by Reagan Woods
He picked her up, sat her on the cool metal of the tall counter and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so glad you didn’t go,” he mumbled into her hair. “So many did, and it seems they are…lost.”
Tara reared back in confusion, pushed him far enough away that she could see his face. “What do you mean ‘lost’?”
“The home system, Corian Space, is under attack. The females have been living there for months now.”
He said it plainly, but Tara couldn’t comprehend his meaning. “You- you’re certain? Who would do that? Shit. Who could do that?”
“We don’t know much. Willa, Commander Tiron’s mate, got a message out before the communications arrays went dark.”
Inappropriate laughter bubbled up and he gave her a disbelieving look, his eyes wounded. “I’m sorry. It’s just that, well, you have all this world conquering strategy and technology, but an Earther was the only one able to send out an S.O.S. That’s got to be a kick in the…teeth.”
He scowled, then pulled her back into his arms. “I had a powerful urge to see you when I heard the news.”
Warmth swept through her at his grudging words. She wouldn’t be complaining about the escort today or ever, she realized. And if he wanted her to sit on her ever-expanding ass for the next six months, she’d do it if it kept him from worrying. She was his weakness, his Achille’s Heel, and he didn’t need that kind of static from her. “I love you, Calyx, and I have no plans to leave you.”
The door swung open and Keble rushed in, sidearm drawn. “Commander! You aren’t answering your comm.”
The thunderous scowl was back on Calyx’s face as he turned to Keble. “What?” He snapped.
“Beg your pardon, Sir,” he muttered, eyes dropping as he realized he’d interrupted a private moment. Fumbling, he holstered his weapon. “The General asks that you make yourself available for an overnight to the Victory.”
“Thank you, Keble. That will be all.” He jerked his chin toward the door when the verbal dismissal didn’t work.
“Er- if I could make a request, sir?” Keble must have been in a mood to suck up; he peppered Calyx with more sir’s than she’d ever heard from him.
“Make it fast.”
“The Earthers remain in danger,” he stated. “I don’t for a moment believe the threat has passed. As a personal favor, will you consider transferring Penelope to my care?”
“I’ll consider it,” Calyx agreed mildly, but the look on his face clearly stated he was not to be fucked with over trivial matters. “Dismissed.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Keble all but flew from the kitchen, the doors flapping in his wake.
Calyx sent her a sideways look, brow arched. “Do you have thoughts on that?” He shot an index finger at the still-swinging doors.
“I do.” She answered. “Why don’t you walk me to our quarters, and I’ll tell you what I think.”
His wicked smile didn’t quite cover his worry, his concern for his people and his family.
“Want to see the inside of my shuttle?”
Mindful of the emotional toll this news of invasion could take, Tara tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, leaned just a little. “If that’s a subtle way of propositioning me, I thought you’d never ask.”
The Commander covered her hand with his own as he escorted her out the door. “They said we’d have difficulty communicating with alien females, but you and I manage just fine.”
If she had anything to say about it, they’d continue to be just fine.
From Reagan
Thanks so much for sticking with ENA. I love you guys. Next up is Francesca. I hope to have her story out soon after the holidays. Fingers crossed!