Page 116 of Alien Haven

She met his eyes. “Honey, there are far worse characteristics to have than being attracted to your fellow man. If that’s what gets your engine purring, you don’t need my blessing.” Another thought occurred to her. “Just men, Detodev? Or you an equal opportunity sort?”

This time, his smile went beyond the hint of a presence. His lips actually curled upward. “I’m very attracted to women. Even those who don’t run off when I’m giving every signal they should.”

“He feels the same for us Imdikos. I never miss a chance to lure him home.” Judging from the wicked leer Mitag gave Detodev, he’d gotten over his irritation at the Nobek.

“Mitag is a pro when it comes to detecting my moments of weakness…or desperation.” Detodev’s smirk remained.

“You’re such a bastard.” Mitag grinned.

Charity and Ilid chuckled at the pair. The young woman guessed Detodev liked Mitag despite himself. Then she wondered why the Nobek was so determined to keep his distance. Trust issues?

Join the club, big boy.She suppressed a sigh and concentrated on having fun in the company of the three handsome men.

* * * *

Charity had enjoyed her share of intimate partners. There’d even been a couple of one-night stands in her earliest days in college. She was aware Kalquorians held sex in casual regard. Itwas normal for them to indulge in sleeping together on a first…or only date. As natural as meeting up for drinks.

She’d treated herself to bouts of heavy petting when she and Ilid had managed to get alone on the shuttle ride to Haven. He’d made her feel good…incredible, in fact. She found him sexually attractive. Mitag was also a delicious temptation. Detodev too, once he’d had several drinks and allowed his reserve to ease a touch.

However, it wasn’t her typical modus operandi to jump in bed with two virtual strangers and a third she’d met days ago all at once. Maybe it was having been brought up in a dangerous environment where extramarital sex, if discovered, led to a death sentence via torture. Maybe it was her better sense coming forth for a change…not that she discerned any trouble where her companions were concerned. They teased and flirted, but they didn’t cross the line into disrespect once.

More likely, it was the feeling she should uncover the mysteries lurking beneath the inviting surface. Ilid’s anxiety was improved on the deck outdoors, but he continued to be excessively watchful for the quiet pastoral environment. She was certain Detodev’s distance, despite his thawing, was a defensive tactic. Mitag was his opposite, at times appearing desperate to get close to them and her.

Then there’s me. Hunted by fanatics, playing someone I’m not…they don’t know what I really look like, much less who I am.

The situation felt weird in spite of her being attracted to the trio. Too weird. As the hour grew late, Charity made it clear she’d be returning to Clan Amgar’s farm for sleep rather than accompanying anyone elsewhere.

“Really?” Mitag gave her a forlorn expression, but he made no protest. “Then allow me to see you safely to your door.”

“Is he deaf or dense?” Ilid asked Detodev. The Dramok had reminded Mitag several times that Charity was officially his date.

“Stubborn. And relentless.” Detodev eyed Mitag. Charity would have sworn his regard for the Imdiko contained amused affection. “He does have his good points, but don’t tell him I said so.”

“I’m right here, you big ronka. Hearing every word you say, so you can’t take it back.” Mitag grinned brightly.

“It’s the bohut and whiskey. They’re doing my talking for me.” The Nobek had drunk quite a bit, but his words weren’t slurred. He moved with shocking grace for someone so big and muscled.

“Ilid?” Charity pointedly gazed toward the flat expanse where far fewer shuttles were parked than a mere hour earlier. She could clearly see the Dramok’s rented vessel though it was parked in a far corner.

“Nobek, Imdiko, it’s been a pleasure.” Ilid bowed to the men, real warmth lighting his handsome features.

“You’re new to Sunrise,” Mitag wheedled. “You might get lost. Let us join you to guarantee Matara Jennifer is safely delivered to her doorstep. Detodev, as a protective Nobek, you must want to ensure our new friends get where they need to be.”

“Of course. I’m at least capable of helping you get home,” came the gruff reply.

Charity thought it was an odd statement to make.

There was continued back and forth until Charity stood and stared at the Dramok who laughingly protested he was perfectly capable of finding the Amgar farm, then his own rented quarters.

“Ilid.”

Uttering nothing else, she left the deck and headed for his shuttle.

Her eyes rolled but she grinned when she heard all three men following her, still debating whether Mitag and Detodev would chaperone her and Ilid.

In the end, the Imdiko and Nobek piled in the small craft, continuing to make their arguments though Ilid had closed the hatch behind them. He was already in the pilot’s seat readying to lift off. Charity sat next to him.

“Enough!” Ilid pretended to protest. “We’re on our way, so give it a rest.”

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