Chapter Three

Clans of Kalquor 13

ALIEN HAVEN

By

Tracy St. John

? copyright November 2024, Tracy St. John

Cover art by Erin Dameron-Hill, ? copyright November 2024

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s

imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or

events is merely coincidence.

Kindle Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Author’s Note

Version One (Standard Clans of Kalquor version)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Version Two (Combination of Clans of Kalquor and Clan Beginnings)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Author’s Note

If you had told me way back when that my first book, Alien Embrace , would spawn a series, I’d have laughed. A bunch of stories of intense romance between three doubly-endowed aliens and a human woman? Right. I’d have suspected there was a bridge in Brooklyn you want to sell me too.

If you’d told me it was the first of fifty books set in the Kalquorian universe, I would have asked you what you’d been drinking and could I please have a bottle or five?

Yet here we are, and the books are still coming. To say I’m amazed would be putting it lightly. I mean…FIFTY books about Kalquor! That’s a staggering number.

It seems fitting this particular story returns us to the original series, Clans of Kalquor, which I thought I’d wrapped up in 2018. When I put Charity Nath and Dramok Ilid on board a shuttle at the end of the fifth installment of the Dark Empire series, I realized they had their own separate story to tell. It was almost immediately obvious theirs was a Clans of Kalquor story.

At first. For at the end of their journey to the agricultural planet of Haven, awaited two more young men, Nobek Detodev and Imdiko Mitag. Here were four people, strangers to each other, on a collision course of love and adventure. I couldn’t deny it also felt the story fit in the Clan Beginnings series. A little problem on that front: Clans of Kalquor has always been all about the men loving the woman only, and Clan Beginnings is geared toward the men turning to each other for intimacy.

Which route would I choose? That turned out to be the wrong question. The right question is, what will you, the reader, choose?

There are two versions of Alien Haven in this volume. The first is what you’d expect from the Clans of Kalquor series: it’s all about the heroes doting on the heroine, no same-sex interaction.

Version Two is quite a bit freer. It contains a mashup of Clans of Kalquor and the same-sex intimate interplay between the heroes of a Clan Beginnings series.

The choice of which to read…or to read both versions…is yours. I hope you enjoy whatever path you set out upon as we take our fiftieth journey together in the Kalquor Universe.

With much love and gratitude,

Tracy

Clans of Kalquor 13

Alien Haven

Version One

Chapter One

The woman who’d introduced herself to her shipmates as Jennifer Seng ran her palms along Dramok Ilid’s chiseled chest as he drowned her in a kiss. He clutched her honey-blond hair in a demanding manner that excited her. “Jennifer” had enjoyed intimacy with a few men, including aliens at the university she’d attended until recently, but never a Kalquorian.

His body, still fully clothed, was a revelation of curves and hollows. Kalquorians were naturally muscled. Jennifer’s companion, slightly older than her twenty years, had obviously worked to add to his delicious physique, improving on what genetics had generously bestowed..

They’d had a couple bottles of kloq to start their tryst in her tiny sleeping quarters. They traveled on board a Kalquorian fleet shuttle, which was taking them to the planet Haven. The room was cramped from the massive bed Jennifer and Ilid writhed on. She’d compensated for the tight space by ordering the window and ceiling vids to display the vast stretch of space the shuttle shot through. Satin blackness was dotted by sequin stars overhead and next to the bed they lounged upon.

Had she thought of them as lounging in their star-speckled retreat? No, they weren’t doing anything so restful or serene. They were squirming and groping and clutching, rumpling the cover and sheets to a fine mess.

The handsome Kalquorian tasted of the warm ale they’d imbibed. The scent of his arousal, a sweetish aroma accented by the bite of spice, mingled excitingly with his flavor.

He lay half on her, his excitement hard against her thigh through their clothes. He was intent on removing barriers as he kissed her deeply and passionately. He tugged on the front of her blouse, parting the resealable seam to bare her to his eager touch.

Two days. It had taken her this long to get him where she’d wanted him from the moment she’d set eyes on him in the shuttle’s main cabin. They were mere hours from docking at her port of exile. She was thrilled to have at last herded him where curiosity and pure lust could be satisfied.

He succeeded in getting her top open, and his hand was hot as he rubbed along her abdomen and ribs. He found her bra-clad breast and rubbed his thumb on the brazen nipple poking at the fabric.

Thank the prophets he acted as if he were in as much of a hurry to get to the good stuff as she. He didn’t delay by undoing her bra. He simply shoved it up toward her throat, and his calloused fingers closed on bared voluptuous flesh. A flash of brilliant excitement shot straight to her pussy, and her wide-mouthed moan interrupted their kiss.

“Ancestors,” he muttered, purple cat-pupil eyes staring at her. “You bear no resemblance to the fabled repressed Earther female.”

She smirked. “I’m not only not repressed, I’m extremely vocal. As our earlier petting has forewarned you. I hope you like it loud.”

His grin lit his bronze face. “Where you’re concerned, I like it any way you’ll give it to me. Especially since my parents are nowhere in the area.”

An important point. Their transportation was an older shuttle, and the walls weren’t soundproof. Ilid’s parent clan’s quarters were next door to Jennifer. His room was on the opposite side of his adoring fathers and mother, collectively known as Clan Codab. Their proximity on the small vessel and Jennifer’s uncontrollably loud delight during sex were the reasons it had taken the couple so long to get a real chance at intimacy.

There was nothing like parental presence to dampen even the fieriest of youthful urges.

Ilid buried his face between Jennifer’s ample breasts, groaning his approval. Her breath caught as he kissed his way to a nipple, then to the other. He’d admitted to little experience with women…none where Earthers or the rare Kalquorian females still in existence were concerned. Nonetheless, she discovered no reason to complain as his hot mouth licked and sucked and kissed her to heady rapture.

“Still too many clothes,” she gasped. She pulled at his soft blue shirt, untucking it from the black trousers he filled out oh so well. She wanted to feel him naked against her.

“Ladies first,” Ilid chuckled. He grabbed her wrists and pinned them over her head to thwart her eager attempts to unclothe him.

The hint of dominance sent wet warmth fleeing between her thighs. Dramoks were the breed acknowledged as Kalquor’s natural leaders. During the two days they’d spent together, Jennifer had seen hints of command from Ilid on occasion, but not as often as the majority of Dramoks she’d encountered. The sudden control he exerted was a thrill.

He was intent on stripping her, but she sensed the constraint he placed on himself to do so. He concentrated on thoroughly enjoying all he revealed. She was delighted at how he meticulously unfastened her belt and slid it through the loops of her pants’ waistband. He slowly peeled them down her legs. He licked his lips as he eyed her lacy panties, which matched the bra crumpled above her chest. He paused to inspect his conquest, and Jennifer basked in the satisfaction of her curvy figure. At least that hadn’t been altered when she’d left behind her identity on Alpha Space Station. She’d have fought the Kalquorian Empire’s spy contingent tooth and nail if they’d attempted to change one inch of her lush five-foot-six frame. The modifications to her hair, eyes, and face had been more than she could stand as it was, thank you very much.

Ilid stroked the skin he’d revealed, his expression of reverence shaking her. She’d been gazed at appreciatively, lustfully, and hungrily, but never had anyone appeared worshipful before. She wasn’t sure anyone should be stared at in such a manner. Her particularly.

“Magnificent,” he breathed and went for her panties.

They wetly peeled from her flexing pussy. He drew an admiring sniff. He grinned at her and tossed a glance at the ceiling. “Watch the sky.”

“As an astronomy student, I watch it all the time. I’d rather watch you.”

His tone took on the edge of a Dramok’s natural command and repeated, “Watch the sky.”

She huffed even as she obeyed instinctively. Dramoks had the ability to encourage compliance from the reluctant. Jennifer wasn’t reluctant in the least when it came to sex with Ilid. She also wasn’t known for submitting without a fight. Or at least an intense discussion.

As he kissed, licked, nipped, and caressed every inch of exposed flesh he could find, she found the will to surrender, if only for a few seconds. Each instant of contact roused her higher, and her excited noises grew loud as he worked his way lower. Her gyrations increased too. He’d descended halfway down her abdomen when she bucked hard enough for him to look up.

“Do I need to tie you up?”

A surge of exhilaration greeted his threat. Or maybe it was his hot yet steely gaze.

“How?” she smarted off, pretending there was no tremble in her voice. “Do you see any ropes floating around space?” She gestured at the ceiling.

“I suggest you stay still and take it or suffer the consequences.” He was in full Dramok mode.

Jennifer blew a raspberry and snuggled deep into the bed, as if sinking in it might keep her immobilized. She wished they did have some rope. The idea of being helpless for Ilid’s attentions was a stimulating notion.

He kissed her deeply to take any sting from his dominant demand. His muscled thighs squirmed between hers. She dared to shift so his crotch, deliciously engorged behind the trousers, rubbed where it felt most incredible.

“Watch the sky,” he muttered, moving down.

No argument this time as he mouthed her throat, her breasts, her abdomen. She loved the vast depths of space, teasing its mysteries of far reaches in the distant twinkles of planets and stars. There was no better view than infinity as Ilid slid her legs up on his shoulders and bent to where her pulse pounded hardest.

His rough, raw silk tongue lapped. She unleashed a cry of rapture, singing to the galaxy her pleasure. Another lick and a ringing shout of her avid approval as bliss devoured her—

“…can’t imagine even a fleet vessel mess crew thinking such a meal is worthy of being served…”

Jennifer gasped as Matara Diju’s voice spoke outside her door. She shoved at Ilid. “Your parents!”

He came up, his lips shiny from her passion and scowled. “Damn!” he hissed so he couldn’t be heard. “Why are they back from dinner so soon?”

“Apparently, the food wasn’t very good.” She could hear them chattering about under-tenderized ronka and pastry burnt at the edges as they entered their quarters. She eyed his obvious excitement, which hadn’t eased despite the shock of nearly being overheard. She wondered if his discomfort was worse than her own ache of unfulfillment. “Damn. We were so close. Me especially.”

He grimaced, adjusting himself. The shuttle was small, a nondescript little vessel. The craft had been utilized by the spy arm of Kalquor’s fleet to escape unwanted attention as it transported those who needed to keep a low profile to safety.

In short, there was nowhere besides the sleeping quarters to escape to for a tryst. Since Jennifer’s pussy had a direct connection to her vocal cords, even those “private spaces” were no real sanctuary from sensitive Kalquorian hearing. Particularly when it came to the ears of doting parents.

Her disappointment was tinged by curiosity. She wondered once more why Ilid and his parent clan warranted a secretive escort to Haven. Ilid had hinted he’d once been on a spyship crew before leaving the fleet. His former duty had allowed them to hitch a ride when their application to visit the mixed Earther-Kalquorian colony of Haven on business had been approved.

Jennifer strongly suspected there was more to the story than had been revealed. Ilid had little to say when it came to his recent past. The haunted expression he often wore and the way his parents’ often nervous attention focused on him suggested he was running from someone or something.

Jennifer had her own issues and her own secrets to keep, however. Taking on another person’s problems was beyond her current capacity. She liked Ilid, but she’d firmly counseled herself he was simply a distraction from her exile to what she feared was the most backward planet in the known galaxy.

He smiled at her ruefully as he helped her recover her clothes. “We’ll both be close to the town of Sunrise, smack in the middle of farms and ranchlands. I’m sure we can find a place to meet where we can both yell our heads off and not be heard.”

“Yay for Planet Farm Hell, where the deer and the ronka play. Just don’t expect me to go for a roll where we might find their blessings heaped.” Jennifer swept her hair loose from the blouse she’d put on, letting still-unfamiliar honeyed waves tumble to her shoulders.

Ilid chuckled. After their conversations, he was aware of her sight-unseen opinion of Haven. “I’ll make it a point to scout out the cleanest pastures.”

“Ha! Find us a nice room in a decent inn, or forget it.” She grinned and kissed his lush lips, making it a hearty smack. At least she could get away with that amount of noise. Ilid’s parents continued to audibly chatter their low opinions of the kitchen staff on the other side of the too-thin wall.

“Consider the earliest reservation at a local inn done.” Ilid sighed his regret as he closed her blouse, hiding her heavy breasts from his view.

* * * *

“In spite of the acoustics, I wish the trip had been longer. I enjoyed getting to know you,” Jennifer whispered to Ilid.

He darted a glance at his parent clan, who followed them a few feet behind in the aisle toward the exit hatch of the shuttle. The vessel had landed a couple minutes before. “Me too. I will see you again?”

Jennifer grinned, delighted at the prospect of encountering his familiar and classically handsome face again. And of seeing far more of him from head to toe. It was all she had to look forward to on the planet she’d never aspired to visit, much less spend an extended stay on. Three days of flight had barely scratched the surface of what promised to be an exciting fling where Ilid was concerned. She hadn’t come close to getting her fill of the compelling man.

“Remember, Clan Amgar’s farm is where I’ve been sentenced. I will be insulted if you don’t visit in a day or two,” she warned.

There was no trace of the reserve that sometimes gripped Ilid. He smiled broadly. “I’d never insult a woman such as you,” he swore, his Kalquorian accent slightly slurring the English he spoke for her benefit.

Perhaps his parent clan overheard them despite their quiet conversation. Kalquorian hearing was insanely sensitive. Maybe they’d have heard her and Ilid getting friendly even if the walls had been thicker. Over Ilid’s shoulder, she saw Matara Diju and her trio of male clanmates exchange smirks.

Far from the protective type for whom no woman would be good enough for her son, Diju had acted determined to play matchmaker between the young people. Every chance she’d gotten during the flight to Haven, a mixed Earther-Kalquorian community in Kalquorian Empire territory, Diju had pointed out Ilid’s best traits to Jennifer.

She might have been delighted to hear them having sex. Jennifer somehow kept her nose from wrinkling at the thought.

She had no designs on any long-term relationships, though Ilid was a compelling temptation to give her daydreams to the contrary. Twenty-three years old, he was perfect for sheer fun, especially when his pronounced serious streak disappeared.

She would see him again, she vowed. Though his problems were his own, she was determined to loosen him up. His laugh brightened their surroundings when it came, which was far too rare. He was a genuinely good guy.

Had she been in the market for a serious relationship, she admitted she would have judged Ilid a better than acceptable prospect. The Dramok breed of Kalquorian men had a habit of being bossy in her opinion. In defiance of his categorization, Ilid possessed an aura of vulnerability under the surface. She found it alluring. His parents were absolute darlings from what she could tell from their short acquaintance. That assessment included the watchful and brooding Nobek Gruthep, the protector of the clan. He and his clanmates doted on Ilid while obviously trying not to smother him.

In short, Ilid was wonderful, as was his family. Jennifer almost regretted her determination to play the field, but she’d eschewed dating Kalquorians until recently. She had a lot of catching up to do when it came to the species her elder sister Hope had committed to, in love and career. Fortunately…or unfortunately, depending on how things went…Ilid would possibly return to Kalquor in a month anyway.

An attendant who’d kept the sole five civilian passengers of the spacious shuttle comfortable during the trip, wearing the armored uniform of a Kalquorian fleet member, offered a slight bow as Jennifer and Ilid neared the hatch. “Welcome to Haven.”

“Ee-i-ee-i-o,” Jennifer muttered in sing-song.

“Matara?”

“An old Earther tune regarding the glamorous life on a farm. I can’t wait to be among the cows and pigs.”

Ilid chuckled. He’d heard her complaints when it came to being stuck on Haven, a mostly agricultural community. He’d been appropriately sympathetic while finding humor in her concerns about backwoods hayseeds and watching where she stepped when she went outdoors.

She was relieved not to be knocked backward by the smell of animal manure when she exited the hatch. Indeed, Haven’s largest spaceport bore a remarkably respectable resemblance to such facilities she’d been to throughout the galaxy. It appeared as technologically modern as busier ports, if less hectic and noisy.

Despite the welcome absence of fertilizer aroma, Jennifer noted an appalling amount of flannel shirts, stained dungarees, and tall boots among the obvious fulltime residents who hurried past groups of uniformed ships’ crews. Even the Kalquorians whom apparently called Haven home had adopted clothing reflecting an Earther influence. Yeehaw, she thought, her mood dipping. Two flavors of hayseeds.

She slowly descended the ramp to the ridged flooring, which offered stable, nonslip footing. Feeling Ilid close behind, she said, “It’s quieter than most spaceports. Fewer ships.”

“Anti-virus protocols have shut out a lot of commerce, I’d guess,” he ventured, also gazing at their surroundings. His expression had taken on the nervously watchful cast she’d caught glimpses of during the trip.

Nobek Gruthep, a scarred but likable member of Kalquor’s warrior caste sporting an ass-long graying braid, placed a hand on Ilid’s shoulder. “Their security watches carefully for Darks, too. There have been no instances of suspicion our enemy has gained a presence on Haven.”

Ilid visibly drew a deep breath. Another nervous glance at his surroundings, and he relaxed enough to smile at Jennifer. “Where is this Clan Amgar supposedly responsible for rehabilitating you, Miss Behavior?”

Jennifer blew a raspberry at him but laughed. As far as Ilid and anyone who asked knew, she’d run a bit wild in the now Dark-overrun Galactic Council, where she’d attended university until a few weeks prior. According to her cover story, she hadn’t gotten in the sort of trouble to land her in a detention facility…thanks to her father’s high-ranking position in the government…but it had been decided she should cool her heels on Haven while she learned to stay out of mischief.

In response to this tale, Ilid had given her the pun nickname of “Miss Behavior.” His mother had been quick to defend Jennifer. She vigorously protested a young person’s right to make mistakes, especially in the current climate of war and viral pandemics. Jennifer had merely laughed at Ilid’s gentle teasing. She could take a joke, and he was as non-malicious as a person could be.

In response to his question about her guardians, Jennifer glanced at the few people rushing past. “I have no idea what they look like. Their Matara is an Earther and…oh, that might be them.”

An attractive blond woman, flanked by two Kalquorian men, was hurrying along the walkway in the middle of the docked vessels. The blonde waved at Jennifer, smiling a welcome.

“Nobek and Imdiko. There’s no Dramok,” Ilid’s father Jadel said in an undertone, probably to his clanmates.

“It’s nice three of the four came to meet her on a regular workday.” Diju stepped forward to stand next to Jennifer. The muscled but plump Kalquorian woman waited expectantly, making it clear she regarded herself responsible for the younger woman until her rightful caregivers arrived.

The oncoming trio eyed Ilid and his parent clan warily, but their expressions remained pleasant. Jennifer decided it was up to her to head off any concerns.

“Hi!” she called. “Clan Amgar?”

“Here we are, Jennifer.” The Earther woman was extremely slender, the sort of leanness that spoke of hard work rather than lack of nourishment. When she shook Jennifer’s hand, there was surprising strength in her grip. “Sorry we ran a bit late. I’m Sara.”

“It was my fault we weren’t prompt.” The unfamiliar Nobek’s gaze took in Clan Codab, each man in turn. “I’m Nobek Groteg, head of the Kalquorian branch of Haven’s security. This is our Imdiko, Utber.”

“It’s good to meet you. Let me introduce my new friends. This is Dramok Ilid and his parents, Matara Diju, Dramok Codab, Imdiko Jadel, and Nobek Gruthep.” Jennifer glanced between the Nobeks. “Your names are similar, and you’re both involved in law enforcement. I bet I’ll get them mixed up. Don’t smack the silly Earther when she calls you the wrong names.”

The pair glanced at her and chuckled. Groteg visibly relaxed. “I’ll let it pass this first time.” His eyes twinkled.

She grinned, liking him on the spot despite his intimidating appearance. “You’re the head of the planet’s security? Isn’t the area kind of…isolated for you to work from?”

“ Isolation describes Haven’s overall setup in a nutshell,” Utber laughed. “The town of Sunrise is small, but it’s mere kilometers from the seat of our government. The location has been deliberately kept rural for the safety of the planet’s leaders.”

“It’s easier to keep tabs on those who show up to cause problems,” Groteg agreed. “It appears to be an odd arrangement, but so far, it’s worked for us.” His attention turned to Clan Codab. “I understand your clan is interested in expanding your bakery business beyond Kalquor.”

“Under our son’s management.” Diju beamed at Ilid. “If we find Haven suitable, he’ll do an amazing job.”

Groteg, Gruthep, and Codab exchanged what Jennifer thought were overly meaningful glances. What had she missed?

“A bakery would be wonderful,” Sara said, her blue eyes brightening. Their corners creased pleasantly as her smile deepened. “The only one in Sunrise closed when the owner passed away several months ago. We have a coffee shop, but it isn’t the same. I understand the building and its equipment are for sale.”

“It sounds like an intriguing opportunity for Ilid.” Diju beamed at the news.

“Let me give you the address. Had you planned to stay nearby during your visit?”

While the women put their heads together, the men, save Ilid, drew close to mutter. Ilid jerked his head to indicate Jennifer and he should retreat a couple feet distant so they could talk.

“Clan Amgar seems to be a good bunch. Are you okay? Nervous?” he asked.

She smirked. “I was told I’m not the first wayward youth they’ve worked to put on the straight and narrow. I don’t see what kind of trouble I could find on Planet Farm Hell anyway. Hey, have you ever heard of cow tipping? I bet you’d be great at it.” She eyed his muscular build, her grin widening.

“I don’t know what cow tipping is, but it sounds as if Miss Behavior is already up to no good.” He shook a finger, laughing as he pretended to reprimand her.

“Ilid, Clan Amgar needs to get Jennifer settled and return to their workday. We’ll have to say our goodbyes for now. We’ll see you again, Jennifer?” Diju sounded hopeful.

Jennifer kept her gaze locked on Ilid. “I certainly plan on it.”

“If only to distract you from mayhem.” He dipped a traditional Kalquorian bow to her. “I look forward to hearing all about you toiling in the fields while seeking to keep your shoes clean. Until then, Matara Jennifer Seng.” He winked, his broad grin dispelling the formality.

Wistful loss swept through her as Ilid and his family said their goodbyes and walked away. For some reason, it bothered Charity “Jennifer Seng” Nath to see her would-be lover leave, unaware of her true identity.

* * * *

“Has it been difficult to respond to the name Jennifer ?” Sara asked as Clan Amgar’s well-used but clean shuttle, piloted by Groteg, zipped over vast swaths of fields and woods.

“I’m getting used to it. I went under another name on Jedver, while I was at university. I’ve had to be someone else for a long time now.” Charity grew glummer by the second as she viewed a few buildings in the distance. No doubt it was the town Sunrise, which was closest to the spaceport and her hosts’ farm. The spaceport’s scatter of landing pads and buildings covered more land than the town did.

Maybe I’m not in the middle of nowhere, but I can see it from here.

“This has to be a shock to the system after the bustle of a university area and a crowded space station.” Imdiko Utber was what Charity thought of classically handsome, though in a way too boyish for his years.

“This is, uh, quite bucolic. Wide open spaces, plenty of room to run wild and free, huh?”

They must have picked up on her false brightness. The trio chuckled.

“Don’t worry. There are activities for young people to do besides yank weeds and feed chickens,” Sara assured her.

Playing ‘dodge the cow shit,’ for example. Charity had a habit of tossing such smart remarks around, especially when she was in a foul or depressed mood. However, Clan Amgar was doing her a favor by letting her hide at their home until the heat of being the daughter of the so-called traitor General Borey Nath cooled.

She shrugged. “You don’t just farm, is my understanding. Besides Groteg being Haven’s head of security, Imdiko Utber is chef to the Kalquorian governor, right?”

Utber smiled. “Which is why I can guarantee a nice meal tonight to properly welcome you to our home. How do steak, potatoes, salad, and apple pie sound?”

Her grin was genuine this time. “Like heaven. Sara, I was told you manage the farm. What does Dramok Amgar do?”

Their warmth toward her didn’t diminish, but she detected a dampening of mood. Groteg’s voice was quiet as he kept his attention on the shuttle controls. “Our Dramok passed eight years ago in a fire.”

“Oh. I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

“It was a hero’s death,” Groteg said, pride mixing in the heaviness. “He saved our sons.”

“While Groteg saved our daughter and nearly died doing so.” Sara’s gaze showed love as she regarded him. “My clanship to Amgar was short, but I count myself as lucky to have had the months we did.”

“Let’s talk about you, Jennifer. I hope you don’t mind me getting in the habit of your assumed identity, rather than using your real name.” Utber interjected smoothly.

“Not at all.”

“Your role isn’t exactly a compliment, is it? Are you all right playing the part of a troubled young woman?”

“It’s a shame you’re coming in under a supposed cloud of mischief. You’re already dealing with the actual problem of radical Earthtiques wanting to interrogate you for their own ends.” Sara’s pretty face took on a determined cast Charity recognized. It was the look her elder sister Hope had worn years ago. She’d been hellbent to shelter Charity from a powerful man who’d wanted to force her into marriage and sexual slavery. It was the expression her aunt Ruth had taken on when the supposedly dead Charity had been outed as alive and well on Alpha Space Station.

It looks as if I found myself another mama bear. Charity was equal parts amused and dismayed.

“The cover story the fleet’s spy division decided on is the best possible excuse for her being here. We’re known for taking in youths who’ve encountered difficulties in society. Usually we foster Nobek teens, but few will question our having you move in.” Groteg spoke in a steady tone. Charity thought she heard an underlying attitude of this is how it is so deal with it .

Very Nobek, in other words. She bet he kept his past problematic wards in line easily.

“It’s only a part you have to act.” Sara was doing her best to soften what she believed must be a blow to Charity’s ego.

The younger woman had to laugh. “If you only knew how my family would respond to my situation. They’d tell you no acting is required on my part when it comes to youthful hijinks and bad attitude.”

“Really?” Utber gazed at her, his disbelief tinged by growing concern as he tried to detect wickedness in her demeanor. Perhaps he was thinking of her potential influence on his children.

“Don’t worry. I tend to be less mouthy to those I’m unrelated to. Especially those who might decide I’m more bother than I’m worth. I have no interest in giving you a reason to send me to the barn to sleep.”

She earned chuckles, including from Groteg.

Sara said, “Children typically let their parents have the worst of their behavior. Our kids’ teachers go on and on about how well behaved they are, but when it comes time for homework and chores—”

“The daily beatings commence to get them in line.” Groteg shot a grin over his shoulder at Charity to show he was joking. She was startled how handsome a smile made his somewhat stark features.

“As for farm work, I don’t expect you to do much. Just enough to keep anyone from becoming suspicious,” Sara said. “I’m sure you have your studies to keep up on until you can return to school. I prefer you to focus on them as much as possible.”

“I don’t mind pulling my weight,” Charity was surprised to hear herself say. She found she meant it, however. Her instincts insisted these people, who were going out of their way to help a stranger, were the best sort.

“We can always use the help,” Utber sighed. “I don’t know how Sara does it, despite us having hired help. Groteg and I pitch in when our jobs allow.”

Charity was prompted to warn them. “Please understand, I don’t know the first thing when it comes to farming. Someone once gave me a spider plant as a gift. I was told it was low-maintenance and hard to kill. It lasted three months before my black thumb of death did it in.”

“We’ll find something nonlethal for you to demonstrate to visitors you’re helping us.” Sara glanced at the window vid as the shuttle began its descent. A very Earth-style two-story farmhouse featuring a wraparound porch came into view. “Here we are. Welcome to the farm of Clan Amgar, Jennifer.”

Chapter Two

“Nice place,” Charity said, no trace of sarcasm to be found as she stood next to the shuttle and looked at her surroundings.

The white house was lovely and so Earther, she was surprised the Kalquorian part of the clan lived in it. It had a cute porch swing and rocking chairs. The adjacent red barn was familiar from photographs and the picture books she’d read as a kid. Charity hadn’t been at any actual farms when she’d lived on Earth. Nonetheless, she’d have sworn she’d been transported ten years in the past and stood on her home planet. Darn if she didn’t hear chickens clucking nearby.

Groteg and Utber brought out her travel bins from the shuttle. “Sorry to dump you and run, but we have to return to work for a few hours,” the Imdiko explained as he hurried past to the house.

“Don’t worry. You have me…oh, and here come the kids,” Sara said as a long shuttle zoomed toward the farm. It settled on the dirt lane before the large front yard in front of the home.

Charity watched as the shuttle’s hatch opened and a dark-haired boy of around eight or nine years of age fairly leapt out of its environs. Clan in shorts and a shirt bearing evidence of a recent eating mishap, his sturdy legs pumped as he raced across the lawn. His face beamed in the age-old exuberance of a child released from the tedium of a school day.

Following at a much more sedate pace came a lovely adolescent girl, enviable golden curls of hair cascading to the waistband of her slouchy trousers. Her gaze was curious, neither friendly nor adversarial as she eyed Charity’s presence. She simply seemed to be cataloguing the new arrival.

Finally was another blonde, a teenage boy who was a male version of Sara. He blinked at Charity. A friendly grin spread across his handsome features. His walk took on a strut. Sara, standing next to Charity, snorted.

“Go easy on the oldest, okay? It took him a whole week to get over his last crush.”

Charity covered her mouth to smother a laugh. “I’ll convince him I’m an elderly woman, too uncool to be bothered by. How old is he?”

“Fifteen.” Sara sighed, then her youngest was on her, hugging her. “Hey, sweetie. How was school?”

“I got a hundred percent on my math test! Hi, who are you?” Wide brown eyes gazed at Charity.

“Hold on for your brother and sister, and I’ll introduce you all at once. Come on, guys, you have chores, and I’m running behind on my own stuff.” As the siblings lined up in front of Charity and Sara, their mother rattled off names. “Adam’s my oldest. James is our math whiz, and Tori’s twelve going on twenty-one. This is Jennifer, everyone. She’ll be staying for a while.”

“A human girl instead of a Nobek? That’s new. What are you in for?” Tori wore a half-smirk.

“It doesn't matter. Treat her as you would your brothers…no, treat her respectfully,” Sara hurriedly amended.

Charity had her story ready, however. Having been a pre-teen not so long ago herself, she grinned at Tori. “I might have had a bad habit of pulling pranks on those who lacked senses of humor.”

“You got sent to Haven for pranking somebody?”

“The last stunt went kind of wrong. No permanent injuries, but…” Charity shrugged, as if to say what can you do? Then she assumed a penitent expression. “I didn’t mean to hurt my chemistry professor. It was only supposed to be a little blast.”

Sara fell into her role. “The trouble when it comes to these situations is we rarely want to cause harm, but it happens quite easily. I’ve been informed you were warned this exile would happen if you kept up your practical jokes.”

Charity hung her head. She peeked through still-unfamiliar honey-blond strands to see what reaction their performance had won.

Adam gazed at her as if impressed, his blue eyes bright. Charity might have told him she’d scaled the galaxy’s tallest mountain in high heels and won less admiration.

Tori’s attention was pointed at her mother. She displayed a sort of world-weariness reserved for those of a certain age who couldn’t believe how uncool their parents were. Her tone was all sympathy when she said, “Accidents happen. Sounds to me like someone had it out for you, Jennifer.” Having dispensed her opinion, she headed to the house. “Lovely to meet you. Pop by my room to chat after dinner, if you want. Later, all. Stuff to do.”

“ Stuff had better include weeding the herb garden,” Sara called after her.

Meanwhile, James had discovered a large red bug trundling over the grass. He was busy setting sticks, leaves, and other debris in its way. If he’d taken any notice of Charity’s supposed sins, he’d forgotten them already.

Sara shooed the boys off to do their chores and start on their homework. “Dinner table at six. With hands washed, James.” She grinned at Charity as soon as they were out of earshot. “Pretty good cover story.”

“I wish I could take credit, but the Kalquorian powers-that-be concocted it.” Charity gazed at the front door, through which the children had disappeared.

All three were fully human, no doubt from an earlier relationship Sara had been in. Sometimes the hybrid offspring of Kalquorians and Earthers appeared to be solely of Kalquorian heritage, but even those possessing strong human traits had some hint of the other species in their appearances. She wondered why Clan Amgar had no hybrid children, but it wasn’t a polite question to ask. Especially not of a woman she’d met less than an hour ago.

“Let’s go to the kitchen,” Sara suggested. “A cup of coffee or tea?”

“Coffee would be amazing,” Charity said gratefully. “But if you have work, I don’t want to hold you up—”

“Nothing too pressing. Claiming I’m behind on my work is what I say to the kids because it’s usually true.” Sara laughed. “The empire gave us a decent heads-up you were coming. I set aside time to get you settled.”

They were soon seated at a small table in what had to be the most technologically advanced kitchen Charity had ever seen. It made sense it would be, thanks to Utber being an honest-to-goodness chef. Because the farmhouse was so traditional from the outside, she’d expected a more rustic setting. She had to admit the modernity disappointed her a little.

Sara stirred real cream in her coffee from a nearby dairy farm. Charity sipped hers, enjoying the decadent richness as if she indulged in a particularly luscious dessert.

“I don’t mind answering most personal questions, especially considering your situation. You must wonder whom you can trust these days,” Sara told her. “You were wondering why I have only human children after eight years of clanship.”

“I was, but it’s none of my business. Seriously, if the people who sent me trust you, then I do too.”

“Thanks, but as I said, I don’t mind. James came earlier than expected due to a major pregnancy complication. When I say he came early, I mean on the kitchen floor of my first house here. I nearly died.”

“Wow. I bet you were terrified.”

“That’s putting it lightly. Having him left internal damage, which couldn’t be corrected. The doctors warned me against having more children. They couldn’t guarantee they or I would survive future pregnancies.

“My first husband had died a few months before James was born. I’d never farmed before coming to Haven. With two small children already to care for, I wasn’t doing so well. Clan Amgar swooped to the rescue and helped us. Hell, they saved us, me particularly. It was considered scandalous how quickly we fell in love.”

“Probably especially where your fellow Earthers were concerned,” Charity guessed.

“Don’t get me wrong; I loved my husband Jesse. He was a good man. Unfortunately, we’d married for the wrong reasons…to be grown up and escape from our small Midwestern town on Earth.”

“It reminds me of a romance movie or a book.”

“We were romantics, including pie-in-the-sky dreams. We even accomplished a couple. We earned college degrees despite working full time and having Adam and Tori early on. We were saving for a home. Then Armageddon hit and tore our lives out from under us. We counted ourselves lucky to get a chance to start over on Haven.” Sara’s blue eyes gazed in the distance. Her sweet face was sad, and Charity saw the faint lines of care a tough life had etched in her pretty features.

“What happened to Jesse? How did he die?”

“He got sick. At its beginning, Haven was a lot different from how it is now. The Kalquorian governor, a Dramok named Ospar, was eager to help the residents in any way he could. He was limited in that respect since Haven’s original charter meant we Earthers had to rely on our human governor. Governor Hoover was tightfisted when it came to aid. He acted as if the money came out of his own pocket. A real ‘pull yourself up by your own bootstraps’ type, and tough luck if you couldn’t afford boots in the first place.”

“Sounds similar to what they have on Mercy and New Bethlehem. He would have been an Earthtique,” Charity supposed.

“No doubt. When Jesse got sick, we’d just planted our first crop. There wasn’t money for him to see a doctor. So he didn’t and…” Sara’s hands splayed wide.

“Assholes,” Charity muttered. She blushed when she realized she’d said it out loud.

Sara grinned. “I had a few nasty names to call Hoover and his gang. Jesse should still be here. He deserves to be here. It’s funny to think so when I love Groteg and Utber, but it’s how it is.”

She gazed into her coffee. “They and Amgar showed up in my hour of need. They made sure me and the kids were taken care of. Knights in shining armor, pretty much. When I realized I was starting to feel more for them than gratitude, I was shocked. I’d recently buried my poor Jesse. I’d just had his baby. How could I fall in love again so fast?”

“It wasn’t the same love as what you and Jesse had.” Charity prompted when she paused, swept up by the tale.

Sara smiled at her, surprised. “You’re right. It wasn’t pie-in-the-sky. It wasn’t a couple of kids who were too dumb to think their future through. For me and Clan Amgar, it was a mature love between people who’d seen the worst of what life could throw at us.” She thought, trying to put together the right words.

She must have found them because she added, “I saw Clan Amgar as they were. The fact they were stable and loyal and kind was a plus…but they had their shortcomings, as I do. Instead of wanting to mold them to fit my ideals, the way I had with Jesse, I was willing to take them as they were. I loved them for who they were, imperfections and all. I guess I’d grown up.”

“They weren’t unhappy you couldn’t give them kids of their own? It was a big deal to Kalquorians at one point.”

“Careful. Don’t suggest to Groteg and Utber those three fiends of mine aren’t theirs too. They’ll take it personally.”

“Really?”

“Right from the start, they and Amgar adored the children. When they asked me to clan, they asked Adam too. Tori and James were too young to understand what was going on, but Adam accepted them for fathers on his and his siblings’ behalf.”

“Wow. No jealousy?”

“Adam was scared and looking for security. He was lost without Jesse. He clung to my clanmates probably for all the wrong reasons at the beginning, but they’ve come to mean what they should to him.”

“That’s wonderful.” Charity couldn’t imagine being so accepting had her father remarried after her mother’s death, but she’d been older than Adam when she’d lost her parent.

“James never knew Jesse, of course. Tori took to Clan Amgar almost immediately. Especially Groteg. She’s a total daddy’s girl where he’s concerned.” Sara chuckled, her earlier sadness gone. “So my clanmates are their fathers, and they’re excellent ones. The biological question doesn’t come up.”

“It sounds like you got lucky,” Charity said.

“Definitely, though losing Amgar and Jesse…I’ve wondered if I’m cursed. At any rate, it makes me appreciate Groteg and Utber.” Sara shook her head, as if to dispel the subject from her mind as well as the conversation. “Speaking of men, what’s the scoop on the cutie who rode in on the shuttle with you? Dramok Ilid?”

“I wish I knew,” Charity sighed. “He’s so nice. He has this weird hint of tragedy too.”

“Weird? In what way?”

“I don’t know. Every now and then he looks haunted.” She snorted. “It’s probably a case of me being romantic and dramatic. I’m dying for a taste of passionate excitement, I guess. A riveting tale of the wounded soul aching to be healed.” Charity struck a theatrical pose, her hand to her brow.

Sara snickered. “You should have asked.”

“I considered it, but it felt wrong to interrogate him for too many personal details since I’m hiding who I am.” Regret tugged at her anew.

“His parent clan seemed stable. They were protective of you.”

“Clan Codab are absolute sweethearts. My whole take on Ilid’s tale of some fascinating past woe is probably sheer fantasy. Seriously, how messed up is it to find the idea of a damaged man fascinating?”

“No more messed up than a couple of teenage kids eloping the night of their high school graduation and running from home just because they were desperately bored and unhappy.” Sara sipped the last of her coffee and checked the time. “Goodness, I need to get a move on and do some work.”

Charity stood. “Point me to what you want done once you’ve armed yourself with all available patience.”

Sara laughed. “To the cellar then. We’ll bring up some potatoes and onions to prep for Utber. Then you can see your room and unpack.”

Charity was happy to follow her hostess. The worst of her angst at having to stay on Planet Farm Hell had disappeared, thanks to having Sara to talk to.

* * * *

“What’s this I hear about you taking in a human girl, Chief? I thought you specialized in troubled Nobeks.”

Groteg chuckled at the man who’d popped in his office. “Sara and Tori are sick of being outnumbered. They insisted we even the odds for a change.”

Martin Wilkes laughed. The assistant chief of security for the Earther side of Haven’s law enforcement force was a friendly guy, personable and easy to talk to. He was also as tall and muscled as a Kalquorian, six-foot-five of pure brawn at forty-two years of age. “I’m sure those ladies can hold their own, even when it comes to Nobeks. You don’t mind me nosing in, seeing as this new ward of yours is Earther?”

“Not at all. I had planned to send you a report detailing the particulars anyway. I waited until her actual arrival due to the Darks taking over the Galactic Council and the pandemics…”

“Yeah. She might have been refused entry.” Martin’s demeanor turned appropriately serious as he was reminded of the multiple areas of trouble befalling the galaxy as of late. “What’s the girl’s name?”

“Jennifer Seng. She was tossed out of college after damned near blowing up her professor…hell, most of the university’s chemistry lab too. It was the last in a series of escalating pranks to impress her peers.”

Martin stared in wide-eyed shock. “Why wasn’t she brought up on charges? Or was she, and this is what they decided on? Is it her first criminal offense?”

“She meant no real harm. Nonetheless, she’d been warned on multiple occasions to rein in her mischief. Her final antic made her family and the authorities decide she should face punishment. She’s never been on a farm before. The isolation is quite a shock.”

“She’s used to an urban setting, huh? Clubs instead of corrals?” Wilkes grinned.

“It’s a wakeup call. She’s in for quite a few surprises.”

“You’re in for it yourself, my friend. I have sisters, and you’ve never heard the intense distress of a teen or twenty-something when they can’t go out and have fun.”

The young woman Groteg was determined to fix in his head as “Jennifer” hadn’t struck him as particularly shallow. She was probably too worried about those eager to find her.

He wished he could bring Wilkes into his confidence as to his ward’s true identity. Unfortunately, the spy contingent of the fleet had warned only he, his clanmates, and the spy liaison present on Haven were to have the information.

“What was she studying in school?” Martin checked the time, indicating he had to stop indulging his curiosity and be somewhere soon.

“Astronomy. Smart girl, but a lot of growing up to do. Similar to the troubled Nobeks we get.” Groteg hit a button on his computer. “There you go. Full report straight to you and Chief Connelly.”

“Thanks. Hate to chat and run, but I have to give a speech at the local school on the advantages of staying on the straight and narrow. Universities don’t have an exclusive on pranksters.”

“Better you than me.” Groteg didn’t mind community outreach, but he hated giving speeches.

“Which is how I feel where your latest miscreant is concerned. Maybe I’ll use her as an example of how not to behave. Enjoy the angst.” Chuckling, Wilkes left the office.

* * * *

“This is the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had,” Charity declared after a single bite.

Imdiko Utber chuckled. “I had a lot of practice, thanks to the kids. Chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and pizza. You’d swear there were no other foods worth eating.”

“Tacos,” Tori declared. “Tacos are always to be on the week’s menu.”

“Grease and lactose, the fuel of the younger generation.” Charity had another forkful of mac and cheese and had to fend off a moan of sheer lust. Utber’s recipe was utterly decadent.

“It is a challenge to make sure it’s healthy,” the Imdiko chuckled.

“Such language. How dare you assault our ears with words like ‘healthy.’” Tori grinned at Charity, whom she sat beside.

The girl had wandered in Charity’s room as she was unpacking earlier. Her nonchalant facade had faded as they got to know each other. It had taken only half an hour before she was gabbing in the breathless way adolescent girls had when they’d found a confidante. Charity was amused, touched, and a little saddened…when had she left similar eagerness behind? Had she ever experienced it? She thought she might have been denied, having spent a portion of her own formative years under the yoke of hardline followers of Holy Leader Browning Copeland. There’d been Copeland himself, making it clear Charity was to become his latest wife when she was only fifteen…

She felt a rush of gladness Tori hadn’t grown up under the shadow of fear. Her angst was of the pure preteen kind, the testing indulged in by someone flexing independence from parents and teachers. Charity’s had been more of a defense mechanism to keep growing terror at bay.

She glanced at those around her, this fascinating family formed from a series of tragedies. Adam continued to sneak worshipful glances at her when he wasn’t telling Groteg of the new coach for the football team he played running back for. Sara and Utber gently coaxed James to eat his buttered wedi stalks, which they’d caught him trying to hide under his napkin. Tori pumped Charity for information regarding college and the men she’d met. The girl beamed at Groteg when he turned an anxious eye toward her and said, “Why are you asking about boys?”

“I’m just curious how those in GC space are different from these around here.”

“Well, don’t be, Lady Sunshine. There’ll be plenty of time for boys later. Much, much later.”

“Oh, Dad. You’re cute when you’re freaking out about me dating.”

“You’re dating?” He turned his horrified gaze to Sara. “She’s dating ?”

She waved him off. “Of course she isn’t. She’s talking of the future when she’s sixteen.”

“Eighteen,” Groteg countered in a growl.

“Dad!”

The warmth as they bantered and Groteg panicked reminded Charity how far she was from her own family. She’d left behind her aunt and uncle mere days ago when the bounty had been put on her by the fanatical factions of Mercy and New Bethlehem colonies. It had been months since she’d seen her sister and father in person.

We had no chance of being a family like this when we were together. Not after Armageddon. Not after Mom died.

“Don’t worry.” Sara had caught Charity’s state of mind, though not the reason for it. “We don’t always argue at length.”

“Usually, we’re worse,” Tori said cheerfully.

“Young lady,” Utber warned.

“Dating,” Groteg groaned, staring at his half-empty plate in despair. “How can she be thinking of dating at her age?”

“I’ve been thinking of dating for years. I’ll be old enough in a few months. Then look out, girls.” Adam grinned until he met Charity’s eyes. He blushed furiously and concentrated on shoveling his dinner in his face.

“They’d better not have to look out. If I hear of you being anything except the perfect gentleman, mister, you’ll be sorry.” Sara shook her fork at her oldest.

Utber looked at Charity and shrugged. “Welcome to the family. This is as good as it gets, I’m afraid.”

If you knew how good you have it. As the bickering eased to laughter, Charity decided they might. Her angst abruptly transformed to a soft, sentimental joy.

She was glad for them and basked to be at the edges of their warmth.

* * * *

Assistant Chief Martin Wilkes eyed Jennifer Seng’s official identification picture, part of the information Chief Groteg had forwarded. He brought up another I.D. on his computer’s holo screen. He enlarged both so no detail could be missed. He looked at the two women side by side.

Jennifer’s honey-blond hair was shoulder length, a fabulously tousled mass suggesting windswept beaches. Sultry lidded deep blue eyes, which recalled the ocean, bore the slightest hint of an Asian background in their shape.

In contrast, the young woman so many were hunting for had dark brown hair and less-hooded hazel eyes. Jennifer’s nose and chin were narrower too. The second woman’s cheekbones were more sculpted, giving her a haughtier appearance.

There was a vague resemblance if one searched for it, but they did appear to be two different women. Surgery could have accounted for the variations…but if Jennifer Seng had undergone a cosmetic procedure, it was impossible to detect.

Wilkes considered them, wishing for a telltale scar or some other unmistakably shared detail. If there’d been any, if it were the same woman, the characteristics had been erased. He could only wonder until he had a face-to-face encounter with Groteg’s newest ward.

If Jennifer Seng was the recently vanished Charity Nath, Wilkes’ work was cut out for him to prove it…but prove it, he would.

Ilid wandered the bucolic setting of the Earther-style home his parents had rented for the month. The property included an option to extend the lease should he deign to remain on Haven longer.

He was surprised at how taken he was by the wide-open countryside. He could see similar homes dotting the distance; free-standing structures of sprawling porches, fertile gardens of vegetables and flowers, and vast lawns. Close to Sunrise, these were getaways for those seeking quiet and the opportunity to unwind. Haven wasn’t a tremendously popular vacation destination, but for those invested in the sort of solitude that included the option of ready supplies in the nearby town, it was perfect.

Ilid was a city boy who’d temporarily traded the hustle and bustle of a major Kalquorian urban setting for the tight, congested spaces of a fleet spyship. Kalquor had its own wide-open spaces, but he’d eschewed plains and deserts for mountains and wooded areas.

He thought the wide space surrounding him should have been a void. He’d been prepared to be overwhelmed by the silence and loneliness. Instead, he felt incredible peace. He could see for what appeared to be miles at a stretch. Birds, frogs, and crickets imported from Earth and reptilian drils from Kalquor sang in a chorus as the sun sank into the horizon. Though darkness was beginning to spread, the absence of worrisome shadows made his heart light. For the first time in months, he felt a sense of real safety.

He heard the approach of someone behind him and recognized his mother’s tread. He marveled he had no instinct to whirl and search her for trouble. Less than a day on Haven, and he’d begun to accept he might be able to relax his constant vigilance for Darks.

She drew next to him and threaded her arm in his. “It’s so big out here. The sky goes on forever.”

He inhaled her scent and surmised she’d been baking stya rolls. Soft, airy breads, which practically melted in the mouth, they were among his favorites. He smiled at her.

I can finally breathe again. “I like it. I think Haven’s beautiful.”

“As is a certain young lady who shared our shuttle ride? Have you commed her to see how she’s settling in?”

“It’s a little soon, isn’t it? Are you in a hurry to clan me off your hands?” he teased.

“My home will always be yours. I simply want you to be happy. Jennifer made you smile more in three days than I’ve seen since you…since you returned from service.”

Since I was a prisoner of the Darks.

He warded off the sick memory. “She’s a special woman.” Vibrant and enthusiastic, Jennifer had helped him forget for minutes at a time the dangerous galaxy they lived in.

“She has promise. A mother’s instincts are seldom wrong when it comes to those who’d be right for her son.” Diju’s grin was self-assured.

Anguish rose again, determined to have its say. “What of her son’s rightness for potential clanmates? Can you guarantee that?”

Her smile faded. “You’re a wonderful man, Ilid. Caring, intelligent—”

“Damaged. Weak. After what happened, I might not be Dramok enough for anyone.”

“Stop it.” Diju tugged him to face her. “What you faced would have destroyed most men. You survived what no one else on your ship could.”

