AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Kuran managed to refrain from telling Hobato he wanted nothing to do with resurrecting Piras’ standing on Kalquor. It was damned hard to hold a snarl at bay.
Chapter Five
Earth II, spaceport
Kuran hadn’t fully quelled his anger by the time his clanmates showed up in Earth’s spaceport, so he didn’t bother to hide it. Etnil would have noted it in any case. For all his playful tendencies, his Imdiko was a talented psychologist, and he knew Kuran too damned well.
“Uh oh.” Etnil greeted him with a hug and a half-smile as soon as he stepped out of the hatch. “Did someone spit on one of your knives?”
Kuran attempted to joke. “Worse, if you can believe it.” He filled him and Rihep in on the news that Piras and Kila were to arrive in a couple of weeks.
All humor fled from Etnil’s expression. “That’s fucked up, my Nobek. You must be furious.”
“I’m sorry, Kuran.” Rihep squeezed his shoulder. “I wish I could say something to help you deal with this news.”
Their gentle support bolstered his strength. “Thanks. I can’t imagine how I’ll look Piras in the face and not shove my fist in it. Even though he was right to do it and he kept Kalquor from falling into the Basma’s hands—”
“Stop,” Etnil ordered. “You’re allowed to be angry. Stay honest where your emotions are concerned. I have faith you can cope, especially as little as you’ll be required to do so directly, but you don’t have to sugarcoat it.”
“Right.” Kuran drew a deep breath and found he felt better. Just seconds in the presence of his clanmates, his lifelong friends and companions, and everything fell into place. “Are you ready for me to introduce you to a big reason why I’m willing to try?”
“Well, yeah.” Etnil’s lips twisted in a mischievous grin. “You don’t think I left the tin can to merely breathe real air and walk in rolling meadows under the shining sun, do you? Gotta have a beautiful woman to do so with.”
“It’s nightfall.”
“Like I said, a walk in rolling meadows under the glowing moon with a beautiful woman. Do you need your hearing checked?”
* * * *
Earth II, governor’s office
“Dramok Rihep and Dr. Etnil. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Stacy hurried around the desk to shake their hands. She probably looked too eager to do so, especially when Ken Bryant sat in the chair in front of her desk.
As if Kuran wasn’t a slab of beefy goodness on his own, he had the audacity to have equally gorgeous clanmates. Rihep was a dream, his features heart-stopping thanks to a square jaw and perfect smile. Etnil beamed, and she noted the gleam in his purple gaze. She’d laughed at plenty of Kuran’s stories about his jokester Imdiko.
“It’s a delight, Governor Nichols. We’ve looked forward to making your acquaintance.” Rihep bowed after he released her hand, but his gaze remained locked on hers. Stacy felt zapped by electricity.
Hello, instant lust.
“I’d given up on meeting you. Having Kuran as our representative, there seemed to be no hope to make friends. Thank you for giving us a chance to say hello despite his many faults. You’re a saint.” Etnil also bowed while affecting a worshipful expression.
Stacy laughed. “You’re exactly as he described.”
“Charming? Brilliant?”
“Excuse us a moment.” Kuran grabbed Etnil in a headlock and pulled him away yelping as Rihep turned to the lieutenant governor and offered his hand. “Mr. Bryant, I recognize you from the news feeds. Congratulations on your new planet. My sincerest wishes for every success.”
Bryant rose to his feet after an instant’s hesitation. He shook Rihep’s hand. “Thank you, Dramok Rihep. I offer much appreciation for your assistance in getting us up and running as head of supplying the planet.” He glanced at Kuran and Etnil, now standing quietly, to include them.
“All credit goes to the indomitable Earther spirit. I’m excited for this new start for your people.”
Bryant appeared flustered to Stacy. Most Kalquorians he’d met were aware of his stance concerning their further involvement in the planet’s affairs and had adopted attitudes of distance. Rihep’s kind sincerity and enthusiasm must have been a shock.
“We’re excited too. Thank you again.” He managed a tight smile for the group. “If you’ll excuse me? I hope you enjoy your visit, sirs.”
He flashed an intent glance at Stacy, and she suppressed a sigh. “Let me see you out, Ken.”
She followed him to the door, then just outside it when he failed to pause. He turned to her and whispered, “Is this seemly conduct for our governor? I can’t imagine an official reason for you to meet these men.”
