Page 25

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

~Arcay~

“IT SAYS HERE , Arani , that the human mating rituals involve a courting period known as ‘dating’.” Lendel pointed to the text on the screen and I looked up from the lexicon of Panlin words, squinting over his shoulder.

“What is ‘datting’ ?”

“Dating, Arani . It appears to be a series of activities that the intended pair do together to develop a bond.”

With Clay tucked safely away in my quarters again, I had committed myself to learning more about human culture, as well as improving my grasp of Panlin.

I frowned. “But I know how to create a bond — by claiming him.”

“Yes, Arani , but humans do it differently. You can’t just claim an omega. They must be ‘wooed’ first.”

It sounded complicated. “I see. So what are these activities that happen during the ‘dating period?’”

Lendel scrolled through the archive text and scanned the screen. “The information isn’t particularly in-depth, but it appears that one is to eat food together—”

“We did that,” I said. “When he first came onto the ship,” I recalled the way Clay had glared at me and consumed the food at an alarming rate. It did not appear that any bond had been formed.

Lendel shrugged. “Perhaps try again? Maybe the more you do it, the more effective it is?” We looked back at the screen.

As he scrolled, the screen displayed a picture of two humans eating at a table which held a dark bottle and drinking vessels. There was also what I assumed was local flora displayed at the center, with small flames on white poles. The background was dark, and chains of small lights hung over their heads. Both humans were smiling and looking at each other with soft expressions. I rubbed my jaw and pictured Clay directing the same expression at me.

“Can we do it like this?” I asked, pointing.

“We can try.”

I nodded, eyes fixed on the male’s smile. Yes. I would like that.

Lendel cleared his throat and went on. “Other things include ‘fun activities’, and ‘getting to know each other’.”

“This makes no sense. Humans do it backward. You can get to know each other properly once you are bound. Why attempt it beforehand?”

“I agree, Arani .”

I grumbled. I found it illogical and confusing, but I would try it if it meant Clay would be more willing to let himself be claimed.

“What do humans consider ‘enjoyable activities?’” I asked.

“I could not possibly say, Arani .”

I sighed. Why must humans be so complicated? On my home planet it was so simple; alpha meets omega, alpha claims omega, the soul bond is formed, and they spend the rest of their lives together. That was it. All these extra steps were frustrating.

***

CLAY WAS LOUNGING in the main chambers when I returned, attempting to play a round of Kakers with Kesk. He fingered one of the figurines on the board, scanning it with his blue eyes. It was impossible to win against Kesk — not because he was a skilled player, but because he cheated almost constantly. The frown on Clay’s face and the mischievous glint in Kesk’s eyes confirmed that that was exactly the case.

Clay had been withdrawn since I won the tournament. Not sullen as before, but just quiet; troubled. The expression returned to his face when he saw me, and it made my stomach tighten.

“Hello, Clay,” I said in Panlin, carefully pronouncing each sound. “I hope Kesk is not cheating too much.”

Kesk shot me a look of hurt innocence and then said. “No, just enough.”

Clay rolled his eyes.

“I would like to speak to you,” I said.

“Ok?” Clay said.

I shot a look at Kesk and he got the message, leaving us alone.

“I want you to…” Damn, what was the word again? “Consume food with me,” I said, then added. “Please.”

“Um. Ok.”

I nodded. “Good. Thank you.”

I paused, not sure what to say. It was an odd feeling. Usually, I said whatever was needed, and if nothing more was needed, I did not say anything. Now I felt the need to fill the silence. Clay frowned at me and then looked away, back at the Kakers board. He fiddled with one of the pieces, his fingers tracing over the carvings.

“Your Panlin is getting better,” he said.

“Thank you, I have been practicing,” I said, happy with the praise and that he had noticed.

He looked at me, his blue eyes holding unknowable depths, and I felt heat gather in my face.

“I will go and…prepare. To eat with you. I will see you later. When we eat,” I said stiffly, backing away.

The corners of his lips curled down in an odd way, as if he was trying not to smile.

“Ok, I’ll see you later, Arcay.”

My face felt hot as I left, his voice saying my name ringing in my head.

***

“WHAT DO YOU think?” I said.

Kesk and Lendel considered me as I stood in my finest clothes feeling oddly nervous.

“Marvelous, Aran i,” Lendel gushed.

Kesk pulled a face.

“What?” I said.

“I don’t know, Arani , it just feels a bit much.”

“A bit much?”

“Yes, you want to impress him, not intimidate him.”

I pulled the ceremonial headdress off.

“I told you I didn’t want to wear this,” I said to Lendel.

“You look regal!” Lendel said.

“He looks like he’s about to hold high court,” Kesk said.

“And that is regal,” Lendel snapped.

I growled. Why was this so hard? I was sure no other alpha had ever gone through this much effort before. But then there had never been an omega like Clay before. He was difficult, and contrary, and…his eyes were so off-putting. And on the brief occasion I had seen him smile, it had suddenly been difficult to breathe, as if the oxygen had been sucked from the room. Were these normal feelings?

“I am…feeling uneasy,” I admitted.

“It’s just a meal, Arani. Be yourself and he will be offering himself to you in no time.”

“Be myself,” I said. How could I do that when I did not feel like myself lately?

“Yes. But less…how do I put this delicately…”

“Less shouty,” Kesk supplied. Lendel nodded.

“I am the Second. I only raise my voice when the need arises. Or I am angered.”

They exchanged guarded looks.

“I will not need to raise my voice if he does not anger me.”

“Of course. But perhaps if he does do something that angers you, you could try to not shout instead.”

I was the Second. I ruled our people, only answering to Jursin himself. I faced off foes in battle. I should not feel this way about eating food with an omega. I was Arcay, the Second. I could do this.

I rubbed my face, I had the overwhelming feeling that this was going to end badly.