"You're confining everyone to the settlement?” Wylin jumped up onto the hover tray beside Tera.
"Just inside the perimeters, which includes the work fields. Close to the settlement in case something goes wrong."
"But I need samples of the swamp water,” Tera said. “It may hold the answer to the runts."
"No one is going near the swamp right now,” Illam told her. “The swamp is the boundary, and no one goes near that boundary until the danger is over."
About to say something, Tera looked at Illam and closed her mouth. A frown creased her smooth forehead.
"No one,” Illam said sternly.
"All right.” She glanced at Wylin.
The inscrutable bodyguard kept a blank face, but his gaze was constantly sweeping the area around them as the hover tray went back to the settlement. Illam knew exactly what he was thinking, though, for he didn't miss the subtle way Wylin was leaning towards Tera, ready to grab her at the first sign of trouble. He also glanced at Tabitha several times, and Illam knew he'd save Tera first, and then the Felys female and kits. His duty was to Tera first, his instinct for the Felys’ safety next. Illam's opinion of the Argon bodyguard, already high, notched up higher.
The Felys kits chattered excitedly, their eyes enormous at the thought of a fight to come. One little Felys male spat and hissed, and did a fair imitation of clawing someone's eyes out.
One of the Felys males spoke solemnly to the kit. “It is good you want to protect your family, kit, but be aware to choose your fights wisely."
"I'll scratch those mutts’ eyes out!” The kit spat. “Threaten us, will they? Rowr!"
Tera looked startled, and then hurriedly turned a laugh into a cough. Illam grinned at her behind the kit's back.
Tabitha stroked her hand down the kit's back, making it arch and break into a blissful purr. “Ah, little feral, you make us proud. But be warned, you are to listen to our leaders and not go wandering off."
The sparkle left the kit's eyes, and he looked suddenly woebegone. “Oh."
"Everyone is to stay in the settlement,” Illam said sternly. “That goes for adults as well as kits. And visitors,” he added, his gaze going to Tera.
She crossed her eyes at him behind the kit's back.
The little healer really was a cheeky chit. Illam licked his lips. “Night is coming, and all should be safe in their beds.” And you'll be in my bed, Tera. Let's see how cheeky you are then.
She smirked.
Illam shook his head in mock sadness.
The trip back to the settlement was accomplished quickly, and once Illam had sent the kits and Denyon's mother safely home, he followed Wylin and Tera into the healers’ hut. There, he found Taj and Ryles waiting along with Shar and Almire.
He introduced Tera and Wylin to the Lymen, noting the way Taj looked them over with a combination of interest and wariness.
"We're pleased that you have come to aid our cousins,” Taj said.
"We're hoping to find out the cause of the runts,” Tera replied.
"I hope you find it soon.” Taj began, and stopped suddenly. His pupils dilated and he inhaled subtly, his gaze flicking to Illam in surprise.
Illam met his stare blandly, daring him to say something. The Lyman had caught Illam's scent on Tera.
To Taj's credit, he didn't say anything, but continued talking, his gaze studying Tera with more interest than previously. “When do you hear back from your father?"
"Well, I was going to go the day after tomorrow to the scout ship, but if things are getting urgent, I guess I could go tomorrow and get an update.” Her eyes narrowed suddenly. “Have you got a problem, Lyman?"
"Uh—no."
"Because you're staring at me, and you look as though you're not sure if you've got a whiff of something bad or not at the same time."
Illam laughed, enjoying his friend's disconcertion at Tera's forthrightness.
"Apologies.” Taj cleared his throat. “I couldn't help but..."
This time it was Tera who met his gaze blandly, daring him to say something.
Standing in a deceptively relaxed stance just to Tera's right, Wylin watched the byplay with an equally bland expression, but his eyes were alert for any sign of trouble.
"Anyway,” Ryles came to Taj's rescue. “If you could contact the Argons tomorrow, we would appreciate it."
Seizing gratefully on the topic once more, Taj nodded. “Any news would be good."
