Chapter Seventeen
“What is so funny?” Knacayn pulled her into his side and kissed the top of her head.
“I was just thinking how funny it is for one small female to lord it over so many big, hulking males.” Kenzie pressed her cheek into Knacayn’s chest and felt the rumble of his laughter as much as heard it.
“I assume you are speaking of Star. I do not envy Kynan trying to win that female.” Knacayn had been busy all day with meetings and touring Terraneu with the male council and Kynan. It was obvious his opinion of the android had warmed and Kenzie was glad. It would be a good thing for all of them if the two groups were on peaceful terms.
“She is very nice and I hope she finds happiness after what she has been through.” Kenzie defended Star automatically.
“Kynan has not had a life that was a walk in the park either.” Knacayn took her hand and they moved toward the flavored water set up for refreshment. “Are you thirsty?” At her nod, he asked, “Would you like to try a new flavor or do you prefer cherry?”
Kenzie was happy he didn’t assume a choice and had asked her. “I would like something new tonight. Surprise me.”
“Okay.” Knacayn looked at her with mischief in his eyes, “I will.” He turned to the table and after whispering his request took the glasses handed him. “Surprise.” He offered her the drink he had selected and they moved toward where the rest of his family was settled.
Taking a sip, the flavor washed over her tongue. “What is this?”
“It is called fruit punch.” His eyes flashed with amusement, “It is a mix of different flavors. All of them were from Earth at one point. Orange, pineapple, and cherry.”
Kenzie laughed with him. He had managed to incorporate her favorite flavor into a new selection.
“There you are.” Amber’s voice called out. “We were just discussing holding a meeting tomorrow.”
“If anyone wants to return to Earth, we will use the port pad to send them back. More than a few have not had the change and might want to return.” Kniam was pressed against his mate as she swayed slightly to the music.
“Since Kynan warned us not to use the port pad often, we will have to set up protocols for its use.” Kneus took his mate, Gwen’s hand and turned toward the dancing crowd. “That can be decided another time. Right now it is a celebration and I would like to dance with my beautiful mate.” Gwen beamed at the compliment and tucked herself into Kneus’ side.
“I agree.” Knollig grabbed Mauri and led her toward the dancing.
Kenzie had never been much of a dancer. It wasn’t like they had a lot of reasons to celebrate or dance. When Knacayn took her hand, she turned to look up at him. “I’m not sure about dancing.”
“It is okay.” He was slowly moving her toward the crowd with the press of his body. “Feel the music.”
Kenzie focused on the pounding beat of the music. She started tapping with her foot, then watching Knacayn and the others, she let her body sway slightly. The longer she listened, the more she understood the appeal of music. The songs were stories being told. One after the other the music changed and Kenzie was transfixed with listening to both the words and the melody.
“This one is a hair band.” Brennae swung past her with Marcael. “Listen to the words.”
Kenzie concentrated on the lyrics and almost lost her footing when she realized the song was about sex. Knacayn’s strong hands moved to her hips to steady her. The heat of his fingers seeped through her thin dress and burned into her skin.
“My mother was raised during a strange time on Earth when almost all music had something to do with sex.” Knacayn’s deep voice washed over her and she raised startled eyes to his. “Even the ones that seem innocent, the deeper meaning is sexual.”
Kenzie couldn’t help but laugh. “So much for my innocent ears.”
“I like your innocent ears.” Knacayn kissed her on the sensitive part of her neck.
“Sorry to interrupt, but father is requesting our help in entertaining Kynan and his guard. They are not dancing and he is concerned they will not enjoy themselves.” Knadyn had danced over with Ava to give Knacayn their father’s message.
Kenzie looked to where the androids were standing with some of the couples of Terraneu. The guards were watching the dancers intently and Kenzie knew they were memorizing the moves. When the current song ended, Knacayn tucked her arm into his and strolled over to where the others were gathering. All of Knacayn’s family and their mates were now chatting around Star and Kynan.
“Where are Hope and Red?” Kenzie heard Brennae ask as she joined the females.
“They are on The Elyon,” Star answered. “The ship is in orbit, along with The Hedal.” Kenzie’s attention was diverted by a new song playing on the sound system. Her eyes went to Knacayn, standing a short distance away. Smiling softly at him, her gaze was drawn to Kynan and the guards standing stiffly at his side.
Before she could think twice, she stepped back from the group. “Ladies. If you would excuse me for a moment.” She could feel the eyes of the others burning into her back. They were all watching to see what she would do.
Approaching the males, she winked at Knacayn and then moved to stand in front of Two.
“Hello again.” When Two tore his eyes from the dancers to look down at her, she held out her hand. “Would you like to dance?”
Since it wasn’t really a question, she took his hand and pulled him toward the dancing. He was very large and she had to exert no small amount of pressure to get him to move.
