by Emma Alisyn
He cupped her cheek, taking the dangling tablet from her fingers and setting it aside. “Don’t worry, yada’ami. No one will take your children away.”
He would kill anyone who tried.
***
Benyon took Zoriah back to her home, spending a few moments with the children discussing their training and attempting, manfully, to understand the headache inducing patterns humans called math before excusing himself.
“You won’t stay for dinner?” Zoriah asked, sliding a dish full of things into a wall. It heated up, he was told.
“I’ll be on the porch,” he said. “There are some calls I need to make.”
She met his eyes and nodded, turning back to her food making.
He re-read the correspondence she’d received, contacted a few individuals for clarification and information. He was learning things about SIA that made him very angry. He could not change SIA, but he could change one thing.
Benyon contained his rage- perhaps not well enough as his woman looked at him with a question in her eyes- until he returned to the complex, and hunted his kinswoman down.
“What was the purpose in reporting Zoriah’s son?” he asked Ladasha. “I spoke to my concerns and you betrayed my trust.”
He’d lurked in the hall where her room was assigned, waiting until after the end of the evening social hour. Warriors did not stay up late when there was training to be done before the rise of the sun.
The woman’s lips thinned, her only outward breach of discipline. “I believe she is receiving undue preferential treatment because of your interest in her. Furthermore, if her son already has three infractions, he is unfit to enter YETI.”
Anger roiled in his belly. He’d yet to strike a woman of his race- any woman, except in battle- but he considered the act now. And he’d learned a valuable lesson- to keep his own counsel.
“Zoriah is an honorable, hard working woman who has raised three children admirably and does not deserve your malice.”
“Whether she deserves it or not, it’s done.”
Ladasha turned to walk away. Benyon moved, snaking his arm underneath her arms and yanking them up, slamming her against the wall. A smoothly executed form used to subdue criminals mostly. Apply the right amount of pressure and he could immobilize her. She didn't struggle, understanding movement would only make the hold tighter.
"I'll have you in the circle for this," she snarled.
"Not when they learn of your dishonorable attempt at sabotage."
The ice in his stomach coated his tongue. For a moment he struggled not to snap her neck, the instinct to protect his woman and children strong, and irrational. Benyon inhaled sharply, talked himself off an unforgivable edge. It had been too long since he'd seen real battle- it was harder to control the killing instinct.
"I will fix this, and if you attempt harm against her again, I will kill you. Do you understand?"
She spoke through gritted teeth. "Yes."
Benyon released her, moving out of reach, ready if she should attack him. A single venomous look and she strode away.
Good. He didn’t have time for a fight, not when he had to act quickly to fight the evil of human paperwork.
***
"Ma, come see this," Khalid said.
She reacted to the sharp tone, setting aside the dishes she was scrubbing by hand because no one had yet to perfect a damn dishwasher. Approaching where he peeked through the old fashioned blinds in the living room, she nudged him aside. Her heart sank, but they didn’t have time for fear.
"Get the girls," she said. "Go over the fence in the backyard and run- get to Benyon. I'll stay behind."
He nodded, demeanor shifting under the whip of her instructions. She had a moment to appreciate the martial training- for all three children- since they came clattering down the stairs, minimal protests. A minor miracle that they didn’t protest, and were gone in under two minutes- right before the knock on the door.
Zoriah stalled a few moments, knowing they wouldn’t force entry for at least three knocks, giving the children time to get over the fence and run. Right before they would have deactivated the programmed locks, she opened the door.
"Ma'am," she said. A brown suited woman held up her identification, crisp pixels identifying the woman as an officer of the Social Intervention Administration. "How can I help you?"
"You received a summons, Mrs. Lazaros, to appear in court with your children, the minors-"
"I'm aware. But the court date isn’t for two days."
"It was moved to this morning after new information came to light. You were notified via electronic delivery."
Her eyes narrowed. That was bullshit and they knew it. Just another tactic to force people into noncompliance. Why would she have already checked her mail when it usually came after the dinner hour?
"So I'm under detainment?" she asked. "I need to call my representative."
Flat blue eyes stared. "You haven’t been assigned a representative."
Zoriah returned the poorly concealed disbelief with a shrug and curl of her lip. "I retained personal counsel, as is my right, when I received the first summons. I know my rights. Excuse me."
She began to shut the door when the woman blocked the movement with her hand. "Leave it open, Mrs. Lazaros."
"Are you serious? Like I'm- never mind." She shook her head, half jogging to the kitchen and swiping through her favorites list on the fridge before Benyon’s personal contact number appeared. She tapped connect and waited, stifling a swear word when an automated response asked her to leave a message came up. She dictated a brief explanation for her call and disconnected, grabbing her pocket tablet and exiting the house.
"Where are the minors, Mrs. Lazaros? They are required to come as well."
Zoriah smiled. "They aren’t here."
