Page 16 of A Delicate Conquest

She had no idea what to expect.

“So, you’ve injured yourself, hm?” A voice drifted into the room. A second later, an alien was standing before her, sizing her up.

Bea looked him up and down, taking in the long silver hair, the elegant features, the flowing black robes, the bare feet, the golden eyes, and thehorns.

Holy moly.

In some ways, he seemed similar to Mavrel.

But Mavrel was taller, and his facial features were more angular.

“Are you the medic?” she blurted.

“Ah, yes.” For a moment, his gaze became unfocused, as if he were somewhere else entirely. Then it snapped back to her, brilliant amber and intense as if he could see right through to her soul. Unlike the others, she found him a little unsettling. “I’m Zharek. Resident medic, scientist, and all-round problem-solver. In this case, I’ve been ordered to make sure you’re well enough to attend the Cultural Event. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time. Minor musculoskeletal injuries are the easiest thing to take care of.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Zharek,” Bea said quietly, unsure of what to make of this guy. He had a certain kind of aura: a wild, frenetic energy. “And that’s good news. I’m sorry for the trouble. I didn’t expect a wardrobe malfunction.”

Zharek smiled, revealing gleaming fangs. How was it possible for someone to feel both reassuring and dangerous? “Apologies are unnecessary. It’s a simple fix and an interesting case study.”

“Case study?”

“We repair things at the cellular level now. Even the most minor injuries.”

“Uh, all right. What do you want me to do, then?”

“Nothing. Just wait here while I—” Suddenly, Zharek froze, like a cat detecting a sudden change in the scent of the wind. “I’ll be back.”

He abruptly disappeared into the adjoining room, an antechamber-type space of shadows and curving walls.

Then, Bea heard voices.

Zharek’s—indignant and defensive.

And another.

She recognized that voice.

It washim.

Mavrel.

She couldn’t understand a thing—they were speaking rapidly in Kordolian—but he was clearly angry.

His voice was getting softer. It was low and cold and dangerous—a tone she’d never expected from him.

Seriously, what’s all this commotion about?

It probably wasn’t a good idea for her to get between two Kordolian males having a dispute, but Bea couldn’t stand the idea of a conflict erupting, especially if it involvedhim.

What had happened to that cool, chivalrous guy from before?

Was this something to do with her?

Hadshecaused all of this?

Before she could think it through, she was up out of the chair, hobbling across the floor on bare feet, ignoring the pain shooting through her ankle.

Her heart was pounding.

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