“Kenzie.” He tried to get her attention but she pretended to not hear him. “I have not learned—”
“It’s okay Two. I am new to dancing too.” Kenzie assured him. The music had changed from a slow song to a fast paced one. “The best advice I got is to feel the music.” She stopped at a relatively clear spot and started swaying to the music.
For a moment, Kenzie worried Two wasn’t going to move at all. The next thing she knew he was a dancing maniac. Not in a bad way either. His arms and legs were moving to the rhythm, as large as he was the movements were still very graceful.
“Very good Two.” Kenzie complimented him. “You are a very good dancer.”
“Thank you.” Two replied and before Kenzie could protest he was holding her hands. “This is something we learned from Kynan’s memories.” The next thing Kenzie knew she was being turned, spun, twisted and tossed in the air. Her gasp of shock got drowned out by the music and Two did catch her. When the song ended, she laughed breathlessly.
“That was amazing Two.” She looked around at the other dancers. Everyone had their eyes glued on her and the android. “You really are a good dancer.”
He beamed with pleasure at her compliment and then they were surrounded by females asking Two for the next dance. Kenzie nodded at him, “Thank you for the dance Two.”
Moving back as the other women pressed in, she laughed to herself. Two would be dancing the rest of the night if those women had their way. Turning back to find Knacayn she was almost stampeded by the women dragging the other guards to dance. Kynan was the only android left standing and that might have been due to the fact Star stood directly in front of him. If the crossed arms didn’t sway them, the fierce look on her face did.
“Why didn’t I think of that!” Amber’s melodic laughter joined with the others.
“You should have seen your face when he tossed you in the air.” Steph had joined the group while she had been dancing with Two. “Talk about priceless.” Her friend scrunched up her face and opened her mouth in a large O shape.
“That really was a good idea Kenzie.” Mauri stood watching the guards dancing. “I don’t think they will be allowed a moment's rest.”
Chapter Eighteen
“Thank you for allowing us to stay among you.”
Kenzie shifted slightly to see Kynan. The goodbyes were taking place at the Square of Four and over half of Terraneu had shown up. Kynan, Star, and the other androids were l
eaving for Earth. At yesterday’s meeting, Star had volunteered The Elyon and/or The Hedal to take those humans that wanted to go, back to Earth. Kynan hadn’t looked surprised so perhaps Star had spoken with him before suggesting it.
“We will honor our promise to protect the settlement of Earth survivors in Scotland. I will put a select few MAN units I trust in charge.” Kenzie knew the androids had offered to guard the community she had once hoped to call home, the reassurance of Kynan eased some of her guilt at not going back. The MAN units would be far more adept at protecting New Hedal, as Kynan was calling it than she was.
“If there is an emergency, we will get a message to you through the port pad.” Kniam was shaking Kynan’s hand. “Thank you again for your assistance.”
There was a flurry of activity as the leaders said good-bye.
“Kenzie. May I have a moment.” Kenzie turned to see Weston at the edge of their group.
“Of course.” She squeezed Knacayn’s hand and moved to have a private word with her friend. She did consider Weston in that way. On Earth, she may have even chosen him as a husband. They would never know since she had never considered going back. Staying here on Terraneu was her decision. Knacayn offered the one thing she couldn’t resist. Peace. Earth was going to be the same as before. The androids would get the fun of dealing with what was left of the Earth factions. Kenzie hoped for the sake of those returning, their loved ones were still there.
“I wanted to say good luck here on Terraneu. I know you will be happy and I’m sorry for the way I acted.” Weston seemed uncomfortable and spoke rapidly to get his goodbyes said. “Take care of yourself.” Looking toward Knacayn he awkwardly hugged her.
“Goodbye, Weston. Take care.” Kenzie hugged him back. “I hope you find happiness back on Earth.”
Weston smiled at her one last time and then moved to join the others going back. There was only a handful staying. The rest were already grouped around the departing androids.
Starting toward Knacayn, she stopped short when she heard her name again.
“Kenzie.” This time, it was Two. “May I have a moment.”
She turned to see Two standing a few feet away. “Of course Two.” She moved to stand in front of him and waited to see what he would say.
“I want to thank you for helping us be accepted at the dance.” Two spoke softly.
None of the guards had been given a second of peace after that first dance. The women had clamored for each dance, the males wanted to be taught the moves the guards were doing, and the party had gone on until sunrise.
Two continued, “Kynan has been requesting his people take a designation, instead of the numbers we have been using. Thanks to you, and the others here on Terraneu, some of us have decided on names.”
“You have? That is great.” Kenzie couldn’t believe these days on Terraneu had meant so much to the guards. She felt honored Two was finally content enough to pick a name and she had helped in some small way. “Do you mind if I ask you what you have chosen?”
