by S. E. Smith
“Doesn’t your mom look beautiful, Ami?” Destin asked. There was definitely a radiance about Kali that he had never seen before. “She’s as beautiful as your grandma was.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself, Destin,” Kali murmured, reaching for Ami. “I wish you could stay longer.”
Destin studied Kali’s glowing face. He had missed her. Deep down, he knew he had done the right thing when he made the deal with Razor to take Kali away from Earth. She had almost died too many times. When he discovered she was pregnant, he was especially thankful he made the choices he had. Life had not been easy over the last two years. Yes, fighting for the city was pretty much over, but there were still issues with a few renegade gangs.
“I need to return. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Maybe one day it will be different and you can come back to Earth for a visit, see all the changes,” Destin replied.
Kali’s gaze moved to the open vee of his dark green dress shirt. “Where’s your medallion?” she asked with a frown. “You never go anywhere without it.”
Destin’s lips tightened. “I misplaced it. I’ll look for it when we get back,” he said, turning when Razor came into the room.
“How is Saber doing today?” Destin asked.
“Cursing us all,” Razor replied with a grin. “I never realized how much fun a bachelor party could be.”
“What did you guys do last night?” Kali asked, setting Ami down when she started to wiggle.
“Destin showed us how to walk on walls,” Razor chuckled. “It is easier if you have not had too much to drink.”
Kali scowled and shook her head. “You’re lucky none of you broke a leg. Speaking of which, how did Saber do it with his leg?” she asked with concern.
“He did fine. It was a chance for him to test out the new brace that Taylor developed. It worked very well. I can understand why you love doing this ‘Parkour’,” Razor said, wrapping his arms around Kali. “But, it also showed me how difficult and dangerous it is.”
Kali leaned back and grinned at him. “And that is where you stop this conversation if your next sentence is going to begin with ‘I don’t want you to…’” she teased.
“I think we should do it together from now on,” Razor muttered, glancing at Destin with a rueful look. “Has she always been this stubborn?”
Destin chuckled and shook his head. “If you haven’t figured that out yet, I’m not going to say anything. It will just get me into hot water with her, too,” he quipped. “I think it is time to go. Ami, do you want a ride on Uncle Destin’s shoulders?”
“Up!” Ami cried in delight, raising her arms. “Horsey!”
“One horsey ride coming up,” Destin laughed, picking Ami up and settling her on his shoulders. He winced when she kicked him with her heels. “Ouch! She’s going to be like you, Kali. Always kicking the sh….”
“Watch your language; she’s like a parrot right now,” Kali muttered under her breath after elbowing Destin in the side.
“I can see where that might be a problem,” Destin agreed. “Last one in the transport gets to feed the monsters.”
“Monsters! I wants a monster,” Ami giggled, fluffing up Destin’s hair.
Razor and Kali laughed at the pained expression on Destin’s face. Destin held onto Ami’s legs, making sure he ducked when he went through the doorways, though each was at least twelve feet high, so there was no actual need to, and romped out to the transport. He swung her down and placed her in the childseat in the back, then strapped her in and climbed in next to her. Razor held the door open for Kali before he walked around to climb into the pilot’s seat.
Within minutes, they were lifting off from the ground. The clear bubble on the transport gave them excellent visibility all around. Once again, Destin felt excitement grow inside him at the possibilities for not just Chicago, but Earth. If more humans could see and experience what he had by traveling here, they would have such a different perspective – well, most of them would. The groups of people trying to keep them in the dark ages were dwindling each year, but he knew some people would always cling to the past.
“It is unbelievable how far advanced in technology the Trivators are compared to humans,” Destin murmured, staring out the window.
“It will be wonderful to do this on Earth,” Kali replied. “Perhaps this is a chance for humans to start over and do it right this time.”
