Page 58 of Cozy Prisons
“Right, um, okay, so I’m going inside to use my cleansing unit. You should probably do the same. It’s late.”
“Night is the best time to walk and remember,” Hale said. “Good night.”
Then they strode away, staring at the information square and mumbling to themselves. Nataly watched until Hale disappeared down the inside village path.
“Hale’s different,” she murmured. “I really hope they make more friends.”
“Maybe you should encourage Sima to interact with them,” Daxus suggested. “Instead of waiting for Hale to approach her.”
Before she could answer, they heard angry voices. Hale and Cassius must’ve run into each other. They were yelling.
“Nope,” Nataly said. “I think I’ll let Hale figure out who they want to talk to.”
Daxus started to put Nataly down. “I should intercede."
He stopped when they heard other voices calling for the humans to separate.
“Someone else is dealing with it,” Nataly said. “Let’s go inside. We’ve done enough for today.”
“Agreed,” Daxus said.
Chapter 19
Utharium
Frustration filled Utharium at the sight of Palathum sitting at her desk, tapping on an information square when she should be downstairs at the evening meal with everyone else. His backplates wanted to sound an angry rattle, but he kept them down, tight against his spine.
“You haven’t left this room all day,” he said, pulling her attention up from the display.
She sounded a soothing rumble. “Utharium, how's the building going for the land-based comms array?”
“No,” Utharium said, walking around the desk.
Palathum sounded a questioning rumble. “No?”
“No,” he repeated, moving to stand behind her. She started to turn in her seat, but he didn’t give her the chance. He grabbed her under the arms and lifted her up.
She let out a rattle of surprise. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Taking charge of my mate,” Utharium declared.
Palathum’s rumbles of amusement filled the room. “Yes, my big tough male!”
If he wasn’t still frustrated with her, he might have added his rumbles to hers. He walked around the desk and then stood her on her feet. Without giving her a chance to move, he turned her around and then picked her up again.
Sitting her on the desk with a thump, he pushed her legs apart and stepped between them. She reached for his belt, but he grabbed her wrists.
He sounded a soothing rumble. “I’m concerned.”
She went still and sounded a questioning rumble. “Concerned about what? Except for a few things, it seems that we’re progressing as expected. Have you noticed something?”
“I’ve noticed you,” he said. “Pushing yourself harder than anyone else.”
With an annoyed jerk, Palathum tried to pull out of his grasp. “I’m in charge here. It’s my duty to see to the comfort and safety of every soul here. I can’t afford to be lax in my duties.”
“I’m not suggesting you neglect anything, but you won’t be able to help anyone if you fall ill.”
Palathum jerked. “Sick? Why would you say that?”