Tera sighed. “I was hoping to get a sample of the swamp water."
"It's important?” Ryles's pupils slitted. “You think it could have some bearing on the runts?"
"Anything is important to rule out causes,” Tera replied. “I have specimens of almost everything except the swamp water, and some of the plants that grow there."
Ryles looked at Taj. “Maybe some of our men could collect the swamp water."
"Possibly.” Taj frowned. “How soon do you need it, Tera?"
"As soon as possible. If I can have it before tomorrow, I can get the data to Father at the scout ship."
"Very well. Ryles, send two of the men to get a sample."
"Here's a specimen jar.” Tera hurried over to the table, passing Ryles as she did so.
And wouldn't you know it? The ginger and white Lyman's eyes widened and he inhaled deeply, his startled gaze turning to Illam. Illam grinned back at him proudly. Ryles closed his mouth, biting back the questions that Illam just knew were trembling on the tip of his tongue.
Tera handed a small bag of jars to Ryles. “Ask your men to get a sample of the water as well as the plant-life there. If we can't go back there for a while, it's best I get all the samples while I can."
"You're going to be busy compiling all the data,” Marx finally spoke up.
"Before tomorrow,” Rilla added.
"I'll work on it tonight. It's important, seeing as someone else is sniffing around and getting stroppy.” Tera rubbed her temple thoughtfully.
Aw, that's not good. If she's busy tonight, there won't be any diddling. Illam frowned, and then grinned to himself. But I can come in here and give her a supper snack.
"I'll stay and help,” Rilla declared.
Oh, crap.
"Me too.” Marx nodded. “With all of us working, we should have it done in no time."
Great idea. Make it quick.
"Are you sure?’ Tera looked at the healers.
"Absolutely,” Marx said.
"Of course.” Rilla nodded.
"I think it's a great idea,” Illam said. “You can get it done quicker."
Now everyone in the hut was giving him wry looks. Well, Delcat. He managed to look suitably puzzled at their expressions.
"On your own, it'll take nearly all night.” Rilla turned her attention to Tera once more.
And there'll be no time for diddling. That's not good. How can I get Tera to fall for me if she's got her head down and delectable bottom up, working? Her head should only be down when she's working on me. He was getting a hard-on just thinking about it.
"With all three of us working on the specimens,” Rilla said.
"We can get it done sooner,” Marx stated.
Oh yeah.
"We could have it done by about two or three in the morning.” Rilla nodded.
Oh no.
"I'll be staying as well,” Wylin stated quietly. “If Tera has work to do, I'll kip down in the corner of the hut. Help if I can.” His gaze cut to Illam.
Illam saw the laughter in the bodyguard's eyes, and wondered if he was so transparent after all.
Another thought struck him. “If Tera, Rilla and Marx work most of the night, Tera will be too exhausted to go to the scout ship."
"Nonsense,” Tera replied. “I'll go straight to bed as soon as we've finished. I can get a good five or six hours sleep before we head off. I'll be fine."
"She'll be fine,” Wylin echoed.
Illam scowled at him. “How could you say that?"
"Because I've seen Tera wander
ing around the palace at all times of the night and early morning when she's working on something. Trust me, I've seen Tera working on three hours sleep many a time."
"Don't fret, Illam,” Tera said. “I'll be fine. Now,” she turned to Ryles. “Can the specimens get back to me by nightfall?"
"My men will go as fast as they can.” Ryles took his leave.
"I guess we'd better get started on the rest of this data, then.” Tera rubbed her hands briskly. “Wylin, you might as well rest up or read or something. There's nothing here for you to do."
Taj, Ryles, Shar and Almire left the hut. Wylin walked out onto the verandah and took a seat in the chair near the railing. Stretching out his legs, he looked relaxed, but Illam knew he was watching the surroundings for any hint of trouble. He heard the Argon ask Taj if there was anything he could do to help with security, and heard Taj's reply that he'd call him if needed.
Rilla and Marx started to sort through the remaining specimens.
