Love's Beguiling Healer

by Angela Verdenius

  "Fight for you tooth and nail if they're your friends,” Wylin added.

  "And if there's anything you want, they'll try to find it for you while on their trading route.” Tera nodded her head. “Yep, you couldn't ask for a better race of people to be your friends and allies."

  "Hmm."

  "And if you'd rather not deal directly with them, you can always send your trade goods to Argon and we'll do it for you,” Wylin offered. “They can pick up and drop off when they pass the planet."

  "Thank you. Your offer is most generous.” Denyon looked at Rilla, then back at the Argons. “I'll talk about it with my people, and then I'll get you to attend a meeting and discuss those things with us. Maybe something can be sorted out to all our advantage."

  "Excellent plan.” Tera nodded.

  The walk back to the settlement was done again in companionable silence and idle chit-chat. Once back at the settlement, Tera went to the healers’ hut to again start entering data into the data collector, while Rilla and Marx carefully took samples of the food brought in by a litter of giggling and yowling Felys kits.

  Tera found the kits truly delightful. With their multicolored fur and big eyes, their habit of meowing, snarling, hissing and general laughing and chatter, they were a welcome diversion. And a diversion was what she needed, now that she was back in the settlement.

  She hadn't seen Illam, and thoughts of him intruded into her concentration. She wished she knew what he was thinking, where he was, and what he was going to do.

  Suddenly the faint sound of music drifted through into the hut, and she looked up from where she was relaying information into the data collector.

  "Someone likes music,” she said.

  Marx sucked the juice of a purple fruit from his finger. “Oh, that'll be the dancers rehearsing for tomorrow."

  "Dancers?"

  "You don't dance?” Marx raised his brows.

  "On your planet?” Rilla cut a piece of apple off and put it carefully into a sample jar filled with solution.

  "Well, yes, but I didn't know the Felys did it, too.” Crossing to the door, Tera looked outside.

  "It's in the Meeting Hall,” Rilla informed her, coming to stand at her elbow.

  "What sort of dance is it?"

  "The females dance first,” Rilla replied.

  "Then the males,” Marx said.

  "Same dance, same music,” Rilla informed Tera.

  "It's a dance to titillate.” Marx grinned.

  "Not a fertility dance, though.” Rilla shook her head.

  "More of a lust-inducing dance."

  "Oh, I wouldn't say that!"

  "I would.” He gave a snarl of approval, his pupils dilating.

  Down lykitty. Tera laughed mentally.

  "Anyway,” Rilla continued. “It does tend to raise the mating hormone levels of the participants."

  "And the watchers.” Marx growled in approval.

  "Not everyone dances?” Tera found her foot tapping to the heavy beat of the music.

  "It's choreographed. Some choose to watch.” Marx peered over her other shoulder.

  "Others choose to dance.” Rilla noted Tera's tapping foot. “You like to dance?"

  "I love dancing. I—urk!” Tera found her hand grabbed by Rilla and being led down the steps at a rapid pace. “What are you doing?"

  "Taking you to watch."

  "But will they mind? If they're rehearsing—"

  "Anyone can watch. It's just that most like to wait until the actual night.” Rilla grinned at her. “Come!"

  Tera needed no second bidding. She was eager to see this side of the Felys, to watch a part of their culture being played out. They were a hard-working race, but one who loved their comforts, too. It would be interesting to watch their dance, especially if it was, as Marx put it, ‘lust-inducing'.

  Just as they drew near to the Meeting Hall, Tera saw Illam standing not far away. He was talking to some male Felys, several of whom she recognized from the scout ship. His long mix of chocolate, white and gold hair was tied at the nape, the silky length of it falling down to touch his waist. Bare-chested, the muscles rippled beneath his skin as he gestured while speaking. His unusually tight pants hugged his legs.

  The man has an arse to die for. Tight, trim, rounded buttocks. Tera bit her lip.

  Illam looked up just then, his gaze flicking around him. Seeing her, his gaze drifted over her, she could swear she felt the lick of it heating her skin. He smiled slightly.

