Page 33 of Purring, Presents, and Parties

“Honestly, I’m so curious about what the Talins are up to that I could explode,” Jalin admitted. “They’ve been running around setting things up and not letting anyone see. I couldn’t even talk Valcinan into telling me anything!”

“Was that why you came home in a bad mood yesterday?” Zuri asked.

“No, I was pissed because I saw Aspin kissing Sarena.”

“Wait, I thought you were interested in Dane,” Zuri said, confused. “You were talking about him a few rotations ago.”

“Of course I want Dane,” Jalin answered. “Who wouldn’t want those dimples! But Sarena was on the short list too.”

Zuri shook her head. “Everyone’s on your short list.”

“You’re just jealous because you’re not on the short list.”

Zuri rolled her eyes. “I’m on the even shorter list of people you haven’t and won’t sleep with. Right next to your two cousins! That makes me way more special.”

“That’s true,” he agreed with a chuckle. Then his eyes went wide. “Oh, you know what we should do?”

Zuri turned her attention back to the mirror. “I’m afraid to ask.”

“Then I’ll just tell you. We should pack some of your moonshine! Even if the Talin’s surprise falls flat, we’ll all still have a good time.”

Considering she’d probably see Kasium, having the ability to self-medicate with alcohol sounded like a great idea. Satisfied with her appearance, she nodded her head to the second room in the cottage. “Help me bottle.”

Kasium

Waking with a start, Kasium rolled off the infirmary bed and got to his feet before he even realized where he was.

Blinking at the dimly lit room, he looked around for his Ident only to find it still hanging off his belt. Unclipping it, he was shocked at the number of messages waiting to be read. None of them were from Zuri, but one from Rossimun caught his eye.

Opening it up, he read it quickly, feeling first shock and then shame. He couldn’t believe it, but he’d been unconscious for an entire rotation! During that time, Rossimun had seen to Ari’s issues and then everyone else.

Never once in the message did she point out his lack of professionalism or question his fitness to practice medicine. Instead she gently suggested he take a break from the infirmary and remain with Zuri for several rotations. Toward the end she wrote:You could both use the company.

What did she mean by that? Hadn’t Jalin moved in with Zuri? Even now, they were probably rutting and bonding. Zuri would be pregnant soon and lost to him forever.

Bazium and Ari.

Hesarium and Rain.

Tarrian and Aubrey.

Norrium and Liz.

Those were only a few of the Talin-human couples hidden within the compound. Couldn’t he and Zuri be added to their ranks?

No! It was too much of a risk.

Still, the thought of it made his scent glands ache.

Leaving the small room, he found the rest of the infirmary quiet and empty. He’d seen several messages about a party at the evening meal. It was about that time. He could be there and see Zuri without having to worry about giving in to his urges. Itwasn’t a solution to the desolation working up his spine, but it was better than standing in here doing nothing.

He had the urge to go to her house first and check all her filters and systems. Maybe assuring himself she was breathing clean air and drinking purified water would ease the tightness in his chest.

Yes, that’s what he’d do! Then he’d join the party, see that Zuri was fine, and he’d be able to go back to work.

With a plan in place, he left the infirmary and made his way to the cottage. As he crossed over from the newly laid stone path to the older one near the cottage, he heard laughter. Going still, he watched the front door slide up and Jalin emerged, carrying a box that looked heavy. He was peering over his shoulder and talking.

The moment he cleared the door, Zuri came into sight, her distinct laughter washing over Kasium like a soothing balm.

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