Destin grunted. He didn’t want to burst any bubbles today. Dreams and reality were two entirely different things. He knew better than most that it took all kinds of people to make up a world, and in almost twenty-eight years, he had seen the dark side more often than he had seen the light. The murder of their mother by a gang member just for a few lousy dollars and a chance for promotion within the gang had left him and Kali orphans at a young age.
He couldn’t suppress the bittersweet thought of how different he and Kali had turned out from their mother. He clasped his hands together when he thought of the blood he carried on them. He had demons he needed to put to rest, and rebuilding Chicago into a modern, safe haven was one way he hoped to do it.
“What?” he asked, realizing that Kali had said something to him.
“I said maybe you’ll meet someone here and you’ll want to stay,” Kali teased, glancing at him over her shoulder.
“I already have. Her name is Ami,” Destin retorted, reaching over and tickling Ami when she turned to grin at him.
It wasn’t the image of Ami that came to mind, though; it was a woman with long white hair, pale blue skin, and fire in her eyes. A flash of need swept through him and he closed his eyes. It had definitely been too long since he’d been with a woman. He would have to do something about that when he returned home.
“We’re here,” Razor said. “What is this ceremony called again?”
“A wedding,” Kali replied, eagerly glancing out the window at the long garland of white flowers along the fence.
Razor gazed at Kali with an almost fearful look. “Are you going to want one of these?” he asked, returning his attention to landing the transport.
“No,” Kali whispered. “I’m happy attending them, but I wouldn’t want to have one.”
“Thank you, Goddess,” Razor muttered, shutting down the transport and opening the doors.
Destin didn’t miss the look Razor shot the other men. They had all agreed that today they wouldn’t discuss the threats that Earth faced. They had done enough of that last night at Saber’s bachelor party. While Destin had arrived almost a month earlier, Razor, Saber, Dagger, and several others that Destin had not met before had only arrived two days ago.
“It is good to see you again, Destin,” a large man with a wicked grin said.
Humor pulled at Destin’s lips. He had met Lord Ajaska Ja Kel Coradon from Kassis last night. One thing he had learned about the man in the short time he’d been in his company was to never challenge him to a drinking game. The man could hold his liquor more than everyone else in the room. He was a bear of a man. His black hair was tied back today, showcasing the long scar on his face that highlighted how dangerous he was. Destin resisted the urge to touch his own scar. It seemed that humans had a lot more in common with aliens than they would have guessed.
“A pleasure, Lord Ja Kel Coradon,” Destin replied politely.
“Just call me Ajaska,” Ajaska reminded Destin with a good-natured grin. “The other is a mouthful, or so I’ve been told.”
“I can’t believe Jesse, Jordan, Shana, and Charma did all of this so quickly,” Kali breathed out in awe. “It is gorgeous!”
“Razor, Destin,” Hunter called out in greeting, walking down the front steps of the house.
“Hunter,” Razor greeted. “Where’s Father?”
“He is practicing his walk down the aisle with Jordan,” Hunter replied with a grin. “Mother and Jesse are helping Taylor prepare for the ceremony.”
“For having only a few days to get things ready, this is unbelievable,” Kal
i replied, watching Destin lower Ami to the ground.
“I’ll watch her for you, Kali, if you would like to go see the other women,” Charma said, reaching for Ami’s hand. “The other kids are playing with my granddaughters in the garden.”
“Thank you, Charma,” Kali replied with a smile. “I’ll go with you. I’d love to see what they’ve done inside.”
“We’ll be in soon,” Razor promised, brushing a kiss across Kali’s lips. Kali nodded and followed Charma into the house.
The home belonged to Hunter, but his parents, Scout and Shana, often stayed here when the men were gone. Hunter, Razor, Saber, and another Trivator named Dagger made up the core group of the men in the family. While Saber and Dagger weren’t technically Razor and Hunter’s brothers, they were as close as they could get. Scout and Shana often insisted that they had adopted the two men when Hunter dragged them home one day and announced he needed more brothers to fight with if he was going to be a warrior.