“And afterward? If it hadn’t been for a watchful security guard in the psych ward, I wouldn’t have lived to see today. I fell apart. There’s no getting around it.”

He regretted reminding her of his suicide attempt as tears brightened her purple eyes. “You’re here now. Yes, you had a bad spell. Who wouldn’t, considering what happened? But you were given a second chance. You faced down the fears and won in the end.”

“It hasn’t ended, my mother. Until the Darks or we are destroyed, it’ll never be finished, not truly.” He drew a breath and smiled for her sake. “But yes, I am feeling healthier. I have no wish to end my life any longer. I just don’t know if I’m the kind of Dramok any woman deserves. Particularly a lady as lovely as Jennifer.”

Diju’s sadness was palpable. When a few seconds ticked past, she visibly drew herself up. “You should let her make such a decision, shouldn’t you? Despite an inclination to have the sort of fun and excitement people your age tend to go for…or at least, her tendencies that I wish you’d try on for size now since rank isn’t your entire focus…and if your drive to succeed isn’t pure Dramok, I don’t know what is…” the slew of half-formed protestations faded as she ran out of breath.

Ilid chuckled.

She waved him quiet. “As I was saying, underneath a slight hint of irresponsibility a twenty-year-old woman is entitled to, Jennifer is an intelligent person. So be the wonderful man you are. Let her good sense tell her what a catch she’s found in you.”

“If she’s half the Matara you are, I could hardly do better.” Ilid hugged Diju, feeling how lucky he was to have lived, if merely to be near her.

“My son, you deserve the best.”

Ilid watched Diju go inside the pleasant home, smiling at her determination to find him someone special. Buoyed by her encouragement, he pulled his com from its belt sheath and scrounged up Jennifer’s frequency. He hesitated a moment as insecurity nibbled his gut.

What the hell, the worst she can do is say get lost . He clicked to connect.

“Ilid!” came the happy audio-only voice despite his having enabled vid on his end. “How was your first day on Haven?”

“Not bad. We’ve barely settled in at the place we rented, so I haven’t done much else but unpack. No vid picture of your gorgeous face? Did I catch you at a bad time?”

Her laugh made him smile. “My newly adopted little sister might come bursting in my room at any moment. There was quite the discussion during dinner when it comes to her dating.”

“Oh?”

“She’s twelve and not seriously thinking of it yet, but her Nobek dad is already having a coronary over the idea. If she comes in and sees me talking to a handsome Dramok, it might start a whole episode I’d rather avoid setting off.”

He chuckled. “It sounds as if Clan Amgar is all right.”

“They’re terrific. Such a sad story, though. Dramok Amgar himself died years ago saving the children from a fire. They’d clanned Sara mere months before. Sweet prophets, it’s a tragedy, starting with her first husband’s death just before her youngest was born. It breaks my heart.”

Ilid didn’t try to keep the reluctance from his tone. “I guess I shouldn’t stop by in a day or two if you’re trying to be a good influence on the younger generation. If you want me to keep my distance—”

“Are you kidding me? You’d better come visit. I refuse to cool my heels here on the ass-end of nowhere the whole duration of my sentence.”

“I hear Miss Behavior howling to break free.”

“Just because I’m not a nun doesn’t mean I’ll get into trouble. A girl’s gotta have some fun off the farm. But no hot and heavy where we might be caught. Keep an eye out for the inn you promised we could escape to.”

Ilid laughed, delighting as always in her enthusiasm. Also in the memory of the kissing and heavy petting they’d indulged in during the trip to Haven. Jennifer had made it plain she’d been up for more than the little they’d managed, but they’d both been conscious of his parents’ proximity to wherever they managed to be on the small vessel.

He’d also preferred a romantic setting rather than a quick do-me in the tight, spare shuttle quarters allotted for sleeping. He was too fond of Jennifer to treat her like a one-night stand, even if it was all they ended up enjoying.

“My parents and I are going to town tomorrow to look at the local bakery for sale. I’ll check to see what fun we can have there.”

“No pig wrestling. Or cattle branding.”

“I have no idea what those are, but I’ll stay clear of them.”

She laughed. “I miss you already, Ilid. Com tomorrow and we’ll make plans for as soon as possible.”

“Consider it done.”

* * * *

A couple hours later, Ilid lay in the large bed in the room designated for him. He gazed at the open window, through which the cool night breeze wafted drapes. An actual window, he marveled. On their home planet, Kalquorians used energy-efficient vids to give the illusion of the outdoors. Some had vents to simulate breezes.

Somehow the real thing seemed nicer. But then, everything about Haven had pleased him thus far.

Above all, there were no Darks to threaten him. The terrible entities, part of a larger alien force known as the All, had invaded from another dimension and threatened the galaxy. Ilid had been among the first to confront the terrible creatures while orbiting a planet called Bi’is. The Darks had destroyed Bi’is’ entire civilization in a matter of weeks after their arrival.

Few people could detect the Darks by sight. Ilid was among them. As an ensign on a spyship, he’d been aware of strange, transparent shadow shapes draped on the shoulders and necks of his fellow crewmates, controlling everyone around him. At the beginning, he’d thought he was going insane. The Darks had realized he was on to them and inflicted horrific experiments to learn how he was able to see them. Thanks to a fellow low-ranking crewmember who could also detect the malevolent creatures, Ilid had been set free. In his attempt to expose the Darks to the fleet, his rescuer had accidentally destroyed the spyship. Badly injured, Ilid had barely escaped alive on a shuttle, the sole survivor of his crew.

Other ships had honed in on his distress call, and he’d been able to warn the Kalquorian Empire of the Dark menace determined to wipe them out of existence. After the trauma he’d endured, Ilid had been remanded to a psychiatric hospital. He’d been unable to sleep because of nightmares, plagued by hallucinations of shadows creeping up on him, and terrorized by the knowledge the Darks were coming for Kalquor. The All and its Darks had taken control of the Galactic Council of Planets, the ambassadorial body of many worlds, including Kalquor and Earth II.

The idea of his parents having to cope with his ongoing overwhelming distress had sent Ilid into a greater blackness. A few weeks earlier, he’d attempted suicide rather than cause them further pain. The quick-acting hospital staff had kept him from succeeding, and his parents’ determination and love had lured him back into wanting to live. The trip to Haven, where safeguards had thus far thwarted the Darks’ infiltration efforts, was the latest effort to restore Ilid to emotional well-being.

It’s an escape though. I’m still not facing my fears.

Then, on board the shuttle taking him to Haven, he’d met Jennifer. She’d somehow made his hurts less in the three days he’d known her. She was a bright spot in an increasingly grim universe. It wasn’t just Diju’s eager matchmaking helping him consider a future with someone special.

Fertile Kalquorian women had become few, thanks to a deadly and often sterilizing virus. Kalquorian men had banded together in clans for several centuries, made up of three breeds: Dramok, Imdiko, and Nobek. Until recently, such a union had been the legal requirement to clan an increasingly rare female lifegiver, the celebrated and venerated Matara.

Earthers had changed everything. The numerous human women had been found to be compatible for carrying children fathered by Kalquorians, thanks to an ancient ancestor common to the two species.

Nowadays, a single Kalquorian man of any breed could clan, or marry, a human woman. Clanning of all the breeds continued to be a favored tradition among several, however. Prior to his encounter with the Darks, Ilid hadn’t been able to conceive of heading anything but the typical four-person clan, though he was perfectly willing for his future Matara to be Earther.

The Darks had destroyed his hopes. Ilid’s damaged psyche had challenged his view of himself. How could he be a true clan leader…a real Dramok…when nightmares left him screaming? When he’d run from Kalquor to escape the continuing Dark threat hanging over it?

Meeting Jennifer had allowed some of his dream to reassert itself, despite his misgivings. She’d shown him he still wished to have someone to share his life with.

An Earther might not have the expectations of a Nobek and an Imdiko. Perhaps Ilid was Dramok enough for such a relationship. He wondered if a human woman could accept a less than perfect man if she didn’t know the extent of how badly he’d been broken.

* * * *

“I’m concerned the sudden appearance of a young Earther woman on Haven at the exact same time Charity Nath vanished from Alpha Space Station might raise suspicions.”

Charity paused nibbling her toast smothered in homemade blueberry jam to consider Sara’s worried comment. She nodded her agreement. “Never underestimate the fanaticism of Earthtiques. Even before coffee. Especially before coffee.”

It was her and the lady of the manor, the kids having gone to school and the men to work. Charity had been allowed to sleep in after the excitement of arrival. She’d missed the breakfast rush, during which Clan Amgar’s dozen hired workers had also been fed.

Meals cooked by the incredible Utber and a paycheck. It sounded like a pretty great deal for the farmhands, Charity thought.

Sara chuckled, overtly banishing her concerns. “You’re probably not being watched so soon. Still, it wouldn’t hurt for you to be seen doing a few chores on the farm right away. We should establish your presence as a worker now, same as the rest of our ‘projects’ we’ve taken in.”

“Remember to explain in very small words how I can avoid killing your crops. Remember, I don’t know a weed from a carrot.”

“Don’t worry; as far as anyone knows, you’ll be doing most your penance in and around the house rather than the fields.”

“I’m fine doing whatever you think is best.” Charity gobbled her toast and sucked down her coffee. “Point me where I need to be.”

“I’d appreciate you taking the hovercart to the west field and delivering lunches. It would be a good start to make you known as just another face here.”

* * * *

Even if Charity hadn’t been a talented plotter of the stars and therefore fully capable of finding the west field of the farm, the hovercart had a map app which told her exactly where she was headed. A third of the workers were working there, where a variety of beans, squashes, and corn were growing.

She was impressed by the vastness of the west field’s twenty-acre stretch and its seemingly endless mounds. The trio of edibles had been planted together: the corn supplied the tall stalks for the bean vines to climb, and the broad leaves of the squash varieties kept weeds at bay from both plants. Among them trundled a number of AI machines, which tested the soil, adjusted nutrients and water levels, and basically kept the farm producing well. The four workers assigned to the field kept an eye on the machines and were ready to respond to any maintenance issues or malfunctions. They also checked the plants themselves for anything the machines might somehow miss.

Charity could have ridden on the hovercart…Sara had told her most usually did because of the distances between the workers…but she was thrilled to stretch her legs under the balmy sunshine. Living on Alpha Space Station for a few weeks had reminded her to appreciate the joys of being on a planet. Alpha hadn’t been a small, cramped station, but walking its corridors and promenade didn’t feel as roomy as striding on a terrestrial world. Particularly one given mostly to farming.

“I still don’t want to be on Yeehaw Central,” Charity told the waving cornstalk leaves she passed on her way to the hired hands. “Don’t feel too smug I’m currently enjoying myself, Haven.”

Her first stop was near a human male she guessed to be in his sixties. Though his hair was iron gray, he was hale and greeted her with a strong handshake. “Gus Fremont,” he introduced himself. “I heard we’d see you around. Pleased to meet you, especially since you’re bringing lunch.”

Charity chuckled. “I’m glad someone’s happy to see me. Cranky machine?” She nodded to the yellow and black field monitor lying on the ground instead of floating among the plants. It was about the size of a German shepherd. Its myriad of nearly a dozen arms were flung wide on the rich brown soil, as if it had been killed in a shootout in a saloon.

“Yeah, it’s insisting stuff is ready to harvest. Caught it before it started picking, thank the prophets. Probably a bad sensor. Those go faster than anything else on these beasts.”

A little small talk, and Charity moved on. Gus hadn’t asked her what had brought her to Haven and the Amgar farm. Had Sara informed the fieldhands of her supposed indiscretion, or did he simply mind his own business?

“That’s a rare breed,” she snorted as she moved on.

Her next mouth to feed was a human who told her to call him Bud. A fitting nickname for Planet Farm Hell, but he too seemed nice. A rawboned man in his forties, he was pleasant, though not as smilingly so as Gus. “Found some trouble elsewhere? Don’t worry; we don’t mind young’uns who cut up a bit. You landed in the perfect place, miss.”

“Thanks. I like Clan Amgar.” She managed not to drawl partner after speaking.

“Excellent bunch. None better.” He turned to yet another monitor apparently on the fritz.

Next came a Dramok in his late teens. He looked her over while wearing a shy grin but spoke politely as he worked on the third farm monitor having a bad day. “I want to have the biggest farm on Haven when I claim my plot. I’m learning all aspects of the work from the ground up.”

“Good luck.” He reminded Charity of the slightly younger Adam. Teenage humanoid boys were apparently a lot alike, no matter the species. Certainly their side glances at women and eagerness to impress them were the same.

She found her final lunch recipient doing what was quickly becoming apparent was the main job of fieldhands: working on faulty farm monitors. “Do any of these contraptions work right?”

The Nobek she addressed appeared to be Ilid’s age, early to mid-twenties. The lack of more than a couple scars on his chest, exposed by the loose, long-sleeved shirt he wore, bore out her guess. His expression was remarkably reserved, allowing only a portion of the natural Nobek aura of contained danger to betray his breed…barely so.

He regarded her for a couple of beats before answering as he accepted the proffered covered lunch tray. “Field monitors work pretty much nonstop, day and night. Even if they aren’t breaking down, we have to do constant maintenance.”

He didn’t tell her his name. His curt nod had served as the traditional bow of respect she’d grown used to receiving from Kalquorian men. He set the food tray aside and focused his attention on the monitor he was pulling apart. Charity observed he seemed to be cleaning the dirt-encrusted components.

“I’m…Jennifer Seng.”

“Are you sure?” He’d noted her hesitation but refused to glance up. Or maybe he was being extra diligent in his work. His intense stare on the machine had no room for distractions.

She felt a nudge of irritability at his lack of interest and her near-mistake of giving the name “Ashley Holloway,” which had been what she’d gone by at the university on Jedver. At least she hadn’t nearly outed herself as Charity Nath.

“Do you have a name? Or can I make one up for you? How about…Tex? Seeing as how we’re on Planet Farm Hell, it would fit.”

“Ah. You aren’t here by choice.” His lip twitched a notch, as if wanting to smile smugly.

“Exactly. I have a life, which I haven’t given up on yet.” She grinned, though he continued to refuse to look at her.

“You lived too intensely if you’ve come to Haven against your will. You’re the first human I’ve seen remanded to Clan Amgar’s farm, however. The only woman.”

“Well, Tex, it’s like this. I’m a trailblazer. Equal rights fighter. I wanna commit nefarious crimes on behalf of the sisterhood, show you boys how it’s properly done.”

Maybe it was the boys that got him to look at her. Charity flashed him her best irascible grin, daring him to take the bait.

She had a definite crush to pursue where Ilid was concerned, but she was aware of the rules of Kalquorian society. She and Ilid weren’t clanned. Adhering to his traditions, it meant she was free to flirt with any man of any breed she wished. Charity’s personal code meant she wouldn’t play for the attention of another Dramok while seeing Ilid, no matter how casual she felt the bond was. She was too fascinated by her new friend. Besides, it felt rude.

A handsome, unattached Nobek, however…that was a different story. For all she knew, Ilid was searching for male clanmates. They’d both discussed the merits of the shuttle attendants, so she was aware he remained open to leading a full clan despite the changes to Kalquorian laws.

I bet Ilid would like this guy. He appreciates the overtly strong types when it comes to Nobeks. The lack of smiling and personality might be a dealbreaker, though.

Charity, on the other hand, loved a challenge. Drawing out Nobek Strong and Silent had abruptly become a project.

She went to the hovercart, smirking to suppose “Tex” might be feeling a moment of relief to believe she was leaving. Instead, she sat on its edge and got comfortable.

“What about you, Tex? Are you here because you’re a bad boy, or did you decide on slow, painful Death by Boredom to prove your Nobek worth?”

Did she imagine him drawing a deep breath, as if to gain strength? His deep voice was definitely tight when he said, “I was originally one of Clan Amgar’s troubled Nobeks, though I came to Haven willingly when I learned of the place. I decided to stay afterward. I like living on this ‘farm hell,’ as you put it.”

Sensing rising irritability, Charity decided she’d pushed him as hard as she was willing to. There was no trace of teasing when she said, “Then you got lucky, same as me. Clan Amgar is wonderful.”

Bingo. His features softened, lending the stern but attractive features an extra dose of handsomeness. “They are. It’s says a lot for you to recognize it.” He paused, then almost reluctantly added, “The name is Detodev, by the way. I don’t think I like being called ‘Tex.’”

“It’s nice to meet you, Detodev.” She didn’t ask him why he’d been sent to Haven. Having finagled him into introducing himself, if half-heartedly, she preferred to keep their present interaction on a positive swing.

She added, “I have a friend who just arrived, an unclanned Dramok about our age. We’re hoping to get together. Where are the fun places to hang when you’re young and foolish but trying to stay out of trouble?”

“Where were you before?” He sounded interested despite his stoic expression.

“Jedver. Galactic Council University of Astronomical Studies.”

“Refugee, huh? Or were you sentenced ahead of the Dark invasion mess?”

“The timing kind of coincided. The calls to consider leaving Galactic Council space had barely begun when I left with a bang. A literal bang.”

Detodev snorted. “City and college girl, no less. I doubt you’ll enjoy our town’s brand of entertainment. It’ll bore you.”

“There’d better be a diversion while I’m sentenced to stay. If I’m bored, I’m a problem. Ask anyone. Especially my last professor. Come on, there has to be something resembling fun here. Anything . Including ronka tipping.”

He sighed and rubbed the back of his hand against his arrow-straight nose, a feature rarely seen on an adult Nobek. He left a smear of dirt on its tip. “There are a couple of bars. Bar, Bowl, and Barrel is your best bet of the two. Less fights, better drinks, and the customers are evenly split between Kalquorians and humans. It has an attached bowling alley plus pool, vid games, the works.”

Bowling and pool. It sounded as hokey as Charity could imagine. “No dance clubs?”

“Dancing’s at the other bar, Steve’s Roadhouse. It’s probably not the kind of dancing you enjoyed on Jedver. I have no idea what they call it, but it looks clumsy as hell.”

“You don’t get out on the floor and show them how it’s done?” she teased.

She earned an unamused glower. “Kalquorian men don’t dance.”

“Except the historical exhibitions. I know, Detodev. I was teasing. You’re a regular laugh factory, my friend.”

He began reassembling the field monitor. “If you go to the Roadhouse, be sure your friend can defend you.”

“It’s bad, huh?”

“Law enforcement patrols the inside of the place.”

“Wow.” She was betting it was where he hung out when he left the farm. Nobeks loved to brawl.

As for her and Ilid, Bar, Bowl, and Barrel was the favored destination. If it was all they could find to enjoy themselves until they found a suitable inn to spend at least a few private hours, it would have to do. She set the hovercart to head back to the farmhouse. “Thanks for the tip, Detodev.”

“Sure.” Hunched over the machine, he’d already put her in the background.

Charity refused to let him have the last disinterested word. “See you around. Try to have fun in the field, happy man. Keep those laughs coming.”

* * * *

Sara answered the knock at the back door, off the kitchen. She wasn’t surprised to see Dramok Dolgra on her back porch nor the package he held despite her not expecting a delivery for at least a week.

She was happily clanned to two incredible men, but it didn’t keep her from indulging in deep appreciation for her visitor. Dolgra was drop-dead handsome. His chiseled good looks screamed masculinity, and his tan delivery uniform did next to nothing to hide the beefy body it clothed. Sara had the absurd urge to pat her hair to ensure it wasn’t a mess. She wished she’d put on makeup that morning.

She reminded herself she’d had her fair share of husbands and clanmates…and enough heartbreak from the loss of half of them. The fact Dolgra’s job as a deliveryman was a front for a more dangerous career solidified her refusal to consider him as more than an incredible view.

She smiled as she held out her hands for the plain brown box. “Hello, Dramok. Our new ward is settling in well.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” He gave her the box, which was surprisingly heavy.

“An actual package?”

“Consider it a thank-you gift for helping the empire hide Matara Jennifer. No problems so far?”

“None. The reports of her being hard to handle must have been exaggerated. She’s a real sweetheart.”

Sara noted she was measuring the width of his shoulders. He was easily a match for Groteg’s muscle. Perhaps being a spy for the Kalquorian fleet, which was determined to maintain Charity Nath’s safety from those who’d harm her, meant he was as canny a fighter. And survivor.

Stop it. You’re thirty-seven and a mother of three. You’re too old and too clanned for a silly crush…especially considering your bad luck.

“No one has come by to see your new boarder? No one suspicious lurking around?”

“I haven’t come across anyone who might suspect who she is. The only interest she’s been shown was from a young man who arrived on the shuttle that brought her to Haven.”

“Dramok Ilid?” Dolgra’s focus sharpened. She nearly shivered at the intensity of his gaze.

“Is he another subject of the Kalquorian fleet’s spy division?” Sara tried for an offhand tone, but she was already protective of Charity. If seemingly sweet Ilid potentially added to the girl’s danger, Sara was ready to step in.

“He’s a special case. No worries; he’s a decent kid who had a bad time not of his own making. However, Jennifer’s situation might put him in jeopardy if her identity becomes known. I hope she hasn’t told him her story?”

“She’s kept it quiet. She understands how careful she needs to be when it comes to sharing too much.”

“If you don’t feel she’ll be rebellious simply for the sake of watching her minders squirm—”

“She won’t.” Sara wondered what Charity had done in the past to earn her reputation. Dolgra’s concern was probably that of the typical nervous Kalquorian man who hadn’t a clue how to deal with a fun-loving college student. Particularly one who was under pressure.

Dolgra smiled, and Sara told herself his expression wasn’t as warm as her imagination insisted. “Do me a favor and remind her to be careful. She can’t expose her identity no matter how she feels about the young men she might meet and feel the urge to strike up strong friendships with.”

“She has a good head on her shoulders, but I’ll emphasize the danger she’s in.”

“Thank you. Let me give you my personal com frequency. You can reach me, day or night. If there’s any problem whatsoever, or even the slightest concern, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Do you have any reason to believe she was followed?” Sara recorded the frequency.

“None, but these are strange times. Besides, I’m a spy. Paranoia is my fallback position. It keeps my kind alive longer.” He winked.

Sara laughed, but her stomach dropped. Jesse had been a mere farmer and Amgar a government acquisitions administrator. They hadn’t engaged in the high-stakes risks she guessed Dolgra did. Nonetheless, they were dead, both in the prime of life.

“I still can’t believe Haven rates a spy presence. There’s been no trouble on the planet since the Kalquorian civil war,” she said.

“I’m here because we want to ensure its trouble-free status. In truth, it’s been a boring…wait, I’ve been assigned to Haven six years already? Almost.”

A beep went off on a device on his belt, and Dolgra sighed. “I’d better get on these deliveries. The last thing I need is to expose my true identity. It would be almost as bad as Earthers learning who Jennifer Seng actually is.” He dipped a traditional bow of respect, his gaze steady on her before he hurried to his waiting delivery transport.

Sara closed the door, her heart beating a little too fast. She realized she still held the package Dolgra had brought.

She opened it and discovered a bottle of bohut. Her eyes widened at the label…it was a pricey, extravagant vintage. Sara was well aware of its cost. She’d once considered buying it, but there had been seedlings to purchase and farmhands to pay. She’d had to settle for a far less exclusive label.

Dolgra had claimed it was a thank-you from the empire. She doubted the Kalquorian fleet had approved of such gratitude, since it was paying Clan Amgar handsomely for hiding Charity.

Surely it couldn’t be a personal gift from their representative. However, he was an unclanned Dramok…

Ridiculous. He’d never been anything but polite to them. All business and reserved, for the most part. She was reading too much into the gesture. She had to be.

Right?

“Don’t be interested in us,” she whispered. “Groteg and Utber will always think of Amgar as their only clan leader, and I…I’m nothing but bad news.”

Chapter Four

“Thanks for letting me do this,” Charity said as Sara’s handheld tapped hers, transmitting a shopping list. “I realize you can have what you need delivered, and I haven’t done much as far as work’s concerned.”

“You should get the lay of the land. The town isn’t a big deal to figure out, but you’ll want to familiarize yourself where everything is. Including the bakery Ilid’s parents are considering buying.” Sara wiggled her brows at her. “Ilid must be very interested to have asked you to get together again so soon.”

“We’re just hoping to have fun. He’s probably finding it hard to be in a new place where he hasn’t met anyone yet. I get the idea he isn’t as outgoing as me.” As warm as he’d been when they’d first met, Charity had the notion Ilid wouldn’t have introduced himself to her on the shuttle. His matchmaking mother had been the instigator.

“Be careful then, especially if you’re ‘just having fun,’” Sara advised. “I doubt Ilid would tell anyone your identity, but you never can tell who might be listening in on your conversations.”

“No problem. To him, I’ll always be Jennifer Seng, otherwise known as Miss Behavior and chemistry lab bomber.” Charity offered her sunniest smile despite the jab of conscience. She hated the necessity of lying to Ilid. Though her crush on him was no doubt temporary, he was a sweet guy who didn’t deserve to be lied to.

* * * *

“So this is the makings of your baked goods kingdom.” Charity looked around the shop. “I have to say, the smell alone screams ‘buy me.’ I can feel my waistline expanding already.”

Ilid and his parents chuckled as she pretended to bite the air. “You missed the excitement of us evaluating the equipment.” Her friend indicated the stainless steel tools of the trade visible through the door that opened to the rear of the shop area.

“Industrial mixers, oven capacity, beverage machines…the heart races,” Imdiko Jadel joked.

Charity fanned herself and spoke breathlessly. “Not to mention vats of dough rising. And the kneading machine! Stars, I feel faint.”

“I’m beginning to wonder why I went into security work if baking is such a thrill. My Matara, you’ve been holding out on me,” Gruthep chided Diju.

“You stay out of it, Nobek. I’m keeping it all for myself and my son,” she snarled before erupting in girlish giggles.

Charity grinned. Clan Codab were excellent sports, always ready to join in on the younger people’s sillier turns.

“Seriously, how’s it look for your plans? I don’t have the first clue went it comes to commercial baking, but it certainly appears clean and inviting.” She admired the sparkling surfaces, the vast baked treats display shelves, and somewhat worn but cozy booth seating dotting the public space.

“It’s nearly move-in ready,” Ilid said, his gaze impressed as he evaluated the space. “The previous owner kept it up beautifully.”

“It would do to start, but I believe upgrades are in order.” Diju spoke in businesswoman tones as she tapped in her handheld. “We’ll give Ilid time to decide if this environment suits him. If so, we’ll make an offer.”

“Go ahead and do it. I feel great about this.” Ilid beamed at the large front windows of the bakery, which showed a coffee shop across the wide shuttle lane in front of the business.

Charity eyed the coffee shop with lust. She was overdue for another cup. As soon as possible, she’d obey its siren song and visit.

Besides the beckoning java, a few people, mostly women guiding their small children in hover strollers, strolled along the walkways. They drifted in and out of the various stores boasting farm wares, groceries, and clothing.

“You’ve barely been on Haven a full day, my son. It’s soon to come to such a decision,” Codab gently reminded him.

“It’s perfect. Don’t you think so, Jennifer?”

She glanced at him and was astounded at how happy he looked. The guardedness had all but vanished from his handsome face. Was this compelling, bright-faced man the real Ilid?

She swallowed. It was on the tip of her tongue to agree because she enjoyed how at ease he appeared.

“If it makes you happy, it’s perfect for you.”

A shadow briefly flitted across his face. “Still worried about stepping in those ronka patties, huh?”

“I’m in the market for galoshes if you want to take me shopping when you’re done here. Fortunately, Clan Amgar doesn’t deal in critters bigger than chickens, so the hip waders I planned on aren’t necessary. Halfway up the shins should do fine.” She was glad he didn’t take her lack of adoration for Planet Farm Hell personally.

Besides, it was best to ensure he was aware their association, as delightful as it had been and promised to be, was for a limited time only. Eventually, Jennifer Seng would revert to Charity Nath, who had a life and future far from Haven.

If Diju was disappointed Charity hadn’t fallen so hard for her son that she was ready to cancel her plans in favor of a life at his side, she didn’t show it. “You two go ahead and explore the town. A successful bakery isn’t simply a matter of the four walls it’s in, after all. It’s dependent on those who’ll buy from it. Get to know your potential customers, Ilid…and have fun, of course.”

“All right.” Ilid grinned at Charity. “Where do you suppose we’ll find the boots you need to survive the fields and pastures?”

“No idea, so we’d better grab some fuel to keep us going.”

“The coffee shop across the street? Sounds perfect.”

Charity beamed at Diju. “You raised your boy right, Momma.”

They left on a tide of Clan Codab’s laughter.

* * * *

Neither Charity nor Ilid were in a hurry to do actual shopping. They sat in the café sipping coffee, which the Dramok said was growing on him. “I’ve been a bit slow to enjoy your drinks and food. I haven’t had a lot of exposure to Earthers despite our people getting closer over the past decade,” he admitted.

“Despite the Earthtiques’ attempts to stick a wedge between us, you mean.”

“I have a confession.” Ilid eyed her, shamefaced. “When the Basma started his campaign for a pure Kalquor, my parents and I agreed. To a point,” he added quickly. “It wasn’t as if we wanted to go to war or let our culture go extinct. Mixing our species had happened fast. We were rattled by it. It was overwhelming to have so many of the empire’s resources go to human women.”

“It was a quick change. I was surrounded by those who were determined to separate our species by force. I never saw myself dating a Kalquorian, much less a clan. It was just recently I considered your people an option,” Charity allowed.

Ilid looked relieved. “The business of civil war over whether Earthers should be welcome in the empire was where my family drew the line. When Dramok Maf set our people against each other, it became clear we’d taken the wrong side. Overnight, my mother started baking and selling cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies alongside suod wafers and tasi biscuits.”

“Chocolate chip cookies,” Charity breathed. “All is forgiven if I’m allowed to have a sample.”

He chuckled. “The first batch from the new bakery is yours. How did you overcome your reluctance to date Kalquorians?”

Charity’s face warmed, but embarrassment only made her blunt. “Lust.”

Ilid’s eyes widened. He slapped a hand over his mouth to keep from bellowing fresh laughter.

Prophets, she loved seeing him grin and loved hearing his amusement after seeing his lapses into gloom during their trip to Haven.

As much as she wished to continue to amuse him, she was determined to be as truthful with Ilid as her situation allowed. “Actually, the stunning members of the empire helped me get past the real reason I kept my distance.”

“Which was?”

Charity felt the bitterness in her smile. “I warn you…it’s totally childish. You might lose whatever respect you have for me if I admit the depth of my resentment.”

His brows rose. “I doubt it. Do tell, Miss Behavior.”

“My older sister joined a clan. It felt as if she kind of abandoned me. She didn’t really. There was no help for us being separated, but it put distance between us. I was hurt. Still am. Whatever she does, my knee-jerk reaction is to do the opposite.”

Ilid’s hand covered hers. “That’s rough. You and she were close at one point?”

“Following our mother’s death, she took care of me. She was my rock, as hard as I made it for her.” Charity considered how she’d taken out her grief, masking as snarky angst, on Hope every chance she got. “Man, what a pain in the ass I was, especially considering she’d have laid her life on the line for me. I’d have done the same for her, but she probably wouldn’t believe it. I was the worst.”

“I’ve always wished for brothers and sisters,” Ilid said. “Being a Dramok, I’d have bossed them around horribly. I bet it’s for the best I’m an only child.”

“You’d be amazed at how forgiving they’d have been. My sister…she still hasn’t given up on me. When she gets the guts to face my attitude, she’s as encouraging and supportive as ever. She does add a generous sprinkling of ‘give the insolence a rest.’” Charity laughed and noted how sad it sounded. It had been weeks since she’d heard from her sister, who at last report, had gone deep in enemy territory to spy on the Darks.

She shook the moroseness free. “Enough of this tragic story. We need to lighten up and have some fun.”

“I’m all for it.” Ilid raised his coffee cup to her. “We can make discovering a worthwhile venue for shenanigans our main objective.”

“Shenanigans. There’s the word for the day. I may have a lead on the location to indulge, thanks to the most standoffish Nobek I’ve ever met.”

Charity told him of the local drinking spot Detodev had mentioned. “He’s right about avoiding the other bar. I peeked in. It smells of man sweat, animals, and anger. I think I also caught a hint of piss.”

Ilid snickered. “Oh no. Tell me you’re kidding.”

“It has no floor. Sawdust covers the ground. I bet it’s to soak up the aforementioned urine and blood from the murderous fights Detodev mentioned. Very Old Earth-Old West degenerate.”

“I’d protect you, fair damsel,” Ilid teased. “No need to fear.”

“Oh, I’m not afraid of the jerks who no doubt make up the clientele at night. This morning, I only saw an old man snoring at a table littered by beer and kloq bottles and shattered dreams. What terrifies me is what your mother would do to me if I let you anywhere near the place. Even if the grumpy Nobek I spoke to was with us.”

“You’re a wise woman.” His smile was everything, drawing her from her half-made-up description of the Roadhouse bar.

“We should meet up at the respectable club. Tonight.”

“Meet up? You mean with the Nobek from the Amgar farm?”

“I was referring to you and me, Ilid. I’m self-absorbed, and I fully believe the universe revolves around me, but I have no intention of my constant presence smothering you all day today.”

“I won’t mind if you do. My plans were to check out the bakery, then spend the rest of the day escorting you around town…unless I’d be smothering you .” Anxiety touched his features.

Pleasure filled her. She’d hoped their afternoon together would extend to the evening. “Great. Let’s have our coffee, go shop, eat dinner, and have drinks at Bar, Bowl, and Barrel. As for the Nobek, would you be interested in an introduction if he shows up? I think Detodev’s around our age.”

Ilid considered. The sense of past hurt had returned, and Charity wondered if it came from a former relationship gone bad. Maybe her urge to draw out Detodev and find his fun side would have to go unanswered.

“I suppose it would be all right. I should introduce myself to the locals for the bakery’s sake, if nothing else. What’s this Detodev like?”

She shrugged. “He’s a bit standoffish. It makes him interesting…to me, anyway. People who try to keep themselves under wraps present too much of a mystery for me to resist trying to get under their skin.”

“Ah. You enjoy a challenge.” A shadow passed over his features.

“You already know me so well. Detodev’s on his own now, but he was originally among Clan Amgar’s rescues…willingly, he says. I think he came here to escape a crime syndicate. He and the boss’ wife had a torrid affair.”

“As a teen?” Ilid snorted.

“Coming up with worst-case scenarios is among my favorite games. You try.”

“Okay.” He considered. “He’s an undercover agent for the farming collective, searching for genetically altered seeds. If they’re grown, the resulting crops will turn those who eat them into mindless super soldiers, capable of taking over the universe on the behalf of the mastermind behind the plot.”

“Wow. Nice one. You should write vid dramas.” Charity grinned in delight.

“Your turn.”

“I’m done. I can’t top your soldier seed apocalypse. What happens when the mastermind discovers Detodev’s a spy? You know it’ll come out in the end. Weave me the tale and leave me gasping.”

She lost herself in Ilid’s laughter, delighted to have met such a wonderful man in the most unremarkable of places.

* * * *

Assistant Chief Wilkes sauntered past the bakery where an unfamiliar Kalquorian clan was taking measurements of the walls and counter spaces. They held little interest for him, but his gaze nonetheless lingered on the Kalquorian woman. The alien females were so rare as to be remarkable. This particular Matara had impressive muscle, similar to the men of her species, but she was curvy tending toward plumpness. Her face was pleasant as she spoke to the men.

The Nobek, scarred as his breed tended to be, started to turn in Wilkes’ direction. The enforcement officer nodded acknowledgment when their gazes met and moved on.

He waited until he was past the bakery’s big glass windows to aim his gaze across the shuttle lane at the woman he was interested in. She sat next to the large window in the coffee shop, accompanied by a young Kalquorian male. He was someone else Wilkes didn’t recognize. Jennifer Seng laughed hard at something her companion said. In spite of her mouth being stretched wide open, she was pretty in a vivacious fashion.

Wilkes paused to take a longer look when he’d ensured no one witnessed him watching his subject. Again, he couldn’t verify she might be Charity Nath, though he’d examined every picture and vid of the vanished woman he’d been able to unearth. Most had been taken when she’d been in her childhood and early teens, before Armageddon.

He moved on. After checking his surroundings again, he pulled his com unit from a pocket and told it to connect to Devin’s Building Supply.

“Is it her?” a voice asked by way of greeting. The man who’d answered and spoke in Wilke’s earpiece wasn’t named Devin, and he owned no supply company.

“I can’t tell. I’ll have to get a voice recording and do an analysis. A DNA sample would be better to be absolutely certain. It could take time.”

“Time is what I don’t have. I had to sleep overnight in the bunker again, thanks to these asshole rebels. The sooner you find out if she’s the traitor’s daughter, the sooner we can get some answers about her father’s and Browning Copeland’s supposed death.”

“I’m working on it, but I have to move carefully. She’s lodging at the home of Haven’s Kalquorian head of security, which complicates the situation.”

He could practically see Governor John McCarthy of Mercy seething despite it being an audio-only connection. “You want to talk complicated situations? Come out here, and I’ll show you complicated. Half the damn planet’s sick from Dark Death, and the other half is trying to stage a coup against my government. I need proof the Holy Leader lives and the Kalquorian Empire is holding him illegally to bring these assholes in line!”

“You’ll have it once I can get close to the girl and verify she’s our target. If my agenda is exposed, we get nothing. I have to go.” He clicked off and smiled at the woman pushing a hover stroller in his direction. “Good morning, Anna! How are the twins?”

He pretended to admire the hybrid children the cheerful brunette paused to show off. Wilkes could admit McCarthy had it bad on virus- and insurgent-plagued Mercy, but much of it had been his own damned fault. His ruse to undermine those who opposed him had set his constituents against him and threatened his hold on the government.

Deadly pandemic and unrest aside, at least the stupid bastard wasn’t surrounded by ungodly whores, degenerate aliens, and their unnatural offspring. Wilkes was up to his neck in Haven’s mire, reporting on its sins to support the traditional-leaning Earther governments of Mercy and New Bethlehem. He couldn’t indulge in the solace of hauling in the smugly beaming Anna of Clan Wyto before a jury of her peers to answer for her sins. All he could do was allow her to walk off while cooing to her unnatural offspring. His sole function over the years had been to catalog the travesties he lived alongside of and hope his superiors found a way to capitalize on the endless reports he sent.

If Jennifer Seng was Charity Nath, he’d score a greater victory. The Galactic Council, now so firmly set against Kalquor, could recover the Holy Leader once it was proven he lived. If Copeland were restored to the true believers of old Earth, if it were proved God’s will couldn’t be denied in the end, Wilkes’ people would have direction again.

“Let me be the instrument of our salvation,” he breathed as he continued through the Sodom and Gomorrah known as Haven.

Chapter Five

Charity changed from the casual clothes she’d worn to shop in Sunrise. She selected a pretty blue dress she hoped wouldn’t be too upscale for Bar, Bowl, and Barrel. Once she was satisfied by her appearance, she stepped from her bedroom to find Sara and Groteg waiting for her in the hall.

She groaned inwardly. A flash of her usual stubbornness and angst eagerly rose to the occasion of questioning authority. She quashed it, determined to do the right thing for a change.

She beamed at her hosts. “Let me guess. I’m failing to play disgraced college student Jennifer Seng as I should be. No night out in the company of the cutie waiting for me downstairs.”

To her great relief, Sara waved off her concerns. “On the contrary. I think a rebel would be determined to escape her sentence, so it’ll look perfectly normal for you to go out.”

“Thank you.” Charity tried to contain the rush of exuberance, but she caught herself wiggling in anticipation.

Sara chuckled. “By all means, be young and foolish while you can. You and Ilid have fun tonight. Responsibility will come calling soon enough.”

“Don’t be too foolish,” Groteg countered. Despite the warning, his expression was as gentle as his fierce features allowed. “A resident member of the Kalquorian spy division here on Haven commed me earlier today.”

“Dolgra, right?” She’d heard his name mentioned by her warders on Alpha Space Station. She had yet to meet him.

Groteg’s features tightened, as if she wasn’t supposed to know the spy’s identity, but he made no mention of it. “There were a couple of transmissions to Mercy this afternoon from the area.”

“You think Earthtiques found me? Already?” An unpleasant jolt shot through her system.

“Probably not. Plenty of our residents have relatives on Mercy. They’re constantly trying to check on them since the issues that planet’s had. Damned few transmissions get through since the rebels against the government have seized so many com stations, but occasionally, they get lucky.”

“The coms could be something or nothing, in other words.” Charity managed to keep sarcasm from her tone. Don’t be a bitch. Let the man do his job.

“Keep an eye on your surroundings. Com me if anything looks odd. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

“Okay. I’ll have Ilid on hand until you come riding to the rescue. Maybe Detodev too. He told me he likes to go to Bar, Bowl, and Barrel on occasion.”

Groteg exchanged a glance with Sara, who crooked a brow. The Nobek sighed. “Sure. Keep close to your friends and you’ll be fine.”

She gave the pair her best smile. “Thanks for everything. You know, your kids are lucky to have you guys for parents.”

“Remind them of it every opportunity you get,” Sara chuckled. “Have a good time.”

As Charity bounced down the stairs, she thought even if Haven were Planet Farm Hell, it had its decent points. Clan Amgar was at the top of the list.

* * * *

An hour after arriving at Bar, Bowl, and Barrel, Charity was less enthused about her night out. In fact, she was thinking of heading back to the farm early.

It wasn’t because the place was awful. The club portion was little more than a shitkicker bar full of fieldhands taking the edge off a long day of farming, cleaning stalls, riding the range, and whatever else farm types did. It was far nicer than the Roadhouse. It had an actual floor, no sawdust, and a blessed lack of urine scent. It boasted a few pool tables, a vid-game room, and a few spaces between tables big enough to allow Earther couples to dance if they were able or rock in each other’s arms if they weren’t so light-footed.

The attached bowling alley was decent, but Charity’s dress was hardly the right outfit for playing a few frames. The lanes were crowded to capacity anyway, full of serious teams and fun-seeking families.

The fight pit at the back of the building, reserved strictly for Nobeks who wanted to spar, gave Charity a moment’s pause. Her nerves settled…a little…after she read the warning signs. One declared no Nobek who’d had more than ten bottles of kloq, five of bohut, or eight shots of whiskey would be allowed to participate. Another sign proclaimed intent to do serious bodily harm would result in offenders being arrested and permanently banned from the premises.

A civilized shitkicker bar, Charity surmised. Fair enough.

Bar, Bowl, and Barrel was fine. Her problem was Ilid. The young man had displayed uneasiness upon entering the bar, and it hadn’t diminished despite the laidback atmosphere. She couldn’t figure out what his problem was. There were plenty of his fellow Kalquorians present. The Earthers mixed easily among them. There was no sign of speciesism to be seen as the two races laughed and conversed together like the longtime friendly acquaintances they apparently were. Earther women and a couple human men who were obviously in romantic relationships with Kalquorians in singles and multiples, weren’t looked at twice except when someone hailed them in affable recognition.

Despite the congenial atmosphere, Charity noted Ilid was damned near ill from discomfort. He tried to hide it behind a front of warm conversation. He paid plenty of attention to her. However, his gaze darted here and there, as if searching for trouble…or an enemy. He jumped at sudden bursts of laughter. When someone dropped a bottle, which shattered on the floor, he’d nearly flown from his tall stool at their small table, his eyes on the exit and hand reaching for her arm. It was as if he’d been prompted to escape and take her with him. His embarrassed laughter and fumbling apology for being startled couldn’t hide how he refused to meet her gaze…or the flash of sickened shame in his expression.

Maybe he’s ill. He’d tried his first pizza at her suggestion. He’d declared it delicious. There’d been a few families, including Kalquorians, in the restaurant they’d gone to before the bar. The aliens had been having pizza for dinner too, tucking in as if they’d eaten it a gazillion times before. Still, Ilid wasn’t used to Earther food. Maybe it hadn’t agreed with him, though he’d said he was fine when she’d asked.

Charity had no idea why Ilid wasn’t having fun. The thought it might be her fault was unpleasant to consider. She cast about in her head what she might have said or done to upset him. Her desperate chatter fell silent as she ran out of things to say.

“We have a couple of guys coming our way, looking right at us,” Ilid noted following a couple of seconds of silence, during which he’d continued to scan the dimly lit environs. “They appear to be a Nobek and an Imdiko.”

Charity turned, relieved for any distraction. Her gaze lit on the most charming smile she’d ever encountered. It came from a sweet-faced man who was definitely of the nurturing Imdiko breed. Next to him brooded the reluctant expression of Nobek Detodev, whom the cheerful fellow pulled along by the wrist.

“The Nobek is the effervescent fieldhand I mentioned to you. Doesn’t he look thrilled and ready to party?” she bubbled to Ilid, loud so the nearing pair could hear her teasing. “Hi, Detodev! So nice to see your smiling face. Who’s your friend?”

The Imdiko sketched a quick bow before charging forward to offer his hand for her to shake. “Imdiko Mitag, Matara Jennifer. Detodev told me you’re staying at Clan Amgar’s farm. So nice to meet you.”

Relief warred against delight for supremacy. Mitag was full of energetic personality. The night might be saved. “And to meet you. This is my friend, Dramok Ilid. His family’s thinking of buying the bakery in town. He’ll manage it if they do.”

The three Kalquorians exchanged bows. Mitag fairly danced in excitement. “I’m glad I ignored the urge for an early night to come out. I was hoping to run into Detodev, which I obviously did. Now I get to make new friends. Dramok Ilid, welcome to Haven. When did you arrive? How do you like it so far?”

“It’s beautiful.” Ilid’s worried expression eased slightly under the barrage of Mitag’s enthusiasm. “So much wide-open space.”

“It has that, all right,” the Imdiko chuckled. “Did you two come to the planet together?”

“By accident.” Charity warmed to his friendliness. She ogled his gorgeous features, far more delicate and sharper than Ilid’s or Detodev’s. His tousled black hair, which grew past his shoulders, was messy in the most stylish manner possible. He was dressed in a simple but well-cut shirt and trousers, making Charity glad she’d slipped on the sheath dress and heels despite the bar’s decidedly un-fancy environment. His admiring regard bolstered her confidence.

“We were brought here on the same ship and struck up a friendship.” Ilid’s smile grew as he glanced at Charity an instant before his scrutiny skittered at their surroundings.

Okay, so it isn’t me bothering him. She knew it was selfish, but Charity was too relieved to worry overmuch about what was stealing Ilid’s ease of mind.

She directed her attention to the silent Nobek who stood slightly apart from them. His sharp stare was intent, particularly on Ilid. “Hey, quit hogging the spotlight, Detodev. It isn’t all about you.”

Mitag laughed. “He’s definitely the strong, silent type. If it weren’t for me, he’d lack any manners. Say hello, Detodev. The night just got interesting.”

“Interesting is what you call it?” The brooding figure stepped closer. “Hello again, Jennifer. A pleasure to meet you, Dramok Ilid.”

For a moment, Ilid avoided his regard, though he gazed in his direction. He seemed to peer over the larger man’s shoulder. Then he nodded to the Nobek. “And you, Detodev. Jennifer told me you recommended this bar.”

“You don’t seem particularly enthused by it. Or you’re searching for someone whom you’d rather not run into.”

His bland assessment caught Charity by surprise. Detodev wasn’t familiar with Ilid, but he’d quickly caught on to his discomfort. Ilid was similarly taken aback.

“You Nobeks never miss a clue. I suppose I’m somewhat claustrophobic. A lot of people, and the lighting makes it feel smaller than it is. Lots of shadows…” he scanned the room nervously, much as he had since he and Charity had arrived.

“Why didn’t you say so?” Charity laid a hand on his arm and noticed how tension thrummed through it. “We can leave.”

“I hate to ruin your night. I can handle it.” He waved the arm she wasn’t touching, as if to brush off her concern.

“The bar has a huge open deck in the rear,” Mitag offered grandly. “We can go there. Come on; I’ll buy the next round in honor of new friends, and we’ll enjoy this beautiful night under the stars.”

Charity noted Ilid appeared ashamed of his phobia. She hung onto him to show she wasn’t bothered by it, tugging him toward the door Mitag had indicated led to the deck. He went along.

Mitag nudged Detodev, who looked as if he might remain where he stood for eternity. “I said I’m buying. You haven’t turned down a free drink in the past, you big freeloader, even if it does mean being sociable.” He winked at Charity. “I’m trying to wear this cranky ronka down by being his sugar daddy.”

She laughed. “Are you rich?”

“No, but I’m better off than he is. I don’t mind letting him know it in hopes of buying his friendship. I have a terrible weakness for anyone who plays hard to get.”

Detodev scowled but said nothing.

Mitag scored their drinks, and the foursome went outdoors to the well-lit deck. The recorded music playing indoors was piped to the exterior. A few couples were taking advantage of it by dancing in the spacious surroundings. Only a quarter of the rustic wood tables and bench seats were occupied. Ilid visibly relaxed as he glanced around.

“The deck is rarely crowded. Is this all right, Ilid?” Mitag led them to a table no one else sat next to.

“Yeah. This is okay.” He grimaced as he glanced at the Imdiko and Detodev. “Some Dramok, huh?”

“My cousin who helped me move here from Kalquor hates snakes. He’s a Dramok, and he actually screamed when he saw a poor little rat snake in a bush. He was halfway up a tree before I realized what had set him off. You have no reason to feel bad.” Mitag chuckled.

