by Autumn Dawn
Desperate to get out of this situation, Dey gulped and lied outright. “Um, I promised Keg here a walk. Didn't I, Keg?” She smiled forcefully up at him.
"You did?” He grunted as she stepped on the edge of his boot. “Oh, yes. Now I remember. Sorry, gentlemen. Thanks for your patience. Fair luck to you.” He tucked Dey's arm in his and sauntered away.
Dey waited until they were out of sight and rounded on him. “What do you think you were doing?"
"I wanted you to see they are nothing to fear.” He shrugged. “You were trembling with fear of them, so naturally...."
"I was not trembling!"
"What about now?” Without warning he pulled her to him, bent her over his arm, and kissed her beside her mouth.
Amazingly, his cheeks were bronze when he let her up. Even more astounding, Dey's lips tingled, begging for a closer hit. Speechless, she stared at him. It was long seconds before she could manage, “I.... “And that was it. Too many surprises in too short a space.
"That's moving at the speed of light for a Beast,” he explained. “But I bet your new friend would have tried it had you taken that walk with him."
She shook herself and walked off. This morning was too weird. He was too weird.
* * * *
"Whatcha doing?"
Luna looked up from her inspection of one of the Beast's cycles, practically drooling. “Thinking."
It didn't take a great mind to guess about what. There was just one problem. “You can hardly trade them contraband for it,” she whispered, one eye on the Beasts. “And it's not like a symbiont. It'll need maintenance."
"I know.” Luna looked at the Beast called Drostra. “I would like a ride. I will trade for your time."
For a moment he said nothing. No doubt this Beast had heard tales of the half blood in the human settlement. Maybe he had even been warned away. But why would he care? After all, he was willing to marry a full blood human.
Maybe he decided the same thing. “No price,” he said, and gestured for her to mount up.
Without hesitation, she did so.
Dey backed up and shook her head sharply at the other Beast, who offered with a gesture to give her a ride, too.
"Luna."
Luna caught her eye. “I'll be back in a bit."
The sleek hover sled took off with a roar. Dey clenched her fists and wished her great symbiont had chosen another time to divide. She desperately wanted to keep Luna in sight.
As if he'd read her mind, Keg pulled up beside her. “Want to race them?"
Grateful and unwilling to analyze his generosity, she leapt on back and held on. Silver tendrils wound up her leg, webbing her to the bike as they sped after the disappearing sleds. Keg deliberately stayed behind them, out of sight. When Drostra broke away from the other two, Keg veered after him. They heard the sound of his motor cutting in a clearing just ahead. Instead of following him in, Keg pulled to a stop.
"What are you doing?” Dey hissed. She bounced a little, as if her momentum would get them going.
"He wants privacy. Don't worry, you can hear if Luna screams from here.” He didn't seem a bit worried.
Jaw tight, she hopped off and started through the trees.
It was his turn to hiss, “Dey! Woman, wait!” as he followed her. She was quiet, but he was even better. She gave a little start as he crouched beside her behind some bushes.
"What are we doing here?” he groused.
She ignored him and focused on the drama in front of them. Drostra was saying something to Luna. Suddenly his helmet swished down into his armor collar. Dey gasped. The blond stud before Luna was one of the handsomest men she'd ever laid eyes on. Even though his hair was cut in the same way as Keg's, it didn't matter. With that sculpted face he could be bald and it wouldn't matter. “Whoa."
Keg glanced at her in annoyance. “You had your chance."
"Yeah,” she said wistfully, then shook her head. “What am I saying? He's an alien."
"It didn't stop you a minute ago,” he said perversely. “Let's go.” He took her arm and towed her away.
"But—” What if Luna needed her?
"He didn't expose himself for you,” he added irritably.
"Exposed? You make it sound like he stripped naked. Ouch!"
He slowed down and relaxed his grip so she wouldn't trip again. “It amounts to the same thing to him. Beasts don't run around showing just anyone their faces. It's nerve wracking.” He spoke as if he knew.
They reached his bike, and he set her on the seat. “Now behave."
