Page 98 of Kissed By the Alien
LUTAN
“What do you mean your people haven’t seen her?” I ask the First Lead in charge of the port outside Avan. I was sure Lexi would head here in an attempt to return to Earth. “I doubt you have that many human females trying to board vessels here. Do your people even know what humans look like?”
His horns tip forward as I’ve questioned his ability to lead. “We’ve seen humans. And I had every ship thoroughly checked for a stowaway. We found no one. Or would you care to check yourself, Warrior?”
His acerbic tone is warranted, but so is mine. I’ve never had such difficulty tracking a person, especially one I care about. Maybe that is the problem. I’ve let my feelings for her get in the way and I’m not thinking clearly.
“Go home, Warrior. My people will remain alert. If a human female attempts to board a ship without proper clearance, we will stop her.”
“Don’t look for a female! She’s good at disguising herself.” Then it hits me. The black smudges on the towel from Lexi’s room at the embassy’s compound. “She may be trying to appear zyanthan.” Though I’m not sure how she’d do that. Even if she dyes her hair black her skin color stands out here as mine does on Earth. And she lacks horns.
“You’re not thinking clearly,” First Lead Arpaz says. “Go home. Rest, Warrior.”
I head to the transit. The hour-long ride to Earth’s embassy unsettles me further as the question turns over and over in my head. Where can she be? I think about her actions on Earth. She’s comfortable going where others are not.
I slam my head back against the window behind me. “Could she have doubled back to the embassy, hidden there with the hope of stowing away and returning to Earth on the diplomatic ship docked there?”
This time, when I approach the Embassy, the human guards grant me immediate access. I check the grounds and their ship, seeking any sign that Lexi is here.
Nothing. Where can she be?
My brain is too muddled to think. First Lead Arpaz was right. I need sleep. Tracking someone when not thinking clearly will ensure I do not find the person. And this is one time I cannot afford to make mistakes.
As I leave the embassy and board the transit home, I remind myself that Lexi is not in danger on Zyan like she would be on Earth. I only need to worry if she boards a ship heading to Karthika or another planet and possible never find her way back to Earth.
My family home lies only a mile from the transit station. A quick walk that takes me longer than usual as I dread entering. I’ve not been here since Narzan’s death. I’ve avoided returning here because everything will remind me of him. Instead, I’ve taken mission after mission. Anything to justify staying away.
Lexi helped me face my role in Narzan’s death, and to turn away from my past would insult her faith in me.
My hand glosses over the carvings in the heavy wood door. They tell of the warrior and his family inside. I read the story, about the bravery of my father.
Lies. All of it.
He showed his courage in battle. No one will deny that, but he failed to be brave with his sons. Both of us.
He abandoned Narzan after our mother died, and me when I returned with Narzan. This is the reason I’ve questioned my ability to be a proper sholan to Lexi. What if I am just like my father?
I push open the door and the stuffiness of the place hits me, yanking me back to my childhood. Coming here was a bad idea, but I need sleep if I’m to be sharp enough to find Lexi.
Her story ofRed Riding Hoodstrikes me, making me wonder if someone lured her from the path she intended to take. Cendagi? No, there have been no reports of cendagi or og’dals on Zyan. The Brotherhood are a concern, however. I will have to check in with the First Lead of Goji Base in the morning for an update on Brotherhood activity.
After securing my weapons in the weapons locker beside the kitchen, I strip my clothing, letting my boots, trou, and shirt fall where I’m standing. A warrior takes care of his weapons, because they are the difference between life and death. His clothing, not so much.
I slide into my old bed, my body taking to the mattress right away. Perhaps I’ll dream of my Lexi tonight. That would sooth my soul, at least enough to sleep…
* * *
A hand movesthrough my hair, right to my pleasure nodes. I know that touch so well. The gods have given me a boon. Sending me dreams of my sholani.
As I let my brain drift, ready to luxuriate in the dream, lips, soft and full of passion, capture mine.
This is no dream! I grab the arms of the female and flip her under me.
“Ooh, I like this side of you, Warrior,” Lexi says.
I capture her in a kiss so fierce I’m not sure I’ll ever let go. When her hands cup my face, I end the kiss.
“You’re here,” I say, stunned.