Detodev snorted at the story. Charity gazed at him in pretended shock. “Did you just laugh? Do you possibly possess a sense of humor under those inscrutable but handsome features?”

“No.” A ghost of a smile remained, however. Charity thought it might be because she’d called him handsome, which he most definitely was.

“He laughs. Usually at me when I do something asinine,” Mitag sighed.

“If that were the case, I’d never stop laughing.” Detodev swallowed a gulp of bohut, his eyes glinting at the Imdiko.

Charity and a more relaxed Ilid snickered, particularly at Mitag’s pretended outraged attempt to take back the drink he’d bought the Nobek. Detodev easily fended him off, then regarded Ilid.

“There are far worse quirks than an intense dislike of enclosed spaces. I doubt it makes you less than the natural leader your designation claims you are.”

“Same,” Mitag sang out. “So how are things on Kalquor? I heard the virus is being brought under control. They let you on Haven, so it can’t be too bad.”

“A lot of areas are still quarantined, but overall, it hasn’t been as devastating as what the Earthers are dealing with.”

“I was lucky to be nowhere near the Dark Death outbreak sites,” Charity said. “Haven’s fortunate to have escaped it so far.”

“The Darks supposedly unleashed both viruses,” Detodev said. She noted his voice was deep, almost ponderous, as if it carried weight. They weren’t touching, but she swore it trembled her bones. “The Imperial Clan and Royal Council have been adamant the empire will defeat the Darks, but I get a sense it isn’t going as well as they’d have everyone believe.”

“Have you been tested for sensitivity? Can you see them?” Ilid asked.

“All Kalquorians on Haven were tested. My brain doesn’t have the necessary configuration, apparently.”

“Mine either, and I’m no meditator,” Mitag said carelessly. “Thank goodness for the Earther women who can hear those things.” He grinned charmingly at Charity.

“Haven’s head of security has stationed Kalquorians who can detect Darks by sight where they’re needed most,” Detodev asserted. “Nobek Groteg told me if anyone ridden by those entities tries to sneak past the security cordon, or in the unlikely event they actually make it on the planet, he’ll know.”

“Maybe he sees them,” Charity guessed.

“Could be. I feel pretty secure having him in charge.” Detodev glanced at their glasses. “I guess Ilid’s the man to keep up with when it comes to drinking. Contrary to what the rich event planner Mitag says, I can afford the next round. Drink up.”

“Event planner?” Charity smirked at Mitag. “Here? Do you run rodeos, square dances, or potlucks?”

He made a face at her. “We have clanning ceremonies and wedding receptions and all sorts of parties. Since I’m the best in the area when it comes to putting on a grand function—”

“He’s one of three in the district. The other two are so bad, he might as well be the only event planner,” Detodev observed in his dry tone. “In Sunrise, if you bring a bottle of wine and the dishes are clean, you’re an event planner.”

Mitag’s expression was so hurt, Charity forgot herself and gave the Nobek a shove. When he failed to budge an inch, she shoved him again. “You’re mean.”

“What? I didn’t say he isn’t talented at what he does. I’m only saying he has no competition.”

“I’m very talented at what I do,” Mitag informed him loftily. He turned pointedly from Detodev and spoke only to Charity and Ilid. “I’m booked solid for the next nine months, and my services aren’t cheap. My clients do get their money’s worth, however.”

“The Earther governor’s birthday party was a hit,” Detodev muttered. He acted as if as if he tried to restore himself to Mitag’s good graces but was embarrassed to do so.

“Damn right it was. Haven’s news bureau…the planet’s, not the local Sunrise hacks…called it the social gathering of the year.” Mitag kept his back to the Nobek, apparently unwilling to forgive so soon.

“I wonder how I can score an invite to one of your galas,” Charity mused.

“I could always use an extremely beautiful server.” He leaned closer while wearing a charming grin, blatantly flirting.

“Excuse me, Imdiko. She and I came here as dates. She’s leaving with me.” Ilid appeared more amused than offended.

“Maybe I can join you when you go?” Mitag looked Charity over with the air of lechery, but his tone teased.

“Mitag has no shame. I like him,” she told Ilid.

“You don’t mind multiple men?” Detodev stepped forward to be included.

Charity imagined his regard was less aloof. I should keep shoving him. Or perhaps a punch would make him happy. He is a Nobek. Rough is their drug of choice.

She met his eyes. “Honey, there are far worse sins I could and have committed. If it’s what gets my engine purring, I don’t need someone’s blessing. Don’t tell me you’re interested too?”

This time, his smile went beyond the hint of a presence. His lips actually curled upward. “Only in those who don’t run off when I’m giving every signal they should.”

“You must absolutely adore me then,” Mitag guffawed.

“Just keep the drinks coming, Imdiko, and I’ll let you hang around for a few minutes more.”

“You’re such a bastard.” Mitag grinned.

Charity and Ilid chuckled at the pair. The young woman guessed Detodev liked Mitag despite himself. She wondered why the Nobek was so determined to keep his distance. Trust issues?

Join the club, big boy. She suppressed a sigh and concentrated on having fun in the company of the three handsome men.

Despite her flirting, Charity had no intention of getting too crazy with all three. At least, not so soon. She’d enjoyed her share of intimate partners. There’d even been a couple of one-night stands in her earliest days in college. She was aware Kalquorians held sex in casual regard. It was normal for them to indulge in sleeping together on a first…or only date. As natural as meeting up for drinks.

She’d treated herself to bouts of heavy petting when she and Ilid had managed to get alone on the shuttle ride to Haven. He’d made her feel good…incredible, in fact. She held no doubt she found him sexually attractive. Mitag was also a delicious temptation. Detodev too, once he’d had several drinks and allowed his reserve to ease a touch.

However, it wasn’t her typical modus operandi to jump in bed with two virtual strangers and a third she’d met days ago all at once. Maybe it was having been brought up in a dangerous environment where extramarital sex, if discovered, led to a death sentence via torture. Maybe it was her better sense coming forth for a change…not that she discerned any trouble where her companions were concerned. They teased and flirted as the night went on, but they didn’t cross the line into disrespect once.

Her veer into caution came from the feeling she should uncover the mysteries lurking beneath the inviting surfaces. Ilid’s anxiety was improved on the deck outdoors, but he continued to be excessively watchful of the quiet pastoral environment. She was certain Detodev’s distance, despite his thawing, was a defensive tactic. Mitag was his opposite, at times appearing desperate to get close to them and her.

Then there’s me. Hunted by fanatics, playing someone I’m not…they don’t know what I really look like, much less who I am.

The situation felt weird in spite of her being attracted to the trio. Too weird. As the hour grew late, Charity made it clear she’d be returning to Clan Amgar’s farm for sleep rather than accompanying anyone elsewhere.

“Really?” Mitag gave her a forlorn expression, but he made no protest. “Then allow me to see you safely to your door.”

“Is he deaf or dense?” Ilid asked Detodev. The Dramok had reminded Mitag several times that “Jennifer” was officially his date.

“He’s stubborn. And relentless.” Detodev eyed Mitag. Charity would have sworn his regard for the Imdiko contained amused affection. “He does have his good points, but don’t tell him I said so.”

“I’m right here, you big ronka. Hearing every word you say, so you can’t take it back.” Mitag grinned brightly.

“It’s the bohut and whiskey. They’re doing my talking for me.” The Nobek had drunk quite a bit, but his words weren’t slurred. He moved with shocking grace for someone so big and muscled.

“Ilid?” Charity pointedly gazed toward the flat expanse where far fewer shuttles were parked than a mere hour earlier. She could clearly see the Dramok’s rented vessel though it sat in a far corner.

“Nobek, Imdiko, it’s been a pleasure.” Ilid bowed to the men, real warmth lighting his handsome features.

“You’re new to Sunrise,” Mitag wheedled. “You might get lost. Let us join you to guarantee Matara Jennifer is safely delivered to her doorstep. Detodev, as a protective Nobek, you must want to ensure our new friends get where they need to be.”

“Of course. I’m at least capable of helping you get home,” came the gruff reply.

Charity thought it was an odd statement to make.

There was continued back and forth until Charity stood and stared at the Dramok who laughingly protested he was perfectly capable of finding the Amgar farm, then his own rented quarters.

“Ilid.”

Uttering nothing else, she left the deck and headed for his shuttle.

Her eyes rolled but she grinned when she heard all three men following her, still debating whether Mitag and Detodev would chaperone her and Ilid.

In the end, the Imdiko and Nobek piled in the small craft, continuing to make their arguments though Ilid had closed the hatch behind them. He was already in the pilot’s seat readying to lift off. Charity sat next to him.

“Enough!” Ilid pretended to protest. “We’re on our way, so give it a rest.”

Barely five minutes later, he set the shuttle on the Amgar front lawn. The three men spilled from it and proceeded to jostle for the right to hold Charity’s hand in gentlemanly support as she descended the ramp.

“Check them, Groteg,” a woman’s voice called from the porch. “They seem giddy for flying this evening.”

Charity was grateful for the semi-darkness. Her hot cheeks warned she was blushing as Sara, Groteg, and Utber rose from rocking chairs to greet the group of young people.

“I hope you weren’t waiting up for me,” she groaned. “If I’d known, I’d have returned earlier.”

“We came out to enjoy the air and got wrapped up talking. It’s later than I realized,” Sara noted as she leaned on the porch railing. “You seem fine, Jennifer. Did you pilot?”

“I did.” Ilid stepped forward and bowed. He followed up by fishing out what appeared to be a paper strip from his pocket. He held it up. “I tested as I left the bar. I’m within legal range to fly.”

“Let me see.” Groteg held out his hand, wearing a severe and very paternal frown.

“Poor Tori and her future dates,” Charity teased.

“She isn’t dating. Ever.” Groteg looked at the alcohol level strip and its timestamp. He nodded and returned it to Ilid. His gaze swung to Detodev, whom he eyed in silence for a couple beats. He turned his attention to Mitag. “You’re the man who throws the parties around here.”

“He does an amazing job,” Utber said, coming down the porch steps to talk to his fellow Imdiko. They exchanged bows. “It’s good to see you again, Mitag.”

“And you, Imdiko Utber. What I wouldn’t do to have you cater my functions!”

“The Kalquorian governor keeps me far too busy but thank you. I attended Governor Grisweld’s birthday party and was impressed by your work. You have a great future ahead of you.”

“I had fun,” Ilid whispered to Charity. “I hope I wasn’t too depressing due to my…claustrophobia.”

“You were fine.” She considered him for an instant before going on her toes to give him a quick, chaste peck on the lips. “So fine, I demand you see me again. Will you?”

“You’d have to swing a stick at me to keep me away. Even then, I might take my chances on a cracked skull.”

She laughed. “I think you’re safe. If I decide I’ve had enough of you, I’ll send Groteg out to tell you to leave.”

“Yikes.” Ilid tried to use her as cover to hide from the narrow-eyed Nobek behind her, making her laugh harder.

* * * *

“I have to take you back to the bar to get your shuttles, don’t I?” Ilid said as he lifted off. The window vid showed Jennifer waving goodbye from the farmhouse’s front steps, and he smiled.

“She’s amazing,” Mitag said. “So much energy. So willing to laugh and have fun.”

“Smart too, though she doesn’t make a big deal of showing it off,” Ilid agreed.

Detodev said nothing, but his gaze was riveted on the young woman as she turned and followed Clan Amgar into their home.

Since Detodev had taken the copilot’s seat, Mitag hung over them both. His arms propped on their backrests. “I walked from my house, which isn’t far from Bar, Bowl, and Barrel. I bet Detodev walked too.”

“I did. You can drop me off at my place, if you don’t mind, Dramok. It’s on the way.”

“Or we could continue this lovely night at my home. I’d like to hear everything you know about Matara Jennifer. I bet you have plenty of delicious details to share,” Mitag invited, grinning naughtily.

“You have no shame.” Despite his pretended irritability at the Imdiko’s mischief, Ilid was tempted. It would be nice to make friends since he was certain he was sold on staying on Haven.

Perhaps he would have gone for it if it had been only Detodev. The Nobek seemed aloof when he hadn’t had plenty of liquor. Not one for getting overly close companion-wise. A potential drinking buddy for the future.

Mitag, in contrast, acted as if he were actively on the hunt for clanmates. The fact he’d been attempting to pal around Detodev for more than a year despite the Nobek’s taciturn nature spoke volumes about his intentions.

A good guy, Mitag. Sweet, funny, and vibrant like Jennifer. He has all the makings of a terrific clanmate.

Too bad Ilid couldn’t say the same for himself.

“I told my parents to expect me home tonight,” he apologized. “It’s too late to com them I’m not coming in. My mother and Imdiko father will worry if they wake up in the morning and I’m nowhere to be found. The trials of being under twenty-five.” He tried to make it sound as if he joked.

“I love that you’re younger than me. It makes me feel so experienced and wise.” Mitag chuckled.

“You aren’t twenty-five either,” Detodev reminded him.

“I will be in a few months. And I don’t live with my parents.” Mitag winced and quickly added, “I’m not saying anything is lacking about you doing so, Dramok. Please don’t take my statement wrong. Based on tonight, I think you’re a terrific person. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t invite you over.”

“Thanks. I took no offense. I was on my own less than a year ago. On this trip, it made sense to rent a place as a family while we evaluate owning a bakery on Haven.” It wasn’t quite a lie. Ilid felt ashamed to hide the entire truth, however.

It was clear he had no business encouraging Mitag for anything beyond a casual… very casual…acquaintanceship.

“If you have parents who want you close, you should take every advantage of it,” Detodev said, his gaze distant.

It was on the tip of Ilid’s tongue to ask if the Nobek’s past troubles, which had led him to be put in Clan Amgar’s care during his youth, had estranged him from his parent clan.

Detodev spoke before he had the chance to pose the question. “You can drop me off at Mitag’s, Ilid. Thanks.”

Mitag beamed, as if the Nobek had granted his every wish. “Glorious! I’m glad the party’s not over. Meanwhile, give me your com frequency, Ilid. We’ll figure out when we can get together, at which time you can make your excuses to those loving elders of yours.”

Ilid thought he heard a slight catch in Mitag’s voice. When he glanced at him, the Imdiko was smiling at him, his com at the ready to record his contact information.

“I don’t know how much time I’ll have to spare for recreation,” Ilid said. “We’re meeting the sellers tomorrow. I’ll be contacting suppliers and computing cost analyses—”

“Ugh, don’t tell me you’re as unsociable as Detodev,” Mitag groaned. “Why are you guys so reluctant to enjoy life? To hang out with me, the life of the party? Do I smell bad or what?”

“I told him to drop me off at your place,” Detodev scowled. “Am I being unsociable?”

“You know what I keep stocked in my bar and that you’ll be well rewarded for emerging from behind your impenetrable wall. Frequency, Ilid? Please?”

Since Ilid couldn’t conjure a reason not to give it to him and avoid being insulting, he caved. I’ll think of a reason to put him off when he coms. He’ll eventually understand he can do better when it comes to prospective Dramoks.

Chapter Six

“What a night,” Mitag enthused. Detodev followed him into his apartment after Ilid had dropped them off. “Can you believe we were so lucky to meet a pair like them? Beautiful woman and a single, professional Dramok?”

“Planning your clanning ceremony, Mitag? You should find yourself the right Nobek too, if that’s the case.”

Maybe I have. The problem was, Detodev didn’t agree.

Mitag looked the big Nobek over as Detodev conscientiously pulled his boots off and left them by the front door next to Mitag’s. There wasn’t a speck of dirt on those boots. Experience had taught Mitag they were the pair he saved for going out after work. Fieldworkers were used to taking their shoes off so as not to track in dirt. Habit or not, Mitag was convinced that deep down, Detodev was thoughtful.

His companion was a tough nut to crack, however…impossible, thus far. Another Imdiko probably would have given up on the stolid Nobek who usually kept his distance. Mitag would have too, under normal circumstances.

He knew Detodev had no contact with his family. He didn’t know why. His friend…damn it, Detodev was his friend despite the Nobek’s attempts to prove otherwise…had formed a familial attachment to Clan Amgar. Thanks to being remanded to their care when he’d gotten in whatever trouble had landed him on Haven, he had their support. Nonetheless, they couldn’t properly be called his family.

Like Mitag, he was alone. Mitag was convinced Detodev was as despondent about his isolation as he was.

Both of us are orphans, in some fashion. He needs a confidante. I need a confidante. Why doesn’t he see it?

Detodev was already looking at his boots in the entryway, no doubt reconsidering whether he should stay. Mitag hurried to the small bar area in the corner of the room, refusing to give him the chance to change his mind.

“Bohut, whiskey, or kloq? Turn on the vid while you’re at it, see if there are any fights or shuttle races on.”

To his relief, Detodev turned toward the entertainment system. “I’d better switch to kloq. I do have to work in the morning.”

Mitag beamed as he put a few bottles in the warmer. By the time Detodev left, maybe he’d be tired enough to drop straight to sleep. And maybe he wouldn’t have to deal with any nightmares.

* * * *

To Ilid’s chagrin, his mother and Dramok father had waited up for him in the rented house’s kitchen. He did his best to answer Diju’s questions about his night on the town offhandedly, but she seized on the companions he’d ended up among and had flown home.

“They must have been very interesting men for you and Jennifer to have stayed out so late. A Nobek and an Imdiko?” Diju all but danced in her delight on the white tile floor amongst the gleaming appliances and a small, cozy table in the middle of the spacious room. “Close to your age, no less.”

“Jennifer had better rapport than I did when it came to Mitag. They’re both interested in clothes and parties. Detodev came off as barely sociable. He barely spoke two words at a time to any of us.”

“Oh, what else would you expect from a Nobek? They prefer their actions to speak for them. If he stuck close, he’s interested.”

“It was a random encounter at the bar. He and Jennifer had become acquainted on the farm. He works for Clan Amgar. For all I know, we won’t run across either him or Mitag again soon.”

“You didn’t exchange com frequencies?” At last, disappointment showed up.

As much as he hated to burst his mother’s bubble, it was for the best. Ilid avoided telling her Mitag had his contact information. “I hardly thought a first meeting involving a number of drinks warranted it.”

“Well, what does? Plenty of clannings have occurred after a few drinks.”

“To everyone’s great regret,” Ilid groaned.

“Diju,” Codab said quietly from the wooden chair he occupied. He sat at the matching table. “He hasn’t reached legal age to clan unless we give permission. There are plenty of future Nobek clanmates and maybe even Imdikos for him to meet here. Let him look around.”

“I wasn’t offered the option, nor was I of age to choose to clan,” she returned, glaring at him. “I was nineteen. You were barely twenty-five. It was an arranged clanning.”

“Times have changed. The traditional clan of four isn’t a guarantee any longer, no more than arranged clanships. Ilid deserves the opportunity to forge his own path.” Codab smiled at her, his gaze soft. Arranged or not, their relationship was full of love. Dramok Codab had no problem displaying it.

She continued to scowl, but the heat lessened in the face of his adoring regard. “I want the best for my son. You have to admit, the support of a protector and caregiver can’t be underestimated.”

“I have no complaints. However, Ilid isn’t me. Or you.”

She rolled her eyes and turned to their child. “At least grant them a chance if they make an effort to see you again. They might be perfect for you.”

“All right. If we cross paths, I’ll see if they’re interested in a real outing, where drinking isn’t the main event of the night.” Ilid smiled. Her love was a beacon of warmth in a cold universe. While her meddling wasn’t entirely welcome, he basked in the caring behind it.

“Excellent. I’m going to bed. Codab?”

“In a moment.”

Diju paused long enough to shoot him a suspicious glance. She turned to her son and cupped her palm around Ilid’s cheek. She left them, murmuring good night. They listened to her go up the softly creaking stairs.

As soon as her footfalls quieted, Codab stood and looked at Ilid. The younger man’s heart sank.

Sure enough, his father had read through his attempts to downplay the night. “Were you truly unimpressed by this Detodev and Mitag, or is it a matter of what happened to you?”

Ilid knew he had no choice but to confess. “I don’t want a clan. Or at least, I don’t deserve one. I have no right to play the part of a Dramok to fellow Kalquorians.”

“You do fine when it comes to Jennifer.”

“She’s an Earther. She doesn’t have the expectations our people do of a clan leader. I may fall short of what she wants, but it won’t be because I don’t fit a particular definition.” He looked away, unable to meet the gaze of Codab, a true Dramok.

“Ilid, you were strong when you had to be. You survived what no one else on your ship could. If yours isn’t the heart of a Dramok, then I have no idea what is.” His father’s voice was intense, as if he could etch the words on Ilid’s brain through sheer force.

“I fell apart on Kalquor. I tried to kill myself so you and the rest of my parents wouldn’t have to watch me scream and cry like a child! Now I’m hiding on Haven. How does any of it equate to the heart of a Dramok?” Ilid rubbed shaking hands over his face. “In the bar, I couldn’t stop looking for those damned Darks, though I’m certain they haven’t made it onto the planet. My mind insisted they were in every shadow. Detodev noticed, unsurprisingly. How could a Nobek miss my fear?”

“You were tortured by those things, my son. No man would escape such a situation and be unaffected for months or years afterward.”

“Or a lifetime. I can’t see a future where I’m unafraid.” His head bowed in shame.

Codab gripped his shoulder and squeezed, as if he could infuse his son with his own strength and make him the man he might never be. “The trauma is still fresh. You have to give yourself the opportunity to heal.”

“And if I don’t?”

“You will.” Codab’s tone held a certainty Ilid didn’t share. “For the present, Diju means well, but don’t let her worrying rush you into clanship. As I said, you’re young. It’s early for you to be thinking about finding clanmates.”

“Mother doesn’t think so. She hasn’t heard the first real detail where Mitag and Detodev are concerned, and she already wants me to clan them and Jennifer.” As Ilid spoke, a jab of regret shot through his chest. The pain surprised him into thinking about such a scenario seriously.

It only lasted a moment. No, he didn’t know the two men he’d met at the bar well enough to consider such a future. What hurt was realizing he probably had no chance of clanning anyone, no matter how perfect.

Diju would have been enthralled to realize Ilid had always considered the ultimate relationship to include a full clan. He’d wanted what his parents had: full commitment and regard and support for each other. They belonged to an era in which clanship was forever, and they’d committed to their arranged relationship fully. The old Ilid hadn’t been able to conceive of anything less than what they’d forged.

That had been before his capture by the Darks. Before his ability to function as a Dramok had been shattered by terror and helplessness.

“Your mother doesn’t necessarily wish you to clan tomorrow. She wants reassurance that if and when we leave you on Haven, you’ll have the support of people who care for you,” Codab said.

“I can bake and hire help fine without lifelong companions.” Ilid managed a wry chuckle.

“You aren’t here merely to run a bakery and recover from what happened. You’re here to build a network of those you can count on when you need help in any area of your life. I’m talking about living , my son. Really living. It’s time to move on from merely existing in the wake of what happened.”

“I wonder if I can.” He’d thought he was doing better. His constant search for living shadows in the bar that night, however…

“Making friends is part of it. Jennifer is a good start. Perhaps Mitag and Detodev will be men you can turn to for support, whether as eventual clanmates or not.”

Codab made sense. Ilid was able to nod and agree with what he said. Friends would be wonderful. Perhaps Mitag and Detodev could fit as such.

But never clanmates. Ilid wasn’t Dramok enough for them, or any Kalquorians.

* * * *

Mitag lay in bed, wide awake. Despite the late hour, he couldn’t settle into slumber. He couldn’t calm the excitement keeping his brain avid long after he should had dropped off.

Detodev, Ilid, Jennifer. Plus Mitag.

Nobek, Dramok, Matara, and Imdiko.

An excellent setup for a traditional clan. It was everything he wished for. Perfect, should the four of them prove compatible for a lifetime of companionship.

If only Detodev weren’t so stubbornly distant. For that matter, Ilid too. He showed signs of being nearly as bad. The Dramok’s was a warmer personality, and he was considerate to a fault. However, replaying the evening, Mitag realized Ilid had shared little of his past. Or himself.

What had Mitag learned of him? Ilid was claustrophobic and wanted to run a bakery on his parents’ behalf. All other questions had been deflected. The Dramok had managed conversation so well, Mitag hadn’t picked up on his full reticence until he’d thought it over.

Mitag had long wondered why Detodev resisted most attempts for closeness. It wasn’t only the Imdiko he fended off. Detodev was a solitary beast, except when sheer loneliness brought him to Mitag’s side, as it had at the bar.

Now Ilid. What had happened to make the two men so aloof? Or were they secretive? If so, what could they be hiding?

Maybe Jennifer’s heard the story on Ilid. He dotes on her. I wonder if he’s confided his past to her. She’s met his parents. She has to know the backstory.

She was an open book, at least. She’d laughed at the college prank responsible for bringing her to Haven, though she expressed regret for injuring her professor. She’d shared her positive impression of Clan Amgar and her decidedly less complimentary assessment of Haven. Which could be a problem where Mitag’ hopes were concerned. He and Detodev were firmly established in Sunrise. Ilid looked likely to stick around too.

If Ilid were to stay, if more than mere acquaintanceship could be sparked between the four, would Jennifer reconsider returning to the planet once she finished her interrupted studies? Mitag had the feeling to make such a scenario happen, Detodev and Ilid would have to crawl from behind their barricades. They’d have to open up.

It wasn’t as if they had real reasons to hide their pasts. At least, not reasons as profound as Mitag’s. For the chance at the family he’d never had, he was willing to share his past horrors. If the compelling people he’d met would share their histories, he’d revisit the infamous tragedy and scandal that had been tremendous fodder for news vids.

* * * *

It was too early in the morning to be sociable, especially before coffee and after drinking the prior night. Nonetheless, Charity did her best when the hulking human in the gray law enforcement uniform stopped by the farm to introduce himself.

“I hope this is all right by you,” Assistant Chief Wilkes told Groteg, who’d answered the door. The Nobek ushered him in the kitchen where the clan, their children, and Charity were readying for the day. “I’m not in the habit of poking my nose in where your rescues are concerned, but since Ms. Seng is human…”

“It’s appropriate,” Groteg agreed. “Jennifer should be able to rely on all law enforcement should anything go wrong.” He made the introductions.

“Nice to meet you.” Charity shook the smiling man’s hand and marveled at how he was as big as a Kalquorian. Sure, there were tall humans, but she’d encountered few boasting the muscle and bulk of their cousin species. “I promise not to pillage any fields or cause much mayhem.”

“Then we’ll get along fine,” Wilkes laughed. He accepted a cup offered to him. “Oh, thank you, Sara. Never too much coffee.”

“I’ll say,” Charity mumbled as she took her first sip and glared at Tori. If it hadn’t been for her exuberant young friend crashing in her room at the crack of dawn and demanding a rundown of Charity’s night out, she’d still be sleeping.

Unaware, the girl shoveled the eggs Imdiko Utber had ladled on her plate in her gaping maw. “Jennifer went on a date last night. She’s so popular, three men brought her home.”

“How do you know that, young lady?” Sara’s face flushed as scarlet as Charity’s.

“I stayed up and watched from the window. One of the guys was Detodev, of all people.” Tori grinned at Charity. “He can be grumpy, but he’s always been nice to me. He built me a dollhouse when he lived here.”

“You stay in bed next time. You need your sleep,” Groteg mildly rebuked.

“It wasn’t a school night. I don’t understand why I have to go to bed so early.” Tori’s curiosity-bright gaze flashed at Charity. “Are you going to join a clan? The third man is an Imdiko. Mitag, you said? He throws the best parties in town.”

Charity rushed to explain her night out to the too-interested Wilkes, feeling her reputation flushing down the toilet. “Dramok Ilid…he came on the same shuttle I did…anyway, he and I went out as friends to Bar, Bowl, and Barrel.” She glared at Tori again and pretended she didn’t notice Adam’s heartsick expression. “We hung around Nobek Detodev, who was in the company of another guy, Imdiko Mitag.”

“Detodev and Mitag are your age,” Wilkes observed. “Nice guys. Hard workers. I have yet to meet this Ilid fellow.”

“He seems decent enough. His family is considering buying Gertie Boynton’s bakery.” Groteg wiped up the milk James had spilled on the table.

“All three insisted on seeing me home. I kind of got the idea they might continue their night out after offloading me,” Charity went on.

“They were legally sober to be shuttling around?” Wilkes narrowed his eyes at Groteg, but his smile said he wasn’t worried about the matter.

“Ilid was, and the shuttle was his family’s rental. Just in case, I gave them directions to your house. I told them if they felt the urge to crash their vessel, that’s where it needed to happen.”

The pair laughed. Wilkes drained his coffee and looked in his empty cup. “Any chance I can be a total mooch and snag a second?” He shot Sara an appealing smile as he nodded at the fresh pot sitting in the coffee maker.

She chuckled as she mopped up more milk James had spilled. The kid had issues getting the glass to his mouth before attempting to drink. “Of course. Just give me a moment.”

“No need. I can pour it myself. You look like you could use another cup too, Jennifer. Is it okay if I call you Jennifer?” He snagged Charity’s cup and headed for the elixir of life.

“Sure. I’ve been called worse.” She yawned and offered heartfelt thanks to Utber, who brought her a swala omelet and crispy baked ronka strips. She felt as pampered as a queen.

A little more conversation followed, which thankfully wasn’t centered on her night on the town. She happily tucked into the insanely incredible food while talk rose and fell in the background. Utber deserved to be worshiped as the kitchen god he was she decided.

A few minutes later, Wilkes bid them goodbye, ready to start his shift. “Easy day,” he chuckled as he headed for the door. “All those celebrating the weekend last night are tucked in bed. They’ll be too hung over to be a bother until sunset. By then, I’ll be home in front of the vid. Are you watching the game tonight, Groteg?”

The Nobek accompanied his law enforcement counterpart to the back porch as they discussed the start of kurble season. Utber offered Charity extra ronka strips, crisped to perfection.

She scowled. “No, you devil. You and your delicious food can keep your distance. What I mean is yes, and my expanding waistline is all your fault. They’ll have to roll me to my shuttle when it’s time for me to leave Haven.”

Utber laughed as he set the slices on her plate. He shooed the kids toward the stairs. “All right, gang, get ready for softball practice. We leave in twenty minutes.”

* * * *

Wilkes headed for town, his shuttle hovering low along the travel lane. He smiled to himself, pleased by his work.

He’d walked in Clan Amgar’s home, his private handheld device already recording audio. He was certain he’d gotten plenty of Jennifer Seng’s voice to have it analyzed and compared to the few samples of Charity Nath’s his contacts possessed.

None of it would be one hundred percent confirmed to be the traitor’s daughter. What had been recorded before had come from when she was quite young. Still, certain vocal patterns and idiosyncratic details would offer him some clue as to the probability of whether Jennifer and Charity were the same woman.

The audio recording had been only a backup if he’d been unable to claim better evidence. Since he had, her voice imprint wasn’t terribly important, just added support for any verification.

What mattered were the fingerprints and DNA he’d gotten from her coffee cup as he’d refilled it. If she were Charity Nath, he’d soon find out.

“You can run, and you can hide, but the truth will be revealed,” he chuckled, damned near giddy at his success under Groteg’s very nose. He was still laughing when he reached the office.

Chapter Seven

Charity waited to pester Sara until Utber and the kids had left for their softball league practices and Groteg had departed for the fields to inspect their progress. It was the weekend, but farmwork apparently never took a break. Sara was humming as she set the kitchen to rights following breakfast, directing Charity where things should go as the younger woman tried to help. Charity had the feeling she was slowing her hostess down, but she certainly wasn’t going to sit at the table and sip coffee while Sara did all the work.

“Detodev,” Charity said as she put cups in a cabinet. “What’s the gloomy guy’s story? He has all the warmth of a brick, but there were moments he acted as if he’d like a better connection to his fellow man.”

“Hmm.” Sara considered, darting an evaluating glance at her ward as she did so. “Well, his is an interesting story, but it isn’t my place to tell it to you. You’ll have to get it from him, if you can convince him to tell it to you. He is the silent type…but once you know him, he isn’t a cold fish at all.”

Charity was certain she didn’t imagine a shadow of sadness on Sara’s face as she talked of the Nobek. “I probably won’t hear it if I have to pry it from his lips. You can’t give me a hint?”

Sara smiled and shook her head. “He trusts me to keep his secrets, as you do.”

“Then you shouldn’t tell me. I do hate a mystery, though. What weakness I can exploit to gain his confidence? Food? Money? Lots of pretty knives? Nobeks love those.”

Sara chuckled and sidestepped the question. “The plates go up there, next to the cooling unit.” Following a few seconds of silence, she added, “Be his friend. I know he doesn’t exactly invite it—”

“He probably has a moat surrounding his house. Filled with alligators. And sharks.”

“He’s standoffish, but there’s a kind man under his shell. I’d be thrilled if you were able to draw him out of it. He needs friends.” Sara suddenly swung to face her. “You’ve given me an idea. Invite the gang to dinner tonight. Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag. Utber’s too busy shuttling the kids to their activities to cook, but Detodev adores my pork tenderloin. We’ll roast some potatoes…I think Utber froze some wedi sauce. It’ll go nicely on the spuds.”

“Can I help? I can bake a pie. Wait, we’re talking Kalquorians. I’ve seen how much they eat. Two pies. Oops, you have a teenage boy and James the Food Tornado. Three pies. What fruit do you have I can use? Do Kalquorians like fruit pies?” Charity was excited at the notion of baking for her new friends. They probably thought an astronomy student with a supposed penchant for blowing up labs had never set foot near an oven.

Sara grinned. “A few baskets of strawberries and blueberries were dropped off a few days ago. I made most into jam, but there’s probably enough for three pies.”

“Perfect! Okay, where can I set up?” Charity looked at the myriad surfaces where she might assemble her contributions to the meal.

“Hold on. You haven’t done any of your schoolwork since you arrived. You may not be on punishment detail for real, but you won’t let your studies slip on my watch. Concentrate on your courses for a few hours. Then you can work on the pies.”

Charity felt a rush of warmth to be mothered by Sara. “I’ll get on my lessons once I’ve talked to Detodev. I overheard Groteg say he’s in the west field. Can I take the hovercart again?” She headed for the door.

“You don’t have to go see him. You can com him the invitation, same as the other two.”

“Ha! He’ll see my frequency and never pick up.” Charity was certain the Nobek was the type to regret having hung around her last night. He’d avoid her for at least two days if he could.

Before the door to the back porch closed behind her, she heard Sara confirm her suspicions by muttering, “Yeah, that’s what he’d do, bless his heart.”

* * * *

“Replacing doohickeys and whatchamacallits again?” Charity hopped off the hovercart and trotted to Detodev.

He awarded her the briefest of glances. He dismissed her and bent to the field monitor spilling its guts on the tilled ground where he knelt. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve never heard of such components.”

“Crabby. You look tired. How late did you guys stay up? Where did you go after you left? Was it somewhere fun? Did you crack a smile?” She flopped down to sit cross-legged beside him.

“Ilid dropped us off. His parents were expecting him, he said.” Detodev tossed his head to swing the long braid hanging over his work out of the way. “Do you always ask a hundred questions before letting someone answer?”

“Sometimes I ask a thousand. You’re cleaning the circuit board?”

“They get gunked up faster than anything else. Half the breakdowns are due to dirt getting in the circuit boards.”

“Show me and I’ll help.”

“You?” He finally looked at her.

She scowled at his disbelief. “What do you mean ‘you’? I can handle delicate objects. Have you ever manually calibrated a priceless antique cadioptric telescope? I have, thank you so much for asking. I’ve also disassembled loads of telescopes and put them together again. By hand.”

“Wouldn’t have figured you for the manual labor type, starry-eyed college girl. Don’t you have the heavens to gaze at?”

“Stop making my eyes roll so hard at your obvious attempt to convince me to leave. I’m getting a headache.”

She watched him dip a brush barely bigger than a sewing needle in a solution to clear grit from the circuitry. She selected a similar brush and tweezers from the folding leather case next to him. She used the tweezers to extract another paper-thin circuit board from the field monitor, laid it delicately on her pantleg, and set to work. She glanced at how Detodev worked from time to time to make sure she was cleaning it properly.

After a minute, he used his set of tweezers to pluck the board from her custody.

“Hey! I’m not messing it up.”

Detodev looked at it closely and grunted. He set it on her pantleg again. “No, you aren’t. You’re actually doing a pretty decent job.”

Wait until you see how I bake a pie, you big grouch. You’ll literally eat your words. “I’m a fast learner. I also spent a lot of time assisting my sister on her projects. She builds micro machines. We’re talking nanos you have to look at through a microscopic holo. I bet I can solder faster than you and with greater precision.”

“I’m happy for you. Don’t you have anything else to do?”

The man who’d hovered at the edges of their bar group and had occasionally darted in their midst was clearly gone. He wanted her gone too.

Tough cookies, jerk . “You realize the more you try to scare me off, the more I’m likely to hang on like a tick?” She resumed cleaning.

“What’s a tick?”

“Oh joy, they didn’t revive those horrible little monsters. Score one for Haven.” Her com buzzed for attention, and she set her work down before grabbing it from a pocket. “Hey, it’s Ilid! Hi, Ilid. I was about to com you.”

She was aware of Detodev gazing at her. “No, you weren’t. You were cleaning a circuit board.”

“Well duh, I was going to com him when I was done. Ilid, you’re on speaker, by the way.”

Ilid chuckled, his deep voice giving her a pleasant shiver. “Is that Detodev?”

“His evil twin. Nice Detodev is apparently hibernating.”

“Oh, sorry to hear it. Hi, Evil Detodev.”

“Hello, Ilid. Feel free to take her somewhere I’m not.” The Nobek sighed.

“Miss Behavior giving you a hard time?”

“Does she do anything else?”

Charity blew him a raspberry and concentrated on the laughing Ilid. “Anyway, Ilid, Sara invited you here for dinner tonight, here being the farm in case you didn’t guess where I am. Pork tenderloin and berry pie.”

“Sounds good, I guess. You know I’m unfamiliar with most human food, though my mother bakes a type of berry pie called aserch .”

“You’ll love my strawberry and blueberry version.” Charity drew out the word love to ensure he understood how amazing it would be. “You’ll worship those who fed you such an amazing meal.”

“Okay. Should I bring anything?”

“I’ll ask Sara, but she didn’t mention you needing to. If you don’t hear from me beforehand, assume you just need to bring your appetite.”

“Will do. Thank Matara Sara for asking me.”

“Hey, you commed me. What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you were busy tonight. I guess my question’s been answered.”

“Never make assumptions when it comes to me, my fine Dramok. My real mission is to distract Sara’s clanmates while she woos you. I told you the dinner invitation was her idea. I think her wandering eye likes the looks of you and Mitag.”

“Mother of All,” Detodev muttered. He looked scandalized.

Ilid laughed at her teasing. “Is Mitag going to be there?”

“I’m comming him after Detodev and I are done autopsying this field monitor. No problem him showing up, I hope?” She fished for information of what the trio had done once they’d dropped her off. She doubted Detodev would tell her anything.

“None. He’s a nice guy from what I could tell.”

“And?” she prompted.

“And what…oh, I took him and Detodev to his house.”

“Which I told you,” the Nobek whispered between gritted teeth.

“You didn’t say you went home with Mitag. You made it sound like you each went to your respective abodes…not that it’s any of my business.” Charity returned her attention to Ilid. “The pretty Imdiko failed to ensnare you, Dramok?”

“I went home and found my mother waiting up for me.” It was Ilid’s turn to sigh.

“She loves her widdle boy.”

“Don’t start, Miss Behavior.”

“I wouldn’t dream of teasing Mommy’s big, strong Dramok.”

Following a few more joking insults, they ended the com. Charity’s gaze met Detodev’s scowl.

“What?”

“You shouldn’t have said what you did about Matara Sara. It wasn’t respectful.”

“I was teasing, and Ilid knew it. By the way, she expects you to come to dinner too.” Charity set the circuit board she’d been cleaning on the square of fabric Detodev had laid out for his work.

“I can’t.”

Charity put the tools she’d been using away. “Can’t or won’t? She says you’re a big fan of her pork tenderloin.” She clicked her com.

“It’s excellent, but—”

“Hi Sara!” Charity interrupted when the woman answered. “Quick question: do you want the guys to bring anything for dinner?”

“No, it’s all right. We have everything covered. Are they all coming?”

Charity rose gracefully to her feet and stepped out of the Nobek’s reach. She headed for the hovercart. “Two out of three so far, Ilid and Detodev. I still have to com Mitag, which I’m doing now. Heading in as I com, so I’ll be there in a few.”

She stuck her tongue at the glowering Detodev as she set the hovercart in motion. “See you tonight, Grouchy. Don’t be late. It would hurt Sara’s feelings if you were.”

She skimmed back to the farmhouse, smiling broadly at the snarled curse that chased her. “He’ll thank me later.”

* * * *

“But they’ll be charming. Unexpected. Ironic.”

Mitag gazed at the hall where several tables for six had been set out, topped by gleaming white covers and elegant centerpieces of flowers and candles. He did so thoughtfully, as if seriously weighing the prospective bride’s suggestions.

He gathered all the diplomacy at his command. “It would be unexpected indeed. However, your guests will be dressed in formal attire. You stipulated they wear black tuxedos and gowns, so you and the wedding party would stand out in your white and silver. Using haybales as chairs, while incredibly ironic at a swanky reception, will result in everyone covered in chaff. They might be less than happy about the mess and the cleaning bills as a result.” At her dubious expression, he added, “It’ll look terrible in the stills and vids. All the hay on the dark fabric will stand out.”

“Oh. Yeah, I guess it would.” Matara Selene…“Matara Selfish,” in Mitag’s head…had shown little concern for how her guests would feel when it came to her ceremony and reception choices. It always came down to how her big day would look.

Whenever Mitag pointed out how her decisions impacted others, it always came back to “But it’s my special day.” Consideration for her family and friends and future in-laws be damned. She was paying the price for her self-absorption. What had started as a guest list of three hundred was down to one-twenty-six as the excuses why the invitees couldn’t make it mounted. Mitag had a feeling it would be far lower before the nuptials in a few days. Selene’s demands continued to become narrower and more frivolous.

She was paying a high price to him as well. Despite the falloff in attendance, he’d begun adding to his fee in an effort to rein in the impulsive rustic design choices she made by the hour. Haybale seating was her latest effort to drive him bonkers. He’d somehow managed to render palatable the chicken wire arch she’d decided she couldn’t live without by weaving in white tulle ribbons and roses treated to appear fresh for weeks. Hay was an entirely different matter, however.

The event had begun as “elegance to rival a big-city wedding,” as Matara Selene had expressed during their initial consultation. However, the lifelong farmgirl seemed determined to devolve her sumptuous vision. No doubt Jennifer would have declared it a Planet Farm Hell Black Tie and Tails Hoedown.

Mitag managed to talk Selene out of the haybales and riding her favorite farm horse into the hall. “Manure on the floor also isn’t what you want in the vid” was the deciding factor on that idea. He’d been ready to strengthen his argument by noting the guests puking at the sight and smell alongside their dinners would result in poor recordings, but she’d seen the wisdom of making the groomsmen pull her and her betrothed in an old- fashioned horse cart instead. Mitag was pretty sure he could get the rig decorated nicely in time for the festivities.

He escorted her, her giggling maid of honor, and her eye-rolling mother to the hall’s door. Selene’s mother had long given up on debating her choices by then. At this point, she was simply there to watch Mitag handle her daughter as best he could. “I’m always tempted to bring popcorn for the show,” she’d whispered to him a week prior. When he bowed to them as they said their farewells, she grinned and silently applauded behind Selene’s back

As soon as the door shut behind them, he unleashed an extended sigh.

“I could still hire myself out as a waste tank scrubbing sponge at the sewage treatment center,” he said to the silently waiting assistants he’d hired to set up the room.

Chuckles brightened their sympathetic faces. He dismissed them for the day and thought about finding a barn to hide in until Selene’s wedding day was over.

His com buzzed. He brightened to see Jennifer’s frequency. Maybe the day was looking up. “Hi, gorgeous. Are you ready to run away with me and make all my dreams come true?”

“Ha! You’ll have to settle for dinner tonight at Clan Amgar’s. Ilid and Detodev will be there. I’m baking the dessert, so I’ll take a no from you personally.”

His heart skipped a beat. He heard the eagerness in his tone and didn’t care. “I’m as good as sitting at the table right now. What can I bring?”

* * * *

“It’s her. DNA, fingerprint, and vocal analysis confirm Jennifer Seng is Charity Nath.”

Wilkes gloated as if he’d personally brought the traitor’s daughter to Haven, but he couldn’t help it. So much of his work as an informant to the leaders of Mercy and New Bethlehem had been no more than reporting which humans had joined Kalquorian clans or given birth to hybrid babies. He’d begun to seriously question what benefit it was to traditional God-fearing Earthers to know such matters. It wasn’t as if they could stop the sins of so many.

None of the Earther colonies possessed space fleets designed to defend against or attack enemies. After the original Earth had been lost and their battlecruisers had been confiscated by the Galactic Council of Planets ten years prior, they’d had to rely on the member planets of the governing body to defend them from attacks of Tragooms. Only Earth II had been given permission under its Kalquor-loving governor Stacy Nichols to develop a defensive fleet. The fleet was yet to take shape, however. The new Earth was currently dependent on the goodwill of other species to keep them safe. It would mean years for humanity to resume its sovereign status as a fully liberated people.

Discovering Holy Leader Browning Copeland still lived and was kept prisoner by the Kalquorians and the former Earth general Borey Nath would prove humans had been treated unfairly. It might result in financial assistance from planets unaffiliated with the Kalquorian Empire, loosening the Earthers from their true foe. The idea he could have a hand in restoring his people to the path they belonged on excited Wilkes.

Governor McCarthy sounded on the brink of religious fervor in his enthusiasm. “You must capture her and fly her to New Bethlehem. It could finally swing matters here on Mercy in our favor. We could put down this damned rebellion and jail those behind it indefinitely. At any cost, Wilkes. Do you understand? No matter who you have to kill, get Charity Nath.”

Chapter Eight

Mitag walked through town, thinking about buying a new shirt for his dinner at the Amgar farm. He had plenty of nice outfits, but were any perfect to impress a lady of Jennifer’s worth? He should find something extra special.

His heart skipped a beat when he saw the other new face in the district…Dramok Ilid headed his way. Mitag’s bright grin was answered by a restrained but entirely pleasant smile from the handsome young man.

When they were within a few feet, they exchanged bows. “I’ve been informed we have a dinner date tonight,” Mitag enthused. “I was planning to com you to see if I could offer you a shuttle ride. It’s only fair since you were so kind to pilot Detodev and me last night.”

“I’d appreciate it, thanks. My parent clan plans to go out. They were going to drop me off at the farm, but your offer will free them up.” Ilid changed direction and fell in step with Mitag.

The Imdiko was thrilled to have him as a companion. “Where are they off to?”

“The next district over has a Kalquorian restaurant they heard was excellent.”

“They must be eating at Etariz. It’s definitely worth an hour’s flight.”

“That’s the place they mentioned. I’m relieved you think it’s good. The dinner is a celebration. They’ve decided to buy the bakery if its current owner agrees to their offer.”

“Then you’ll be staying!” Mitag beamed and barely kept from grabbing Ilid’s arm in delight. “What great news.”

“I’m glad you think so,” the Dramok laughed. He glanced at Mitag, then his gaze slid aside, as if checking for something or someone. He’d done it quite often the night prior, Mitag realized. Hadn’t Detodev called him on it?

He was distracted from the notion as their eyes met. He bubbled, “Hey, as the owner of an event planning business, I could stage the bakery’s grand opening for you. We can make it a huge occasion to introduce you and your work to the community.”

“I can see how it would be an excellent promotional opportunity,” Ilid acknowledged. His tone was warm, but his attention had shifted from Mitag to their surroundings…searching, searching, searching. As if he expected trouble to jump out at him from each doorway they passed.

“What’s his name?” Mitag asked.

Ilid regarded him in surprise for an instant. He glanced again to just over Mitag’s shoulder. “What’s whose name?”

“The jealous Imdiko who’ll punch me and give you an earful after seeing us together. You keep checking for someone, so I have to assume...”

Ilid uttered an embarrassed laugh. “I’m sorry, Mitag. I’m being rude. I think I mentioned I had a bad experience while I was in the fleet. It goes beyond mere claustrophobia, I suppose. I can’t seem to stop checking for trouble.”

“The biggest problem you’ll find on Haven is what you stepped in. You won’t run into strict commanding officers, Tragooms, or Darks.” The Imdiko swept his arms to indicate Haven as a whole. “Here, it’s only fields of innocent produce and sweaty farmers, as far as the eye can see. Oh, and brides who believe haybales and chicken wire are the height of fashion, but that’s an entirely different story.”

Ilid chuckled. For once, his regard remained on Mitag. It sent warmth through the young man.

* * * *

“ Voila ! Pies in the oven, right on schedule.” Charity waved a dramatic flourish for Sara’s benefit.

“Excellent. I’ll dash out for some eggs. The biscuits are my last project.” The blonde grinned.

The door flung wide, and the three children swooped in. “Mom, Mom, Mom, James cut himself bad,” Tori exclaimed breathlessly, dragging her younger brother by the collar of his filthy tee.

