"We can skip the appetizer anytime you want,” she mumbled, closing her eyes.
"The snack met with my approval."
"Anytime you feel like a bite, come on over."
He kissed the top of her head. “I'll take that as a standing invitation."
"Oh, please do!"
Illam hugged her, pressing another kiss to her ear before rubbing his mouth against the side of her cheek. “I'd love nothing more than to take you up on that invitation right now, makit, but I think we've pushed our luck enough."
"Mmm?"
"I hear Rilla approaching, and that can only mean one thing."
"Oh, crap...” Reluctantly pulling away, she reached down and yanked her pants up. “Do I look respectable now?"
"You look like a female who's just had hard sex."
"Your sex is hard."
He sobered. “Did I hurt you?"
"No!” Tera laid her hand on his shoulder and leaned in to kiss him gently on the lips. “I love it when you get wild, Illam. I love that touch of wildness that comes through, it excites me."
His gaze was serious. “You will tell me if at any time, I do anything that makes you uncomfortable?"
"As long as you don't actually take a bite out of my neck, feral, you can do anything you want with me."
His nostrils flared. “Let's lock the doors, shut the windows, and go to bed. Or bugger it, stay right here."
Laughing, she slid out to the side and out of his reach. “Tsk! You've had your dessert, Illam. You'll have to wait for the main meal tonight."
"Main meal?"
With a slow carnality, she licked her lips. “I'm going to eat you."
"Jocat!"
"I'm going to suck you dry."
His staff started to harden and rise.
"Now put that away!” With a final admonishing wag of her finger, she left the kitchen and sped through the living area to the front of the house, intent on waylaying Rilla before her friend could see Illam's glowing eyes and arousal.
But she heard the growl that came from the kitchen, followed by a spit and an “I gotta wait? Delcat!"
The smile on her face was broad and totally unashamed when she opened the front door and saw Rilla's knowing eyes, just as the Felys healer was starting up the steps.
"Eaten?” Rilla queried, her eyes twinkling.
"Dessert,” Tera replied cheerfully. “Very invigorating, I must say."
"They certainly can be,” Rilla replied dryly.
Tera laughed.
"Anyway,” Rilla continued, “You'll be pleased to know that the Lypeople Council has agreed to the Lymen here having samples taken from them."
Tera grinned, her interest igniting. “Great! Let's get a start.” Catching sight of some Felys kits playing nearby, she called out, “Have you seen Taj and Ryles?"
"They're having lunch,” the tortoiseshell called back.
"Could you go and ask them to front up to the healers’ hut as soon as they're finished?"
Grinning widely, the Felys kits scampered off.
"Going to start with those two?” Rilla queried.
"Nothing like working down from the top to appease the fears."
The Lymen were as unsure as the Felys had been when they first started being tested, but soon got over their fear with the head measurement and massage, which Tera deliberately did first to ease them. Once relaxed—well, more than relaxed, almost downright sleepy, she passed them onto Rilla and Marx to take the specimens. While they worked, she started collecting other data in the form of answers.
"Taj, are there many runts born into the Lypeople?” she queried.
"Hmm?” Opening his eyes, he blinked at her.
Repeating the question, she smothered her amusement, but Marx and Rilla were openly grinning.
"We get some. A higher rate than what you'd expect normally, but nowhere near as many as the Felys,” Taj replied almost sleepily.
"As many as the Canys?” Tera tapped the answers into the data collector.
"The Canys weren't getting as many until recently, either."
"Really? Interesting.” Tera glanced at Taj. “How many kits do you have?"
"None yet. I'm not mated."
"Ryles?"
"Two litters.” Ryles yawned.
"Any runts?"
"Not so far."
"Mmm.” Tera looked at Rilla. “I might get this data to Father tonight."
"You don't have a lot of daylight hours left.” Rilla ran the open-ended needle across Ryles's skin.
"But it's important he gets this stuff."
