“Don’t do that,” I warned, holding up a scolding finger.
Edie laughed. Already, I wasn’t feeling so forlorn in Venan’s absence. Edie had a way about her of bringing sunshine and cheer to any room she entered, and apparently, no amount of annoying lovesickness was immune.
She continued to grill me, and I continued to give her answers. She was horrified to learn Venan and I had only just shared our first kiss when I took him to the oasis, but she oohed and aahed when I explained to her what I’d done in taking him there and why.
“Now, that’s romance,” she said firmly.
When she asked if I’d slept with him yet, I told her an honest no, and that opened up an entirely new battery of questions.
“Why not? Are you scared to sleep with him? Have you even seen…you know…it? Do you want to sleep with him? Does he want to sleep with you? How do you know?”
It felt good to discuss Venan with someone other than him for a change. I realized just how much I’d missed my friend and how important it was we maintained regular contact. It seemed she felt the same way because, when we turned to the topic of her Corporal, she had plenty to say and wanted a lot of advice. I figured, if our friendship wasn’t all that important to her, my opinion wouldn’t be either.
Apparently, her biggest frustration in the relationship department was the Corporal’s lack of commitment. It was my turn to ask her some things.
“He’s your boyfriend, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, but that’s not really a commitment,” she complained.
I snorted. “It is on Albaterra,” I said. “It’s not like he has billions of females to choose from and he’s holding back because he still wants to sow his seeds.”
“But I want to get married,” she argued. “Or at least be engaged. Put a ring on it, you know?”
“Are there even rings here?” I asked. I tried to remember if Phoebe had been wearing one during the wedding ceremony, or if she’d been wearing one when she came into the salon, but I couldn’t recall.
Edie gave me a look like I was the stupidest person she’d ever met. “Of course there’s rings here,” she snarked. “The A’li-uud don’t use them for engagements, but they have them. And just because the A’li-uud don’t use them that way doesn’t mean we can’t.”
“I suppose.” My mind was wandering of its own accord, drifting into a territory I wasn’t sure I wanted it to enter. An image of Venan proposing to me in standard human fashion, down on one knee with a ring presented in a plush velvet box, popped into my head, and my entire body from my scalp to my toenails grew uncomfortably warm. It was way too early to think about that, but I couldn’t stop until I shook my head like an Etch A Sketch and refocused my eyes on Edie. “I guess I never took you for the marriage-and-babies type.”
“Babies?” She wrinkled her nose. “Who said anything about babies? But, oh, you probably don’t know…” She leaned in toward me and pressed her hand on my arm briefly. “Guess who’s pregnant?”
I shrugged. I didn’t know much about the romantic goings-on around the colony and wasn’t a good source for that kind of gossip.
“Phoebe!” she cried, rolling back against the arm of the couch and kicking her feet like a duck paddling itself through water.
“What?” I demanded. I was stunned, and I wasn’t sure I completely believed her. It had never crossed my mind that humans and A’li-uud could mate, as crass as the term sounded. After all, what were the odds our reproductive biology could be compatible? “Are you sure? Did she actually tell you this, or are you just making assumptions because she hasn’t been feeling good or she’s put on weight or something?”
Edie flung her arms out to the sides, smacking her hand against the couch’s back. “No, she told me! And she just came to the infirmary yesterday for her first prenatal checkup, which, I can tell you, was interesting. We’re still getting the hang of A’li-uud technology, and obviously, we can’t use stuff like ultrasounds here, but she seems to be healthy, and we’re guessing she’s about three months along.”
“Three months? But she was only married a month ago.”
“Oh, jeez, Octavia,” Edie scolded. “It’s not like you’re a Quaker. They were having sex before they got married, you know.”
“Right, yeah,” I said quickly, a little embarrassed. “I’m just surprised.”
