Page 28

28

Delayed

*Ren*

“ H ere you are.” Tirra led me into a small room that I suspected they used for breaks. A few tables and chairs sat empty, except for one table where a small plate of fruit and cheese waited for me. “I’ll see if Kiki is feeling better yet. I hear she promised to take you to Karln’s after this.”

I sank into the hard wooden chair and stared at the food. It smelled inviting, but I couldn’t bring myself to eat any of it.

“You’re certain you don’t want any company? I can ask Novri to sit with you.”

“No, I’m fine.” I grabbed a cube of cheese and popped it into my mouth, hoping that would convince her to leave. Not that I didn’t want her around, but I was dying to call Arda. I needed some advice about all this mate crap.

Tirra disappeared through the doorway, and I barely waited for the door to swing closed before I slapped my neck.

Time ticked slowly as I chewed the tasteless hunk of cheese, waiting… “Hello? That you, Arda?” Apparently, I was so desperate to talk I couldn’t even wait for her to squeeze out a word of greeting when the call connected.

Chuckles echoed in my head. “Yep, I’m here. I swear, you must be psychic, Ren. Your call came in just after we heard the good news.”

“Good news?”

“After we didn’t find Smudge yesterday, I called your sister for advice. I was hoping she’d have a more detailed map, but she flew over with a whole ass search party! We just got word that someone spotted Smudge. Won’t be long now until Lux has his baby back.”

“That’s great. I’m glad she’s okay.”

Arda cleared her throat. “Something wrong?”

It had to be bad if she could glean that just from the sound of my voice. “Yeah… you could say that.” I drew a deep breath and spilled everything. The attraction for Jalen I couldn’t seem to shake. How I’d nearly collapsed again into the fire last night. And even what happened in the cave tub the other day. Then I wrapped up with what I’d learned about Dionion mates in the bathhouse. “So, what do you think? Am I crazy, or is he my… my…”

“Your mate.” Arda whistled. “I’m no Dionus expert, but it sure as shit sounds like it.”

I groaned. “Fuck. What am I going to do?”

“Hm… I might know fuck all about how mating works on this planet, but we both know someone who does. Why don’t you call Cassidy?”

I shook my head. “I can’t. I’ve never been able to talk to her about stuff like this.”

“But you are sisters. I’m sure she’d help.”

“Maybe.”

After a weighted pause, Arda carefully asked, “What happened between you two?”

“I don’t want to get into it.”

Arda sighed. “Ren, I know you’re worried about what you’re experiencing with Jalen. About your future. But have you ever considered that you might need to come to terms with your past first?”

I propped my elbows on the table and cradled my head in my hands. Would I be better equipped to handle everything if I dealt with my unresolved issues with Cass? She could provide some insight into the mating stuff. She was the only person I knew who’d mated a Dionion.

But that meant I had to talk to her— really talk, about more than just surface-level things. And with me and Cass, that was easier said than done.

Footsteps pounded in the hall. “I need to go, Arda. I’ll call you later, ’kay?” I slapped my neck, ending the transmission.

Kiki poked her head in the door a second later. “You ready to go?” She frowned as she spotted my practically untouched plate.

“I don’t have much of an appetite.” I stood, then joined her in the hall.

“Don’t worry. I bet Karln will set something out for you before the festival. She makes amazing salads. You’ll see why once we arrive.”

My heart sped as we left the bathhouse and emerged into the afternoon sunshine. An air of excitement filled the village, and I suspected it wasn’t merely news of our arrival that had caused it. Everywhere I looked, someone was hurrying past, many carrying baskets or hauling overloaded packs on their backs. “What’s with everyone rushing?”

“They’re preparing for the festival tonight. We hold one every year on this day. It’s a celebration of the end of forice.”

“What’s forice?”

“It’s our name for the season that just passed, which is marked with infrequent rain and long, bright nights. The next season brings ample rain, darker nights, and extended daylight—which is a boon for hunters and planters alike.”

“I see…” My belly twinged. I could understand why they’d want to celebrate, but those conditions didn’t sound ideal for tramping around the jungle. Maybe that was another reason Jalen hadn’t wanted to put off leaving when we’d first met. “What’s the celebration like?”

