Page 31 of Dark Survivor (The Qaldreth Warriors #2)

Chapter Eighteen

Nenn settled Tiny at the table in the galley. His fingers trembled when he ran his hand along her shoulders. He could have her now.

‘I want you,’ rang in his ears and opened the gates to his emotions, which he struggled to control. He need not rush this when they had plenty of time before they reached Ivoy. They wouldn’t be chasing pods this time.

“Greetings,” Juunn said, striding into the room.

“Hello.” Tiny faced him, her reaction a little delayed. Her gaze trailed his passing then rested on the bang he made when he put down his jar.

“Tiny, this is Juunn,” Nenn said, wishing the male hadn’t intruded.

Juunn stumbled, flicked a gaze between her and Nenn, then nudged him on the arm.

Nenn nudged him back and broke away to rest his hand on Tiny’s shoulder. “Do you want hot or cold?”

“Hot, please. A warm belly might help me sleep.”

“Do not make your tisane,” Juunn muttered. “It smells like a dead animal.”

Nenn bristled. “It is delicious—”

“So you say. Order Meorri tulsig.” Juunn took his jar of fruit juice and left.

“I’ll try both,” she said, clasping her hands in front of her. She angled her head, her focus distant. “And whatever Juunn has. It smells like mango.” She hummed, pursing her lips. “I can’t remember when I last had fruit.”

Her sweet smile had Nenn staring at her.

“Same,” he said, offering her his back.

He gripped the edge of the counter. She shouldn’t affect him this quickly or strongly.

Truth. It had been a while since he’d last seen to his own pleasure.

Mating a female back home only happened if she was a lonely widow or unmarried by choice.

Either were rare, and being chosen was dependent on their preference.

The symbiotes shared glimpses of matings.

He grimaced. With a Qaldreth female, he’d flounder but find his way.

With a human, he was at a loss. New respect for Drafe arose.

The male must have honed his knowledge of human female anatomy enough to bring Vic to orgasm; he had to assume.

Never would he ask Drafe anything so…intimate.

The replicate dinged, snapping him out of his thoughts. Perhaps he need only ask Tiny for guidance. He carried the plate of salt cakes to her and placed the tisane on the table. He took the time to guide her hand to each one before sinking onto the bench opposite her.

She stroked a cake, learning its shape as she circled it then testing its consistency by pressing the center. “Smells good,” she said, scooped one up, and bit into it. “Oh.”

Her moan shot heat to his already hard koq. Maybe feeding her had been rash on his part.

“Will you teach me to mate with you?” he asked.

She choked, coughed, then grabbed the tisane for a gulp. Her cheeks blazed a bright pink, and her eyes shimmered. “Nenn,” she croaked. “This—”

“Please. I want to give you pleasure.”

She placed her unfinished cake onto the plate, licked a fingertip, then held out her hand.

He didn’t hesitate, grabbing it and lacing their fingers.

“If you show me how to please you.”

Hot ice slid across his shoulders at her consideration. “Yes,” he managed.

“Good.” She smiled, withdrew her hand, and brought the jar to her mouth. “It smells like a rotting corpse but tastes like hot vanilla-lavender tea.” She smacked her lips. “Aren’t you hungry?”

No. He couldn’t eat. His groin ached. A maed had to heal himself or ask another to do so. His breath caught. Before him sat Tiny, a maed, and the cure to this incessant agony.

“For you,” he said, relishing her renewed blush. ‘Attraction,’ she’d said, triggered her changes in color. And intense emotion. Yes, like pure lust.

“I hope to get used to your honesty,” she said before popping the last bit of a tulsig cake in her mouth.

“I must admit, though, it’s good to know where we stand.

No guessing games.” She tore a cake in two but paused with a piece halfway to her mouth.

“I’d like some sex, but…you’re my only ally in a new world.

Vic’s busy, so she doesn’t count. If what we have is just sex…

I can accept that, but promise me that I won’t lose you in the process.

” Her brow furrowed as her expression turned pleading.

“Just sex?” He’d never mated, but an instinct or prediction warned him that once he lay with her, there’d be no turning back.

“As much as I crave some sort of affection, even transient, I couldn’t bear to be alone in the unknown.” She cleared her throat, dropped the uneaten tulsig, and drew the jar nearer.

Her concerns were valid.

“Then you must get to know the crew. Should anything happen to me, none of them, excluding Ulvus, would abandon you.”

She flinched and lowered her gaze but too late. He’d caught the sadness tugging down her lips.

“What is it, Tiny?”

