“I wondered what had happened that none of the other males had white hair. Only Mallex and the scary one…Marcael.” Kenzie had traveled with Marcael three months ago to bring Jeromy and Renee Rousard to a council meeting. How Marcael could not say anything and say so much at the same time was astounding. With one raised eyebrow or purse of his lips, he managed to get his point across just fine.
“Honestly Kenzie…what do you and Knacayn talk about?”
Kenzie blushed, “We talk about the males and integrating them into the community. We talk about the issues that might come up. The things I’m supposed to be talking with him about.” She added defensively.
“On your lunch dates after the meetings you are supposed to talk about personal things. Not more work crap!” Steph swerved again and teased, “It’s no wonder you are still single. All work and no play!”
Kenzie just shook off the teasing. She knew Steph was just trying to lighten her suddenly dark mood. Had she been wasting time with Knacayn talking about the community? It wasn’t as if they didn’t talk about some personal things, it just seemed their conversations always drifted back to work problems. Mainly due to her she realized. She always steered their talks back to work. She was sabotaging herself on purpose. Getting close to Knacayn was a dangerous path for her. She wasn’t like Steph. She had no plans to ever go to Terraneu. Her life was here on Earth. As a respected member of the Rebel leadership, she was making a difference in lives here. A fact she was extremely proud of.
While she had been thinking Steph continued, “Besides, I think the white hair and dark eyebrows just make Mallex more handsome. With his beautiful purple-blue eyes and those long eyelashes. Not to mention his patience, his honor, his work ethic. How he makes me laugh and when he kisses me. Whew.” Steph did an exaggerated fanning motion in front of her face and increased their speed.
“I wondered when you were going to get around to talking about his hot body.” Kenzie waited for it…and Steph didn’t disappoint her.
“What do you mean his ‘hot body’?” Steph swerved to avoid another pothole and Kenzie had to grab the handle on the ceiling to steady herself this time. “Why have you been looking at Mallex’s body?”
Kenzie just gave her an exasperated look, “Honestly Steph? You know I haven’t been checking out Mallex! I was just teasing.”
Her friend sighed and looked away guiltily. “I’m sorry Kenzie. It’s just that even with no food and sores, scabs and scars all over…you are very pretty. I feel like if you wanted him, maybe Mallex would prefer you.”
Kenzie was stunned. She was just like all the other females of their community. In her opinion, she wasn’t overly tall, at about five foot seven. She was stick thin, had no hair and as Steph had pointed out she was covered in sores, scabs, and scars. Her face was just as gaunt which made her brown eyes huge in her face.
“I didn’t know you felt that way Steph. It’s like you said, though. The males of Terraneu don’t believe in lies or games. If Mallex said he was interested in you, then he wouldn’t prefer me. You are just scared because this whole situation is so new.”
Steph smiled and her face resumed its happy glow. “You’re right Kenzie. It’s hard not to be insecure when dealing with such good looking men and equally gorgeous women.”
Before Kenzie could reply, they had made it to the security checkpoint for entrance into the compound. Not seeing anyone standing around didn’t surprise her. The guards would be wearing the armor that kept them cloaked. Sure enough, there was a shimmer next to the driver’s side door and a figure appeared. When the guard reached for the headgear and pushed a button, Kenzie wasn’t surprised to see Mallex standing there.
“Steph.” Kenzie bit her smile back and turned her head away. The way Mallex had said her friends name was almost indecent. Steph was afraid this man was interested in someone else? She would die of shock if Steph wasn’t on the portal to Terraneu in three months. Laughing at her own thoughts, she almost jumped when another figure materialized at her side of the vehicle.
“Ms. Kincaid.” The guard at her door had taken down his helmet and she didn’t recognize him. “You are here for the meeting. Knacayn and Steve Howard are expecting you. You may proceed.”
“You can call me Kenzie,” she assured the nervous male. Turning to see Mallex and Steph deep in conversation she cleared her throat. “Uh. Steph we are cleared to continue.”
