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Chapter Twenty-Three

Issneen wasn’t quite what Wren had expected.

Who was she kidding? The planet had thrown her a curveball: pink skies, red oceans, gray soil, peppered with a variety of blue fauna and trees.

The air was richer, too. She sucked in great breaths while twirling with arms outstretched in a pool of glorious sunlight.

Cy smiled at her, his beauty stuttering her heartbeat.

As it always did. Ariez had said the DNA implantation had been successful, making her equally compatible with all three species—that she didn’t need any more ‘deposits.’ But she hadn’t been able to keep her hands to herself.

The boundary had been crossed. And if one afternoon had such an impact on her unstable genetics, many sessions with Cy wouldn’t hurt.

He hadn’t once suggested they stop. Even now, he touched her in some way when near enough. There was just something about his hand at her lower back that shot a thrill through her.

The shuttle the Etterians had sent to bring them to Issneen was behind her, the solidness of the ramp beneath her feet.

Before her lay an intricate garden, with floral-lined walkways.

She sniffed, picking up a saltiness she couldn’t place.

A susurration teased her ears. Based on her preferred literature, both scents hinted at a beach nearby.

She couldn’t be sure, having never been to one.

She glanced at Cy. “Is there a—”

He would dare… Cy narrowed his eyes in a glare that implied death was forthcoming. She swung her gaze ahead, catching sight of a blue-skinned man with white hair flowing around his shoulders. On his arm clung a blonde woman.

“Who are they?” she asked, keeping her voice low.

“Zucis,” Cy hissed then pinched his lips, looped an arm around her, and drew her into the curve of his body.

The blue man did look familiar. She studied him, then grinned, trying to pull away from Cy. He held firm. At the base of his jaw, a pulse ticked.

“It’s Iddan,” she said.

“We shall see,” Cy said. Stay close to me, ensa.

Ariez stopped beside them. “Why do we delay? I have secured quarters for Lady Wren within the medical building.”

“We wait.” Cy’s tone was hard.

“Lady Wren, a pleasure to meet you. Is that correct, ohara ?” The blue man smiled at the woman, his gaze lingering on her face in what Wren could only term ‘adoringly.’

“It is. Hi.” The blonde beamed. “I’m Cyndi; this is Iddan…my man.”

“Male,” he said, but his intimate smile implied it was an ongoing game between them.

“I’m Wren, and this is Cylo… my man.” Wren leaned her temple on Cy’s chest.

I like the way you claim me as yours. He tightened his arm, and the featherlight caress of his lips across her hair registered, then he shifted his hand to her hip, allowing her some breathing room.

“Yours?” Cyndi frowned. “But his eyes…” She shrugged. “Never mind. Who knows how the Ethera works?”

“You are human, yes?” Iddan asked, arching a pale brow. “My dhutya says purple skin is not normal.”

“He means me, his true mate.” Cyndi blushed. “It’s such a pretty lilac. When Iddan mentioned what had happened to you, I couldn’t believe it.”

“Went through hell to get it.” Wren chuckled, waving her arm in front of her. “One star: wouldn’t recommend.”

Iddan patted Cyndi’s hand resting on his forearm. “Medic Ariez says your door is failing?”

Wren swallowed and forced a smile. “I’ve been strengthening it every time it fails.”

And your telepathy? Iddan met her gaze.

She squirmed, not liking any voice but Cy’s in her mind.

“Fewer incidences, though—not many emotional events occurring. Etterians are pretty stable.” So true.

She’d picked up a little fear and random thoughts before Yelur and Zive had left the ship, but she’d lumped it under dream thoughts since she’d been in the med-E.D. at the time.

How could she explain to Iddan that Cy communicated with her often, but only what he wanted her to know?

He’d once revealed he used control to spare her from his thoughts and emotions.

And only when he was adoring her body had he revealed hints of what he felt.

Except for that one time he’d dropped everything and shown her how much she meant to him.

That flood of intense warmth wasn’t describable, yet her blood had sung, high on hope.

“This is good,” Iddan said. “When we heard you were on your way, Cyndi insisted on being your ‘welcome committee?’” He frowned. “An unusual concept.”

“Indeed,” Cy said. “You may visit when Wren is settled. For now—”

“Excellent,” Ariez said, marching ahead. “I will share her location.” He bowed his head at Iddan then nudged his chin at Cy.

Wren flushed at their rudeness. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been probed and prodded enough already. “Do come for coffee. And I appreciate the welcome.”

Cy closed his fingers around her elbow and ushered her after Ariez.

“What’s the rush?” she hissed.

We do not keep the king waiting.

“What?” she squeaked, glancing at her flip-flops, leggings, and baggy T-shirt. She raised a hand to her hair, no doubt a mess from the breeze.

You are beautiful, thamani. He caught her fingers and brought them to his lips for a kiss, all while leading her down white stone pathways to giant doors in the distance. She didn’t even get a chance to stop and smell the pretty white flowers.

“Still, Cy, a king…” She squared her shoulders and drew in a hurried breath. He couldn’t be worse than facing the judge who’d held her future in his hands. Although, that hadn’t gone in her favor.

You were taken, harmed, still suffer… King Xeus is a concerned male.

“Can’t Ariez just show him my medical results?” She harrumphed. “Fine. I’ll meet your king—”

And queen.

“Shit,” she muttered, a shiver running through her when those massive doors swung open with barely a whisper. Marbled flooring, high ceilings, colorful banners hanging down pillars made this more real…intimidating.

