Page 114 of Alien Haven

Charity turned, relieved for any distraction. Her gaze lit on the most charming smile she’d ever encountered. It came from a sweet-faced man who was definitely of the nurturing Imdiko breed. Next to him brooded the reluctant expression of Nobek Detodev. The cheerful fellow pulled him along by the wrist.

“The Nobek is the effervescent fieldhand I mentioned to you. Doesn’t he look thrilled and ready to party?” she bubbled to Ilid, loud so the nearing pair could hear her teasing. “Hi, Detodev! So nice to see your smiling face. Who’s your friend?”

The Imdiko sketched a quick bow before charging forward to offer his hand for her to shake. “Imdiko Mitag, Matara Jennifer. Detodev told me you’re staying at Clan Amgar’s farm. So nice to meet you.”

Relief warred against delight for supremacy. Mitag was full of energetic personality. The night might be saved. “And to meet you. This is my friend, Dramok Ilid. His family’s thinking of buying the bakery in town. He’ll manage it if they do.”

The three Kalquorians exchanged bows. Mitag fairly danced in excitement. “I’m glad I ignored the need for an early night to come out. I was hoping to run into Detodev, which I obviouslydid. Now I get to make new friends. Dramok Ilid, welcome to Haven. When did you arrive? How do you like it so far?”

“It’s beautiful.” Ilid’s worried expression eased slightly at the effusive greeting. “So much wide-open space.”

“It has that, all right,” Mitag chuckled. “Did you two come to the planet together?”

“By accident.” Charity warmed to the Imdiko’s friendliness. To his gorgeous features, far more delicate and sharper than Ilid’s or Detodev’s. His tousled black hair, which grew past his shoulders, was messy in the most stylish manner possible. He was dressed in simple but well-cut shirt and trousers, making Charity glad she’d slipped on the sheath dress and heels despite the bar’s decidedly un-fancy environment. His admiring regard bolstered her confidence.

“We were brought here on the same ship and struck up a friendship.” Ilid’s smile grew as he glanced at Charity an instant before his scrutiny skittered at their surroundings.

Okay, so it isn’t me bothering him.She knew it was selfish, but Charity was too relieved to worry overmuch about what was stealing Ilid’s ease of mind.

She directed her attention to the silent Nobek who stood slightly apart from them. His sharp stare was intent, particularly on Ilid. “Hey, quit hogging the spotlight, Detodev. It isn’t all about you.”

Mitag laughed. “He’s definitely the strong, silent type. If it weren’t for me, he’d lack any manners. Say hello, Detodev. The night just got interesting.”

“Interesting is what you call it?” The brooding figure stepped closer. “Hello again, Jennifer. A pleasure to meet you, Dramok Ilid.”

For a moment, Ilid avoided his regard, though he gazed in his direction. He seemed to peer over the larger man’s shoulder.Then he nodded to the Nobek. “And you, Detodev. Jennifer told me you recommended this bar.”

“You don’t seem particularly enthused by it. Or you’re searching for someone whom you’d rather not run into.”

His bland assessment caught Charity by surprise. Detodev wasn’t familiar with Ilid, but he’d quickly caught on to his discomfort. Ilid was similarly taken aback.

“You Nobeks never miss a clue. I suppose I’m somewhat claustrophobic. A lot of people, and the lighting makes it feel smaller than it is. Lots of shadows…” he scanned the room nervously, much as he had since he and Charity had arrived.

“Why didn’t you say so?” Charity laid a hand on his arm and noticed how tension thrummed through it. “We can leave.”

“I hate to ruin your night. I can handle it.” He waved the arm she wasn’t touching as if to brush off her concern.

“The bar has a huge open deck in the rear,” Mitag offered grandly. “We can go there. Come on. I’ll buy the next round in honor of new friends, and we’ll enjoy this beautiful night under the stars.”

Charity noted Ilid appeared ashamed of his phobia. She hung onto him to show she wasn’t bothered by it, tugging him toward the door Mitag had indicated led to the deck. He went along.

Mitag nudged Detodev, who looked as if he might remain where he stood for eternity. “I said I’m buying. You haven’t turned down a free drink in the past, you big freeloader, even if it does mean being sociable.” He winked at Charity. “I’m trying to wear this cranky ronka down by being his sugar daddy.”

She laughed. “Are you rich?”

“No, but I’m better off than he is. I don’t mind letting him know it in hopes of buying his affections. I have a terrible weakness for those who play hard to get.”

Detodev scowled but said nothing.

Mitag scored their drinks, and the foursome went outdoors to the well-lit deck. The recorded music playing indoors was piped to the exterior. A few couples were taking advantage of it by dancing in the spacious surroundings. Only a quarter of the rustic wood tables and bench seats were occupied. Ilid visibly relaxed as he glanced around.

“The deck is rarely crowded. Is this all right, Ilid?” Mitag led them to a table no one else sat next to.

“Yeah. This is okay.” He grimaced as he glanced at the Imdiko and Detodev. “Some Dramok, huh?”

“My cousin who helped me move here from Kalquor hates snakes. He’s a Dramok, and he actuallyscreamedwhen he saw a poor little rat snake in a bush. He was halfway up a tree before I realized what had set him off. You have no reason to feel bad.” Mitag chuckled.

Detodev snorted at the story. Charity gazed at him in pretended shock. “Did you just laugh? Do you possibly possess a sense of humor under those inscrutable but handsome features?”

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