Maruvian Bride (Alien SciFi Romance) (Celestial Mates Book 5)

by C. J. Scarlett

  Her sister responded weakly, “You heard Captain Douglas, he’s on lockdown for ten days.”

  “Look, Sarah is sitting alone. Let’s talk to her.”

  Grabbing trays and tossing food on quickly, they headed over to the captain’s table.

  Cassidy teased, “I think they’re adding Tiberian insect legs to the cereal. It’s considered a cheap, high-protein filler on most worlds.”

  Sarah tossed her an amused, but disapproving look. “Sit down and button it up, you two. I don’t know where you’re getting your intel on the foodstuffs, but you’re driving my husband crazy and panicking the other women.”

  Grinning, Cassidy plopped down. “Where I come from, that’s called a two-for-one deal. You’ll be happy to know, that I created that devious tidbit, on the spot for your personal amusement.”

  “Cassidy, you’re too much. I can’t decide if I hate you for all the stress you cause Yearl or I love the way you spice things up around this boring place.”

  “If you help me with something close to my heart, I’ll take it easy on the captain for a while.”

  “Don’t tell me, you’re infatuated with one of the clanless. If it were anyone else but you, I’d be worried for a woman getting involved with one of them. Knowing you as I do, I almost feel compelled to warn him off.”

  Winking at her friend, she smirked. “Locked away in the subsection of the ship the way they are, they could probably use a little Cassidy shenanigans.”

  Carolyn was always better at keeping things on track. She leaned over the table and asked, “How many clanless are being housed down there? Cassidy said they were packed together like sardines.”

  Shock jumped onto the woman’s face. “None of us is supposed to be down there. You go too far, Cassidy. If Yearl finds out they have women down there, he’ll lock this place down so fast it’ll make your head spin.”

  “Because they’re all criminals who got thrown out of their clans?”

  Nodding, the woman looked at her wide eyed.

  “Only, they didn’t commit any crimes. The military won’t take them if they were de-clanned for breaking the law. The one I spoke to was de-clanned because his stepmother wanted to steal his inheritance for her own offspring.”

  “I don’t think it works that way.”

  “It sure the hell does.”

  Sarah shot her a dirty look, and then glanced down at her little one. Lea, who was about four, giggled and murmured quietly, “Bad word.”

  Cassidy felt her face flush a deep red. “Sorry about that, Sarah.”

  “I know a clan mother. Let’s com her and get to the bottom of this.”

  Following the woman to her quarters, they watched her pull up Clan Chalon and the face of a human woman with short hair came into view.

  “Calling to brag, Sarah?” The woman’s words may have sounded harsh but the look on her face was warm and friendly.

  Sarah preened a bit before responding. “Almost two thousand this time, Jennifer.”

  “First let me say, you’re a turncoat for running off with Yearl to join the alliance. God only knows what they are trading to get those kinds of numbers.”

  Cassidy chimed in recklessly, “We’re mostly scruffs.”

  “Ain’t no shame in that. I was a scruff once myself.”

  “Well, now you’re a clan mother and we want information on the clanless.”

  Turning her gaze to Sarah, she suddenly turned serious. “It isn’t a good system. Men get de-clanned and slowly starve or succumb to the elements.”

  Sarah shook her head. “I thought only criminals were de-clanned.”

  “Nope. They can get de-clanned for just about anything. We have an older gentleman who got de-clanned literally for looking at a woman wrong. She claimed he wasn’t sympathetic enough about the loss of her unborn child. Honestly, he’s the nicest person you’d ever want to meet.”

  “We’ve got four hundred of them on this ship.”

  Cassidy broke into the conversation again, “They keep them all crammed into little cubicles in the lower level of the ship, and ration their food and water.”

  “Oh, hell no. You didn’t just tell me they’re turning warriors into scruffs.”

  “It’s just about as bad as it was for us on Earth. Like I already said, they get a tiny, cramped cubicle, along with water and food rations. In exchange for doing all the dirty and dangerous work, they’re given a small stipend to purchase extras. The thing is, they’re reluctant to spend it on extra food or water for cleansing because they’re hoping to buy their way into a poorer clan. Their situation is pretty untenable in my opinion.”

  “Heck, I didn’t even know buying your way into a clan was even possible. I know the clan mother for the Sylon home world. She saved my life once. I’ll talk to her and see if something can be worked out for the clanless who haven’t committed crimes once you all land. Krylon prime is arcane, and the emperor is very strict. The three princes of the Sylon home world have made a name for themselves as being progressive.”

  Sarah nodded. “Thank you. I hope all is well with the twins.”

  A huge grin ate up the woman’s face. “They’re riding with their father. You wouldn’t believe how big they are. Come for a visit, between Earth missions.”

  “Sorry, once we unload the women aboard this ship, they’re sending us back for another load. We’ve been tasked to move as many brides as possible over the next few months. They have a quota, or something like that. Mum’s the word on that, by the way.”

  “My lips are sealed. I’d never do anything that might get in the way of women getting a fresh start.”

  “I know. The thing is, I get paranoid sometimes and forget who I’m talking to.”

  “Stay safe and watch out for insectoids and space pirates.”

