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No one says a word. The gall of the woman. What the fuck is wrong with everyone?
Alexa spins around, signing, “This means everyone saw what we did last night? The entire time?”
When Malk nods, Nako freaks out on him. “What the fuck is going on in this place? Who just goes into someone’s room and records them having sex with someone? Is that normal? Why didn’t you stop the fucking bitch?”
“I didn’t know what she intended!”
“How could she do this to me? To us?” Serlo’s voice is fucking loud. Louder than the surrounding crowd, and I can’t help but wonder if they’ve quieted down to eavesdrop. “The rage I feel is all-consuming, knowing that every male has seen what is mine alone!”
Serlo’s pulling away from Alexa, about to climb to his feet. Emma intervenes, holding him down. “Stop, Serlo! Wait!” Turning to look at Malk, she asks. “Who is this High Offering?”
But it’s Malk who answers since Serlo is breathing heavily and looks like he’s ready to pound someone. Again. “The Orcleen High Offering is the personal contact with the Ropors. Vera reported when Serlo denied her yesterday. She thought Serlo would eventually take her as his Chomlen.”
“I never agreed to that!” Serlo blurts out, practically spitting.
Malk nods that he understands. “True. But that doesn’t change what a female’s heart may desire.And to you, Alexa.” Malk steps closer, signing slowly. “I am very sorry this threatens your safety. I’m sorry I reviewed it. But it was easy to see what was between you and Serlo is special. My distrust with your species was misplaced. Serlo hadn’t found a Chomlen because he wanted something more than what he was getting from the fawning females here. Many of us feel this way.”
“Yes,” Serlo rubs his hand up and down Alexa’s back while he stares at Malk. “She should have quit sending females to harass me. Now I’ve made my decision. And instead of an Orcleen Chomlen, I now have aDeleera. It’s final.”
Alexa smiles sadly while she signs. “I still don’t understand what those Orclan men intended by following and attacking me. Well... I do. One had his pants undone...”
Serlo’s lips pull back from his teeth as he growls, but Alexa nudges him, snuggling closer.
“I’m thankful this smoothed things between us.” Emma slides closer to Malk. “But certainly the Orclan men have some self-control. This was an anomaly? A one-of situation, correct?”
Good question. This morning has been a genuine revelation. This is an entirely different culture, and there are bound to be differences.
There’s movement to the side, and another of Malk’s trainees steps closer as Luc answers. “I think I can explain this. I’ve already spoken to multiple viewers.”
This had better be good. Looking at Alexa, I feel violent for the first time in my life.
“According to those I’ve questioned, they believe some of the males may not have intended to harm you. Only to hold you as ransom.”
“For money?” Alexa’s perplexed expression is probably identical to mine.
Luc presses his folded hands to his lips before he lets out an exasperated breath. “No. They’re insisting on bringing more of your kind here. More Human females. That’s why I came to get Serlo earlier. To discuss—”
“What!? They can’t do that!” Emma rages.
“We’re not... pets!” Alexa’s hands fly while I think about how thankful I am that Emma and I are the only ones with a clue abouthowto do that. Emma’s smacking Luc in the chest, clearly not impressed.
“How is that different from what we just went through?” Cal’s input makes sense. I’m so proud of him as he points out, “They will be slaves? We’d steal them? That’s wrong!”
“Exactly!” I throw my arm around Cal in solidarity, adding, “It’d be kidnapping, right? Just like abductions?”
Luc nods while his eyes flit between us before settling on his father Malk. “And Humans are different from Orclans. The females demand more—”
“Oh, we saw.” The trainee interrupts, nodding as if he has it all figured out. A knowing look has transformed his features, and for a second, I think Luc will take a swing and knock that expression right off his face. Even I want to!
“That’s not what I mean!” Luc exclaims. “You’re missing the point. Do you see any other Orcleens in our rooms? No?”
The Orclans are all staring at him, but I’m lost for a minute until he elaborates. “Emma will leave me if I make her share my body. Just as males don’t share their Chomlen or mates... she won’t share. So... no other females. Ever.”
This is eerily similar to the fall out Cal and I just had. I glance at Emma, glad I’m not the only one dealing with the shit.
The knot in my stomach loosens as Cal puts his arm around me, recapping our earlier conversation word for word. “You should know Edith’s promise to me. ’I swear to never leave as long as I’m youronly lover.I’ll stay here in Baloo to be your one and onlyDeleera.I swear it.’”
Throwing my arms around him, he looks down at me while I marvel at his memory. Impressive!