“Let me see.” Sara rushed to the pale child, who held out his arm. It was swathed in what was apparently Adam’s shirt, since the teen’s torso was bare. Sara unwrapped it and eyed the wound, which went from the crook of James’ elbow to nearly his wrist. Blood welled in a thin line.

“Big scratch. Not deep, thank the prophets. Tree or fence?”

Charity was impressed by Sara’s calm. She thought if she had a kid and he came in bleeding, she’d be screaming for emergency medics to save his life.

“Fence,” James reluctantly admitted.

“Whose?” Sara glared at him, pressing the wadded shirt to control the blood flow.

His head lowered.

“Mr. Jenkins by the school, I’ll bet.” Sara’s clipped tone hinted James had bigger worries than a cut arm.

Adam rolled his eyes at Charity before he suddenly realized he was shirtless in her presence. He turned crimson and rushed from the room. His footsteps thudded up the stairs.

Tori smirked, but her attention remained riveted on her mother and little brother. “I bet Mr. Jenkins put the fence up just to ward off James from his peach trees. Serves you right, brat.”

“Enough. Tori, see to your chores. James, to the bathroom so I can treat this scratch.” Sara straightened and sighed. “Jennifer, could you go to the coop and collect the eggs for me? There’s a basket—”

“By the door.” Charity had paid mind to Sara’s endless to-do list in case she was asked to help. “I’m on it.”

Behind her, Sara called, “Thanks, sweetie. Come on, James. While I disinfect and bandage this, we’ll have a conversation about those peaches and what happens to thieves.”

* * * *

Charity was nearly to the coop, which was located a few yards behind the house, when a movement at the corner of her eye caught her notice.

Her gaze swung to the barn. Its red presence was a cheerful postcard image, set off by a backdrop of verdant fields and nearby forest. Late afternoon sunlight illuminated the first few feet within its wide entrance. Shadows blanketed the rest of the interior. She was certain she saw a figure draw deeper in the dark.

She paused. Except for the chickens, Clan Amgar didn’t keep animals. They owned no cattle, goats, or horses. The barn’s function was to store produce fresh from the fields until it was sent on to market. It also garaged tools and the hovercarts.

It was close to quitting time, but the fieldhands weren’t due to come in for a few minutes yet. Sara and the kids were indoors. Groteg and Utber were at their respective jobs. Who’d be in the barn? Could it be Detodev, hoping to see her for a private word? Or more likely trying to avoid her.

No. Despite their acquaintance being so brief, she knew Detodev wasn’t the type to slink around in such a fashion. If he’d come to pick up an item needed in the field, he’d have endured her teasing rather than scurrying to hide.

She had the creepy sensation of being watched. She was reminded of her time on Browning Copeland’s battlecruiser, Sword of Truth . The old feeling of unwanted interest crept over her, making her skin crawl.

Back then, she’d had no choice but to put her head down and hurry on her way to escape the hungry stares of disgusting old men rather than confronting them as she’d wanted to. She’d been unable to slap the knowing leers from their stupid faces. The risks to her and her family had been too great.

No longer. If it were some asshole playing peeping tom, she was perfectly within her rights to punch his lights out. Especially if his target wasn’t her, but Sara. Or Tori. Charity’s hackles rose at the idea.

Then again, it could be someone looking to steal from Clan Amgar. They had a lot of tools and components for their field monitors in the barn. The clan did fine financially for themselves, but it didn’t mean anyone could show up and take their belongings. Charity had almost as little use for thieves…excluding mischievous boys hungry for peaches…as for creeps staring at innocent girls or kind women who went out of their way to help others.

No doubt she was overreacting. It was almost certainly a fieldhand she’d seen. Still, it was best to make sure.

She squared her shoulders. Whoever you are, you’d better have a good reason to be in there. If not, be ready to answer to me.

Charity marched to the barn.

Her eyes were in no hurry to adjust from the glare of sunlight to the darker reaches of the barn’s interior. Peering at vague shapes and trying to make sense of them, Charity stepped in the gloom.

“Hey. Who’s in here? Need help finding something?”

At first, silence greeted her. She ventured deeper, her gaze finding a nearby shovel. So old-fashioned, these farm tools. Also handy if she needed to take a swing at someone. She slowed her advance, creeping more cautiously forward to reach grabbing distance of the shovel.

A distant voice calling unintelligibly startled her, and she turned toward the front of the barn, uttering a gasp. She relaxed an instant later. The fieldhands were on their way in. They were still some distance off from the sounds of it.

She faced the rear of the building’s interior again, irritated to find she’d blasted her vision to garbage from looking at the sunlit area. She curled her fingers on the shovel’s handle. “I know someone’s in here. State your business, or I’ll assume the worst.”

No answer. Charity picked up the shovel and held it at the ready. Staying as silent as possible, she headed in, peering among bins and equipment as best as her slowly recovering sight allowed.

She’d gone half a dozen steps when someone grabbed her from behind. A thick arm circled her waist, pulling her close to a large body. Her attacker yanked the shovel from her grip and flung it into the darkness.

Chapter Nine

As the shovel flew from her sight, Charity enacted the first rule of self-defense she’d been taught: she screamed, as loud and piercing as she could. Then she stomped the assailant’s booted feet and jabbed her elbows in a stomach as hard as steel.

She was rewarded by the softest of grunts from her efforts. The bastard was big, and as far as she could tell, he was pure muscle. She screamed anew.

Something sprayed her face. Its scent was reminiscent of skunk, and she choked. Dizziness overwhelmed her. Her legs loosened, and she started to fall. Her surroundings rocked.

She was dimly aware her sudden collapse had made her slide low in her attacker’s grip. As he scrambled to catch her, she summoned what strength remained and shot her elbow back once more.

Score. Square in the family jewels, her fading mind whispered.

A high-pitched wheeze verified her hope, a lovely prize for her efforts. The man lost his hold on her. Her instincts screamed escape, and she obeyed them. On numbed legs, the barn tilting like a funhouse, she staggered for the outside.

She got through the door and ran smack into another large, muscled body. For a moment, she thought it was her attacker. To her relief, a familiar face swam in view as her upper arms were grabbed and she was held upright.

“Jennifer! Was it you screaming?” Detodev’s nose wrinkled. “What’s that smell?”

She clung to him as her brain tried to gather the wisps of her thoughts and pull them together. “Man. In the barn. Attacked me.”

Sara and her eldest son were abruptly there. The woman’s arm clasped Charity’s waist. “Attacked you? Who was it?”

“I’ll check. Adam, stay here.” Detodev’s lips wrinkled in fury to display descended fangs. He rushed past them to search the building.

Adam stared after Detodev, his face pale. Behind him in the kitchen doorway, Tori and James watched the scene, their eyes wide.

Charity gulped air. The faintness began to dissipate. “I didn’t see him. He was big. Kalquorian big. All muscle. He sprayed something in my face, and I almost lost consciousness.”

“It’s okay. You’re safe now.” Sara glanced to the side. A number of farmhands were racing from the fields, calling questions.

Detodev came out, pieces of hay clinging to his braid and red flannel shirt. His brows were drawn together and low, giving him a bestial, violent appearance. “I didn’t see anyone, but he could have gone through the window in the back. It’s open.”

“I thought I saw someone coming from this direction as I was running up,” the farmhand Bud panted, out of breath as he drew near. “He was limping but moving fast. Big bastard. He headed into the trees at the edge of the property.”

Charity’s gaze met Sara’s. “Someone knows who I am,” she whispered. “They came for me.”

From the corner of her eye, she saw Detodev frown. Despite keeping her voice low, he’d heard her.

* * * *

Detodev joined in the strained laughter as Mitag told everyone of the young bride he worked for and her obsession with tuxedos and haybale seating arrangements. It should have been a hilarious story, but the gaiety was forced from Jennifer, Clan Amgar, and Detodev following the incident in the barn.

At Jennifer’s insistence, dinner had gone ahead as planned. Sara’s pork tenderloin was as amazing as ever. The scent coming from the berry pies was mouthwatering. Detodev had been surprised to learn the would-be astronomer Starry Eyes Seng could bake. He wished he could do real justice to the anticipation of tasting her culinary efforts.

Unfortunately, he was too concerned about what had happened in the barn. He eyed Jennifer and her hosts, wondering what the real story was.

Anxiety kept creeping in, giving rise to anger. His reaction when she’d staggered from the barn, her expression dazed and terrified, had been an upwelling of fury he recognized all too easily. He’d smelled the knockout gas, used often on farm stock by the local veterinarians when a horse, cow, or ronka needed medical treatment. He’d helped out on enough neighboring ranches to identify the odor once his mind-blinding rage had dissipated. Whoever had cornered Jennifer must have used a diluted formula. The full-strength version could have stopped her heart instantly.

Who’d do such a thing? And why? It was obvious she was in danger. The remark she’d made to Sara referencing someone knowing who she really was told him she hadn’t come to Haven over a mere prank gone wrong.

It reminded Detodev that she’d stumbled over her name when she’d initially introduced herself to him.

She’s in hiding on Haven. Who is Jennifer Seng? Why is someone after her?

Who’s after her?

His heart drummed. He realized he was on the verge of an animalistic growl. Detodev drew a deep breath, grateful Mitag continued to talk and hold everyone’s attention. No one had noticed the Nobek’s tense jaw or how he grasped the edge of the polished wood table in a white-knuckled grip.

He forced himself to relax. Jennifer was safe now. The powerful but restrained Groteg, a real Nobek, would protect her. Knowing she’d been targeted, he’d make sure nothing else happened to her.

Detodev could focus on what he was suited for, what he was safe doing. Farming was where he belonged, where his energies could do the most good. Where he wouldn’t lose control and commit the terrible harm he was capable of, the harm he’d done in the past.

“Hey! Detodev, quit daydreaming,” Mitag demanded. Trust a Nobek to drift off when the talk turned to event planning and weddings, though the stories were funny. Detodev had obviously missed the recent change in conversation.

“Huh?” Detodev’s distant gaze sharpened as he responded to the Imdiko.

“I was telling everyone about the show the Sapphire Isles District Players are putting on at Sunrise’s theater next weekend. It’s a comedy centering around a guy coming to Haven and trying to start a high-end vacation spot for rich people who want a taste of ranch life. It all goes sideways, of course.”

Utber snorted. “I’ve heard of it. My understanding is it’s bawdy. Downright crude. Not suitable for the children.”

“The title of the play tells you all you need to know . Cow Patties in Paradise ,” Groteg chuckled.

“Sweet prophets. No thanks,” Sara laughed as Tori groaned.

“What’s ‘bawdy’ mean?” James asked as he gobbled pork roast and eagerly stared at the nearby pies. If his bandaged arm bothered him, he gave no sign.

“It means young men your age don’t get to see it.”

Mitag directed his interest to Jennifer, Ilid, and Detodev. “That leaves us, my fine friends. It got rave reviews in the neighboring districts. It’s supposed to be hilarious. I can get tickets if we decide to go. Dinner first, maybe drinks after the show?”

“It sounds like a laugh. I’m in,” Ilid said.

“Is it really what passes as culture here?” Jennifer groused. “What I wouldn’t do for an actual dance club. Except you spoilsport Kalquorians don’t dance.”

Mitag’s brilliant smile fell an octave. “The show’s a chance at some new entertainment. I thought it might be fun.”

Detodev noted Jennifer, who had struck him as empathetic to others’ feelings if not always sympathetic , wasn’t picking up on the Imdiko’s disappointment. She was too shaken from what had happened, he guessed.

Her reticence was shared by Sara, who eyed her worriedly. “Maybe going out isn’t such a wise idea. Sticking close to home might be better.”

As Ilid and Mitag registered surprise, Groteg at last updated them on the situation. “Someone got up to mischief on the farm today. Jennifer surprised him while he was messing around in the barn. It was apparently someone who shouldn’t have been there. Possibly a thief, I suppose. He attacked her. She fought him and got free.”

At the Dramok’s and Imdiko’s shocked exclamations, Groteg shot Detodev a glance. Maybe he suspected the younger Nobek had suspicions about the story of a would-be robber. Detodev guessed Groteg was warning him to keep such concerns to himself.

Definitely something weird going on where Jennifer’s concerned.

“Detodev was in the vicinity when he heard her call for help, and he came to the rescue,” Groteg continued smoothly. “The person ran off, and Jennifer wasn’t harmed. She’s a little rattled, nonetheless.”

“Good for you, Detodev.” Ilid praised.

“Too bad you didn’t catch him,” Mitag snarled. “Imagine attacking a woman. He deserved the full measure of a Nobek’s wrath for such an act.”

Detodev’s stomach twisted. He ignored Groteg’s regard and the elder man’s uplifted brow. “At least she’s okay,” he muttered.

“A night out and a silly show, whether it’s good or not, is an excellent idea,” Utber suddenly opined. “In my view, the last thing you should do once something bad happens is let it stop you from normal activities.”

“I agree,” Groteg said. “Jennifer, if you want to see the show, who better to be in the company of than three strong Kalquorian men? I can’t imagine what happened today repeating in public, especially if your friends don’t let you out of their sight.”

Again, his gaze swung to Detodev. His stare was challenging.

It was the elder Nobek’s assertion no trouble was apt to happen in public that offered the younger man the space to nod. “If Jennifer wishes to attend the play and it’ll help her feel safer, I’ll go along as well.”

“The same goes for me,” Ilid quickly added. “We’ll see to it no jerk keeps you from enjoying yourself, Jennifer.”

The strain she’d worn like a mask evaporated in the face of their protectiveness. Her smile was nearly its usual brightness. “The show does sound worth checking out. I guess you’d better make good on those tickets, Mitag.”

“Done.” The Imdiko grinned. “I might be categorized as a caregiver, but you have my promise of protection too…after the Nobek and Dramok soften up our enemies.”

Detodev’s laugh joining the rest had a hoarse quality. Thank the ancestors it was doubtful anyone would try to harm Jennifer at the theater. The last thing he wanted to do was show how ill-suited he was when it came to fending off adversaries.

* * * *

Wilkes couldn’t sit still in the aftermath of his failed attempt to grab the Nath woman. Despite the ache of his groin where she’d managed her lucky shot, he paced his casual but nicely furnished living room, snarling at his bad luck.

On top of it all, he’d run from Nobek Detodev, a known coward. He hadn’t realized who’d raced to Charity’s rescue until he’d already fled into the trees, where he’d hidden to see if he’d been identified. Detodev’s face in the barn’s rear window, peering to see where the quarry had escaped to, had nearly incited him to emerge and issue a challenge. Had it not been for the rising excited voices telling him others had arrived on the scene, he might have. Despite the Nobek’s furious expression, Wilkes hadn’t been impressed. He was as big and strong as the young Kalquorian farmer…and he didn’t slink from confrontations like a beaten cur as Detodev was notorious for.

“I had her,” he snarled to the room, kept clean and tidy by a woman he’d hired to make it so once a week. “My first real chance to do something worthwhile against the Kalqs and Kalq lovers, and I blew it. I had the traitor’s bitch daughter, and she got away!”

He’d ranted and raged for nearly an hour, and he could feel the passion of his anger depleting. It was a letdown and a gift: the part of him rarely allowed to vent wanted nothing more than to continue to wallow in ire. Yet Wilkes knew it would take a clearer head to cut his losses and begin anew.

At least no one had identified him. If they had, Groteg would have broken down his door already. Perhaps Nath thought she’d been accosted by a Kalquorian. A few local human men were near Wilkes’ size and strength, but they were a scant minority. It stood to reason she’d surmise some lusty Kalquorian man had been lying in wait for her, eager to rape yet another degenerate human woman. It was what they were infamous for, after all.

It would have served her right if I had been one of those beasts. Wilkes thought of her lying helpless under him, of her cries and tears as he taught her the error of her sinful ways. He enjoyed the idea of just payment for her and her father’s transgressions, though his aching groin found no sensual thrill in it.

The vision of Charity Nath suffering what she deserved at his hands leeched the last of Wilkes’ blinding rage. He eased into his favorite overstuffed chair. He shifted until he found a comfortable position, ready to contemplate the next step.

“They may suspect she’s been found out,” he told the room with its cozy seating arrangement in front of a top-of-the-line entertainment system, on which he enjoyed football games and movies. Talking out loud had always helped him think matters through better. “I’ve lost the element of surprise, perhaps. Groteg will be on the alert for further attempts in the immediate future.”

Wilkes’ next try would have to be along less suspicious lines. He mused over various scenarios, letting his mind range from the conventional to the ridiculous. He’d found even dumb notions sometimes held a nugget of promise he could take advantage of.

“Might have to take chances…but nothing excessively risky. Not unless the risk can be shoved onto someone else loyal enough to the cause to willingly accept it. Or loyal and stupid enough.”

He grinned. He knew a fellow who fit the bill where such an accomplice was concerned. Once more, speaking the thoughts running through his head had sorted their confused clattering.

* * * *

Charity aimed the battered antique telescope she’d set up in the Amgar backyard. “There, out beyond the Bi’is territory’s sun…what was the Bi’is territory,” she amended. “It isn’t visible from here or from any telescope even at the edge of known space, but my calculations say there’s a hypergiant sun about seventeen hundred light years from Galactic Council space.”

“Hypergiant?” Mitag asked.

“A star larger than a supergiant. It’s huge, in other words.” She gazed at the blue twinkle of Bi’is itself, a planet now devoid of the sentients who’d called it home for eons. The Bi’isils had been real bastards, but she felt sorry for their extinction just the same. No species deserved to be wiped out, with the possible exception of the entity which had ended them: the All, from which the Darks came.

“How would it compare to Kalquor’s sun?” Detodev asked.

“Close to two thousand times the radius. Visualize six and a half billion of your suns fitting into it.”

The Nobek whistled, for once impressed.

Charity focused and waved Ilid over to look. “There’s Bi’is, as my people would have seen it hundreds of years ago, if they’d been on Haven.”

He hesitated. For an instant, she thought he’d retreat rather than looking. Slowly he bent and peered through the eyepiece. He almost sounded relieved when he spoke. “It’s so tiny. It’s astonishing this device was at one time the apex of scientific tools.” He leaned back and gazed in amused wonder at the telescope.

“Isn’t it? A computer tied to the GC’s Polttuu space telescope could show you geographic formations on Bi’is’ surface. Yet my people discovered a number of planets with one of these before we had non-animal transportation. As did our common ancestors before they flew to the stars.”

Mitag took a turn. “It doesn’t do any calculations for you either. So primitive…but incredible too.”

“What happens if you’re proven correct about this sun’s existence? What does it mean for you?” Ilid asked.

Charity wondered if he could see her flush in the dark. “I realize it sounds like a big ego trip. My name would be attached as its discoverer. It could land me a great job at an observatory, so it’s a career-maker.”

The Dramok’s regard was warm. “You aren’t chasing accolades, though.”

“Don’t get me wrong; I’d enjoy the praise. I’m a mere ego-saddled mortal, after all. But to be the first to know something of such magnitude is out there…to be the first to realize what no one else has…”

She sounded foolish to her own ears. Pathetic, as if she were a toddler shouting, look at me, look what I did! But it wasn’t that at all. It would be the same as discovering a treasure. Or a cure for a devastating illness. Her sun, if it proved to be there, was a thrill she’d embrace whether the galaxy knew of her accomplishment or not.

“The heart of the explorer,” Ilid said. “Living to find a dream made real.”

She beamed at him. He understood. Somehow, despite her clumsy attempts to explain, he understood.

Detodev took his turn to peer at Bi’is through the lens. “I like this,” he said in his even voice that doggedly betrayed so little emotion. “It underlines the distance between the planets and stars. Too much is put so easily at our fingertips. Our modern technology makes it seem trivial how far our people have come from our beginnings. This reminds me how we had to work to get to this point.”

Charity joined Ilid and Mitag in gaping at the Nobek. He straightened and frowned at their regard.

Mitag recovered and chuckled. “You almost waxed poetic, you big thug.”

“Shut up. I have a brain.”

“I suspected it all along,” Charity grinned, then lightened up on him. “You’re right. It doesn’t apply only to stargazing, either. As backward as I complain Haven is, farming is a breeze compared to what it was when hunters and gatherers began planting rather than chasing their food. Sometimes I dream we might actually survive our worst selves.”

“I suppose there’s hope.”

Charity imagined there was a note of sadness in Detodev’s voice. She brushed off the notion and stared up at the clear sky. It was vast. Limitless, dotted by endless points of distant stars. “So clear,” she sighed. “You don’t get such views from Jedver’s surface, thanks to the light pollution.”

“Careful. We might get the idea you appreciate Haven,” Ilid chuckled.

She turned in a slow circle, her gaze sweeping the cosmos laid out like a computer star map. She’d already memorized the positions of Kalquor, Earth II, Joshada, Bi’is…so many planets twinkling when their turn to visit the night sky came. Haven held an impressive position to view its distant relatives and beyond.

“No light pollution here, thanks to it being mostly pastoral. The location is a sort of hub to view everything we’re taught in our classes. You can explore the farthest reaches of known space from this very spot. There should be an observatory on this planet.”

“Do you think so?” Mitag joined her in eyeing the black stretch of sky overhead.

Charity imagined Haven’s position in her mind’s eye. There were moons, planets, and stations in the area, but far fewer than most colonized planets. Travel routes weren’t heavily trafficked even when Planet Farm Hell wasn’t quarantined. It wasn’t considered a tourist attraction. No big cities. A handful of satellites and one space station orbited. Nothing else.

“It’s the perfect place for an observatory,” she said. “So much wide-open space on the planet…a university study facility would be inexpensive to put here alongside an observatory. A big one, so there isn’t so much wait time to use the study stations.”

“Was that typically a problem on Jedver?” Ilid asked.

“You better believe it. There’s sometimes up to a GC standard month delay to get at the resources at my school. We’re constantly filing extensions to finish our work for our professors.”

“Haven’s colony charter is specific about it being a resource to benefit Earthers and Kalquorians who wish to pursue farming and ranching. However, other colony charters belonging to Kalquor have been changed if the alterations were considered of value to civilization,” Detodev noted. “It’s possible our government would consider an observatory and university facility to be an advantageous addition.”

“It is inside empire boundaries,” Mitag added.

“If the Galactic Council’s university got its shit together after the Darks are shown the door…or Kalquor and Haven residents decided to extend Kalquor’s current university system to extend studies here…I can see it. Planet Farm Hell could be an important place for stellar investigation.” Charity’s mind boggled. The modest home of cow and ronka patties could become a springboard for a whole field of education and exploration.

“You should send a proposal to the Kalquorian university board,” Ilid said. “As well as the governors of Haven. Groteg and Utber have the connections to get you interviews.”

“The Jennifer Seng Observatory.” Mitag grinned. “Impressive credentials. You’d have Kalquorian clans of high rank beating down your door.”

She snorted, not just at his obvious fishing. Nor because it wasn’t her real name he was using.

She considered her father’s vaunted position on the original Earth. He’d been a high-ranking general, at the Holy Leader’s side when Browning Copeland had wielded all the power. It hadn’t saved her from Copeland’s sick lust. Then there was her sister Hope. She’d joined a high-ranking clan, but they had served as double agents in the empire’s recent civil war. Though they’d been instrumental in saving Kalquor from the enemies determined to destroy it, they were still considered one step above traitors by many.

All those showy titles, all their heroics, yet the Naths weren’t allowed to be together as a family. Charity had no clue when she’d see her father and sister again. Thanks to the dangers inherent in their positions, it was possible she wouldn’t.

“Rank is nothing,” she said. “I can’t imagine anything lower on my list of priorities. I’m only interested in those I can count on to be close. People I can count on, period.”

Reminded of how Detodev had been there outside the barn when she’d run to escape her attacker, she glanced at the big Nobek. True, his showing up when she needed him had been a coincidence…but he’d been there, nonetheless. Her smile of gratitude was sincere.

She must have caught him off guard because he returned it in full. His was a wonderful smile. It transformed what had been a merely handsome man…in a morose sort of fashion…into stunning.

Hello, gorgeous. Why have you been hiding?

Jennifer smiling…really smiling instead of in her teasing, ready-to-kick-you-in-the-crotch smirk…was a revelation for Detodev. Starry Eyes was beautiful. Truly, unequivocally beautiful. It was as if he’d never seen her before.

It had come on gradually, he realized. As she’d spoken of the hypergiant sun she ached to prove, as she’d seen the potential for an observatory on Haven, the snide and somewhat juvenile aspect of her personality had faded to reveal an intelligent woman fully capable of forging a path for herself and those who’d take note and follow. Just as she’d looked at the sky and seen the whole of its possibilities, he now saw that in her.

Is this what it is to fall in love?

Shit.

The notion simultaneously amused and irritated Detodev. The urge to be near Jennifer, to protect her at all costs…an urge setting his teeth on edge…was terrifying because it felt so imperative. It was a desire he couldn’t shove aside.

It was getting late, and Jennifer began packing up her telescope. Mitag glanced between her, Ilid, and Detodev. “Want to come back to my place? Drinks, whatever else?”

Jennifer sighed. “I would, but Groteg already insisted I stay in tonight after what happened in the barn. I’d better keep the old boy on my side.”

“I have to be in the fields early. The east field’s monitors seem to be passing their glitches to each other. In fact, I need to talk to Groteg and Sara about it, get some extra hands over there to work on the machines if they can spare them. I’ll join you another time.” Detodev spoke half-truths blandly, hoping Mitag wouldn’t suspect he was doing so. The Imdiko had an uncanny ability to sense when he was being outright lied to.

“I’ll join you,” Ilid told Mitag after some hesitation. “I told my parents not to wait up. Hopefully, they’ll listen this time.”

Detodev felt a mix of disappointment and relief. The idea he could have hung out with the fascinating Dramok and ebullient Mitag almost made him wish he hadn’t opted to remain behind. At least Mitag was too delighted at the opportunity to better acquaint himself with Ilid to press Detodev on his excuses.

They stuck around long enough to see Jennifer to the back steps of the Amgar home. Then the two men left, their heads close together in conversation as they walked away. Their laughter drifted on the air.

“Good. Ilid needs to make friends. Mitag might keep him from those moods he sometimes gets in.” Jennifer sounded genuinely happy for him.

“You don’t have to be the center of his universe?” Detodev only half-teased. He wished he could figure her out. Jennifer was often demanding, but he didn’t feel she was entirely self-absorbed. Just kind of…needy. Like a kid who failed to get her share of attention from distracted parents.

She shot him a challenging gaze, but her tone was defensive. “No, believe it or not. Just because I like to be around people, unlike present company, doesn’t mean it has to be all about me. I’d like to know what’s behind Ilid’s approach-and-avoidance behavior. Something’s bothering him, and it isn’t claustrophobia. Maybe Mitag can learn the truth.”

“And share his discoveries with you?”

“Why not?”

“It seems a woman as mysterious as you would respect others’ secrets.”

Jennifer straightened. Her manner wasn’t quite frightened, but it bordered on it. Detodev’s stomach curdled to see such emotion aimed at him.

“What makes you think I’m mysterious?”

“I overheard you telling Sara someone had discovered who you really are after the attack in the barn.”

She paled and was silent for several beats. Instead of shrinking, however, she went on the attack. “I’m pretty sure you know a lot when it comes to keeping secrets. You’re a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Heaven forbid you share anything about yourself.”

“You’re deflecting.” He kept accusation from his tone, inviting her to share. “I’ve spent the entire evening wondering who Jennifer Seng really is. And who realizes who she is and why they came after her today.”

“Damn it.” She scowled at the sky she’d been looking so dreamily at minutes earlier.

He expected her to tell him to mind his own business. To storm into the house. Instead, she set the telescope on the porch and sat on the back steps. When he stared at her, she impatiently waved at him to sit by her side.

“I get you Nobeks prefer to be on your feet, but I’d like you close while I spill my guts. In case I have to smack you for some reason. Down, big man.”

He obeyed. It wasn’t the threat of being hit, but his sense of her underlying need for support bringing him to her side. Her warmth was beguiling, forcing him to restrain himself from scooting as close as possible. “You’ll tell me?”

“I suppose I owe you, since you came running to my rescue. You have to keep this to yourself, though. My safety…maybe my life…depends on it.”

A wave of protective anger swept through him. Detodev glanced at their surroundings, instinctively checking for trouble. “I don’t tell tales.”

“No kidding. You barely talk.” She chuckled and gave him a playful nudge before sobering again. “My real name is Charity Nath. Does it ring a bell?”

Nath . Detodev frowned. It did indeed sound familiar. He sifted through his memory to discover why.

A second later, he had it. He rarely watched news vids, but he’d have to live under a rock to have missed the story of Holy Leader Browning Copeland’s supposed survival…and the allegations his last general, Borey Nath, had conspired with the Kalquorian Empire to illegally hold him prisoner.

“General Nath had… has a daughter. She’s supposedly clanned to Admiral Piras, the spy who played traitor to get to Copeland,” he said, thinking out loud. Jennifer, or Charity, couldn’t be her…no way a clan like Piras’ would let their high-profile Matara out of their sight. Besides, she was too young for a man Piras’ age…he hoped.

His eyes widened in realization. “There was another daughter too, recently sighted on Alpha Space Station. You?”

“Me.” Charity smiled ruefully before launching into her tale of the bounty placed on her by certain factions of Mercy and New Bethlehem colonies. “It’s probably their leaders, who are the epitome of Earthtiques, who want to question me as to what I know about Copeland. I happen to know a lot. Plenty to shake up the balance of the current situation.”

“The Holy Leader’s alive,” Detodev surmised. Shock reverberated through him. If the Darks in charge of the Galactic Council could prove it, Kalquor’s few remaining allies might turn on the empire. It would be a ruinous result for a dimension already rumored to be teetering on the edge of destruction.

“Unfortunately. Why they haven’t executed the bastard is beyond me.” She stomped the step her feet rested on. “Some people don’t deserve a fair trial when their guilt is beyond a shadow of a doubt.”

Detodev didn’t feel capable of weighing in on that portion of the situation, but he recognized what was important to him. “If the Earthtiques have learned you’re here, you’re in danger. We have to assume it’s the case.” He stood.

Charity stared up at him. “Where are you going?”

“To talk to Groteg.”

* * * *

“I can keep an eye on the farm tonight. Whenever else you need me. I can patrol the grounds and watch for trouble,” Detodev said.

He and Groteg had the kitchen to themselves for the moment. Steady thumps overhead were evidence of James running around on the second floor. Sara’s, Charity’s, and Tori’s voices also drifted from the upper story. Detodev was unsure where Utber and Adam might be. Groteg hadn’t signaled for quiet when the younger Nobek had announced he knew whom the fugitive Clan Amgar hid was. It reassured him they were far enough away for it to not be an issue.

“You?” Groteg’s tone was bland, indicating neither acceptance nor disbelief. His gaze was steady. Perhaps curious. “How did you feel when you searched for her attacker, Detodev? More importantly, what would you do if you discovered a possible intruder on the property?”

Detodev remembered the hot, sick feeling when Charity had burst from the barn, her eyes wild from fear. How his vision had turned red-tinged when he’d torn into the building, searching for the animal who’d stamped such terror on her features.

He thought of another woman gaping in horror. Of a man, dripping blood. And another, groaning in a heap. Bile rose in his throat.

Detodev swallowed it and steeled his nerves. “I can help. I can watch for trouble. And if…if nothing else, I can raise the alarm should I come across anyone suspicious.”

Groteg watched him for several beats, his expression evaluating. At last, he nodded. “I agree someone needs to be patrolling the grounds. I’d planned to do so myself, but I appreciate the assistance since I have to be at work tomorrow. You can take first watch and report to the fields in the afternoon rather than morning.”

Detodev snapped a nod. Relief and dread mixed uneasily in his gut. He had no choice but to ensure Starry Eyes was kept safe…but he couldn’t keep from hoping he wouldn’t have to face those who’d harm her.

* * * *

Charity spent an hour tossing and turning after she’d bid everyone goodnight. At last, she admitted sleep wasn’t coming. She sat up on the edge of her bed and considered the view beyond the window before her.

The stars she loved were shining bright. Another body gleamed in the distance, larger but dimmer than the rest. She identified it as Rel Station, a Kalquorian fleet training facility floating a few hours’ shuttle journey from Haven.

She loved the expanse of black, the sense of vast space. For some, it might be lonely. For Charity, it served as a reminder that as big as her problems sometimes felt, they were truly insignificant in the scheme of life. Whatever happened to her, the universe went on unperturbed. Its unending existence was a balm to fears.

She stood and went to the window. Movement caught her eye. A shadow passed between the lovely pecan trees in the front yard. She squinted at the darkness, wishing for a Kalquorian’s heightened sight.

She didn’t need it. As the shadow emerged from beneath the wide branches, she identified the silhouette as belonging to Detodev. Funny how she already knew his figure: the breadth of his shoulders, the shape of his head, the swing of his arms. Even his manner of smooth striding was recognizable. When had she noticed so many details about him to the point of being able to recall them easily?

She watched him, an imposing shade stalking confidently. She realized she was smiling. The comforting warmth his mere presence offered was startling. It brought back the memory of clutching him in the aftermath of the attack, of his strength against her. Of his protective snarl. Removed from the terror of the moment, the remembered expression raised the hairs on her body in a far from unpleasant manner.

Silly crush. Silly lust. Still…why not?

Clad in her thin nightgown, she slipped from her bedroom, not bothering to pull on clothes or a robe. She glided down the stairs and considered the direction Detodev had been walking.

She let herself out through the kitchen door and crossed the porch. Down the cold steps to the lawn, the grass soft beneath her feet, she turned to intercept him, shivering slightly in the night air. She angled to leave the shadow of the overhang, so he could see her approach.

“Jennifer. Charity.” The rough voice floated from near the chicken coop.

“I couldn’t sleep.” She spoke quietly as she headed in his direction.

He hurried to meet her halfway between the coop and the house. He stopped a few feet short. “What are you doing out here in your…aren’t you cold?”

“A little. I’m used to running outside and freezing when I notice something interesting is happening in the sky.” She closed the distance.

“Is anything wrong in the house?” He seemed to realize belatedly her sudden appearance might herald trouble.

“As I said, I can’t sleep. I saw you patrolling and thought you might appreciate the company.”

“Dressed like that?”

“You don’t appreciate the view?” She pirouetted to give him the full effect of her flimsy white chemise. It covered everything, but the suggestion of what was beneath the fabric was blatant. Her curvy figure guaranteed it.

He remained silent. Motionless. His thoughts, as usual, were impossible to guess.

“Okay, so maybe I’m trying to distract you from my purpose of luring you out of your impervious Nobek shell.” She had no urge to tease. She felt very, very serious. “I told you my secret. Charity Nath, her truth laid bare, and I’m not referring to my nightgown. Or my hair, eyes, or the surgical alterations to my face in the empire’s efforts to hide my identity.”

“I looked you up in news archives. It is a change.” He paused. “You’re beautiful either way.”

“Thanks for trying to buck me up.”

“It’s true. You don’t believe me?”

She considered. “I don’t mind if you’re just being kind. I hate not being me.”

“I don’t give false compliments.” Typically gruff, he pulled a smile from her. “Does Ilid know?”

She shook her head. “I want him to, but it might not be safe for him, especially if I’ve been discovered by my father’s enemies.”

“Maybe. He’d probably welcome the opportunity to protect you. He strikes me as the type.”

She scowled. “Hey, no fair trying to distract me when I was attempting to do so to you. Make with the true confession, big man. What brought you to Haven to be helped by Clan Amgar? Why are you so afraid of getting close to people? Are you in hiding too?”

His silhouette turned slightly from her. Was it her imagination, or did his shoulders hunch? Was it defensive or from being ashamed?

“I’m not in hiding. I’m Nobek Detodev, farmhand on Haven. Nothing more. Why does it matter?”

“Because I trust you. I hope to earn the same from you.” When he failed to react, she spoke in a frustrated voice. “Look, you came running to my rescue. I realize it’s the warrior Nobek thing to do, but—”

“I’m not a warrior. I’m a pacifist.”

She stilled, confused. A pacifist Nobek? Wasn’t it a contradiction in terms? He’d looked far from peaceful when he’d raced into the barn to confront whomever had grabbed her in there. He’d appeared just as brutish when he’d emerged.

He had to be screwing with her…except a prankster Detodev was as unlikely as a non-violent Nobek when angered.

“I’ve never met a member of your breed who described himself in such terms,” she said.

“My breed is barely a step above primitive animals. Do you think the typical Nobek would admit it?” he muttered. “Cruelty is our nature. Most Nobeks hide behind excuses to indulge in it. A badge of protectiveness to pretend nobility in what we’d do anyway out of anger.”

Charity blinked. There was fury in his voice. And humiliation. He believed the words he spoke.

She heard pain too. An ocean of pain beneath the surface indignity.

“That’s quite the indictment, Detodev. Most Nobeks I’ve met are noble.”

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you? They play the part so well. But there wasn’t an ounce of honor when I attacked my own mother and Nobek father at the mere age of four. My father still carries the scar I gave him. And over what? I was refused a treat. I wanted a damned tiky puff and went after my mother when she told me no. I was an animal from birth. I knew nothing but vicious drives.”

The self-loathing in his voice chilled her. Though she half-feared his reaction, she placed a hand on his arm. She felt the fine trembling, but he didn’t pull away.

Heartened, she soothed, “Children throw tantrums when they’re young. I threw fits even as a teen. Accidents happen.”

“It was no accident when I put an instructor at training camp in a coma. He damned near died when I lost control.”

“When you were four?” Charity couldn’t believe it.

“I was sixteen on that glorious occasion. I’d fucked up during an exercise since I was already disgusted by my urge to hurt others. I refused to spar hand-to-hand and defend my team’s position during the drill. It caused us to lose the battle simulation. My instructor was within his rights to punish me.”

“How? Did he hit you?”

Detodev barked a laugh possessing no humor. “He never had a chance to lay a hand on me. He only got as far as screaming in my face, and I…I lost it. It took half a dozen full-grown men to pull me off him. Even when I realized he was near death, all I could think was how I wanted to finish the job.”

He abruptly pulled loose of her hold. For a moment, she thought he’d stalk off. Instead, he rolled the three-quarter sleeve of his shirt up and shone a light on the inside of his arm.

A ladder of scars...scars on top of scars on top of more scars…climbed up to where his bunched sleeve began. It was only then Charity realized Detodev never wore sleeveless shirts as did many Nobeks, who were typically eager to show off battle scars.

“These didn’t come from others. These are from my own blade,” he rumbled.

“You’re a cutter?” She winced at her own surprised words, realizing how insulting she sounded. She stared at the tormented suggestion of his features, mostly hidden by the dark.

“It relieves the urge when I’m tempted to attack.” He twisted to face her full on, going as far as to bend so their noses were mere inches away. “I don’t want to be a monster, Charity. I don’t want to be a mindless beast who destroys people over a difference of opinion. I can be better than the breed I was born to. Which means I can’t be the Nobek potential clanmates or lovers expect me to be.”

“Detodev.” She grabbed his arm again and felt the raised proof of his anguish. So much pain. So much suffering. She spoke, her tone thick from feeling. “I don’t see any hint of such brutality from you.”

“You did when I ran in the barn. Seeing you frightened…if I’d caught your attacker, I might have torn him apart. I would have torn him apart.”

“Why? We’re barely acquainted.” The words mocked her. She was protective of him too.

“I told you,” he said after a lengthy, uncertain pause. “I’m a Nobek. Violence is what my breed does.”

“You were violent when the tantrums of a toddler arrived. Earthers call it the ‘terrible twos,’ though it can go on for longer. Our children strike out as well. Then you were violent when you were an adolescent, cooking in hormones. From what I’ve heard, it isn’t uncommon for teen Nobeks to majorly lose their shit on a regular basis.”

“Which proves my point. We’re only beasts.”

“You know what? It can happen to Earther teens too. Even if they don’t get physical, they aren’t recognized for making good decisions during adolescence.”

“My breed is infamous for getting physical.”

She refused to give up. “Doesn’t the danger of losing control fade as Nobeks get older? Don’t the majority graduate from the training camps around eighteen, nineteen years old?”

“In any case, few of us put our trainers in the hospital.”

“Sounds to me as if your trainer failed to keep his wits about him, especially considering you were coming out of a training battle where your control had already been tested. If anyone was to blame, it was him.”

“You can’t excuse what I did. What I’m still capable of.” He straightened and looked away.

She kept going, as if he hadn’t spoken. “As for what you might have done today…well, I hope you care enough to defend a frightened woman who runs to you for help. A man should be enraged to see someone weaker victimized. I’d like it even more if you’d cared because it was me who’d been terrorized.”

Silence. She let the quiet stretch, so he could consider what she’d said.

At last, he spoke. “I couldn’t see straight when you were standing there, shaking like a leaf and staring at me as if I were your only shelter. All I could think was the bastard had to pay for assaulting you.”

“Do you hear me arguing you shouldn’t have? I’d have loved for you to teach him a well-earned lesson.”

“I refuse to consider violence as the only means of correcting problems. Despite how I acted today, I won’t be reduced to it.” Tension thrummed through his frame.

“Oh no, you aren’t a big meathead who pounds people first and asks questions later? How awfully enlightened of you. It’s scandalous.” She smirked.

“I’m also not the kind of man anyone expects a Nobek to be.”

“Then be the Nobek you want to be, even if it means rewriting the book on warrior mentality. Why do you believe I wouldn’t think it’s okay? Give me a little credit, Detodev. Even if I thought less of you, why would you care? Do I pay your bills? Is my opinion worth more than yours when it comes to how you live your life? Is anyone’s?”

His attention turned toward her. She saw the glint of his eyes in the starlight as he gazed at her, perhaps weighing whether she meant it.

“I wish I knew what to make of you,” he muttered.

On sudden impulse, she said, “Figure this out for starters.”

She closed the distance and rose on her toes, grateful she wasn’t as short as her sister. Wrapping her arms around his thick neck, she pressed her lips to his.

His hands pressed the small of her back, drawing her close before he froze. She clung, moving against him, willing a man’s instinct to enjoy a woman throwing herself at him to kick in…as his Nobek instinct for protectiveness had earlier in the day.

To bring home her intentions, her mouth parted and her tongue slid between his lips. Uttering a groan, he opened to taste.

Sizzling excitement coursed through Charity as their tongues met and twined. She writhed, letting him feel her softness pressing his iron frame, keening in blatant need. The kiss grew hotter, hungrier. When at last it ended, they gasped as if they’d run miles.

“I’m not the man you want,” he panted. “I can’t be.”

“Detodev, I don’t have a habit of kissing men who don’t interest me,” she said. “So why don’t we mosey to the old barn over there and create some better memories of it? At that distance from the house, we won’t scare the Amgars, the kids, and the chickens. Trust me, you don’t want me getting crazy aroused in the backyard. I’m noisy when it comes to sex.”

“Fuck,” he hissed. “You’re sure?”

“I’m many things, my friend. A tease isn’t one of them.” She used her grip on his neck to pull him toward the barn. “This invitation is set in stone, big man. I take refusals personally.”

He allowed her to tug him a couple of slow steps. “I’m on guard duty. I’m supposed to be keeping an eye on things.”

“You’re supposed to be keeping an eye on me . How better to do so when we’re up close and very personal?”

* * * *

Groteg stood at the window, where he’d been since hearing Charity go outside. He shook his head in mingled disbelief and amusement as he watched the young woman drag Detodev toward the barn. The younger Nobek’s initial reluctance…probably brought about by Charity’s unforeseen lascivious attack rather than disinterest…ended in a flash. He abruptly lifted her and trotted to the silhouette of the large building. Her legs wrapped around his waist. She kissed and nipped his ear and neck. They disappeared in the barn’s dark environs.

“Are they letting nature take its course?” Utber asked from the clan’s shared bed. He sat up leaning on the headboard, Sara snuggled against his chest.

“That would be an affirmative. Apparently, Charity doesn’t accept ‘no’ for an answer.” Groteg couldn’t keep the laughter from his tone as he joined his clanmates. He slid between the sheets and curved into his Matara’s warmth.

“Good for her,” Sara yawned. The scent of her earlier pleasure mixed with theirs washed over the Nobek. “Our girl’s going to be all right as long as we keep those bastards from Mercy and New Bethlehem at bay. Detodev will be okay too, if she can convince him to get out of his own way.”

“She might. She’s bringing out the protective instincts he fights. Maybe having her to keep safe will help him learn to trust rather than fear them.”

Chapter Ten

Charity had entertained visions of making love on mounds of hay. She’d forgotten Clan Amgar’s lack of livestock meant they had little use for large amounts of the stuff. Fortunately, they had a supply of bags of chicken feed piled nearly knee-high and wide enough to accommodate her. Perhaps it wasn’t as soft as hay would have been, but it made for an okay surface to lie on. No stalks to jab her was a plus.

It was where Detodev had set her after he’d stripped her nightgown off. Now she was gasping and moaning as his hot mouth moved from breast to breast, sucking enthusiastically.

His weight on her was an enthralling reminder of how big he was. How strong, thanks to his muscled physique. She was brutally conscious of his power as he hungrily devoured her breasts and his hands roamed her far softer topography. Her entire body sang as cascades of pleasure ran through her from scalp to toes.

Her legs curled around his waist, seeking to trap him. He could be so distant. She feared he might abruptly think better of the situation and run. Much of her writhing was from pure ardent instinct, but some was calculated. She wanted him. Like Ilid, she’d wanted him almost from the moment she’d seen him.

“Detodev,” she groaned, running her hands on his brawny upper back and shoulders, then tangling her fingers in his wavy hair. It was dark in the barn. Robbed of her sight brought sensation to the fore, exciting her.

She was blatantly aware of the sting when he nipped the underside curve of her breast. She gasped as the shock rolled straight to her pussy. The crotch of her panties was already soaked through, but excitement gushed anew to wet her inner thighs too.

“Oh!” she cried, her legs tightening on him. She’d heard Kalquorians enjoyed rougher play. It was an enthralling surprise to find she enjoyed at least this small demonstration.

It was proven again when he bit her other breast. His weight pinning her, robbed of sight, unable to keep him from delivering hints of punishment…Charity was consumed by arousal to be in such a position.

It made her wonder what Ilid, possessing a Dramok’s command, might have done to her if they’d had better opportunities to explore during their trip to Haven.

Detodev kissed his way to her mouth, his passion stealing her breath. His hand squirmed between them despite her legs’ desperate grasp. She squalled when he stroked the sodden crotch of her panties, his touch firm on her clit. His kiss muffled her wild cry, and his return growl was likewise softened…but its vibrations thrummed through her.

Be as animal as your Nobek nature wants , a part of her silently pleaded.

She had hopes he would. His arousal scent, similar to Ilid’s, betrayed his growing lust. Perhaps it was because he was a Nobek that Charity thought he smelled wilder than her other crush. The sweetish-spicy aroma had an added musk she found incredibly erotic.

Or maybe it was simply the fact his fingers were seeking entrance through the leg of her panties. They discovered it, and his calloused touch was abruptly on her.

In her.

She flailed at the sudden invasion, her legs releasing him to kick the air as bliss tumbled through her sex. She clawed his back, and he snarled against her lips. He bit the lower one. Once again, slight pain translated to mind-blowing pleasure. Charity’s cry rang through the barn.

“I’ll make you come for me,” the deep, growly voice promised, sending a shockwave of exhilaration down her spine. “You have no choice, woman.”

His thumb sought her clit and rubbed. At the same instant, the two fingers in her applied demanding pressure to her inner wall, finding a place matching her clit for electricity. All at once, Charity was on the brink. Bright, shining rapture held her for an instant…then her senses exploded.

A heaving tide of pure ecstasy swept over her. It hadn’t begun to recede when the next wave hit. She was lost in euphoria, drowning in it as each surge drove through her.

It seemed a lifetime later when she became aware of darkness surrounding her, of a blissful weight on her, of someone else breathing heavily above. Of fingers filling her, though the invasion was now happening elsewhere, where she’d never been filled before. Filled and emptied, filled and emptied, stretching her so she experienced a thrilling ache, which kept the quieting surges of completion flowing.

“Gorgeous Starry Eyes,” came Detodev’s voice, weighted by feeling. “You’re so beautiful when you come.”

“Prophets,” she groaned. “You should license those fingers and your mouth as deadly weapons.”

His chuckle was breathless. “I damned near joined you. You’re amazing to watch. Are you all right? Am I hurting you?”

The ache had eased. Charity missed it, strangely enough, but the pressure was still exciting. As was the anticipation of what they had yet to experience together.

“I’m fine. Wasted, thanks to you being in-fucking-credible, but I’m perfect. You’ve been practicing on the local farmgirls, haven’t you?”

He snickered. “I’ve been lucky enough to have a couple of encounters. Not too often. Drinking on both sides is usually involved when they start dropping hints. More drinking when they finally ask me to satisfy their curiosity about Kalquorians.”

He didn’t approach them, then. It made Charity sad his perceived lack of merit as a Nobek extended to his love life. How much joy was Detodev missing out on because he let Kalquorian society’s parameters dictate how he saw himself?

She gripped his head in her hands and pulled him in for a kiss, pouring into it her need for him to see himself as worthy.

He broke from her long enough to strip off his shirt. She gloried in the warmth of his skin as the kiss resumed, as the barrier of his pants disappeared. She felt him hot and heavy and slick on her mound and spread her legs in welcome.

