by Lexi Ander
Disappointment washed through him, making Gabe angrier with himself. His confusion over his butterfly stomach, dry mouth, and the fact he had to slip into the nearest restroom to hide the erection straining his scrubs only added to his ire. Unfortunately, his shift wouldn’t end for another hour, so Gabe couldn’t escape yet.
As he was throwing cold water on his face, the door opened and Ronan rushed in.
“I saw you sneak away. Are you all right?” Ronan wore purple scrubs with white bunny rabbits.
Gabe smiled. “Are those new? Did you lose another bet, Ro?”
Leaning against the wall next to the door, Ronan crossed his dark arms over his chest. “I’m a man of impeccable taste. I can pull off any look, even bunnies, and still be sexy as hell.”
He suppressed a smile because Ronan was a bit vain at times, but not wrong. His rich, burnished brown skin, heart-shaped face, and swimmer’s body won him considerable attention from both men and women alike.
“You are rocking the bunnies,” Gabe agreed, blotting his face with a paper towel before stepping away from the sink.
“And you dodged my question, Gabe.” Ronan arched an eyebrow.
“I’m fine. Just… confused,” he admitted.
“When your shift’s over, let’s go grab a beer.” Ronan pushed off the wall and opened the door. As Gabe walked by, Ronan threw an arm over his shoulders. “And you can tell me all about that hot, leather-encased ass you were drooling over.”
Gabe playfully shoved Ronan away. “Jerk.”
Ronan’s laughter followed him down the hallway. “You wouldn’t have me any other way. I’ll catch you in the parking garage in an hour.”
Gabe refrained from flipping Ronan off and returned to his station for the remainder of his shift. Afterward, he hurried into the locker room, swiping his keycard to clock out before he grabbed his backpack from his locker. Quickly changing into his street clothes, a simple black T-shirt and jeans, he shoved his scrubs into the hospital’s laundry chute. After he’d grabbed his leather coat and helmet, he closed and secured the locker, eager to leave before he ran into Commander Alārd again.
~ : § : ~
True to his word, Ronan waited for Gabe next to their bikes. He’d exchanged his scrub bottoms for a pair of tight jeans, but hadn’t bothered to change his shirt.
“I knew you liked the bunnies,” Gabe teased.
Ronan gave him a wicked smile. “The women love it.”
“I should’ve known.” He stuffed his backpack into the saddlebag and threw his leg over the seat of his Harley. “Where to, chick magnet?”
Ronan buckled on his half-shell helmet. “I heard of a new place over on South Avenue called The Jade Forest. Let’s check it out.”
“Sure.” Not that Gabe cared where they went. He didn’t pick people up at bars like Ronan sometimes did. Gabe wondered briefly if he should try meeting someone new. Maybe not. He’d met Pierce on campus, and that was the full extent of his dating experience.
After buckling on his own helmet, Gabe kick-started the bike. The rumble of the engine vibrated up through his balls before he activated the inertial stabilizers. The machine pushed off and hovered while the wheels rotated ninety degrees to become parallel to the ground.
Ronan pulled out of the parking space first. Gabe followed, since Ronan knew where they were going. Even though dark had fallen, the neon city lights kept the streets bright. Pedestrians still filled the sidewalks, a diverse mix of human, Mantids from Earth, Panthrÿn, L’fÿn, Faelÿn, art-pursuing Olghevaar, and peace-brokering Zëliān.
It was strange how humans’ view of the universe had changed so drastically after the Grāzoälūns invaded the human colony of Lorisia seventy-five years ago. Until then, humans had believed themselves to be alone in their galaxy. They’d known life existed outside their section of space because a millennia ago a Mantid cruise ship had crash-landed on Earth. The Mantid space charts had contained nothing about the area of space they’d become lost in, leading both races to believe the human galaxy was so far away from populated space that they were technically alone. So they prepared no deep-space defenses for Lorisia, which made it ripe for invasion. In an odd twist of fate, Chándariāns had picked up the distress call and come to Lorisia’s aid. Later, after the initial confrontation, the Zëliāns were brought in to arbitrate a cease-fire and broker peace. Since then, humans had embraced the three Chándariān races; Panthrÿns, L’fÿns, and Faelÿns, and the faces seen on Earth’s streets became more diverse. After more than fifty years, it was barely remarked upon anymore.
