Page 36 of Warrior
The hand tools were a pick, hammer, and a couple of small chisels that appeared worn to a nub. I didn't doubt his skill, but getting through this rock was only the first step.
“Do you have a plan for after we break through?”
Daicon finished his sandwich, chewing with a thoughtful expression. "Xaden said the dock is most vulnerable in the early morning. After I break through, I’ll recon for a few days and make a plan.”
“What do me and the kids do?" I wanted to help. I knew they did, too.
"Stay safe." Daicon didn't issue a command per se, but it was close. Since the incident with Scarface, his protectiveness for me and the children quadrupled.
I rolled my eyes teasingly. "With you around, that's a given."
He frowned, obviously not appreciating my attempt at humor. "I do not want you to be hurt again."
The way he said the words, his voice deep with aching roughness, wrapped around my heart like a hug.
“Thank you for taking care of me.”
The frown remained, and with it, a hint of confusion. "Did your mate not protect you?”
The question started me, and my answer was harsh with a desire to defend Gavin. “Of course, he did. Why did you ask that?”
Daicon shrugged, the muscles in his shoulders rippling with movement. I could just see the edges of the black chevrons that ran over the curve of his shoulders and down his chest like inky tattoos.
“You act like my wanting to keep you safe is bothersome.”
I moved from where I stood by the wall, settling beside him on the boulder's edge. I felt the warmth of his body reach out to me, and his pine and snow scent overshadowed the mustiness of the tunnel.
“It’s not bothersome, it’s sweet." I laid a hand on his forearm. His pelt felt like velvet, and the muscles rippled under my touch. ,"Really sweet. I appreciate it. I'm just not used to someone watching over my every step.”
Daicon’s gaze settled where my hand touched him, a faint uptick to the corners of his mouth. “You mate did not watch over you?
"He did." I insisted. "It's just on Earth, the danger is different than here. Our day-to-day lives are pretty dull. I didn’t need constant protection.”
The golden eyes that met mine were proud and determined. "For a Vaktaire, his mate's safety is a thing of great pride.”
Sweet Fancy Moses.
Coud Daicon have a mate?
Of course, he could. Heck, he probably did. He was handsome, brave, and loyal. I bet women on his planet lined up just to talk to him. They certainly would on Earth.
“I bet your mate is very proud of you.” Smooth Daisy… real smooth.
“My mate?” Daicon blinked at me.
“Yes, your mate.”
Something hot and bitter twisted my heart. How could I be jealous of an idea? What’s wrong with me? I had no right to be jealous. We’d kissed once, but that was because I feared he wouldn’t survive to return. If anything, his mate might be jealous of me. That’s dumb. Why would she? I bet she was tall and blonde and gorgeous, not short, and chubby with hair that always managed to look just a little uncombed.
“I do not have a mate.”
Thank you, Jesus!
“Oh.” I tried not to sound so happy about the revelation.
His full tan lips twisted into a wry grin as he regarded me curiously. “I am a Vaktaire war chief assigned to Earth protection aboard the Bardaga. When I took the assignment, I knew it would mean giving up the opportunity to find a mate among my people.”
"I'm sorry," I said, and meant it. His sacrifice to protect Earth made me appreciate him even more. I tried to ignore that he clarified the statement by saying 'among my people,'but the words played in a loop in my brain.