He entered her cautiously despite the tension she felt thrumming in his body. His second shaft was significantly larger than his fingers, and she was glad of his care. His primary was thicker. Though she was no blushing virgin, his girth made her ache. Despite the increasing ardor of his kiss, betraying his mounting eagerness, he took his time. Even so, Charity wondered if she could actually make love to this man.

He slid against the sensitive place inside. All discomfort disappeared as passion seized her. She cried out, and he froze.

“No. Don’t stop. For prophets’ sakes, don’t you dare stop,” she gasped.

His low growl answered, and he continued to fill her. Her head tossed as the brutal friction of the double impalement increased, soaring her ever closer to detonation. Her constant moans were punctuated by high-pitched sounds as surges of bliss shot through her. She was conscious of the ache of taking him. It added to rather than detracted from her excitement.

He didn’t pause when they were fully joined. He rumbled animal noises at every exhale, warning he was as aroused as she. His hips rocked, feeding the bounding elation driving her quickly to the precipice. The only question was who’d reach climax first.

Charity’s legs wound around his clenching ass, clutching in rhythm to his quickening thrusts. Her hips drove up to meet his descent. She grasped handfuls of his hair to hold him so she could kiss and bite his lips. Their movements were frenzied and wild as pleasure twisted in a knot inside her clamoring pussy.

Tight, tighter…she felt she’d go insane before she reached the breaking point. It came all at once, ripping apart and flinging her into ecstasy.

Somewhere in the maelstrom of orgasm, she was aware of Detodev shouting. Anything else was eclipsed in the raw violence of pounding, pulsing elation.

It was some time later when she returned to the darkened barn. Her pussy throbbed in concert with the gentling jolts from the cocks in her. Their gasps rang loud in the stillness. Detodev had rolled them so they lay on their sides facing each other.

“Hi,” she whispered. “Have you returned to reality yet?”

“Barely.” He chuckled. She wished she could see the rare smile she sensed he wore. “I hope I wasn’t too quick.”

“Did I sound like you were too quick?” She snuggled in closer, enjoying how big and warm he was. “I’ve had two. You have some catching up to do.”

“If that’s an invitation, I’ll gladly take you up on it. Give me a few minutes.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“However long you need.” She thought for a minute. “My first Kalquorian. Now I’m angry I’ve been missing out.”

“I’m surprised Ilid was denied the privilege of being your first.”

“He would have been, but the shuttle cabins weren’t soundproof. His parents had the uncanny ability to be in earshot when any opportunity presented itself. You heard how loud I am.” She scowled because it had been obvious Ilid’s parent clan would have been delighted if they’d become lovers. She’d had half a mind to tell them they needed to make themselves scarce more often during those three days of missed chances.

She snickered as another thought occurred to her.

“What?” Detodev sounded suspicious.

“I was thinking it’s funny you and I just had sex, and it’s you who brought up another man.”

“I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression being with you was less than incredible. It was.”

“Thanks and right back at you. I don’t mind you brought him up. Hey, since you did, can I ask about you and Mitag? You do consider him a buddy, right? Boon companion? I’m curious if he knows you’re a pacifist.”

There was a beat of silence before he answered. “I haven’t told him. I’ve tried putting him off…you know, expecting the worst when he finds out I refuse to be the typical Nobek…but my being difficult only seems to encourage him.”

“Or he’s so determined to have friends and clanmates, he can’t stop himself.”

“I think he enjoys a challenge.” Detodev sighed.

Charity found his nose and tweaked it. “Don’t sell yourself short. Since I’ve solved the mystery of strong, silent Detodev, I’m still attracted to you. Don’t sell Mitag short either where your pacifism is concerned. A guy who does event planning for human farmgirls must have an open mind.”

“I suppose it’s possible.” He sounded far from convinced. Charity imagined she heard regret in his tone again.

Detodev likes Mitag. He’d be lost without his insisting on hanging around. I wonder if he realizes it. He’s so determined to stay walled off from everyone, he might have lost touch where his feelings are concerned.

“Now I’m down to finding out what’s up with Ilid,” she said, discerning it would probably be a bad idea to press the subject. For the moment.

“Mitag will. Ilid agreed to have drinks at his home. One step in that Imdiko’s lair, and it’s pretty much finished. He’s as determined as you.”

“Imagine him and me as a team.”

“I shudder.”

She rubbed against him. “I don’t feel fear saying hello down low, do I? A couple of hungry boys are waking up. Come on. I want to guarantee you spend your workday too satisfied to be miserable from a lack of sleep.”

Detodev proved he was up to the challenge.

* * * *

Ilid opened his eyes and discovered he was frozen on a medi-bed. He couldn’t budge an inch. His breath caught as the spyship’s medical department swam into clarity. He opened his mouth to scream, but no sound came out.

Dr. Umen moved in view. He cocked his head to one side, his hooded eyes narrowed in fascination. Ilid had little interest in the man’s broad features, however. An indistinct blob sat on Umen’s wide shoulders, its shadowy tentacles curled around his throat and chest.

“Awake, are we? Fine, fine. I’ve completed all the tests I can while you’re living, and it’s time to dissect you. Of all the ways to kill a Kalquorian, this is my favorite. Don’t die too quickly please. It takes all the fun out of it.”

He raised a laser cutter so Ilid could see it. He switched it on.

He pointed it at the trapped man’s abdomen.

The agony hadn’t begun, but Ilid screamed in anticipation of it. This time, his horror opened its voice, and it pealed loud, drowning Dr. Umen’s maniacal laughter.

“Ilid! Wake up! Ilid!”

Ilid’s eyes flew open. Hovering over him, an Imdiko orderly named Darir was shaking him, his gaze terrified.

Darir? But he was dead, killed by the Darks as the spyship had blown up.

The nightmare finally loosened its hold. It wasn’t Darir calling his name, but Mitag.

No Dr. Umen. No Dark. No fleet spyship medical department. Ilid was on Haven.

“Ilid!” Mitag shouted.

The Dramok’s shriek cut off. He lay gasping, staring up at the young man he’d come home with. He’d fallen asleep on Mitag’s lounger. He reached up, his hand shaking, to touch Mitag’s face. Mother of All be praised, he could move. Better still, Mitag’s cheek was warm. Solid. Real.

“Fuck,” he groaned. He closed his eyes as the sting of tears from mortal terror transformed to tears of relief.

“No kidding.” Mitag trembled too. “I ran down the hall from my sleeping room, convinced a murderer was in here killing you. It must have been a hell of a nightmare.”

“You have no idea.” Shame washed through Ilid. He wondered how Mitag would take it if he simply got up and left. Probably not well.

“Why don’t you tell me about it? Expose it to the light so it doesn’t seem so bad.”

Ilid barked a harsh laugh. “It wouldn’t work.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” Ilid opened his eyes.

Mitag still hovered, concern spelled clearly on his handsome features. His desire to somehow help was obvious. “I wish you would anyway. I hate seeing you so freaked out. I like you, Ilid.”

“Don’t.” Ilid immediately regretted how harsh he sounded when Mitag winced. He gripped the Imdiko’s shoulder in apology. “I’d be a waste of effort.”

“How can you say that? Maybe I don’t know you well yet, but you’re clearly a wonderful man.”

“I’m an okay man. I’m a shitty Dramok. Probably the worst you’ve met.”

Mitag stared in confusion. “Because you had a nightmare?”

“Because I’m afraid every second of every day.” Admitting it gave him a sense of relief. Pretending he was someone he wasn’t, a strong Dramok in command of his life, was too much of a burden. Ilid considered wearing a sign bearing the words he’d spoken: I’m always afraid .

“What are you afraid of?”

No dismay. No disgust. Mitag kept gazing at him, his expression a study of gentle compassion and caring.

Ilid had to set this Imdiko straight. He thought Mitag was wonderful too. Wonderful enough to find a real Dramok to commit to, the Dramok he deserved to be the clanmate of.

Ilid sat up and rested his back against the lounger’s padded backrest. “I encountered the Darks during my service to the fleet. They took control of my ship. The officers, a lot of the crew, the medical staff…” He thought of Umen standing next to him, a laser cutter in his hand. “I can see the Darks. They wanted to know why, so they experimented on me.”

“Mother of All,” Mitag breathed, gaping in horror. “Why haven’t I heard of this?”

“I was on a spyship in a place a Kalquorian presence wasn’t supposed to be.”

He watched as the pieces clicked together for Mitag. “Bi’is? You were there when…when they were killed off?”

“Maybe. I’m uncertain what was happening on the planet while my ship was under the Darks’ domination.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone of your mission.”

“Honestly, I no longer care who knows.”

Mitag gazed at him, compassion pouring from his eyes. “You were among the first to witness the presence of the Darks, weren’t you?”

“Unfortunately. I watched men I knew and trusted become utter strangers. I was surrounded by the Darks’ shadows. If my rank hadn’t been so low, my job so unimportant, they would have grabbed me too. Instead, I was forced to see things that made no sense.”

“To have encountered the utterly unknown, to have watched commanding officers and shipmates turn into hostile people draped in shadows…” Mitag shook his head. “You must have thought you were going insane.”

He got it. Ilid relaxed at his reaction.

“Obviously, I managed to escape. Mostly. A part of me is still on my former vessel though. Maybe it always will be.”

“How did you get away?”

“An Imdiko orderly helped. They got him when we were caught trying to reveal the Darks to the empire, to warn Kalquor of the hostile presence.” He swallowed, remembering Darir disappearing under a tide of furious Darks. “My ship blew up as I raced off in a shuttle. I was the only survivor.”

Fresh horror dawned on Mitag’s features. “I’m so sorry, Ilid.”

“I have nightmares, some worse than tonight’s. When I’m awake, I can’t stop searching for the damned Darks no matter where I go.” Even as he spoke, Ilid’s gaze swept the well-furnished room displaying Mitag’s good taste. The initial hint of morning had begun to gray the sky beyond the Imdiko’s window. The room had a few shadows, but they were mundane. Nonthreatening. He stared at each in turn anyway.

Mitag moved so his face filled Ilid’s view. “Darks haven’t infiltrated Haven. The officials here have protocols to keep them out, people standing guard. We have women who can hear them and those like you who can see them. We’re always on alert. No one comes to the planet unless they’ve been thoroughly vetted.”

“I understand that. It’s why the fleet sent me here when my parents thought up the idea of opening a bakery for me to manage. This is their grand plan so I won’t try again to kill myself because I can’t handle what the Darks did to me.”

Mitag’s eyes brightened. He whispered Ilid’s name.

Ilid shook his head. “I’m no real Dramok. I’m weak, Mitag. So terribly weak. Certainly not a Dramok any Imdiko should be the clanmate of. If that’s what you’re hoping for from me, forget it. Find a real leader.”

Mitag’s heart ached. It physically hurt to learn the pain this haunted man lived with and the confidence he’d lost.

“I don’t see weakness.” He scooted closer to Ilid. “I see a survivor. An incredibly strong survivor who’s finding his way back after going through a horror I can’t imagine.”

“You wouldn’t say so after a few weeks of being woken by my screams.” Ilid’s gaze shifted for a moment to a point beyond Mitag’s shoulder. Checking for Darks.

Those who can see them do so in their peripheral vision. It cleared up the mystery of why Ilid struggled to meet Mitag’s gaze for more than a few seconds at a time.

“Ilid, listen. I have nightmares too. Hell, I sleepwalk on occasion. You have no idea how often I wake in my closet, thanks to my silly brain sending me into hiding from night terrors.” He debated saying more, but it was wrong to talk about himself when his friend suffered. “Waking me up screaming isn’t as big a deal as you worrying yourself sick.”

“I upset you. Admit it; I scared the hell out of you.”

“I’ve had worse scares. Believe me.”

Again, it wasn’t right to discuss his own issues at the moment. Ilid had revealed his secret to Mitag. He’d trusted him with the raw wounds in need of healing.

Mitag willed his suffering friend to realize he was all the Dramok he needed to be. A Dramok deserving of respect and clanmates. Of a life of joy, absent of fear.

Mitag wasn’t sure he’d get to be this man’s clanmate. He wasn’t sure he’d was someone Ilid would want once he emerged from the fog of trauma blinding him to his worth. It didn’t matter. Mitag was an Imdiko, a man built to care and assist. He’d do so for the despairing Ilid as long as he was allowed.

His therapist on Kalquor had told Mitag damaged hearts called to damaged hearts, especially where Imdikos were concerned. “Our breed tends to put others before ourselves. When an Imdiko feels someone hurts as he does, it isn’t merely an opportunity to help him. It can serve as a mirror image of our own pain and loss. Therefore, if an Imdiko can aid another sufferer, his subconscious might tell him it’ll bring him comfort too.”

Mitag had been looking for such a connection for a long time. He felt he’d found it in Detodev, and now, Ilid.

He experienced a twinge of conscience as he offered the full thrust of compassion to calm Ilid from his nightmare, because some of it was for his own selfish need. Their circumstances were different, but he saw his own hurt in the Dramok just the same. Mitag wanted to heal him. He wanted to be healed.

Let me help you. Let me have this important step toward the only thing I want in this whole universe, the one thing I haven’t been given since I was small. Give me a someone to care for and care for me in return.

The seconds spun past, and Ilid remained silent. Mitag continued to simply sit there gripping his shoulder, pouring understanding and empathy.

The Dramok drew a breath. “For the most part, Haven feels good. I like the people I’ve met.” His gaze found Mitag and held it. “Why can’t everywhere be like this? Why does horror have to exist?”

Mitag offered the first option that came to mind. “If bad situations don’t show their ugly faces, we don’t recognize and appreciate the wonderful moments.”

A slow smile tinged by sadness stretched Ilid’s lips. “You could be right. Before I fell asleep, I enjoyed hearing you gossip about the locals. You made me laugh. For a couple of hours, I forgot how awful things can be. It was wonderful.”

“For me too. Hey, do you want another round of bohut and spicy rumors? I haven’t told you about the former Earther nun whom I was told left Sunrise to establish a sex club in another district. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s where part of the plot for Cow Patties in Paradise came from.”

Ilid chuckled. “Your arsenal of scandalous tales is unending as well as amusing. You aren’t too tired?”

“I’m up for awhile,” the Imdiko reassured him, eager to keep him smiling.

“To be honest, I don’t think I can go back to sleep tonight. I sure as hell don’t want to face my parents if they heard me come in at such an hour. My mother especially.” He reddened. “She’s desperate for me to find a clan.”

Mitag teased…carefully. “Oh, a matchmaker mom. I like her already.”

“I adore her, but she’s a bit much. Especially at this time of night.” There was a warning in his tone, telling Mitag not to push him on the subject. When he kept silent, Ilid relaxed. “If you’re really up for it, drinking and stories would be welcome.”

Mitag jumped up and headed for the bar. He did his best to ignore the flame of hope burning in his chest as he launched into his story. “Okay, so a former nun came to Haven a couple of years ago. Older woman, looked at everyone like they were going straight to Earther hell...”

Chapter Eleven

Dramok Dolgra reflected that for someone who’d nearly been violently kidnapped the day before, Charity Nath was in high spirits. Unaware of him watching her, she danced in the chicken coop. The exuberant Earther tossed feed like confetti to the squawking birds. She sang a stream of good mornings to them in an off-tune but chipper voice.

He chuckled. Her foolishness amused him despite having been summoned to the Amgar farm for such worrying reasons. She tossed her honey-hued hair so it stuck out in wild waves as she finally quit terrorizing the chickens. Charity left the coop to allow them to recover and eat in peace.

She caught sight of him grinning at her and laughed to have been caught acting goofy. No embarrassment stained her cheeks. “Hi! What brings you here so early?”

He approached her. “You. I heard you had a little excitement in the barn.”

Her face blistered red at his comment. Her jaw dropped in shock. A second later, understanding lit her face, and she giggled. “Oh, the attack. Yes. Awful. Scared me half to death.”

She certainly didn’t look scared. As Dolgra neared her, he figured out why…and the reason behind her initial embarrassed reaction. She carried the scent of being freshly showered, but a Kalquorian’s sexual aroma wasn’t so easily washed off.

I guess the barn saw more action than was advertised. She’s still seeing Dramok Ilid, I suppose. I wonder if it’s getting serious.

Keeping his expression and tone carefully neutral, he questioned her about the assault. Her description made it sound as if she’d been grabbed by a Kalquorian. While awful, it was a relief. Dolgra couldn’t imagine any of his species in his jurisdiction wanting to abduct her on behalf of Mercy or New Bethlehem, no matter how profitable the bounty was. Nor could he envisage the Earthtiques in control of those planets contracting with Kalquorians, in spite of how much they wanted to get their hateful hands on Charity.

Some asshole who deserves to have his dicks cut off and jammed down his throat thought he’d grab her. He tried to take what he couldn’t respectfully charm from a willing woman. A different rage danced in his mind. It was tempered by the possibility her real identity hadn’t been outed.

“I’m sorry a member of my community tried to hurt you, Matara,” he said. “I’ll do everything possible to track down the bastard and bring him to justice.”

“You don’t think my enemies realize who I am and paid someone to grab me?”

“I won’t discount the possibility. In fact, I’ll proceed from that assumption first, because it’s our chief worry. But if it were a Kalquorian, we’d have to also consider different reasons for the assault.”

Like Dolgra, Charity seemed to take comfort from the idea. Earthtiques were terrible indeed when a woman preferred the threat of sexual violence to being captured by zealots. In any event, Dolgra would discover who was behind the attempted confrontation and see to it the shithead paid.

When Charity disappeared into the house, Dolgra stepped in the barn. Deep shadows were nonexistent in its environment. When he’d alerted Dolgra of the attack, Nobek Groteg had also informed him he’d personally installed two strips of lighting fixtures a couple hours following Charity’s horrific encounter. He’d had the farmhands do the same in all the farm’s outbuildings to make sure no further violence would happen.

Groteg had investigated the barn himself, and Dolgra had no doubt Haven’s security chief and his team had been thorough. Nonetheless, he’d be remiss in failing to conduct his own survey.

He heard no one come in behind him, yet the air seemed to shift as he examined the inside of the building. “Don’t take it personally. I know you conducted an exhaustive search.”

“You wouldn’t be doing your job if you didn’t inspect it for yourself.” Groteg stepped beside him. He fairly vibrated danger.

Dolgra ignored the wishful tug in his chest and refused to look at the impressive figure next to him. Don’t go there. He’d already been stupid where Clan Amgar was concerned. He was unsure what had possessed him to give Sara the expensive bottle of bohut, but it had been dumb.

No Imdiko wants to live with someone so cold. I doubt a Nobek would either. Words snarled in the past had lost none of their vicious sting for Dolgra. Nor had the memory of the man who’d spoken them walking away, never to be seen again.

He’d been right. Dolgra wasn’t clanmate material in the slightest.

“Not working today?” His tone was light, hinting at none of his turmoil.

“The office will com me for anything important. I wanted to secure the farm as much as possible after what happened yesterday. The incident occurred next to the support beam.” Groteg pointed, then led Dolgra to the spot. “I found no real physical evidence despite the struggle, unfortunately. Just the shovel Charity picked up when she called the guy out. She lost the opportunity to use it when he tossed it away. He was quick.”

Kalquorian quick was the unspoken theory.

“She didn’t retreat when she realized she might be in danger? Brave. Foolish.” Dolgra’s tone held grudging admiration for Charity’s courage.

As Groteg had said, there was nothing to see in the immediate vicinity. Dolgra was impressed at how tidy the barn was. He caught a hint of the rank remnant of the spray the assailant had used in his attempt to knock the Earther out. Beneath it was the smell of humans and Kalquorians. No surprise, given Clan Amgar was composed of and employed both species.

Dolgra caught a stronger scent. His gaze swung to a pile of chicken feed bags.

Groteg chuffed amusement. “She has no fear of the barn in spite of what happened. At least she doesn’t when she’s in the company of a man who interests her.”

“Dramok Ilid?”

“Nobek Detodev. He insisted on taking a shift patrolling the grounds to watch for trouble. She joined him.”

“Detodev? Interesting. He’s a bit of a loner.” For good reason. Pacifist Nobeks weren’t popular, except as punching bags for other Nobeks…at least until Detodev demonstrated how anger could overcome his peaceful intentions. Pushed hard enough on a few occasions to fight back, he’d put his detractors on the ground in decidedly authoritative fashion. To save face, those who’d learned better than to try him had spread the rumor he was a coward. Many of the uninitiated believed it.

“Matara Charity is apparently hard to resist. Ilid and Imdiko Mitag buzz around her regularly too.”

“Ready-made clan.” Dolgra did his best to ignore the notion Clan Amgar was a similar case, should the right Dramok appear to attract them.

No Imdiko wants to live with someone so cold. I doubt a Nobek would either. Or a Matara. The mental images of Sara and Utber stung. As did the presence of the man standing at his side.

Forget it.

Groteg shrugged at his assessment of the potential of the young people forming a clan. “Charity isn’t enthralled by Haven. She’ll leave as soon as she can. I can’t see Detodev chasing her as a potential lifemate, no matter how attractive he finds her.”

“Nor would Ilid. He doesn’t see himself as a real Dramok after his traumatic encounter with the Darks. It shook him to his foundations.” Dolgra had read Ilid’s psychiatric reports. A wave of sympathy filled him for the kid’s anguish.

It was too bad. Caring clanmates could make a difference.

As if you’d know about that.

Dolgra shook off the tangent of youthful love…or probably more accurately, youthful lust…to return to what should be his focus. “Your intruder left no evidence anywhere?”

“He was careful where he hid as he waited to ambush her. Judging from her description of the attack, I believe he jumped her from here as she passed.” Groteg showed him a space behind a metal tilling cylinder. “No sign he’d been there, however, or anywhere in this general vicinity.”

Dolgra put himself where Groteg had indicated. He looked up at the lights illuminating the area and how much sunlight came from the open doors of the barn. “Earther eyesight doesn’t compensate for darkness as well as ours. She would have been blind once she stepped past that area.” He nodded to indicate where the sunlight ended.

“I wish we’d had the lights yesterday. Safety’s never been an issue for us before.” Groteg scowled.

Dolgra walked back to where Charity had encountered her assailant. “He comes out and grabs her. They struggle. She gets in a good crotch shot and pulls free.”

“Then he ran to this window.” Groteg led him to the rear wall. “We found a few threads on the frame. The lab has them and should be reporting their analysis soon. It looked like flannel, however.”

“Haven’s unofficial dress code. No hair?” Dolgra frowned. Most Kalquorian men wore long hair. Crime scenes involving his people tended to offer plenty of samples.

“None. Maybe he wore a hooded jacket. Or a head covering. Bud caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure, but no details of his appearance. He verified he was big though, as Charity reported.”

“Muscled?”

“Bud couldn’t say.”

“Charity might have been wrong about that. It’s hard to be sure when you’re fighting off someone who came up behind you.”

Groteg considered. “She has a pretty good head on her shoulders. It could have been an Earther. A few around Sunrise are nearly our size.”

“We have to consider all options. No one has shown up on Haven from New Bethlehem in the last year. The Mercy refugees who fled the rioting were thoroughly vetted.”

“So Earthtiques from that quarter are out.”

“Unless operatives were sent to Haven early on for long-term surveillance.”

Groteg’s brows rose. “I never figured the fanatics for the long game. They always struck me as impetuous. Overly eager to act.”

“I’ve seen subtle signs Mercy or New Bethlehem might have had spies watching us for a while. Their governments’ conversations with Haven’s Earther governor have occasionally let slip they’re aware of more than they should be.”

“Mercy is currently in chaos, thanks to the revolt and Dark Death. Those few refugees we took in prior to Haven shutting its doors to all but the most extreme emergencies…do you have any indication operatives slipped in?”

Dolgra shook his head. “It’s possible, but the Galactic Council…before the Darks took control…froze Mercy’s assets when its government tried to pull a financial scam on Joshada. The lack of funds for needed programs were part of what started the unrest. When the government tried to fake an attack by their detractors and the footage of Copeland’s alleged presence on Kalquor came to light, it all went to hell. Short story, Mercy doesn’t have the money to pay operatives unless they pull it from where it’s most desperately needed. Who can guess if they actually plan to pay the bounty once they get hold of Matara Charity?”

Groteg considered. “You can’t discount the fanatics. They’d do it simply because they’re determined to return to Earth’s old ways.”

“There is that. Which is why I’m considering the few Earthers who are as tall or muscled as our people as potential suspects. There are those whose physical regimens develop them to match our natural muscle.”

“True.” Groteg seized on the idea. “I can think of four men on the Earther side of Haven’s security force who’d qualify.”

“Give me the names, and I’ll investigate them.” When the Nobek gave him a funny look, Dolgra explained, “You shouldn’t be looking into this where Earther law enforcement is concerned. It could be seen as a conflict of interest. Your focus will be to investigate those outside of Haven security who match Matara Charity’s description of her assailant.”

“All right.” Groteg rubbed the back of his neck. “As for Charity’s fling with the young men…particularly the Dramok you brought in…”

“I doubt it’ll hurt to let her have some fun. You know Detodev personally. I’m fully informed of Ilid’s history.”

“Imdiko Mitag had to pass a thorough background check when he put on the event for the Earther governor. He’s so clean, he squeaks.”

“Despite his family’s history. It surprises me he’s so well-adjusted, considering his background. He sued for emancipation, you know.”

“I know, along with the reasons for it. He had more than his fair share of reasons to become an utter asshole, if not worse,” Groteg agreed. “No sign of trouble, however. We were impressed by his demeanor when he joined us for dinner.”

“If you’re okay with him being around her, it’s good enough for me.”

“I’m reassured where they’re all concerned, especially given your opinion of Ilid. Charity has less chance of being assaulted in the company of three strong men.”

Dolgra had to point out one factor. “Nobek Detodev’s pacifism won’t prevent him from defending her?”

Groteg snorted as they started to leave the barn. “Detodev’s biggest problem isn’t an unwillingness to fight. It’s how bad he feels after he’s been forced to do so and has committed the damage his opponents had coming to them. He lets guilt for the mistakes of his youth color every instance he engages in self-defense.”

“That’s a rough mindset for a Nobek.”

“He’s willing to watch out for Charity, which is a step in the right direction. His usual reaction to the danger would be to avoid it. Isn’t it a little early for cocktails, my Matara?”

Dolgra’s heart skipped a beat as they emerged in the sunshine and found Sara waiting for them. It sank to note she held the bottle of bohut he’d given her.

“I believe we mistakenly got someone else’s delivery. This is very expensive.” She smiled and offered it to Dolgra.

He drew himself up and smiled as innocently as he could manage. “No mistake. I have to bring you packages when I stop by to keep up appearances. I thought your clan might appreciate a treat rather than the usual container full of packing materials.”

Groteg peered at the label. His eyes widened in surprised appreciation. “Quite the treat.”

“It’s too much. I priced this vintage when I was researching presents for my clanmates last Christmas.”

Groteg beamed at her. “What a lovely thought, my Matara. I’m glad you didn’t, though. We’d have had to leave an entire field unplanted if you’d indulged us so handsomely.” He chuckled at the idea of such extravagance.

“Two fields, my Nobek.” Sara held the bottle to Dolgra. “Thank you for the generous gesture.”

“Please enjoy it,” he insisted, hoping his face wasn’t red. “As I said, it’s a thank you for taking Charity Nath on, especially in view of yesterday’s attack. It’s the least the Kalquorian fleet could do for you. They aren’t paying you enough for her lodging and safety, in my opinion.”

“But…” she looked to Groteg for help.

Dolgra backed toward his shuttle. “I’m running late on my deliveries. Save it to celebrate a good harvest, the end of the Darks, the end of Dark Death…whatever. I’ll check in later, Groteg, and let you know what I’ve found.”

He hurried to his shuttle before they could insist on him taking the bottle. It had been a stupid move to give such a gift. He’d had no business trying to charm Clan Amgar.

No Imdiko wants to live with someone so cold. I doubt a Nobek would either.

Truer words had never been spoken. He was better off alone.

Sara watched Dramok Dolgra’s shuttle take off, She turned her gaze to Groteg. “Being the head spy on a planet pays well if he can afford to hand out these as thank-yous.”

“I guess.”

They continued to gaze at each other for the space of several seconds. Sara could tell the wheels were turning in her Nobek’s mind just as they were in hers. Was it truly appreciation for them taking care of and guarding Charity? Dolgra hadn’t shown the least hint of anything but genuine gratefulness. Did the stunning and single Dramok’s gesture contain a hidden motive?

Her consternation Dolgra might be interested in them returned. Was the mysterious spy for Kalquor making a bid to court Clan Amgar, a family with three busy children, hectic regular jobs, and a farm that consumed their few spare hours?

When she thought of it in those terms…

Amusement lit Groteg’s face at the same instant Sara laughed. “Nah,” they chorused. Chuckling, they resumed their usual busy day.

* * * *

Charity had resolutely focused on chores and a university assignment during the morning. When Mitag commed her about joining him in town shortly following lunch, she felt justified in asking Sara and Groteg for the afternoon off. After some debate, they gave their permission. They added the stipulation Mitag would pick her up. She wasn’t to leave his sight while she was off the farm.

The Imdiko was more than happy to agree. In fact, he sounded a bit insulted anyone would question he’d do so. “As if I’d have you walk to town or beg a ride. Of course I’ll keep an eye on you. Do they honestly think a guy who owns a business as successful as mine could be so irresponsible?”

He was over his pique by the time he landed his craft on the Amgar lawn. He greeted Charity’s hosts cheerfully. “Jennifer and I will do dinner out, if it’s okay. When would you prefer I have her home?”

Charity managed to stop her eyes from rolling. She hated being treated as if she were a high school kid who had a curfew. It was because everyone was worried for her welfare, she reminded herself. She concentrated on appreciativeness for their concern.

Sara and Groteg merely asked she inform them of how late her plans would go and where she’d be as soon as she and Mitag had decided on their itinerary. Delighted to be regarded as a responsible adult, she hugged the surprised pair before dashing on board Mitag’s shuttle.

“Where are we off to?” she asked Mitag.

“Here and there. I haven’t made particular plans; I simply wanted to see you. I hope that’s okay.”

“Spontaneity is my middle name.”

“I have to stop by the town’s event hall for a minute to see how my crew’s doing. They’re setting up the reception decorations for the big party. Once I see they have it under control, I’m all yours,” Mitag grinned.

“Oh, is it the Western-buckaroos-in-tails wedding? I so have to see this.”

Minutes later, she was standing in the midst of a space that shouldn’t have looked as good as it did, given the description Mitag had shared. She blinked at the hay bales set in interesting patterns against the walls, an arch made of farm tools, and another of chicken wire. She gaped at white and silver tulle bunting fashioned in astonishingly complicated bows, which decorated the gleaming steel and bale squares. White roses cascaded artfully in resplendent glory.

“If there’s a section of heaven specifically for farmers and ranchers, this could be a fair representation. It’s actually elegant, Mitag. You managed to pull it off.” She couldn’t keep admiration from her tone.

He beamed. “Thanks. I’ll be glad when it’s done. I look forward to the bride no longer comming me to share yet another of her bright ideas.”

“Such as flannel? Livestock?”

His hand covered her mouth as he darted terrified glances around the room. “Hush! I don’t trust her to not be lurking, ready to spring on me.”

They were still laughing when Ilid stepped in the gleaming, gorgeous hall. “I was leaving the bakery and saw you two come in here.” He yawned sleepily and scanned the room. “Swanky setup. This isn’t the horror show you were describing, Mitag.”

“I don’t do horror shows. I’m talented that way,” the Imdiko asserted in a pompous tone.

“It should have been a monstrosity, but he made it beautiful, didn’t he?” Charity stood on her toes and pressed a kiss to Ilid’s cheek. His sleepy but good mood appeared to brighten at her welcome.

“I had no idea farm tools could work for a romantic setting. Or hay.” Ilid chuckled and nudged Mitag.

“Hay can make for decent bedding if you loosely pile it.” Charity offered a wicked leer.

“Are you talking from experience?” Mitag wasted no time jumping on the innuendo.

“Not yet. But I can tell you with some assurance, feedbags do in a pinch.”

“And you know this for a fact how?” Ilid demanded playfully.

“Ask Detodev.”

“Now it makes sense why she smells so strongly of our strong, silent Nobek,” Mitag told Ilid.

“I caught it, but I wasn’t going to say anything. I thought he had to get up early this morning?”

“It’s easy to get up when you’ve been up all night. In more ways than one.” Mitag’s sally earned Ilid’s laughter.

“What do you mean, you could smell him on me? I showered.” Charity thought they were making fun of her. Maybe disbelieving her.

“You smell strongly of soap, shampoo, and a little less powerfully of Detodev.” Ilid’s purple eyes twinkled. “The Kalquorian sense of smell is quite sensitive. You weren’t aware?”

“I’d heard but…you can actually tell we…?” Charity groaned. “That means Groteg and Utber must have smelled Detodev too. And Dramok Dolgra! The Kalquorian farmhands…prophets, are you saying if I sleep with a Kalquorian, every other Kalquorian around me can tell?”

A young Dramok assistant of Mitag’s walked past, carrying an armful of roses. “From at least three feet away, Matara,” he snickered.

Charity’s face burned as Mitag and Ilid roared laughter. She didn’t mind her intimate hijinks revealed to those she hoped to indulge in future intimate hijinks with…but half the damned colony would realize it too?

“How am I supposed to get away with anything on this ridiculous planet?”

* * * *

“The traitor’s daughter is roaming the main drag in the company of two Kalqs. She’s all but crawling on them, the little whore. She’s grabbing their arms, putting her cheek on their shoulders, letting them touch her.”

Wilkes frowned at his com, from which Scott O’Neal’s snarling voice emitted. He was glad his office door was closed at the Earther security headquarters. It kept his space soundproof against anyone listening in. Nonetheless, he instinctively lowered the unit’s volume. “You aren’t being obvious you’re watching her, right? No one’s close enough to hear you talking like this?”

“‘Course not.” O’Neal adopted a more cautious tone nonetheless. “Damn shame we have to hide our moral decency in public when sluts behave so disgusting. We should be able to string ‘em up on sight.”

Wilkes took a deep breath and hoped he hadn’t made a mistake hiring O’Neal to spy on Nath when she was in town. His fellow traditionalist wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but he worked at the feed and seed store, much of which was open to the outdoors. Its central location in Sunrise’s main business thoroughfare offered an excellent view when it came to watching the townspeople. From his vantage point, O’Neal could see up and down the main street and not be obvious…as long as he wasn’t glowering at those he looked at.

“Just do as I asked and keep an eye on her. Don’t let anyone see you do so, okay? She’ll get what’s coming to her when we send her to New Bethlehem.”

Wilkes clicked off. Nath and a couple Kalquorians were apparently forging friendships, if not outright affairs. It made getting his hands on her a lot harder. He had no problem taking Kalqs out if he had no better choice, but it would raise a lot of questions for anyone to go missing or show up dead.

“Fuck me,” he sighed. His problems where Charity Nath was concerned kept mounting.

Chapter Twelve

The instant the door of the small but lovely one-story home opened that evening, Charity breezed in, not waiting for an invitation from the surprised Detodev. “We come bearing food. Where’s the dining room?”

“Uh…” The Nobek blinked at her, then Ilid and Mitag, who’d waited outside the door. Their arms were full of covered to-go trays from a local eatery, which served both Kalquorian and Earther fare. “What’s this?”

Ilid shrugged. His expression reflecting amusement, he nodded to Charity. “Ask her. I’m just a pack animal.”

“You’re far more, darling Dramok.” She stepped close to Detodev and wondered if he reeked of her as she apparently did of him. She wondered if the whole Amgar farm was gabbing about their night of fun. Or maybe she attached too great of importance to her tattered reputation. Perhaps nobody gave a damn. She brushed aside the embarrassing realization and smiled at the Nobek. “We need to clear the air. Stop tip-toeing around each other. No better way than over dinner.”

She could feel his walls going up though he didn’t twitch. His gaze remained fixed. Charity sighed and put her hand on his arm. “It takes too much energy for me to pretend to be who I’m not when it comes to my friends. You three make me feel safe. I’ll feel safer if I don’t have to play a part. Don’t you think it’ll be best for all concerned?”

He continued to regard her steadily. His head twitched the barest of nods. His gaze swung to the two men waiting for permission to enter. “Come in. The dining room is this way.”

Charity glanced at his home as she followed him from the entryway through a tiny but charming living room. He probably called it a greeting room like most Kalquorians, she amended. It appeared little used, as if waiting eternally for guests who never showed up.

He led her to a small dining room. She scanned her surroundings, curious how a solitary beast like Detodev lived. It turned out simply, but she noted the furnishings were comfortable and tasteful. His decorating was spare, but there were some small vid pictures on the sideboard along the wall. They were of an elder clan in expensive clothes posed formally. She saw another shot of them with three boys of various ages. It was easy to pick out a young but already grim-visaged Detodev. He was the spitting image of the man who was apparently his Nobek father, minus the jagged scar stamped from the elder man’s cheek to his jaw. Charity guessed Detodev had been about ten when the picture had been snapped.

The stills were of his family. No one smiled in the portraits, and she wondered how happy his childhood had been. It hadn’t sounded particularly joyous from the little he’d told her the night before.

Mitag’s organizing skills came to the fore once they were in the dining room with its unadorned but polished wood table and matching sideboard and china cabinet. An open window ushered in a lovely breeze, on which the scent of verdant growth wafted in.

The Imdiko set out the food in its trays buffet style on the table’s low surface. Detodev produced dishes and utensils. Mitag set the table so fast, Charity swore they were sitting on comfortable floor cushions to the meal less than a minute after they’d walked in.

“How about those true confessions?” Mitag asked.

“Food first. Naked souls look better when stomachs are full. We’ll save dessert for after the conversation, because sugar heals all hurts.” Charity felt she’d imparted great wisdom despite Detodev’s snort.

She enjoyed her meal and was relieved the Nobek’s appetite seemed undiminished despite her issuing a challenge he couldn’t find appealing. He spoke little, which was probably best given he shoveled impressive quantities of food in his face. Ilid had gone quiet too after a day of easy chatter. He seemed uncomfortable. Charity and Mitag carried the conversation, determinedly bright and cheerful.

Charity left just enough room for the slice of chocolate cheesecake she’d decided would be her reward for braving Detodev’s wrath at her house-crashing ruse. She set her empty plate aside and looked at the men in turn. They gazed back, giving her their full attention.

She dove in. “Dramok Ilid and Imdiko Mitag, my name is Charity Nath. This is my story.”

She told them everything. The original Earth’s leader Browning Copeland had escaped aboard a battlecruiser when Kalquorian invasion had been imminent at the end of the war. As one of his leading generals, her father Borey Nath had also been on board. He’d brought his daughters, Charity and her older sister Hope, barely getting off the planet in time. Nuclear blasts, set to trigger if Earth were invaded, detonated and destroyed major cities as they fled the planet. There’d been no opportunity for Faith Nath, Charity’s mother, to join them. She’d been away on business in one of the cities that had gone up in a mushroom cloud. In the end, the whole world had been rendered incapable of sustaining life.

“My father had been working for years to find a way to remove Copeland from power,” she told her gawking audience. “From what I’ve gathered, he and his accomplices were set to move against the Holy Leader within weeks. Maybe days. Then your fleet showed up, Armageddon hit, and we were stuck under Copeland’s thumb among his most loyal servants. Dad continued to play his role of dutiful general while starting from scratch on how to defeat Copeland.”

Charity described how she’d been forced to marry Browning Copeland at fifteen years of age, the latest in a long list of young wives. The wedding had been a farce, the Holy Leader merely declaring them man and wife as her protesting father was arrested. She recounted the harrowing tale of being rescued from rape by her sister and Clan Piras, followed by the Naths’ desperate flight from the ship. They’d taken Copeland prisoner as they escaped.

“Piras, his clan, and their spyship crew made it look as if we’d all died when Copeland’s battlecruiser was destroyed.”

“Then Copeland really is alive,” Ilid said. “Kalquor has him?”

“Under the supervision of my father, who insisted on the responsibility.” Charity grimaced and hurried to finish the tale. “I was given a false identity in order to live safely with my aunt and uncle in Galactic Council space. When the Darks invaded and took over, we escaped to Alpha Space Station. There, I was identified and outed by a Dark-ridden member of the GC. The Earthtiques on Mercy and New Bethlehem, probably in the governments’ highest offices, put a bounty on my head.”

“For what purpose? You were just a kid when it all went down.”

“They’re fanatics, Ilid. The Earthtiques in charge think if they can capture me and force me to admit Copeland’s still alive, they can turn back the clock and make Earthers live under his religious tyranny again.”

Mitag frowned. “The so-called faked footage of Copeland in a cell that went out a few weeks back—?”

Charity nodded. “It was real. We’re pretty sure the Darks were behind it.”

“If the Earthers are at each other’s throats and set against Kalquor, it’ll help the Darks get a foothold.” Ilid looked sick. “The old ruse of ‘divide and conquer.’”

“Exactly.”

“I’m sorry you’re caught in the middle of it.”

“I can’t believe you went through such an awful ordeal,” Mitag said. “You were only fifteen when Copeland decided to marry you? That’s disgusting!”

“Beware the holiest of holy rollers. In my experience, they’re usually the worst of the bunch.” She gazed at them. “There’s my tale in a nutshell. I’m trusting you guys by telling you the truth. Quid pro quo, gentlemen. Who’s next?”

Detodev had glowered fiercely through her story. “Isn’t one awful history enough? I hate how you were victimized by that sanctimonious bastard. I don’t want to hear if Ilid and Mitag had to deal with anything even half as bad.”

“You simply don’t want to share.” Mitag’s tone was gentle.

“Why should I? I’m in no danger the way she is. Why is this discussion necessary? It’s on the level of introducing ourselves to potential clanmates’ parents. I have no intention of joining a clan.”

Charity gazed at him, recognizing the angry outburst for what it was: a Nobek’s helplessness to defend those he cared for from past hurts. His own personal pain and fear of revealing it played a part as well.

Her hand covered his. For a wonder, he didn’t draw from her as she’d half-expected him to, though he continued to glare at her.

“If you’re near me, you need to understand the danger you could be in. As for why you should share your stories, I get the idea you’re open to being friends. Friends are honest. Forget clan stuff; if we can’t be ourselves when we’re together, then mere friendship is impossible.” Charity glanced around the table to include Ilid and Mitag. “I want us to be friends. Though I can’t wait to get off Planet Farm Hell, I’ll be up front on another matter: having indulged in one Kalquorian—” she grinned at Detodev “—the chance to enjoy sex with three guys at once is exciting. But only if we’re friends, which means you have to tell me who you are. You have to trust me as I’ve trusted you.”

* * * *

Scott O’Neal edged close to the open window. He’d followed the Nath woman and her Kalq friends to this home on the outskirts of Sunrise. Having lived on Haven among its Kalqs and Kalq-loving freaks for seven stomach-churning years, he was aware whom the pleasant house and its neat lawn belonged to: Nobek Detodev, a coward who avoided conflict as much as possible.

O’Neal was a few feet from the window when he heard a woman’s throaty laugh. On the heels of it came the comment, “Well, who wouldn’t want to win the triple crown of cocks? Or would it be more accurate to call it a six-pack, since you have two apiece?”

The ribald statement was greeted by low masculine laughter. Scott snarled to hear one answer, “If it weren’t for the table covering the evidence, you’d know I’m up to the challenge.”

More laughter, then quieter mutterings he couldn’t make out. O’Neal bared his teeth. Were the demons even now naked and reaching for the Jezebel? Had wicked debauchery begun in earnest? He crept closer, determined to see the wicked scene. He clutched his holstered blaster on his hip. It was illegal for him to possess it since he wasn’t a member of law enforcement or the military, but legalities on an immoral planet had never been high on his priorities. When surrounded by evil, a man had to take precautions.

Sometimes a man had to act righteously whether he was in danger or not.

O’Neal could finish the Kalqs while they concentrated on the whore. He could grab Nath and bring her to badly needed judgment from those who’d pay him well for her capture. Maybe he’d get Wilkes’ share too.

Wilkes sure as hell didn’t deserve the bounty. He was playing it too safe, trying to sneak the slut to New Bethlehem instead of simply grabbing her and making her confess to the Holy Leader’s whereabouts. O’Neal had a vision of himself leading the charge to rescue Browning Copeland, the hero of Old Earth who’d put things right again.

His hold on the blaster tightened. The house was isolated. Probably no one would hear the blaster go off. If they did, if they cared enough for a coward Nobek to investigate, O’Neal and the whore would be long gone.

He drew level with the window and peered in.

* * * *

Having used raunchy humor to relax her tense companions a touch, Charity returned to a serious state. Her voice low in gentle encouragement, she said, “Come on, guys. Time to ‘fess up.”

Detodev’s gaze lowered to his empty plate. He refused to speak. Ilid hunched. Sadness pulled at his features. He showed no sign he’d break the silence either.

“Have any of you ever heard of Clan Cyret? They were in the news, oh, it would have been about twenty-one years ago.” Mitag glanced at them in turn. His usually bright features were calm but tight.

Charity had the insight that whatever he referred to, he could have told them to the day exactly how long ago it had been. To the hour. She’d heard herself use the same offhand tone when discussing the moment she’d been told her mother hadn’t escaped. Despite Borey’s and Hope’s frantic coms as they’d boarded the ship taking them from Old Earth’s Armageddon, despite her father’s desperate attempts to have the military get her out of harm’s way, Faith hadn’t been able to leave Paris in time. The same darkness lurked beneath Mitag’s words.

Ilid’s brow creased. He shook his head in answer to the Imdiko’s question. “I’d have been barely a year old.”

“The name sounds vaguely familiar, but Cyret’s a common name. No. I don’t think so.” Detodev’s eyes rose to meet Mitag’s.

“During training camp, you and your fellow Nobeks might have had a class on how to handle a clanmate who goes off the deep end. It would probably be thanks to Clan Cyret.” Mitag’s studied calm never wavered, though a tremor entered his speech.

Detodev’s brows drew together. “It rings a bell. I do recall a few lessons on warning signs of clanmates’ stress and when to seek outside help. There were several case studies. Cyret may have been among them.”

“You’ll have to catch Charity and me up,” Ilid prompted when Mitag failed to continue. The Imdiko’s gaze had gone distant.

He drew a breath. “Dramok Cyret was a territorial councilman involved in a bribery scandal back in the day. He was facing a prison sentence and decided to kill himself. In his suicide note, he said his clanmates and child would suffer too much without him to guide them, so he planned to kill them first. I suppose he was the definition of a narcissist to think in such a way.”

Charity’s heart lurched. “Tell me you weren’t the child in this story.”

Mitag offered her a sad smile. “Unfortunately, I was.”

“How old were you?”

“Three.” Mitag swallowed. “Cyret took out my Nobek father first, since he was the clan member best equipped to stop him. He caught him from behind by surprise. Put a knife in his neck, severing his spinal cord. Then he cut his throat.”

“Fuck,” Ilid breathed.

“It was quick and quiet, based on the official reports. My Imdiko father was also caught by surprise, but he had the opportunity to fight. My mother and I were upstairs while my fathers struggled on the lower floor. The report said she must have thought she couldn’t get past Cyret to escape. She hid me in a drawer in a guest room, hoping to save me. After he overcame my Imdiko father, Cyret cornered and killed her in their sleeping room. When he couldn’t find me, he committed suicide.”

Detodev and Ilid stared at him. Charity guessed they were as thunderstruck as she was. Their sweet, bubbly Mitag had been exposed to an unthinkable horror.

“Do you…you don’t remember any of the actual killings, do you?” Ilid asked. “Please say you don’t.”

“I recall scattered pieces of that night. Mostly my mother whispering to stay quiet and not come out of the drawer, even if Cyret called for me. ‘It’s a game, and you lose if he finds you. Don’t fall for his tricks,’ she said. I thought it was a scary game. I didn’t want to play because she looked terrified.”

Charity grabbed his hand, wishing she could erase the horror on his expression. She clutched Detodev’s too, needing his strength. His return grip shook minutely.

“I remember feeling I was suffocating in my dark drawer while my mother screamed in the distance. Then the urge to come out when Cyret shouted my name and ordered me to. A Dramok’s command is hard to resist…but the image of my mother’s face and her desperate voice telling me to stay put…it somehow kept me where I was.”

“Thank the Mother of All. And your mother.” Charity wasn’t sure if the hoarse utter came from Ilid or Detodev. Her gaze was riveted on Mitag. He didn’t appear devastated or traumatized, but there was a heartbreaking vulnerability in his expression. It tore at her.

“There was a sound I couldn’t identify. I later learned it was the blaster Cyret used to kill himself. I guess he was too much a coward to use the knife. Or maybe he thought using a blaster on the rest of my parents would be heard and bring help too soon. But no one heard anything. Not the screams, not the shot…no one came.”

“How long were you in the drawer before you were found?” Charity’s spoke in a thready whisper.

“The silence afterward went on forever. I finally decided to disobey my mother and search for her. I also needed the bathroom terribly. I don’t know if I saw the bodies. I just remember blood. Lots of blood. Pools of it. My next memory is standing outside in the dark and crying. I don’t think I comprehended my family had been murdered, but I understood something was wrong.”

