I took a step towards the bathroom, when a tinge of pain caused me to hiss in pain. Leaning against the counter for leverage, I hesitantly moved to pull my shoes off.
I’d definitely over done it with all the walking today.
“Aashra?”
“I’ll be fine.” He held up a hand at my attempt to push off of the counter, and knelt in front of me instead.
“Your feet are bleeding,” he observed as he helped pull the shoes off of my feet.
“Sorry, I didn’t want to bother you,” I mumbled.
He sighed, standing up from his kneeling position on the ground. “You should have spoken up sooner, aashra.”
I glanced away unable to look him in the eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“There is nothing to apologize for. I was unaware that your feet wrappings were ill fitted.” I felt a bit embarrassed at the truth in his words. “I’ll summon Bel’an to look at them.”
“Bel’an?” I parroted back.
“Yes, she is the flock’s healer.”
It seemed like a bit of overkill to visit the doctor over something as simple as a couple of blisters, but it probably wouldn’t be good to get an infection out here. “Okay,” I mumbled, conceding defeat.
***
As soon as she walked in—sans Alek’dar—recognition floored me. It was the first ever Striss woman I’d ever seen!
And apparently Bel’an was her name.
Huh.
“I remember you!” She seemed amused at my outburst. “I’m sorry to have to bother you with this.”
She waved away my concern as she knelt before me, inspecting the open sores on the soles and backs of my feet. “It’s not a bother. It is my duty to heal.”
“Well, thank you all the same.”
“It’s not a problem.” I eyed her as she rummaged through the bag she brought with her.
“I was wondering,” I began, nibbling on my lip as I rummaged through my brain for a way to ask her something that had been nagging at me since Alek’dar and I began getting physical in our relationship.
“Yes?”
“How is this going to work?”
She glanced at me from over her shoulder. “How is what going to work?”
“Me and Alek’dar, you know, having kids?” At the amused look I received, I elaborated, “I mean, obviously we’re compatible enough to be intimate…. But what about the wings or horns? Hell, even your feet….”
She clicked her tongue. “Ahh.”
“Yeah. I just don’t know how a halfling Striss child could develop in a human when we’re not designed to carry children with such features.” The thought of giving birth to a child with horns sent shudders through me.
“That won’t be a problem, I’ve already taken care of it,” Bel’an informed me after administering some of the slimy goop on my feet.
I felt a chill run up the length of my spine and it wasn’t from the medicine. “I’m sorry. What?”
“While you were asleep, I ran some tests and was able to administer some medication that would make you more likely to carry to term should you become pregnant,” Bel’an elaborated, a small smile on her face as she studied my feet. I could literally feel the sores closing in mere moments. But instead of marvelling at that amazing feat, I couldn’t help but focus on what she just said.
She did what?
“Oh.” I kept my face a cool mask of indifference while I raged on the inside.
How dare they? How fucking dare they play with my body like it was a toy? Honestly, had they just asked, I would have probably been okay with it. But to inject me with foreign crap that I had no idea what it could do to me without prior knowledge?
Not okay.
I wasn’t a fucking guinea pig.
The more I thought about it, the angrier I became. Not only had they stalked me or lied to me, but they’d fucking medically intervened with my fertility without consulting me.
I could barely get through the rest of the visit, seething with unbridled rage. She left shortly afterwards, promising to send Alek’dar back shortly.
I kind of wished she wouldn’t. Instead of wishing for the impossible, I rummaged through the kitchen for something, anything I could use…. Just in case.
By the time Alek’dar reappeared, I could barely contain the anger that was rampaging through me. It bubbled up and spilled out the second my eyes laid upon his grey hide.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I demanded the moment he landed and stepped inside our home.
He gave me a quizzical look, “Mallory?” He took a step towards me, and I shook my head, putting up my free hand to ward him off.
“No, keep your distance, Alek’dar!” I took a step back to keep the distance between us.
“What’s wrong?” He inquired with a serious look on his face.
“What’s wrong? Are you serious right now?” I demanded, fuming.
“I don’t understand, aashra.”
“Don’t you aashra me, you fucking creep.” I pointed at him, shouting, “How dare you!”
“Please, tell me what’s going on,” he pleaded, focused on me.
“So not only do you stalk me, you let Bel’an inject me with shit!” I spit out, glaring at the Striss standing before me.
He gave me a pained look. “Oh.”
“Yeah, oh!”
He took another step towards me, and I brandished the knife I’d stolen from the kitchen in front of me like a weapon. It was the only thing I could find. And while I felt a bit silly, it was better than nothing. “I’m serious, stay the hell away from me right now.”
He held up his hands, murmuring, “Aashra—Mallory, please calm down.”
“Don’t tell me what to do! I’ll calm down when I want to calm down, you sick fuck.”
“I don’t understand what the problem is,” he admitted, sounding a bit lost.