Looking over at Kenzie as if she had just appeared out of nowhere, Steph sighed. “Okay.” Clearing her throat, she smiled at Mallex. “Thank you…for clearing us.”
Kenzie just bit back another laugh at the obvious reluctance Steph was showing in driving away.
“Perhaps Stephanie could stay here and when you return this direction, she could travel back with you then.” Mallex suggested and Steph looked so happy Kenzie felt a moment of envy. Then she shook it off. Steph deserved to be happy and it wasn’t her friends fault she was a coward and had tamped down any feelings she may felt growing for Knacayn. In her defense, she wasn’t sure her feeling were even hers anymore. She was attracted to him physically. Who wouldn’t be? He was tall, well over six foot like the others in his family. He had black hair, smoking purple eyes, a thickly muscled body, full kissable lips. Aside from his appearance, she liked his sense of duty, work ethic, diplomacy in dealing with her men, his sense of fairness…with a sigh she admitted she liked everything about him. It was a shame really he couldn’t stay on Earth.
“I will be back after the meeting.” Since Steph had already opened the door to get out, Kenzie just slid over to take the driver’s seat. She put the vehicle into gear. “Do everything I wouldn’t do!” She called out and waved as she hit the gas. Since she was something of a prude in Steph’s eyes, it was a common joke for her to tell Steph as her friend left for dates.
She swore she heard, “I will” as she raced away but wasn’t sure. She was feeling lighthearted and happy for Steph. Maybe if she looked at it from all the angles there was a way for her and Knacayn to be together during his short time on Earth.
Chapter Two
Knacayn stood outside of the council dome waiting for Kenzie Kincaid to arrive for their weekly meeting. His family had thought he was crazy when he had requested to represent Terraneu. Nobody wanted to attend these meetings. The Earth communities they were trying to help were making ridiculous demands and had the most comical complaints. The only reason he was able to make it through them was the fact he was so drawn to Kenzie.
His brother had been captured by the Government faction of Earth survivors and Kenzie was part of the delegation they had turned to for help. It was actually Steve Howard who had arranged it all. His daughter was now mated to his identical twin, Knadyn. However, it was Kenzie who had swayed the final vote. She was strong willed, stubborn, loyal and yet sensitive, affectionate and funny. When he had grabbed her hand to move her toward the wall at one of their first encounters he had been shocked at how frail she felt. When she had struggled to get him to release his hold, he had reevaluated his opinion. Frail on the outside but wrapped in a steely stubbornness. When she had bumped her hip into him to let him know she wasn’t amused by his attempts at controlling her, he knew. This was the woman for him. Over the last three months, you would think he would have figured out how to reach her. With so much going on, time seemed to have slipped through his fingers. Now he was halfway through his stay on Earth and their encounters hadn’t gone beyond a few lunch dates. Not to mention when he tried to talk about personal issues, she changed the subject back to community ones. He worried either she didn’t want to talk about herself because she didn’t want him to get to know her or she feared opening up to anyone, not just him. He was rooting for the latter because at least he could work with her fear.
“Who are you waiting for?” Knacayn jumped when he heard his brother-in-law’s voice.
“Kenzie. Steve and I are waiting for her to start the meeting.” He wasn’t surprised when Marcael burst out laughing.
&
nbsp; “Ahh yes, Kenzie Kincaid. The tireless liaison of the Rebels. That is one hardened female...” When he went to defend her, his brother-in-law held up his hand. “Do not bite my head off. I was giving her a compliment. Besides, I would never speak harshly of another male’s choice for a mate.”
“What do you mean? I have not chosen…” his voice trailed off when Marcael raised an eyebrow at him.
“Your feelings for the Earth female are obvious.” Slapping his shoulder, Marcael continued, “When are you going to ask her to come to Terraneu and not stay on Earth?”
