Page 12 of Eclipse Bound (Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides #7)
Rowan seemed to consider this as she ate. After a moment, she asked, "Do you think they sent you here hoping you'd never return?"
"The possibility exists," Eclipse admitted. "Though I believe they anticipated our eventual repatriation, chastened and marginalized by our failed mission."
"But what if the mission doesn't fail?" Rowan challenged. "What if you actually succeed in proving different kinds can coexist?"
Eclipse's expression turned thoughtful. "That would create a significant political complication for those advocating war."
"Which means you three and your human connections might be in danger if you actually accomplish what you were sent to do," Rowan concluded.
He didn't like to think that his presence in her life would put her in danger.
They continued to talk, the conversation moving easily between them.
The implications hung unspoken as they continued their meal.
Eclipse found himself appreciating not just the harmonic resonance of Rowan's energy field, but the quick precision of her mind.
She grasped political complexities without the benefit of knowing Zorveyan history or culture.
"Your insight is remarkable," he noted. "Have you had experience with political exile?"
Something flickered in Rowan's expression, but was quickly concealed. "Not exactly, but I understand what it's like when systems turn against individuals."
"You have personal experience with this," Eclipse observed.
Rowan took a longer sip of wine before responding. "I used to be a journalist. Investigative reporting for a major newspaper in Phoenix."
"This is no longer your profession," Eclipse stated rather than asked.
"No." Rowan carefully set down her glass. "My last big story was an exposé on corporate corruption. A company called Milano Enterprises was diverting funds from its charitable foundation to finance some questionable research. I had sources, documentation, everything needed for a solid story."
Eclipse noted how her energy patterns shifted as she spoke, creating dissonance that suggested emotional distress despite her controlled tone.
"The story never ran," she continued. "My editor killed it.
Then I was reassigned to cover society events.
When I pushed back, I was fired. My sources disappeared or recanted.
The documentation I'd gathered vanished from my locked desk.
The only good thing about it was a breakup with a non-supportive boyfriend. "
"This Milano enterprise retaliated against you," Eclipse concluded.
"Within a month, I'd lost my job, my reputation, and my apartment burned down under suspicious circumstances that could never quite be proven as arson.
" Rowan's voice remained steady, but her hand tightened around her wine glass.
"I got the message. So I left Phoenix and came here, where my college roommate helped me get the job at the retreat. "
"You were exiled for revealing the truth," Eclipse said.
"Truth is dangerous to people with power and secrets," Rowan said with a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Sound familiar?"
The parallel to his own situation was unmistakable. "Indeed."
Their conversation paused as the server cleared their plates and offered a selection of desserts. Rowan selected something called chocolate lava cake for them to share, explaining it was mandatory for first dates on Earth.
As they waited for the dessert to arrive, Eclipse noticed a shift in the energy patterns of the restaurant.
A new presence entered the space, creating subtle disruptions in the ambient field.
His gaze moved to the entrance, where a man in a dark suit spoke to the host while scanning the dining room.
"What is it?" Rowan asked, noticing his sudden alertness.
"We are being observed," Eclipse said quietly. "The male at the entrance is actively searching for someone, and his energy pattern suggests purpose rather than casual interest. I have seen him before around you."
Rowan glanced over, her expression changing as she recognized the man. "That's James Petersen. He works for Milano Enterprises' PR department."
"The corporation you investigated," Eclipse said.
"Yes, and he shouldn't be in Duskrock." Rowan's voice remained calm, but her energy flared with alarm. "This can't be a coincidence."
The man spotted them, his gaze locking on Rowan before shifting to Eclipse with narrowed eyes. He said something to the host and began moving in their direction.
"We should leave," Rowan said, already reaching for her purse.
Eclipse calculated their options. The patio had a secondary exit that led to a viewing platform, but the man would likely intercept them before they could reach it. Confrontation seemed inevitable.
"Ms. Clark," the man said as he reached their table, his tone professionally cordial, though his energy pattern registered hostility. "What a surprise finding you here."
"Mr. Petersen," Rowan acknowledged with equally false politeness. "I didn't realize Milano had business in Duskrock."
"Recent developments have expanded our interests in the area," he replied, his gaze shifting to Eclipse. "And you must be the companion Ms. Clark has been seen with today. James Petersen, Milano Enterprises." He extended his hand.
Eclipse recognized the Earth greeting custom and responded appropriately, careful to modulate his energy output to avoid any unusual sensations during the contact. "Eclipse Bound."
"Unusual name," Petersen observed.