“Everyone gathers by the bonfire at dusk, and we dance until full dark.”

“Sounds like… fun.” Maybe for some. Honestly, it wasn’t my kind of scene. I’d much rather spend a quiet night in with friends than party out in public, where I’d need to worry about making a fool of myself.

Kiki marched down a side street. “I hope you can stay the night and attend.”

“I don’t know about that. We’re just passing through.”

“Too bad. Seems a shame to miss it when you’re already here.” She stopped in front of a small garden, the varied plants and flowers lined up in neat rows that made it clear they’d been planted, and so densely packed they hid much of the cabin behind them. “This is it.”

She turned down a cramped walkway and led me to the porch. I tucked my elbows close to my torso, not wanting the foreign plants to brush against my skin. But after carefully examining a few, I spotted a pattern. “So, this explains the amazing salads?”

Kiki grinned. “Karln grows the best vegetables and herbs in all of Onatel.” Her dainty boots pounded the porch stairs.

My fingers tangled in the hem of my borrowed top as she knocked. I cocked my head at the front windows, but unlike virtually every other house on the planet, I couldn’t sneak a peek inside. Potted plants sat on every inch of space, blocking my view.

Guess I know where Jalen got his green thumb…

The door swung open, and a beautiful older Dionion wearing a silver sundress, her hair piled up in a bun, popped out. “Kiki, so nice to see you.” She grinned warmly at her before her gaze darted to me. “And you must be Ren. Come in. I’ve been expecting you.”

I gulped and forced a smile. “Thanks.” I slipped past Karln while she said a quick goodbye to Kiki. My eyes widened as I scanned the inside. More plants. Some worn seating. But there was one thing suspiciously absent. “Is Jalen here?”

Karln eased the door closed before facing me. “Not at the moment. Official Minra sent a runner for him. But he won’t be long. I told him to hurry. I’m almost finished preparing our midday meal.”

I shifted from one foot to the other. “Can I help?”

“No need. Sit and relax.” Karln waved to the sofa as she glided across the cabin to the small kitchenette. With the open floor plan, I had no problem seeing her, even once I took a seat on the couch.

As she began chopping vegetables, I examined the room. “You have a lovely home. Did you grow all these plants yourself?”

“Most. Though I wouldn’t have half of them without Jalen.” Karln lifted the knife, using it to point out a spindly green fern in the front window that reminded me of a spider plant. “He brought that one back from the Yeranium Mountains.” She pointed to another with bright-yellow blossoms hanging in the kitchen window. “This one’s from the Tipolis Valley. Both are places most Dionions wouldn’t dream of traveling to—but not Jalen.”

Huh… weird. “He doesn’t seem to travel much these days.”

“Yes. Such a shame. To be honest, I expected him to leave this world long ago. Take his adventures to the stars.” She went back to chopping, the rhythmic slicing oddly soothing. “At one time, he was even scheduled to go on a peacekeeping mission to your system.”

“He was?” That was news to me. Though it made sense, seeing how knowledgeable Jalen was about humans… Well, except for their slang.

“About five years ago, he was selected to be the Dionion representative at a meeting regarding intersystem boundaries and trade. But just before he left, he had to be replaced.” Karln sighed. “I know he regrets missing that journey.”

My stomach clenched as an odd sense of déjà vu washed over me. “Wait… where have I heard about that before?”

“I imagine from your sister. That’s where she and Rhelt first met.”

Eyes widening, I slumped back on the sofa. If Jalen was meant to go, then he would’ve met Cassidy instead of Rhelt meeting her.

Wasn’t that just… lovely? My stomach sank. Would Jalen have wanted her instead?

Of course he would’ve, Ren. Who are you kidding? Everyone loves Cassidy more than you. Hell, even Arda’s half-obsessed with Little Miss Perfect after her rescue mission went off without a hitch.

Karln interrupted my pity party with a cough. “I suspect fate kept Jalen home because it had other plans for him.” She grinned and set down the knife. “What do you think, Ren?”

