Sunstar: Amina's story a YA scifi romance (Peacekeepers Book 1)

by Annalise Whelan

  “Mother and Father are afraid you won’t want to see them, even though the Captain assured them you would. He threatened Father with bodily harm if he so much as sneezed at you, so Father is a little nervous on his account.”

  “Captain? Do you mean? Captain Withes?”

  “Didn’t you know? He made a personal trip to the farm. He said you were to be treasured and appreciated. He left attending the graduation up to them, but in such a way they knew there would be trouble in the village if they didn’t come.” Derick shook his head. “He advertised through the entire district that one of our own had graduated GIPS with great honor. It’s all the village is talking about, they’re so proud. That captain of yours is remarkable.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “So, what’s the situation between the two of you?”

  She laughed at his expression but shook her head. “He hasn’t made any declarations.”

  Derick swelled before her eyes, his chest and shoulders shifting to a menacing stance. “Do I need to speak to him?”

  She swatted his arm. “No! Calm down! Nothing improper has happened. He’s honestly very kind and considerate. He treats me like all the rest of the team.”

  Derick gave her an incredulous look. “Did he make personal visits to everyone’s home planet?”

  “Er.”

  “Right. I’m going to talk to him, man-to-man.” He made to storm off, and she grabbed his arm fiercely.

  “Derick, please. That would just humiliate me. Standing up for me is simply something he would do. It’s the kind of person he is.”

  Her big brother searched her face. “Have you fallen for him?”

  “I think so.” She sighed. He must’ve heard the pain, regret, hope, despair, hope mingled in her sigh. He wrapped her in a warm, comforting hug.

  “I’ll talk to him myself and thank him, promise. First, I’ve got to face our parents.”

  Derick took her hand, and together they walked to the corner table. Her little sisters jumped up and ran to her. Laughing and crying, she gathered them to her and kissed their sweet faces.

  “I’ve missed you, sweeties, so much. I think about you every day!”

  They spoke all at once:

  “Wook! I wost my toof!”

  “I’ve missed you!”

  “Kitty had five babies! And you missed it!”

  “I see you lost your tooth! You’re getting so big. I’ve got lots to tell you. Five!” She straightened and looked at her mother. “Hello, Mother.”

  Her mother’s face scrunched up with emotion. “Amina, I’m so proud of you.” She held open her arms, and Amina snuggled into her softness.

  “It’s good to see you, Mother. I’m glad you came.” Pulling away, Amina turned slowly to face her father.

  He was standing and swaying a bit back and forth, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. His eyes darted nervously as if they didn’t know where to land.

  “Father.”

  His eyes finally settled on her. “Yes, Daughter. We, uh, we understand this is a great honor.”

  “Thank you, Father. I’m relieved you can see that, now.”

  His left eyelid twitched. “Of course, you left your mother with a heavy load caring for your sisters and your chores as well as hers.”

  “I would’ve gladly made different arrangements if that had been possible.”

  A flush began at the base of his neck. Everything she had hoped would change fluttered and died in her chest, but she felt calm. Derick squeezed her arm. Standing there facing her father, she knew what she had to do. “Father,” she stated, her head high and voice even. “Your behavior toward me in the past was unacceptable. You were a bully. I’m free of you, and you can’t hurt me ever again. If we move forward, and I hope we can, you will not threaten me. It’s your choice.”

  Her mother spoke. “Wess, please.”

  Her sisters crowded close to her and clutched her legs.

  A small spark of something, could it be respect, lit his eyes. He bowed slightly toward her. “I accept your terms.”

  She spent a lovely evening with her sisters regaling her and Derick telling her of a young village girl he was sweet on. She realized it was late, and she still hadn’t seen Kindel to thank him for making this reunion possible. She excused herself and searched for Kindel. Finally, a captain directed her toward the entry foyer.

  She found him talking to two other captains on their way out of the reception hall. He looked dashing in his captain dress uniform with his dark hair slicked back. Catching her eye, a sudden smile lit his expression. He excused himself and moved toward her. Knowing what he’d done for her filled her with light and hope.