She held up a finger and crooked her eyes toward the ceiling thoughtfully as she added, “Although, we aren’t quite sure when she conceived. She could actually only be a month along, but maybe A’li-uud babies have different gestation periods than human ones. And, since this baby is half-and-half, who knows what to expect? Anyway, I’m insisting on throwing her a baby shower in a couple of months, and you have to come, okay?”
“Okay,” I agreed absently. The image of Venan had returned to my mind, but hot on its heels was another image. It took everything I had to dismiss the tiny blue face from my brain and tune back in to Edie’s chatter, though I somehow managed it.
After she left and I’d crawled into bed, though, I closed my eyes and saw the most beautiful sapphire-skinned child anyone could hope to see.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Venan
“If we help them, we will be compromising our own resources.”
“We have plenty of resources to spare!”
“I doubt they would do the same for us. Why should we take it upon ourselves to help them?”
The arguments circulating the chamber were loud and raucous, all with a level of vehemence unmatched by any Forum I had ever witnessed. Several Elders were standing, others leaning forward in their seats, and everyone’s mouth was open and spilling forth their own opinions of the idea I had brought forth.
“If we could speak about this in peace,” Vi’den boomed loudly. He, too, was on his feet, but it was not with the impassioned anger or insistence of the others. “I think we would find we will have much better results than arguing about it until daybreak.”
Sevani was one of the Elders standing, and he looked furious. “I am the only Elder in the room who can speak to having close regular contact with the Novai,” he said, speaking over even the volume of Vi’den. “I can tell you I, personally, would not offer them a single resource. They have brought nothing but distress to my warriors, either for their primitive behaviors or for their utter lack of rules that are put in place for the safety of everyone, including them.”
“It is not your decision to make,” I spouted. I had remained silent through much of the arguing because I had already made my thoughts on it clear, but Sevani riled something within me that I simply could not tamp down. “It is the decision of the Council.”
“The decision of the Council was to determine whether we would allow the Novai to make Albaterra their home,” he returned hotly, rounding on me. “You have taken that decision and threw it out the window in order to satiate your own convoluted notions.”
“That is quite enough.” Again, Vi’den boomed. Thanks to the tunnel-like construction of the chamber, his voice carried all the way up to the ceiling in bouncing echoes before streaming back down to us at a louder volume than he had originally used. Silence finally fell amongst us, and he looked around from one to the next with a stern, parent-like demeanor. “We will not behave so immaturely as this. I demand everyone take their seats once more, and let us discuss this calmly and rationally.”
Everybody except Sevani sat at once. The teal-skinned Pentaban glowered, throwing a scowl in my direction before turning it into Vi’den, but the aged Finaban lifted his brows commandingly. With obvious reluctance, Sevani sank back into his chair, and order was had.
“Now, the fact of the matter is we need to come to an agreement regarding the Novai first and foremost, but it is important we consider the idea Venan has brought forward as it poses benefits to all in question,” Vi’den said. He had not sat, preferring to address the Council standing with his arms outstretched as usual. I thought it a wise move, as it placed him in perfect posi
tion to regain order if arguments were to be had again. “So, I will first ask a vote to be taken whether Venan’s idea is worth considering. This is not a vote for or against helping the Novai locate a planet to call their own; this is simply a vote for or against considering the option. All in favor?”
He raised his hand, as did I. I wanted to keep my eyes on the fire in front of me rather than looking around to count all the other hands, but I could not stop myself from at least scanning in my peripheral vision. It was obvious more than half were in agreement to talking about assisting the Novai, and I felt a bubble of pleasure swell in my gut. I may have finally realized my own desires were as much a priority as those around me, but it still brought me a measure of joy to know I had some support from my peers.
“Very good. We shall discuss it.” Vi’den dropped his hand to his side, and those who were raised lowered theirs as well. “What we need to examine is our means and our interest. Are we not only able but also willing to aid the Novai in this important task? Let us begin with capability.”