God… does she know? “I don’t put much stock into what fate wants.” I swallowed, hoping she hadn’t somehow figured out that Jalen and I were… ugh, mates. “So what kept Jalen home if he was so eager to leave?”

“It’s a sad tale.” She rounded the countertop and settled into the rocker across from me. “We received word of a series of cave-ins in the Yeranium Mountains shortly before the shuttle was set to depart. Jalen was one of the few guides familiar with traveling there. He volunteered to head up the search party.”

“Oh. That’s terrible.”

“A handful were lost in the rubble, but the party saved several males and one female.” A tiny smile crossed her face. “I doubt they’d have survived if not for Jalen’s expertise. He has much to be proud of.”

Warmth spread through my insides. “Yeah… I guess he does.” How am I supposed to tell him to take a hike now? My mate is a goddamn hero.

Was that even what I wanted? If you’d asked me last week, I’d have sworn up and down I wanted nothing to do with the entire male half of the universe. But now…

A knock pounded on the door just before it swung open. “Auntie Karln?” Jalen strolled in, a radiant smile spreading as he spotted me sitting across from his aunt in the living area. And damn, he sure did clean up nice. He’d traded his dusty shorts and vest for a fresh set that clung to his muscles, and he’d brushed his long blue hair until it gleamed.

“Ren. You look…”—his gaze trailed down my frame, making me hyperaware of how my short skirt had ridden up my thighs—“comfortable.”

I was tempted to leave it as-is and revel in his heated gaze, but when Official Minra wandered in the house after him, I tugged the hem lower. “Um, thanks. I’m good to head out as soon as Kiki delivers my skinsuit. She promised to drop it off after the cleaners finish with it.”

Minra cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I don’t think that would be wise. You two ought to stay the night. After what Jalen and Demetri have shared, I don’t want you leaving so close to nightfall.”

“Seriously? Why not?” I asked.

Minra sank onto the sofa beside me. “We’ve been keeping it quiet within the village, but this isn’t the first encounter we’ve had with poachers in recent days. One of our males was attacked twelve nights past. I think it’s prudent you get a fresh start in the morning. Then, when you make camp, you’re more likely to have traveled out of their search radius.”

“You don’t want to tangle with these off-worlders.” Karln leaned in and lowered her voice. “The healer sent for some of my strongest pain-relieving herbs after that attack. I can only imagine why.”

Jalen frowned. “Do we know what they’re after?”

“Ellbright,” Minra explained. “The villager caught them in the midst of harvesting it.”

“What do they want it for?” My brow furrowed.

Minra shrugged. “No one knows. But since tonight is mostly full dark, there’s bound to be plenty of blooms. Chances are good they’ll be out scouring the jungle for more of it.”

I couldn’t exactly insist we leave when it would be putting us in danger. “Well, I guess staying the night won’t set us back too much.”

“Great.” Jalen turned to me. “In that case, would you like to accompany me to the bonfire tonight, Ren?”

As their expectant gazes landed on me, my heart thrashed like haywire. I couldn’t tell him I’d rather stay in and hide when everyone had been so friendly since we’d arrived. Looked like I’d be dancing the night away after all. “Umm… sure. Why not?”

“Wonderful!” Karln clapped her hands. “There’s plenty of room for you two to stay here. I’ll air out your room, Jalen. And Ren can stay in Rhelt’s room.”

“Thank you.” I forced a smile.

Karln rose from her rocker. “Would you like to stay and eat with us, Official?”

He shook his head. “Can’t. I’m expected elsewhere, though I appreciate the invitation.”

“Of course.” Karln strode across the floor. “I’ll walk you out.”

As they disappeared onto the porch, Jalen sat beside me. “I’m sorry our plans were delayed. Thank you for being so understanding.”

My belly fluttered as our gazes clashed. “It’s fine. I get it.”

He inched closer, but stopped well before we touched—yet somehow, I still felt the heat of him on my skin. “I promise, I’ll make it a night to remember,” he said softly.

Yeah… that’s what I’m afraid of.

