Page 48 of Stranded with the Alien

“It is just the way it is. But not because of lack of ability. On the contrary. Our females have excellent strategic skills. In fact, the head of the military, the Zhaal’s right hand, is a female. She is quite formidable.”

Kara was aware. The entire SDF knew of the Vraxian commander, though none had seen her. Seen her and lived, that is.

“What about the Zhaal? What’s he like?”

Vahn’s eyes glinted with amusement.

“Trying to elicit information about an enemy target, small human?”

“Much good that it would do me,” she retorted. “Yes, your ruler is on every SDF hit-list going but I’m hardly likely to get to him from here, am I?”

“True.” He paused. “He is a good leader. He cares about his people. He does more than just sit in his palace and issue commands. He thinks about every single ramification of every single order he gives.”

Kara snorted.

“So why won’t he discuss peace terms?”

“I told you. Every overture he makes is rejected by your President.”

“That’s bullshit. She…”

“Let us not discuss it.” Vahn cut her off. “We have declared a truce, you and I. There is nothing to be gained by arguing over things we will never agree on.”

Kara subsided grumpily. He was right.

“Fine. No war talk.”

“Thereissomething we should discuss, however.”

Kara stiffened. She had a feeling she knew where this was going.

“Oh?”

“What happened in the tent. When you kissed me.” Vahn looked at her steadily. “What was that?”

“It was nothing.” Her cheeks flushed bright red. “I thought we were goners.”

“And your solution to take your mind off that was to makevastrawith me?”

She couldn’t meet his eyes.

“Ifvastrais, um, sex, then yes. I apologize if I offended you.”

“You did not offend me, human.”

She risked a peek at his face.

“You’re not angry? Or disgusted?”

“Disgusted?”

“Because we’re different species. I don’t look anything like a Vraxian so…”

“I think we established some time ago that I do not find you disgusting,” he said mildly. “For reasons that escape me, our physical differences do not seem to be a deterrent to the mating impulse.”

Kara swallowed. This conversation was not going the way she’d imagined.

“Perhaps it’s because we’re the only bipeds on the planet,” she offered. “Maybe we’re connecting on a subconscious level because we’re biologically compatible.”

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