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Chapter Eight

MEK

My hands are still tingling from the heat of her skin.

I curse my own weakness for not being able to resist tracing the softness along her backside as I clamped her garments together.

I know I overreacted, as she was not showing herself and purposefully trying to draw male eyes her way, but the mere thought of another wanting or seeing her in that condition infuriated me.

When I noticed all the eyes turned our way, I had to make myself walk out of the pavilion before I made a bigger fool of myself.

As I clear the confines of that area, my mind flashes back to the first time I saw her.

While unloading a containment crate, I smelled something in the distance.

I knew that the shuttles had landed, but as I had no reason to interact with the humans yet, I saw no reason to be in the landing area as there were many things that needed to be done.

Nevertheless , even with my mind full of the projects to come, somehow my eyes were drawn to her the moment she walked off that dropship.

Distracted , I almost dropped the crate and all its valuable cargo inside when she closed her eyes and tilted her head up toward the sky.

The sun’s rays caught her bright golden hair, and I was instantly jealous of the wind that was caressing her slim but curvy body.

Rubbing my hands together, I try to diminish the tingling that seems to have started after I touched her for the first time.

The first time …… I think time stopped, and only by the will of the Lord of Light did I prevent myself from killing her with my own hands when she tripped over that ground stake.

I could smell the fear wafting off her when she realized she was in the direct path of my hammer, mid-strike.

The very thought of how that could have turned out churns my stomach, and I force myself to breathe through the nausea.

I remember throwing my hammer down, something I had never done before, as I am adamant about respecting the tools we use to build the worlds around us.

Her small frame was still curled up tightly with her hands over her face when I lifted her insubstantial weight from the ground into my arms. Everything else faded away when she looked at me.

All I could see was the fear and then relief in her beautiful green eyes.

I had to force my arms and hands to release her as all I really wanted to do was gather her closer.

The tears forming in her eyes caused by me twisted my insides up, and I reacted badly.

In all my rotations, I have never wanted a female the way I do her, but I refuse to fall under the spell of a human female, no matter how distracting she is.

But I cannot seem to stop watching for her everywhere I go.

My heart nearly stopped when I saw her in the field where KyT and I were clearing up the areas the Timber had agreed to.

I still do not know if it was her smell that caught my attention, or the sun’s reflection off her hair, but somehow, I knew the moment that saw cleared the base of that dead Timber , she was in trouble once again.

I have no idea what happened to the saw; all I could see once the Timber hit the forest floor was the impact wave crossing the ground, knocking her into the water.

In my home world, few females ever learn to swim because of their garment restraints, and I felt like my legs were made of rubber as I fought my way to her.

No matter how hard I pushed forward, I could get there quickly enough.

My rational mind knew the water in that area was shallow and that all she needed to do was push herself up, but my own fears told me she had been knocked out by the force that hit her so abruptly and was drowning.

Grabbing her up so roughly probably hurt her more, and then when the burn returned to my hands, it made me sit her down much too aggressively.

I comprehended her confusion with my actions as I do not truly understand my attraction to her myself.

She is the complete opposite of what I have always considered my preference in a female to be, but no other has brightened up the world in my eyes before.

Surrounded by others, she stands out as if she is the only one there; it is as if I see her in an aura of light when the rest of the world is in darkness.

Even though I have tried to hide the obsession I know I am forming, I believe Father has seen the way I look at her.

However , if he ever questions me, I will deny it fully and completely.

There is no reasonable explanation as to why my father’s side of the family is so drawn to this weak race, but I will not fall victim.

I am at the peak of my life and have no need for a mate, especially one who cannot advance my status in society.

If I take a partner, she will know her place and I will provide well for her and any offspring we might have.

However , my mind and my lifestyle have no time for pampering or indulgence, as my work fulfills all my needs.

When approved by my mother, my mate will know what her role will be before anything is signed.

From that point on, I welcome her to pursue her own interests as long as she stays within the boundaries of the contract.

I will mate with her at scheduled times to produce offspring and once two are achieved, she is free to do as she wishes as long as all physical assignations are discrete.

She will have my name and status, not to mention the unlimited funds to spend within reason at her disposal, and I should look at this as just another business transaction.

But I just cannot seem to commit, no matter how much mother pressures me.

Needing something to do with my hands, I reflect on the day and consider what I should tackle next when I notice the cart Lacie used to transport the water back to the pavilion.

While I may not be able to act on my personal desires regarding her, I can find ways to alleviate the burden on her and the other females.

Heading toward my personal ship, the ramp lowers immediately when the sensors detect my heat signature.

I make my way down the passageway to a private area where I keep all the designs that I am currently working on.

Finding the small pump I had designed for another project, it takes me a few ticks to collect all the supplies I require.

Once I have gathered all that was needed from my shuttle, I make my way to the small water source, my eyes instantly gauging the distance for the necessary pipe.

Four crates later, I find the required lengths necessary.

Like a piece of me is being pulled away, I know the moment Lacie’s dropship leaves the atmosphere, and I must take a few deep breaths to refocus my mind on what is in front of me.

Determined to have this project finished before the females return, this is the first time I have been grateful for the consistent light, as this moon seldom darkens.

The rotation passes quickly as I am forced to hand-dig the path for the pipes to be laid.