She sniffed. “Out of obligation like I’m a chore? I don’t need pity.” She raised her chin, revealing her stubbornness and pride. “I refuse to let my blindness dictate my life. Well, within my control.”

“Fair enough,” he said. “The only thing that would take me from your side is if Kreta herself climbed out of her hell to take me. In that case, you will return to Lunar Base.”

He didn’t have the authority to promise Tiny that, but he could talk to Aehort and the Q.C.C. His armor flickered on and off, making his skin itch. His symbiotes didn’t like the idea of no future between them.

“I will not forsake you,” he gritted out, willing his symbiotes to calm. “No matter what. I insisted you come with me. You are my responsibility: a cherished chore if you like.”

“I…didn’t have much of a choice. I could’ve traveled to Europa for who knows how long or remained on the Mula Pesada with its uncertain future. Neither is what I signed up for.” She flashed a tentative smile. “You offered me an exciting alternative with the possibility of regaining my sight.”

He frowned. She’d given his offer thought. Not that he’d been aware she’d had other options. “Why didn’t you make Europa your new home?”

“It’s a medical facility with loads of doctors. I’d be as useless there as everywhere else.” Her top lip wobbled.

“You could be an anomaly in Ivoy,” Vaen said, sitting beside Tiny. “You going to eat that?”

She slid her half-empty plate across to him. “Do you think they’d want to dissect me?”

“No, but they would study you. After all, your kind killed the Senate.”

Nenn glared at Vaen, who met his glower without concern.

Tiny’s chuckle wasn’t joy-filled. “I suppose I could endure a few tests in the name of science.”

Nenn stiffened, his armor forming in an instant. “No. I will not allow that.”

Vaen snorted then said around a full mouth, “You against the full might of the Ivoyans and the Q.C.C.?”

“We will not reveal she is onboard.” He grimaced. Deceiving anyone was dishonorable and a sure way to a harsher outcome.

“That would work if the entire crew had your back.” Vaen pointed a greasy finger at Nenn.

“Ulvus,” Nenn growled.

“Indeed,” Vaen said.

“At least we have a plan of sorts,” Tiny said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Tell me, what do you do for entertainment?”

“Juunn plays the reed. Gusin likes to spar and tinkle, creating useless objects he calls inventions. Nenn climbs walls and idles away his time on teyor.”

“I suppose I could learn to play a musical instrument. Do you think Juunn would teach me if I asked?” She flicked her thumb nail like a nervous tick.

“I cannot speak for the male.” Vaen slapped the table and stood, his gaze on Nenn. “Oh, Gusin hurt himself. You are needed.”

Nenn scowled. “And you tell me now?” He leaped to his feet, then paused beside Tiny.

“Go. I will stay.” Vaen sank onto the bench. “Tell me, Tiny, what do you for entertainment?”

She faced him. “I dance, listen to audiobooks, and play chess.”

Nenn frowned at having to miss out on the conversation, but duty called.

By the time he found Gusin in the activities room, his symbiotes had begun to heel the gash across his upper arm.

Nenn tutted and ran the med-dev over it.

He knew better than to lecture Gusin on caution when using sharp weapons.

But forced to clean up blood instead of chatting to Tiny, Nenn’s temper was short.

“As Osnir is my witness, Gusin, take better care,” he snapped, spraying the mat and Gusin’s arm with disinfectant before wiping both with a towel. “What is this? The seventh time since we left Ivoy?” He huffed. “I shall teach you to use a med-dev.”

“That would be wise.” Gusin patted his arm where the wound had been. “My thanks, Nenn.”

He marched to the galley, then hesitated at Tiny’s laughter amid breathy whistles of a reed flute. “Juunn,” she said. “I’m so bad at this.”

“I have been playing since I was a child. Anything worth learning takes time,” Juunn said.

“If I tried it, I would be as bad.” Vaen chuckled.

No, Vaen without a scowl? Nenn inched closer to catch that miracle. His grin was broad, changing the usual taciturn into someone…charming. Tiny sat on the table, a reed pressed to her lips. She blew until her cheeks filled will air then blasted out, half making it into the instrument.

Juunn tutted. “You are trying too hard.” He demonstrated by angling another reed so that just his top lip breeched the mouthpiece. “Remember, a gentle approach.” He shifted her reed until it sat just right. “Now try.”

She blew. A long mournful note penetrated the galley. She squealed, bouncing on the spot. Nenn leaned against the bulkhead, crossed his ankles, and gazed upon the sweet joy that she was.

“Good,” Juunn said. “You need to hit each note with consistency.”

