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“Notkii-la, novala-la?”

“No, simplynovala-la. Colloquially, it meansyour soul is mine to protect.”

“Novala-la,” Mia repeated. “No wonder I didn’t recognize it. Leona is going to have a field day studying your language.”

“Who?”

The female’s mannerisms were so similar to Alara’s, Mia had to laugh. “A friend of mine. She and I were taken from the same building.”

“Taken. I see.”

Mia had no doubt that she did. And she didn’t want to talk about it any more than she already had. “I know Alara introduced us earlier, but what’s your name? There were so many people.”

“Ah. Of course.” The female pressed her palm to her chest. “I am Jyrak of Clan Kael. My brother Thorian developed the translator.”

“Was he one of the warlords that—”Abducted us, Mia thought, then quickly substituted something more polite. “Came to Earth?”

“Indeed! He found a mate as well. Elara Vega?”

“I know her. She’s a climate scientist.”

“Thorian is thrilled to have met her. We all are. To know that the mating instinct has not diminished, that we have hope again.” The excitement faded from Jyrak’s expression, and her gaze dropped. “Forgive me. I do not mean to offend.”

“Why would I be offended?”

“Because of the way you were…taken.”

Mia bit her lip, hiding a grimace. Had the Xeruvians gone about finding their mates in the best way possible? No. Did she blame them for doing it? She sighed. No. But she did wish they’d found a better way.

Mia took a chance on breaching propriety and touched her fingertips lightly to Jyrak’s elbow. “I’m not offended. Elara is a good person. If she has a chance at a good life with Thorian—”

“She will! He is a good male, a strong warlord. Very intelligent.”

In other words, a good prospect. “Then how can I be offended?”

A low rumble sounded from the doorway. Mia glanced around and saw Zoran nearly filling the space. His gaze was steady on her, his eyes a bright glow. Butterflies danced in her stomach, causing all kinds of turmoil, and she sucked in a breath. Odds were, this male knew exactly what effect he had on her, and liked it.

She forced herself to relax against the desk as she greeted him. “Hey. Is it time to go?”

“Yes.”

When he said nothing more, she pulled a face at him. “Have you met Jyrak Kael? We’re going to be working together.”

Jyrak slid Mia a bemused glance, then bowed to Zoran. “Kii-la, nona-il. It is a pleasure to greet you again.”

Mia grinned at Jyrak. Firsthand demonstrations for the win!

Zoran nodded shortly. “Novala-la. How is Thorian? Has he returned to yourjutji?”

“He has, my lord. His mate will return here in a few days’ time to become integrated into our scientific community.”

That was news to Mia. She’d have to ask Jyrak about it later, when Zoran wasn’t being allme Tarzan, you Jane.

He and Jyrak chatted a few minutes more, polite small talk about her work here at the science center and progress on rebuilding Clan Kael’sjutji, which Mia interpreted as a territory of some kind.

When they were finished, Zoran turned to Mia and said, “Do you need more time here?”

“No, no. I’ve done what I can for one day.” She held up the tablet and turned to Jyrak. “Can I take this home with me?”