Page 11 of Stardust Paws and Alien Claws

Then, all at once, Doanor broke away with a sharp indrawn breath. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he stared at me, eyes wide and conflicted.

“Cassidy, I...” he began hoarsely, then stopped. Shaking his head, he abruptly stood and took a step back, putting distance between us. “I should go. Let you get some rest.”

My heart sank as the warmth of his body moved away. “Doanor, wait...”

But he was already retreating to the study, shoulders tense. “Goodnight, Cassidy,” he murmured without meeting my gaze.

And just like that, the tension was broken, leaving me feeling adrift and strangely bereft as I watched him disappear into the adjoining room.

Sinking back against the couch cushions, I drew my knees up and wrapped my arms around them. A soft, wistful sigh escaped my lips as I gazed at the closed study door, wishing - though I’d never admit it out loud - that Doanor hadn’t pulled away quite so quickly.

Beep beep beep

The shrill tone of my commpad alarm pierced the silence, jolting me awake from a restless slumber. I groaned softly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I fumbled to silence the incessant noise.

Right, time to check on the Lazamai again.

Stifling a yawn, I reluctantly peeled back the luxurious sheets and swung my legs over the side of the massive bed. The plush carpet cushioned my feet as I stood, my body protesting the early wake-up call.

It was going to be a long week if I had to keep getting up every few hours to tend to those little furballs.

Quietly, I redressed in the dim amber glow emanating from the corner of the suite, careful not to disturb Doanor in the next room. My cheeks flushed at the memory of our heated kiss, the feel of his strong arms around me.

Shaking my head to dispel the distracting thoughts, I slipped out of the cabin and into the dimly lit corridor. I retraced the path Doanor had shown me earlier, my steps echoing softly in the empty hallway.

Finally, I reached the secured door leading to the Lazamai’s enclosure. Taking a deep breath, I pressed my palm against the biometric scanner and waited for the lock to disengage with a heavy thunk.

As the door slid open, I was immediately enveloped in a warm, humid atmosphere, filled with the gentle sounds of rustling leaves and chirping creatures. The large aviary stretched out before me, an explosion of vibrant colors and lush foliage.

Dozens of tiny, iridescent forms flitted through the air, their soft fur glimmering like jewels in the artificial light. The Lazamai seemed to sense my presence, drifting closer with a chorus of curious whistles and trills.

“Hello, little ones,” I murmured, a smile tugging at my lips as I approached their enclosure.

One particularly bold Lazamai hovered just inches from my face, its large, expressive eyes studying me intently. Reaching out slowly, I let it sniff my fingertips before gently stroking the downy softness of its fur.

The creature chirruped contentedly, nuzzling into my touch. Despite their diminutive size, these beings possessed an undeniable charm that melted my heart.

“Alright, let’s get you fed,” I announced, turning my attention to the food and water dispensers. One of the Lazamai suddenly darted in front of me, its eyes flashing with an intensity that made me pause. Just as quickly, the moment passed, and the creature resumed its playful chirping.

As I worked, carefully measuring out the precise portions and ensuring everything was fresh and clean, I found myself conversing with the Lazamai in a one-sided dialogue.

“I really don’t need Doanor to give me extra lessons on caring for you guys,” I mused aloud, my words punctuated by the gentle clicking and whirring of the dispensers. “I mean, sure, he’s the captain and all, but I’ve been around plenty of exotic pets before. This isn’t exactly my first rodeo.”

A tiny Lazamai landed on my shoulder, peering at me curiously as I continued my musings.

“Then again, I wouldn’t say no to a few pointers from the big guy,” I admitted with a rueful chuckle. “It’d give us a chance to spend some more time together without the whole ‘we’re a couple’ act getting in the way.”

I paused, my brow furrowing slightly as I considered my own words.

“Not that I want to spend more time with him or anything,” I hastened to add, though the protest rang hollow even to my own ears. “It’s just...complicated, I guess.”

Complicated didn’t even begin to cover the tangle of emotions swirling within me whenever Doanor was near. There was an undeniable magnetism about him that drew me in, despite my best efforts to maintain a professional distance.

And then there had been that kiss...

The memory of his lips on mine, the scorching heat of his embrace, nearly made me melt. I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting the urge to get lost in the phantom sensation.

“Stop it, Bennet,” I chided myself firmly. “This is just a job, remember? You can’t afford to get tangled up in feelings that’ll only lead to heartache.”

---