Love's Beguiling Healer

  He'd been sitting at the table in their house, drinking a cup of hot una when she'd walked in that morning. He hadn't asked anything except to arch one brow. Tera had replied with a dreamy smile and continued through to her bedroom.

  Now she could feel the intensity of his gaze, and knew he'd registered her blank features. Not wanting to alarm him, she gave him a reassuring wave. The last thing she needed now was to have one protective bodyguard listening in on her conversation with Illam.

  And just what was she going to do about that conversation, anyway?

  Illam didn't say anything. She thought he was taking her to his house but instead he led her around to the back and onto the big verandah. Two old armchairs sheltered back against the wall, a rug neatly folded on one of them.

  "Would you like to sit?” Illam asked when she turned to face him.

  "No.” Placing her hands on the rail, Tera looked into the forest right behind his house. “Nice view."

  He stood beside her with his hands loosely linked behind his back. “I spend time out here when I relax."

  "Or when you're not lounging around on your front verandah.” She glanced sideways at him, a small smile playing around her lips.

  "I've taken to haunting the front verandah to watch you as you go to and fro on your rounds,” he answered frankly.

  "I'm touched."

  "Please, allow me instead.” He reached for her.

  She grabbed his hand with a little laugh. “Illam, now is not the time."

  He sighed. “Damn."

  Turning, she leaned her hips back against the rail and looked up at him. “Back in the healers’ hut, did you mean what you said?"

  He didn't pretend to misunderstand. “About loving you, yes.” The golden eyes watched her intently.

  The man was nothing if not honest, she had to give him that.

  Tera looked at him searchingly. “You said before that we're nature-mated."

  "Yes.” His gaze didn't falter.

  "Nature-mated meaning a pair for life."

  "Yes."

  "And you love me."

  His gaze softened. “Yes."

  Taking a deep breath, Tera turned and stared out at the forest. He loved her, but did she love him? Bracing her hands on the rail, she sighed inwardly. She couldn't deny the thrill his admission gave her. The sense of being wanted and loved was something she'd never thought to feel again. The problem was, did she return that love?

  Leaning down next to her, Illam rested his forearms on the railing. The sounds of day flyers chittering amongst the trees sounded on the fresh, rain-kissed air. The sun came out fully, flooding the area with warmth.

  "Tell me what you're thinking, Tera,” he asked quietly. “I need to know."

  "I'm not sure."

  "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

  "Illam...” She hesitated.

  "It's bad?"

  "No. No, it's...” Blowing out a breath of air, Tera closed her eyes briefly.

  "The females of my clan are happy when a male declares his love,” Illam said. “You look as though you don't know whether to laugh or cry. Shouldn't that be my role?"

  "Why? You're the one who said he loved me. I think I have every right to be disconcerted."

  "Tera, I told you we were nature-mated. If you didn't want to take this further, why make me decide about your culture, about us? Why willingly go through a sexual peak with me?” He looked up at her from his resting position against the railing. “Why even mention a relationship?"

  He wasn't telling her anything she didn't already know. Not one to suffer fools gladly, and with an impatience for anyone not willing to be truthful, Tera didn't flinch from being honest.

  "I'm attracted to you. I do have feelings, strong feelings. I'd have to have feelings to be able to be so intimate with you.” She returned his gaze steadily. “I don't do oral sex with just anyone, you know, much less swallow."

  She saw his eyes darken in memory, the pupils dilate and his nostrils flare slightly.

  "If you tell me you can smell the scent of arousal on me, Illam, I swear I'll bust you."

  His lips twitched in amusement but he grew serious in an instant. “So you admit to feeling strongly about me. Do you love me?"

  On the point of saying she didn't know, Tera stopped. That wasn't totally the truth. She remembered thinking that it might be too late to stop her heart from being broken again. The feelings she had for Illam...