I almost lost it then. How the fuck couldn’t he understand how wrong it was of him—of them to treat people that way?
“Of course you wouldn’t; you’re a fucking alien! Why would you think something is wrong with following some random girl around creeping in the bushes?” I shook my head, feeling a wave of disgust surging through me. “And you and your people think it’s okay to fucking drug people for your own purposes!”
“...”
“And you know what’s fucking sad? Had you spoken to me about it, I wouldn’t have been angry. I might have even agreed to taking alien meds so we could have kids!”
I didn’t give him a chance to respond. Rather, I quickly crossed the room and slammed the bathroom door shut behind me.
I was greeted by the sight of a shower. An actual, honest to God, shower. And instead of being able to be happy about it, I was completely miserable.
Unable to hold it in any longer, I screamed in frustration.
I couldn’t even.
Chapter Fifteen
Alek’dar
Behind the safety of the bathroom door, her tears started free falling. They were so potent, I could almost taste them.
I could feel an ache in my chest at the thought of having caused her such pain and mental anguish that she felt the need to arm herself to keep me from her.
Rather than force the issue like my instincts were screaming at me to do, I gave her her much needed space.
I could tell from the look in her eyes how much learning what she had impacted her and her trust in me. I didn’t even know where I could even begin to right the wrongs I’d done.
I had never been in this position before, and quite frankly, I didn’t like it. And I knew I had to fix it sooner rather than later. So, instead of breaking down the door and gathering her into my arms like I wanted, I rummaged through my mind for any idea that might help bridge the gap between us.
***
Mallory
To say that I didn’t entertain the idea of scaling out of the window to make an escape would be a lie. It crossed my mind. Multiple times.
And stayed there
.
I mulled it over for a long while, as I tried to calm myself and think about it. I mean, seriously! Who the hell did he think he was making those kinds of decisions for me without my consent? It just wasn’t okay, and I couldn’t find any justification for it.
And while the whole ‘spying’ on me was really weird, I could sort of explain it away. He was a chief, and he had a duty to make sure that I wasn’t a danger to the others. That I could get. But to drug me up with something when I knew I would have most likely consented really ate at me.
Honestly, what else have they done that I didn’t know about?
And it’s that right there that sends shivers down my spine. Had they done anything else to me that I didn’t know?
I sighed, glancing at the knife that was resting on top of my skirt, metal gleaming in the light of the bathroom.
How the hell had it come to this?
Tears stung my eyes blurring my vision, and I furiously rubbed them away.
I mean, not even two hours ago, I was making love with my husband and now I was hiding away from him in the bathroom. How the hell had it gone so wrong in such a short amount of time?
I glanced at the window mentally judging whether or not if I was mad enough to try and make the effort to leave.
I was still pissed. That much was for certain. Though I knew it was more about having my choices taken away from me than anything. And as stupid as his decision had been, I still cared for the idiot.
But his decisions scared me.
Could I trust him again after learning something like this? Could I trust him not to take away my decisions?
I really didn’t know the answer to that—that’s what bothered me the most. I didn’t know if I could trust him as whole-heartedly as I had before.
Time dragged by as I went over my options. The window was out of the question at this point unless I sprouted a pair of my own wings—having looked through it to see if it actually was a possible choice. It was essentially a straight shot from it to the forest floor below, so a definite no go.
I could just walk out and demand he take me back, but I don’t know how well that would go over with him. Probably not well. And I doubted very much that he would listen to me anyway.
In’ka and Rinna were out of the question.
But, to be honest even if he did let me go, I couldn’t risk the impact it might have on Stephanie.
So really I was stuck.
“Mallory?” At Alek’dar’s voice, I tensed.
I thought about not answering, but wasn’t sure what kind of consequences that might entail so I grumbled out, “What?”
“In case you get hungry, there is some food outside of the door.”
I heard his footsteps fade as he put some distance between himself and the door, thankful that he wasn’t really pushing the issue.
I contemplated whether or not I would take the offering, because what if he put something in it? The thought had my heart thumping in a panic, but then, I doubted that the door would be enough to keep him at bay for any length of time he didn’t choose. If he didn’t want me hiding away in here, I’m sure he could quite easily get me out.
Heaving a sigh, I pulled the door open just a smidge to grab the plate and shut it just as quickly, not even giving him a glance.
At the sight of the easily recognizable food—human food—I broke into a fresh set of tears.
When had he….
I knew he was capable of learning—of thinking of me. Hell, he’d had our home remodeled while we were out as a surprise for me! If that didn’t show he was capable of thinking of someone other than himself, I didn’t know what did.
I could feel my resolve weaken.
Sniffing, I pulled the door open, finding my husband easily. He was sitting at the table, chin cupped in his palm, his eyes distant. However, as soon as he saw me in his periphery, he jerked to attention.
“Mallory?” He questioned at my sudden appearance.
“You idiot!” I cried as I sprinted towards him and into his open arms. I buried my face against his chest, sobbing. “You’re such an idiot.”