As they came to a stop at a light, Gabe looked through the crowd, picking out the Panthrÿns, and wondered what it would be like to attend the Festival. Ever since humans had opened their doors to the Chándariāns, presenting a program to help them with their low birth rates, many Panthrÿns and L’fÿns had flocked to Earth in search of fertile partners. It must be a fascinating sight to see. He would like to spend time with Commander Alārd again, talk to him longer, maybe even ask him to dinner. And he had said he escorted Prince A’yrē, so he wasn’t looking for a mate, which was good because neither was Gabe.
Ronan pulled up in front of a three-storey building covered in real, living, broad-leafed vines. Valets came out and collected the bikes. Gabe scowled at Ronan; he’d thought they were going to a dive. He wasn’t dressed for an upscale bar like this.
“Stop worrying.” Ronan grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the door. “I’ll pay for the valet if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
Gabe’s stomach twisted into knots. He hated walking into the unknown. “Maybe I should go home.”
“You never went out while you dated Pierce.”
“I didn’t date Pierce: he was my partner.”
“Really? Because I thought partners shared things like homes and bills and beds every night.”
Gabe held back his flinch at Ronan’s stinging observation. But before he could back out Ronan had guided him through the doors. The vine hanging from the ceiling seemed to quiver when the top of Gabe’s head brushed a leaf. When he would’ve stopped and studied the plant, Ronan tugged on him instead, pulling him along behind the hostess.
After they sat, Ronan had the grace to look contrite. “Look, I’m sorry, but you know you never fully committed to Pierce. He was comfortable to have around, but that was all.”
“What a horrible thing to say. I did love him. I just didn’t want the same things he did.” Gabe glanced away from Ronan’s assessing gaze. Sometimes he liked how Ronan never watered down his thoughts, always laying it out as he saw it. Right now, he hated that Ronan knew him so well.
“Yes, you loved him, Gabe, but you weren’t in love with him. One of these days you’ll know the difference and quit worrying that your love life will turn out like your parents’. But first you need to let go enough to truly and completely fall for someone.”
A waiter came by and took their drink order, dropping off a basket of flat bread as he did so.
Gabe detested it when people made the distinction between loving and being in love. Love was all the same, wasn’t it? “My relationship with Pierce was nothing like my parents’,” he defended. Gabe hated thinking about his mom and dad. They had loved each other hard, and fought with the same passion.
“Exactly. It was safe. You held Pierce at arm’s length, never letting him get close to you. There is a middle ground, Gabe. You can love someone without the pain and drama your parents experienced.”
“Says the man who hasn’t settled down yet,” Gabe sniped. He immediately felt like an ass. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. I just…” He couldn’t finish because then he’d have to admit that what Ronan said was too close to the truth. He’d had time now to think about what had led to Pierce leaving, and Gabe couldn’t blame him for it anymore. Pierce deserved to be happy.
“I know, buddy,” Ronan said in a low voice.
The waiter delivered their drinks and a dish of maraschino cherries, which Gab
e spooned into his soda. Ronan’s expression meant he wanted to ask Gabe something and didn’t know how, but if Gabe probed for the question, Ronan took twice as long to organize his thoughts.
While he waited, he glanced around the room, suddenly realizing the patrons were mostly L’fÿns. Otherwise, there were a few Panthrÿns here and there, a handful of humans, and even a couple of Zëliāns. Gabe had seen L’fÿns, of course, but mostly on the street. At the hospital, his wing of emergency specialized only in Panthrÿn health. The L’fÿn wing was on the opposite side of the building, and Gabe wasn’t certified to work on that floor. He supposed if he had indulged in a leisurely night out, he might have befriended an L’fÿn before now. Making friends and business contacts had been more Pierce’s thing, though; Pierce thrived on rubbing elbows with specialists from other worlds. Gabe had always encouraged Pierce to go to parties without him. He should have gone, Gabe knew that now. Not that he could do anything about it. Hindsight and everything.