  She focused on him again, her gaze running over his face. His features were strong, with a touch of the feline. His long, silky hair was confined in a ponytail that hung down his back to his waist. The thick bands of chocolate were pulled behind his pointy-tipped ears. Sensuous lips that could laugh, tease and make her moan were now set in a firm line. His jaw was squared. The threads in his golden eyes writhed agitatedly, the only sign of his uncertainty.

  He was a contradiction of self assured Felys male, and a vulnerable uncertainty when it came to her. Infuriating, kind, humorous ... and arrogant. Well, I am truthful!

  Tera sighed. “I think I'm falling in love with you, Illam."

  The black threads slowed down in his eyes, a sign of his relief, but he was astute. “And this is a problem, why?"

  "It's not really a problem."

  "Is it because I live in the forests?” Illam frowned. “Is it because you want the luxuries of your own home? The huge palace, the technology?"

  Tera shook her head. “Not at all. If I love a man, I'm happy to make my home with him. Home is where the heart is."

  "You would have no problem giving up your old home to live with me?"

  "I can visit my family, they can visit me. It's what I'd expect.” She inhaled the smell of wildflowers. “I would never agree to being cut off from them."

  "I wouldn't expect you to.” Illam straightened, but kept his hands on the rail. “So what is the problem, Tera? You admit that you're falling in love with me, you say you'd be happy to stay with the man you love. Why the hesitation?"

  "I don't honestly know. No, I do. You're certain of your love for me, Illam, but I'm not so sure how much I love you."

  Her words were greeted with silence.

  "Please, don't be hurt.” Reaching out, she laid her hand over his. “It's all been so fast. I need to be sure, Illam. I can't simply take a chance on something of which I'm not a hundred percent certain."

  Turning his hand over he linked his fingers through hers and remained silent, his gaze searching hers.

  She didn't look away.

  Turning, Illam faced her fully. “Tera, I love you. You're my nature-mate. I'll wait for you for as long as it takes."

  The simple promise not only surprised her, it touched her to her very soul. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat.

  "Your culture is different to mine,” Illam continued with quiet sincerity. “You've accepted a lot since you've been here. Now it is time I respect your beliefs, and wait for you to decide if you love me enough to stay with me."

  Tera didn't know what to say. She'd expected him to rant and rave, to be upset. To yowl, snarl, growl, anything but this quiet acceptance and patience.

  "Why do you look as though you're going to cry?” Placing his finger beneath her chin, Illam tilted her face up. “Have I said it the wrong way? Upset you?"

  "No.” She sniffed. “I just ... I expected you to stalk off twitching your bum."

  His mouth dropped open. “I beg your pardon?"

  "I thought you'd be mad—"

  "What did you say about my behind?"

  "You twitch the muscles in your buttocks when you're mad."

  "I do not."

  "You do.” She grinned faintly through the tears. “If you were a lycat and had a tail, you'd be swishing it."

  "So you think I twitch my arse because I don't have a tail?"

  "Now you're mad."

  He laughed softly and gathered her into his arms, hugging her close. “No, I'm not mad. Insulted, but not mad."

  S
lipping her arms around his waist, she leaned her cheek against the smooth, warm skin of his chest.

  "And it gives me an excuse to hold you,” he teased.

  "You need an excuse?"

  "No. I just thought it sounded good."

  She nestled closer. “You're a good man, Illam."

  His heart thumped steadily beneath her ear. They stood in silence for several minutes, simply enjoying each others company.

  Tera knew Illam hadn't heard what he really wanted to hear, but she wasn't going to lie to him either.

  "Tera,” Illam said softly.

  "Mmm?"

  "Is your research nearly done?"

  Her eyes opened. Where was this leading? “I guess so. Depending on what Father finds out through the data collected, it might be tomorrow or next week or a month from now. Why?"

  "If I'm willing to wait for you to make up your mind..."

  "Yes?"

  "Would you be willing to stay here for a while?"

  Tilting her head back, Tera gazed up at him. “Stay?"

  "How are you going to know if you really love me, if you don't spend more time with me?"

  "I guess that's fair,” she said slowly, suddenly realizing that she'd not thought about the time she had left for research.