Dey rolled her eyes. “Yes, O Great One.” At least now she was less worried. If Luna did need help, Keg would come in handy, but at the moment it didn't look as if she would. Frankly, Dey was slightly envious. To counter that thought, she drummed her pink nails on her knee. “How long do you think this will take?"
"As long as they want.” The bike dipped as he straddled it, facing her.
Just a little fidgety, she scooted back. There was only so far she could go.
A wry smile curved his mouth. “Now I'm a fearsome Beast?"
"Of course not.” Just really, really sexual. Sensual. A little hungry looking.
Hot eyes dipped to her lips. The grin grew mischievous. “I bet he kisses her."
"She won't let him.” Why did that have to come out breathless?
"Maybe not on the lips, but I bet she lets him do this.” He slid his warm hand under hers and raised her hand for a kiss—on her inner wrist.
"No, she wouldn't,” she whispered.
"And this."
Warm lips brushed her palm. Was it her imagination or was that an electrifying touch of tongue? Definitely tongue, she thought as he dragged it up to her pinky finger and drew it into his hot mouth. Sleepy eyes met hers as he sucked it deep. Every thought in her brain evaporated as she stared in rapt fascination. No one had ever done anything like this to her before. She hadn't realized it was possible.
Suddenly she was scared. “Stop,” she whispered, unable to make her arm move.
"All right.” He released her and leaned back. The symbiont cycle obligingly shifted to support his head and back. Reclined like that, he looked lazy, predatory. Definitely a man to watch.
She swallowed and looked away. Small talk was beyond her.
"So would you marry an alien if he were appealing?"
"No!"
"You hate them that much?” he asked seriously.
"No ... I just ... they're alien. I don't understand them, know nothing of their culture. For all I know they're not even built the same as us."
Keg grinned. “I promise they're built the same. Maybe bigger."
She flushed. “Hey! Behave.” She did not need references to that kind of thing just now.
"All right. Let's say you were attracted, cared for him. Could you do it then?” Although his pose was still relaxed, his eyes seemed unusually intent.
"Hypothetically speaking, maybe. But we'd have to live here. No way could I transplant to some odd culture. They'd probably make me wear an animal helmet."
"Women don't. They wear half veils. And men only do when they're in uniform, hunting or around aliens."
She flipped a hand. The whole idea was ludicrous, anyway. And it made her wonder. “Why do you ask? Do you think the only man I'm likely to attract is an alien one?” The idea hurt. She knew she wasn't the most appealing woman in the settlement—didn't her lack of suitors prove it? Even worse, she'd never been kissed. On the lips, anyway. No wonder he might think....
He leaned forward, cupped the back of her head in his hand, and rubbed noses with her. “Never fear there. I'm just the curious sort."
Magnetic attraction arced between them. Without thinking, Dey angled her mouth, but he withdrew. Hot sparks shown in the depths of his eyes.
A frown and the beginnings of a pout drew her brows together and plumped her bottom lip. What was he, a tease?
As if he read her mind, Keg traced the ridge between her brows and then her f
ull bottom lip. “Temper."
She nipped the end of his finger.
He took her back to town after their quarry drove by. Dey found Luna bare minutes later. Those long legs of hers were on a determined course toward their house.
"You liked the sled?” Dey asked, nearly trotting to keep up.
Luna's eyes sparkled. “I want one."
"How will you pay?"
"Snake hunt."
Alarm brought Dey to a halt. “Snakes? You know I hate snakes, Luna!” Sure, a snake hunt was just the thing to raise cash, because the large ones were deep in the swamp and involved a very uncomfortable journey. Thus they commanded a high price, especially for the prized and deadly white ones. Their bounty was the reason they'd been hunted to extinction near the settlement.
One foot on their stairs, Luna glanced over her shoulder. “You don't have to come."
Grim determination made Dey tense. “You know I do.” Only fools went on a snake hunt alone. The huge beasts had to be harpooned through the head. They thrashed in their death throes for many long minutes. A coil of their body could smash bones and equipment, and the unconfined body could escape into the swamp, making retrieval difficult if not impossible. On top of this were the other dangers, both animal and vegetable, in the deep swamps. A partner was essential. More than one partner was even better. “Maybe we should invite your sister and Scy."