  “Will do. Give the kids a hug from me, and that handsome husband of yours a big sloppy kiss.”

  Laughing heartily, Jen held her stomach. “He’d die of embarrassment if I told him you said that.”

  Winking, Sarah quipped, “I’m counting on it. Then you can run off and join the alliance as well.”

  “I’m a clan mother now. My place is here with my people. Gosh, that still sounds weird when I say it aloud, but it’s true nonetheless.”

  When the screen went dark, they sat for a moment trying to make sense of the new information.

  Chapter 5

  ~ Daron ~

  Cassidy’s Music Mix

  For the first time in years, Daron had something truly pleasant to look forward to after his shift. Getting involved with a human female was a treasonable offence for an un-clanned Krylon male. If it was discovered that he acted outside the bounds of propriety with her, no male would speak up on his behalf, least of all his captain. Was it the lure of a beautiful woman, the illicit thrill of not getting caught, or the admiration in her eyes when she looked at him that made being with her worth any risk?

  Whatever it was, the thought of spending time draped across that settee with her eyes warming his very soul was irresistible. There was something erotic about knowing every stroke of her hand was busy creating a likeness of him. Spending time with her made him feel as though he mattered in the verse. Even if she just tolerated him long enough to create art, that was enough for a male whose life was filled with endless hours of loneliness and no hope of ever having a woman of his own.

  No one would begrudge him for following a female’s orders, regardless what they entailed. However, stepping one toe outside the scope of her orders would bring swift and painful penalties by his people. So many times, he’d longed to touch her, but forced a self-discipline upon himself, knowing it wasn’t his place to initiate such intimacies. His situation was precarious. Nonetheless, he’d chance the harsh judgement of the clanned to spend two more nights in her quarters.

  “Stop daydreaming, sir. You make yourself obvious. Word has already spread that you spent an entire night with one of the brides.
Take care, for you risk much on a female you can never mate.”

  Daron turned his gaze on the older clanless soldier, whispering words fit to break his spirit, “I know you speak out of concern, and what you say is true. I’ll heed your wisdom in this matter.”

  Thumping him on the back like warriors were wont to do, the older man moved on.

  Of course, Odar was correct. Daron was being a fool and risking his one chance to rejoin society. He was all too aware that nothing made properly clanned warriors angrier than an un-clanned male attempting to capture the interest of a female.

  Shaking off thoughts of Cassidy, he got back to work on the injection assembly. It was dirty and dangerous work, a fitting task for one such as he.

  His mind drifted back to the subject over and over as the day wore on. Daron turned the situation over in his mind as he worked, trying to reframe it in a way that would make it hurt less when she cast him aside. Every male knew that females were whimsical and pernicious creatures. Perhaps his lovely companion had already changed her mind about inviting him to her quarters.

  The thought of not seeing her again bothered him greatly, but there was nothing he could about it. As the day came to an end, he tried to shove it from his mind. His com sounded and he realized that he need not have worried about it.

  “Hey, handsome. I’m just checking to make sure you’re on your way. I have dinner almost ready.”

  “Is that a demand or a…”

  “Don’t make me pull rank on you, big guy. Get yourself to my quarters.”

  “I’m not certain being in your quarters two nights in a row is a good idea.”

  “Look, if you aren’t here in the next three microns, I’ll tell all the women that your people are housing us in the section of the ship with the weakest shielding.”

  Grinning like a mad fool, he replied, “Captain Yearl doesn’t approve of you provoking the women into hysterics. It’s a wonder any of them still believe you.”

  “I can be very convincing when I want to be. Now, get your sexy self to my place.”

  “Understood.”

  “See, I just got my way with you.”

  “That would hardly be considered an accomplishment, since I’m obligated to follow your orders.”

  “Don’t be a sore loser.”

  “See you in a bit.”

  Shoving his com in his pocket, he turned to find several warriors staring at him. Some seemed awestruck, while others had expressions of annoyance stamped on their stern faces.

  The chief engineer approached him. “I’d like to be angry with you, but you did try to dissuade the female from forcing you to her side.”

  “You know how fleeting is a woman’s interest. Tomorrow, she probably won’t remember my name. In fact, I’m not sure she knows it now, since she prefers to use descriptors like big guy.”

  The other man eyed him suspiciously. “Be very wary of such things. I’m told that such descriptors are considered endearments by human females.”

  Daron snorted a laugh. “I don’t think that information applies to the clanless. I just go, we eat, and she draws my image. She considers replicating my scarring a challenge.”

  “Then you should go. We don’t need her rousing the women against us, yet again.”

  “I don’t think she was serious about that, but I’ll discourage it in the future.”

  “See that you do, commander.”

  Hurrying to her quarters, he found he greatly anticipated seeing her smiling face. Daron didn’t even mind that she was a bit mischievous. In fact, he liked her playful and irreverent attitude, suspecting there was truly a sweet and innocent person behind her impetuous behavior.

  Stopping abruptly in front of her door, he caught his breath before waving his hand over the door announcer. Knowing the computer would announce his presence at her door sent a thrill snaking through his gut. The door slid open with a hiss.