***
They tried to make her talk. She imagined what it would be like if it were the old days and this was an episode of one of the classics like 24- would she be tortured. As it was, they threatened her with additional remediation, sticking her in a tiny cramped office with no windows. The walls threatened to cave in on her until she began her breathing exercises, clinging to the belief that this time, she wasn’t alone. That her children had made it to Benyon and he would know what to do.
The officer entered the office what seemed like hours later. Stormed, rather, slamming her tablet on the desk.
"It must be nice to have friends in high places, Mrs. Lazaros. I just hope your children don't suffer from their mother teaching them to avoid the consequences of their actions."
Why, this self-righteous... "What actions? My son was accepted to an accredited training complex, part of the compact set up ten years ago. My daughters have done nothing- except that you've decided they are at risk and are better off being taken away from their family. I can only think that you have so much hatred in your heart that it’s only warmed by the thought of breaking up families."
“Families under supervision-”
“The only reason I was ever under supervision is because the government decided fucking while a minor was a crime,” she snapped. “And only because they were tired of providing health care for the citizens. Don’t feed me your bullshit. Just let me out of here.”
“Be very careful to remain under Yadeshi jurisdiction, Mrs. Lazaros.”
“Is that a threat?”
The door opened. “It is not a threat.”
“Benyon!”
She maintained her dignity- she wouldn’t give these people the satisfaction of observing her shaken demeanor. He understood, eyes conveying strength and warmth as he touched her shoulder, a brief squeeze.
Benyon turned to the officer. “I’ve transmitted paperwork showing that Zoriah Lazaros and her three minor children are all full cadets of the training academy. Dated four weeks ago- so the infraction report was incorrect.”
The officer accessed her tablet, scanning a moment before nodding. “They’re released to your custody, Mr. Obe’
shan. Security can show you out.”
“What happened?” Zoriah asked as they walked out.
He led her to a vehicle idling on the curb. “I adjusted the date of your paperwork.”
“Why does that matter? No- I get that if we were cadets before the report was filed, then it’s invalid- but the officer didn’t even protest.”
“Because you’re citizens of Yadesh now. Well, adjunct citizens.”
The vehicle door slid open. Benyon entered on the opposite side. The locks clicked and the vehicle pulled off.
“Can you explain that?” she asked.
A part of her admired the modulated tone of her voice. Even two weeks ago she would have snapped in temper.
"You didn't have time to read the paperwork," he said. "I made a decision on your behalf. If it was wrong, forgive me."
"Okay, now I know you did something wanky."
"I do not know the term wanky. However, I did call in a favor to have you and the children fully accepted as cadets, with scholarships for room and board on site."
She gaped. "What? Four of us in one of those bachelor rooms?"
He frowned, glancing at her. "No. The living quarters are on the hovership. It is a commute of approximately an hour."
"Benyon, if you're telling me you had my family relocated to space..."
"If you are cadets, it means you are citizens of Yadesh. There is no other way to accept humans into our ranks besides granting full citizenship. That places you-"
"Beyond SIA jurisdiction."
"Yes."
She inhaled, steadying her nerves. "I've never been off planet."
He wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her onto his lap. "I'll be with you each time that my schedule permits."
"Benyon... I've never thought about leaving Earth. Living on another planet."
"I know. But will you think of it now?"
"I have to, don't I?"
"Zoriah." He waited until she relented, and met his eyes. "You don't have to do anything."
"That’s easy for you to say." She folded her arms, struggling with a scowl. "You don't have three children to worry about."
"I would, if you allowed it."
She stared at him, the words, the steady way he held her gaze, sinking in. He'd never pressured her to accept him as a permanent mate, always seemed to hold himself back.
"I- I'll think about it."
He caressed her cheek. "That's all I ask."
7
CHAPTER SEVEN
Zoriah pressed her face against the window shamelessly. It was a sight she’d never thought to see- or even thought to want to see.
“What do you think of your first space trip?” Benyon asked.
“I’m not thinking at all.”
He chuckled. “Wait until we dock. Look.”
She watched as they approached a sphere the size of a small moon. Tiny crafts flew in and out, lights winking in dizzying patterns. How in the hell did it float? She was getting a headache thinking about it and wishing she’d paid more attention in physics class.
A small hand grabbed hers. “It won’t break, Ma.”
She hugged her youngest daughter to her side, glancing over her shoulder as the older two entered the observation deck.
“What are you guys munching on?”
“Space snack,” Reign said. “Tastes like dehydrated chicken.”
“It probably is dehydrated chicken… like… stuff.”
Zoriah squeaked and jumped, whirling to stare at Benyon as she rubbed her bottom.
He stared back, eyes innocent. “We only use real chicken.”
“Did you just pinch my ass?”
“Ma!” The chorus of protesting howls assailed her ears.
“Don’t Ma me-” she pointed to Benyon “-he’s the bad guy here.”
“Bad guy!” Ashe shrieked, and leaped.
Benyon caught her with an oomph, swinging her over his shoulder. “How will you break my hold?”