"Tomorrow will do,” Marx said.
"Just as well,” Rilla finished.
"I guess.” Tera twined a long lock of black hair around her finger. “How many soldiers did you bring with you, Taj?"
"Ten."
Surprised, Tera looked up. “I didn't know there was that many here."
"Most are out patrolling the perimeters. Besides, they're very good at blending.” Taj smiled slightly. “They're not soldiers such as you're familiar with."
"Oh? What makes them so different?"
"Now if I told you, it wouldn't be security, now would it?"
Rolling her eyes, Tera returned to collecting data.
It was late by the time they'd finished, and Tera was blinking sleepily herself. Getting to her feet, she stretched and yawned hugely.
Rilla placed the last specimen jar in the container and looked at her. “You have shadows under your eyes."
Marx bent his head and studied Tera. “You do."
"I'm just a little tired, that's all."
"All that exercise.” Rilla smirked.
"Too much too soon,” Marx added.
"Never too much,” Tera replied. And yawned again.
"Everything's done.” Rilla stretched her back, her ears twitching. “Let's go to my place and get something to eat and drink."
"Great idea.” Marx squinted. “You can show these Argons how well you cook, my sweet."
Startled, Tera looked from Marx to Rilla. “You two are...?"
"Nature-mated.” Marx grinned widely, his gaze suddenly lascivious as he glanced at Rilla.
"I had no idea!"
"We tend to get caught up in our work,” Rilla explained.
"Hence we don't tend to make sexual overtures,” Marx continued.
"At each other,” Rilla finished.
"At home, however...” Marx winked at her.
"But not when you have visitors, I hope?” Tera grinned.
"We'll try to hold off,” Rilla said.
"From pawing and biting each other,” Marx added.
"I hope so,” Wylin said from the doorway.
They laughed and left the hut together.
Meeting Illam partway, Rilla insisted he join them. Grinning hugely, he slung his arm around Tera's shoulders and hugged her into him.
Rilla and Marx lived in a house built into the tops of a tree. The stone steps were grooved to prevent slipperiness when wet. The inside of their home was warm and luxurious, but a little messier, with medical apparatus and books piled on the table in the living area.
It was homey and lived-in.
The meal was delicious, and feeling wonderfully full, Tera leaned back in her chair and surveyed them all.
Wylin, one of her dearest friends, was arguing with Illam, her lover. Arguing about the merits of something to do with space crafts, and of which she had absolutely no interest. Marx and Rilla were discussing a new medical technique with each other.
And Tera was feeling very sleepy.
Once they moved to the living area, she sat comfortably in the corner of the sofa, Illam beside her. He was still talking space crafts with Wylin, but his fingers were idly kneading her scalp.
Leaning her head against his broad shoulder, and feeling warm, full, and most content, Tera drifted off into sleep.
* * * *
Striding throughout the room, Ropar looked up as a timid knock sounded on the door.
"Someone to see you, Sire.” His attender, Lazer, called back.
"Who is it?"
"Someone called Mitzi."
A female? Ropar cocked his head to one side. “What does she want?"
"Uh ... to speak to you, Sire."
"About what?” he scowled at the door.
"I'm not sure."
Debating whether or not to admit the annoyance, Ropar pursed his lips. His ears twitched upright on his head, and he scowled even more ferociously.
"Uh ... Sire?” Lazar asked hesitantly.
"Send her in.” Crossing to stand behind his desk, and thereby ensuring the light from the window behind him outlined his form to perfection, Ropar watched as the female entered.
His gaze was a trifle scathing as he viewed her. Her brindle hair was untidy and pulled back in a careless knot at the back of her head. Pointed ears twitched nervously as she sidled up to the desk, her eyes appropriately downcast.
"Sire?” She swallowed. “Calean said you wanted to speak to us."
"I wanted to speak to him.” Ropar growled. “As that bastard very well knew!"
"I—uh, he said I was to come in his place, as he's on an important find right now."