  "You'll stay here?"

  A sudden thought occurred to her. “Am I allowed to stay after the research?"

  "Of course."

  "Then I guess the answer is yes.” At his low purr, she added, “For a time, just to make sure."

  "You know I'm going to work on making you fall deeper in love with me?” He lowered his face towards her.

  "By ravishing me?” That sounded like a good idea.

  "It's not always ravishing,” he replied, and kissed her so gently and tenderly that it shook her to the very tips of her toes.

  His lips touched hers gently, his tongue traced the seam of her lips carefully, and when he stroked in, it was with the tenderest glide imaginable.

  His arms cradled her to him.

  Every kiss with Illam had been hard, urgent, and demanding. This kiss was that of a lover cherishing the one he desired the most in the world.

  And Tera fell a little more in love with him.

  When he lifted his head, his golden eyes glowed with tender warmth that made her reach out and smooth her palm down his cheek. He purred with pleasure, closing his eyes and turning his cheek into her touch.

  "Illam?” Denyon called.

  Sighing, Illam opened his eyes and straightened up. “I'm sorry, Tera."

  "It's okay.” She stepped back with a small smile. “I have work to do."

  "I'll see you later,” he said. “Tonight."

  He went from tender lover to hedonistic lover within seconds, his gaze hungrily raking her body before he tried to hide it with a sweet smile.

  "Too late, Felys,” Tera said. “I saw that."

  "I can't help it. I'm hungry, and you're a delectable dish."

  "Really? Well, you'll have to wait until tonight to feast, won't you?” She winked.

  "I might stop by for an afternoon snack."

  "Eat too much and you'll get fat."

  "I'm not the one doing the swallowing."

  "Ah, but that's protein. Fat burner."

  His grin was carnal. “I have more where that came from."

  "I'm sure you do."

  "Illam?” Denyon's voice sounded from the kitchen.

  "Here!” Illam called back. Then he brushed his thumb across Tera's bottom lip and said softly, “I love you, makit."

  "What are you doing lurking out here?” The back door swung open and Denyon strode out. “Oh—sorry."

  "That's all right. I have to go back to work.” Tera stepped off the verandah. “I'll see you later, Illam."

  "Remember that snack."

  She laughed even as she walked away.

  Crossing to the healers’ hut, she suddenly became aware of several strangers in the settlement. Talking to Shar and Almire, at first glance there was nothing unusual about them. But then Tera noticed that the men wore uniforms. Neither was shirtless, and they wore their uniforms as though born to them. Totally at ease, their lasers strapped to their thighs.

  At a sudden thought, Tera glanced at their hair. Rather than the long hair that brushed the waists of the Felys people, these men had hair that only reached down to their shoulder blades. Tied neatly back, one had pure black hair, while the other had ginger and white. One and two-shaded hair color.

  Were these the Lypeople? The species closely related to the Felys, and the ones the Felys worked for?

  One of the men turned, and his gaze settled unerringly on Tera. He had one green eye, and one blue. And he had a more polished, civilized air about him.

  No doubt about it, these two men were Lypeople.

  The man said something to Almire, who replied quietly.

  Wondering what they had come for, Tera continued to the healers’ hut. Once inside, she greeted Rilla and Marx, avoided their curious queries with a laughing ‘bugger off', and recommenced recording the data collected the day before.

  Rilla continued compiling of the specimen jars into the containers, while Marx changed the dressings on some scratches a hot-headed pair of Felys kits had bestowed on each other while playing.

  Listening to the scolding their mother was giving them, Tera grinned. The Felys might be a feline-type species, but families seemed to be the same everywhere.

  Thirteen

  Sitting in the Meeting Hall with Denyon, Illam watched as the Felys leaders came in with the two Lymen. He knew them both, having trained with them on the recruit scout ships.

  Taj, the dark-haired Lyman, took the seat opposite him and nodded. Ryles, the ginger and white haired Lyman, gave him a friendly smile.

