Satisfied with his decision, he threw himself down on the sofa. It was time for a lycatnap and to rejuvenate.
It would have been even more restful if his dreams hadn't been filled with visions of Tera, her scent filling his nostrils, and her soft lips against his.
And wouldn't you know it. Illam cursed silently as his eyes popped open. He had a raging erection again.
Tera's mission was going to be hard on him—literally.
* * * *
The Cave
They fashioned it with such hope, such care. But also with a certain amount of fear and trepidation.
The key to their freedom? She wasn't so sure. She still wasn't sure they were doing the right thing, but then, what was happening to them? Without their mates ... some had turned mad. They'd had to be destroyed.
No, this was the only way.
She looked up and caught the attention of one of the males. He stared at her, then looked away. His mate had been captured. Whether she still lived, no one knew. If she did, she would be insane by now. Insane with wanting. With longing. And her captors would rape her over and over, one man after another, and ironically, it wouldn't be enough. Would never be enough to slake her wild, hormone induced lust. None could slake her but her own kind. And her own kind was nowhere near her.
Wherever she was.
The female turned her gaze back to the key to their future freedom. Maybe they were doing the right thing after all. What hope for them all, anyway?
* * * *
It was late at night—or early in the morning, depending on how one thought about it. Illam preferred to think it was early morning, a perfect time to prowl the deserted corridors of the scout ship.
He was prowling because no matter how lovely and snuggly his big bed was, his nerves were jittery, jumping under his skin at the slightest movement. He'd gone to the dining cabin to get a drink of hot milk, normally a sure method of soothing him, but it hadn't worked.
Restless, he'd resumed prowling the ship. He'd flicked through the files in the control cabin with little interest, did an unnecessary coordinate check, measured the distance to Scytha, and tidied up his work station—of which there wasn't much to tidy, anyway. It consisted of tossing his few notes in the bin, something he could have done in the morning.
There was nothing for him to do but go back to bed. Maybe if he read a little it might help. He didn't even know why he was jumpy and restless.
He dawdled down the corridor, stopping to rub his back against a door jam. Not because his back was itchy, but because it felt so good. Not as good as a soft hand rubbing his back, but it'd do. Liar. Illam rolled his eyes. Maybe he should get another mug of hot milk and put something a little stronger in it, such as kitnip, or even a little kitmint. The herbs were sure to relax him a little and put him in a sleepy state.
Then he realized in front of whose cabin he was loitering. Tera's.
Jumping back from the door jam like a scalded lycat, he gave an involuntary spit of displeasure. Raking his hand through his hair, he shook his head and swung on his heel to stalk away.
And froze when he heard a muffled sob come from behind the closed door of the Argon healer's cabin.
Frowning, he turned to look at the door, his ears pricking upwards and twitching forward. There it was again. Another sob. There was no mistaking it. The healer was crying.
Illam stood in indecision. Should he awaken Wylin and let him know his friend was crying? He could just imagine it. Sorry to wake you, but did you know your friend is crying?
Just the thought smacked of cowardice, and self-righteousness. As though he was too good to even knock on the door and inquire if Tera was all right.
But then, maybe she didn't want anyone to know she was crying. Well, if she didn't, then she should have muffled her sobs. Felys had exceptional hearing. But she wasn't a Felys, so she probably thought that no one would hear her.
Illam chewed his bottom lip, then rubbed his nose with the back of his wrist. Another sob, this one cutting into him.
Tera was crying. Alone. He could at least do the polite thing and check that she was all right.
Moving back to the door, he raised his hand and knocked quietly.
There was no answer, only more sobbing. And the more she sobbed, the more he felt concerned. And something else, but he wasn't about to even try to analyze and identify that.
After giving himself a shake, he flexed his fingers and turned the door handle. Slipping into the dim cabin, he closed the door behind him. His eyes adjusted quickly to the dimness. The only light was that cast by the lamp near the bed.