"I don't want to split the bounty. As it is it will take at least two snakes to pay for what I want."
"I don't have my symbiont. We'd have to trek in and out, maybe boat it.” Which made it much more dangerous. It would be hard work, and no bones about it. Just the thought of handling the weight of the snake hide made her silently groan.
"I know. We'll need a boom on the barge and a winch. Don't worry about the harpoons. I'll round them up. With any luck we can be out of here day after tomorrow."
Teeth grinding, Dey followed her up the stairs. This promised to be one of those adventures.
* * * *
All was peaceful in the swamp. Dey sat alone in her punt, fishing. Tomorrow was the day, and she was putting in a few quiet hours while she could.
The round little boat wouldn't have been her first choice for river travel, but for this quiet lagoon it was just the thing. Hardly anyone came here, and only the buzz of insects and the occasional splash of an aquatic animal disturbed the silence.
She needed time to think. Luna was off studying her sister's books, but it was much too nice a day to waste inside, so Dey had volunteered to catch dinner. With luck she'd snare a pair of eels, but if not there was the scuddler trap she'd set earlier. A pot of the small crustaceans, boiled in spices and served up on wild rice, would make a tasty dinner. In spite of what Scy thought, her cooking was improving all the time.
Had to. It was a sure bet Luna's wasn't.
And wasn't that the trouble? Luna had little in her life besides tomb raiding, and now this lust for a Beast sled. It wasn't healthy. She needed a life. She needed a hobby.
Dey grinned wickedly. She needed a man.
As if summoned by her thoughts, the reeds parted and Keg appeared on the opposite bank. Astride his symbiont, which quickly shifted to become a watercraft, he barely paused before heading across the water toward her. “Good morning, sweet thing.” He peered into her empty punt. “Poor fishing this morning?"
"I just got started.” She ignored the skip in her heartbeat.
"Want company?"
Not his, but since she knew he wouldn't leave until he was good and ready, she reached into the bottom of the boat and handed him a hoop net on an extendible stick. “No slackers. Make yourself useful and find something edible, would you?” This was said with a slight smile.
With a sideways glance that told her he was only doing what he felt like doing, he accepted the net and lowered it into the water by the attached rope. “You're not planning on getting married, are you? I'm tempted to warn them away just on principal."
Her smile became wide and sunny. “Ah, but I intend to be very nice to that lucky man. After all, I'll want him to stick around."
A wicked sparkle in his eye, he rested his free arm across his legs and considered her. “You like me. Admit it, Dey. You're glad to see me."
"I suppose it's a slight step up from conversing with the wildlife.” She eyed him. “Very slight."
"Dey."
She cringed at his chiding, slightly impatient tone. How did he do it? One word and she was ready to lay down arms. “I'm sorry. Force of habit.” They were silent. It took a moment to figure out something safe to say to him. Something about the man had her unusually clumsy of tongue. “Does Ar—” she hastily cut off the word, embarrassed at her awkwardness. “Er, would you happen to know anyone I could fix Luna up with for the harvest festival? I know it's weeks away, but it will take at least that long to soften her up enough to agree to an escort.” She wrinkled her nose. “The girl is convinced the entire male populace is a waste of oxygen."
"Glad to hear you don't believe it."
For some reason his comment made her cheeks heat. “You didn't answer the question."
He gazed at the edge of the lagoon in thoughtful silence for a moment. “Drostra might be interested."
"What!” She couldn't believe he'd say such a thing. “Think about it, Keg. We're barely at peace with them. It would stir up trouble."
Keg looked at her, secrets in his eyes. “Sometimes love and war look very much alike, Dey.” The quick grin was back. “Or lust and war, if you will."
"Lust and war. Love and war.” She rolled her eyes. “You should have been a sage.” Something tugged on her line, giving her a perfect excuse to ignore him. The time passed in surprisingly companionable silence, broken only by brief exchanges. She wasn't sure what Keg was doing, or why he stayed to help her clean her catch. He even offered to give her a tow for the short trip home. By the time they arrived at the settlement she was thoroughly confused. Was this courtly behavior his new way of keeping an eye on her, and thus Luna?