“You must have blocked some of it out,” Ilid noted. “Which is good.”

“My only other recollection of that night is of a stranger putting me in a bed in a place I didn’t recognize. It might have been a hospital. I think I was given an injection to make me sleep.”

“All this time. We’ve been acquainted for a year, but I never guessed you’d seen anything like…” Detodev’s rumble faded.

“Did your extended family take you in?” Charity blinked to keep tears from falling.

“A clan of uncles and an aunt. They already had children and…well, I guess I was a burden. News media was eager to run stories about the miracle boy who’d survived his infamous father’s murderous rampage. It went on for years and drove everyone around me crazy. My cousins hated the amount of attention I got, though I would have done anything to be out of the spotlight. They saw to it their friends disliked me too.”

“Oh, Mitag. On top of what you’d already suffered, their attitude was horrible.”

“The notoriety followed me when I became an adult. Prospective clanmates would research me, find out I was this monster’s son, and run for the hills. Would-be employers and clients wouldn’t hire me when I started event planning on Kalquor for the same reason.”

“Assholes,” Ilid muttered.

Mitag shrugged. “Haven was the chance for a new start, where no one knew who my family was. So here I am, and now you know…because I trust you three to accept me for who I am rather than the acts of my father.”

“Damn right we do,” Charity vowed.

He swallowed. “I’d do anything to have a family who cares about me. Even if it’s just a family of friends, though I won’t pretend I don’t wish for more.”

Charity lost her battle against the tears and wept openly. Ilid reached for Mitag and gripped his shoulder. “I’m sorry for all you suffered. I can’t believe people made your life such a struggle. Especially your own family. I mean, you were the victim!”

Mitag regarded him. “So were you. Despite the way I was treated, I’m still the caregiver my breed designation says I am. I haven’t questioned my role as an Imdiko. Your past won’t keep you from being an excellent clan leader, Dramok.” His attention went to Detodev. “You haven’t shared your history, but I’m familiar enough with you despite your efforts to keep me at a distance. You’re as Nobek as you can be.”

“My story is nothing like yours,” Detodev insisted, but his demeanor spoke of contemplation rather than dissent. “What happened to you happened to you. I bring my own shit on myself.”

“Let us help you not do so then.”

“After hearing the hell you went through? As if your pain is to be set aside for me? Are we really supposed to move on from your suffering so quickly?”

“I have. Sure, I have nightmares on occasion, but I’m in therapy. Have been for years, and it’s done me a world of good. I have excellent coping exercises.” Mitag offered a rueful chuckle. “Except for my admittedly obsessive search for the love I never had, I’ve put together a pretty great life. So yes, let’s move on.”

“I can’t dismiss your pain so easily.” Detodev scowled.

Mitag sighed, but his attention on the Nobek held warmth and compassion. “Listen to me, you big thug. I came from a house of death and another of rejection. I still give a shit about you. That’s how I know there’s no reason you can’t be the man you were meant to be. Ditto for Ilid.” He sat up straight. “Prove me wrong.”

“Fine,” Backed into the proverbial corner, Detodev answered the challenge. “How many pacifist Nobeks have you met?”

Mitag’s and Ilid’s brows rose in tandem. “You’re a pacifist?” Ilid’s tone was surprised.

Detodev didn’t answer right away. It was as if he waited for them to laugh at him. When they merely regarded him with bright interest, he huffed. “I try my best to be. I’ve hurt people when my temper’s gotten out of control. Really hurt them. Which shouldn’t be a surprise, since Nobeks find violence so damned easy. I don’t want to be this way, a thoughtless animal who snaps if someone looks at him wrong. I refuse to be the very thing I despise most.”

Charity wished she had a magic wand to wave over them all so their issues would be fixed. “There’s gratuitous violence, then there’s protectiveness, which is the trait of a true Nobek. You proved to me yesterday a true Nobek is who you are when you tried to catch my attacker.”

“A true Nobek? Don’t make me laugh. My father carries a scar on his face from when he had to stop me from hurting my mother.” Detodev waved at the closest portrait.

Ilid kept his tone steady and non-accusing. “I wondered where he’d gotten his mark of honor.”

“There was no honor in it. Just a spoiled brat throwing a tantrum.”

Mitag considered the portrait, which included Detodev and his siblings. “The scar looks years old in that picture, and you’re still a boy…maybe ten? Younger? You must have been really little when the incident happened.”

“What does it matter how old I was? I was enraged when my mother told me I couldn’t have a treat I wanted. A treat! Such aggression can’t be excused.”

“You told me you were four when it happened,” Charity reminded him. They’d shared a lot of themselves beyond sex in the barn. “It’s the age when little Nobeks usually start acting out, isn’t it, when the first sign of their breed category begins to show?”

“She’s right,” Ilid said. “I used to hear Nobek friends in the fleet talk about it when they compared stories about wrecked houses and injured parents.”

“My point,” Detodev growled. “Nobeks are primitive beasts from the word go.”

“I guess humans are too.” Charity chuckled. “Name the three-year-old who ran through her house screaming and pulling down curtains…and bit her mother no less than four times and drew blood? All because I couldn’t have a cookie half an hour before dinner.”

Detodev stared at her. “You bit her over a snack?”

“Same as you. You were no different from a gazillion kids, my friend. You’re positively banal in how typical you were.”

“My breed is known for its violence, though.”

“Particularly at certain stages of development, similar to the rest of us. Your early childhood temper tantrums, no matter how intense, aren’t exclusively a Nobek thing.” Charity smirked. “ All toddlers are malicious terrorists, the exception being my irritatingly perfect sister.”

“I recall my share of fits,” Ilid agreed. “Maybe Nobeks get a bad rap simply because they’re Nobeks.”

“Good point. I was beyond awful, especially where chocolate and sugar were concerned.” Charity eyed the cheesecake significantly. “I may have failed to outgrow it. I say we start in on dessert before we pry Ilid’s story from him, or I might indulge in my violent urges.”

She glanced at the Dramok and went cold at his expression of utter bloodcurdling terror. He gazed at Mitag.

No, not at him. Ilid stared at a point over the Imdiko’s shoulder.

Chapter Thirteen

Ilid had spotted movement at the corner of his eye and stared at the window beyond where Mitag sat.

A shadow outside betrayed its presence as it shifted position.

A Dark.

He jerked, a precursor to lunging for Charity, who stared at him. Detodev grabbed his leg under the table and gripped it tight. “Have you tasted chocolate cheesecake, Ilid?”

The Nobek’s gaze was intent. His head offered the slightest of shakes. He’d seen it too.

Detodev said he can’t see Darks. Something else occurred to Ilid. He’d looked directly at the shadow beyond the window and had seen its shape…the form of humanoid head and shoulders. Darks were only detectable in his peripheral vision. Their silhouettes were blobs with tentacles.

It’s a human or Kalquorian. He almost shouted in relief despite realizing they were being spied on…perhaps by the very person who’d attacked Charity.

“No, I haven’t had it. Have you?” He was shocked he could speak coherently.

“Never. Before I go on this journey of culinary discovery, I need to visit the restroom. Please excuse me.” Detodev stood and left the room.

Charity and Mitag stared at Ilid in confusion. They’d no doubt caught the stilted nature of the exchange and were startled by Detodev’s sudden exit. Fearing they would comment on it and spook the lurker, Ilid smiled brightly.

“As the prospective manager of a bakery, I’m eager to sample this dessert Charity’s drooling over. If it’s on par with our dinner, it’ll be wonderful. You chose amazing food tonight, Mitag. Do you use that particular restaurant for your events?”

“Uh, yeah. I do. It makes sense to do so, since they offer both Earther and Kalquorian fare.” Mitag glanced at the door Detodev had gone through. His brow creased as he tried to figure out the situation.

Ilid stretched his leg and tapped his toe against Mitag’s shin. “I assume you have your favorite go-to caterers?”

The Imdiko’s eyes widened as realization lit them. Ilid was thankful he’d caught the conversation was a ruse to cover Detodev’s absence. “Yeah. Yeah! Hey, you know what we should do? A tasting of your bakery’s offerings. Maybe I can swing some business your way.”

Charity’s eyes narrowed as she looked from one man to the other.

“I appreciate the kind offer,” Ilid enthused. “As soon as we have everything up and running properly, I’ll—”

Shouts came from the open window. The shadows beyond moved. Detodev’s face appeared, a snarl twisting his features. In that instant, he appeared as animalistic as he’d claimed his breed was. Someone else screamed as the Nobek ducked out of sight.

Ilid ignored Charity’s and Mitag’s shocked cries. He raced to help Detodev subdue whomever had been spying on them.

He shot from the door they’d entered through and rounded the home’s corner to find Detodev had taken an Earther male to the ground. The stringy man wearing a flannel shirt and jeans struggled vainly to escape the Nobek crouched over him and pinning him down.

“Get off me, Kalq!” The thin face was in a rictus of fear. He stared at Detodev, who showed his fangs.

His voice lost in a growl, Detodev kept his eyes on the prowler. “Ilid, he dropped a blaster when I knocked him down. Can you pick it up? Don’t get your fingerprints on it.”

Ilid caught sight of the pistol-shaped firearm, the design and size clearly made for typically smaller Earther hands. He yanked a leaf from a nearby plant big enough for him to fetch the weapon without touching it.

As he secured it, he shot a glance at Mitag, who stood in front of Charity in a defensive posture. The pair had raced to the scene behind him. The Imdiko was poised to fight though it was clear the spy wasn’t getting loose from Detodev. “Mitag, she’s safe. Detodev has this asshole secured. Com Nobek Groteg to come here as fast as possible.”

As the Imdiko obeyed, Charity approached Ilid. Her regard locked on the subdued man. “Are you here because of me? Are you stalking me on someone else’s behalf or your own?”

Ilid doubted the man would hear her, thanks to the terrifying sight of the Nobek who hung over him. However, rage filled the human’s expression. He glared at Charity. “Caught you being a filthy whore, didn’t I?”

Detodev’s furious bellow split the air. The spy promptly forgot Charity to gibber a desperate plea. The Nobek’s head started to dart down, as if he’d tear the Earther’s throat out. He checked himself and froze. He quaked, his gaze darting toward Ilid.

“Listen to me, asshole,” Ilid snarled at the human as he stood over the pair. “Keep your nasty mouth shut about her. Otherwise, I’ll tell this Nobek to shove his fist down your throat…then I’ll have a turn. You won’t have a tooth left in your ignorant head when we’re done. Understood?”

He didn’t care when the bastard sobbed an agreement. His command had been for Detodev, to give him an alternative to unleashing the fatal violence he hated so much…and to assure him some aggression was reasonable in this instance. The Nobek shot him a look of gratitude before resuming a baleful stare at his prisoner.

Groteg showed up at Detodev’s home several minutes ahead of a couple of his officers and the Earther side of Haven’s security. The Earther detachment included its department head Wright Connelly and his second, Martin Wilkes. Since the case involved humans as perpetrator and supposed intended victim, Connelly’s group would take custody of Scott O’Neal.

“Drunk and disorderly not enough for you, O’Neal?” the gray-haired and immensely competent Connelly said in his gruff voice after hearing witness testimony. Nearing retirement age didn’t hamper him from doing an impeccable job, in Groteg’s opinion. “Adding stalker to your rap sheet now, huh? Sounds like you’re an Earthtique to boot…which isn’t a crime, but Haven’s an awfully strange place to make your home if you don’t approve of Kalquorians and Earthers mixing. Makes me wonder what your plans here are, exactly.”

Safe from Detodev’s dangerous hands, O’Neal scowled rebelliously and refused to respond. The majority of his ire seemed to be aimed at Wilkes. The assistant chief stood by impassively, disapproval written on his harsh features.

“Get him outta here,” Connelly told the officers standing guard where Detodev had caught him.

“I can write him up for you, boss,” Wilkes offered.

“You do that. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”

The human law enforcement group, with the exception of Connelly, escorted O’Neal to their shuttle. Groteg could tell his human counterpart wanted a word, so they stepped off to speak privately.

“We’ll keep you in the loop, seeing it’s Detodev’s property O’Neal was trespassing on.”

“Thank you, Chief,” Groteg said.

Connelly eyed him, his faded blue scrutiny typically sharp. “Any idea why O’Neal would take offense to your ward seeing a potential clan? Considering how many mixed-species relationships we have here, it’s funny he’d single out the newest kid on the block.”

“It does seem strange,” Groteg admitted, his thoughts churning a mile a minute. “Almost obsessive in nature. She says she never met him before, but perhaps she forgot him approaching her when she was out having drinks.”

“She might have turned him down. A girl as pretty as her no doubt gets her share of attention, wanted and otherwise. If booze was involved, there’s a chance she wouldn’t remember one out of several flirting with her.”

“O’Neal doesn’t have a history of stalking young women, does he? On Haven or prior to coming here?”

“We never got a complaint I’m aware of. There’s the possibility he got in trouble elsewhere, but we do a thorough check of those who move in from Mercy and New Bethlehem. At least I do.” Connelly frowned. “He’s been here since before me.”

“Maybe your predecessor missed something.”

“I’ll give his entry documents another look, just to be sure.” Connelly called to the knot of those waiting to be released from interviews. “Terrific job catching him, Nobek Detodev.”

The Nobek dipped a nod, his gaze averted. Connelly bid Groteg goodnight and departed in his private craft.

Groteg assigned his officers patrol duty on Detodev’s property. O’Neal was far from the size of Charity’s previous assailant, judging from her description. It brought a spark of fury to realize there was more than one person involved in the attempts to kidnap her. How many ruthless bastards had the bounty set against her?

He tamped down his rage and joined the foursome of Charity, Detodev, Ilid, and Mitag. “I’d like to add my commendation to Chief Connelly’s, Nobek. You did well capturing and holding O’Neal until we got here.”

Detodev appeared unsure if he deserved the approval, but he accepted it. “Thank you. I’m glad to have helped.”

Groteg could have added his admiration that the younger man hadn’t ripped the bastard apart. It was probably what Detodev considered his greatest accomplishment in the affair. The elder Nobek doubted mentioning it would have been appreciated in front of Detodev’s peers. Better to treat it as perfectly natural, he decided.

Instead, he directed his next comment to Charity. “Do you need a ride to the farm?”

She grinned, as pert as if nothing of particular note had happened in the last hour. He marveled at her resilience, especially considering O’Neal’s stalking had come on the heels of the attack in the barn. “Thanks, but we haven’t had dessert yet. I refuse to let some weirdo peeping jerk deprive me of chocolate cheesecake.”

He chuckled, expressing his appreciation for her strength. “I’ve learned it’s a bad move to get between a human woman and chocolate anything. It’s a wonder you let O’Neal live.”

She laughed. “Sara taught you well.”

He glanced at the young men. “Detodev, my officers will stand guard until one of you brings her to the farm.” He paused. As offhandedly as he could, added, “They’re already working graveyard shift, so it doesn’t matter how late dessert goes.”

The trio of Detodev, Ilid, and Mitag couldn’t hold his gaze as they mumbled their thanks. On the other hand, Charity’s smirk was pure wickedness.

He thanked the ancestors as he headed for his shuttle there were three of them to entertain her. He had a feeling they needed all the help they could get where Charity Nath was concerned.

* * * *

Ilid’s anger and excitement at the threat O’Neal had posed ebbed as they trooped in Detodev’s home. In its wake came the memory of the shadow at the window.

He paused in the dining room’s doorway as the rest returned to the table and began cutting generous amounts of cheesecake. As usual, Charity and Mitag were full of chatter, praising the typically quiet Detodev for taking down the spy.

The Nobek’s demeanor was dark, however. At last, he broke into their compliments. “I could have killed him. It would have been easy. If Ilid hadn’t been there to talk me down, it might have gone badly.” He glanced at the Dramok. “I owe you thanks for helping me.”

“You were fine.” Ilid noted the hoarseness in his voice. “You stopped yourself before I said a word. I watched you do it.”

“You see?” Mitag insisted to the uncertain Nobek. “You aren’t the uncontrollable child any longer, Detodev. You’re a man in full command of his actions.”

“What I wanted to do though—”

“Hey, I was ready to cut his balls off,” Charity said. “I almost asked you to hold him there so I could. We aren’t our urges, big man. Mastering ourselves is what counts. You did so.”

He was quiet as he considered. In the end, he seemed to take strength from her insistence. “Maybe. I still feel I owe you gratitude, Ilid. You cut through my anger and gave me a chance to think before I did anything.”

“As a good Dramok does,” Mitag said.

“A good Dramok?” Ilid shook his head. He brought his hands from behind his back to show them how violently they shook. “Does this look like the reaction of a real leader to you?”

“Ilid.” Charity hurried from the table and flung her arms around him. “Why didn’t you say you were upset about the freak holding a blaster on us?”

“I’m not. I mean, yeah, learning he was armed was some bad shit, but it isn’t why I’m…fuck. Fuck!”

He gently pushed her away and stomped to the window. It was dark, a world of shadows beyond. He stared at the blackness and considered the monsters potentially lurking in it.

“I’ll never be free of them, will I?”

“Free of who?” Detodev’s voice was surprisingly gentle.

Ilid swallowed. The rest had told their stories, and it was his turn. He’d recognized much of himself in Detodev’s tale. The difference was, the Nobek was true to his nature despite himself, and he wasn’t as bestial as he feared. He only needed to recognize he had gained control of his urges since he’d gained maturity.

Ilid, however…he’d lost any claim to the Dramok mindset of unhesitating leader.

“I thought O’Neal was a Dark when I saw him through the window. I believed we were good as dead. Or worse.” His mouth was dry. Further words stuck in his throat. Remembering his first sight of the moving shadow sent his heart into overdrive. Dread of the horrors of the past and the terrors the future might hold filled him with his own darkness. He rasped, “Mitag, I can’t. Tell them for me.”

After a second’s hesitation, the Imdiko shared Ilid’s story as the young man stared through the window, unable to stop searching for movement in the formless night. Haven was secure for now…but could its authorities and their safeguards truly keep out the entities determined to strip their dimension of sentient life?

He noted how Mitag glossed over his stay in the psychiatric hospital. Ilid turned to the openly horrified Charity and Detodev to tell the story properly. “I wasn’t suffering from mere trauma I could talk through after I returned to Kalquor. I had a complete and total breakdown. I hallucinated the Darks everywhere. I relived the medical experiments I was put through without benefit of anesthesia. I screamed myself awake each and every night, soaked in sweat. At one point, I tried to kill myself. I couldn’t stand the idea of dragging my parents into my abyss. I’m coping now, for the most part, but tonight showed me how uncertain my mental state remains. If I face the Darks again, I’ll probably fall apart. Anyone who’s in my life as a serious partner or clanmate…I’ll be useless to them.”

They gazed at him. Detodev, in recognition. Mitag’s sorrow for his suffering was obvious.

Charity appeared touched. She came to him and stopped just in reach, though she didn’t try to make contact. “Can I ask what would you have done if it had been a Dark outside rather than O’Neal?”

He blinked. “Huh?”

“When you believed there was a Dark ready to come at us, what were you going to do?”

“I was ready to grab you, toss you to Detodev, and let you three run for safety and help while I tried to keep it from you.” As if he could do anything else.

Mitag approached too. “In other words, you’d have been the leader sacrificing himself for the good of the rest. You had no intention of running and hiding, though it scared you. You don’t get more Dramok than that, Ilid.”

Ilid stared at him. Mitag thought he’d behaved as a Dramok should?

“He’s right.” Charity’s voice was soft and feeling filled her features.

Mitag’s regard went to Detodev. “While we’re pointing out the obvious, you couldn’t have been a more mature Nobek than you were when you snuck outside to stop a blaster-carrying asshole. You held him and caused no serious injury. Instead of taking him apart, as many would have…as I wanted to…you waited for the authorities to sort out the situation. You were strong and upheld your vow to be a pacifist. You struck the perfect balance, Detodev. I could tell even Groteg was impressed.”

“I’d say you and Ilid have your shit together as far as your breeds dictate.” Charity smiled at the pair.

“I guess…I guess we did okay.” Detodev eyed Ilid. He appeared far from convinced, but there was a spark of hope in his expression.

Ilid’s mind whirled. Had he acted like a Dramok? He mostly remembered the fear, but he’d also been ready to assume as much control over the situation as possible.

Charity’s warm attention abruptly lessened, as if something unpleasant had occurred to her. Mischief invaded and held sway as she planted her hands on her hips and affected impatience. “I declare the matter settled. Can we have dessert already?”

Ilid had little consideration for her silly hijinks. He exchanged another look with Detodev, who looked as shocked as he felt. Charity and Mitag were right about the Nobek behaving as a true, honorable warrior and protector. Were they correct in their assessment of Ilid too?

The cheesecake was delicious, but Charity couldn’t offer it the regard it deserved after the events of the night.

She’d wished to make the men to feel better about themselves. She’d wanted Detodev and Ilid to emerge from their shells, if only for a moment or two. Long enough to realize they wouldn’t be destroyed if they revealed why they were so reserved.

She hadn’t expected Mitag’s revelation. She hadn’t guessed the horrors Ilid had survived and still fought in his head. Detodev getting the unforeseen opportunity to show himself his breed didn’t equal mindless violence had been a meaningful development. She had yet to process the fallout of O’Neal’s treachery.

Such considerations paled in comparison to recognizing the shift in her view of her friends. On the shuttle heading to Haven, she’d seen Ilid as a sexy potential recreational interlude. She’d had the same attitude toward Detodev and Mitag once she’d met them. Then she’d discovered she liked the men. The opportunity for novelty sex involving a species she hadn’t tried had grown less important in comparison to earning their respect and trust. The camaraderie they’d incited made them important to her.

To discover they’d experienced painful pasts and losses on par and beyond her own had changed her perceptions again. Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag weren’t mere playmates to alleviate her boredom. They were no longer distractions during her exile on Haven. She couldn’t imagine treating them as such.

She set down her fork, having finished her slice of cheesecake. She grasped Ilid’s hand and smiled when he looked at her, his face sweet from confused vulnerability. She turned to Mitag and took his hand too. Grateful Detodev was in reach, she placed her and the Imdiko’s hands on top of his.

“You aren’t sure of yourselves and for good reason. I hope someday you can learn how wonderful you are.”

Surprisingly, it was Detodev who answered. He rotated his hand on the tabletop, his fingers long enough to grip hers and Mitag’s. “I wish I could see myself as you do, Matara. It hardly seems possible.”

“Give yourself the chance. All of you.” She smiled at them. “I thought my sister had won the ideal clan; the best Dramok, Imdiko, and Nobek to exist. I’m glad to see there are three additional Kalquorians just as perfect in this crazy universe.”

Detodev stared at the hands in his. He felt how Charity and even Mitag held tight to him. When his gaze lifted, he saw Ilid looking at him. Not in revulsion or pity. Respectfully. This from a man who’d encountered a shattering enemy and fought a battle that made Detodev’s insignificant self-doubt a joke.

They accepted him. A woman, who had every right to expect a rational protector guided by concern instead of bloodlust, and two of his fellow Kalquorians, who should have looked upon him in derision.

They accepted him.

The implications shook his foundations. For the first time he could remember, he felt optimistic his path wouldn’t be lonely. Perhaps he did have the prospect to win others as he truly was…a Nobek desperate to leash his inner beast. Mitag had pursued his companionship unknowing, but he radiated the same interest in Detodev as ever. Ilid’s easy Dramok control had soothed the monster in him while he’d had O’Neal at his mercy.

Charity’s issues presented an opening for continued trouble, but she believed in him. He wanted to keep her safe from those who’d harm her. If Ilid were close should she came under threat again, he could hold off Detodev from his worst.

Charity had no intention of staying on Haven, but why would Detodev refuse the time he could have in her company? Especially after their encounter in the barn, when she’d granted him the best night of his life?

He had no business dreaming of the impossible. Surely they’d turn from him when he showed he couldn’t defend them from threats for fear of going too far and killing someone. Nonetheless, he spoke, giving voice to a portion of his ridiculous hope.

“Would you three care to spend the night?”

Their grins lit his world. He lost no time leading them to the sleeping room.

Chapter Fourteen

Ilid had hoped to get Charity to himself for their first real intimate encounter, but Detodev’s invitation was a relief in the wake of the Dark scare. Thanks to two other men being present to help watch their backs against dangers imagined and real, he might actually be able to perform. The heat in his groin as he considered Charity, who fairly wiggled in anticipation, verified he would.

Another integral part of his being rose in opposition. His heart sank to realize a clan-like encounter might not happen after all in Detodev’s surprisingly luxurious sleeping room. “It’s your home, Detodev. Your domain, so to speak. Even so, I’m unsure if I can keep from being…well…”

“A bossy Dramok,” Charity supplied.

“Maybe I should sit this one out.” Ilid winced as he spoke the words.

“Oh, come on.” Charity’s eyes rolled.

Detodev considered. “Actually, it might be for the best if you ran the show. As committed as I am to nonviolence, I still have the urge to fight for dominance. If I forget myself and hurt any of you—”

Charity came close to him and stroked his muscled arm. “I doubt you would, even if you did wrestle Ilid for the privilege of calling the shots. Hey, you were assertive last night, and I survived perfectly fine.” Her impish gaze swung to Ilid. “Maybe I’ll fight you for control, Dramok.”

Ilid took her in, this stunning woman who’d enthralled him from the moment he’d first set eyes on her. Her soft, swelling curves brought a surge of arousal, adding to his already excited state. He had no defense against the image of her straining against him, then surrendering when she was shown her strength was no match for his enthusiastic libido. “You can try. In fact, I encourage you to.”

“Just leave something for the rest of us.” Mitag joked, but his gaze on Charity was avid.

“I’ll try but no promises. We did a lot of petting on our journey here. We never had the opportunity to fully enjoy each other. I’m dying to correct the situation.”

“I haven’t had the pleasure of making love to her at all. I feel neglected.”

“We’ll fix that. Detodev, are you certain you’re all right playing my way?” Ilid’s instincts told him the natural urges the Nobek feared he’d take too far had to be acknowledged for fear it would detract from his self-esteem. He couldn’t be discounted no matter how he claimed he was ready to let go of the reins.

“Very.”

“Hold on.” Charity scowled. “A trio of hulking Kalquorian men versus little old me? It hardly sounds fair.”

Her arousal scent, which reminded Ilid of a sea breeze on a summer day, had increased despite her protest. It was tantalizing, as it had been on the transport. For all her teasing about fighting him for dominance, she found the idea of being at their tender mercies titillating.

He and she were very much in agreement where that was concerned.

“Fair isn’t high on my list, I’m afraid. You’re welcome to try to fight,” he leered. He eyed her clothes. “How much do you like your outfit?”

She glanced at the loose men’s shirt, which did little to mask her generous curves. “I borrowed this from Adam for chores around the farm. Don’t tear up the kid’s clothes.”

“I guess you’ll need the jeans intact too. You told me you didn’t have a lot in the way of clothes suited for Haven.”

“You’ll have to contain your apparent desire to tear them off me.” She smirked.

“If I must,” Ilid sighed. At the same instant, he glanced at Detodev.

The Nobek understood his assignment as if they’d done this a million times. Before Charity could react, he slid his arm around her waist, pinning her arms. He cupped her chin in his palm and held her head to his chest, her back to his front.

Her eyes widened, the pupils blooming in reaction. Her breath caught, and the feminine aroma of excitement increased. Ilid swore he could hear her pulse booming.

He began unbuttoning the red-and-black flannel shirt, starting from the bottom after he’d tugged the tails loose from Detodev’s firm hold on her. “I haven’t forgotten how soft your skin is from those few stolen moments when we had the opportunity to touch. I can’t wait to feel you naked against me.”

“You should let me have a go at your shirt then. After all, Detodev would probably let you borrow his clothes if I rip it.” She struggled to free herself of the Nobek’s grip. He clasped her casually, his scent of desire rising.

“I happen to be fond of my outfit, thanks. Stand there as the conquered woman you are, and accept I’m in charge.” He’d reached the button between her breasts. He undid it and caught a glimpse of ivory lace. His cocks jerked in reaction.

Pressure on his shin stole his attention. Charity’s foot pushed his leg. She didn’t kick but merely shoved.

Chuckling, Ilid scooped the offending leg into the crook of his elbow and restrained it. A jerk of his head brought Mitag close to hold the other leg likewise. “Let’s see you get out of that,” he teased.

“Bullies,” she hissed as she squirmed…halfheartedly, Ilid noticed.

He found it a little difficult to unfasten the final button onehanded. He was used to resealable seams he simply tugged open. The ample swells of her breasts were a distraction, but he managed to undo the last obstacle after a few moments. He spread Charity’s borrowed shirt open.

She was magnificent. Her flushed breasts rose and fell in their half-concealing cups, full and voluptuous. Ilid had an eager urge to shred the lace and silk keeping him from seeing the gorgeous mounds in their entirety. Lust tried to overwhelm him.

The undergarment looked expensive, however. Maybe I’ll buy her something cheaper to wear next time. A boring bra she won’t mind me tearing apart. His fingers trembled in excitement to do so.

He let the fantasy feed his passion as he slid his hands behind her, between her back and Detodev’s torso. Fortunately, the bra strap release was of the resealable persuasion, and he was able to loosen it with no trouble.

All that remained was to tug the shirt and bra down her arms, rendering her naked from the waist up. Detodev released and resumed his restraining grip too fast for her to break free, but not so fast to keep Ilid from sweeping the clothing off.

She was bare to them above her denim pants, her delectable flesh theirs to behold and marvel at. Her breasts, free of constriction, were heavy. Tear-shaped, tipped by blushing nipples already erect in excitement, they were enthralling. Ilid felt a decadent hunger looking at them. He let seconds pass to prolong the anticipation of when he’d touch and taste them.

Next to him, Mitag uttered a soft moan of yearning. Detodev, peering intently over Charity’s shoulder at her nakedness, licked his lips so they shone. It wasn’t just Charity’s and Ilid’s arousal scents permeating the air now. Desire hung so heavy, the Dramok could taste it on every breath he drew in his mouth. The urge to lick her from head to toe was compelling.

He cupped a breast in his palm, testing its weight. He found it softer and more supple than he remembered. His thumb swept across her nipple, and he watched it tauten in reaction as Charity inhaled sharply and jerked. She gazed up at him, peering through the fall of honey hair tumbled over her face. She looked wanton and helpless at once.

Ilid squeezed. She jerked again, rising slightly. A crease appeared between her brows, but she didn’t tell him to stop. If anything, she pushed so her breast filled his hand better.

“Unlike Detodev, I have no concern of losing control,” Ilid told her. “If we do anything you hate or absolutely can’t take, your word is sholt .”

“Kalquorian for stop .” Her voice was breathy, raising the hairs on his body. Her palpable eagerness fed his own. “And if I’m unsure? Kind of into it, kind of not?”

“Then say werpac . It means slow.” Ilid enunciated each syllable to make sure she could repeat the Kalquorian word.

She did, half a dozen times under his direction. She bestowed her naughtiest grin. “Maybe you’re a bully, but at least you aren’t a jerk.”

“I do my best,” he snorted. “I don’t care for how easily you’re carrying on a conversation though. Let’s see what we can do about it.”

He swooped down and sucked in a mouthful of her breast. Her reaction was immediate and gratifying: a loud cry, accompanied by enthusiastic squirming.

“She’s loud.” Detodev’s tone revealed he enjoyed her wriggling against him. “You won’t be left guessing if she’s enjoying herself.”

Ilid didn’t answer immediately. He enjoyed the slightly salty taste of her skin and the feeling of her softer flesh on his tongue. He delighted in the stiff point of her nipple before drawing off with a slight popping noise. He was pleased to see Charity’s eyes had gone glassy.

“Her ardent vocal appreciation and my parent clan’s quarters proximity to mine and hers kept us from getting as intimate as we wished on the ship,” he sighed. “Otherwise, we would have had quite the time.”

“Damn right we would have,” Charity groaned. “I tried to be quiet, but I can’t seem to turn my vocal cords off.”

“She’s talking again. All I want are those screams now that we’re in a place where I can enjoy them. Help me claim the paradise I’ve waited too long for, Mitag.”

He bent to her breast. Mitag’s enthusiastic slurps on its twin filled his ears.

At last, Mitag could join wholeheartedly in the seduction. He adored bringing his lovers to full passion as much as the act of sex itself. He’d held off thus far with Charity in deference to Ilid’s need for control.

Lovemaking was as good a venue as any for his new friend to exercise the Dramok tendencies he’d become unsure of. He was glad to allow Ilid to assume the leadership characteristics he’d been born to, in a safe space where only Charity had offered a quickly abandoned challenge. Mitag reasoned it might help Ilid recover a measure of the confidence he’d lost to the Darks. The Imdiko was convinced that like Detodev, Ilid sold himself short when it came to being the best of his breed.

These thoughts were background noise to his enjoyment of Charity’s sumptuous flesh. He’d had a few sexual encounters involving Earther women on Haven, but never someone so graced by curves, nor so set on enjoying erotic delights to the fullest. Her moans of pleasure were musical. He was enthralled to hear her voice it.

Sharing her with two others, specifically a Dramok and a Nobek…also a thrill. Some Kalquorian men had leapt at the chance to have a woman to themselves when the new laws had recognized nontraditional unions. Kalquorian men no longer had to form clans of Dramok, Imdiko, and Nobek in order to establish a legal binding to a Matara. Many Earther women, coming from a strictly monogamous society, also preferred to find a single partner rather than a clan of three.

Mitag had ached for it all. He’d dreamed of a full clan to love and care for from childhood. He understood it was because he’d been denied a parent clan of his own. His guardians hadn’t truly wanted him. They’d regarded raising him a duty foisted on them. His petition to be granted emancipation at the age of seventeen had been greeted by relief from his uncles, aunt, and cousins. It had hurt to be so eagerly released, but it was easier than being alone in the midst of those to whom his presence was unwelcome.

He was determined to join a real clan. Hoping to make it happen, he’d latched onto the standoffish Detodev he’d suspected was as lonesome as himself. Now here was Ilid, certain he couldn’t lead a clan though he obviously could.

Despite Charity swearing she couldn’t wait to leave Haven, Mitag was sure she’d experienced the sense of abandonment he’d lived under. It was in her dogged pursuit of Detodev, in her determination to lift Ilid from his fears, in the frequent hugs and touches she gifted Mitag.

Imdiko, Dramk, Nobek, and Matara. Mitag realized he indulged in wishful thinking, but it was impossible to stop dreaming they could be the only thing he desired above success and riches: a clan.

Charity’s senses were aflame. Detodev’s powerful but easy restraint was heady bondage. He held her helpless, but he gave her a sense of safety nonetheless. The confinement freed her to submerge in the enthusiastic caresses of the other pair. Their hands were hot on her as they roamed in exploration, leaving heated trails, as if burning paths on her skin. Their mouths were hotter still. Hot and wet and hungry, they sucked and licked and nipped until she couldn’t think for the shocks reverberating through her.

Detodev’s passion was obvious against her lower back. His livid state of arousal was firm iron despite the fabric of their pants separating them. She recalled how he’d felt inside her, front and rear. Her cunt spasmed in demand to have him that way again.

She barely noticed when Ilid and Mitag tugged her sturdy shoes off, followed by her socks. She was better aware of her jeans peeling off her legs. She was fully awake to those insistent hands gripping her inner thighs, of them sweeping circles toward the soaked crotch of her panties. Her cries gained volume the closer they crept. They discovered the creases between thighs and mound at the same instant, where the edge of her underwear kept her womanhood hidden. There, fingertips danced, refusing to cross the silky border.

Mitag kissed up her chest, throat, chin. His mouth locked on hers to swallow her moans. His tongue swept in to taste as Ilid continued to devour her breast. She strained in their uncompromising grips, trying to find contact linking her pussy and their fingers. They remained tantalizingly out of reach where she most wanted to be touched.

Ilid relinquished her breast to travel downward. He left a wet line from her nipple to her navel, where his rough tongue swirled. The idea of how it would feel should he lick her in such a fashion where her pulse hammered hardest made her writhe.

His and Mitag’s fingers dared no closer to where lust clamored to be sated. Charity’s keening grew more desperate.

Detodev apparently found it difficult to simply watch and contain her. He nuzzled her neck, nosing her hair aside to kiss and nip. After a few seconds, he mumbled against her skin, his breath balmy. “Dramok?”

Mitag’s kiss kept Charity from seeing Ilid, but his lips and tongue briefly left her. “Yes.” He said nothing further. He continued his journey lower, until he encountered the waistband of her panties. Like his fingers, his mouth went no farther.

Charity had little opportunity to protest. Detodev fastened on her neck. Two jabs of pain at once announced his bite.

She’d heard of the intoxicating Kalquorian bite. It supposedly affected humans differently from Kalquorians, but she’d barely paid attention to what to expect.

The sharp hurt wasn’t sexy. She started to scream, but it died before she barely unleashed a high-pitched whimper. The smart was finished in an instant. She hissed on her exhale instead of bringing down the roof by shrieking.

They might have warned me. Her pique was quickly swallowed by the return of yearning. She wished Ilid and Mitag would stop goofing around and touch her damned pussy already. She’d have been perfectly fine if they’d torn apart her expensive lingerie. She craved their flesh on hers.

The impatience began to lose its sharp edges. Warmth separate from the encompassing sensual fire crept over her. Her strange sense of safety increased. Euphoria swept through her brain. Charity abruptly sensed they’d transcended mere sexual drive, that they’d somehow pierced the veil between the mundane world and a higher plane. She was alive in a cosmic sense, one with the universe.

Detodev extracted his fangs and slowly licked where he’d bitten her. The roughness of his tongue woke excitement to match the teasing touches and kisses of Ilid and Mitag. Charity’s lust ramped up, but the feeling she’d ascended to another realm remained. She felt on the verge of a great revelation at any second, a truth capable of sweeping away all doubt and confusion forever.

This can’t be from his venom. Can it? It must be…but it feels so real!

Her senses had never been so heightened, pleasure never so immediate and acute. She swore she could feel every millimeter of their tongues and lips, every crease of their fingerprints on her skin.

The waistband of her panties scraped her hips as Ilid at last tugged them free. His mouth followed the fabric’s retreat, putting him on his knees. Charity’s hair stood on end at the profoundness of the sensation. She was certain she’d blow apart if he touched her pussy now. The mere sensation of the wet fabric peeling from her sex brought spasms of bliss rolling through her. Her cries rang when Mitag’s kiss drifted to her jaw.

Mitag and Detodev kissed her as one. Their mouths were on hers in a second, faces pressed together to share her in a thought-erasing embrace. The trio’s tongues slid sinuously, tasting their blended ardor.

Warm air wafted over Charity’s intimate flesh, which tightened in response. A fourth tongue slid along her trembling slit. Her mouth opened wide for a scream as exquisite rapture coalesced to a brilliant star point. It hovered, waiting for the final push.

Ilid reached her clit. His lips closed on it. He sucked at the same instant he licked the nub where Charity’s consciousness had gathered. She detonated.

Sight was gone. No sound. Nothing but the vastest surges of bliss she’d ever known, though she was too far gone to realize she knew anything. There was only the moment followed by another, an eternity of the promised paradise contained in a few seconds.

Though the onset of climax was sublime, it was too much to wish to continue longer than it did. Charity emerged to gentler swells of pleasure and the beautiful realization of Ilid, Mitag, and Detodev. Imdiko and Nobek treated her to roaming kisses, decadently sampling her from head to chest. Ilid continued to feed from her womanhood, prolonging the sweet convulsions of desire until they were utterly spent. Only when her moans softened to sighs and her sex’s tremors eased did he rise to his feet.

“Detodev, strip,” Ilid ordered the Nobek. His burning gaze swung to Mitag. “Imdiko, lay her down and eat her pussy. I want her hot and ready for me to fuck as soon as possible.”

Charity’s pulse sped at his blatant orders. He was so demanding. Her cunt, which had been thoroughly sated, convulsed in unabashed excitement.

She wasn’t sure if Mitag’s eyes darkened from the promise of being between her legs or in response to Ilid’s authority. Perhaps it was both. At any rate, she was suddenly flat on her back on Detodev’s large bed. Mitag stood at its edge and bent to bestow his sweet kiss to her trembling folds. Renewed warmth spread from his eager mouthing.

Adding to the delicious feeling of his rough tongue investigating her meticulously was the sight of Detodev’s body as he peeled his clothing off. She’d missed seeing all of him due to their tryst in the barn’s dark environs. Her gaze was greedy as she drank him in.

The work on the farm involved far more physical exertion than fixing the field monitors, as Detodev’s carved physique attested to. The scars on his inner arms and a few fresher cuts just scabbing over woke compassion in Charity’s heart. Adoration washed through her when Ilid caught the Nobek’s wrist to examine the injuries closely. Detodev’s head hung until the Dramok stroked the fresher wounds gently, like a parent soothing his child’s hurts away. Detodev looked at him, his expression raw.

“No more,” Ilid whispered. “You’re done taking out your rage on yourself. There is nothing wrong with you, Detodev.”

The hunger to believe was a poignant statement on the Nobek’s strong features. “If it’s what you want, I’ll try.”

“It’s what I want.”

Mitag chose that instant to suck Charity’s clit hard, his tongue whipping over it. Exquisite pleasure broke apart her senses. Her being centered on the Imdiko thrusting yearning to the fore. Charity arched, her fingers tangling in his thick waves.

“Our lovely is getting excited again.” Ilid grinned at Detodev. “Take the rest of your clothes off.”

In a moment, he’d done so. His venom had worn off, but Charity felt a rush of similar wonder in looking at him while Mitag drove her higher in arousal. The Nobek was a stunning sculpture of carved flesh, the epitome of masculine beauty the scars couldn’t detract from. The entire package was so exquisite, it took her a couple of beats to realize how big his gleaming cocks were. Her heart skipped. Had they really had amazing sex when he was so huge? It was probably a good thing their first encounter had been in the dark. Otherwise, she might have run screaming.

“You’re stunning,” she breathed.

A smile edged its unaccustomed appearance on the Nobek’s face. Its wickedly lascivious cast gave him an air of danger.

Ilid turned toward Charity and Mitag. “This Imdiko should be naked too.”

Mitag didn’t pause his delicious attentions on Charity for a moment as he stripped. He was a talented fellow to manage so much at once. If anything, his ardor increased.

Three men devoted to her. The clan system definitely had its perks.

Charity’s sight was impeded by his position and her own writhing as his enthusiastic tongue delved deep in her womanhood, as he sucked hungrily on her clit, as his fingers plunged in and fucked her.

She was awash in desire, her senses consumed. Ilid began pulling off his clothes, displaying a body less brawny than Detodev’s but phenomenally fit and exciting nonetheless. As soon as she was able, she touched him, eager to investigate his smooth skin stretched over solid muscle. Ilid’s hair was sleeker than the rest, sliding through her fingers like water. The combined scent of the men, sweet and spicy at once, made her mouth water in a decadent hunger to taste them.

Ilid muttered something in his own language. Mitag rose from between her legs, his expression caught amid passion and reluctance to leave. Charity finally had a decent view of the Imdiko. He’d told her he preferred aerobic activity to building muscle. He had his share of strength, however. His was a gracefully toned frame rather than Ilid’s power or Detodev’s heft. He was lovely everywhere, including the somehow elegant cocks jutting from his groin.

“Look at you three. I’m the luckiest girl on Haven,” she sighed.

Her statement was greeted by grins of various brightness. “I think we’re just as lucky,” Ilid said. “Especially since you’re giving me the opportunity to do what I’ve always wanted.”

“Have sex with an Earther?”

“Well, it’s part of it, but I hope for more.” He crawled up on the bed and knelt. He lifted her, and her mouth went dry at the casual strength he displayed doing so. He made it seem effortless when he had her straddle his thick thighs, putting his cocks against her mound. “Ready for an adventure?”

His expression of craving thrilled her. No hesitation slowed her answer. “Yes.”

“Do you remember the words for slow and stop?”

Her heartbeat quickened to discover he thought she might want to use them. The hint of risk roused rather than frightened her. “Werpac. Sholt.”

“All right. Let’s see how you feel about this.”

He lifted her higher, bringing her close. His primary nudged her pussy, but his secondary was off the mark. Ilid rose on his knees as the smaller cock somehow disappeared. It took Charity a moment to realize someone had eased it down, where it wouldn’t enter her anywhere.

Ilid drew her onto himself and pushed in, joining them in the most ecstatic of embraces.

Charity’s head fell back, and she shouted her welcome. The ache of taking him as his girth increased added to the electric thrills shooting from where they linked. His secondary slid along the crack of her ass. She clawed his shoulders, and he snarled bestial delight at the sting. Their mouths met. They took turns biting the other’s lips as brute eagerness claimed them.

Her legs wrapped around his hips of their own accord. She gripped with all her strength and moved, riding him. He responded, thrusting deep when she descended. Jolts of pleasurable pain stabbed. She voiced every luscious instant.

The ache of taking him lessened, leaving rapture. They heaved as one, intent on gratification after having waited so long for intimacy together. When Ilid forced her to pause, only the tip of him inside, she wailed a wordless demand.

“More? Help me give her what she wants.”

There was movement, the feeling of Ilid’s secondary sliding into place…but not at her rear entrance.

Charity gasped as the Dramok pressed the second girth in her cunt, intent on having it join his primary. She stared at him wide-eyed, speechless at the attempt. As he forged inward, her head began shaking.

“Oh yes. Yes, you will, my beauty, and you’ll love every moment of it.” His fangs flashed at her from behind his blunter teeth, turning him to pure primal male.

Chapter Fifteen

They were both soaking wet from excitement. As thick as the double impalement was, he was sliding in easily. Charity was stunned…then he found her inner sensitivity, and she had no room to be anything but incredibly aroused. So aroused that when he paused, she tried to bounce to take him in.

“You need to adjust,” he growled. “ Sholt , Matara.”

It was his tone rather than the word slamming her to a halt. It held command she dared not defy despite the hunger eating up her insides. She froze in place, shuddering as she stared wide-eyed at Ilid.

His expression was as domineering as his voice. Charity had met few possessing such mischief-killing authority. Her father and two of her sister’s clanmates, Piras and Lokmi, had been the only others who’d wielded it so powerfully.

She trusted Ilid. She also didn’t dare question him when he looked at her as he did now.

The slight smile twitching a corner of his mouth did nothing to lessen the effect. “Better. My pace, for your own good. Do you understand?”

She nodded, unsure if she possessed a voice.

His gaze remained locked on hers as he pressed in a little further. Despite the thrill shooting straight to her skull as his cocks delivered intense friction, his bald stare kept her from demanding everything. She groaned and gripped him hard, but offered no attempt to insist on him moving faster or deeper than he was willing to allow.

Because he held all the control, Charity was able to acknowledge the ache of taking him. She also noted it added rather than detracted from the violent pulses of need running through her, inciting recklessness. He was wise to be cautious. The part of her not impatient for all he could give her appreciated his care.

“Good, Matara,” he praised. “Almost there.”

His approval warmed her more than she wanted to acknowledge. Charity covered her delight and unease by kissing him. She did so sweetly rather than displaying the passion that threatened to make her too demanding. He returned it in kind, though she sensed he was expending huge effort to hold back. The strengthening jerks from his cocks betrayed how close he was to losing his impressive control over himself.

Her mound met his groin. He was in her, all the way. Charity shuddered. The force of his girth against her hotspot had her on the verge of climax. She couldn’t imagine holding off the instant he moved again.

“ Werpac ,” she reluctantly ground out between clenched teeth, her breath quick. “Shit, it won’t matter how slow you go. I’m too close.”

“Don’t worry about it. I doubt you’ll be far ahead of us.” He chuffed laughter as he panted. “Detodev’s been growling nonstop for the past couple of minutes.”

He was right. A glance at the Nobek next to her showed his pupils had bloomed so the slightest slivers of purple irises remained. His leer was feral. If it hadn’t excited Charity so much, she’d have been terrified.

“Sorry,” he managed. “You two are amazing to watch. Thinking of when I get to join in…yeah, I’m on the edge.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Ilid smirked. “Mitag, are you ready?”

“To explode? Yeah, but I’ll give this my best effort.” His warm breath on Charity’s ear, the feeling of him moving behind her, made passion leap. Her pussy convulsed.

“Hair trigger for us all,” Ilid gasped.

Something brushed Charity’s rear entrance, then settled on it. She stilled, her whole body freezing. No way. Mitag couldn’t possibly be considering—

The pressure built. Her ass yielded, albeit grudgingly. He wasn’t just considering, he was doing . With Ilid’s pair in her.

“This…this can’t be possible.” She experienced merely the slightest ache, and Mitag had paused already. Panic hadn’t set in, so she was able to speak in a halfway reasonable tone.

“Very possible,” Detodev rumbled. “You had me there last night.”

She had, but while only one cock filled her pussy. Were three conceivable?

Mitag’s chest moved against her spine in big waves of breath. He’d said he was on the brink of losing control. Nevertheless, he managed to tell her, “I’m going slow. Being careful. I won’t hurt you.”

“None of us will.” Ilid kissed her gently to underscore the reassurance.

As he did so, he moved ever so slightly, so his cocks rubbed her inner hotspot. Excitement flared anew, and Charity forgot to be concerned. Under rapture’s spell, Mitag’s slow impalement lost any discomfort. He gave just intense sensation, which fed the fever of need consuming her.