Tera was curled up in the bed. He thought she was awake, but when she didn't say anything about his presence, he crept forward stealthily, his gaze trained on her.
She was asleep, but her cheeks were wet with tears. Even as she watched, she drew a shuddering breath, but continued to sleep.
So maybe he should wake her up. Or not. Was it good to wake someone up who was crying in their sleep?
She whispered a name, but he couldn't make it out.
Illam hesitated. To be honest, he didn't really want to leave. For his sanity he didn't want to stay, either, but she looked so small and vulnerable, lying on her side in the big bed. Her bare arm lay atop the covers, her figure a slim form beneath it. From what he could see, her nightgown was low necked, with thin straps holding it up on her shoulders.
Another small sob issued from between her soft lips.
Illam could never stand to see a female cry. It made him nervous and uneasy. Seeing this tough, nasty-mouthed, little Argon crying, however, made his heretofore unknown protective instincts surge forth. He wanted to gather her close, and purr reassurances into her ears. She'd probably wake up and swear a blue streak at him, but then, when had adversity ever stopped him from doing what he wanted?
So Illam did what came naturally when an adult Felys dealt with a crying Felys kit that needed comfort when it awoke from a nightmare. Carefully, he eased himself down on the big bed behind her, stretching out to his full length. When she didn't move or awaken, he eased himself close up against her and placed his hand on her upper arm. While releasing deep, gentle purrs, he began kneading softly.
Tera shifted back into him, another small sob escaping her, but not as loud.
He curled around her and rested his chin on her head. The silky locks caressed his skin deliciously. His low comforting purr nearly escalated to a full-blown purr of pleasure, but he managed just in time to stifle the impulse.
He soothed her as he would a Felys kit.
Except she wasn't a Felys kit, and as she slipped back into a deep, untroubled sleep, he became aware of her scent seeping into him. Somehow, it seemed just right that she relied upon him for her comfort—even if she didn't realize it herself. If she ever found out, she'd probably carry through on her threat and castrate him.
Illam winced at the thought.
Her soft curves fit against the harder planes of his body just nicely, even with the covers being a barrier between them. What he wouldn't give to lift those covers and slide in against her naked skin. Only she was wearing a nightgown, and he had no right to do as he craved.
It didn't stop him from inhaling her scent deeply or nuzzling her hair.
He knew he should get up and leave her to sleep, but it was so cozy snuggled up against her, the dim light from the lamp casting a pleasant, soft glow on everything. Closing his eyes, he purred softly.
His jittery nerves were soothed.
He allowed himself the luxury of resting with Tera in his arms, but after some time had passed, he gently eased out from behind her and slid to his feet.
Murmuring a protest, Tera started to stir. He trailed his fingers across the smoothness of her cheek, and then tunneled into her hair, massaging her scalp gently whilst purring softly.
It had the desired effect. Tera drifted back into sleep, a small smile curving her lips.
Her cheeks were still tear-stained. Illam looked down
at her for several moments, a conflict of emotions beating inside him. He wanted to know what had made her cry. He wanted to stay with her. He wanted a lot more.
So he did what he understood, he left the cabin. Because he sure as hell didn't understand what was happening to him.
* * * *
A knocking on her door woke Tera.
"Tera?” Wylin called. “It's late. Are you all right?"
"Fine.” She pushed into a sitting position. “Come in."
Wylin walked in, squinted in the dim light, and swung the door shut behind him. After flicking on the light switch beside the door, illuminating the cabin in light as bright as day, he looked in concern at her. “You've been crying."
"I have?” She touched her cheek, then nodded. “I remember. I had the dream..."
"The dream?"
She looked away. “You know the one. I haven't had it for years."
"Oh.” Wylin grimaced. “I'm sorry. What brought it on?"
"I don't know.” Guilty feelings, probably. Tera stood up.
"You should have called me, Tera."
"I was fine.” Yawning, she crossed to the wardrobe. “I'll just wash and change and then I'll join you for breakfast.” She stopped and glanced at him over her shoulder. “It is time for breakfast, isn't it?"