  Denyon greeted them both cordially.

  "I'm afraid Taj and Ryles come with disturbing news,” Shar said as she took the chair at the head of the table.

  "Oh?” Denyon raised one brow.

  "It might be best if they explain,” Almire suggested.

  The Felys all looked at the two Lymen.

  Taj met their gazes soberly. “I understand the Argon healer has yet to discover the reasons of your runts increasing numbers?"

  "She's awaiting test results,” Denyon replied.

  "Let's hope she gets something good real soon.” Taj said. “The hounds are starting to bay."

  "Ropar?” Denyon frowned. “What about?"

  "It seems they've been having an increasing number of runts born this year."

  Illam's ears pricked slightly. “Runts? They're getting runts in their litters?"

  "They've always had the odd one, but the numbers are increasing."

  "So you're hoping Tera gets the answer to help them as well?"

  Taj grimaced. “I'm wanting answers to avert a possible fight."

  Illam looked at Denyon then back at Taj. “Fight?"

  Ryles spoke up. “They know the runt numbers are on the increase with the Felys, and they're starting to think you have some kind of disease that's somehow passing onto their females."

  "That's ridiculous!” Denyon scowled. “If there was disease, it would have spread years ago. Our people are clean!"

  "Tera would have picked up any sign of disease immediately,” Illam added.

  "We know the Felys are clean,” Taj said. “Even our own tests proved that. But Ropar is looking for someone to blame, and because of the runt history, the Felys are the targets."

  "He's going to attack?"

  "Not yet. But he's impatient. He's demanding proof that this isn't caused by the Felys."

  "We don't have proof of anything.” Denyon was still scowling. “Tera is working hard to gather everything she can."

  "She's analyzed everything she has so far?"

  "She's transferred the data to Argon. We go back to the scout ship in a day or so to send more, and so that she can collect any information from the Argon healers."

  "Then you'd better pra
y they have discovered something.” Taj looked grimly at Shar and Almire. “Meanwhile, keep everyone close to the settlement. I've brought some extra security with me."

  "You're taking this very seriously,” Almire observed.

  "Ropar is bad-tempered, and his decisions aren't always as rational as they should be.” Taj shrugged. “This is just a precaution."

  "You'll have to take Tera to the scout ship via the tunnels, Denyon,” Shar decided.

  And this time, Illam was going to accompany her. If trouble was brewing, he didn't want her out of his sight.

  "Illam, alert the men,” Denyon said quietly. “Set guards on the perimeters, and inform the parents to keep their kits inside the settlement. We're taking no chances."

  The settlement became a hive of activity. After sending three of his men to speak to the parents, Illam organized the guards and a roster. Then he sought out Tera in the healers’ hut.

  When he entered, he saw Marx there alone. “Where's Tera?"

  "She's gone to collect water samples from the swamp. Denyon's mother, Tabitha, is with her and some of the Felys kits. They're walking by the way. They said they'd spend the day collecting more samples as they went."

  "Shit!"

  "What's wrong?"

  "Is Wylin with her?"

  "Of course."

  Ignoring Marx's alarmed face, Illam ran from the hut and quickly mustered two Felys and three security Lymen, all fully armed, to accompany him to the swamp. Hopefully they'd catch up with Tera before she got too far.

  Climbing aboard a hover tray, the military group headed at high speed through the forest in the direction pointed out to them by a young Felys male.

  An hour later, they caught up with the small party, who stopped at the sight of the hover tray.

  Wylin noted their weapons, and immediately he moved partially in front of both Tera and the Felys, motioning the kits behind him.

  As the hover tray came to a halt, Illam jumped down. “There's been some trouble with Ropar's pack—"

  "Ropar's pack?” Wylin raised his brows in query.

  "That other species on the other side of the swamp. Those hell-hounds.” Illam assisted Tabitha onto the hover tray and reached for Tera. “They have some fool notion that we're the cause of their increased runt numbers, and Ropar, being unpredictable, is regarding us as a threat."