Tera looked at Illam and smiled, but he could see that her thoughts were already on data collecting, just by the way her hand slid over the data collector. He could remember the way her hand slid over him, and knew he had to leave the hut before his hard-on started again. Besides, he had a lot still to do to ensure the safety of the settlement.
Crossing the room, he smoothed a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I'll see you later, makit."
"Of course.” She smile up at him, but suddenly her smile faltered. “Oh no!"
"What's wrong?"
"What about Samon and Farra? Didn't Samon take her away for her heat phase?"
"Jocat!” He gave her a quick, hard kiss and spun on his heel. “I'll sort this out and get word to Samon now."
He left the hut and sought out Denyon, finding him, as he suspected, at the Meeting Hall. Maps were glowing on the walls showing the swamp, and the areas of the three species that inhabited Scytha. Denyon, Aras and Melar were standing by the maps with Taj, Shar and Almire.
Denyon looked around sharply as Illam hurried in. “What's wrong?"
"Samon and Farra are out in the forest somewhere."
"Oh no.” Almire's ears twitched.
Denyon started snapping out orders. “Aras, get one of our men to accompany you to Samon's encampment. Hopefully Farra will have had her heat phase by now, and they'll just be snuggling."
"We can't interrupt if she hasn't,” Shar said. “She'll tear him and us to pieces."
"Then we need to place a guard around the area until she's through the heat phase.” Denyon pointed to a small area on the map, not far from the settlement. “Samon was going to take her to the big cave here when the time came. Check there first."
"Let us know what is happening and what you're doing by contacting us on the communicators.” Illam saw the box containing the small pins on the desk, and he took several out and handed it to Aras.
"Take one of my men with you,” Taj said. “If you meet the hell hounds on the way, you'll have reinforcement and safety through one of mine being with you."
Denyon nodded, and Aras left the Hall.
"You think this will turn into something really nasty?” Almire asked Taj.
"You know what they're like, Almire. Pack instinct. If Ropar gets them all worked up, we may have a problem. The Lypeople are neutral zone, but Ropar won't worry about that if his blood scent gets up."
Almire looked at Shar worriedly.
"Don't worry,” Taj said. “The Lypeople Council has recalled all scout ships back to Scytha. They're on standby in case of trouble. And we won't be recalling any Felys for the scout ships.” His gaze flicked to Illam and Denyon. “Their place is with their people in cases like this."
"Thanks,” Shar sighed.
"Trust me, if it comes down to a fight, we side with our cousins. Especially as the reason is ludicrous.” Taj shook his head. “Not a brain in the lot of that pack."
Illam spent the rest of the day securing the outlying areas. Though the Felys continued working in the fields, sentries were posted nearby, and several scouts were sent to check the perimeters of the settlement and working areas.
The Felys kits were kept back at the settlement, and several scouts were sent to bring in the runts, who were merrily running through the forests, and any Felys who hadn't heard the news. A siren was also sounded to warn the runts and anyone not in the settlement of possible danger.
Illam heard back from Aras. Farra was near the end of her heat phase, so they were keeping guard around the area until the phase was finished, then they'd all return. He could hear Farra's growling in the distance.
By midafternoon, everyone was accounted for. Now they just had to wait for any news that Tera might get from Argon the next day.
Taj's men brought back the specimens and took them into the healers’ hut.
Illam found out from Zira, his sister, that the healers weren't going to break from their data collecting and specimen string. They were eating while they worked.
Knowing time was of the essence, he stopped by the healers’ hut to see how things were going. As he expected, Wylin was sitting in a comfortable chair and eating from a bowl of stew. The healers were sitting and eating as well, discussing their findings.
Tera smiled up at him as he entered. “I hear Samon and Farra were found."
"Yes. They're safe, and are being guarded."
"How long until Farra's heat is finished?"
"Morning possibly. Aras said it was close."
"Good.” She took a spoonful of stew. “What are you doing?"
"Can I help you?"
"There's nothing you can do, I'm afraid. Marx and Rilla have the specimen packing under control, and I'm just entering the data. Even Wylin is getting bored."