“I will be known as Shaden. In the old tongue, it means ‘guardian’.”
“That is a very nice name. Shaden suits you.” At that moment, Kynan called for his guard to assemble. Before Shaden could turn away she grabbed him around the waist and hugged. “Take care of Kynan and Star.” She pulled away from the stiff male, thinking she had offended him. Raising her eyes worriedly to his face she relaxed when she saw his smile.
“I will Kenzie. I chose the name wisely.” He turned away and then back again, “Thank you again. You would make an adequate android, for a small human female.” Kenzie choked with laughter at his attempt at a joke.
“Shaden. It is time.” Kynan called again. With one last look, another rush of goodbyes and then with a shimmering, the androids and humans returning to Earth were gone.
“Are you sure you will not miss Earth?” Last night Knacayn had offered to go back to Earth if it would make her happy. She refused the offer immediately. Terraneu was her home now. This community of family and friends is where she wanted to live her life.
“I’m sure.” She turned into his arms and together they walked toward the park. Knacayn had football practice later and was going to get some extra work in early. He had bemoaned how out of shape he was and Kenzie had almost choked on the water she was drinking. There wasn’t an ounce of extra flesh on his body, how did he figure he was out of shape?
“Are you guys heading to the park?” Knadyn pulled up next to them. “I could use some extra training too.”
Kenzie looked over in time to see Ava roll her eyes. “Knadyn thinks he is out of shape.”
Kenzie laughed, “Knacayn does too.”
“Where are you heading?” Steph rushed to catch up. “The park? Mallex was going there to get some extra practice in on soccer.”
“Steph, not soccer. Football.” Mallex grouched good-naturedly.
“Whatever.” Steph bumped him with her hip. “You know what I meant,” whispering conciliatorily, she added, “Mallex thinks he is—”
“Out of shape,” She and Ava added as Steph finished.
Laughing, the females trailed after the males, as they jostled and joked toward the park. Brennae and Marcael joined them just as they reached the grassy area. The park was crowded with men. It seemed they all had the same idea. The guards of Kynan’s had shamed them with their stamina and strength. As unrealistic as it was to expect to compete with androids, the males of Terraneu had sure given it a good try. Now they were here at the park to work-out even harder.
As she sat on the grass watching with Steph, Ava and Brennae they were soon joined by Amber, Gwen, Mauri, Cat, and Jen. As well as their mates, Kniam, Kneus, Knollig, Knaleg, and Thian. The males soon teamed up against each other in a game. The females cheered and shouted advice from the sidelines.
Laughing over the antics of the men, Kenzie knew she had made the right choice. In both her decision to stay on Terraneu and taking Knacayn for a mate. She got offered a seat on the female council that afternoon. Kenzie told them she would seriously consider the opportunity. It wouldn’t take up too much time and if she didn’t enjoy it there was always the option of stepping down. On Earth, that never would have been an option.
She would start teaching in a few days, and that would be enough to fill her days for now. Knacayn wasn’t pushing her into making a move to New Haven. They were going to enjoy life as it was for a while.
Looking around her Kenzie realized Earth was a million light years away in more ways than one.
Other Titles available:
Terraneu Series
Kniam: A Terraneu Novel (Book One)
Knollig: A Terraneu Novel (Book Two)
Knaleg: A Terraneu Novel (Book Three)
Kneus: A Terraneu Novel (Book Four)
Marcael: A Terraneu Novel (Book Five)
Knadyn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Six)
Aquadomina Series
Raife: An Aquadomina Novel (Book One)
The Reborn Series
Coming soon to Ellora’s Cave
Alea Reborn
Emily Reborn
About the Author
What haven’t I talked about yet? I have gabbed about my two daughters. One has her Associates degree and is going for her BA. One is working toward her Associates degree, and then will decide on her BA. My husband and I celebrated our 23rd year of wedded bliss and are heading through our 24th!
Our four dogs are still terrorizing the house and I struggle to write around the canine fur ball(s) in my lap. That pretty much summarizes my life here in the Wild West!
As always, my thanks go out to everyone whose support and kindness give me the push to make everyday matter and to write, edit and publish my stories.
I wish all my readers the best in 2016 and can’t believe how fast this year is going by! I am honored and excited to be taking Maliuth and Galan to Ellora’s Cave for publishing. They will be under the titles Alea Reborn and Emily Reborn. I will update as those two bo
oks get a make-over.
There is a link on my website at http://www.stormymcknight.com/ if you want to send me your thoughts, or sign up to be on the mailing list for release updates and events. Also new covers, story ideas, book trailers and the latest news are posted on my website first.
Stormy
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[JKS1]Earth or terran?
Knacayn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Seven) Page 10