*Ren*

Drums thumped hypnotically. A trio of curved woodwinds and a curious stringed instrument reminiscent of a cello played along, their dueling harmonies adding to the festive atmosphere. Twinkle lights strung between trees and cabins circled an enormous fire cracking in the center of the village square. And all around it, Dionions danced, the women’s skirts swishing as the men twirled them about.

“You ready to dance?” Jalen asked, raising his voice to be heard over the din.

“Not yet.” Maybe never.

We’d been at the celebration for at least an hour. So far, we’d sampled some delicious baked goods that could rival the best Terran cakes and sipped some tangy juice that was unfortunately nonalcoholic. I sure could use a little liquid courage right about now…

I’d insisted on hanging on the sidelines instead of joining the dancers gaily spinning around the fire. Jalen had been nice enough not to insist, but I didn’t miss his toe tapping in time with the beat. Or the dozens of pretty village girls sending longing glances in his direction.

I lifted on my toes, bringing my mouth closer to his ear. “Why don’t you ask one of them to dance?”

Jalen shifted, bringing our faces so close his warm breath washed over my neck. “Are you trying to pawn me off on someone else, Ren?”

“No.” My breath caught. “You just look like you’d be having more fun out there.” I waved at the revelers, but he didn’t reply until I returned my focus to him.

“I’ll wait until you’re ready.” His eyes met mine as his words wrapped around me without a hint of wavering in his tone.

“You might be waiting a long time.”

He smiled slyly, his gaze sliding slowly down my body. “Did you forget I’m a planter? We know the most delicious things are worth the wait.”

Holy mother of innuendos. My panties just flooded.

I backed away a pace, putting more space between myself and the fire. When Jalen cocked a brow, I said, “What?” I stared pointedly at the flames before fanning my face. “It’s hot out here.”

A crooked grin spread across his face. “Want another drink?”

I nodded, grateful for the reprieve.

“Be right back.” Jalen sauntered off, and I had to drag my gaze away from his fine backside.

Get ahold of yourself, Ren.

I needed to talk to him about the mate stuff. I knew that. But every time I tried to broach the topic, I got flustered and fell back on my go-to coping mechanism—bottling everything up inside.

It didn’t help that we’d been surrounded by people since I’d learned the truth. The last thing I wanted was to cause a huge scene.

What if he didn’t know? Hell, what if he knew and was keeping it from me? Or what if I was completely off base, and this attraction was one-sided?

No. He wouldn’t have just looked at me like that if he didn’t want me. But wanting to fuck and wanting to be together forever—the way we would be if we were mated—were two entirely different things.

I should’ve peppered Kiki with questions earlier. There was still so much I didn’t know about Dionus.

My gaze flicked sideways as movement caught my attention. A woman with her hair cropped shorter than mine nodded politely as she passed. She crossed the clearing and sank into a chair beside the fire, her forlorn gaze locked on the dancing flames.

Kiki’s assumption earlier rose to the forefront of my mind. She must be a widow…

Jalen returned and handed me a full cup.

I took a sip. “Hey, why didn’t you ever explain what short hair means to your people?”

“Sounds like someone filled you in.”

“Yeah.” I frowned. “Is that why you freaked out when you first saw me and thought I was Cassidy?”

“It was. I thought Rhelt was…”

“Dead,” I finished.

“Yes.”

“Well, sorry for that, I guess.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.” He sighed. “I made a quick judgement back then, but it didn’t take me long to realize my mistake.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I know there wasn’t much time for it with Arda getting loopy, but you could’ve afterward, when we were on the trail.”

“You mean when you were giving me the silent treatment?”

I scowled, and my cheeks heated.

He shrugged. “By then, I’d remembered that Terran customs were different. I didn’t see a point in lecturing you about our cultural differences when you barely wanted to talk to me.”

My gaze sank to the ground. Is that a nice way to say I was being a bitch? “I guess—”

“Ren!” a familiar voice called.

I whipped around. “Demi. You look like you’re having fun.” He’d changed, his dirty traveling gear replaced with long shorts and a vest. His cheeks were rosy, his breath coming hard and fast, like he’d run a marathon—or more likely, danced with a dozen villagers.