Cy chuckled. You are adorable.

“I’m glad you find this amusing.” The urge to shake him off and stomp ahead gripped her, but she didn’t want that to be the king’s first impression of her. Instead, she curled her arm around Cy’s and held on, letting him lead and shield her.

She didn’t know what she expected, but it wasn’t an empty room. A dais said this was a throne room, but there was no furniture except stone-benched alcoves. No gilded throne, either. A little disappointing.

Her footsteps echoed, forcing her to glance at Cy’s booted feet. Why didn’t he make a sound? Despite wincing, she didn’t try to soften her tread—an impossibility when her flip-flops went thwack-thwack. The idiot could have warned her. She tossed him a glare.

“Lady Wren, a pleasure,” a man said, striding through a hidden door behind the dais.

She pasted on a polite smile.

Cy nudged her forward, tossing her at the wolf’s feet. “Adviser Kanzo, I present Lady Wren Turner.”

“Remarkable,” Kanzo said, holding out his hand for a shake.

She took it. He released her after two pumps and stepped back, showing no curiosity beyond— His eyes were ice blue. Ah, yes, an Eth.

Breathe. Cy placed his hand at her lower back.

“Yes! She’s here,” a woman squealed, skipping toward them.

The brightest smile spread her cheeks, and a waterfall of curls cascaded around her with every movement.

In leggings and a T-shirt in dark blue, she put Wren at ease.

Even her slippers squeaked on the polished stone floor.

“Hi, hi, I’m Macy. So sorry about those hideous sharks and squidheads messing with your life.

Hubs is dealing with them, don’t you worry. ”

“Thanks?” Wren managed. She got the comparison between sharks and Yithians, but squidheads… Did she mean Maloidians? And who was Hubs?

“Zoo, you coming?” And off jogged the woman, disappearing through the door Kanzo had just taken.

Wren glanced at Cy. “Who—”

Queen Macera and King Xeus.

“She’s the queen? Why didn’t you say she’s human?” Wow, talk about a whammy. Imagine finding your soul mate, only to learn it made you royalty? Wren smothered a chuckle. Nope, no way. She wouldn’t give up Cy for anything, not even ruling a planet.

And out strolled a giant of an Etterian, bulging with muscles while oozing authority. He caught Macy in his arms and carried her toward them.

“Behave,” he mumbled. “Welcome, Lady Wren. Well done, Operative Cylo. The lima kuu have recommended you for a commendation.”

Cy frowned. Why?

This was the moment Wren wished her fancy knew mind-reading skills went both ways. She’d have loved to say something sassy about getting a badge for bedding her. Instead, she smirked at him and wiggled her brows. The poor man wouldn’t know what she meant, but she couldn’t help teasing him.

“My thanks, my king.” He bowed his head at Xeus.

“You may return to your duties. With Malo distracted, Etteria needs you on Earth.”

No. Fear squeezed her throat and allowed her nothing but a gasp.

“My duty is here…beside Wren.” Cy looped an arm around her waist and drew her close. She leaned into him for good measure. No way was she letting the king take away her man.

Xeus stiffened. “She is not your Dar Eth.”

“Not yet,” Kanzo said, slicing his gaze between them. “You do understand that Ariez has secured quarters…where you cannot be unless injured.”

“You speak truth, Adviser Kanzo.” Ariez clasped his hands behind his back, appearing patient when he was far from it. “The Ethera has yet to strike, but it has had an influence on Cylo’s void. We are studying the effects.”

Cy smiled. “Then I should be in medical, as well.” He had such hope in his voice even as he dug his fingers into her hip to keep her near.

“The barracks are near enough,” Ariez said. “Now, if we may start our assessments…” He swept out an arm, gesturing to a door to the side.

Cy’s grip tightened. No, it is too soon.

She curled against him, nuzzling her nose into his armor-encased chest. “For a month, remember?”

A week.

She angled her head back to meet his gaze. “Even better.” With a kiss to his chin, she pulled out of his arms. “Come find me.”

He took a step as if to follow her.

“Cylo, a word,” King Xeus said.

Ariez marched through the narrow door, assuming she was on his six. She touched the frame and tossed a glance over her shoulder at Cy, his gaze fixed on her. Ice slithered down her spine and settled in her bones. She couldn’t shake the thought that this was goodbye.

When she dragged her gaze away, Ariez was far away, his long legs taking him almost out of line of sight. She broke into a jog, tearing after him.

“It will be good for him to be away from you. A test, so to speak.” Ariez glanced at her when she fell into step beside him, her breathing a little ragged.

Oh, well, that makes sense. “Why? What are you hoping will happen?”

“The Ethera does not like separation. If it is at work here, you will both suffer.” He grinned. “Fascinating.”

She couldn’t help but laugh at the adorable man. “The way you’re enjoying this, I’m going to assume you only like me because I’m a puzzle.”

He laughed. “And entertaining.”

“Fair enough.”

She couldn’t complain about such a test when the last one had been to have sex with Cy.

Would he have gotten around to it if Ariez hadn’t demanded it?

She tried not to think about it because, in truth, it no longer mattered.

They were lovers, and if she was honest with herself, she loved him.

As she trailed Ariez, she prayed being apart worked.

Even now, something tightened in her chest and squeezed, hindering her breathing. Or was that her unfit body?

She smiled.

Either way, time would tell.