“There is no discussion to be had about capability.” This came from Rex, who I had noticed voted in favor of talking about my idea. All eyes, mine included, turned to him. “We have more than enough resources. Our ships are equipped, our warriors are well-trained, and we have resources enough for our fleet and theirs.”
Sevani made a noise of disagreement in his throat, a low grumbling sound, and Vi’den looked at him with a hint of warning. “Have you an argument against Rex’s assertion, Sevani?”
“I am not willing to sacrifice any of Pentaba’s resources, no matter how plentiful,” the acrimonious Elder responded. “The success of my kingdom is due to our preventative measures. If we volunteer what we have stored away for an emergency situation, we will be left only with what we have and nothing more. It will force us to begin replenishing our stores from scratch.”
“But it is not a matter of being unable; it is a matter of being unwilling,” Vi’den pointed out.
Sevani pursed his lips. “Yes. I am unwilling.”
“While we are on the topic of capability, is there anyone else who would like to add something?” Vi’den asked, glancing around the circle. When nobody spoke, he clarified, “We are all in agreement the A’li-uud possess the capability to assist the Novai?”
A ripple of nods moved through the chamber, and Vi’den joined with a single, firm nod of his own.
“Very good. Now, onto the matter of willingness. We have already heard from Sevani and his unwillingness to assist, an opinion to which he is entitled to.” He added the last piece with the same warning look at the rest of us as he had given Sevani when he had combatted Rex’s statement. “I would like to know how the remainder of the Council feels on this matter.”
“I am willing,” Rex chimed.
“As am I,” agreed Dane.
Several quiet murmurs and another ripple swirled around the room, and Vi’den nodded once more in satisfaction. “It appears we are all able, and all but one willing, to help the Novai find a home of their own. I believe Venan is right in his thinking this the most suitable arrangement for all races involved. Sevani, if you so choose, you are not required to participate in this mission.”
Sevani lifted his chin loftily and said nothing.
“None of this means anything, however, until we speak to Captain Hett,” Vi’den continued. “If he is not in agreement, I feel confident that the Council’s secondary decision will be to have the Novain colonists removed and the entire fleet sent away?”
A third ripple of nods responded, and Vi’den turned slightly to address the small A’li-uud boy in the shadows. “Summon Captain Hett, please.”
Moments later, the ghostly Novai and his two cronies strode into the chamber. As the pit was uncovered and a roaring fire was within, they could not stand in the center of the room on the platform as they had before, so they took their place between Vi’den and Ma’ris instead.
“We have a proposition for you,” Vi’den told the captain. He said this in Novain, and my ears tweaked with the onset of screeches. “If you are agreeable, we will discuss a timeline and means. If you are not, we will revert back to our original decision.”
“Very well,” Hett replied compliantly.
Vi’den explained to him the idea, offering A’li-uud crews from all kingdoms excepting Pentaba and a variety of supplies to stock the Novai mothership in the meantime. No Elder aside from him spoke; not a single one even shifted in his seat. I was tense in mine, clutching the armrests and waiting with bated breath to hear Hett’s answer. It should not have made such a difference to me as, either way, the Novai were going to be leaving Albaterra, but I felt a great deal of pride that my suggestion had even gained as much traction as it had and I wanted to see it through.
“You are willing to send so many warriors and provide so many supplies to us?” Hett asked. He sounded slightly dubious and exceedingly awed.
“We are,” Vi’den said gently. “We will also discuss what shall happen to the alliance between our two races after a suitable planet has been found for you, though the Council will need to take several votes if we are to go so far as sending ambassadors to help you construct a civilization and other such things.”
“Certainly.” Hett bowed his head, and I realized he was doing so in the A’li-uud custom. He was grateful, and he needed no eyes to display his gratitude. It was written in the curve of his mouth, the relaxation in his shoulders. “I say with the utmost esteem that, yes, we are very agreeable to the proposition, and we could not be more thankful.”
