Page 244 of Seer Prophet

What was the matter with both of us?

“…Is that a yes?” Balidor asked, polite as always. “Alyson?”

I glanced across the room and caught Dalejem staring again, only at me that time, not Revik. I returned his stare, flushing, then looked back at Balidor.

“Sure,” I told him. “What do you need?”

Revik stood a few yards away, talking to Vikram and Yumi.

I felt his light’s attention more than halfway on mine anyway, wrapped into parts of me that were difficult to ignore, despite the thoughtful nod he gave to whatever Vikram was saying. Revik gave me a bare glance when I didn’t look away. His eyes slid over Balidor briefly before a small frown touched his lips.

I felt the protective shield around us densify, wrapping my light more closely in his. His stance shifted in the same beat. He refolded his arms over his chest as he planted his legs wider.

It was his immovable stance, I noted, with a bare thread of humor.

Hisjust try itstance.

That time, when he looked at me, he sent me a whisper of heat.

Maybe he could tell I liked it when he got all male on me, even when it wasn’t particularly warranted. Or maybe he could just tell I was having trouble ignoring anything about him right then.

“Sure,” I repeated. “What is it, ‘Dor?”

I tore my eyes off Revik, only to find the Adhipan leader looking between the two of us, that sharper scrutiny back in his eyes.

I made my voice flat, businesslike. “Is this about the primary landing again? Because I told you, I’m going. Which means Revik is going. That’s non-negotiable.”

He barely seemed to hear me.

He scanned us both openly, a harder look in his gray eyes.

That time, he dropped the polite act.

“What is this,” he said, motioning between the two of us. “What is going on, Alyson?”

I paused a beat before answering. I felt my light flare in reaction to the aggression in his voice. Instantly, I felt a corresponding flare from Revik.

“…Like that,” Balidor said, his voice pointed. “Like what just happened there.” He motioned between the two of us again, his gestures sharper. “What is that?”

I was about to answer, when I found myself glancing at Revik.

He was watching the two of us openly now, his light visibly charged.

I sighed, folding my arms, barely conscious I’d already more than half-imitated Revik’s wide-legged stance. “Is there a problem, brother Balidor?” I bit my lip. “Is this about the sex? Because we’re not exactly the first couple who’s ducked out of work to indulge. In fact, I hear you and Yarli––”

“This isn’t about that,” Balidor cut in, motioning in the negative and giving me a warning look. He glanced at Revik, his expression harder. “Something is going on with the two of you. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about… or that I don’t have a right to ask. You know damned well he’s only recently disconnected from Menlim, and we have no way of knowing for certain if that was accomplished in its entirety. You cannot afford to be secretive regarding any changes in his light, Alyson. You cannot be secretive with changes this drastic ineitherof you. Now, tell me. What is going on?”

Revik was staring at us.

Catching my eye, he entered my light.

What does he want?

I rolled my eyes.He wants to know what’s going on with us. What do you think?

His jaw tightened.I don’t like his tone. Tell him to back off. He’s standing too close.

“––Alyson?” Balidor said, sharper.

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