At his affirmative nod, she breathed a sigh of relief. Once in the bathroom, she splashed water on her face, brushed her teeth, and changed into a clean gown. Lifting the hairbrush to brush her hair, she frowned as a glint of gold caught her eye. Carefully she pulled the stray strand of hair out and stared at it.
A gold strand of hair She didn't have gold hair, but she knew who did. Gold and white and chocolate. Illam. But how did a strand of his hair manage to get into her own?
Shaking her head at the mystery, Tera resumed tidying herself, then left to break the fast in the dining cabin.
Five
Illam was careful to stay out of the way of Tera on the remainder of the flight, apart from when she removed the stitches in his arm and pronounced him healed. Until he understood exactly what was going on with him and those absurd protective feelings towards her, he decided to play cautious and safe. Which meant keeping his distance.
So he eyed her from a distance. He watched her from the corner of his eyes whenever she walked past him. He nodded to her in the dining cabin at meal times. He studied her when no one saw him.
He had a raging erection every night and every morning, and sometimes in-between. It was a bloody nuisance. Especially when the object of his ill-fated desire was so enticingly near, and when she wasn't, her scent followed him around like a hot cloud of invisible passion, not seen, but by Delcat, very bloody obvious to him.
When the scout ship landed on Scytha, he was more than relieved. Back amongst his own kind, his raging libido could finally revert to normal.
* * * *
"The Felys scout ship is returning, Sire.” Lazer, his attender, eyed him cautiously.
"And this interests me, why?” Ropar growled.
"Word is that they have visitors aboard."
Ropar's ears pricked, and his gaze narrowed. “Really?"
"Yes, Sire.” Fawning a little, he looked up and whined softly.
"Oh stop, it, Lazar, you sniveling mutt!"
Lazar subsided, his shoulders hunching a little as he watched his Alpha stride across the room.
"Visitors, hmm?” Ropar stroked his whiskered chin. “Now what could they be wanting from the Felys?"
Wisely, Lazar remained silent.
Turning around on his heel, Ropar pinned Lazar with a calculating gaze. “How close is the archeological site to the Felys?"
"Just on our side of the swamp boundary, Sire,” Lazar answered.
"Then they're just the ones to keep us informed of the visitors’ whereabouts. Get them on line, and tell them to keep me informed of the movements."
"Yes, Sire.” Bowing, Lazar back to the door and left, closing it quietly behind him.
Turning back to the window, Ropar squinted out into the bright sunshine. The Felys didn't encourage visitors. What made these so special? And where were the visitors from? It was time to get some inside information.
* * * *
Tera and Wylin walked down the ramp and stepped out onto the soil of Scytha. Looking around, Tera breathed deeply of the forest, the different scents of plants, flowers, and fresh air most pleasing after being in the ship for two weeks. Her gaze eagerly took in her surroundings.
The forest was in front of them, thick and green, with towering trees and thick underbrush. There was no road into the forest, just a widening between the trees. No grass was trampled underfoot, and the flowers waved their heads lazily in the breeze.
Two hover trays appeared from between the trees. The two Felys guiding them were dressed in low-slung pants that reached down to their calves, and they wore soft boots, and nothing else. Their muscles rippled in their lean torsos, and their tri-colored hair was fastened back in long plaits that fell halfway down their backs.
They greeted the Felys troops with cheerful waves. Before the hover trays had even come to a stop, they jumped lithely down. They stopped laughing as their gazes fell on Wylin and Tera.
Tera could see the pupils in their eyes dilate as the Felys warily studied them. They lifted their heads slightly, nostrils flaring as they scented them. Slowly they approached, moving silently on soft boots, stopping near Denyon who was waiting.
Denyon nodded to them. “Ceric, Garan, this is the Argon healer, Tera, and her guard, Wylin. She has come for the research."