Conscious of the curious stares they were attracting, Dey was rather stiff as she suffered Keg to walk beside her to the base of her tree. “Er, thanks for the help. It was nice of you."
"You're welcome.” He rested his hand on the rail below hers, making no move to leave.
Mouth strangely dry, she took her fish from him. “I need to take this inside."
He nodded.
Suddenly she wondered if he were waiting for her to remember her manners and invite him up for a share in the catch he'd helped bring in.
Oh, boy. This could get sticky. She didn't dare invite him up alone in full view of the settlement, yet it was the worst of manners not to at least offer him a cooked portion. Had that been his plan all along? “Um.... “She'd never invited a man to dinner before. Was there a proper way to do it? “It takes a while to cook this ... we usually eat before sunset ... you can come if you like."
Keg's smile was breathtaking. “I'd like that. I'll bring the wine. And the malt. How do you like it?"
"Sweet.” She blurted, her cheeks heating as her imagination teased her with innuendo. It was ridiculous. “I like it sweet."
"I'll remember."
It wasn't until she was preparing the sauce for the fish that she allowed herself to wonder how she would explain all this to Luna, who was certain to be disenchanted with the idea.
She shouldn't have bothered. Luna sent word that she was eating at her sister's house.
Left to her own devices, Dey began to sweat. Would he dress up? Should she? What if he didn't and she did and he got the wrong idea? There was no help for it. She'd have to wear a dress.
Dey answered his knock just before the dinner hour, smoothing down the skirt of her summer dress that fell just below her knees. The full skirt was a pale flowered peach, and while the sleeveless bodice was demure enough, the back scooped low to take advantage of the slight summer breeze on the deck.
"Hello.” The appreciative look Keg gave her as
he drawled the word made her tingle all over. “Very nice."
"You, too.” It was an understatement. His dark hair was loose, and she'd never seen the dark red silk shirt he was wearing. Coupled with his black pants and newly shined boots, it was quite a sight. Swallowing hard and reminding herself forcefully not to be silly, she opened the door wider and let him in. “Luna sent word that she's eating with her sister tonight,” she explained as he looked around curiously. She caught herself weaving her damp fingers and forced herself to stop. “I thought we'd eat on the deck. The table's out there.” He smiled at her, and she forgot what she'd just said. “On the deck."
The smile got wider. “Then I guess I'd better put these out there.” He lifted the bottles he'd brought in explanation.
"Good.” The word came out strangled as she nodded dumbly. “I'll check on dinner."
Dinner didn't need checking, but her brain did. “Stop it! Stop it right now,” she hissed into a pot while he was otherwise occupied. “You're acting like a boob."
Dinner went more smoothly, for it was difficult to remain uptight around someone with Keg's relaxed manner. The wine helped, as did the brilliant sunset. In fact, she was feeling rather mellow—until she looked at him to ask a question and saw him staring at her lips.
His eyes met hers fast enough, but his interest rattled her, enough that she blurted the first thing that came to mind, a question she'd wondered about for years. “What happened to the men?"
Caught off guard, he repeated, “Men?"
Her thumb traced over the bowl of her wineglass. “When you found Luna and I that time.” It was the only time he'd visited his cousin, and she'd forgotten about it until Luna had remarked on it. She met his gaze. “What happened to the men I disarmed?"
He looked away. “It was a long time ago, Dey."
"Not for Luna.” Her voice softened a notch. “Not for me.” The attempted rape was not something they'd ever talked about, then or now, but suddenly she felt the need.
She'd wanted to kill that day. She had maimed. Fourteen was too young to play the defender with a cast off blade, and too old to stand by and watch her friend be harmed. “Did you and Armetris kill them, Keg?” Her tone dropped. “I want to make sure it won't happen again. Tell me they're dead.” They must be. After Armetris and the rest had shown up to help, she'd never seen the would-be rapists again. And the fury on Armetris’ and his friend's faces when they saw what had almost happened ... the men must be dead.