"I am not from this region," Eclipse replied truthfully.
"Clearly." Petersen's smile didn't reach his eyes. "In fact, there's been some interesting satellite data from yesterday around Duskrock. Unusual atmospheric disturbances, electromagnetic anomalies. The kind of thing that interests certain departments at Milano."
Eclipse maintained a neutral expression, but internally, he assessed the threat level of this interaction. The man's knowledge was indirect but pointed, suggesting organized surveillance rather than a chance encounter.
"Sounds like material for another one of Milano's questionable research projects," Rowan said, her voice cool.
Petersen's smile tightened. "Always the investigative reporter. But I thought you'd learned that some stories are better left unpursued, Ms. Clark."
"Is that a threat, Mr. Petersen?" Rowan asked directly.
"Not at all. Just friendly advice." He turned his attention back to Eclipse, and he fixed his gaze on the alien's eyes for a long time. "Mr. Bound, you might want to be careful about the company you keep. Ms. Clark has a history of finding trouble."
"I find her company most enlightening," Eclipse replied.
"I'm sure." Petersen placed a business card on the table. "When you're ready for a more productive conversation about yesterday's events, give me a call. Milano Enterprises rewards those who provide valuable information."
With that, he nodded and departed, leaving the card on the table like a small weapon.
Rowan released the breath she'd been holding. "That was not good."
She picked up the card and tore it in half before dropping it into her water glass.
"They are aware of our arrival," Eclipse confirmed. "Though their information appears incomplete."
"Milano has resources," Rowan warned. "If they're investigating the crash, they won't stop with satellite data."
Their dessert arrived, the server oblivious to the tension at the table. The chocolate confection released heat and scent that would normally have intrigued Eclipse, but his focus remained on the new threat.
"You should not be associated with me if it places you in danger," Eclipse said once they were alone again.
Rowan's expression hardened. "I've been looking over my shoulder for six months. I'm not about to start running again because James Petersen showed up at dinner."
"Your safety?—"
"Is my concern," she interrupted firmly. "And frankly, I'd rather face Milano with aliens on my side than alone."
Eclipse studied her, noting the determination in her energy pattern despite the fear beneath it. "You are remarkably resilient, Rowan Clark."
"Necessity," she replied with a small shrug. "Now eat your lava cake before it gets cold. We shouldn't let Milano ruin a perfectly good first date."
Despite the lingering tension, Eclipse found himself appreciating her defiance. She pushed the dessert toward him, demonstrating how to break the cake to release the molten center.
Eclipse tried the sweet confection and choked.
Rowan suppressed a smile. “Not good?”
“It is fine,” he managed. “I wish to complete this first date ritual to your satisfaction.”
Eclipse reached to take another bite, bracing himself for the horrible test of will this dessert would take.
Rowan reached for his arm to stop him. She shook her head in denial and slid the plate in front of her. “You do not have to eat it.”
“Are you sure? I wish for you to be happy with this date. I will not make you eat this test of wills alone.”
“But I like chocolate.” She grinned and took a big bite. “Simply means I don’t have to share. More for me.”
He took the wine to mask the taste of the molten lava. It made no sense that humans would enjoy eating such a thing.
Eclipse considered the new variables in their situation. Milano Enterprises was clearly a potential threat, one with both resources and motivation to investigate the crash. Their interest in him and his connection to Rowan created additional complications.
And yet, as he watched Rowan deliberately enjoying the chocolate despite the encounter, he found himself unwilling to sever their connection.
The resonance between them had already grown beyond mere biorhythmic compatibility.
There was a shared understanding and a parallel in their situations that created deeper meaning.
He felt a deep stirring inside of his core, like bound energy about to explode.
His essence wanted to flow into her as it had in her office.
Before Solar interrupted them, he had felt her human body responding unusually to his touch, and he wanted to know more.
None of his curiosity was about missions or scientific exploration.
He wanted to physically envelope Rowan.
"We will need to warn Solar and Lunar of this threat," she noted as she finished the dessert.
"Let's give them until tomorrow," Eclipse said, thinking more about what it would feel like to exchange energy with her without the hindrance of her clothing. "They know to be on high alert. Let them have tonight on their dates."
"You're probably right. I doubt Milano will make a move tonight," she said after some consideration. "That was Petersen feeling out the situation. Though we should remain alert and assume they're trying to keep tabs on us."
Eclipse nodded, but he wasn't really thinking of her words, as he wondered how best to communicate his desire to touch her portals and absorb into her.