Page 55 of Chieftain
The Aljani outpost sparkled like a cluster of stars in the desert as if someone had cut and transplanted a piece of Earth's Italian countryside. The vibrant landscape starkly contrasted with the sand and stone surrounding it. The leaves of the orchard just behind the house were a deep ultramarine blue instead of green, but I could live with that.
Warm and cool tones of pewter and gold accentuated the sunbaked orange stone used to construct the two-story villa. Tall trees and flowering vines draped over the roof's edges softening the building's texture, a relief map of the surrounding terrain.
The hangar sat on the far edge of the compound, a lone figure in the expanse between where the vibrant foliage abruptly gave way to beige desert sand. The hangar was constructed much like those I'd seen on Earth. The sides were made from what looked like large sheets of aluminum, sun-bleached to a dull silver sheen, while the curved roof was translucent.
From my perch in the co-pilot's seat, I saw everything, including the contingent of guards, emerge from the villa,heading to the section of the tarmac where Khaion was landing the ship.
"Time for us to hide," Charick grunted at Bartuk while flashing me a wicked smile. The two warriors wore some kind of stealth suit, gray jumpsuits covered with minuscule, mirrored tiles that bent the light around them enough to make them appear invisible. The Sage's grin was a teasing reminder of how he and Bartuk scared the shit out of me more than once during our flight, seeming to pop out of thin air.
“Be safe,” Bartuk offered as he headed toward the cargo bay, followed by Charick. They would hide there until dark, then search the compound for Willa.
Khaion accepted Bartuk’s wishes with a curt nod. He was dressed in his formal Chieftain’s garb, all black leather, pants, and a double-breasted jacket appointed with silver commemorations of his achievements and rank. Across his back, he wore crossed double-blades, his preference in battle, and at his hip, his father's dagger. He was dangerous and gorgeous, and I could barely tear my eyes from him. Watching him finesse the shuttle's controls as he landed the bus-sized spaceship on the tarmac without a noticeable bump was practically arousing.
“Are you ready?” Khaion’s attention turned to me once the shuttle came to a stop. I glanced down at the pale gray tunic and billowy pants, standard issued for abducted humans.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Remember, Nansar must think you are just another abducted human. He cannot know I care for you.” His cobalt and golden eyes darkened with emotion. His callused fingers felt warm and rough, tracing the curve of my cheek. I relished histouch; it might be the last time I felt it for a while as an integral part of our subterfuge.
We stepped off the shuttle, the air instantly warming our exposed skin. There was no humidity, but something about it felt preservative—like we were being saved for a future unknown. All three Korfu moons were barren and desolate, but the compound we arrived at was a vibrant hub of life. A one-by-two-mile strip of lush green seemed out of place in this area of sand and rock.
The Aljani guard waited for us at the mouth of the hangar, standing at attention behind the lone figure not dressed in a navy and teal uniform. The pearl horns curving back over his head were unlike anything I had ever seen before, while a mane of snow-white hair cascaded down his back. His face, while pale, was handsome and regal, with large, emerald eyes flecked with silver and surrounded by thick white lashes. The color of his silky pants and tunic shifted subtly from gray to white as he moved gracefully. There was something strangely human about his appearance. I pushed the idea away, considering perhaps I was getting less and less discombobulated by the strangeness of alien life. Khaion no longer seemed different to me—any discrepancies in his anatomy only made him more handsome and desirable, despite knowing that most of the Earth would see him as strange and barbarian.
I stayed close to the side of my barbarian as we strode toward the Aljani waiting for us.
"Khaion!" The man stepped forward, his smile pleasant and stunning. The movement shifted the color of his attire from subtle gray to shimmering silver.
"Nansar," Khaion greeted, grabbing the other man in that hand-to-elbow greeting I'd noticed previously. “It has been a long time.”
“It has… too long. I was both surprised and pleased to receive your message.” Nansar’s green eyes flashed to me in appraisal. “I did not think the Bardaga left Earth’s galaxy.”
"Normally, we do not," Khaion agreed. "But as Charick told you, the Trogvyk ship we hunt has a Garoot Healer, which is forbidden for human use by the Alliance." His fingers were a feather's touch on my back. "Nansar, may I present Emmy."
The green eyes turned to me, sparking and kind but carrying an undercurrent of something that made my skin crawl. Nansar's reputation said he was sympathetic to abducted humans. Still, I couldn't quell the inkling that something lurked beneath his impeccable surface. Something wrong.
“It is my most ardent pleasure.” Nansar gave a flourished bow. Straightening, his emerald gaze bounced between me and Khaion. “And this beautiful creature, did she escape the ravages of the healer?”
"We rescued Emmy in time to spare her alteration by the healer," Khaion lied smoothly, as I knew he would. Nansar needed to think I was still perfectly human. The knowledge that I'd been through the healer—that my body could carry, and bear alien offspring made me a much more valuable commodity.
“Emmy.” A smile curved Nansar’s full, perfect lips. “I hope you will feel safe and comfortable during your stay here.”
I forced a smile and nodded at Nansar while my insides writhed with unease. Unlike Khaion and the rest of the Vaktaire, Nansar's words came to me from the translator in my head.While I understood him perfectly, it was disconcerting, as his lip movements didn't match his words, like watching a foreign film on Netflix. His mannerisms were polite, stiff, and formal, but I couldn't shake the sensation that something was off—like he was hiding something. One thing I learned from all my years as a prosecutor; people who presented themselves too perfectly usually had something to hide.
Of course, it could be consistent with the Aljani species. The guards behind him carried the same pale coloring, hair in shades of white to blonde, and pearlescent horns. They stood tall and straight, hands clasped behind their backs in a relaxed military pose. Not a hair or movement out of spec.
“My guards are well-trained and brave—some of the best in the galaxy.” Nansar noticed where my attention lay. “Upon my honor, you will be safe here.
"Thank you." I felt the flicker of eyes land on me and noticed several guards' surveying glances. I steeled myself from pressing against Khaion, the one place I felt safe.
"Show me where Emmy will stay," Khaion demanded, his tone indicating a command rather than a request. “As much as I believe you will give all for her safety, she is ultimately my responsibility.”
"Of course." If Khaion's request ruffled Nansar, he didn't show it.
The Aljani extended his arm towards me, and I stepped forward, laying my hand across the crook of his elbow. Khaion's body stiffened like stone. Our gazes locked, and I could feel the scorching heat from his eyes; he didn't approve of any other mantouching me, and noticing his ire oddly sent a shiver of pride through me.
Khaion was mine. The thought of not having him in my life made my heart clench painfully. But this moment—when I witnessed his jealousy flare at seeing another man approach me—spoke louder than words ever could. He was mine, and nothing else mattered.
I loved him.