  She raised her brow coolly back at him. So, Felys, what have you decided?

  Aras, the Felys from the scout ship, said something, and the other males laughed. Illam simply shrugged their remark off, gave Tera one more look that was distinctly growing hotter, then he turned back to the men and resumed his gestures.

  Fine, you arrogant fur-ball. Dare to give me that look and then turn away without even a hint of a decision. Tera pursed her lips in irritation. Unless that is your decision? Look but don't touch? Let me know you're still hot for me? Ack! Bloody men!

  "Do you want to wipe your chin, or shall you stand there drooling for all to see?” Rilla queried.

  "I am not drooling."

  "Want to talk about it?"

  "No."

  "Whatever.” The healer shrugged, but the black threads in her eyes writhed in amusement. “Come on."

  The Meeting Hall was in the process of being transformed. At the end of the hall was a huge, raised dais. Three older Felys females were watching and commenting, pointing and gesturing to the dancers.

  Eleven Felys females were slowly undulating to the heavy beat of music, their movements sensual. Their arms moved in intricate patterns, twining seductively.

  Dressed in their loose, flowing pants, with the loose blouses in sheer material, their breasts covered by lacing and embroidery, they presented an exotic view. Gold and green eyes glowed softly, their pupils slitted. Multicolored hair flowed loose, or was done up in high ponytails. Slim or plump, the Felys moved with a natural, sensual grace.

  The music was intoxicating. The heavy beat had Tera tapping her foot and unknowingly swaying slightly. Her fingers clicked to the beat. Totally caught up in the music and the dance, she started to move slowly to their pattern.

  "It's the Argon healer,” someone called out.

  "And look at her move!"

  The Felys stopped dancing, and their attention immediately turned to Tera.

  Feeling a little flustered, afraid she'd disrupted their routine, Tera started to back away. “I'm so sorry. The music caught my attention, and—"

  "Tera was watching the dancing,” Rilla announced, grabbing her firmly by the arm.

  Immediately the faces of the dancers turned both curious and wary.

  "So, what did you think?” One of the older Felys asked, as she skirted the dais and approached Tera.

  "I think it's seductive,” Tera replied honestly. “You have no idea how beautiful it is to an outworlder."

  "Really?” The pleased expression the Felys’ face matched that of the dancers.

  "I noticed you getting into the rhythm of it,” a dancer from the back row announced.

  "Do you dance?” Another asked.

  "A little.” Tera gestured to a chair. “Do you mind if I watch?"

  "Not at all.” The older Felys turned to the dancers. “Let's go. The music, Maris."

  The heavy beat filed the air once more, and Tera watched, spellbound. The dance pattern was easy, she realized. But it was the way the Felys moved that made it so magical. Their come hither eyes, the proud jutting of breasts, the bold movements of hips and pelvis. The dance finished with the females lying on their stomachs, one knee tucked under them to their chest, the other stretched straight out behind them. One arm reached forward, the other was braced palm down by their side. Submission to mate.

  This was a dance the Argons would absolutely love, and she said as much when the dance finished and the Females turned to her with their brows raised.

  Really
?” The older Felys smiled. “Then let's see how you do dancing with us, Argon."

  "What? Oh no, really—"

  "Come, you're supposed to be of a sensuous race, equal only to us. Let's see how you go in a dance of seduction."

  It was a challenge. Tera sensed it immediately. A friendly one, certainly, but a challenge nonetheless. Okay, Denyon and Illam were supposed to have any challenges brought to them, but she wasn't about to go running to them with something trifling like this. It was a challenge she had to take and win. And, damn it, she was of a sensuous race. She could be seductive with the best of them.

  "Fine.” She approached the dais, climbed the steps, and stood at the top.

  "There's eleven up here,” the older Felys said. “Tera, you'll make up the nice, even number of twelve. With Farra away at the moment, you come at a most opportune moment.” She beamed up at Tera. “By the way, my name is Larel. Now, females, you can have a rest while I take Tera through the steps a few times. Zira and Murta, if you'd stand one each side of Tera, and Halli and Penrr, you two stand one in front and one behind Tera. That way, whichever way she turns, she has someone to follow. Now then, listen closely, Tera."