  She swept up to him, rose on her toes, and lightly brushed her lips over his. It wasn’t a kiss so much as a breath. “Thank you.”

  He reached out to hold her arms. “Did it please you?”

  “Oh, yes.”

  “And your father?”

  “I told him he can’t ever hurt me again. I’m free of him.”

  “Are you happy?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” He smiled tenderly, his hands stroking up and down her arms. She stared up into his face, adoringly she was sure. He began to pull her closer and opened his mouth to speak when a group of people walked into the foyer chatting and laughing. He dropped her arms and stepped back. “There’s something I want to discuss with you. I will see you at the Winter Ball?”

  “Yes.”

  “Save me a dance?”

  “As many as you wish.”

  “I’ll see you then.”

  “You’re not staying on the ship?”

  “Not yet. This is a break period, between the season and taking out a mission assignment. Have you missed me, Amina?”

  She felt her skin flush. “I’ve grown accustomed to seeing you daily.”

  “Be patient a little longer. We’ll get a mission assignment soon.” He said goodbye then and left her.

  Chapter 12

  The day they’d all looked forward to finally arrived. Sheralyn had them return to the World View course room to change into their gowns and have their hair and faces done. It was a day-long experience being pampered. Amina’s feet and hands had been soaked and massaged and her nails painted. A delicious, light scent was sprayed over her body. When her hair was conditioned and brushed until it gleamed, Sheralyn pronounced she was ready to be dressed.

  In the dressing room, Amina found a wrapped gift box addressed to her. She read the card and found Sheralyn had one more surprise. “Dear, Amina, I have enclosed a special token of my affection designed just for you. Enjoy your night!” It was a delicate gold headpiece designed to fall in shining strands over her hair with a single drop of gold at her forehead. It was the most exquisite thing she’d ever seen.

  Fully dressed in her emerald green gown with the golden headpiece gently shimmering, she admitted to herself she wanted Kindel to see her and think she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Her face was expertly painted making her eyes seem luminous and her lips appear full and inviting. She hoped he would find her lips irresistible. She stared at herself in the mirror and touched a hand to her cheek. Could this really be her?

  They were met at the door of the ballroom by peace officers dressed in period men’s clothing. A smart-looking young man beamed at her and gave her a slight bow. “May I lead you in, my lady?”

  She curtsied and linked her arm with his. He swept her inside, and she stared a moment before walking down the entry stairs to the dancefloor. Twirling slowly, she took in a full view of the room. Floor to ceiling length windows covered the outside wall and double doors led out to a veranda. Holoforms created the atmosphere with shimmering chandeliers and candle-lit wall sconces. An orchestra played a gentle, rolling melody.

  Tingles pricked the nape of her neck, and she looked toward the entrance. He was there, his eyes locked on her. He wore a short, open tailcoat over an emerald green vest. It accentuated the shape of him, the impossible breadth
of his shoulders tapering to a trim waist and hips. He was – magnificent.

  He slowly advanced on her, drinking her in with every step, as if he couldn’t tear his eyes away. When he reached her, his eyes were fierce with a dark hunger. Breath caught in her suddenly tight chest.

  “Isn’t it breathtaking?”

  “You’re breathtaking.” He reached for her hand and turned her in a slow circle, his hungry eyes gliding over every inch of her.

  The orchestra shifted into a waltz, couples took to the floor, and her stomach tightened in anticipation.

  “Waltz with me.”

  She curtsied. Her right palm slid into his left as if it were coming home. The fingertips of her left hand touched his shoulder as his right arm came around her and his hand rested on her back. She took a deep breath, lifting her chest, and his eyes darkened as he pressed his hip close to hers. They spoke no words, but the dance required none. She felt slight pressure through her fingertips, her arm, through her entire body as he stepped back, drawing her into the first step of the dance. Dancing with him was like being set on fire from the inside. The sweet heat filled her as he swept her around the dance floor. With her face turned from him, she was aware of every nuance of his touch, the slight tensing of his muscles and the pressure of his hand at her back. The room was lost to her as if they were alone in the universe.

