Page 67 of Healer
I’d cleared my throat to announce my arrival, planning to introduce myself and inform her I'd been sent by her friendEmmy to affect rescue. When the wordhelloleft my lips, she glanced up, sharp, deep blue eyes centering on me. Her face was heart-shaped, with pale skin, pink cheeks, and full lips. The shock playing across her features had been breathtaking, and for a moment, I'd give her credit as being the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid eyes on.
Then, she frowned, yelled at me to get the hell out of her kitchen, and threw the knife she held at my head. The blade embedded in the door frame scant inches from my ear. If I hadn't been so appalled, I might have been impressed. I must admit, it was a decent throw.
"Wait until you hear how Tarook and his mate met," Khaion teased.
"Did she throw a knife at him?" I countered.
"No." My Chieftain laughed. "It's a great story though."
"I look forward to the story, but don't get excited," I warned him drolly, certain of my next words. "Pearl is not my mate."
"Human females have a way of getting under one's skin, Jutuk," Khaion warned. His voice held a knowing smile that not even the rumble of engines could overcome.
"Maybe," I conceded. I certainly understood it after meeting Emmy. "But the only way Pearl will get under my skin is if she peels it away with that knife of hers—which, after having come in contact with her, seems a valid possibility."
Khaion laughed briefly before adding, "We are leaving planet Arstan's orbit within the hour and should arrive at the space station within seven rotations."
"Duke Ako is set to arrive at the space station within twenty-four hours to begin his birthday festivities," I related the latest intel.
"Does Baron Oappo plan for more than just the birthday feast?"
The Baron wasn't one to involve himself in Alliance politics, although he did like the appearance of counting council members and other royalty as close allies. Oappo inherited generational wealth, having not worked a day in his life save for the effort he put into showing off his riches and treasures.
"Yes and no. Since discovering Pearl's culinary skills, the Baron has boasted that he owns the best chef in the universe. He intends to prove it with some type of contest in the days leading up to the feast."
"It's Iron Chef!" Emmy's voice floated through the comm, flowing by a wet smacking sound.
"Hello, Emmy." I greeted my Chieftain's mate. As humans went, I liked her. While feisty, she possessed a calmer demeanor than her knife-wielding friend.
"Hi, Jutuk," she returned with a faint giggle.
"What is this Iron Chef?" Khaion beat me to the question.
"It's a cooking competition we have on Earth. Pearl's won it like a dozen times,” Emmy explained.
"I don't know what the Baron has in mind, but I don't believe there is any iron involved, and I fear it will include more than mere cooking," I informed her.
"What do you meanmore than mere cooking?" Emmy's voice carried a tone of worry.
"Most cooking competitions require not only cooking but hunting and killing the ingredients," Khaion explained. "Often, there is fighting between participants."
Emmy hummed, which sounded oddly like the capacitor running in the corner.
"Jutuk, there has to be a way you can help her with the contest. Maybe you can be hersous chef?
"What is thissous chef?" I didn't like the sound of it.
"It's a person that assists the chef. You know... helps them cook."
"I cannot cook," I admitted. I even had trouble using the food replicator at times. I heard Khaion snort in agreement.
"You wouldn't have to cook exactly. How are your knife skills?
"Not as good as your friend Pearl." I huffed.
"What does that mean?" Emmy's voice went an octave higher with confusion.
"She threw a knife at my head when I tried to enter the kitchen to greet her." I regretted relaying this shameful behavior to Emmy. She did count Pearl as a dear friend. Emmy, however, did not react as I expected.
