Page 38 of Shadow's Chosen

Elise huffed. She looked around at everything but him then sighed and took a drink. "It was from my friend's brother. A toy lizard he loved, but they were moving away, and I wanted something to remember him by. I still regret it to this day. I was a kid and didn't know better."

Nezka tapped at his knee as if wondering whether to believe her, then he took his shot.

Elise studied him again for a short time then blurted, "Never have I ever drank someone's blood."

Nezka stared at her. She waited for him to drink, but he didn't.

"Just making sure you don't have any weird dietary needs," Elise stated.

"Not of that variety," Nezka replied. His hand clenched and unclenched on his lap. "Never have I ever been with another kind other than my own."

Elise stared back at him. He waited, and when she didn't drink, he took another sip, his eyes never leaving hers. Well, it wasn't like she hadn't figured that after what he said about especially liking sex. And since he mentioned he'd never seen another of his kind, it only made sense.

"Pity," he said. "Do your kind not care to explore others, or is it a moral dilemma?"

Elise shifted in her seat. The liquor was starting to have a dizzying effect, making her insides warm. "I don't know," she said, determined to not let him make her feel uncomfortable. "We only have one other race in our system, the gyda, and I've only heard rumors..." Elise could feel her skin turning hot, but she wasn't sure if it was the drink or their talk. "There was also this scientist who, as the story goes, ran away with an—a non-human partner. She hasn't been seen since, but those who saw them leave swore they were...intimate." Elise shrugged, hoping her play of indifference convinced him. "I’m guessing out there in the bigger systems it's not so shocking."

"Not at all," said Nezka, just as indifferent. "In fact, I feel sorry that your kind hasn't had the chance nor the pleasure to gain more experience. Although some would find that enticing enough, seeing how new you are."

She had it in her to believe he was deliberately trying to embarrass her, and whether she saw it as a challenge or it was just the liquor affecting her brain, she was inclined to outshock him.

She leaned forward and gave him a sultry stare. "Well, maybe if the right type comes along, I'll let them have a taste." She said it in the most sensual voice she could muster.

A dark shadow passed over Nezka's eyes, and his mouth curled ever so slightly. "Yes," he said in a low voice. "When the righttypecomes, you might just be surprised at what you're missing." He leaned back in his chair, observing her with sharp eyes. "I'm willing to bet your men don't know as much as they like to think. But there are those who could...enlighten."

"Like yourself," Elise said, trying to ignore the heat that was beginning to simmer low in her stomach, hoping her face hadn't given anything away.

Nezka grinned, showing off his twin fangs, and Elise felt herself shiver.

"I'd like to think I'm knowledgeable enough," he said slowly. "And can teach in more than just fighting..."

Elise licked her lips, not daring to let her eyes fall from his. Her heart did a sort of jolt in her chest. Dark images fluttered in her mind again, and she brushed them aside. She forced a smile to try to hide her thoughts. His gaze said enough, but she didn't know what to make of him; she was still uncertain whether he was serious or just badly messing with her.

Elise finally broke from his gaze. Weary of this game already, she shifted in her seat. "Never have I ever swam in the ocean."

His smile lessened, and the fiery glint in his eyes faded. He tilted his head, studying her briefly. He did not drink, and Elise took the canteen from him and pressed the top to her lips, taking her final sip.

"You really have never swam in the ocean?" she asked.

His gaze was quizzical, as if he were confused. He blinked and made a gesture at his throat. "No. I have never been."

"Seriously? Even with all the worlds you've likely been to?"

"I never had the chance," he said.

"I used to go all the time," Elise said. "Back before my active service. It's one of the most beautiful things, especially when the sun is setting, all the oranges and reds." She met his eyes and noticed how they shined like liquid fire.

Nezka’s expression softened. "You look tired."

"It's the drink." Elise passed a hand over her face and laughed. "I'm going to regret this in the morning."

"Likely so." Nezka rose and took the can from her, placing it back in the bag. Elise got up to move from the chair to the longseat. She stumbled as her head spun, falling against the seat. She laughed softly, embarrassed, wishing she hadn't drunk so much. She laid out on her side with her knees bent. Either the liquor was stronger than she thought, or it had been a long while since she drank.

"If I get sick, I'm sorry in advance," Elise said and groaned. She looked up to find Nezka setting the canteen beside her. "No more."

"It's water," he said and turned away. "I will be close by. Sleep."

Elise watched him through half-lidded eyes. She wasn't really that tired in truth, but the alcohol made her sluggish enough to think she was. Better to lie there and sleep it off than make a fool of herself.

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