  Recognizing Zira and Murta as Illam's sisters, Tera was grateful that she'd met them previously. They laughed with her, and helped ease a little of the wariness the other Felys showed.

  The next twenty minutes was spent with following Larel's instructions, and copying the Felys females within the midst of whom Tera stood. But she did find it easier having someone in front of her whichever way she turned.

  The steps were simple; it was just the sequence and the arm movements she had to get used to performing.

  After twenty minutes of practice, Larel announced they were ready to try to music. The heavy beat filled the air, and Tera slipped automatically into step with it. The music made it easier, and she found that the beat helped her to move.

  A naturally lithe, sensuous person, she soon found herself twining and moving as seductively as the Felys.

  They, in turn, were delighted. When the rest of the Felys finally climbed back onto the dais, they refused to let her get down, and arranged themselves into four lines of three dancers.

  Tera found herself in the middle of the third line. And she was more than happy to join in.

  It caught her off guard when the females snarled right before the music started, nearly making her falter mid-step. The Felys were amused, several laughing outright.

  "It's part of the dance,” Murta explained between giggles.

  "Think of sex,” Larel said. “The aggressive kind."

  "If I think of sex while doing this, I'm afraid I might fall off the dais,” Tera drawled. “I'll get sidetracked."

  The females chuckled.

  "The dance is supposed to represent sex in a more aggressive way. Between Felys, the dominance is there before the submission. Hence the snarling at the beginning.” Larel smiled. “We won't ask you to snarl, dear."

  "Thank the stars. My pitiful squeak won't sound so good."

  This time she was prepared, and she had to admit thinking of the dance in terms of sexual dominance and submission made it more ... sexy. Sexual. And a damned sight more seductive. And it was fun.

  By the end of the session, the Felys had warmed to her, and were laughing and sharing jokes, as well as guiding her through any steps she might have missed.

  Delighted, Rilla watched and clapped.

  By the end of the session, Tera had a fine sheen of perspiration on her. Her loose blouse was clinging to her.

  "That's it for now, females.” Larel clapped her hands. “Tonight we meet after the evening meal for another practice run. Tera, don't be late."

  "What?” Startled, Tera looked around at her.

  "Argon, you're in our dance."

  "Me? Oh, but—"

  "Farra came into heat, and we're now one short to make an equal number, which is so much nicer.” Larel smiled, looking like the lycat that had licked the cream. “Besides, it's not enough to just study a culture—you have to be a part of it, too. Right, females?"

  "Absolutely!’ they chorused.

  "See you tonight,” Zira said as she passed Tera.

  "I'm so glad you're coming,” Murta added.

  "You had fun, admit it!” Halli laughed merrily as she went out the door.

  Tera had to admit that she had had fun, but she also had to admit that she wasn't so sure about joining in the lust-inducing dance. Good God! Whose lust could she possibly induce? That was a worry. And then she saw him as he strode past the door. Illam. That arrogant fur-ball with the to-die-for arse and kiss-me-long-and-deep lips.

  Hmmmm. The idea was titillating. He was taking his sweet time trying to make up his mind about her, and she was getting tired of waiting for him. Maybe she could give him a little push in the right direction.

  No, no, no, Tera! He's supposed to make up his own mind. You shouldn't be trying to influence him.

  Why not? Show him what he's missing.

  Or show him what a dork I am if I fall off the stage or muff up the steps.

  Since when has that ever stopped you going after something you cared about?

  It's playing with fire.

  I like getting burned.

  Mental head slap. Tera, you're asking for trouble.

  I'm only giving him a little subtle push.

  Dancing like sex on two legs is subtle?

  Hey, the man can be a bit dense when it comes to making a decision this important.

  How important?

  Important to me. Tera chewed her bottom lip, and then flipped her hair behind her shoulders in a decisive manner. I am who I am, and he has to accept that or not. Meanwhile, I'm going to enjoy myself. I love to dance.

