For all the abuse he was taking, he hadn’t paused for a second as his lips caressed me. “Ow,” he muttered as Seot hit him again.

  “You’ll say a lot more than ‘ow’ if you pull such a stunt again, Nobek.”

  I could have added my own displeasure, but it was quickly disappearing. With concern over Anrel’s well-being mitigated, it was hard to stay mad as Larten ran capable hands over me. Chest, ribs, stomach, and up again until he cupped my breasts, his thumbs sweeping over the tips to set me squirming.

  “You awful jerk,” I sighed as thrills coursed through me. “I should make you go stand in the corner and watch while I give your clanmates all they deserve.”

  “I beg your forgiveness.” His lips sealed to mine. His tongue glided into my mouth to twine a salacious dance. I lit as his kiss went deep and scorching, burning every thought from my brain.

  My legs wrapped around his hips and my arms wound about his wide shoulders, pulling him in tight. So much for sending him away as a punishment. Feeling the swollen iron of him against my pussy, I was determined he wasn’t going anywhere.

  In response to me caging him, he rubbed his groin against mine. Oh my stars. He moved right against my clit, setting off star-spangled fireworks. I moaned and clutched him even tighter. He chuckled evilly in response. Such a wicked, wicked man.

  He kissed me until I was woozy from arousal and a lack of oxygen. He released my lips and kissed a line up my jaw. I tugged at his shirt.

  “Take this off,” I gasped. “I have to feel you against me.”

  “Do you ache to feel my hot flesh against yours, Shalia, as we slide against each other?”

  “Yes, damn it. Pull these stupid clothes out of my way.”

  His snicker was my first clue things wouldn’t happen exactly as I hoped. He moved to whisper in my ear. “You are making a lot of demands, my lovely lady. Are you challenging me for dominance?”

  “For heaven’s sake, you crazy Nobek. I want you. End of story.”

  He pulled back to gaze down at me, a calculating smirk pulling at his lips. “I don’t think so. You need a lesson on who is in control here. First hint: it’s not you.”

  “I like where this is going,” Seot muttered.

  “It gets even better,” Larten assured him. He fussed with something on his belt, rising a little off me to do so. I took advantage and grab
bed his collar, pulling at it to open the front seam of his shirt. Before it could part more than an inch, his motions became a blur. An instant later, my hands were not only no longer on him, but pinned by hovercuffs on either side of my head. Well, damn.

  “No fair and no fun,” I pouted. “What’s so terrible about me ravishing you?”

  He grinned, the delight bright in his dark face. “Not a thing. Me ravishing you is more satisfying.” He bent low and kissed me again. A slow, searching kiss that made it feel as if we were doing something far more intimate. I grew dizzy again.