"Important find?” Ropar swore. “Bloody useless mutt! What is more important than speaking to the Alpha?"
Mitzi cringed, a little whine coming from her throat.
"Oh, stop it!” Ropar flung himself into his chair in disgust. “Have the runts been near the swamp?"
"Not for a few days."
"And what of the Argon healer?"
"No."
Ropar stared at the far wall, mulling it over. So, the healer hadn't come anywhere near the boundary.
Mitzi coughed nervously. “A Lypeople scout ship went to the Felys settlement."
"What?"
Mitzi cringed under his glare.
"Damn it!” Ropar stormed back and forth across the room. “That's why no one has been seen near the swamp boundary!"
"I thought that was a good thing?"
"It means the healer doesn't come there, either!"
Mitzi wisely remained silent, her head lowered and watching her leader from the tops of her eyes.
Ropar stalked back to the desk and slammed his hairy fist down upon it. “I want to know what the healer has found out! Lazar!” he bellowed. “Get the Lypeople Council on the viscomm!"
Running in, Lazar crossed to the viscomm in the corner of the room and keyed n the codes. Minutes later, the screen flared to life, and the dignified face of an elderly Lyman appeared.
"Ropar,” the Lyman greeted him quietly.
"I'm not beating around the bush, Cato. I know the Argon healer is at the Felys settlement, trying to find out what disease they have—"
"They have no disease,” Cato replied mildly.
"The hell they don't!” Ropar stabbed his finger at the Lyman. “You wouldn't say if they did!"
"Don't insult us, Ropar,” Cato returned evenly. “If that is why you have called me—"
"No! No.” Sucking in a deep, harsh breath, he growled, “I want to know the findings of the Argon."
"We don't know. That information is privy to the Felys, and theirs to share when the time comes."
"Snarch shit! Then I want to talk to the Argon healer!"
"I'll see if she and the Felys are agreeable."
"The Felys don't have anything to do with it. This is between me and the Argon."
"The Argon is under the jurisdiction of the Felys,” Cato corrected him. “it is not for us to decide. I will be in contact as soon as I get the answer."
And the screen went blank.
Swearing, Ropar grabbed a vase and threw it against the wall, where it shattered. Catching sight of the two Canys staring at him with their mouths open, he picked up another vase and threw it at them.
Yelping, they fled the room. The vase crashed against the wall beside the door.
Throwing back his head, Ropar howled his rage. When he finished, he crossed to the window and braced his hands on the windowsill. Staring at his reflection, his flat-featured face pulled tight with fury, he bared his teeth.
I will find out the truth from the healer. She will speak to me, and tell me everything!
* * * *
The Cave
The sphere was working so well. She wasn't sure how long it would take, no one was sure, but it would take its toll.
Slavery would be a thing of the past.
* * * *
Space
"Ah.” The young pirate grinned down at her. “You have amused me, little girl. Father, I surely fancy this little bit."
"Then have her.” The pirate captain shrugged carelessly. “When you tire of her, let me know."
"Oh, I think you'll have a bit of a wait,” he returned, fingering the blonde streak in the glossy brown hair.
Nervously the little wench moistened dry lips with the tip of her tongue.
The eyes above her sharpened at the innocent action and suddenly the lean pirate jerked her up against him. He crushed the tender lips ruthlessly with his mouth, plundering the innocent depths without thought of gentleness. Uncaring.
She struggled, pushing against his hand that kneaded her small breast painfully.
"Nay!” Unable to bear the assault on this little friend, and the daughter of his dead captain, he surged to his feet. “You bastard!"
His friends also surged to their feet and rushed forward.
* * * *
Illam woke to find Tera moaning. Lifting his head, he looked down to see a damp trail on her cheeks. She was crying in her sleep.
Not wanting to alert Rilla and Marx in their bedroom down the hall, or Wylin in the other guest room, he rose up on his elbow and gently shook Tera awake. “Come on, makit. Open your pretty eyes."
