Page 15 of Tender Captivity (Human Pets of Talin)

As they traveled from Kalor’s only port to Holian’s compound, Jinna tried to calm her nerves.

Tarquin had been with them on the ship for the journey to the colony, but Holian had sent him off on some assignment.

So he’d left with the ship the moment they’d finished unloading.

Now she and Holian were trundling down the road in a sluggish ground transport overfilled with supplies.

She almost found herself wishing the thing would move even slower. Although she was confident the Talins and humans waiting for her wouldn’t be cruel, she was concerned they wouldn’t think she was good enough for their beloved Holian.

It didn’t help her anxiety that every single Talin they’d interacted with on the ship and during unloading at the port had been excited to see him. Holian had remembered every name and asked them questions that clearly showed how much he cared for his people.

“We’re almost there,” Holian told her with a purr. They were sitting on a small bench at the back of the transport. Holian took up the entire seat and she sat on his lap.

Snuggling her head against his chest, she felt him tilt his head and rub a cheek on her hair.

The scent of apples filled the air, easing some of her anxiety.

They sat in silence until the transport came to leisurely stop.

They’d been traveling so gradually it took her a moment to realize they’d finished their journey.

All she could see was the roughhewn road they’d traversed and the dense forest around it.

Where was this large, populous compound Holian had been telling her about?

Holding her in his arms, Holian jumped down from the bench seat and landed lightly on the ground. Instead of setting her down, he carried her around the transport until she was at the front of it, and she saw dozens of individuals pouring out of a large house and all around the expansive grounds.

Holian came to a stop as they were surrounded by excited humans and Talins. Everyone wanted to talk to him. So many voices were all talking at once, and she couldn’t make out any single comment or question.

A loud rattle from Holian made everyone go silent and take a small step back. She saw surprise on the human faces but no fear and even heard some rumbles of amusement from the Talins.

“Everyone, this is my human, Jinna,” he announced. All eyes focused on her. Then stunned expressions turned to delight, and they all started talking again. This time, though, they were all speaking to her instead of Holian.

“We’re so happy you’re here!”

“Do you like lamchi? I’m learning to make it because it’s Holian’s favorite. I could make it for you too.”

“I can’t wait to get to know you!”

“I love your hair. It’s long but still has some curl.”

“We heard you saved Holian’s life.”

“Did Holian really fight in a Challenge? Tell me everything that happened!”

As the barrage of questions kept coming, Holian carefully set her down. A small child broke away from an adult and ran up to her to tug on her wrap. Looking down, Jinna could clearly see this child had come from a human and Talin pairing. She was unique and perfect.

“My name is Kinna, like yours only with a K instead of a J. Want to be my friend?”

Taking a page out of Holian’s book, Jinna swept the child up in her arms and hugged her to her chest. Tears pricked her eyes as, finally, she truly understood she wasn’t alone anymore. Holian had helped her love again, but he’d also graced her with a massive new family.

“I can’t wait to be your friend,” she whispered to the child, and Holian wrapped his strong arms around them both. “I can’t wait to be friends with everyone.”