It didn’t take Destin long to feel welcome here. Within the first few hours of his arrival, he had felt at home. Kali spent a great deal of time here with Jesse and Jordan. Not only did they have children close to Ami’s age, but they had a lot in common – they were human like she was, and humans were rare on Trivator. But it was more than that, they had all fought for survival back on Earth.
“It will be hard to leave her and Ami,” Destin said, watching Kali walk toward the house.
“You could always stay,” Razor said. “It would make her happy.”
Destin shook his head. “I can’t,” he replied, his voice laced with regret. “You know as well as I do that is impossible. I’ve fought too hard and too long. The people there have stood by me and fought beside me. I won’t abandon them now.”
“I understand. I have been in your position; it is not an easy one to make,” Razor said.
“As have all of us, I’m sure,” Ajaska agreed with a heavy sigh. “I just hope the humans who came to my world do not find out what has happened since they left. I have a feeling life would become very difficult for my sons.”
“Why is that?” Destin asked, remembering last night when Ajaska told him about the group of circus performers who had turned his world upside down.
Ajaska grinned. “They are fierce and loyal. They would not hesitate to return to their world to fight. I’ve become very attached to them and have no desire for them to leave Kassis, not to mention that my sons would follow them,” he stated bluntly, his smile fading and a serious expression settling over his face.
“We agreed not to discuss these things today. It is Saber and Taylor’s day of joining. There will be a far worse battle to contend with if anything prevents it from happening. My Amate is determined to make sure Taylor has a traditional Earth joining,” Hunter reminded them with a look of warning.
“Destin, do you know how to tie one of these things? Jesse and Jordan are busy, and Kali said she was not around males who wore such a thing,” Dagger called out from the front steps.
Destin turned and chuckled, though his laugh had an edge of wariness to it. Dagger’s expression was a mixture of irritation, frustration, and panic. In his hand, he held a red tie. Destin had to admit the black suit fit Dagger’s broad shoulders perfectly. He liked Dagger, he really did, there was just something about the guy – as if he was always one step away from snapping – that made him leery.
“Yes, I know how to tie one. It’s one of those things you learn when you’re a teenager and never forget,” Destin said, walking over to the front steps. He paused, looking at Dagger. “You guys are just huge,” he complained, motioning for Dagger to trade places with him on the step.
Within seconds, Destin had the tie done. Dagger mumbled his thanks, turned to glance at the line of transports starting to arrive, and muttered under his breath that he needed to find Jordan. As Dagger passed him on the steps, Destin noted that small beads of sweat were forming on Dagger’s forehead and his eyes were a little wild.
He must not be able to handle groups of people very well, Destin thought.
Destin turned when another transport landed along the curved driveway. His stomach clenched when he caught sight of the woman stepping out of it. Jersula Ikera was wearing a long gown that was slit along the sides. His gaze swept over her pale blue skin and snow white hair. Her hair was elegantly braided in an intricate hairdo that must have taken hours to create. The gown she wore clung to her form and was made of a shimmering material that matched the color of her hair. As she stepped closer, he could see the thin threads of silver and blue woven through the material, and they sparkled as she walked. The outer cover of the gown was blue, slightly darker than her skin, and was swirled with white and silver. The combination was nothing less than stunning.
A puzzling possessive feeling swept through him. He wanted this woman. He’d felt an attraction to her before, but this was different. This was a more primitive feeling combined with an urgency he had never felt toward a woman before. Oh, he had been horny, wanting to lose himself in a woman just as much as she wanted to lose herself in him, but he’d never felt this fervent desire to know more about her, to keep her close, and to protect her. Hell, most of the women he had known were more than capable of taking care of themselves.
As long as they weren’t betrayed, he thought, remembering Maria, one of his lovers who was brutally murdered by someone she should have been able to trust.
Destin was vaguely aware that Hunter had walked up to stand beside him. Off to the side, Razor and Ajaska discussed the transports that were arriving, comparing the variations in the different models. He forced his gaze away from Jersula, his jaw tightening in aggravation. He would be leaving the planet in a few days. He had no business thinking such thoughts.