"Wylin is doing just fine,” Wylin said. “Wylin is just getting calluses on his arse."
"Poor baby.” Tera grinned at him. “I did tell you to go to bed or have a break."
"Where you go, I go.” Wylin resumed eating.
Tera placed her bowl on the table. “So what are you doing tonight, Illam?"
"Obviously going to bed alone.” Illam sighed.
"Poor baby,” Tera said again. “Never mind, my lonely little feral, I'll make it up to you later, I promise.” She winked at him.
"I'll hold you to that.” Illam dropped a kiss on top of her head.
"I'll hold anything you want,” she said huskily.
By Delcat! “You're a witch, female.” Grabbing hold of her chin, Illam held her still for a more thorough kiss. His tongue slid between her lips and he tasted long and deep before withdrawing to give her a more chaste kiss on the lips.
When he lifted his head, her eyes had taken on a more heavy look, the crystal blue of her eyes holding seductive promises.
"Later,” he purred, and left the hut.
Then he had to have a cold shower before he went up in flames. Delcat, the little healer had the power to give him a hard-on with just a few teasing words and hot promises!
Lucky me. He purred. Now if the problem with the runts could be sorted out, and trouble diverted, he could work solely on getting Tera into his life permanently.
* * * *
The Cave
The sphere didn't appear to work straight away. But then gradually, they saw the fruit born of their labors.
She was told of the delivery of the first of the new ones. The first to benefit from the sphere. The first of the new life and death.
And then another was born from the other species, and yet another from the third.
And so it had begun. Life and death. Freedom.
And no one but the makers of the sphere would know who the saviors were. No one but the makers would even know of the sphere.
* * * *
Illam greeted Tera at the door to her house with a kiss and a hug. A long, deep kiss which she was more than happy to return.
"I half expected you to be panting at my door when I got home last night,” she teased him.
"I'm not happy
about your working such long hours,” he replied. “Did you really think I'd make you mate when you need your rest?"
"I bet that just about broke your heart.” Tera patted his chest.
He growled.
"But I am touched by your thoughtfulness.” She smiled sweetly up at him.
"You're forgiven."
"What, no punishment?” She pouted.
Later.” He patted her bottom. “When you'll be at my mercy. You'll need all your strength then."
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who was almost unconscious in bed, while I went happily off to work.” Leaning into Illam, she fluttered her eyelashes provocatively at him.
For once Illam didn't have an answer.
Wylin laughed as he passed him on the way out onto the verandah. “Give up."
"Never!” Illam said, and swatted Tera on the backside as she passed. “Come on, female. Get your stuff and we'll contact your father."
"You like my bottom, don't you?"
"I've seen a lot of it.” His grin was all teeth.
"You know I've just had breakfast, don't you?” Wylin squinted into the sunlight. “Don't make me get indigestion."
"You're just sour because you haven't had sex for a while.” Tera hooked her arm through his. “I did see a pretty little Felys eyeing you yesterday."
"My duty is to you. Once back on Argon, I can dip my wick to my heart's content,” Wylin informed her.
She laughed affectionately. “My hero."
Illam would have been uncomfortable with their closeness, but he now understood that it was a brother/sister relationship and nothing else, so he was able to enjoy the banter between the Argons.
They met Denyon and Taj coming towards them, and Denyon led them to the Meeting Hall. At the back of the Meeting Hall, Denyon touched one of the lower panels, and the stage slid aside to reveal steps leading downwards.
"Let me guess,” Wylin drawled. “This leads to the scout ships."
"It's the tunnels,” Denyon confirmed.
Illam led the way down the steps, holding Tera's hand as he did so. He loved the feel of her small palm against his.
The tunnel was deep beneath the Meeting Hall, and it was wide, allowing them to walk easily abreast. It took only one hour to make it to the cave that stored the scout ships.
Illam went inside with Tera, watching as she slipped the data collector into place and keyed in the code for Argon.
Love's Beguiling Healer Page 34