Page 84 of Time Forged

Cy smiled at her, his beauty stuttering her heartbeat.As it always did.Ariez had said the DNA implantation had been successful, making her equally compatible with all three species—that she didn’t need any more ‘deposits.’But she hadn’t been able to keep her hands to herself.The boundary had been crossed.And if one afternoon had such an impact on her unstable genetics, many sessions with Cy wouldn’t hurt.

He hadn’t once suggested they stop.Even now, he touched her in some way when near enough.There was just something about his hand at her lower back that shot a thrill through her.

The shuttle the Etterians had sent to bring them to Issneen was behind her, the solidness of the ramp beneath her feet.Before her lay an intricate garden, with floral-lined walkways.She sniffed, picking up a saltiness she couldn’t place.A susurration teased her ears.Based on her preferred literature, both scents hinted at a beach nearby.She couldn’t be sure, having never been to one.

She glanced at Cy.“Is there a—”

He would dare…Cy narrowed his eyes in a glare that implied death was forthcoming.She swung her gaze ahead, catching sight of a blue-skinned man with white hair flowing around his shoulders.On his arm clung a blonde woman.

“Who are they?”she asked, keeping her voice low.

“Zucis,” Cy hissed then pinched his lips, looped an arm around her, and drew her into the curve of his body.

The blue man did look familiar.She studied him, then grinned, trying to pull away from Cy.He held firm.At the base of his jaw, a pulse ticked.

“It’s Iddan,” she said.

“We shall see,” Cy said.Stay close to me, ensa.

Ariez stopped beside them.“Why do we delay?I have secured quarters for Lady Wren within the medical building.”

“We wait.”Cy’s tone was hard.

“Lady Wren, a pleasure to meet you.Is that correct,ohara?”The blue man smiled at the woman, his gaze lingering on her face in what Wren could only term ‘adoringly.’

“It is.Hi.”The blonde beamed.“I’m Cyndi; this is Iddan…my man.”

“Male,” he said, but his intimate smile implied it was an ongoing game between them.

“I’m Wren, and this is Cylo…myman.”Wren leaned her temple on Cy’s chest.

I like the way you claim me as yours.He tightened his arm, and the featherlight caress of his lips across her hair registered, then he shifted his hand to her hip, allowing her some breathing room.

“Yours?”Cyndi frowned.“But his eyes…” She shrugged.“Never mind.Who knows how the Ethera works?”

“You are human, yes?”Iddan asked, arching a pale brow.“My dhutya says purple skin is not normal.”

“He means me, his true mate.”Cyndi blushed.“It’s such a pretty lilac.When Iddan mentioned what had happened to you, I couldn’t believe it.”

“Went through hell to get it.”Wren chuckled, waving her arm in front of her.“One star: wouldn’t recommend.”

Iddan patted Cyndi’s hand resting on his forearm.“Medic Ariez says your door is failing?”

Wren swallowed and forced a smile.“I’ve been strengthening it every time it fails.”

And your telepathy?Iddan met her gaze.

She squirmed, not liking any voice but Cy’s in her mind.“Fewer incidences, though—not many emotional events occurring.Etterians are pretty stable.”So true.She’d picked up a little fear and random thoughts before Yelur and Zive had left the ship, but she’d lumped it under dream thoughts since she’d been in the med-E.D.at the time.

How could she explain to Iddan that Cy communicated with her often, but only what he wanted her to know?He’d once revealed he used control to spare her from his thoughts and emotions.And only when he was adoring her body had he revealed hints of what he felt.Except for that one time he’d dropped everything and shown her how much she meant to him.That flood of intense warmth wasn’t describable, yet her blood had sung, high on hope.

“This is good,” Iddan said.“When we heard you were on your way, Cyndi insisted on being your ‘welcome committee?’”He frowned.“An unusual concept.”

“Indeed,” Cy said.“You may visit when Wren is settled.For now—”

“Excellent,” Ariez said, marching ahead.“I will share her location.”He bowed his head at Iddan then nudged his chin at Cy.

Wren flushed at their rudeness.It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been probed and prodded enough already.“Do come for coffee.And I appreciate the welcome.”

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