“I am taking things slowly with Kenzie.” Knacayn protested and then laughed at the expression he was getting from Marcael. With his stark white hair and contrasting black eyebrows, the shocked look came off as menacing. He knew his brother-in-law well, so wasn’t intimidated. He knew his friend was thousands of years older and much more lethal than a normal male, but he was harmless when it came to family.
“We both know you want that female.” Marcael insisted. “If you do not make your move soon, it will be too late.”
“Are you talking about Kenzie?” Knacayn gritted his teeth. How had his sister snuck up on them? He turned his gaze away for a moment as the pair greeted each other. For most couples of Terraneu a passionate kiss and a lengthy embrace were the norm. His sister and her mate were no exceptions. When they were finished, Brennae continued. “I think Kenzie is perfect for you Knacayn. Would you like me to speak with her? Fill her head with all your good qualities?” She was teasing him, but he was used to it. They were siblings and he had grown up being teased by his brother, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins. Remarks like hers usually rolled off his back like water off a duck, as the locals would say. It was only because he was so insecure about Kenzie he took the bait.
“No, we were not talking about Kenzie.” In his mind, he spoke telepathically to Marcael, “See what you have started!” Then out loud, he continued to his sister, “I do not need you to speak with her. Even if I did want to move forward with her, which I am not saying I do. I am just not sure this is the right moment…” He trailed off. He had argued perhaps a bit too heatedly.
“You protest too much!” His sister laughed and her mate drew her closer.
“You did protest too much.” Marcael’s laughing voice filled his mind. “You should have stopped while you were ahead.”
Knacayn felt a throbbing behind his right eye and knew he was going to have a raging headache soon. “I do not need assistance in my romantic life.” He kept it short and to the point. That is how he should have answered to begin with.
“Ohh Knacayn.” His sister sighed heavily, “The women of Earth are different. Maybe you should ask mother for advice. She was from here after all, and might have words of wisdom on how to get Kenzie to come to Terraneu.”
“What should I have for Knacayn?” All eyes swung to the small female now joining the group. The blond haired female was followed by a much taller, dark-haired male.
“Mother. Father.” His sister gave their parents a quick hug and then turned to him. Despite shaking his head desperately against it, his sister continued. “Knacayn is not sure how to go about romancing an Earth woman.”
Slapping a smile on his face he turned to his mother. “That is not exactly true mother. I am waiting for the right moment to present itself. If it comes to the point I feel I need advice, I will happily ask for yours.”
His mother just looked at him for a moment. In his mind, he heard a laughing voice, “Nice save Knacayn.” He ignored his brother-in-law and kept smiling.
“We don’t have much time left on Earth Knacayn. If you don’t make a move now it will be time to return to Terraneu. Kenzie may desire another male before you are able to make a return trip.” His mother was eyeing him much too intently and to make matters worse she had hit on points he himself had been worried about.
“Who said anything about Kenzie…” he started to protest, but his father spoke louder.
“My love, if Knacayn feels it is not the right time, it is his decision to make. If he has need of your advice he has said he will seek it.” In his head, his father stated, “You might want to hurry to your meeting. Once your mother gets an idea into her head she will not let it go.”
Deciding his father’s advice was sound, he rushed to say, “I need to check with Steve on a small matter. I will see you all later. Mother. Father.” He gave his mother a quick kiss on the cheek and bowed to his father. Without waiting for further comments, he stepped into the dome they were standing before. So much for waiting for Kenzie to arrive.
Chapter Three
Parking on the side of the council dome Kenzie hopped out of the driver’s seat and smoothed her hands on her pants. She always got nervous butterflies in her stomach on meeting days. She spared a small frown at not seeing Knacayn waiting for her outside, as he habitually did. Shielding her eyes with one hand, she took in the position of the sun. She wasn’t running late. She figured he must be inside with Steve. Opening the door, a smile on her face Kenzie walked in.