Vi’den smiled gently, and he turned his face from the captain to me. In his white gaze, diluted by the orange glow of flames, I saw shimmering pride, and I bowed my head with gratitude of my own.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Octavia
“You mean they took your idea?” I didn’t mean to squeal, but I was so excited for him I couldn’t help it.
Venan laughed aloud. His hand was wrapped around mine, fingers intertwined just as they had been when we jumped off the rock at the oasis. “Yes, they did,” he said with a nod.
“I’m so happy for you!” I cried. I spun on the spot to face him and threw my arms around his neck, jumping as I did to wrap my legs around his waist at the same time. He caught me, his hands gripping my rear and keeping me aloft, and I heard his chuckle in my neck.
“Well, if I knew you would react like this, I would have started making suggestions to the Council long ago,” he teased.
I shook my head and pulled it back a bit to look at him. “No, really, I’m incredibly happy for you,” I persisted. “You’ve worked so hard to become a respected member of the Council, and I know it’s been hard for you to deal with the nastiness the civilians throw your way. I couldn’t be prouder of you right now.”
“I cannot take the credit,” he replied modestly. My behind was warming where his palms were flush with my curves, and I felt a spark of another warmth elsewhere.
“Of course, you can,” I argued.
“No,” he insisted, hoisting me a little higher, so my eyes were level with his. “It was the conversation we had in the parlor that gave me the idea in the first place. If anything, I should be lauding you.”
I scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I am being anything but ridiculous. You cannot begin to comprehend how much value you have brought to my life.”
The stars speckling the night sky over our heads could hardly compete with the glow I felt rising in my cheeks, and I looked down at his collarbone instead of into his eyes with embarrassment. We were out on the palace grounds taking a nighttime walk together with the sounds of the evening Merchant Walk crowd in the background, but I felt like we were completely isolated from the world around us. Even so, I was humbled by his praise. It seemed completely undeserving.
“You sure know how to make a girl blush,” I commented in an attempt to steer the conversation away from things that made me beam like a schoolgirl.
He brushed my forehead with his nose, urging me to look up at him. When I did, he leaned closer to me and peered at my cheeks, and a pleasant smile lifted his lips. “A beautiful color on you.”
“Stop,” I groaned. I kicked my legs a little to indicate he should release me and set me back onto the ground, but he refused and tightened his hold.
“No, no. You made certain I did not hide from myself, and I intend to do the very same to you,” he said firmly. “Besides, I enjoy that rosiness so much I may just find it thrilling to deepen it a shade or two more.”
I wriggled playfully, pushing against his hardened pectorals to loosen myself, but he was too strong. He removed one hand from my buttock and circled it around my waist until his fingers curved into my side, and he pinched my belly just enough to send a flash of sensitivity through me. I yelped and writhed away from his touch. A sneaky grin slithered across his face, and he repeated the motion, this time sending me into a fit of relentless giggles.
“See?” he said, laughter lurking deep within his low tones. “With hair like yours, red is quite becoming a shade.”
“You’re so mean,” I grumbled. I couldn’t have sounded more like a petulant, flirtatious teenager if I tried, but there was something so innocent about our relationship even in the midst of such depth that I relished it.
His ivory brows shot up toward his hairline, and I saw a dangerous look flicker behind his orbs. “You think it mean to make a lovely female like yourself laugh?” he challenged. I heard the growl in his words, and another spark of heat zapped my loins. “In that case, I shall take the title of mean as an insult. I am aiming for cruel.”
With that, his fingers scrabbled up my side, and he burrowed his face into my neck to nibble the flesh with his teeth. I crowed involuntarily and clawed at him, desperately trying to escape while enjoying every second of the interaction. He let up only when I grabbed the back of his head by his hair and jerked it away from my neck to plant a huge kiss directly on his mouth. He groaned into me, and I distinctly felt a firmness grow beneath my rear.
Venan: A Paranormal Sci-Fi Alien Romance: Albaterra Mates Book 7 (The End) Page 17