Once I verify that the pump and the positioning of the pipes are functioning as intended, I make my way into the makeshift sustenance area.

Almost immediately, I can see where they are gathering the serving ware to be sanitized, and I install a cleaning system with a water purifier that will decontaminate it as it comes in and out.

Making sure the wastewater will be recycled back into other areas needed.

I stand back, stretching my tall frame, pleased with the amount of work I was able to accomplish without any distractions. I am walking out of the Pavilion when I notice KyT coming my way. His quick smile instantly irritates me.

“ Good rising, brother. I thought you had returned to your main star cruiser.”

“ The Ingenuity is still in orbit, so I am using my personal shuttle while here. With so much to do, it is an inconvenience to go back and forth. Are you staying planetside?”

“ I am. The Timbers have several locations within their branches that are quite cozy, and I have taken refuge in them since my arrival. They are quite intrigued by the changes occurring around them and the humans themselves. I have also been assisting the female medic with her healing stock, but I fear she will need more than is available in this location. Even though it is not something I enjoy doing, as technology interferes with the frequency of nature, I took the time to read through some of LeX’s logs regarding the diseases that seem to plague this race.

I agree that a medical chamber should be obtained quickly.

LeX said he put in a request for one, but I thought I would confirm his order with you. ”

“ KyT , the chamber is in production, but due to its complexity, it will not be delivered quickly. It cannot operate in these conditions at this time as the power grid has not even been started yet. The maintenance bots are assembling the grid and are slightly ahead of schedule, but the piping still needs to be run first before the foundations can be prepared for their permanent dwellings, and I need them to perform that function before proceeding.”

“ MeK , I have been thinking about that, and I wonder if we should install a purifying tank system instead. The Timbers ’ roots are extremely compact so I am not sure how we can install anything between them that interconnects with each dwelling.”

My mind runs through the changes that would need to be made to the dwellings. “ That can be incorporated into their design. I will simply have to make a few adjustments to the foundation. Do you have any other concerns?”

“ I am sure more compromises will have to be made the further along we get in the process. I will have the locations of each dwelling to you by late this darkness. Only one more place needs exploring before I can finalize it. I was able to get the analysis back for the massive water source below the mountain ridges, and it is safe for them to immerse themselves in. I was asked by Kira herself to rush through its testing. She wants to plan what she is calling a familiar … not sure what that refers to, but I have been told their race enjoys swimming.” His words shock me.

“ Their males and females both? Are they allowed to do this at the same time?”

“ I believe so. From what I overheard, their race is not as strict about apparel and covering their skin. BuK is looking forward to this outing, as he has mentioned it several times already.”

“ His youth is showing. We do not have time to frolic around with so much to do.”

“ Maybe we have just become too serious as we age, MeK . Do not begrudge BuK for being able to enjoy a moment in his youth. When was the last time you smiled or looked forward to anything?”

KyT does not say anything else, he simply turns and disappears into the tree line, becoming one with the environment around him.

His words roll through my mind, and for a moment, I regret that my path has been without any real warmth from another.

Then , I remember who I am and what my purpose is.

Being a son of DaR comes with huge responsibilities, not to mention the goals my mother has set for me.

She must have sensed my doubts because my comm unit dings, showing her face.

My mother is a rare beauty and age has not touched her in the rotations since I was born.

Her complexion and skin remain as smooth as a youngling’s, but that is where her innocence ends.

She has a shrewd mind, and I often wonder why she ever put her body through the torment of my birth, as she has told me many times being a mother was not something she ever wanted.

She came from a prominent family with many suitors so she did not need my father’s status.

It did allow her to keep from having to take a companion, and it gave her the status and rights to live her life freely.

In the back of my mind, I have often wondered if she felt that way when she was younger, why is she so adamant that I sign a companion contract myself?

I hit the button, and her form appears before me. “ Son , how much longer will you be on that moon with that primitive race?” Her voice is stern and full of annoyance.

“ Mother , we had this discussion before I left. I will be here for several lunar rotations. Father has commissioned several of our newer dwelling models, and I must oversee their installation.”

“ There are lesser members of our society who could have done this, and you know it. You are simply finding any excuse to avoid finalizing your companion contracts. Even though I understand the females you have been presented with were not up to our standards, I have received rather pleasing news. Elder Malik’s oldest offspring’s youngling has come of age, and she will be presented to the courts within the next few risings.

I have already requested a formal introduction, and you will be there. ”

“ Mother , be reasonable. It is not like I am on the next moon over; I am several jumps away. Even with my new ship and her hyperdrive system, I cannot be available quickly. You will simply have to postpone this for a more reasonable date.”

“ We will see. I will not allow this opportunity to pass you by because of your need to fix the universe. You have more to offer a female than your mind or accomplishments. MeK , my prized one, you are one of the most sought-after males in this universe. Make your mother happy and sign a contract so that I can show off your offspring.”

With a nod of her head, her holo form disappears, and I breathe out a sigh of relief that this conversation was brief for once.

I have used every excuse possible to avoid signing a companion contract, as the thought of touching a female who has no desire for me beyond my name leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

However , I do not know how much longer I will be able to dissuade her efforts.

Suddenly fatigued, I make my way to my shuttle, only to collapse into a fitful sleep after stepping through the ionizer.

My dreams wake me half a rotation later, only to realize I have once again fallen asleep with my hammer in my hand.