“Good Morning.” The smiled died upon entering the meeting room. Not only were Knacayn and Steve Howard present but there were a few males from the Rebel community along with a few males from the Government camp. With a start, she realized Weston stood among the group in front of the council table. She had dated him recently and she knew in other circumstances she may have ended up in a long-term relationship with him. Other circumstances being Knacayn and her growing feelings for him. Weston had some traits she cared about. He was confident and intelligent. Drat Knacayn for being confident, intelligent, loyal, caring and funny too. Trying to get her mind off Knacayn, she listed more about Weston she liked. He usually had a positive attitude, which added to her surprise at seeing him here. When their eyes met, he gave a small grimace and ran his hand through his patchy blond hair. The action brought her eyes to the blooming black eye he sported. That explained why his normally happy demeanor was sour.
The two groups being here could only mean one thing. There had been an altercation between the males and this meeting was to determine their punishment. It had happened multiple times before. So much for an uneventful meeting. Stiffening her spine, she strode to her designated seat and waited to hear what had happened.
With a sigh, Knacayn started the meeting, “Thank you Steve and Kenzie.” His voice sounded husky and thick to her ears. “These males are here because they were having a small…verbal disagreement and it turned into a physical altercation. The latter is a punishable offense and we are here to determine what disciplinary measures to take.”
“We didn’t start it…they did.’
“It is their fault. We were minding our own business.”
The accusations started flying around the room. Kenzie knew the males from the Rebel camp. She had grown up with most of them in fact. She knew them to be even-tempered and usually very reasonable, especially Weston. He would have gone out of his way to avoid a confrontation. They had talked about it extensively at the Rebel camp and their men knew there was too much at stake. Putting the two groups together seemed to have brought out the worst in everyone.
“We will only hear one side at a time.” Knacayn’s voice boomed over the group. “You may speak.” He pointed to Weston.
“We were working on the dome assigned to us by one of your men. The Government males walked past us and made some derogatory remarks…which we ignored. When they couldn’t get a rise out of us, that male,” he pointed at a male named Bradley, “started a fight with me. I only fought back to defend myself. When his friends joined in the fight, my friends did as well.” Kenzie wanted to believe him, but he avoided her eyes and that told her something was off.
Then it was time for the Government groups side. The male that spoke for them was the male named Bradley. Kenzie didn’t know a lot about him, therefore, listened to his side of the story with an open mind. According to Bradley, his group had been walking past the Rebel males. In his accounting, however
, it was the Rebel males who had made the derogatory remark and they had ignored it and continued on. It was the Rebel males who had attacked them when their backs were turned.
When both sides were finished giving their accounting, Knacayn informed them they were to wait outside the door until a decision was made. Once the last male had cleared the doorway, he turned and sighed. “Do either of you have an idea on which side is telling the truth?”
Kenzie waited for Steve Howard, the Government liaison to speak and when he just shrugged, she jumped in. “I think in a situation like this, both sides are going to tell falsehoods and somewhere in the middle is the truth. The males from the Rebel community know better then to provoke the Government males. That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t do it. They just know they shouldn’t. That being said, I don’t think either side is telling the whole story and both of them are at fault.”
Knacayn looked to Steve and he nodded. “I would have to agree with Kenzie. I know Bradley has a trigger temper. He could easily jump to fighting over the smallest thing.”
“What punishment would you recommend?” Knacayn asked both her and Steve.
“I would say reduced rations for two days and increased work duties for a week. They are going to need direct supervision to avoid more fighting.” Kenzie offered her input. The males had been given additional rations to work in the new community so reduced rations would be a hit to their stomachs and strength. The additional supervision might not ensure the fighting between those two groups stopped. With a sigh, Kenzie knew that only left about twenty other working groups to worry about.
“That sounds good to me.” Steve agreed.
“It is agreed then. Steve, can you please bring them back in.” Knacayn waited for Steve to walk across the room then turned to whisper, “Are we still going for a picnic in the meadow after the meeting? I have arranged the food items for you and water for me…if you still want to go.”
Knacayn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Seven) Page 2