Not only that, there was still too much to do back on Earth and he would have no time for a long term relationship that wasn’t long distance. He firmly believed that if a man was going to be in a real relationship, he needed to devote his time to make it work. At the moment, time was a very precious commodity, and every minute of it was given to rebuilding Chicago. Taking this time off to come see Kali and Ami had been difficult enough.
“What is she doing here?” Destin muttered.
Hunter glanced over at Jersula. “She is representing her people. The Usoleum leaders have been very apologetic after the revelation of Councilor Badrick’s misdeeds. Most of the women and young girls who were shipped off your world were found and returned, but his disgrace runs deep for the Trivator forces and the Alliance,” he replied.
“There are still eighteen of them unaccounted for,” Destin reminded Hunter.
“Thunder and Vice will not give up until all are accounted for, Destin. You have my word on this,” Hunter promised before turning to Jersula when she walked up. “Councilor Ikera, welcome to my home.”
“Lord Hunter,” Jersula murmured with a polite smile. “Lord Parks.”
“I’m not a Lord,” Destin responded. “You can call me Destin.”
The corners of Jersula’s mouth twitched downward before her features settled back into a pleasant facade and she bowed her head in acknowledgement. A shaft of guilt hit Destin. He knew his tone had been almost rude.
“On Earth, only nobility is called Lord and no one where I come from is given that title. We use greetings like Mr. Parks or Miss or Mrs. Ikera, depending on your marital status,” he explained. “Only, if you were married, you would usually have the man’s last name. For example, if you were married to me, your name would be Mrs. Jersula Parks.”
“I… I will remember that. Thank you,” Jersula responded, flushing a slightly darker blue.
“Charma is inside if you would like to go in,” Hunter suggested in amusement, staring back and forth between Destin and Jersula. “There are refreshments as well.”
“Thank you, Lord Hunter. Destin,” Jersula murmured, stepping between them and continuing up the steps.
Destin couldn’t help but follow her with his gaze. His br
eath hissed out when he noticed the back of her gown, which bared her all the way down to her lower back. Smooth, creamy, light blue skin shimmered, and his fingers itched to touch it to see if it felt as soft as it looked.
“She is unattached,” Hunter murmured.
“What?” Destin replied, glancing at Hunter.
“I said she is unattached. I made sure to have a thorough investigation of her completed before she arrived. Razor and I did not want to take a chance of another incident such as the one with Badrick,” Hunter explained. “She is listed as unattached. My sources also say she has not been in a long term relationship.”
Destin scowled. “I’m not looking for a relationship. I have too much to do. Besides, I’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow.” Hunter’s lips twitched at Destin’s heated retort. Destin could feel his face flush and he quickly shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. He stared out over the driveway. His gaze swept over the other guests who had arrived. Compared to what he was used to seeing, they were all so exotic. “I’m serious. I’m not looking for a long-term relationship, especially with an alien.”
“Our world is much different from what you are used to, but it is a good one, Destin. What happened on Earth was unusual. It was not the Alliance’s intention to cause so much distress to your people,” Hunter murmured, resting his hand on Destin’s shoulder.
“How can we be so different, yet so similar?” Destin asked in a low tone. “You have homes, jobs, families – everything that humans do. How can our species have been the only ones to implode when we discovered we aren’t alone in the universe?”
Hunter released a deep, long breath and dropped his hand to his side. “The Alliance did not realize until it was too late that Earth was not as advanced as we had first thought. The messages you sent out gave the impression that Earth was ready for this first contact. Once first contact was made, it was too late. We had no choice but to move forward.”
Destin nodded and looked down at the tips of his boots. He knew that. He remembered the day that the Trivators had arrived. The shock and upheaval weren’t something anyone would be likely to forget. It hadn’t been the Trivators who struck out at the humans. It had been the humans striking out against each other. Fear could be a very, very powerful and destructive emotion.