  “We’re levitating,” he murmured.

  “Hmm?”

  “Open your eyes.”

  She did. “We’re floating. I thought I was imagining it.”

  The music stopped, and they drifted to the dance floor. The other dancers gave them a round of applause. They broke apart, but he kept ahold of her hand. Shyness tinged her smile. He drew her across the room to the veranda doors and outside into the cool night air.

  “Are you warm enough?” he asked. If he only knew. She was smoldering. She could only nod. This was it. He was going to say it, declare he had true feelings for her.

  He leaned against the rail of the veranda and settled her against his chest. His hands slid over her hair. He watched her eyes, running a finger down the side of her face, down her neck, to trace her exposed collar bones. Tingles raced over her skin.

  “Kindel,” she breathed.

  “Say it again.”

  “What?” She couldn’t think.

  “My name. Please, say it again.”

  “Kindel.”

  He brushed his thumb over the fullness of her bottom lip. “Sweet Amina, you haunt me. Your eyes, so innocent, they mock me. You are exquisite.”

  “Kiss me,” she sighed. “Please, Kindel, kiss me.”

  He moaned, running his hands into her hair, lowering his face toward hers. She could feel the heat of his breath.

  The doors burst open, and they jerked apart, startled.

  “Found them!” cried Gem.

  “Hello, you two,” said Sari.

  Katlin clapped. “What a great show!”

  Mara came up behind the others slowly. She looked embarrassed and glanced warily between her and Kindel. She knows. Amina fought to mask, to hide her feelings. She realized he still hadn’t told her how he felt, or that he felt anything real. Or deep.

  “Ladies,” he replied to them with just the hint of a growl. She moved away from him, cooling quickly. He gave her a questioning glance.

  “I’m getting cold.” She fled inside.

  A handsome older captain approached her and bowed. “May I have this dance?”

  She smiled, curtsied. “Yes, Sir.” He whirled her away.

  She was kept busy the rest of the evening, dancing and laughing. She felt Kindel’s eyes on her as she moved around the room. She would glance up or turn her head or look over a man’s shoulder to find him watching her. It was almost as intoxicating as their dance. But he didn’t ask to dance with her again, which left a disappointing pang in her belly.

  Toward the end of the evening, she’d almost given up hope. He had wanted to talk to her, hadn’t he? Then he was there, beside her at the punch bowl. He touched her elbow.

  “May I talk to you?” His expression was dark but not in a romantic way. He looked upset.

  “Of course.”

  He moved her to the side and ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated.

  “What is it?”

  “Gem is your closest friend, correct?”

  What? “Yes.”

  “She gives you advice? Tells you her opinion?”

  “Well, yes. Gem’s been helpful, insightful.”

  He frowned and stared at her a moment. Shaking his head, he said, “I don’t understand why she doesn’t care for me. I’ve tried everything to reach her. What is it? Will you tell me?”

  GEM? He wanted to talk to her about GEM? Rage burst in her mind, covered her thoughts like a great flash of dust. She’d get around to the hurt later. “Maybe she thinks you’re a self-centered, arrogant, goat!” His head reared back in shock. “A pretty-girl-of-the-moment flirt! I can’t believe I fell for it, that I almost kissed you!” Her chest heaved with the anger that boiled through her. She’d begged him to kiss her. She groaned. Like an idiot. A naïve back-planet idiot. She’d given him her heart. Good Dirt, she loved him.

  She ran.

  How could he want the only girl who put up a fight? When he could have any girl on the squad, he had to choose the one who didn’t swoon all over him. That was it though, and she knew it. Gem had spunk, and she was smart and gorgeous. Of course, Kindel was attracted to Gem. He called her innocent and sweet. Boring. Maybe it wasn’t love with Gem any more than it had been with her. It could be the chase he was after. Or some kind of ego trip that he had to charm everyone.