Pushing thoughts of Pierce away, Gabe went back to studying the patrons. In all honesty, he hadn’t paid them much mind because most humans equated L’fÿns to the ancient, fabled elves of Earth. There were enough similarities between the two to cause wide speculation about an L’fÿn ship perhaps crash-landing on Earth in the distant past. One company actually offered DNA testing to those who wanted to see if they had L’fÿn blood. Gabe figured it was a scheme. Yes, humans were genetically and sexually compatible with the Chándariāns, but the likelihood of there being any L’fÿn ancestors was sure to be nil. Although, studying them over the rim of his glass, he could see the allure of wanting to have something that fantastical in the family tree.
Was it terrible that he compared L’fÿn features to Commander Alārd’s? The pointed ears were the same, although an L’fÿn’s were much longer, more delicate. Unlike the other Panthrÿns with their corkscrew curls, Commander Alārd’s red mane was long and straight, like an L’fÿn’s. His bone structure was something in between the two races. While Panthrÿn skin tones varied, they were also vibrant, but L’fÿns had a more coral hue, their hair being mixed shades of white, gold, and bronze. Gabe did see a delicate female L’fÿn with bright blue hair, dark-gray skin, and curious dual-ringed eyes like Commander Alārd’s. When she caught him staring, he offered her a small smile before glancing away in embarrassment. Even so, he thought about going over to talk with her. The burning desire to know more about Commander Alārd and where he came from pushed his normal reticence to speak to strangers aside.
“I think I’m ready to settle down.” Ronan’s sudden statement startled Gabe, derailing his train of thought.
“Excuse me?”
The corner of Ronan’s mouth kicked up, making him look sheepish. “You heard me.”
“O-kay. Congratulations?” What else was he supposed to say? Most people didn’t tell others they were ready to get married. At least, not when they were still single.
In a nervous gesture Gabe knew all too well, Ronan rotated his glass. Whatever came next, Gabe was going to be drawn into Ronan’s plans.
“No,” Gabe said automatically.
“You haven’t even heard me out.”
“My answer is still no.”
“I received the invitation to be tested again.”
Gabe groaned to hide the spike of panic caused by Ronan’s confession. He was on the verge of getting up and walking away, but how could he when Ronan had always been there for him? If he were honest with himself, he was afraid Ronan would leave him. Guilt immediately followed the selfish thought. He didn’t want Ronan to be miserable, but seriously, there were ways to find a life partner who’d stay on Earth. What would he do if Ronan moved to another world? “Please don’t tell me you’re—”
“It’s just a test. We don’t have to go to the Festival if we pass, and even if we do go, we don’t have to choose anyone.” By the end, Ronan was speaking fast and leaning forward, his face animated with excitement.
Gabe rested against the booth seat and glanced away. How could he say no to that face? His hands were suddenly clammy, and breathing had become more difficult. Ronan wanted them to do this together, which both eased his fear of being alone and caused horror at the thought of intentionally searching a crowd for a potential partner. Why did the thought of going to the Festival cause a cold sweat to form between his shoulders? What was the chance Ronan would find someone there? Panthrÿns, Faelÿns, and L’fÿns didn’t dawdle when searching out a mate. Their decisions were quick, and somehow the humans agreed, which was just crazy. How would they know they were compatible in such a short time? That they wanted the same things out of life, out of a partnership? The image of Commander Alārd and his naughty grin popped into Gabe’s head.
Ronan grabbed his hand, drawing Gabe’s gaze back to those dark, expressive eyes. “Please, Gabriel? I don’t want to go alone. Plus, I think it would do you some good to get out there and meet new people.”
When Gabe’s parents had left, Ronan had been there for him. He and his family had taken Gabe in. He’d stayed with them as he finished high school, then he and Ronan had attended college together. Every step of the way, Ronan had been by his side. No one could ask for a better friend. The thought of Ronan eventually going offworld to settle down caused Gabe’s gut to twist, but there was no way he could tell Ronan no. He wanted his best friend to be happy, and it wasn’t right to keep Ronan to himself.