The thick lashes lifted slowly and he found himself looking down into crystal blue eyes full of haunting sadness.
Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her cheek softly. “Did you have a bad dream, makit?"
"I guess...” She wiped her palm down her cheeks. “I've been crying?"
"Yes.” He rubbed the corner of his mouth along her jaw. “What was the dream?"
"The dream?” She blinked, and then seemed to become aware of their surroundings. “This isn't my room, or yours. Where are we?” She looked around, the room well lit from the moonlight streaming through the window.
"Rilla's guestroom."
"When did we get here? I don't remember coming here."
"You wouldn't makit. You fell asleep while we were chatting in the living area. Rather than wake you when it was time to retire, Rilla and Marx loaned us the guestroom."
"Wylin—"
"In the other guestroom. There's no way that tenacious bodyguard will leave you."
"Oh.” Resting her head back on the pillow, she smiled unrepentantly. “Sorry. I do work long hours and survive on little sleep. I guess we forgot to tell you that when tired, I have a habit of falling to sleep quite easily."
"So I found out.” He gazed down at her, his heart filled with love as it always was where she was concerned. “Tell me why you were crying, makit."
"It's nothing.” She waved a hand negligently. “Just something from the past."
"A dream you won't share?"
"It has no impact on our future.” She snuggled closer to him.
"A dream that makes you cry, makit, concerns me. Tell me."
"Illam—"
"Please?"
Sighing, she rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling.
Illam watched her, wondering if she'd share it or not. When she remained silent, he asked quietly, “So does it have anything to do with the heartache you mentioned before?"
"You have a good memory."
"Anything that is important to you is important to me."
"You're sweet."
"And worried. Share with me, Tera."
"Illam ... really, thi
s won't have an impact on us. It's in the past."
Being tenacious himself, he wasn't about to give up. “I want to understand. Tera, on the ship coming here you were crying."
Pushing up onto her elbows, her surprised face turned in his direction. “You were in my cabin!"
"Well, yeah. But only because I heard you crying.” He squinted at her. “You were asleep, weren't you?"
"Yes, but I found a strand of your hair in mine when I woke up."
"Ah."
Leaning over him, she warmly kissed his lips. “And back then, you hated me. But still you cared—"
"I never hated you!"
"You didn't love me, either."
"I did, I just didn't know it."
She grinned down at him.
He would have been tempted to take it further, but he could see the damp cheeks, smell her tears, and see the dark shadows beneath her eyes.
Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her gently but firmly against him. “Tell me."
With a sigh, she subsided against him, pillowing her cheek on his chest, and her head beneath his chin. “One day, Illam. Right now, I'm not ready. Please?"
He couldn't deny that he felt disappointed, but he wasn't going to push her. “All right, makit."
"Just hold me,’ she whispered, and he caught the sound of tears in her voice.
Love for her welled up, the need to comfort her stronger than ever. Smoothing his hand across her back, he rubbed slowly, and within minutes he felt her drift off to sleep. Her breaths were deeper, sliding across his skin in warm gusts.
Once she was asleep, he rolled to his side and cradled her close. Closing his eyes, he drifted off to sleep with her against his heart.
* * * *
Tera was awoken by the sound of Wylin's voice. Opening her eyes, she found herself alone in the big bed, the rugs tucked securely around her.
Heavy-eyed, she squinted at the sunlight coming through the windows. It was later than she normally got up.
Getting out of the bed, she found that she was still dressed, so she went into the kitchen, where she met the amused eyes of her friend, who was sitting alone in the kitchen.
His eyes immediately switched to concerned. “Tera? Are you all right?” He tensed, “Illam didn't hurt you?"
"Of course not.” Dropping into the chair, she reached for pot of una. “Geez, I need a drink."
"What's wrong?"
Tera took a sip. “Nothing."
Love's Beguiling Healer Page 37