Ceric and Garan studied Tera thoroughly, their green gazes raking over her, up and down, and then they transferred their attention to Wylin.
Wylin stood easily, deceptively relaxed when Tera knew he was poised to jump to her defense if needed. He nodded pleasantly to the Felys pair.
Tera wasn't so sure about them. If the rest of the Felys clan were as guarded with her and Wylin, then it wasn't going to be easy to collect the research material. And why was this pair so wary of her and Wylin?
Ceric and Garan nodded suddenly, not saying anything.
Garan, a blue, white and black haired Felys, held his hand out to Tera in greeting, and she shook his hand and smiled, feeling relieved. Ceric followed his example, shaking hands first with Tera, then with Wylin. No expression crossed their features, but their eyes were wary.
Turning away, they headed up the ramp to assist with unloading the cargo onto the hover trays. Once with the other Felys, they relaxed and started chatting.
Illam joined them, his deep laughter filling the air as Ceric said something to him. Slipping out of his uniform top, he revealed a leanly muscled body that made her throat go dry. When he stooped to lift a container, the muscles flexed in his arms and back, bunching and relaxing in mouth-watering movements.
Suns, she'd love to run her hands over that smooth skin and feel those muscles move beneath her hands. Tera licked her lips unconsciously.
"If you don't stop looking like you're going to eat that poor bastard any second, you're going to embarrass yourself,” Wylin said out of the corner of his mouth.
Busted. “I'm just watching to make sure they don't drop anything,” Tera muttered back.
"Of course you are.” Wylin straightened up from his lean and looked up as Denyon suddenly turned to them. “I don't see any roads?"
Thankful both for the change of topic, as well as the diversion, Tera switched her attention from the luscious body of Illam to the more civilly clothed one of Denyon. Covertly she eyed him, but came to the conclusion that somehow, even without his jacket and showing off what promised to be a powerful physique, it wouldn't make her mouth water as the sight of Illam's torso did. I am such a slut. Remembering her dream, guilt ate at her momentarily, and she glanced back at Illam almost resentfully.
Yep, he's still gorgeous, damn him. And I don't need this distraction. Giving herself a mental shake, she resolutely turned her attention to the topic of di
scussion between Denyon and Wylin.
"We don't have roads such as you do on Argon, or any of the other few planets we've been to,” Denyon was saying. “But the openings and tracks to our clan settlement are there for those who know them."
"So what if we get lost while we're looking around?” Tera queried.
"You won't be alone,” he assured her. “You'll always have a guide."
"That's comforting."
"Isn't it?” Denyon grinned.
Somehow that grin made her a little uneasy. She glanced up to see Wylin's bland expression. No help there, for he wasn't giving away anything of what he was thinking.
"So, how far away from the settlement are we?” Tera tried not to notice Illam carrying a sack to the hover tray. By the suns, she certainly wasn't noticing those muscles, or the way the sun picked out the golden highlights in his hair.
"About two hour's travel,” Denyon replied.
"Walking?"
"Yes."
Wylin's gaze drifted back to the scout ship. “You leave the ship here?"
"The ship...” The pupils in Denyon's eyes slitted. “Gets stored."
"Where?"
"In a safe place."
Wylin didn't bat an eyelash. “I see."
So, Denyon didn't totally trust the Argons. Tera arched one brow at Wylin as Denyon turned his back to answer a query from one of his soldiers.
Wylin arched his own brow back at her, but didn't say anything.
Silently they watched as the hover trays were loaded up with their equipment, as well as sacks and other crates. Stripped down to their pants and boots, the Felys troops all helped. Their tunic jackets were slung across the rail that joined the ramp.
It was odd how once the tunic jackets were off, they all looked a bit more untamed. Their hair stirred in the breeze, and their laughter was more carefree than it had been when they were on Argon.
Here the Felys were home, and free to be who they were without wariness and constraints. As she watched, it seemed as though they started to shed the trappings of civility and became carefree, even playful.
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