She hoped taking them in such a way was possible. It was too incredible not to try. The seconds stretched to a minute, then two. She concentrated on softening to the gradual invasion, eager to experience an act she’d never dreamed of.

“Mother of All,” Mitag at last moaned. “I can’t believe I made it. You feel amazing, Charity. So unbelievably fantastic.”

Ilid was quaking. “I could feel you moving in her. I nearly lost it twice. One stroke, and I’m done.”

“I have a suggestion,” Detodev said as he climbed to stand on his bed. “Next time we do this, we get off quick first…just do it however it works…then we’ll take our time while we warm up for the second round.”

Charity eyed the pair of glistening cocks he’d brought to eye…make that mouth…level. The scent coming off him woke a hunger to gobble him. Her pussy was spasming steadily now, needing probably only Ilid’s single available stroke to finish the job. “What’s to keep this from being Round One? Sleep is vastly overrated, you know. We’re young, horny, and impetuous. Let’s take advantage of it and set a world record number of fucks tonight.”

Wheezing laughter answered her ribald challenge. “I recover quick,” Ilid said. “I’m up…and hard…for the challenge.”

“The advantages of our youth,” Mitag panted.

Charity rolled her eyes up at Detodev, looming so far above. He was a living god of primitive lust; she, his willing acolyte. “Feed me, big man. Let’s make this happen so we can get going on the next.”

He growled. His hips dipped, and Charity slid as much of his primary in her mouth as she could manage. Her lips and tongue stroked the luscious sweet-spicy length, her head bobbing.

An instant later, Ilid’s hips rocked. He slid outward, then in again. As he filled her, Mitag retreated to the tip of his cock. They alternated as both men proved they had more than a single stroke available.

Ilid managed three thrusts. Charity thought Mitag reached four, but the second the Dramok shouted and his cocks pulsed, Detodev’s passion flooded her mouth. Their combined release set off her own devouring orgasm, so she wasn’t entirely sure when her third lover joined in.

Afterward, when the violent surges eased to quieter pulses of pleasure, she found herself embraced by the men, Detodev having knelt. Or maybe he’d fallen to his knees. Charity wasn’t sure if they trembled in the aftermath thanks to her own quivering, but it felt as if they did.

Holy shit, I had sex with three men at once. Her mind boggled as her body slowly settled into a contented hum. How had they gotten her to trust them to do such an act? Sure, she’d had moments of hesitation, but for the most part, there’d been a sense of easy reliance on their responsibility for her welfare. She couldn’t imagine having equal faith in any other trio of men.

They began to stir. First Mitag, then Ilid, cautiously drew their sexes from her. She missed feeling them inside, as if important parts of her own body had been subtracted.

It made no sense. She couldn’t wrap her head around the sensation of loss.

“Are you okay?” Ilid’s gaze was intent on her face.

“Yeah, just wishing you weren’t exiting the premises. That was amazing.”

“If rushed,” Mitag chuckled. “I felt like a teenager who had yet to learn control. Such an incredible experience.”

“It was.” Detodev’s features were relaxed. He looked happy. “Who needs water?”

They all did. They clumsily left the bed, laughing at their awkwardness as they staggered on stiff legs to Detodev’s kitchen. He provided cups of water, fruit juices, and snacks. They sat naked at his table, grinning in a sort of shocked fashion, as if they couldn’t believe what they’d done. They exchanged cautious glances of inquiry as well. Finally Detodev brought up what they all wanted to ask.

“You’re staying the entire night, right? I do believe someone spoke of setting a record for sex? I have stim tabs.”

Their laughter answered. Ilid waved his hand in a ‘come on’ gesture. “Serve them up, my friend. We have maybe six hours until daylight?”

“I guess I’d better com Sara.” Charity flushed to think of the required check-in, but she had no intention of going home. The boys offered too much fun to refuse.

* * * *

Hours had passed, hours he’d normally be in bed asleep, but Wilkes and his guest were still talking after the assistant chief had summoned the man to his home.

“I can’t do anything for O’Neal. They caught him, and Chief Connelly’s determined to interrogate him tomorrow. He swore he wouldn’t reveal the woman’s real identity, because it’ll make it harder for us to take her if Connelly’s aware. The trouble is, when he starts ranting…”

Jeff Eastman, who owned a small sheep ranch five miles from Sunrise, watched Wilkes carefully. “O’Neal’s usually true to the cause of believers, but he’s most loyal to himself. If Connelly offers him a deal…if he convinces him to run his mouth…”

“I know. He spied at the coward Nobek’s house on his own. I never would have trusted him to do that kind of work for this very reason. He’s put the whole operation in danger.” Wilkes pounded his fist on the table. “Asshole.”

“What are you going to do about him? The cause is our priority.” Eastman’s tone was flat, almost disinterested, but his dark eyes set in his weathered face glittered malevolence.

“It is. I’ll see to it he tells Connelly nothing.”

It was too bad O’Neal’s ardent support of a moral Earther mentality was superseded by his stupidity. There were damned few people Wilkes could count on when it came to keeping tabs on the sinners of Haven.

Wilkes set aside the unpleasant task he had to perform for the last trick he had up his sleeve to nab Charity Nath. “Our main mission hasn’t changed. You know who to talk to. Have them ready to go on my word.”

* * * *

Charity woke to see the first light of a new day creeping in the window. It offered her a dim view of her surroundings. She might have muttered a few obscenities to be conscious at such an hour after so little sleep, except the surroundings were extremely nice.

Next to her was Ilid. Ridiculously handsome despite his tousled hair and the crease between his brows proclaiming his dreams weren’t necessarily as sweet as hers had been, he was indeed a fine sight to wake to. Ditto for Mitag on her other side, his features the opposite of Ilid’s: peaceful and content. Maybe it was because of the heavy, scarred arm slung around his waist from behind. Detodev’s fingers on her waist twitched, as if he were awake and listening for her to speak or return to sleep.

She was surrounded by sheer gorgeousness, a decent compensation for having woken after less than two hours of sleep. Thinking how most of the night had been spent brought a grin.

I could get used to this, as long as it’s with these three.

Her high spirits stuttered at the spontaneous thought and the visions it brought. Where the hell had the notion come from? Ilid, Mitag, and Detodev had committed to lives on Planet Farm Hell, a place Charity Nath had absolutely no intention of staying. How could she possibly be happy on Haven and its sad little redneck towns and ever-present aroma of fertilizer?

She loved the excitement of cities and their entertainments. She wanted to go to clubs and dance, to dine in fine restaurants, to celebrate at concerts and the best shows. Beyond experiencing avenues of fun, she wanted to discover new stars and planets and make a name for herself in the astronomical community.

She’d found heavenly bodies, all right. She’d discovered men who seemed to get her as no one else had, even if she made Detodev’s eyes roll most of the time. But they were only a temporary distraction until she could escape Haven. They couldn’t possibly be a reason for her to remain on this shitkicker planet once the Earthtique and Dark threats were done. She had dreams for a life far from here.

Calm down. It was only a stray brain wave, probably brought on by too little sleep, she advised herself. Nonetheless, her gaze traced the features of the pair she could see, and her chest ached at the idea of giving the trio up.

Detodev lay quiet, listening to his companions breathe. Charity’s respiration hadn’t evened yet, indicating she remained awake. Surely not for the day, however. They’d indulged in exuberant physical activity for hours. Unlike him, she didn’t have to get up in ten minutes to prepare for work. Thank the ancestors he had plenty of stim tabs to get him through the day.

A low buzz filled his ears, and Detodev was up in a flash. Who the hell would be at his door so early in the morning? Surely it wasn’t another asshole attempting to attack Charity.

It better not be. Protectiveness brought the urge to tear any would-be assailant limb from limb to the fore.

The door announce’s summons had brought his overnight guests to full wakefulness. They sat up in bed. Ilid sprang up and yanked on his pants as Detodev did.

“Stay put. I’ll see who it is,” the Nobek told them as he headed for the front of the home.

He’d trotted halfway through the hall when he noticed Ilid was right behind him. The Dramok glanced at him, his brow raised in challenge. For a moment, Detodev entertained the notion of grabbing him, pitching him into the sleeping room, and locking him in. Then he remembered how Ilid had talked him down from hurting the stalker of the night before.

Detodev kept going, glad despite his concerns to have someone who could help him thwart his violent Nobek tendencies.

They paused at the door, standing on either side in case a blaster shot was waiting outside. At Ilid’s brief nod, Detodev thumbed the intercom and barked, “Who is it?”

“Good morning to you too, Detodev. May I come in?”

The Nobek exhaled at Sara’s amused tone. “Door, open.”

The lovely woman who’d been a better mother to him than his own stood on the doorstep, a massive covered basket in her arms. Detodev rushed to take the heavy container from her and inhaled the delicious smells coming from it in appreciation. “Hello, Matara Sara. I apologize for the rude greeting. I’d just woken up, and after catching the spy last night—”

Her raised hand cut him off. “It’s fine, sweetie. I brought breakfast for everyone. Hi, Ilid. How are you?”

Detodev didn’t miss her noting their shirtless, shoeless states. Obviously, Ilid did too, because his gaze dropped. He shuffled his feet. “Fine, Matara Sara. Good morning.”

“I take it Jennifer is still asleep? And Imdiko Mitag? You can reheat their meals when they peel their eyes open.”

“This is very nice of you,” Detodev said.

“In appreciation for you keeping Jennifer safe. Also, I’m giving you the day off with pay. You and your friends rest and have fun.” Wearing a bright, knowing smile that made Detodev want to sink into the floor, she patted him on the arm. Sara hurried to her shuttle, which waited in the front yard.

“Why is this as embarrassing as if it were my mom who’d shown up?” Ilid said.

“Because a mom is a mom, even if she isn’t ours.” Detodev snorted and headed for the kitchen. Tired or not, he was up for the day. If he had to function, so did the rest. He yelled, “Charity! Mitag! Breakfast is here.”

* * * *

Despite the heavenly aroma of egg, sausage, and cheese casserole, Charity groaned to hear of Sara’s breakfast delivery. The woman was as much family to her now as her Aunt Ruth and Uncle George. “I should just take out an ad to declare I had sex with you guys. Clan Amgar is about half the population of Sunrise, right? Might as well let the rest know.”

“At least she wasn’t judgmental or upset,” Mitag said as he passed a plate of fluffy biscuits.

“She wouldn’t, being clanned to Kalquorians herself.” Detodev sighed. “When I lived on their farm, she was always trying to introduce me to young ladies she knew. She can’t seem to stand anyone being on his own.”

Ilid came in the room, having taken a couple minutes to com his parent clan. Charity noted his face was flushed. “More parental types acting smug to know their youngling is having a romantic tryst?”

“My mother guessed it was you, and she’s delighted,” Ilid grouched as he sat down. Mitag slapping a slab of casserole on his plate for him appeared to cheer him a little. He inhaled, smiling.

“Wild happenings on Haven. I’m glad it’s ‘Jennifer’s’ reputation and not mine being wrecked,” Charity ruefully chuckled.

“Few on Haven care,” Detodev reminded her. “It’s a free-for-all on this planet when it comes to dating and sex. Nothing’s more fun when you aren’t farming or ranching.”

“Good point. Lacking clubs or attractions to visit, it leaves plenty of time to explore matters of a carnal nature.” When Charity thought of how repressed life had been on the original Earth, then the battlecruiser she’d escaped the dying planet on, she had a surreal moment of appreciating the changes in attitudes since she’d been a young teen.

“Now you’re figuring out why some of us like this planet. The all-night indulgence of our favorite hobby seems to have appealed to you,” Mitag snickered.

She smirked a challenge to her companions. “But if nothing’s too outrageous, what’s the point? Surely we can get up to shenanigans worth raising eyebrows.”

The men grinned at her and each other. Once again, she was struck by how different Detodev and Ilid were when they forgot to be reserved.

“It’ll be fun to try to figure out, if nothing else,” Ilid chuckled.

After fortifying themselves thanks to Sara’s excellent breakfast, they set out to do just that.

Chapter Sixteen

At Kalquorian Security Headquarters, in the governmental mini-city ten miles from Sunrise, Dramok Dolgra stood across the room from Groteg. The officer sat at his desk in his office. Dolgra knew he considered Groteg longer than was warranted, but the Nobek never failed to impress him. Much like his clanmates, the security chief was a riveting presence. Clan Amgar had a terrible tendency to rock Dolgra’s professionalism when he was on the job.

The Nobek pursed his lips as he read whatever report floated on the holographic monitor over his computer. It said a lot for him that he’d risen to the head of the Kalquorian branch of Haven’s planetary police force. Such an administrative position demanded a lot of work in the office, even if the person in charge was as hands-on an officer as Groteg was. Nobeks weren’t known for their willingness when it came to writing and reading reports. If this particular member of the protective breed had any issues doing the desk jockey portion of his job, Dolgra had yet to see it.

The spy fingered the phase device pinned to the collar of his undercover disguise, a tan delivery uniform. Dolgra gauged the distance between himself and Groteg. He noted which obstacles he could quickly dash to and put between them, mentally preparing himself for the attack that might come.

He deactivated the phase keeping him invisible. Groteg alerted at once to his sudden appearance. Haven’s security head shot to his feet, fangs down and showing. Every tendon and sinew stood out on impressive muscles left bare by his sleeveless armored uniform.

His glare lasted barely a second before he eased. He shook his head at Dolgra. “Gets me every time.”

“Sorry. I’m no fan of people unphasing in my presence either.” Dolgra’s apology was genuine. It was shocking to have someone abruptly appear out of thin air.

“You can’t warn me first?” To give him credit, Groteg sounded only slightly grumpy.

“Maybe I can toss a small object on your desk to give you a heads-up in the future. It’ll still be abrupt, but at least it won’t trigger you tearing my head off.” Dolgra grinned.

“I make you nervous? I’ll take it as a consolation prize. Door, lock.” He returned the smile and motioned to the hover chair in front of his desk. “I assume you’d prefer to keep this visit secret, or you wouldn’t have crept in here phased.”

“As usual.” Dolgra took the offered chair. The urge to indulge in small talk was resolutely quashed. “I read your report on the stalker at Nobek Detodev’s home.”

“Connelly was hoping to personally question O’Neal first thing this morning, but my Earther counterpart experienced shuttle problems. He’ll grill him this afternoon instead. Anything from your contacts?”

Dolgra nodded. “O’Neal’s from Mercy. His real name’s Kelly Kirk.”

“An alias?” Groteg scowled. “I’m surprised he got through Connelly’s department using false credentials. They’re pretty thorough. Connelly’s no slouch when it comes to keeping Earthtiques off Haven.”

“Remember, Kirk got here about seven years ago.”

“Before Connelly became chief about seven years ago. Good, his reputation’s intact.”

“It might not have mattered. Kirk’s documentation was spotless. I inspected it myself, since he came from Mercy. It took real digging to find his actual identity.”

“You looked through the Earther department’s records?” Groteg regarded him with no show of emotion.

“I always keep an eye on those coming from Mercy and New Bethlehem, due to the political leanings there.”

Groteg showed no real reaction to Dolgra’s snooping. He was aware the spy had clandestine access to the human half of Haven’s security force, and he kept his mouth shut about it. As a matter of fact, he’d never asked Dolgra for any information when investigating cases involving Earthers. It would have been unethical as well as illegal to do so. In Dolgra’s experience, it hadn’t stopped plenty of law enforcement supervisors from pushing for intel when they’d known they were dealing with Kalquor’s spy division.

He'd once mentioned the fact to Groteg. The Nobek’s response had been, “If I had a major problem, such as a serial killer or child abductor, I might appeal to you for information. To my mind, such dangerous situations supersede bureaucratic bullshit. But for regular law enforcement, it wouldn’t be right.”

Dolgra had discovered much to respect when it came to the Nobek. Every time they spoke, he found more to like.

He resumed his update on the would-be attacker. “On Mercy, Kirk had connections with lower-level Earthtiques. Mostly town-level militia groups who liked to intimidate those of a more tolerant mindset when it came to aliens, lifestyles, and so on. He’d been jailed on several occasions for threats. Twice for minor assault.”

Groteg considered. “From my limited experience in his company, he didn’t seem smart enough to pick up on Charity’s identity. It seems unlikely he showed up seven years ago to wait this long to attack those who live in opposition to his beliefs.”

“He also doesn’t match the physical description Matara Charity gave of her assailant in the barn.”

“It means he’s working for someone else on behalf of Mercy’s Earthtique faction. Maybe his accomplice told him to spy on her. Kirk must have decided to act on his own when the evening turned friendlier between her and her companions.” Groteg scowled. “It means we have at least one other person after her. Someone who operates better under our radar.”

Dolgra nodded. “My thoughts exactly. I think we have to get Charity off Haven.”

“What? Where else can she go?” Groteg’s shock was obvious as he kept speaking rather than allowing Dolgra to respond. “Dark Death is running amuck on Earth. The Darks have accessed the rest of the Kalquorian Empire and our home world. They could get to her there. Those bastards leaked the vid footage of Copeland and spread the intel General Borey Nath is alive and well, which set this whole mess off.”

Again, Groteg impressed Dolgra. Charity Nath had been dumped on him with little notice. She’d been staying at his farm for a matter of days, yet he was already fiercely protective of her. He was a true Nobek, eager to fight for the safety of the vulnerable.

Fighting off the smile that would have been inappropriate given their conversation, he said, “We concocted a last contingency in case she was identified again. I’ll ask the fleet to send a ship. She’ll have to live on it, and they won’t dock anywhere until the heat is off.”

Groteg stared at him. “You could be talking years, her traveling around in such a manner. As long as Browning Copeland lives, if not longer. She isn’t a Coydidak.” He named the group of Kalquorians who roamed the galaxy endlessly in their ragtag vessels, a sometimes lawless bunch who refused to live by society’s dictates. “Do you really expect her to put her life on hold for an indefinite period?”

“She’ll be alive. I see no alternative. She has to leave Haven.”

The Nobek snorted. “You’re forgetting an important detail, Dolgra.”

“Which is?”

“Though Charity isn’t thrilled about being stuck on an agricultural planet, it’s clear she’s getting close to those three young men. She’s invested in them beyond a simple fling. I don’t think she realizes it yet, but she will if she’s told she has to leave.”

“She didn’t want to come here, but she did when we told her to. She understands her well-being depends on our protection,” the spy pointed out.

“That may be, but I think she’s decided she’ll no longer allow your division to tell her what to do. She’s an adult, and she’s hit her limit when it comes to hiding. Don’t be surprised if she tells you she isn’t going anywhere.”

Dolgra groaned in the face of Groteg’s certainty. Charity could legally refuse to leave Haven if she decided to do so.

She was also the sister of Clan Piras’ Matara. Admiral Piras was a big deal in the spy division’s hierarchy. It would be Dolgra’s career…hell, it would be his ass…if anything happened to Charity on his watch. Piras was a legend as the last man in existence to piss off.

“Can I work for you if this goes to hell? And if I somehow survive the Terror of the Fleet’s wrath?”

Groteg chuckled in sympathy for his predicament.

* * * *

Ilid wondered if he made too big a deal out of what couldn’t possibly interest his new friends. He ushered them in the bakery his parent clan had messaged they’d closed the sale on the evening before. He felt pride at the work he and his family had done once the contract had been agreed to. The former owner had permitted to them to start updating the facility prior to the final legal approval to be issued by Haven’s governors.

The bakery’s new pastel color scheme of sky blue, sage green, and buttery yellow was soothing but far from boring. The seating areas varied from upholstered loungers, chairs one could sink in, billowing floor cushions, and sturdy chairs around intimate tables. Artwork hadn’t been hung yet, but Ilid had explained it would represent local artists and would be for sale.

Every surface gleamed. A quarter of the new appliances had already been installed. It took no imagination to realize how the bakery would appear when the updates were completed. The windows looked out on the street, but plans were in place to build a patio enclosed by a low wall and flowering plantings. It wouldn’t merely be a bakery but a space to linger with friends.

“I’m scheduling an appointment to talk to the coffee shop across the street to set up a station in here. Their product is excellent,” Ilid enthused as they paused just inside the door. The group gawked in open admiration of the changes that had been implemented. “They don’t offer much in the way of Kalquorian baked goods, so I’m hoping to offer a trade. There’s no sense competing against a potential partner if we can benefit each other instead.”

“Smart,” Detodev acknowledged. “A lot of us drink coffee and tea now. Being able to stop in one spot to buy the best of both worlds would make a lot of people happy. Especially if the line is moving faster at one location.”

“Hey, you could do my sales pitch for me.”

Detodev grinned. Ilid was struck by the change in the reticent Nobek from when they’d first met. He felt different himself, having been accepted by his companions despite his flaws as a Dramok.

His future felt the most hopeful it had been since his horrific encounter with the Darks. He could actually imagine having a clan. Mitag had especially made it clear he was eager for clanmates. Maybe they could win Detodev too, given the Nobek had similar issues of unworthiness.

The pit of Ilid’s stomach ached when he glanced at Charity. She saw no future for herself on Haven. She hated the planet and craved the excitement of the city. He couldn’t blame her. He’d felt the same restless energy prior to his encounter with the Darks.

Perhaps he was foolish to consider his three companions as the perfect clan for himself, especially where she was concerned. It was damned hard to imagine another woman who could match her for wit, charm, and intelligence, wrapped in one lovely package. If only he could offer her something worthwhile to make her stay.

You can’t ask her to give up her education or career to live where she won’t be happy. Enjoy her while she’s here. Don’t allow regrets to ruin what you have while you have it.

He set aside the yearning threatening to darken his mood as his parents came from the kitchen area at the rear of the building. They exclaimed in delight to see the young people and immediately made a fuss over them.

“How wonderful you’ve come,” Imdiko Jadel enthused after greetings were exchanged. “What do you think of our latest enterprise?”

“The bakery already looks fantastic,” Charity told them. “When do you think it’ll open?”

“Well, manager?” Ilid’s mother beamed at him.

He grinned back. “I think we can have the equipment ready to go in two weeks. Leaving room for unforeseen delays and promotion…a month?”

Mitag whipped his handheld from a pouch on his belt and tapped. “I have an opening in four weeks, thanks to a last-minute cancellation. A groom got cold feet. Really cold feet. He left a note breaking it off and disappeared from town.”

“Yikes,” Charity said. “The bride must be upset.”

“I hear she’s already dating his best man. The deposit for my services is nonrefundable, so little harm’s done where my account is concerned. How does this date work for you to schedule a grand opening celebration, Ilid?” Mitag waved his calendar in the Dramok’s face.

“It depends on the cost.” Mitag’s services were in demand, and clients were willing to pay premium prices. No doubt he had patrons clamoring for the suddenly empty slot.

“For you, it’s free.”

Ilid blinked at him. “You can’t.”

“It’s my business, so yeah, I can. You talked about a trade with the coffee shop. We should do a trade too.” Mitag continued to tap his handheld.

“How?”

“You said your equipment will be up and running in two weeks? Let’s get together on when you can bake samples for me to hold tastings for upcoming potential clients. A Kalquorian bakery fits my needs for a number of events this upcoming season, so you couldn’t open at a better time.”

“Um, okay.” Ilid wondered if he should feel bad for preferential treatment. After all, Mitag might be doing so simply because they had the potential for becoming clanmates. Ilid would have to prove he was worthy of the Imdiko taking the chance on his work.

If Diju thought the same, she obviously didn’t mind. She clapped her hands gleefully. “It appears Ilid’s Bakery is up and running at full steam before it’s even opened.”

“ Ilid’s Bakery?” He gaped at his mother.

“Well, you’ll inherit it in the end. Unless you’re as successful as I’m sure you’ll be and buy me out first. Or, if an important event comes up to celebrate in the future, the business would make a nice gift.” She glanced at Detodev, Mitag, and Charity, then exchanged glances with his smiling fathers. She giggled.

Realization swept over Ilid. She’d plotted to let him have the bakery all along and was dangling it as a clanning gift. He looked at Detodev, Mitag, and Charity in turn to see if they’d caught the manipulation.

Detodev had. He was regarding Ilid from the corner of his eye, his brow raised. His lips trembled, as if holding off laughter. At least he wasn’t wearing a expression of horror at the idea.

Mitag was still pounding on his handheld. He wore a slight smile, but Ilid couldn’t tell if it was because he’d understood what Diju was up to.

Charity was taking in their surroundings, giving no indication she’d heard the subtext. “This is a terrific gift. And your name on it. Pretty sweet deal, Ilid.”

It would be sweeter if you were part of it. Ilid brushed aside the regret and bowed in respect to his parent clan. “I’ll do my best to reward your faith in me. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity.”

Charity didn’t dare look at the others. She was afraid they’d see the longing that had sprung up unbidden in her heart.

… if an important event comes up to celebrate sometime in the future…

It didn’t take a rocket scientist, or even an astronomy student, to know Diju was up to her usual matchmaking tricks. Charity often found it amusing how eager she, and to an extent Ilid’s fathers, were to win him clanmates. It was as if they thought love and lifelong companionship would heal the hurts he’d suffered.

Maybe they were right. He’d been brighter since the night before. Not necessarily because of the amorous activities they’d indulged in. No, the catalyst had come from revealing his trials thanks to his Dark encounter and being given nonjudgmental compassion and understanding from his new friends.

He’d returned it to them in equal measure. Charity could see the darkness had lifted substantially from Detodev. The sense of Mitag’s desperate need for close companionship had eased as well, taking him from overeagerness to a laidback warmth. Her own guilt for lying about her true identity had been absolved.

She could see the three men becoming a clan. It felt right they should do so, even at this early stage. Charity had heard of people seeing “the one” and knowing right away they’d be married. She wondered if anyone had ever noticed it for others as she felt she had for Ilid, Mitag, and Detodev.

She was shocked to find she yearned for it too. They teased her for her impulsive nature, for her often exasperating mischief, and a capriciousness her own family had found irritating. They accepted her as she was.

They wouldn’t run off on me to save the universe. It was another draw for Charity. She was proud of her father and sister for their selfless giving to the cause of stopping those who’d destroy the innocent. She respected and loved her family for their devotion to justice. But it had left her alone far too many times.

A baker. An event planner. A farmhand. They weren’t glamorous men. They weren’t interested in performing great deeds to change the galaxy. Nevertheless, they were each heroic in their own way, men who’d survived pasts determined to break them. More importantly, they were here . They had no intention of going anywhere.

But Haven? Planet Farm Hell? You can’t be considering it.

Chapter Seventeen

Detodev felt amused chagrin as Mitag stopped in front of a shop’s window in the middle of Sunrise. Given the day off by parents, guardians, and supervisors, the young people had decided to wander and goof off. They had no particular plans in mind.

The store in question boasted men’s dress clothes, for both Kalquorians and Earthers. Mitag had his eyes on a teal tunic-style embroidered jacket and pants set. “This would be nice for our theater night. Besides, I deserve something new for getting through tomorrow’s haybale wedding reception.”

The Nobek thought of his modest account and the less-than-dressy state of his wardrobe. “How fancy are we supposed to be for the show?”

“A chance to dress up? I’m in,” Charity declared.

Mitag grinned, no doubt noting Detodev’s growing concern. “Don’t go by our example. I’d dress up for a feed store’s grand opening. I’ll take any excuse for a new outfit. This is Sunrise. Wear your best jeans and a clean shirt.”

“What are you wearing?” Detodev asked Ilid. He didn’t want to be too casual if everyone else was fancy. He did have one nice shirt and a decent pair of black slacks he used for the occasional wedding, clanning ceremony, or funeral.

“I suppose I can wear the dress trousers I brought so I don’t feel too underdressed in the company of these two. I don’t have a jacket. I could get one, but if you’re going casual, I’ll skip it for now.” The Dramok shrugged, his attitude unconcerned.

“I’ll definitely be dressed casual.” Detodev was relieved, both that he wouldn’t have to dress up and he wouldn’t be the only one.

Mitag couldn’t resist teasing him. “I can come by your house and help you clean up beforehand. You might be a pacifist, but you’re still an uncouth Nobek.”

“Oh, sign me up for clean-up duty,” Charity snickered. She grabbed Detodev’s ass as she walked past to go in the shop.

Detodev rolled his eyes. However, as the group entered the store for Mitag to claim the suit he was salivating over, he caught the Imdiko by the arm. Since Charity and Ilid preceded them in, they failed to notice him leaning in close to whisper in his surprised friend’s ear. “Thank you.”

Mitag blinked at him, his smile uncertain. “Why are you thanking me?”

“You refused to give up on this standoffish Nobek. Most would have.”

The Imdiko bumped against him affectionately. “Most don’t have the sense to look beneath the exterior to find buried treasure. I’m a smart guy, in case you haven’t noticed.”

Detodev’s cheeks ached a little. He’d been smiling a lot in the last few hours, and his face wasn’t used to it. Mitag was smart, all right. Too smart to act mushy at Detodev’s admission, which would have made him self-conscious. Smart enough to hide a compliment in a joke.

Detodev squeezed his arm and stepped away. He retreated into his typical comfortable distance but remained close to those whom he regarded with growing warmth.

* * * *

Groteg entered his office stomping, his expression thunderous. He ordered his door closed and locked.

A silver ring appeared in midair, flying toward his shoulder. He caught it, recognizing it and the blue sapphire in its setting. He wasn’t surprised when Dolgra unphased next to his desk.

“You said it was urgent,” the spy said.

“Kelly Kirk, a.k.a. Scott O’Neal, was found dead when his lunch was delivered to his containment cell,” Groteg tossed the ring back to his visitor, fuming. “Initial tests indicate syntranide poisoning.”

“Fast and lethal in miniscule doses. He could have hidden it in on himself where it would have evaded a search,” Dolgra mused. “ If he were the type to commit suicide.”

Groteg’s fury at having lost an important witness quieted at the unspoken suspicion he shared. “You also believe he was killed to keep him quiet?”

“I’ve been through the Earther security roster, specifically those in Sunrise. Half the officers lived on Mercy or New Bethlehem at some point. All have been in the Earther police headquarters since Kirk was brought in.”

“Most of the officers now employed asserted they were at odds with the Earthtique bent of Mercy’s and New Bethlehem’s leadership.” Groteg recognized it for the convenient excuse it would have been. “A law enforcement career for an Earthtique would afford plenty of opportunities to gather information on Haven’s residents. Connelly recognized the issue. He said he’d thoroughly investigated each and every candidate.”

“If anyone came here to spy within law enforcement on behalf of Earthtique governments, they could have laid the groundwork carefully to get an operative through the process. I’m going to investigate the entire bunch. Given Matara Charity’s description of her first assailant, I’ll start with those of Kalquorian size. Maybe from the top down.”

Dolgra’s plan made sense, but Groteg pointed out, “Assistant Chief Wilkes has never shown signs of being an Earthtique. I can’t tell you how many clannings between our species he’s attended, along with other Kalquorian-centric functions.”

“If you’re vouching for him, I’ll save him for last. I’m leaving no stone unturned now that our one connection to those hunting Matara Charity is dead. If I have to look closely at Wilkes, I will.” Dolgra disappeared before Groteg could answer.

The Nobek had no problem with that despite his surety the spy would be wasting his time investigating certain members of Connelly’s staff. He approved of the man’s thoroughness. Dolgra certainly knew his business.

He’s the epitome of a Dramok. Groteg snorted at the intense camaraderie he usually experienced when Dolgra showed up. Dismissing the momentary yearning for a clan leader as steady as Amgar had been, he directed his attention to his own work.

* * * *

“Hi, Assistant Chief Wilkes,” Charity called to the passing officer as she and the guys relaxed with beverages in front of the coffee shop. They’d loaded up on caffeine after Ilid had secured an appointment to discuss his business trade with the shop’s friendly owner.

Wilkes stopped and beamed at the group. “Good afternoon, all. Enjoying the day?”

They answered in the affirmative. Charity thought the officer appeared troubled despite his cheerful response. His tone sounded forced.

“Everything okay?” She wondered if the Kalquorian-big bruiser appreciated such niceties. His strong features were more brutish than a number of Nobeks she’d come across.

“It could be better,” he sighed. “O’Neal…the man who was caught spying on you? He committed suicide this morning.”

Only Detodev failed to gasp. The Nobek’s eyes widened in shock, however.

“I’m sorry to hear it,” Ilid managed. “We were hoping for answers for his actions rather than him coming to harm.”

“A troubled man.” Wilkes stared at the street, his expression regretful. “He’d been brought in for minor offenses in the past, but he never showed any inclination for serious mischief. I guess you never know the thoughts in a person’s head.”

“Wow. Does he have family here? They must be devastated,” Charity said.

“Maybe on Mercy, where he came from. We’ve sent inquiries. Since they’re in a rather messy state these days, it could be a while before we know for certain.” He drew a deep breath as if to set aside the unpleasantness. His smile when he gazed at them again was genuine. “What’s on the agenda? Detodev, I almost never see you in town during the day.”

When the Nobek merely shrugged, his usual reserve kicking in, Mitag answered. “We dragged Mr. Sociable out for a day off. I almost convinced him to buy a nice shirt for tomorrow’s show.”

“I already have a nice shirt,” Detodev muttered.

“Oh, you’re attending Cow Patties in Paradise ? I’ve heard it’s hilarious.” Wilkes glanced down the street in the direction of the two-story theater.

“It looks like fun,” Ilid agreed.

“I might have to see it myself, if any tickets are left. I’ll leave you to it, then. Have a good day.” Wilkes nodded and continued down the street, his steps quicker and demeanor lighter than before.

Charity watched him go. Big guy. It reminded her of the size of her attacker in the barn. Wilkes would have been scary if he hadn’t spoken to them with such friendly ease and no sign of judgment. If three Kalquorian men hanging around an Earther woman offended him, he hid it well.

“It’s wonderful to be around so many non-Earthtique types,” she marveled. “Haven is a different world in the best way possible.”

“Despite the lack of culture and predominance of natural fertilizer?” Mitag teased.

She tossed her napkin at him. “No place is all bad. Or all good, for that matter. As accepting as the university on Jedver was of diversity, thanks to it being in Galactic Council space, I occasionally ran into anti-Kalquorian types among my fellow Earthers. Some were obnoxious to other species too, holding onto Old Earth’s crap about being ‘God’s Chosen.’”

“I’m glad you aren’t among those kinds of people,” Ilid said.

At the looks they gave her, crazy longing filled Charity again. She covered it by smirking and speaking in a flippant tone. “I think I’m becoming quite the Kalquoriphile.”

Charity and the gang were beginning to talk dinner plans late in the afternoon when she received a message from Nobek Groteg. He insisted she return to the farm for dinner. Because he made no mention of the men being invited, she grouched, “I guess you’ll have to do what you can to have fun in my absence.” She flung the back of her hand to her forehead for melodrama’s sake. “I must leave you. Go on without me, if you can manage.”

“It won’t be easy,” Ilid said, his palm to his heart and expression woebegone as the others chuckled. More seriously, he added, “I guess we can’t be too greedy, having enjoyed last night and today together.”

“Ha! Greedy is my calling card.” Mitag playfully pawed at Charity’s shoulder. “I’ll be plotting how to steal you as soon as possible.”

“You do that,” she grinned.

Too soon, she was walking in the back door to find Sara and Groteg in the kitchen waiting. She could hear Utber elsewhere in the house telling James to “wash those grubby hands now, or I’ll wash them for you.”

“Spaghetti?” The delightful scent eased a small portion of Charity’s regret she wasn’t having dinner in the company of her friends instead. Impulsively, she hugged Sara. “It smells divine. Thanks so much for the day off to play. Oh, and for bringing us breakfast. Best day ever in a long while.”

“I’m glad.” Sara hugged her in return, but her expression was cautious. The manner in which her gaze darted to Groteg warned Charity all wasn’t well.

The Nobek wasted no time getting to the nitty-gritty. “The man who was spying on you last night is dead.”

“I heard. Suicide.”

“Maybe.” Groteg’s expression was dark.

Charity’s heart skipped a beat. “Assistant Chief Wilkes seemed pretty sure.”

“He would have presented such an attitude because you’re a civilian and he preferred you not to worry.” Groteg’s demeanor eased into sympathy. “I wish I could do the same, but some of us are concerned Kelly Kirk…O’Neal’s real name…wasn’t acting alone. He certainly doesn’t fit the description of the man who came for you on our property.”

“You think his co-conspirator took him out to silence him?”

“It’s the theory we’re working from.”

“He would have to be in law enforcement to get to him in his cell.” Charity’s blood chilled. She thought of Wilkes…but he was so nice. Perhaps there were others in his department who were the size of her assailant.

“Who knows how many are involved in trying to abduct you? Or if they’re acting independently or as a group?” Groteg drew a deep breath. “Charity, Kalquor believes you’re in too much danger on Haven. They plan to transfer you so you’ll be safe.”

Anger sparked. Not at Groteg, though his was the voice speaking the last thing she wanted to hear. Reminding herself he was only the messenger for the spy network trying to keep her free of Earthtique hands, she maintained a steady tone. “I was supposed to be protected here.”

“You were, but they’ve caught on to your whereabouts. I’m sorry.”

He sounded sincere. Charity had no reason to believe he wasn’t. Nonetheless, as far as she could tell, those who’d promised to protect her were no closer to stopping bounty hunters and Earthtiques from trying to abduct her. Was she supposed to spend the rest of her life racing from station to planet to moon, under constant fear of being hurt?

She agonized over more than the seeming hopelessness of the situation. The faces of Ilid, Mitag, and Detodev swam in her mind’s eye. Her chest tightened at the thought of leaving them behind, for who knew how long? She’d begun to experience a sense of belonging, of connection after an extended season of loss. She’d found three men she genuinely cared for. Hell, she’d gotten invested in Clan Amgar and their children too.

She needed to think it through. Playing for a minute or two, she asked in her most reasonable tone, “Where could Kalquor send me that’s absolutely secure from the nutters?”

“The idea is nowhere is safe. A ship constantly on the move—”

“Oh, hell no.” Her fury and despair burst forth in a near shout. “Are you insane? Has the empire lost its mind? No, Groteg. Fuck no. I won’t live on a ship again.” Memories of the Sword of Truth crashed upon her.

“Charity—” Sara started, her features full of sympathy and concern.

“No. You can throw me from your house, but I won’t leave Haven. I’ll camp in the damned woods before anyone imprisons me on a ship for a single day.”

“We aren’t putting you out of the house.” Sara shot a warning glare at her clanmate despite his darkening face.

“Why’s Jennifer mad?” James’ call reached her ears from wherever he was in the house.

Charity lowered her voice for the kids’ sake, but she lost none of her intensity as she stared Groteg in the eye. “I’m legally an adult. It’s my call, and I’m telling you I’m done running all over the galaxy from these assholes.”

“They won’t treat you kindly if they catch you,” the Nobek warned between gritted teeth.

“You think I don’t know it? I already lived under the not-so-tender mercies of Browning Copeland himself. My father was forced to do unspeakable things for him while he searched for a way to stop the bastard. I’m aware of exactly what those monsters are capable of.”

They stood glaring at each other for a at least a minute. Groteg finally growled, “You’re going. It’s the only way.”

“You’ll have to tie me up, maybe hurt me to make it happen,” she promised. “I won’t go without a fight, Groteg. Count on it.”

He swelled like a tick, his frustration on the brink of overwhelming him. Rather than give in to it, he stormed out, leaving the two women. Sara stepped close and squeezed Charity’s arm. “He’s frightened for you.”

“I’m scared too, but I can’t do this the rest of my life. I’ll find another place to stay. Maybe Mitag will take me in. Not Detodev…I won’t put him at odds with your clan.”

Sara shook her head. “I won’t hear of it. If you can convince Groteg and the powers that be to let you remain, I want you where I can see you’re okay.”

I belong. Tears prickled Charity’s eyes. “My presence puts you and the kids at risk. I can’t endanger your family.”

“I took you in my home. You’re an adult, but you’re one of us now.” Sara was adamant in her conviction. “You stay on Haven, you stay here.”

Charity threw herself in the older woman’s arms. She let the tears of heartbreak and gratitude fall.

* * * *

In her bedroom, Charity sent a com message to the guys. If you’re still together, com back asap. If not, let’s set up a group session.

Ilid’s frequency buzzed her unit seconds later. “We’re at Mitag’s. What’s up?”

She reported the conversation she’d had with Groteg. “I told him I wouldn’t leave. I can’t run forever.” She didn’t add the trio were a huge part of the equation holding her on Haven. She still had to examine her feelings on the matter, but she needed to square away the question of her departure first.

“I’d hate it if you left, but if you have multiple people coming for you…” Ilid wavered. “Detodev, give us your take on the situation.”

“Her safety comes first,” the Nobek said after a couple seconds’ pause. “The emotional toll of the constant changes in location have to be taken into account too, however.”

“Not just location,” she admitted. “I keep losing people I care for. If I agree to board this ship on which they’d send on a never-ending voyage, I won’t be able to speak to you for fear of my whereabouts being traced. I don’t…I’m not ready to lose you guys.”

Another lengthy pause. Ilid spoke again. “Charity, I can hear how desperate you feel about the matter. It’s a question of your emotional well-being besides your physical safety. Groteg must consider that angle.”

“Then let’s figure something out,” Mitag urged. “We were able to stop the guy outside Detodev’s house. We can watch for trouble.”

“Maybe we can help Groteg guard you so you can remain on Haven,” Detodev agreed. “You can stay close to me in the fields during the day. If Sara agrees, I’ll teach you the work I do. You’ve already proved you’re a quick learner and capable. At night, the three of us can stick close to you.”

“I’m willing,” Ilid said. “She can spend some days at the bakery helping me, if she wishes. My parents will be on Haven until after the grand opening. Any bounty hunters who dare my father Gruthep would have their asses handed to them in a hurry.”

“I may be an Imdiko who likes to dress nice and throw fancy parties, but I don’t mind kicking ass when the occasion calls for it,” Mitag asserted.

Tears streamed down Charity’s cheeks as they rallied to her cause. “I can’t have any of you hurt because of me. I couldn’t stand it as much as I can’t stand to leave.”

“Don’t worry about us,” Ilid said. “We’ve each visited hell and made it through. For you, any threat would be worth it.”

Her heart stuttered at the feeling in his tone, then again when Mitag said, “More than worth it.”

Detodev didn’t add his agreement to protect her at all costs. Charity hadn’t expected him to. Playing bodyguard meant him confronting the rage he feared he had no control over should her enemies pay a visit.

When his strong, determined voice abruptly broke the silence following the other men’s insistence, she nearly dropped her com in shock. “I’ll be here for you, and I’ll keep you safe. I promise it on any honor I can claim to have. I’ll tell Groteg myself you don’t need to go.”

Her heart threatened to burst. She couldn’t leave now. Not when she had such amazing people ready to remain at her side. People who showed no sign of disappearing.

Chapter Eighteen

Charity managed to avoid talking to Groteg the rest of the evening. She made it a point to hang out with Tori. They did their hair and nails and gossiped. When the Nobek dared to show his face at his daughter’s open bedroom door, Tori imperiously called, “Away, foul male creature! It’s girl time.” She grinned at Charity when he scowled but slunk off. The adolescent’s conspiratorial smirk clued her in on Tori’s realization Charity and Groteg were on the outs. To give Tori credit, she didn’t ask for information. Charity wondered how much of her situation the girl was aware of.

She wasn’t so lucky the next morning when Utber left for work and the kids for school. The children’s and their Imdiko father’s voices had barely faded when Groteg’s steady gaze stabbed at her. “It’s been arranged for you to evacuate quietly tomorrow morning.”

“Un-arrange it. I’m of age and can’t be forced to go if I don’t want to. I have no intention of leaving Haven.”

“Those in charge have other ideas on whether or not you can be made to go.”

“As I said, it’ll be against my will, and I’ll fight. I mean it, Groteg. There are plenty of shovels and heavy tools around for me to swing. I sharpened these just for the occasion.” She showed him her red-lacquered nails, filed nearly to points.

“Your life is in danger.”

“Thank you for pointing out it’s my life, which means it’s my choice.” Her tone softened, and she gazed at the bristling Nobek with undisguised affection. “I realize this isn’t a matter of you personally worrying you’ll be held legally accountable if I’m abducted or killed. You care, and I adore you for it, Groteg.”

He reddened. His mouth opened, then snapped shut.

She continued. “I’d hate for you to get in trouble if the worst happens. If there’s a form I can sign and have notarized stating I absolve the Kalquorian Empire, its fleet, you, and Haven of all responsibility for my choice to remain, I’ll gladly sign it.”

He managed to speak through gritted teeth. “I absolutely don’t care about the accountability, which is why I’ll throw you on the damned ship myself—”

A knock at the back door interrupted him. Sara, who’d been watching the confrontation from the sink, answered it. “Good morning, Detodev.”

“Good morning, Matara Sara.” His voice was soft, and he bowed deeply to her before stepping in. He took in Charity and Groteg standing across the kitchen table from each other, their resolute stares betraying their disagreement.

“It isn’t just up to you to maintain her safety, Nobek Groteg.” Detodev accorded another respectful bow. “Ilid, Mitag, and myself are eager to do whatever it takes to protect Charity.”

“ You .” At Detodev’s wince, Groteg added, “You know I accept your pacifist views, young Nobek, despite disagreeing on our breed’s true nature. I have to challenge your determination to never give in to the need to fight. How can you possibly safeguard my ward if you adhere to your vow?”

“I believe our breed uses the excuse of its categorization to resort to violence too readily.” Detodev maintained a respectful though unwavering tone. “I’ve thought through my encounter with the man apprehended outside my home. It failed to end in me tearing out his throat, much as the urge insisted. I believe my fear of losing myself to such violence will stop me from doing so. I can keep Charity protected from her enemies. Ilid and Mitag are equally committed to the same outcome.”

“Then convince her to leave Haven, damn you!” Groteg’s shout was accompanied by his fist slamming the tabletop. His fierce countenance eased a touch when Sara jumped. After shooting her an apologetic glance, he told Detodev, “It’s the only way to guarantee her security. Don’t you realize these assholes will continue coming?”

“Tell them to go ahead.” Charity was resolved to make her position clear. “I refuse to live in fear and hiding. Life is short in any case, and I’ll live what time I have as I choose. My choice is here among the friends I’ve made.”

She noted Detodev’s glance of hope before he re-centered his attention on the obviously disgusted Groteg. Her stomach churned, but she’d had the whole night to consider her desires and the risks involved.

Her resolve kept her steely in the face of the elder Nobek’s frustrated snarl. “I have to get to work. Rest assured, this discussion is far from done.” He shoved past Detodev and slammed the door as he left.

* * * *

Dolgra, realizing Groteg might be sick of him popping in by unphasing, played his part as delivery man to visit the security chief’s office early in the morning. It meant submitting to nearly twenty minutes of scans and searches. The small envelope he’d brought bearing Groteg’s name was inspected rigorously, but he bore the nuisance patiently. He wondered if the department had always been so meticulous, or if it were a new procedure. Thanks to the Darks, the virus, and the newly acquired knowledge Earthtiques had gained footing on Haven despite careful vetting, everyone appeared to be on edge.

At last, he was granted entrance to Groteg’s office after encountering one last obstacle. Covering his irritation, which was finally making itself known, he insisted to the man’s assistant he was to deliver the now tattered envelope personally. Groteg overheard him speaking through the open door. Looking ill-tempered…the very expression Dolgra had hoped to avoid…the Nobek poked his head out and said, “Come in. We need to talk.”

It wasn’t the sort of welcome he’d hoped for. Dolgra wasn’t sure if his news, which had sent him to Groteg in the first place, would be welcome or complicate matters.

“Door closed,” Groteg growled as he entered his inner space. “Made it through the gauntlet, I see.”

“Impressive safeguards,” Dolgra complimented, tossing the envelope on Groteg’s desk before taking the hover chair in front of it.

“What’s this?” The Nobek eyed the delivery as if he’d like to tear it apart simply for existing.

“Tickets for your clan to tonight’s performance of Cow Patties in Paradise .”

“Thanks, but we’ve agreed it’s too adult for our younger children.”

Dolgra hoped it wasn’t a personal rejection. He set aside the issue for the real reason he’d come. “The delivery is a cover for me delivering news of importance. Browning Copeland died in his sleep last night.”

Groteg froze and took a second to recover. “Natural causes?”

“According to the preliminary autopsy.”

“What does this mean for Charity?”

“Immediately? It doesn’t mean anything. Copeland died as Kalquor’s and Borey Nath’s prisoner, which must never be revealed to the public. Especially now, when the All and its Darks are trying so desperately to divide and conquer the galaxy.”

“The fleet does intend for his passing to be revealed somehow, though? If only to destroy the Galactic Council’s case against us?”

“It’s being discussed, is my understanding. I’m not high enough in the hierarchy to hear more than the barest details.” The Nobek bringing up Matara Charity gave Dolgra a hint as to why he was in a temper. “Your ward didn’t take the news of being moved well?”

“She refuses to go. As I suspected, she’s become seriously attached to those young men I told you about, and vice versa. They know who she is, and they insist they’ll protect her from those determined to snatch her.”

Dolgra’s eyes narrowed at the unwelcome news. “Will they be a problem if we force her to go?”

“She’s enough of a problem by herself, but yes, I have little doubt they’ll fight for her right to remain on Haven. She is an adult, Dolgra, and an Earther. She has every right to refuse our protection in spite of it endangering her.”