  A little voice sniggered at the back of her conscience. And you're just dying to see his face. You little tease, you.

  All that and more. Grinning, she followed Rilla out of the hall and back to the healers’ hut.

  It wasn't long after that the heavy beat of music filled the air once more, and she looked up inquiringly at Rilla and Marx.

  "Men's turn,” Marx supplied.

  "And you can't watch,” Rilla said before Tera could even open her mouth.

  "Oh no, that would never do.” Marx shook his head.

  "The females can't watch the males rehearse,” Rilla explained.

  "And the males can't watch the females rehearse,” Marx explicated.

  "Why?” Tera managed to ask as they both drew breath.

  "Because the anticipation for the night will be spoiled!” Rilla rolled her eyes.

  "You'll know what we mean.” Marx winked.

  "When you see the males dance tomorrow night,” Rilla said.

  "Right after the female dance.” Marx grinned wickedly. “The males are more aroused then."

  "Oh, so I get to see a lot of erections bouncing around? That ought to be interesting."

  Rilla laughed. Marx just shook his head and returned to labeling specimen jars.

  The faint male snarls sounded in the air, and then came the music. The heavy beat crept through her, and she could almost picture the Felys males, so feline looking, so wildly handsome. Tera found she was looking forward to the next night with a lot more enthusiasm.

  Wylin was philosophical about not being allowed into the Meeting Hall that night. He walked her to the door and left without looking in.

  "He's cute.” Zira eyed his retreating form.

  "I hear the Argons are hot in bed.” Penrr licked her lips. “How is Wylin in bed?"

  "I have no idea. Ew! The man is like my brother.” Tera made a gagging sound.

  Zira grinned.

  "Ah well, maybe I'll find out.” Penrr's eyes gleamed.

  "You don't have a mate?” Tera asked curiously.

  "Nope. Maybe tomorrow night...” She shrugged.

  Tera's curiosity gave way to interest. “Sometimes mates are found at this dance?"

  "Sure. The dance is blatantly sexu
al, after all. It's meant to seduce. To make the dancers and the watchers aroused. To make them want each other. Sometimes, if the nature-mated aren't quite aware of each other, it can make their scent suddenly audible to the subconscious, and then to the conscious. Males,” she confided, “Can be a little dense."

  "No shit,” Tera said before she could stop herself.

  The laughter this time was definitely shared.

  "Have a male you want to arouse?” Halli gave her a nudge.

  "Er—"

  "It's no secret that Illam is attracted to you,” Zira said.

  "Oh, well...” Tera was a little nervous about the Felys reaction.

  "He can smell you a mile off, and you know what that means.” Zira looked closely at Tera. “You do know what that means, right?"

  "I'm a little worried to confess,” Tera admitted.

  "Don't be. Nature-mates are born for each other."

  "I'm a different race. Doesn't that worry you?"

  "We're allies,” Zira replied. “And nature does what it will. You just have to accept that."

  Tera sighed. “Maybe you can get that fur-ball to understand that, too."

  The mouths of the Felys dropped open in astonishment.

  Realizing what she'd just said, Tera reddened. “I didn't mean ... oh crap, I think I just insulted you. I am so sorry. I shouldn't have said fur-ball."

  "You call Illam a fur-ball?” Zira was astounded.

  "I have when I'm mad with him.” Tera awkwardly tried to apologize. “I am so sorry. I—"

  "Well, he can be a fur-ball,” Murta said. “I call Ceric that when he's being a right arse."

  It was Tera's turn to gape.

  "Fur-ball.” Halli nodded in approval. “Yep, I like it. Hey, Larel! Tera calls Illam a fur-ball when she's mad at him!"

  Tera could have died of mortification when the other dancers looked first shocked, then started to laugh.

  "Don't look so embarrassed.” Penrr laid a friendly arm around Tera's shoulders and steered her towards the dais. “But where did you learn that insult?"

  "Nowhere. I just started calling him that when I was mad at him."

  Penrr laughed. “It's an insult on our planet, a term used often in anger. You're doing great, Argon. You're fitting in really well."