Page 34 of Kameer's Mate
“Your safety is important to me, Mandy.” His tone is somewhat gentle, and his eyes gleam with truth. I’m still having difficulty coming to terms with his protectiveness when we’ve only been acquainted for a short time. Yes, by the laws of his people I’m considered his mate, but it doesn’t erase the fact that we haven’t known each other for long.
“Of course,” I murmur. “I won’t try to answer the door again.”
“Thank you.” He straightens, approaches the door, then looks in the peephole.
I remain a few paces behind, eager for a glimpse of my family. Though it’s only been two weeks since I saw them, it feels like ages.
At last, Kameer opens the door.
I immediately offer my mother and sister a bright smile, but then I notice my father’s absence, and my smile instantly fades.
He didn’t come. I try to push away the sudden stab of hurt. Doesn’t he want to make sure I’m okay? Doesn’t he care?
Fuck, why doIcare? I don’t usually enjoy spending time with him, but I’d assumed he would join my mother and sister. All at once, I’m ten years old again, standing outside Deck Fifteen’s recreation room, waiting for him to arrive as promised while watching other fathers come and go with their children. I try, but fail, to push away the familiar sense of abandonment. At least my mother and sister are here. They care.
“Welcome, Adrianna and Tasha. I’m pleased to see you again. My mate and I are happy you accepted our invitation to lunch.” Kameer offers a deep nod to Mom and Tasha, then gestures for them to come inside. They both cast a cautious look around before stepping into the entryway, and I sense their unease in the huge Darrvason’s presence. Not that I can blame them.
“Hello,” my mother says in a trembling tone.
Tasha offers a brief smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. She’s holding a large bag which she’s quick to set down. I notice it contains my clothing, shoes, and other belongings, and I shoot her a grateful look. In recent days, I’ve acquired quite a few dresses in the Darrvason style, gifts from Kameer that he created quickly using a materials replicator, but I’m thankful to receive my belongings, nonetheless. Particularly the old-fashioned e-reader I spot tucked between my shirts. To pass the time while Kameer is working, I’ve been reading physical books left behind in the Founders’ quarters, but it’s nice to have my e-reader back since it contains all my favorites.
Wanting to diffuse the tension, I move to Kameer’s side and place a hand on his arm. “It’s good to see you guys. I take it you’ve already met Kameer?” While my mate said my fatheranswered the door yesterday evening, I’m not certain how much interaction, if any, he’d had with Mom and Tasha.
“Yes, we met briefly last night.” My sister clears her throat and casts another awkward look at Kameer.
“Please come inside and join us for lunch,” Kameer says, his tone formal, and we all follow him to the dining room where a large meal is already waiting on the table.
“Wow, looks delicious,” Mom says. “Did you have this catered?”
“Actually, Kameer prepared it using a Darrvason food replicator,” I say, not offended by her assumption that the meal was catered. We’re in Founders’ quarters, after all, and many of the wealthy residents of theJansonnaoften have meals delivered from the nicer mess halls. “The replicators are programmed to make all sorts of human food in addition to Darrvason food.”
“Can’t wait to try it,” Tasha says.
We take our seats and start loading up our plates with the mix of Darrvason and human fare, a long silence stretching between us.
Every time I’m about to say something to my mother or sister, I second guess myself and keep quiet.
I want to ask why Dad didn’t come. I want to assure them I’m fine and they needn’t worry. I also want to inquire about the salon and ask Mom if she’s overwhelmed with work. But it feels a bit weird to speak of such matters in front of Kameer.
You will soon be free of Chief Kameer.
The mysterious message from the info screen comes to mind, and I fight back a wave of guilt. Am I just playing house until something or someone takes Kameer away? My gut twists.
“So,” Tasha begins in a conversational tone, another forced smile spreading over her features, “I’m sure you’re wondering why Dad’s not here.”
“I’m sure he’s busy with work. I know how crazy it can get in the hydroponics bay.” I take a sip of water and glance at Kameer. What I wouldn’t give to have a private conversation with my mother and sister.
Mom inhales a deep, steadying breath and meets my gaze. The hesitation in her expression is enough to put me on edge. She discreetly elbows Tasha under the table.
“What is it?” I blurt. “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s in the brig,” Tasha announces. Mom jabs her again under the table, and my sister looks over with a frown. “What? We have to tell her.”
“Tell me what? What did Dad do? Or rather, what’s he being accused of?” I’m pretty sure half the occupants of the brig are there on falsified charges, though I hope whatever Dad’s being accused of isn’t a serious crime. At the very least, I hope it’s not execution-worthy.
Mom and Tasha exchange a look, and Kameer stiffens beside me and places a comforting hand on my thigh. Even though I wish he would leave, his presence is calming.
Oh God. What if my father remains incarcerated even after we reach 58-Zallnanis? It’s bad enough that I won’t be settling on the human continent with my family, but if Dad isn’t around either, I worry Mom and Tasha will have a difficult time adjusting to life beyond the worldship.