Zoriah watched as it devolved into a melee of arms and legs as her other two children also attacked. Benyon used the play to train- she doubted he ever shut off his instructor side. By the end of the scuffle, Ashe had learned the hard way how to extricate herself from a fireman hold- and the older two also learned the perils of attacking an Adekhan when the odds were only three against one.
The transport shipped docked, Benyon leading them into organized chaos. They children stuck close, more or less, Ashe silent for once as she looked around with large eyes. Once they’d cleared security and entered the common halls, Zoriah had managed to compose herself enough to look like a mature adult.
Benyon glanced at her sideways. “Are you well?”
“I’m fine.”
It was like an indoor town. They passed small shops and seating areas where people sat and chatted or enjoyed food and beverages. The scent of grilling meats and vegetables caused a rumble in her stomach. She hadn’t touched the dehydrated chicken stuff on the transport.
"You're hungry," Benyon said in her ear. "I arranged a tour for the children- there's a supervised activity group every evening. We can explore the court or order a meal in suite."
"I’m not up to exploration right now."
The last several hours- frenetic packing, dealing with paperwork and storage companies for their meager but precious belongings- were taking their toll on her energy. When she began her explorations she wanted to look and feel fresh. Not like a droopy potted plant.
He rubbed the small of her back, comforting. Or it should have been comforting. Irritation welled and she suppressed the impulse to pull away. Tiredness was making her cranky, and he'd been nothing but courteous and solicitous of their needs.
Arriving at the family suite, Zoriah stepped in, the children immediately dashing around to explore nooks and crannies. The design was about what she'd expected. Streamlined, functional with hints here and there of style, but basically a blank slate. A large living room, half bath and small kitchen combo with three doors in a semi-circle dominated the suite. The doors lead to small bedrooms, one with a bed big enough for two people, drawers and a desktop that slid out from the wall with the tap of a button.
"There’s a full bathroom in the larger bedroom, and a communal shower down the hall," Benyon said when she finished her quick examination and went back into the bigger of the rooms.
She sat down on the bed. The foam conformed to her body without sinking. "Co-ed?"
"Yes."
Zoriah grimaced, then jerked her shoulders in a shrug. "I guess aliens are laxer about that sort of thing."
He watched her. "Humans have gender diverse facilities."
"Only in the big cities. And there’s always an option for women who want girls only."
"Like bathing in your suite?"
There was no edge to his tone, only a mild curiosity, but... Zoriah reigned herself in, letting out a deep breath.
"A meal, I think," he said, and cupped her cheek. "I have a gift for you."
Her mood darkened. A present? She didn’t want a present- she wanted... what did she want? What the hell was wrong with her?
He moved to the wall housing the dresser and pushed another button. A hidden door slid away, revealing a full closet. Zoriah rose to her feet and approached, examining the contents one by one.
A row of dresses, jumpsuits and exercise gear, all in flattering cuts and organic fabrics, colors that matched her dark hair and eyes and dusky skin. Benyon reached past her and chose a dress. A fall of red-orange ombre silk. The color shifted as the fabric moved, shimmering with hints of yellow.
"Wear this?" he asked.
"Is it a dress or a nightgown?"
"It is whatever you want it to be, Zoriah. The woman makes the gown, not the other way around."
It was... beautiful. "I don’t have any reason to wear something like this. This is for dates and stuff."
His eyes narrowed, just a sliver. "Wear it for me. Please?"
How could she ignore a please w
hen he'd done so much for her? Zoriah took the dress, wondering why she couldn’t get a hold on her bad mood. Tears pricked her eyes and she blinked them away moodily.
"What’s wrong, love?"
She recoiled. "Don’t call me that! You don’t love me."
Benyon stilled. Silver eyes shaded to a dark, steel grey. "It's an expression of affection, but even were the sentiment false- have I done something to offend you otherwise?"
Deep breath. Count to three. "No- no, I’m sorry. I’ll change. What time does the tour start for the kids?"
"Soon." He watched her, face inscrutable. "There are garments for them as well."
It was too much. She wanted to sit on the bed and cry. They'd used their clothing allowance for the year already and she'd been wondering what to do in order to provide the extra things they needed to keep up with rabid growth spurts. Stepping forward, she rose on her toes and pressed a kiss on his lips. He didn’t move except for a hand on the small of her back.
"Get dressed," he said when she pulled away. "I'll get the children situated."
***
She listened to the murmur of Benyon’s calm voice in contrast with Khalid’s deepening tenor and Reign’s attempt at maintaining her cool. Ashe spoke in excited tones, eliciting the hushes of her siblings. After a few moments, Zoriah entered the bathroom and spent several luxurious minutes under a real water shower before switching on the solar cleansing option for good measure. A moisturizing mist followed up, settling with a subtle glow onto her skin. When she stepped out, she took the time to brush out her thick hair and leave it loose, glistening from the shower treatment.
Forgoing makeup except for some lip moisturizer and a touch of lash lengthener- it was smarter to train a man to like a bare face- she slid the dress over her head. It settled on her body, leaving not one iota of curve to the imagination, though it skimmed rather than clung. Flattering and feminine, but not too revealing. Just enough.