“I’m sorry, aashra,” his voice was thick with emotion as he breathed in my scent, “I’m so sorry. Can you ever learn to forgive me?”
I could hear the remorse thick in his voice and sniffed, not saying anything for a long moment before pulling back enough to see into his eyes. They looked earnest and raw. “Alek’dar…. I….” I sighed, pulling out of his arms and putting a little distance between us. He didn’t kick up a protest, arms falling to his side as he eyed me. “I can try.”
I could see the light brighten in his eyes, and he took a step towards me before I put my hand up. He stilled instantly.
“I said I would try. That doesn’t mean you’re out of the dog house,” I informed him with a grim look.
He gave me a quizzical look. “Dog house?”
I huffed, professing, “It means that you’re still in trouble, Alek’dar.”
He nodded sagely, “I understand, aashra.”
I really hoped he did because it was going to take a lot of work to fix things between us.
Chapter Sixteen
Alek’dar
With the Festival fast approaching, I found myself busier and busier with each passing day. It would require most of my attention, but I knew that with the upcoming festivities, I would be able to expose more of the flock to Mallory and vice versa.
I knew it would help improve the relationship between her and the others. And maybe even find companionship amongst some of them. I felt that her gaining some friendships might be valuable, especially for the long term.
She was still working on learning to trust me after learning how Bel’an had injected her with medications without her prior knowledge. It had been a little over a week since she’d found out and while any suspicions I might have had that lingered had trickled away into nothingness over that period, it meant little to nothing now.
It seemed like the roles were reversed, but I was completely understanding of her concerns. Ever since our talk, I made it my goal to become enlightened.
We already had a lot of communication issues due to the differences in our cultures. My choice to make a medical decision like that for Mallory without consideration to how she might take it had shown that, but I was learning.
I roused my sleeping mate, careful not to linger any longer than necessary so I didn’t make her uncomfortable with my presence. She’d taken to sleeping away from me over the last week to put some distance between us. And while it hurt—heavens above did that hurt—I adapted. I refused to risk losing Mallory. If she needed the time and space, I would give it to her.
Since rejoining me I could feel my affections for her strengthen as time passed. And I found myself wanting to keep a smile on her face; anything to lift the mood.
It wasn’t hard to do.
While I’d found her somewhat quiet and meek before and was fine with it, it unnerved me now. I found myself wishing to know her thoughts, but refused to harass her about them.
I waited patiently while she changed out of the lengthy top she slept in into her standard daily attire, a breast band like top and skirt settled on her hips. Though, it wouldn’t be too much longer before she would have to wear heavier clothing.
When we visited her home, she hadn’t found much in the way of supplies, so a trip to see the Vrun was in order and this was the only day I’d have between now and the festival to take her.
“Alek’dar?” Came Mallory’s voice, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I blinked, turning my gaze to her. “Yes, aashra?”
“I’m ready whenever you are,” she murmured, securing a small bag on her back. Nodding, I held out a hand to her.
***
Mallory
Holy shit.
As we approached the Vrun Colony, I found myself utterly speechless at the sight of their sprawling city. It was carved into the face of the mountainside nearest the edge of Str
iss territory. There had to be thousands of Vrun out and about from the looks of things. The buildings were made up of the mountain, sanded down and carved into a specific purpose. There wasn’t much greenery, though I think vegetation would have drawn attention to their bustling city and from what I’ve learned, that was a no-no for the Vrun.
As we prepared to land, several scouts sounded an alert to our presence. It set me on edge a bit because as we neared, none of the faces were the least bit friendly.
But then, I wasn’t sure if that was because I was a human or just their appearance. In a way, they kind of reminded me of lizards, in that they were all covered in scales in various shades and blends of green and brown.
Most likely the former in my case.
As Alek’dar landed I kept to his side like glue, not wanting to risk pissing the wrong person off and ending up skewered by the pikes many of them carried. We were encircled by a massive amount of them.
Soldiers, perhaps?
“So, is this the normal way they greet you?” I whispered, clinging to Alek’dar as a knot of butterflies assaulted my stomach.
“No.”
Well, hell.
I swallowed hard. “Oh. Okay then.”
So clearly this treatment was reserved for me. It made me wonder what humans had done to them to warrant such treatment. As far as I was aware, humans didn’t even know that the species existed!
So what did we do?
After a tense moment, they parted for a lone Vrun male, who came to stand before us, eyeing me with his intense yellow gaze.
“I had heard the rumors, but I hoped they weren’t true,” the Vrun male spoke, flicking his tongue in the air as if tasting it. From the way the others of his kind deferred to him, I could tell he might be someone of importance or rank.
That and the yellow sash that crossed his chest. He was the only one with something like that.
“Lirar,” Alek’dar greeted warily.
He nodded, eyes finally leaving me and turning to my husband. “Alek’dar. And his human.”
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