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For the first time I saw something other than hatred in her eyes. I witnessed hope for a future that was uncertain. Perhaps I could learn much from the little human.
* * *
Sunny
We’d talked for almost an hour before Zatan had had to leave, attending to business. Everything felt surreal, as if I was living in a fog.
Could the big, bad, brawny alien understand love? More important, could he ever feel it?
I wasn’t certain but I had seen something so unexpected in him that I was uncertain how I felt. He’d shown me a hint of vulnerability. Maybe it was something he hadn’t been aware of but for a few seconds, I felt as if I could trust him.
Even stranger was that I also believed I could learn to care for him, and not just because of our physical connection. Although that was… Amazing.
Giggling, I pressed my hand over my mouth and rolled over on the platform that I realized was his bed. There was nothing like languishing in the afterglow of sex. I was still shocked that suddenly the softest comforter I’d ever felt had suddenly appeared. I could swear Zatan was a magician, his strange attributes keeping me not only on edge but also excited as to what would happen next.
A wedding? Had I really asked that question? What was wrong with me? “Growl,” I said out loud. I wasn’t some schoolgirl in love, for God’s sake. I’d sworn off men. Okay, so this was different. Entirely different. I had no choice.
Zaz appeared a few seconds later, popping his head into the room. I shifted into a sitting position, immediately covering myself. Then I laughed once again. He was an adorable pet, much like my baby. And I’d never worried about Thor seeing me naked. Still, it prompted me to get off the bed, wrapping the thick piece of material around me then yanking my clothes from the floor.
“Don’t worry. I’m fine,” I told the creature, keeping a smile on my face. Did he understand whatsoever? When his huge tail thumped back and forth, I wanted to scratch the little beast under his chin. I had a feeling he did understand every word being said. “I’m going to dress now. I’ll be right there.”
He issued the same purring sound as before, hanging his head and trotting out of the room. Just like Thor did when I shooed him away. I noticed another doorway I hadn’t noticed before and walked to it. While it was definitely a bathroom, it was unlike any I’d ever seen. Regal, even though I wasn’t certain I could turn on the water let alone figure out how to use the bathroom.
Hmm…
I worked it out, got dressed, and freshened up. Then I wandered into the main room, trying to figure out what to do during my wait. It would seem Zatan lived sparsely. I had to wonder what his people did for entertainment. I walked the perimeter as Zaz lounged on the floor in the middle of the room. Then I ended up in front of the massive window staring out at the stars. We were still in orbit, which surprised me. I stared out at the Earth Station, wondering just how much my father had known and when.
I heard another sound and tensed. Then I heard footsteps. Almost instantly I could tell the intruder wasn’t Zatan. When I spun around, the look on the Vektorian’s face was as full of uncertainty as mine.
“Is there something wrong?” I asked, glancing at him and hoping that Thor was with him. When I didn’t see my puppy, I took a step away. I’d been good on following my instincts and the presence of this being screamed that I was in danger.
He took a step forward without issuing a single word. But there was no doubt he knew what I’d asked.
“Whoa. Hold on. What is going on?”
“I brought you some food.” He placed a tray on one of the tables.
When Zaz did nothing more than lift his head, I nodded. “Thank you.”
“Of course. We will be leaving orbit soon.”
“So I understand.”
A cold chill drifted down my spine from the way he was looking at me. Was it obvious that I’d had carnal relations with his boss? I wasn’t entirely certain, but I was completely self-conscious. However, I walked closer to the tray of food, surprised that I recognized fruit that was native to humans, or so I thought. “Strawberries.”
“Gigaberries,” he corrected. “Just as sweet.”
I laughed, grabbing one, realizing it had been forever since I’d eaten anything but ice cream. Somehow, I sensed he was waiting for me to take a bite. As soon as I did, I was shocked at how amazing it tasted. “This is fabulous.”
He finally grinned. “I’m glad you like it. I thought if it reminded you of home, that would make you feel better.”
“It does.” I found myself gobbling not just one but three in a matter of seconds. Then I snagged a fourth, spinning around and glancing toward out the window again. “Vektor sounds lovely.” I chewed thoughtfully, realizing he hadn’t said anything in return. Then I could swear by the reflection he’d gotten closer silently.
Another chill shifted down my spine and I spun around, swaying slightly. Then I glanced at the fruit, starting to feel… lightheaded. “Did you poison me?”
He pulled something from what reminded me of a belt, walking closer while obscuring it. Then he advanced as he’d done before.
No. No. No. Something was very wrong.