  “You’re right on time.” Strolling in, he saw Cassidy busy setting food on her tiny table for two.

  “Your food smells nice.”

  Shaking her head, she smiled. “It’s not really my food. I just pick it up from the dining hall and jazz it up a little. You look like you just got off. Wash your hands and we’ll eat while it’s still hot.”

  Moving behind her, he washed his face and hands as she finished up. They sat across from each other, making him feel uncomfortable.

  “You look displeased. Do you not like the food choices?”

  “I’m very pleased with the selection.”

  “Don’t make me beg. Just tell me what’s up.”

  Looking down, he murmured, “Sitting directly across from a female… so we’re looking at each other face to face… well… it’s considered very confrontational. The way humans insist on feeding themselves is strange to us.”

  She immediately pulled her chair around to the side. Sliding his plate between the two of them, she asked, “Is this better?”

  Now he felt like he was being demanding. “I didn’t mean to imply that you should…”

  “Shut up and feed me, handsome. I’m starving.”

  Unable to keep the pleased grin off his face, he did just that. Carefully bringing a slice of kamal to her lips, he spoke, “I don’t know if you’ve tried this vegetable, but it’s one of my favorites.”

  Chewing, she appeared to think it over. “It’s orange like a carrot but it tastes like old socks. Put that in my mouth again and we’re gonna rumble.”

  “Really?”

  “No, I was just joking. I honestly like it. We have something similar on Earth. It’s a cross between a pear and an apple. My sister told me it was fantastic but I didn’t believe her.”

  Relief washed away some of the nervousness. “You have a sister aboard? I’d love to meet her. Wait, do you two get along?”

  “We’re sisters, of course we get along. Don’t start that ridiculous sepal about how all women fight with one another. You know we aren’t like that.”

  “You’re very unlike the females of our home world. Not only do you not fight with one another, you’re even nice to the males.”

  “That’s because you’re all so sweet to us.”

  “Will your sister join us for dinner tonight?”

  “She’s staying with one of her girlfriends. I don’t typically invite her for date night.”

  “It’s considerate of you to feed me a meal, and make pleasant conversation. I have never enjoyed the attention of a female before. I find it immensely pleasurable.”

  “I find that hard to believe.”

  “It’s true. The scarring made me unpopular with our women, even before I became clanless.”

  “I don’t care for the whole concept of making people clanless.”

  “Then we’ll talk about something else. How was your day?”

  Shrugging, she accepted another bite from him. “I spent the whole day learning about clanlessness.”

  “Apologies, my attempt at changing the topic of conversation didn’t go as planned.”

  “Let me try. How was your day?”

  “It went well. I delegated duties to ones I supervise and rebuilt an injection assembly.”

  “Well, it must have been dirty work. You’re covered in this blue, sticky stuff.”

  Embarrassed, he replied, “It’s the lubricant that we use to decrease the stress on the pistons inside the assembly. My apologies for coming to you dirty.”

  “Don’t keep apologizing to me. I couldn’t care less if you have muck on your clothing. Besides, I’m the one who rushed you to come right away.”

  “I’ll make an extra effort to ensure none of the lubricant gets on your furnishings.”

  “Don’t worry, big guy. We’ll get a shower, and I’ll put your clothing in the little drawer that magically cleans things.” Trying not to smile, he lost the battle when she spoke again, “Tonight will be another clothing-optional evening for us.”

  “I
like using the cleanser with you. I have never heard of males and females cleansing together. Do all the people of your home world pair off to cleanse?”

  Laughing, she shook her head. “Only couples do that.”

  Frowning, he was loath to point out the obvious.

  “Or women who enjoy seeing males naked.” He could tell she made another attempt at Earth humor.

  “Why do you not take off your clothing? The last time you wore swaths of cloth covering your intimate places.”

  “Human women like to take things slow. I’m planning to take that sarong off you this time, if I can only figure out how.”

  Suddenly catching her meaning, he teased, “You mean to say, you prefer to move fast for me and slow for you.”

  “You got that right, handsome.” Her bright, mischievous eyes captured his heart, prompting a lighthearted reply.

  “Since you’re operating from a position of strength, I can’t argue the unfairness of that decision.”

  Leaning over, she whispered conspiratorially, “I’ll let you in on a little secret. Human women like being fair. We aren’t all that interested in getting our own way. We like it when the men speak up and try to get their way sometimes as well.”

  Truly confused, he asked quietly, “Why would any female want that?”

  Sighing, she sat back in her seat for a moment. “If the guy does everything I want all the time, it’s fun for a little while, but I don’t get to experience new ways of doing things. After a while, it starts to feel like I’m dating myself.”

  “You value the male contribution?”

  “It’s more than just that. We’re only happy if we know the man is having a good time as well. If I have to make a man do something for me, it takes the fun out of it.”

  “You’re much different from other women. Krylon females enjoy the control they wield over others immensely.”

  “Some Krylon women enjoy control and conflict. Studies have recently proven that many of your women are perfectly normal.”

  “I’d have to see those studies to believe them.”

  “You’re a funny guy. Now, let’s go shower. If you’re really nice, I might even take off my top this time.”