He pursed his lips, his eyes narrowing. “And you don’t.” With a single smooth motion, he plucked the cup from my hands and thrust it toward Jalen. “Come on. Let’s show ’em how we do it out in space.”

“Oh, no. I don’t think—”

With a wink, he snagged my waist with one hand and my wrist with the other. Then he swung me out into the crowd before I could finish my rant.

“Demi, are you insane?” I followed his erratic steps as best I could, certain I looked like a complete idiot. “I can’t keep up with them.” I jerked my head at the revelers, but Demi just laughed.

“Relax, Ren. They don’t care what you look like. Just dance.”

I clenched my jaw. “You didn’t give me much of a goddamn choice.”

Demi rolled his eyes, then twirled me into a spin. I let him lead, cursing inwardly until he stumbled.

“Hey.” I caught his elbow. “You all right?”

He recovered quickly, righting his balance and widening his grin. “Yep. Damn knee’s acting up again.”

My heart twinged. Demi had an old injury that liked to bother him from time to time, mainly affecting his balance. He refused to talk about whatever in his past had caused it—even to me. I’d always been fine with his silence. I understood more than most that sometimes people needed to keep their secrets to themselves.

“Sorry. You need anything?” I asked, concern wrinkling my brow.

He pulled me into another spin. “Just for you to shut up and dance.”

I spotted Jalen across the clearing, and for a moment our gazes locked. Heat sizzled in my belly.

Demi twirled me sideways, breaking the connection. He peered closely at me. “You okay, Sis?”

Blinking, I shook off the strange sensation. “I… I don’t know.” I grabbed his vest and dragged him closer, making sure no one nearby heard. “Jalen and I… I think we’re mates. Is that crazy? Please tell me I’m crazy.”

I pulled back, examining my brother’s face. Firelight danced over his features, his expression so flat he might as well be wearing a mask. He opened his mouth.

The music cut off and clanging echoed through the clearing. Everyone spun forward, focusing on Official Minra, who stood beside the drummer, beating on a cymbal.

“I’d like to take a moment to welcome everyone to the annual forice celebration.”

Cheers exploded, and I sighed, resigning myself to wait for Demi’s answer.

Minra let the clamor die before continuing. “We gather here to give thanks for the abundant bounty of our land and to praise Harlx for…”

I toed at the dirt, only half listening to Minra as he droned on. At least the speech gave me an excuse not to dance. Now, if only I could sneak away while he was talking. But then I wouldn’t get to finish asking Demi for his opinion.

It might be worth it. Especially if I could remember the way to Karln’s place.

“…Demetri, Jalen, and Ren.” Minra’s voice sliced through the air, and I froze, my heart beating frantically.

Holy crap… What did he say?

The gaze of every Dionion present bored into me. I smiled wanly, completely lost. Am I supposed to say something? I cut a glance at Demi, who appeared just as lost as I was. Panic tore at my chest, but before I hyperventilated, Jalen appeared at my elbow.

“Thank you, Official. We’re so pleased fate brought us here at this auspicious time. We thank you for bestowing us with your most cherished honor.” He bowed his head, and Demi and I followed suit. As our heads lifted, the crowd burst into more cheers, and my speeding pulse finally slowed.

“Wonderfully said,” Mirna shouted. “Let’s dance!”

The music struck up again, and my shoulders slumped. I turned back to Demi, but before I could open my mouth, Jalen snagged my hand in his and wrapped the other around my waist.

“Now that you’re ready, I’ll take that dance.” A mischievous grin lit his face, and I couldn’t slow my answering smile that mirrored it.

“I guess one dance won’t hurt,” I breathed, tingles shooting across my skin everywhere he touched me.

Demi peered over Jalen’s shoulder and met my gaze. Then, with another wink, he took off, quickly disappearing into the sea of dancers.

Don’t leave me, I wanted to shout. But another part of me was quick to choke the words back before they flew off my tongue. Because the truth was, nothing had ever felt so right as being in Jalen’s arms, his sure steps twirling us across the clearing like we were floating. And for once, I just wanted to shut my brain off for a while and enjoy the moment.

“You having fun?” he asked.

“Yeah. Surprisingly, I am.”