Page 25 of Heart’s Prisoner

Xerus gave her a sly look. "It's not for me to perform if that's what you are wondering."

"Oh, come on, I know you aren't self-conscious," Lana said playfully.

Xerus snorted. "No, it's not that. I literally mean it is not meant for me to perform. It is a dance by females for their mates."

Lana straightened. "Oh." Shifting a little, she was itching to ask more but, instead, decided to sit quietly and just listen with Xerus. It was a lovely song and she could imagine the kind of dance performed.

When it ended they sat for a moment in silence. When Lana glanced back at Xerus, she smiled.

"Did your mate perform the dance? Is that how you know it?" the question just slipped out of her without thought and her face heated, bracing herself for Xerus to snap at her. Before she could take it back, however, Xerus grunted low.

"No, I learned of it as a fledgling. I have no mate as of yet." Xerus stood up and Lana followed. "...but once I become aPredomis, that will change."

Lana was about to blurt out yet another personal question when Xerus suddenly hunched over and groaned, clutching his stomach.

"Xerus? Xerus, what's wrong?" Lana moved to the glass with concern.

Xerus growled and began to dry heave. Then without warning, he vomited brown and orange liquid. The juice splashing against the ground.

Shocked, Lana's hands clamped to her mouth. He vomited several more times and all Lana could do was watch in horror. When his stomach finally quieted, Xerus groaned and looked at her.

"I don't think I like chocolate."

Chapter Seven

Lana smoothed out the top of her uniform and brushed off her pants before stepping over to the door with the Lazris star and pressing the button on the intercom. She took a step back as a screen on the intercom lit up and a Scibot's faceless head came into view.

"Please state your name and business," it said in a monotonous voice.

"Lana Hart. Here to see Jacob Hartin," Lana said, clasping her hands together.

"One moment..." The screen went black and a few seconds later a buzzing sound indicated the door was unlocked. The door slid open and the Scibot greeted her on the other side.

"Please follow me." The bot turned away and began to lope over to another door. Lana stepped into the small foyer and followed quickly behind. A muffled echo of music and laughter seeped past the inner door and when the bot placed in a code and the door opened, the noise blasted out into the hall. The Scibot stood to the side and Lana moved past it into the room beyond.

People gathered around a lush living area, drinks in hand, sitting on long white couches, or standing near a small bar in the corner. A few heads turned to her as she entered, curious eyes watching her as they took in the color of her badge, indicating she was from level twelve.

Lana couldn't help checking other's badges as well. Every color was different, representing each level. There was green for level two, red for level six, and silver for level four, the general's headquarters and apartments. These were the main ones she saw but there were a few blues for level five, the security and tech center, and one orange for the mechanics bay. From what she could tell, she was the only one wearing a purple badge.

"Lana!"

Jacob's booming voice made her jump slightly. Her eyes shot over to the far end of the room, by a pool table, where a few other men congregated. Jacob's smiling face broke from them to greet her.

"Jacob." Lana grinned and met him in the middle to accept his embrace. Jacob hugged her tightly, practically lifting her off the ground. He swung her around and released her.

"I'm so glad you could make it. Let me get you a drink."

Before Lana could protest, Jacob went over to the bar and came back with martinis for them both. Lana took it but didn't taste. Jacob drank half of his before saying another word.

"So tell me how everything is going, I've been dying to hear." Jacob directed her over to a free space on the couch and they sat down.

Lana looked around as she situated herself and Jacob must have seen her hesitance because then he said, "Don't worry about anyone hearing anything. In truth, most have some idea of what's going on down in twelve, just not anything in detail."

"Well the devil is in the details," Lana said, laughing softly. When Jacob looked at her a little confused she shook her head. "Nevermind. Everything has been...good actually. Better now."

Jacob raised his brows. "Oh, yea? Well, that's great, Lana, really. You know I would have gotten a hold of you sooner to see how you were settling in but with tours and work..."

"It's totally fine, I get it. I've been really busy too."

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