As if he’d read Gabe’s thoughts, Ronan grinned widely. “Thank you.”
“Like I’d let you go alone.” Gabe clenched his fists to hide the trembling of his hands.
“Who knows, maybe you’ll see the Panthrÿn you were drooling over tonight.”
And that was exactly what Gabe was afraid of.
4
FOR TWO DAYS, Sūnder endured A’yrē’s teasing over Gabe. After the hospital released A’yrē, Sūnder had taken him out of the city. They’d retreated to the secure estate King Valiant had bought A’yrē for his frequent visits to Earth. Even as spacious as the manor was, avoiding A’yrē was nigh impossible. This morning the topic had changed, but Sūnder wasn’t sure it was for the better.
“What do you mean ‘the king is on his way here’?” Sūnder stared at A’yrē, waiting for his cousin to say it was a joke. Valiant had never made the journey to Earth before, always inviting the humans to Slorèx or sending A’yrē in his stead.
A’yrē lounged back in the middle of the sofa, looking unusually solemn. His large ears twitched in obvious agitation, whether at the prospect of Valiant coming to Earth or the reason for the unprecedented visit, Sūnder didn’t know.
Sighing, A’yrē ran his hand through his springy, honey-colored mane. “It seems the entire high druid council has called an unprecedented conference with the Chándariān ruling party and advisors, the L’fÿn döminus, the strongest of the Faelÿn lords and chieftains, and Zëliān arbitrators. Earth, being a neutral party, agreed to host the meeting. Especially since more than a few humans currently live in Chándaria.”
Sūnder knew his cousin’s worried expression all too well. Some bigger incident brewed behind the scenes to stress A’yrē this much. “What haven’t you said, A’yrē?”
“Dròw, all the dròw—male, female, and faeborn—are on the move. Higher than average numbers of them have been coming to Earth for the last six months or so, and remaining here.” A’yrē grimaced when Sūnder narrowed his eyes at him, but didn’t continue.
What he said didn’t make any sense. Sure, dròw males often went offworld, settling on other planets. But female dròw and faeborn never left their enclave, much less the Jade Forest. What was driving the L’fÿns to separate?
“Explain,” Sūnder demanded, certain A’yrē withheld information, not something he often did. That he did so now sent a tendril of unease through Sūnder.
“No. Father instructed me to wait until he arrived. He wants to brief you— us personally to clarify the scope of the situation.”
Dròw, unlike Panthrÿns
and Faelÿns, were born to L’fÿn families and could be mistaken for other L’fÿns if not for their gray skin and white hair. L’fÿns singled out and named the dark-skinned dròw, believing them to have a stronger connection with the forest, the earth, and wildlife. Through them, the L’fÿn enclaves of E’drijān communed with the life forces around them to live in harmony with nature. Female faeborn dròw—those born with magick—generally lived in the L’fÿn enclaves to which they were born. Dròw males who weren’t faeborn wandered the galaxy, often settling on other planets instead of returning to Slorèx. If A’yrē’s report was accurate, then there was a great upset at home. One he hadn’t heard a whisper of until now.
The double doors to the austere sitting room Sūnder and A’yrē had retired to after breakfast opened, jolting Sūnder from his thoughts. The butler bowed, announcing Princess Válora moments before she swept into the room. As King Valiant’s twin, Válora shared their father’s skin tone, signature royal blue eyes, and luxurious honey-gold mane. Today her typical court formals had been exchanged for sturdy travel clothing. His mother hated the constricting regalia she normally wore and took every opportunity to don the clothing of another’s station. He’d utilized her talents for blending in on a couple of his missions, much to her delight, although Valiant would likely order him whipped for putting her in such danger if he ever found out.
Sūnder rose from his chair and crossed the room to greet her. “Mother.”
Due to her behavior at his birth, Sūnder would never consider Tālia of Nellá his mother. That honor belonged solely to Princess Válora Alārd. She embodied motherhood in every sense of the word. She was also the one who’d taught him that he was not the abomination L’fÿns proclaimed him to be, guiding him to understand that he alone was in control of who he would become, no one else. Not her, not their king, not even the people who shunned him.