She clutched the instrument to her chest and beamed. “I’ll have something to do. I was so worried I’d die of boredom.”

The room fell silent.

“That is possible?” Igar asked, a lump of cyan-colored moss he called patsil in hand. He sat behind her, cradling a plate laden with patsil and white jelly-like lumps of raslu.

She laughed, throwing back her head as she did so. “No. It’s a saying.”

Nenn’s chest cinched in tight. With her throat exposed, vulnerable, delicate, he couldn’t help but run his gaze to her flushed face. Why did she invoke such potent emotions within him?

“Did you say Nenn climbs?” Confusion merged with her good humor.

“Yes, cliff walls.” Vaen stood to one side, cradling a jar of water. With his normal scowl in place, he met Nenn’s gaze.

“He is teaching me,” Juunn said, spinning his reed in one hand. “Would you like to learn?”

“Oh, no,” she said, flicking her wrist. “It’s bad enough navigating the horizontal world around me without adding vertical to the mix.

” She waved her arm. “Besides, I doubt I could support my weight.” She lowered her hand to cover her mouth.

“Sorry,” she said with a tired smile. “It’s time for bed. Can someone—”

Nenn pushed off the wall and weaved between his males. “I shall escort you.”

“Oh, you’re back. Is Gusin okay?”

“He is.” Nenn grabbed her by the elbow and helped her step off the bench.

“Juunn, thank you.” She thrust out the instrument.

“Keep it, Tiny,” he said, sliding onto the bench beside Igar.

“For real?” she asked.

He grinned. “Of course. How else will you practice?”

“I won’t let you down, Juunn. Good night, all of you,” she called, letting Nenn lead her out of the galley and along the passage to their quarters. “Your crew are so kind,” she whispered, dipping her head to do so. A lock of her hair brushed his shoulder in a tickling caress.

“They are good males,” he said, clasping her hand. Even there, her skin was silky smooth against his. “Had enough to eat?”

“Yes, thank you.” She flashed him a smile when he ushered her into her room.

A glance at her bed had him releasing her. “I…shall leave you.”

“I’m not that tired,” she said.

He chuckled at her lie. “Until tomorrow.” Before he left, he stole a peck. Salt and a hint of usturo lingered on her lips. It took all his strength to leave.

“Is she your mate?” Igar demanded from where he leaned against Nenn’s door.

“I do not know. Why do you ask?” He narrowed his eyes on the golden-eyed male.

“I wish to claim her.”

Fury exploded like a volcanic eruption. Breathing didn’t matter when Nenn fought to control his reaction. “No, she is mine.”

“Fair enough.” Igar pushed off the door to squeeze Nenn’s shoulder. “I wish you Osnir’s blessings.”

Foq . Nenn glared at Igar’s departing back then at Tiny’s door. He tapped his forearm. “Gusin, ensure no one but Tiny and I have access to her room.”

The male chuckled. “So it has started, then?”

Nenn stiffened. “What do you mean?” He did know, and the fear summoning his armor said it all.

“You brought a tribeless female onto the Aroagni . What did you expect would happen?” Gusin ended the comm.

Nenn threw out a hand to steady his weak knees. No way would he let a male take what was his. She’d said she wanted him, and he had to assume that meant him alone. Foq . He’d ask her tomorrow. One last glance had him contemplating sleeping on the floor outside her room. Just in case.

But he trusted Gusin to do as asked.

Or did he?

This time, when Nenn left Tiny alone, she didn’t feel so lost. She smiled, placed the reed in a closet, and activated the shower.

It was such a luxury to bath in actual water and more than once a day.

The madness of it boggled her mind. On Earth, the diminishing levels of water had long ago started a war—the not-haves with the haves.

Now, everything was powered by sol, and any remaining bodies of oceans or seas were desalinated for consumption.

She couldn’t imagine what the planet of Ivoy would look like.

Excitement made her swing her hips to an unfamiliar rhythm.

Yes, deciding to accept Nenn’s offer had been a good thing.

Nenn .

She hummed. Such honesty was almost beyond her ability to endure.

After towel-drying, she pulled on a sleepshirt in case he intruded.

Though, she did hesitate. Being naked for him might entice him to follow through with his intentions.

Damn, she hoped it was soon. She yawned and climbed into bed.

Tomorrow held promise. She could learn how to play a reed, and at some point, she could teach Nenn the game of chess.

Vaen had said he wasted his time on something she hadn’t caught the name of.

Her eyelashes fluttered, exhaustion forcing them to shut.

She succumbed on a breathless sigh. Yes, tomorrow.