All the Andjin grimace as I point to his burnt tentacle.
“And what became of the exile?”
“Dead,” Kitaico says plainly.
“Ah, I see,” the elder says, scanning the cave thoughtfully. “As much as I hate being in another male’s nest, I commend you for the work you’ve done, Kitaico. I’d like to continue our conversation back at the capital. You have much to prepare for. We’ll allow you to continue your Great Proving journey.”
“Thank you, Chancellor Hirouz. May the Great Mother allow me to bring honor to our people,” Kitiaico mutters, doing several quick motions with his fingers before thumping his fist on his chest.
Was that some kind of alien secret handshake?
“The female can travel?” Chancellor Hirouz asks.
“She has no gills.” Kitaico points out my evolutionary shortcomings.
“Ah, well, I will arrange for an additional pod,” the elder says before tapping a techy-looking broach on his jacket. He mutters into the device, “Transport requested at the nesting site.”
I turn my attention back to the scarred guard, who eyes me with curiosity. His face is almost as intrigued as it is distrusting, like he’s trying to figure me out.
He scooped up the blaster from the floor while we weren’t paying attention and holstered it at his hip.
I’m surprised at how high-tech the rest of the weapons strapped to the guard are. This planet seemed so primitive before.
But then again, I’ve been stuck in a cave, horny for Kitaico for most of it…
The guard takes a step closer and sniffs. Any confusion about me slips from his face.
“Chancellor Hirouz, I think the hopeful has been breeding with the female.” His voice is grave.
“Hey, my name is Lena, and I have done nothing I didn’t want to!” I don’t like this guard's vibe, so I give him my best scowl.
Kitaico’s eyes go wide as he watches the elders step closer and draw in the same awkward sniff as the guard.
“It would appear as though we still have much to discuss, Kitaico. Officer Rionkuj, please restrain the hopeful.”
“I can’t understand what she’s saying”—he taps his temple—“but I promise you there’s an explanation for whatever she’s said.”
“I expect there is. Please activate his translator chip as well. I wouldn’t want the female to have to repeat herself.” Chancellor Hirouz waves as the guard clamps both Kitaico’s hands and foretentacles behind his head.
Even though Kitaico’s face is forlorn, the brothers struggle in their restraints. They reach toward me as he’s led to the entrance. The guard pushes a small key fob device up against his temple and my alien winces.
“Are you okay, Kitaico?” I ask, panicking as I see the only person I know on this planet cuffed.
Despite our circumstances, he turns to me and smiles.
“Your voice is even more beautiful when I can understand what you’re saying.”
18
the jewels
“Just a few seconds of swimming and we’ll be in the pod. Don’t worry!” I tell my scared human mate.
She nods, drawing a deep breath into her lungs. The guard reaches out to assist her down into the water, but I bare my fangs at him with a hiss.
“Watch yourself,” he says. “I’m only assisting the female, so we might avoid injuries. I have no desire to touch her beyond that.”
The officer holds his hand up, revealing the same purple mating mark that Leeenuh is hiding.
“Be gentle with her. Restraints or not, I will kill you if you hurt her,” I say boldly.
“Understood,” he says, unsurprised at my protectiveness.
“Hey, I’ll be okay, Kitaico. Take some deep breaths. I can handle myself.” Leeenuh tries to reassure me.
So I do my best to stuff down the urge to bite out the guard’s throat. He has a mate, and Leeenuh isn’t scared.
We have bigger things to worry about right now, anyway.
I jump into the sea and make my way to the airlock of the secondary pod. The elders have already returned to their vehicle.
When I turn, kicking my legs to pivot in the water, I see Leeenuh. She’s being held by the guard at arm’s length, as he’s trying desperately not to touch her any more than necessary. Her eyes are shut tight, and her cheeks are puffed large with air.
Once they’ve both made it all the way into the airlock, the guard depresses a button on the control panel. The hatch door clicks shut and saltwater rushes out of the chamber as the air is forced in. Leeenuh stumbles forward, adjusting to the pressure, and falls into my chest. I steady her, wishing my arms were free. But as she rights herself, I kiss her forehead, earning a stern look from the guard.
“Refrain from touching the female, hopeful,” he barks as he opens the second hatch into the seating area of the pod.