  Amina ran back to the ship and threw herself down on her bunk. The anger had burned off leaving her in emotional shock. She’d really thought he liked her, might be falling in love with her. Following the shock, pain ripped through her in waves. Yeats wrote what her heart felt now, ragged and torn with disbelief, “O, never give the heart outright, for they for all smooth lips can say have given their hearts up to the play. Who could play it well enough if deaf and dumb and blind with love? And gave all her heart and lost.”

  There was a knock, and she didn’t need to be telepathic to know it was Gem. She slammed a mask down on her emotions, her thoughts. She’d ignore the feelings. Pretend he’d never meant anything to her. She could do this. She opened the door.

  “Hi.” Amina forced a smile. “When did you get back?”

  Gem studied her. “You left suddenly. I wanted to make sure you’re ok. Did I mess up? I’m sorry if I interrupted. Did he? Did he make a declaration?”

  “You didn’t mess up anything. He didn’t say anything.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’m fine. Let’s not talk about him anymore. I’m over it.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I tell you what, help me out of this dress. Yours is gorgeous by the way, and how about that necklace Sheralyn gifted you. Wow.”

  Gem smiled. “Sure, thanks.”

  Chapter 13

  Days went by, and Amina longed for action. Being unoccupied gave her too much time to think about Kindel, to remember. Mara ‘felt’ her troubled emotions. Gem ‘heard’ them. They both cornered her, ready for answers to those awful vibes. So much for her iron mask.

  Mara said, “you hurt.”

  Amina smiled gently. “I’m fine. Or at least, I will be. Thanks though, Mara.”

  “Come on, Amina.” Gem sighed. “What is it?”

  “Nothing!” Amina snapped, evasively.

  “Oh yes there is.” Mara insisted. “We don’t know what you’re feeling or thinking exactly, but we know something happened, and we want to help you.”

  “We’ll get a mission assignment, and you know we need to be in top form.” Gem poked at her.

  Amina threw up her hands. “It isn’t like I enjoy being miserable! Besides, I’m trying to erase it as you do in your culture. If you keep poking at me, how am I sup
posed to let this go?”

  Gem glared at her. She was about to continue when she stopped and cocked her head. Amina knew Gem did that when she had picked up on someone’s thoughts. Just then, Kindel walked in. All three of them gaped.

  He looked like death. Dark circles under his eyes, pasty complexion, disheveled uniform. Did she do that to him? She nearly asked him if he were ok and stopped herself. If he’s regretful, good. Maybe he’d learn not to play with people’s hearts.

  He nodded at Mara and Gem without emotion. Turning to Amina, he looked through her. “There’s been a development, Amina. The commander has called a meet with us.”

  “Yes, Sir.” She followed him out of the ship.

  He marched them to the headquarters building without a word. She struggled to keep up with his stride. Was he getting rid of her? Kicking her off the squad? That would be better, wouldn’t it? She wouldn’t have to see him. Her heart tripped over the idea. Stupid heart.

  When they entered a conference room and several people in uniform swiveled toward them, she realized this was much bigger. Kindel sat down and placed a copy of Sheralyn’s poetry volume on the table. A dread crept over her. Call it women’s intuition. She scooted into a chair and cleared her throat.

  The commander with the white mustache sat forward and addressed the room. “Officer Tinsome, Captain Withes, thank you both for coming. We’ve received some troubling intel. Officer Tinsome, I’ve already briefed your captain on some of the specifics. There have been rumors of a drug trafficking operation out of Distar.”

  Kindel twitched. Interesting.

  “It’s worse than that. We’ve got a history of embezzlement and kidnapping currently in play. We have reason to suspect GIPS has been infiltrated and details of operations have been leaked.”

  “Is that all?” she quipped. Ten stone-serious faces turned and looked at her. “Sorry.” Her hands twisted in her lap.

  A woman officer stood, pressed a remote, and a vid-screen slid down from the ceiling. She pressed the remote again, and two photographs appeared on the screen. Amina choked, coughed. Oh. No. The captain next to her got up, went to a drink trolley, and brought her back a water glass. Amina sipped. Coughed. Sipped. Oh. No. Panic had zapped her brain cells. She felt Kindel’s gaze on her, but she refused to look at him. She made a serious effort at masking.