“She’s also family by clanning to a high-ranking admiral who’ll happily… ecstatically …rip our heads from our shoulders if anything happens to her. I don’t mean figuratively, either. Admiral Piras would literally tear our heads off.”

“You can’t talk to him? Get him to convince her?”

“Piras is nowhere to be found. Maybe the top brass is aware of his situation, but word is he and his clan went on a secret mission deep in Galactic Council space. They haven’t been heard from since.” Dolgra shifted the conversation back on track. “This is no time to bend to a young woman’s stubbornness no matter how infatuated she’s become.”

“I didn’t say I wasn’t on board with getting her out of here. I simply understand why she’s being obstinate. I still believe it’s for the best if she leaves Haven, but she won’t go quietly. She’s smart but impetuous and could make trouble for you and the fleet in the end.”

“Piras and Matara Charity’s sister can deal with her when…if they return. I have my orders. I’ve leaned heavily on you thus far where she’s concerned, but can I rely on you to help me?” Dolgra made a determined effort to request, not insist.

To his relief, Groteg’s irritation eased. He nodded, then his face brightened, as if an idea had occurred to him. “Hey, about the show tonight…”

* * * *

“I get where Groteg is coming from. I do. But I’ve hit the point where I can’t run any longer,” Charity said.

She and Sara sat at the kitchen table, their hands curled around the comfort of cups of coffee. They’d puttered around cleaning up breakfast until the older woman had finally sighed, poured them fresh cups, and said, “Sit. We need to talk.”

She gazed at Charity, her blue eyes full of empathy and concern. “Detodev, Ilid, and Mitag are part of your decision, aren’t they?”

Detodev had departed for the fields barely a minute after Groteg’s fiery exit, mumbling apologies to Sara for the tension he’d caused. Charity swallowed, remembering the glance he’d given her when she’d talked of not leaving her friends.

“They’re probably fifty percent of it. Okay, maybe I’m underestimating their importance,” she admitted when Sara’s brow rose.

“I’d say so.” Sara twitched a strained smile. “I get it when it falls on you like a ton of bricks out of nowhere. When it’s the last thing you think you need on top of everything else.”

Charity tried to find the words to explain she merely suffered from a bad case of infatuation, but they failed to come. Mostly because she feared it had gone beyond a heady crush. “It’s too fast.”

“Trust me, I know.”

“How can I be sure it isn’t a case of ‘poor me, I’m always pushed away by my family, so I’ll force love to happen whether it’s right or not’?”

“Perhaps it is. You can’t be certain until you’ve given it time to develop. The fact you’re on watch for such a reaction helps.” Sara looked at her levelly. “The biggest problem is, you’re putting your life on the line to learn if it’s real.”

“It feels as if running is all I do. First from Earth, later from the Holy Asshole, recently from the Galactic Council, Alpha Space Station…when does it end? When do I get to live my life? When do I get to hang on to the people I care for?” Charity heard her voice rising, but she couldn’t stop it from doing so. She was so done losing those who mattered.

“Yeah. Been there, done that.” Sara’s smile took on a sad note.

Charity regretted her outburst. “I’m sorry. You lost your first husband, then your Dramok—”

“My situation doesn’t minimize yours.” Sara leaned toward Charity from her side of the table. “Are Detodev, Ilid, and Mitag worth fighting for? Worth the chance of being abducted by those who’d hurt you? Though I have no doubt your young men would do everything in their power to keep you safe, there’s no guarantee they can do so.”

Charity had examined the situation up and down, thanks to the long, mostly sleepless night she’d spent struggling. “I think they are.”

“You think ?”

“I’m leaving room for mistakes. I’m no idiot, despite appearances.”

Sara chuckled. “I’m quite aware you aren’t a fool. The question is, do you bet your life on a maybe?”

“Here’s the thing.” Charity spoke as confidently as she could, to demonstrate how rational she was despite the fact she really was taking a tremendous chance. “I could hide and buy a few weeks or years. Perhaps a lifetime. I could reach an age when I’m wrinkled and gray. But I’ll always wonder if I lost the most precious gift I could have had. I’ll live in doubt, and worst of all, regret. Are Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag worth hanging around for? I don’t know. What I’m certain of is leaving the question unanswered is worth fighting against .”

After a long beat, Sara tucked her blond hair behind her ear and sat up straight. “In the early days of Haven’s existence as a colony, a large faction of Earthers who treated our Kalquorian neighbors with suspicion lived here. Hatred, even. They weren’t called Earthtiques then, but they fit the description. There were Kalquorians who felt just as adamant we had no business mixing.”

“Which launched their civil war.” Charity had seen some of the fallout of the conflict.

“When I joined Clan Amgar, it was under the worst possible conditions.” Sara’s gaze was distant, her expression grim. “I was desperate. I had three small children, poor health, and a failing farm. I wondered when I accepted Clan Amgar’s proposal to clan if I did so for the wrong reasons. The animosity we earned from those who hated our union made it worse. Such hatred ultimately cost Amgar his life. It nearly killed the rest of us too.”

Charity thought of her own irritation over Groteg and Kalquor insisting she leave Haven. It seemed petty given the grief Sara had faced.

“Don’t do that,” Sara said gently. “I can see shame in your face, and it isn’t necessary. Don’t belittle your own struggle just because it isn’t as dramatic as the challenges others have been through.”

“I’m a whining baby,” Charity grouched. “You don’t need to hear it.”

“I don’t mind. If I can help you come to the best decision for yourself, I want to.”

“You’re such a mom.”

“I get more practice on that front than I often think I can handle.”

Charity managed to laugh.

Sara regarded her with warmth. “Listen to me. You’re an adult, as you keep pointing out to Groteg. Your reasons for remaining on Haven strike me as valid, so you should. But you must be fully aware of how dangerous your situation is. You can’t downplay how bad it could get over a maybe .”

Charity heard Sara’s urgency. She respected it, since her friend…another friend she was desperate to stay close to…had seen the worst.

“I’ve lived some horrific shit myself. I’ve been in similar danger before and nearly paid a terrible price.” She spoke slowly, feeling the words to be sure she chose the right ones. “The difference then was I had no choice. I don’t think I’ve ever had a choice until now.” She sat up straight too, mimicking Sara’s stance, looking her in the eye. “I can tell you with complete assurance I’ve weighed the consequences between body, heart, and soul. I’ve made my decision: I choose Haven.”

Sara smiled. “Give me one more stab at playing devil’s advocate. If you can tell me your solution to this detail, I’ll support you to my utmost ability.”

“Okay?”

“If it ends up you’ve found clanmates, or better yet, the loves of your life in Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag, this is where they’ve committed to live. On the place you’ve dubbed Planet Farm Hell. What happens to your education and future career as an astronomer in such a scenario?”

Charity grinned, unabashed that at some point Sara had overheard her denigrate Haven. She was too pleased to have discovered a worthy reply for her host. Of all the considerations, the answer to both issues had been among the first she’d figured out. “Let me tell you of the message our friend and consummate troublemaker ‘Jennifer’ sent to a certain Kalquorian governmental department last night.”

* * * *

Sara agreed Charity had given her good reasons to support her determination to stay on Haven. She gave the younger woman the green light to escape the farm prior to Groteg’s return from work. Avoiding a confrontation with the well-meaning and protective Nobek set the stage for a perfect night.

“I have the feeling you and the boys will be having a heart-to-heart talk, so I won’t wait up.” Sara grinned before she sent Charity off in the farm’s battered but serviceable spare shuttle.

“You’re as bad as Ilid’s mom and Imdiko father when it comes to playing matchmaker,” Charity teased.

“I’m remembering the happy rush of new love, I suppose.” Sara’s look turned wistful.

After comming Ilid, Charity arrived at the house his parents had rented. She and the handsome Dramok had little time to do much talking of even the casual sort. Diju barely let her get in the door before urging her toward a spare bedroom no one was using.

Ilid tried to intervene. “Can I at least say hello before you abduct my date?”

“Of course.” Diju paused, her hand on Charity’s arm, which she’d been tugging. “Say hello to him, Jennifer.”

“Hello Ilid,” Charity giggled. It was impossible not to be amused when his fathers were snickering in the background.

“Hello. How—”

“We agreed on hello. Nothing more.” Diju resumed pulling Charity away.

“Mother!”

“You can have her later. I need another woman to talk to for a change.” Diju ignored his protests and sequestered herself and Charity in the pleasant but nondescript guest room, shutting the door in Ilid’s face.

She turned to beam at Charity. “There. Oh, what did you bring?” She eyed Charity’s dress bag greedily.

Unable to stop laughing, Charity showed her the cute dress sporting a flouncy skirt she’d decided on for the night. “It’s too much for a night out in Sunrise, but Mitag will be dressed up too, assuming he survived the hayseed wedding reception this afternoon.”

“So pretty!” Diju’s delight gave up room for a pout. “I tried to take Ilid to buy something special for tonight, but he said the outfits he’d brought would do. Men.”

“From our conversation yesterday, I believe he’s trying to put Detodev at ease. Our resident farmhand doesn’t do fancy.”

“Ah. That makes sense. He probably can’t afford much on his salary, and you don’t step on a Nobek’s pride.” Pride shone in Diju’s purple eyes. “My son is so considerate.”

“He was brought up right.” Charity winked.

“Don’t think I’m belittling Detodev. He’s a terrific man, and farming is a noble career. He isn’t much for smiles or talking, but few Nobeks are. I so hope…” Diju’s voice faltered as she caught herself.

“They’ve made a decent start.” Charity couldn’t resist raising her hopes. “With Mitag too.”

Diju’s expression took on a pleading quality. “Jennifer, I’m sorry I’ve been pushy. You’re so sweet, so adorable, and I can tell Ilid cares for you. I realize you have plans to return to school later, but I can’t help wanting my son to have the fresh start and happiness he deserves. Forgive me for being unable to stop from convincing you to see him as…as…”

Her hands fluttered. Tears filled Charity’s vision as she wondered what hopes her own mother might have held for her had she lived to see her daughter grown. Faith had often told her and Hope, “No matter the paths my girls take, I’ll be happy as long as you’re happy. It’s my greatest dream for you.”

Charity hugged Diju. “We’ve had a good start too,” she whispered in her ear. “It’s too early to predict how the future will turn out, but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”

Diju let a sob slip. “I already know I could love you as a daughter. If it means anything, be assured you wouldn’t gain just a clanmate…you’d get an entire parent clan too, a clan who cares for you.”

Tears flowed hot down Charity’s cheeks. She couldn’t speak.

They didn’t separate until a soft knock sounded on the door. As they both hurriedly wiped their cheeks, Diju called, “No, Ilid. You’ll have to wait.”

The door opened anyway. It was Imdiko Jadel. “I bring wine.”

“You wonderful man,” Diju beamed. “It’s all right, come in.”

“It looks as if I made the correct call.” He took in the evidence of the emotional moment they’d had. “A few snacks too, since Ilid tells me dinner isn’t for a couple hours yet.”

Charity experienced a rush of affection for him as he set a tray on the small table between two chairs by the room’s sole window. She felt it for all of Clan Codab. Perhaps their regard for her had initially been because they’d merely seen her as a potential lifeline for the struggling Ilid, but they truly were wonderful people. They treated her with respect she thought she had yet to earn. As they’d gotten better acquainted, she’d sensed growing approval and a welcome to their inner circle. She recognized it for the generous gift it was.

I could fall in love with the whole bunch of them.

“Anything else?” Jadel asked them as he readied to leave them.

“Keep Ilid out. This is woman time,” Diju insisted. “Wait. Have Detodev and Mitag meet here before they go to dinner and the show. If Nobek Detodev feels underdressed…don’t make a big deal of it; I don’t want him embarrassed…see if he’ll wear Gruthep’s nice shirt and trousers. I think they’re close to the same size. I’m so glad I packed a few nice outfits for everyone.”

“Got it. Enjoy yourselves, Mataras.”

The women enjoyed themselves indeed. The wine helped, but as was the case with Sara, Charity wallowed in the delight of the presence of an older woman who’d become like family. They drank wine, fussed over Charity’s hair, and experimented with a few makeup techniques. Mostly, they talked and talked and talked.

Following some hesitation and no doubt too many glasses of wine, Charity shared her true identity. She decided she owed it to the woman whose son might be endangered by the situation. She included the tales Detodev and Mitag had shared of their pasts as well.

“I’m truly thankful the four of you found each other,” Diju commented softly after listening in amazement. “You need them, and they’ve certainly benefitted from you. Now don’t cry! We’ve just gotten your eye makeup perfect. I’m sure Ilid and Detodev have your safety well in hand, but perhaps Gruthep can stay behind another month to assist when the rest of us return to Kalquor. You shouldn’t have to give up the hopes you’ve won because of those Earthtiques. Groteg can’t fault my Nobek’s bodyguard skills on that score.”

“It isn’t only up to him,” Charity sighed. “The spy division of the fleet is involved. It’s them pushing the matter of me leaving Haven.”

Diju’s eyes narrowed. A calculating smile pulled at her lips. “We can put a few obstacles in their way. Let’s plan on you returning here to spend the night following the show. I realize it’ll put a damper on romance sleeping under the same roof as Ilid’s parents, but it’ll make it harder for your wardens to whisk you off in the morning. I can talk to my clan and see what they say about the matter while you youngsters are out.”

Charity gazed at her admiringly. “I hope your faith in me for Ilid isn’t misplaced. We’re still deciding whether we’d be a good match.”

“I already know,” Diju said, waving her hand breezily. “The name of the game now is giving you and my son the opportunity to realize it yourselves.”

* * * *

“Wow.” Charity grinned at Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag in appreciation. “You guys are impressive. The residents of Sunrise are hereby served notice they have to raise their standards where the rest of their men are concerned.”

Mitag in his new outfit was devastatingly stunning. The teal of his jacket and trousers lent a glowing hue to his dark bronze skin. The cut set his gorgeously toned physique to perfection.

Ilid wasn’t as dressy, but there was no denying he was made to break hearts. Sleek black hair framed his handsome face and spilled on his shoulders. Charity ached to bury her fingers and comb through the thick tresses. His shirt, open halfway down his defined chest, was a brilliant blue and left nothing to the imagination where his muscled arms and torso were concerned. His black pants did the same for his thighs. Charity had a hard time restraining herself in front of his parents. The urge to ask him to turn so she could see how well the trousers molded to his ass was overwhelming.

Detodev wore the simple but tasteful white shirt Mitag had coaxed him to buy, which showed his muscled upper body to advantage. Whether he’d owned his own creased chocolate brown trousers or borrowed them from Gruthep, he failed to look underdressed next to Ilid. It was his expression, however, which defined his attractiveness. He didn’t exude delight, but there was definite warmth in place of the reserve he typically wore as a second skin. He’d turn the heads of women who had no interest in the dangerous type.

“Gruthep, I might need to borrow a blaster to fend my rivals off tonight.” Charity glanced at the elder Nobek eyeing his son and friends proudly. Maybe he’d indeed had a hand in prepping the younger men.

“Look who’s talking.” Ilid’s expression was frankly admiring, as were Detodev’s and Mitag’s. “Forget Sunrise. None of the women on Haven can compare to you.”

Charity played overly modest as she twitched the ruffled skirt of her dress, which nearly matched Ilid’s for its deep blue. “Oh, me in this old rag? You’re too kind, Dramok.”

“Kind, nothing,” Mitag asserted. His face shone. She didn’t ask if it was from the success of the wedding reception, which he’d reported had gone off without a hitch, or admiration for her. “You’re beautiful.”

“You are, Starry Eyes.” Detodev’s voice was quiet, but there was real appreciation in it. His reaction, more than the rest, caused her cheeks to warm.

Dramok Codab tapped the handheld Ilid wore on his belt. “There’s a little extra in your account for dinner, drinks, and whatever else comes your way tonight.”

“Thank you, my father.”

“But no fancy overnight room,” Diju spoke up. When Ilid’s face turned crimson, she added, “You’re bringing Cha—uh, Jennifer here afterward to stay in our guest room. She’ll explain the reason to you, and I’ll explain to your fathers.”

Ilid had caught the near-mistake of her speaking Charity’s real name. He glanced from his mother to his date as realization dawned. “Ah. Okay. Sounds like a plan.”

Though the elder men appeared curious, they shrugged it off to wish the young people an enjoyable night. Diju hugged them in turn. She winked at Detodev when he turned awkward at the affection.

She sent them off wearing a bright smile. “Have fun. That’s an order.”

Chapter Nineteen

“Breathe it deep! Nothing beats fresh air, huh?”

“If your definition of ‘fresh’ comes from when you’re standing in the middle of a ronka pasture where your horse just dumped you on your ass.” The actor on stage lifted a foot to inspect the bottom of his boot.

“Come back to my house, Dramok. I’ll let you take off your boots…and anything else uncomfortable you’re wearing,” a buxom woman drawled as she sauntered across the scenery. Her appraising eyes raked him. “Matter of fact, you can take off the comfortable stuff too.”

Charity joined in the laughter ringing through the theater. The risqué musical Cow Patties in Paradise was a far better show than she’d expected. Both humans and Kalquorians starred in the farce. In the story, no one of a backwater Haven town was terribly intelligent except the beleaguered Nobek head of local security and his human girlfriend, who ran a popular pleasure club. Rich, clueless tourists had descended upon the town’s hapless residents to play at being cowboys at a newly opened holiday ranch. The results were predictably hilarious. The songs were raunchy but sung shockingly well, and the bawdy jokes had been nonstop. Even Detodev occasionally bellowed unrestrained laughter at the outrageous comedy.

It was definitely not fit for children. Clan Amgar had been smart to keep the kids away. It was, however, right up Charity’s alley. She couldn’t remember the last time her ribs had ached from laughing so hard.

The audience was enjoying the first act so much, they groaned as one before breaking into applause during the intermission preceding the second act. Her hand fanning her warm face, Charity joined her chuckling dates in filing from the auditorium to the lobby for refreshments.

Mitag, who knew the wine vendor, snagged them a premium vintage to enjoy. “This show met the hype, kicked down its door, and surpassed all expectations.”

“Agreed. Hell of a spoof on our poor little Haven.” Charity clicked her glass to his and took a heftier swallow than she should have. Giddy from the fun, she rashly added, “The show is poking fun, but this place isn’t so bad. In fact, it isn’t bad at all.”

Mitag slapped a palm to his chest and staggered as if having a heart attack. “Did you actually compliment our ronka-scented backwater planet?”

“I have to admit it’s grown on me. If there were a place for an astronomer, I’d be tempted to hang around for a while.”

She watched to evaluate their reactions. They didn’t disappoint her. The earlier trace of hope peeked from Detodev’s rugged features. Outright want appeared on Ilid’s and Mitag’s.

“You said the location and view from here deserves an observatory. You should lobby for it,” Ilid ventured.

Charity thought of telling him of the clandestine com she’d made to Kalquor. She forced herself to calm the wild hope she’d birthed. No need to excite anyone’s expectations, including her own. “As soon as the Galactic Council is Dark-free, re-opens Jedver’s university to Earthers, and I get my degree, I might do just that.”

Detodev surprised them by raising his glass. “To our Starry Eyes learning to dodge the cow and ronka patties. We’ll make you a farm girl yet.”

Charity laughed. “Not likely, big man. I’ll stick to my telescopes and odorless sky. And a clean sidewalk from my front door to the observatory. The verdant fields and acres of manure are all yours to frolic on.”

* * * *

They returned for the second act when a theater usher clanged a metal triangle. Charity appreciated the cute announcement of the intermission’s end. It reminded her of how ranch workers had been summoned to dinner in the Old West movies her father had enjoyed. The eager audience resumed their seats, looking forward to the rest of the show.

A few hilarious minutes into the second act, during a raucous musical number featuring the entire cast in various stages of undress, an alarm blared. The house lights came up, startling the actors to a standstill. The theater manager rushed up to address the packed auditorium.

“It’s the fire alarm, folks. We have a small blaze backstage. If you’ll please make your way calmly to the exits—”

A billow of smoke suddenly swept through the space. The curtains behind the set visibly smoldered. Then the fire suppression system went off, soaking everyone and adding to the confusion. All at once, the house lights went out, leaving them in the dim reddish gloom of emergency illumination.

It sent people into a panic. Cries and shouts resounded, blending with the claxons to create an earsplitting cacophony. The audience and actors stampeded from the front of the house toward the exits at the side and back of the auditorium.

Charity had instinctively grabbed Ilid’s hand at the start of the commotion. He curled his arm around her as Detodev stretched to encompass them and Mitag in his long reach. “Crouch low!” the Nobek shouted over the din. “Fire suppression will kill the fire, but the smoke is still a problem. Ilid, can you lead us safely to the nearest exit?”

Charity barely discerned the Dramok peering in the murk, craning his head above the crouching Mitag’s. “The closest exit is bogged by those trying to escape. I suggest we make for the side exit, where fewer are going. You’ll have to lead us, Mitag.” He gestured, but Charity’s weaker human sight couldn’t discern the escape he indicated.

“I can do it. Come on.”

“Hang on to each other,” Detodev rasped. “Even there, it’s a big crowd.”

Ilid maintained his grasp on Charity. She in turn fisted a handful of Detodev’s shirt. She assumed Ilid had hold of Mitag, who was in front of him.

They crept among the row of seats, slowly but steadily, staying as low as they could. Charity could see and sense the continued frantic efforts of others eager to escape. The frightened crowd climbed over seats, many coughing in the thickening smoke. Detodev swatted off those who flailed to get past them. She sensed many falling as they fought the crush, of other terrified patrons stepping on them to get out. She had no idea how bad it was, however, until Detodev abruptly stopped an instant after they cleared the row and joined those in the crammed aisle.

“We have to help him,” came Mitag’s voice, fighting to be heard in the bedlam of shouts and cries.

Help who? Charity wondered.

As Detodev moved to one side, she saw an elderly man lying on the floor before their little group. He was bleeding from his nose, lip, and a cut on his brow. He moaned and feebly tried to rise.

“I have you.” Detodev bent lower to pick up the man, who’d apparently been trampled in the hysteria. Charity released the Nobek to give him better freedom to assist.

Something crashed. Charity was certain it came from the direction of the stage. The thunderous sound in the darkness was dreadful, and the shouts of those battling to be let out became screams. Charity was shoved hard by a wave of those who doubled their efforts to escape the theater. Ilid’s grip was torn from her arm. The next instant, she was forced beyond Detodev and Mitag, who were staggering as they tried to protect the fallen elderly man from the fresh onslaught. Charity had no choice but to run along the tide of the crowd. If she hadn’t, she’d have fallen and been stomped by the heedless mob.

She was brought up short when she collided with those jammed near the exit, trying to squeeze out. The pressure increased as everyone around her fought to flee the auditorium. The air was squeezed from Charity as she was flattened between others. She realized she wouldn’t have to fall to be crushed to death.

As she fought for air and dizziness threatened, a massive figure picked her up and began shoving those in front of her to either side. She clung to her rescuer, thankful for even the smoky atmosphere she heaved in her depleted lungs. She had no capacity to feel bad for those Detodev pushed ungently to clear a path to the door. In a matter of seconds, they emerged in the comparative brightness of the night and Sunrise’s streetlamps. She gulped like a landed fish to claim the cool, clear oxygen between coughs.

She was aware of the sidewalk flowing past as she was carried at a run from the theater. A beefy arm swung at those unlucky enough to find themselves in their path. Pained cries sounded in their wake.

“Ease up, Detodev. We’re out, we’re okay,” she wheezed between coughs as she looked at him. She blinked in surprise to find her rescuer wasn’t the Nobek after all. Nor was he Ilid or Mitag.

“I think you inhaled too much smoke, Miss Nath. We’d better get you to the hospital.” Assistant Chief Wilkes’ smile strived but failed to be comforting.

Charity noted he was carrying her toward an unfamiliar shuttle. “No, I’m…” she coughed and tried again. “I need to see how my friends…” Another fit of coughing, then horror dawned. “Wait. What did you call me?”

His grip tightened, though he carried her as if she weighed nothing. He didn’t answer but continued to push past the frightened and confused escapees of the fire who failed to move out of his path quickly enough.

Details clicked together in her head at a lightning pace. He knew her identity. He was big and muscled, the size of a Kalquorian, perhaps the size of her assailant in the barn. He’d have had access to the spy O’Neal, who’d supposedly committed suicide while in custody.

She tried to wrench free, but Wilkes’ grip was implacable. She drew a breath to scream for help from those swirling behind her, but she was seized by yet another fit of coughing. By the time she stopped hacking, Wilkes had shoved her into the shuttle. The force of his toss knocked her to the floor near a passenger seat. He closed the hatch behind them.

Charity took no time to stop to think. She bounded up and flew at him, kicking, punching, scratching, and screaming.

He fell heavily against the hatch, shocked by the unexpected attack. Charity kept up the barrage, knowing her only chance was to somehow get him clear of the craft’s door so she could escape.

The element of surprise was done, however. She’d done no damage to the behemoth. Wilkes grabbed her by the throat, his features bestial in a snarl.

“Bitch! You’ll pay long before I get you to New Bethlehem. When I’m done with you, you’ll beg to tell the universe about your traitor father and where the Kalqs have hidden our Holy Leader.”

He squeezed. Though Charity couldn’t stop from instinctively grabbing the hand cutting off precious air, she continued kicking, trying for his sensitive spot again. The much bigger Wilkes’ reach was too long, however, giving her no ability to do so.

Through blooming black spots in her vision, she saw him draw back a fist, carefully measuring. She didn’t see it when he punched. She only felt a crash of thunder in her skull, then she fell in an endless abyss.

Chapter Twenty

Gripping Mitag’s sleeve to drag the Imdiko along, Ilid finally shoved his way through the door through which he’d seen Assistant Chief Wilkes carry Charity. The sidewalk and street beyond the exit were a boiling mass of confusion as people poured from the building in various states of injury, many shouting for help. A nearby shuttle lifted off the ground and shot off. It failed to wait to gain a safe altitude before doing so. It narrowly missed hitting several people, who dove screaming and cursing to avoid being smashed.

He couldn’t see Charity or Wilkes anywhere.

“No emergency medics yet,” Detodev observed, carrying the injured elderly man he’d scooped from the floor.

The man’s eyes had thankfully cleared. “I see my daughter, young man. Erica!”

“Dad!” A middle-aged woman rushed up. “Thank you for getting him out. The crowd pushed me away. Oh, you’re hurt, Dad!”

“Only stunned. You can put me down now. I feel steady.” He smiled gratefully at Detodev, who set him carefully on his feet. “Thank you so much, Nobek…Detodev, right? You work for Clan Amgar.”

“Yes, sir. You should see a medic. You were knocked around pretty hard.”

“I’ll take him to the hospital to get checked,” the daughter assured him. “Our shuttle’s just over there. Thank you again, Nobek. We owe you. Come on, Dad.”

Ilid was only vaguely aware of the conversation. He scanned the growing crowd worriedly, searching the sea of faces. “Jennifer!”

No answer. Mitag, his face etched in worry, called Charity’s alias too, then clambered up Detodev’s back to get a clearer view of the surroundings. The Nobek made no protest at being used as a perch. He twisted this way and that, trying to spot their sweetheart.

Ilid’s concern became sheer worry despite having witnessed her in the care of law enforcement. “I saw Wilkes haul her out of the theater. Do you think she was hurt and he took her to the hospital?”

Neither Mitag nor Detodev answered but chorused “Jennifer!” again.

Ilid grabbed a passerby, a human who looked to be in his early twenties. “Hey! Did you see Assistant Chief Wilkes and a young woman this tall come through here?” He measured Charity’s height with his hand.

“Wilkes! That asshole nearly broke my damn arm when he bulldozed me to the ground,” the other man sputtered. “Did you see him try to kill everyone when he took off in the shuttle? Talk about your anger issues. If you ask me, he shouldn’t have any authority, going nuts in an emergency situation.”

So it had been Wilkes Ilid had witnessed taking off so dangerously. “And the woman?”

“He tossed her like a bag of garbage in the shuttle. Maybe she started the fire? He sure was an asshole. Guilty or not, she can probably get him on police brutality. Hey, Chad! Here I am!” The young man rushed off.

“Fuck.” Detodev’s voice was an animal growl as he grabbed the Dramok’s shoulder. “Ilid, the fire started quick. Maybe it wasn’t an accident. And Wilkes is the size—”

“Of a Kalquorian, such as the man who attacked her in the barn. The guy we caught spying on us died in Wilkes’ jail.”

“Shit! We have to catch him!” Mitag flew in the direction of the theater’s lot, where he’d parked his shuttle. They’d traveled as a group in it.

Ilid and Detodev passed him and were on the vessel in seconds. Ilid claimed the pilot’s chair in the cockpit. “I’ll fly. I have the fleet experience to travel at high speed.”

Mitag gave way. “Hurry, Ilid. Who knows what he might do to her?”

Grimly, the Dramok got them underway and flew in the direction he’d last seen Wilkes’ shuttle racing.

Charity might have been displeased by Sunrise’s bucolic location, but the settlement’s small size meant little air traffic existed, even at the early hour of the night. Ilid was grateful for it and another advantage they had in their search: Mitag’s sporty little shuttle, barely a year old, was more streamlined than the older, heavier shuttle he’d spotted leave the theater. Ilid flew at top speed to reach his quarry.

“Even if he’s only taking her to the hospital, we’ll want to be there,” he said.

Detodev snarled what Ilid’s gut already told him. “There’s no hospital this direction. He’s rogue. He’s either an Earthtique or greedy for the bounty on Charity.”

They were operating on guesswork as to the direction Wilkes had ultimately gone. If Mitag hadn’t switched on the shuttle’s 360-degree vid viewer, which made the hull and floor seemingly disappear, they might have missed the rapidly diminishing marker lights of another shuttle heading into the distance on their port side.

“ There .” Detodev pointed. His shout made Ilid’s ears ring. “No other craft in the vicinity.”

“Keep your fingers crossed it’s them,” the Dramok said, banking to catch up. He checked the readouts and silently thanked Mitag’s image-conscious urge to have included all the newest gadgetry on his vehicle. “Speed’s right for the shuttle I saw if he’s pushing it as hard as it can go. It could be them.”

“Don’t get too close, Ilid,” Detodev urged. “If he panics, he might crash. Charity could be hurt.”

“His shuttle isn’t space worthy,” Mitag noted, trying but failing to fend off the panic in his voice. “He can’t get far, can he? We can keep him sight, can’t we?”

Detodev urged, “Let him get where he’s going, land, then we’ll pick a moment to rush in when she’s least likely to be hurt.”

Ilid grimaced despite recognizing the Nobek’s wisdom. His every instinct shouted to run Wilkes down and save Charity.

Detodev gripped his shoulder. “He has to land somewhere. He won’t get away.”

The Dramok snorted. “For an uncontrollable Nobek who can’t contain his violence, you’re doing pretty damn good. Where’s the rampaging monster who destroys everything in his path?”

Mitag chuffed a strained laugh. Ilid didn’t check over his shoulder, but he sensed Detodev’s scowl to be proven wrong about his abilities and his breed’s natural inclinations yet again.

“Wait until I catch up to Wilkes. Then we’ll see what I become.”

Ilid looked at the shuttle lights now in front of him, still some distance away though Mitag’s speedster was gaining. “Catching up isn’t the issue. We can’t do anything to quiet the engine, but can one of you circumvent the safety lights on this thing so he doesn’t see us coming?”

Detodev promptly climbed in the co-pilot’s chair. “If you learn anything as a troubled youth under the care of watchful guardians on Haven, it’s how to keep a low profile. It’s the only way to have a good time unchaperoned.” He hesitated briefly before tapping on the dash controls. “Unless you’re Groteg’s ward. I swear it’s impossible to get anything past him. I wish like hell he was here.”

“We should com him,” Mitag suggested.

“I tried. He didn’t answer. He must be dealing with the fire emergency.”

It’s up to us alone then. Detodev will have to be the Nobek Charity needs . Ilid knew he had no need to say it. Detodev’s strained expression stated he was all too aware of the responsibility he faced.

* * * *

Wilkes glanced at the slut sitting in the seat next to his in the cockpit as she blinked awake. Naturally, the first thing she did was try to squirm free of the hovercuffs freezing her wrists to the chair arms. Her ankles were also locked in place, leaving her immobilized.

He expected her to scream to be released. To plead. Maybe cry. Instead, she treated him to a baleful glare. “Let me guess: Earthtique asshole? Holy Leader ass-kisser? Or are you simply threatened by women who refuse to live under your thumb?”

“Easy to see your father raised you to be a traitor, as well as an alien-loving whore,” he snarled, suddenly furious. She was afraid. It was obvious from her fast respiration and tense body. She wasn’t cowed into weeping submission, however. Why not?

“My father, I’m proud to say, sacrificed himself in all respects to stop a psychotic, narcissistic pedophile. Copeland was a whiny little shit with delusions of godhood. A serial child rapist. A pathetic, boasting bitch who used small men like you to terrorize and kill innocents to keep him in power. I was on his ship, and I promise your would-be deity is dead. Dead, dead, dead, dead .”

No. The cunt had to be lying. Borey Nath and Browning Copeland were still alive. One waited to be justly and painfully executed for his crimes, and the other restored to his rightful place as leader of God’s people. The universe would make sense to Wilkes only by setting the Holy Leader on his earthly throne once more. The period between Armageddon and now was merely a test for the faithful.

“Shut your alien cocksucking mouth or I’ll smash it in,” he warned.

She laughed. The bitch fucking laughed at him. She thrust her face closer. “Go on, tough guy. Slap the pretty off me for this confession you no doubt want me to spill on vid. Do it for all the scared boys in men’s bodies. None of you can wipe your own asses unless Copeland gives you the courage to do so. Do it. I’ll be so convincing as a beaten woman ‘confessing’ the evidence you need.”

His fist clenched, eager to do exactly as she baited him. She already sported a bruise purpling her chin where he’d knocked her senseless. He’d no doubt hear about it from the interrogators who’d have to hide it under makeup or wait for it to fade before putting her on camera. Messing her up as she so desperately deserved wouldn’t please his superiors despite him delivering her.

To a point. He sneered. “We just need your face when you admit to your father’s crimes to set the record straight. The rest is fair game.”

He punched her in the stomach. The blow was almost casual, just enough to get her attention. The heavy stuff would come later if required.

He certainly hoped it would.

Her restraints allowed her to double over, the blood draining from her treacherous face as pain and shock taught their valuable lessons. It was his turn to laugh as she fought to breathe, as her first inhale included a groan.

“Thought you were safe from torture, did you? You’re a long way from being untouchable, precious. A lot of people look forward to hurting you if it’s necessary. Maybe even if it isn’t.”

He adjusted the crotch of his pants, which were suddenly tight as heat filled his manhood. She’d elbowed him there during his first attempt to bring her to justice. In an instant, he decided a little revenge, in the realm of “eye for an eye,” was in order as soon as he had the opportunity. Any evidence of such activity could be written off to her whoring for the aliens.

But it won’t be an eye for an eye. Cock for a pussy, he amended. He laughed again as he shifted to relieve the ache eager to take its vengeance.

Chapter Twenty-one

Charity was just beginning to find the ability to straighten from the agony of Wilkes’ brutal blow when he landed the shuttle. She’d damned near puked from the punch despite the almost lazy way he’d delivered it. She would have given in and done so, but the idea of spewing on Wilkes later when the opportunity presented itself held greater appeal.

He’d hurt her eventually. Probably badly. She’d seen his excitement, the telltale bulge of his crotch. His attack would include the act that allowed weak men to feel powerful when it came to harming women. He’d probably do so before help arrived, if it ever did.

Charity didn’t kid herself. Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag hadn’t witnessed him abducting her. The mayhem at the theater had seen to it.

“You set the fire,” she grunted.

“Some friends of mine, but it was my idea. Worked like a charm. As soon as I knew you’d be at the show, it was easy to figure out how to capture you.” He gloated as he released the seat restraint on her but not the cuffs. She considered trying to headbutt him. It would be out of pure spite and cost more than it was worth. She’d probably be knocked unconscious against his Cro-Magnon skull.

His grip tight around her throat, diminishing her airflow to a trickle, would have kept her at bay in any case. Proving her suspicions of his plans for her, his free hand groped her breasts. It hurt, and she ground her teeth together. Not against the pain, but to keep from spitting at him. Her fury took no prisoners, but her abused stomach insisted it couldn’t handle another punch.

“I’ll have so much fun with you on our way to New Bethlehem,” he breathed. “Come on, whore, give me a taste of the screams I’ll hear when I make you pay for your sins. Let me hear it.” He brutally squeezed her breast, and she couldn’t stop a moan or tears from springing to her eyes. “I said, let me hear it!”

He twisted her flesh. She screamed at the sharp lance of agony as best her restricted airway allowed. The tears burst their dams and spilled down her cheeks. Wilkes looked euphoric when he relented.

“Better. This is only a preview of the earsplitting shrieks you’ll sing later, but it’ll do for now.” He turned bestial again. “A few of my associates are waiting. They need to see a properly submissive slut ready to pay for her transgressions. Get any ideas about fighting me in front of them, and I won’t keep you for myself. We’ll take turns. Understood?”

The hectic light in his eyes told Charity he wasn’t bluffing. She hating folding to his demands. Hated it. However, behaving as a frightened victim might lower Wilkes’ watchfulness and give her a chance to escape.

Charity wheezed, “Yes.”

He released her throat. Her whole being concentrated on drawing air into her depleted lungs. While she was focused on oxygen, Wilkes snatched her from the seat and hauled her to the rear cabin, where he stood her up. When she wobbled, he snarled, “Fall, and I’ll kick you through the hatch.”

Charity swallowed a furious retort. He was the idiot who’d placed her in an unsteady position, which she couldn’t alter thanks to the cuffs freezing her feet. She bit her lips together, remembering her sister Hope once telling her, “I wonder if you’ll ever learn the art of self-preservation. You couldn’t stop your mouth running if it had an off-switch.”

Shows what you know. If I live through this, I’ll demand an apology.

A wave of grief hit her as she wondered if she’d see Hope again. If she did, she’d do the apologizing for being such a brat all these years.

In the seconds it took to remind herself she had to stay alert to the here and now rather than swimming in too-late regret, Wilkes ordered her ankle cuffs released and stowed them on his belt. “Let’s catch our ride off this hellbent planet. Hatch, open.” When it obeyed, he gave Charity a rude shove. “March.”

Her head bowed, both to watch her feet so she wouldn’t fall and to hide the burst of hatred twisting her features, Charity obeyed. She waited until she reached the tall grass-covered ground before lifting her gaze. She peered through strands of hair that had fallen forward.

She almost cried out when she saw the barn. It was built so similar to Clan Amgar’s, for an instant she thought she was on their farm. Its decay asserted itself as her eyes adjusted to night’s gloom, alleviated a little by the few lights set around the building. Her heart sank as she noted the sagging and warped boards and rusting farm implements scattered like forgotten offerings to an abandoned temple.

Three men approached, none of whom she recognized. They wore blasters on their hips. Their expressions were grimly triumphant as they stared at her. “Good. You got her.”

“Where are the rest, Eastman?” Wilkes’ tone was suspicious.

The farm-hardened man who stood in the middle of the trio spoke. “Grabbed by Kalquorian law enforcement in the theater. We three managed to escape in the confusion.”

“Kalq enforcement? I didn’t see any officers. I know every damned one of their faces.”

The man shrugged. “We set the fires, had them burning proper, then they were suddenly emerging from the smoke. They must have been hiding nearby and watching for trouble.”

Charity felt rather than saw Wilkes start. His grip on her tightened, and she knew he suspected what she did: Groteg had set guards to watch over her while she attended the show.

The conspirator reporting continued his account. “If it hadn’t gone up so quick, they would have gotten us all. As it is, we probably need to lay low and leave Haven as soon as the heat dies down. I’m pretty sure they got a good look at us. Probably recognized us too.”

The man on his right added, “If you hadn’t snagged her, it woulda been for nothing. You owe us.”

“You’ll be paid your share since I did get her.” Wilkes squeezed her arm until Charity moaned, eliciting smirks from the conspirators. “In a few minutes she’ll be out of their reach.”

“Better be. We made sure we weren’t followed. You?”

“Of course I wasn’t.”

The third man said, “I thought I heard a distant shuttle engine when you shut yours off. No sign of one I can see.” He shuffled and searched the sky uneasily, then the stand of nearby trees. He drew his blaster. “No time to celebrate. Better take her off the planet pronto. We’ll stick around long enough to hold off anyone who might come along, then we’re doing our own disappearing act.”

“I told you, nobody followed me.” Despite his determined tone, Wilkes began dragging Charity toward the barn. She had no choice but to stagger along. She did so as clumsily as possible to slow their progress.

Perhaps the man who’d alleged he’d heard another shuttle had spooked Wilkes. He appeared not to notice Charity deliberately making their trip to the building more difficult. He was intent on looking over his shoulder at a nearby stand of trees. The shadows concealed if anyone watched. The other men were jumpy too. They all held their weapons, no longer bothering to gloat at her capture.

Charity gained some small satisfaction in the news a few co-conspirators had been caught setting fire to the theater, endangering innocent lives in their madness to abduct her. She wondered if Groteg had been among the officers. A lump formed in her throat. Despite her obstinate refusal to leave Haven, the Nobek had gone to great lengths to protect her. His failure to do so didn’t change the fact her safety had been his priority. She hoped she’d get the chance to offer her gratitude and ask his forgiveness for her combative attitude.

I made the right decision when I decided to stay. None of this changes that. The chance she’d had to remain among Ilid, Detodev, Mitag, and Clan Amgar restrained her from descending into sheer despair.

She blinked in surprise when Wilkes yanked her in the barn. Its outward decrepitude was a mask for what waited inside.

Metallic walls heightened the soft lighting so it was daylight bright. Only a single object occupied the vast space, but it was impressive on its own: a small zip flyer for two, its slender torpedo shape pointed upward toward what she recognized to be a retractable roof.

Zips were tiny, barely comfortable, but they were space worthy and phenomenally fast. Too fast for most vessels to catch once the zips reached top speed. They were also hard to track. If Wilkes got her on board, if they lifted off before the protective Kalquorian patrols orbiting Haven knew they should be watching for such a vessel, there was little chance the zip would be caught prior to reaching its destination of New Bethlehem.

She couldn’t let Wilkes put her on the ship.

“Retract the roof hatch,” Wilkes called as he propelled her toward the zip. The voice-activated mechanism obeyed, opening the barn to the star-strewn sky with a low hum.

Continuing to play the part of beaten hostage, Charity allowed Wilkes to push her halfway across the metallic floor, leaving his cohorts at the barn door to watch for trouble. Then she went on the offense. The hovercuffs on her wrists prevented her from swinging, but her feet were free. She took full advantage, waiting for Wilkes’ closest foot to step down. When it did, she stomped her two-inch heel on it.

He was wearing boots. She doubted she did any real damage, but enough of the blow got through to make him yelp and stumble. Charity aimed her next kick at his knee and connected. Her balance wasn’t the greatest, but she managed to put some force behind her attempt. It sent the surprised Earthtique to all fours.

Charity kicked off one pump quickly for a steadier stance. She drove the other in his ribs. The men at the door were yelling at him to control her as she continued to kick with all she had. As she laid into him, she glanced around desperately for a second exit, hoping for an unguarded escape route.

Wilkess’ shouts signaled pain, but it was his cohorts’ demands that shifted to startled, then frightened screams. Charity hesitated in her assault to toss a glance toward them. She gaped to discover they were under attack.

Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag had come for her. They fought Wilkes’ buddies for the blasters the Earthtiques wore. Her lovers had rushed to her rescue, though her stunned senses insisted they couldn’t be there.

Charity unleashed a banshee shriek. The sound was part triumph, part elation to see the men who filled her heart to bursting.

She fought the urge to run to them. Instead, she aimed another kick at Wilkes, who was still on the ground. She’d delayed too long, however, allowing him to catch his breath. He grasped her ankle and shoved her leg upward, knocking her off her feet and on her ass. Her remaining pump flew from her foot, spinning through the air.

Wilkes stood in an instant, his features twisted in a desperate snarl. Before Charity could react, he grabbed her. He slung her over his shoulder and raced for the zip.

“Ilid! Detodev!” she screamed, trying to rise to look at them. Her thick hair covered her eyes, impeding her vision.

But not her hearing. A blaster went off, and a deep voice shrieked. She couldn’t tell who’d been hit. She frantically shook her head to clear her sightline.

It was too late. Wilkes abruptly flung her off his shoulder. She landed hard and found herself in the cockpit of the zip, on the far seat as Wilkes clambered in behind her.

“No!” She flew at the hatch beyond his bulk.

His palm smacked her cheek and drove the side of her face against the wall of the cabin. He held her there and shoved her legs in the footwell beneath the control panel. The partition between the leg spaces of the two seats kept her from kicking him, her sole defense with her head pinned and her arms held prisoner by the cuffs.

“Hatch, closed! Engine, ignition! Full thrust!”

A disembodied electronic voice spoke disinterestedly. “Full thrust from landing pad is discouraged due to security protocols. Do you accept full legal responsibility for any injuries sustained by passengers and those outside—”

“Yes! Fucking go!” Wilkes’ tone had gone high-pitched from emotion.

“No! Power down engines!” Charity’s own voice was slurred, thanks to her lips being smooshed to the side by the pressure of her abductor’s hand. If he pushed any harder, he’d break her jaw.

Whether because her words were garbled or the zip was keyed to obey Wilkes alone, the vessel ignored her. She was abruptly slammed to the back of her seat as it shot from its pad. Her captor’s hand slid off her face, also to be pinned, wide like a starfish next to her head. No matter. She couldn’t move against the gravitational force as the zip shot off the ground.

In seconds, they were hurtling into space.

Chapter Twenty-two

“Charity!” Detodev’s cry was a roar of horror and rage as the zip rapidly became a mere twinkle in the night sky.

The man he’d knocked out and disarmed lay between his feet. Likewise, the pair Ilid and Mitag had grappled with were unconscious. Mitag’s opponent had done the Imdiko the favor of grazing his own head when his blaster had gone off as they’d fought for the weapon. Little more than a scrape ran red through his scalp, so he’d apparently fainted from the shock.

Ilid gripped the sides of his head, his horrified gaze following the zip’s path. “We’re too late, damn it!”

“We weren’t.”

Detodev whirled at Chief Groteg’s voice behind him. The enforcement officer, Dramok Dolgra, and several Kalquorian lawmen had appeared out of nowhere.

“Wilkes is an Earthtique plant! He has Charity. Do something!” Ilid commanded, marching toward the group.

The majority group of Nobeks twitched, affected by the tone of a born Dramok. Only Dolgra remained stoic. The spy raised a brow at his fellow leader type.

His com buzzed an alert, and he muttered into it. The answer was too low for Detodev to hear.

Dolgra nodded to Groteg before addressing Ilid. “A marauder has already intercepted the zip and brought it on board after stunning the occupants. Wilkes can’t resist capture or harm Matara Charity. They’ll confirm in a moment she’s safe.”

“You…you knew…how did you know?” Ilid spluttered.

“I’ll tell you in a moment.” Dolgra’s com buzzed again. He turned up the volume so all could hear a rough voice speak. “Safe acquisition of hostage and suspect confirmed. The Matara is bruised but otherwise unharmed. Medical is attending her now. We’ll bring her and your prisoner to you as soon as our head medic has cleared them.”

“Thank you, Captain. You have our gratitude.” Dolgra grinned at Groteg, who didn’t return the smile. “Excellent job, Chief. I commend you and your men for pulling off a flawless operation despite the surprises the perpetrators pulled. You’ll get full credit for capturing the Mercy-New Bethlehem operatives.”

“Flawless operation?” Detodev couldn’t contain a growl. It trickled through as his suspicions grew. “Charity being abducted and bruised is hardly flawless . You were phased and present at the theater, waiting for Wilkes to grab her, weren’t you?”

“Wait. You used her as bait?” Ilid was red-faced as Mitag gasped and snarled a few choice foul words.

To his credit, Groteg winced at the accusations. He took care to speak their names respectfully. “Detodev, Ilid, Mitag, she decided on her own to go to the show. We took advantage of the opportunity she insisted upon. We had every intention of keeping her antagonists from her. We were simply waiting for them to reveal themselves. The fire and the danger it presented to so many disrupted those plans.”

Dolgra added, “We had no idea who was behind the attempts to abduct Charity. Despite our best efforts to uncover who might have gotten on Haven on behalf of the Earthtique agenda, Wilkes and his friends’ bona fides were impeccable. Only O’Neal, aka Kelly Kirk, failed to adequately cover his tracks.”

“In the end, we could only hope Charity’s presence in public could lure her hunters from hiding,” Groteg explained. “We phased and watched her carefully until the fire emergency forced us to concentrate on saving as many lives as possible.”

“Our biggest mistake was thinking your group would be attacked leaving the restaurant or theater. We didn’t see their plot until it went down.” Dolgra scowled.

“If it hadn’t been for a couple of men I sent to check for activity backstage, we wouldn’t have caught a few of the attackers pouring accelerant and setting the blazes.” Groteg’s frown deepened. “We had to stay behind to capture those we could. When enough of my and Connelly’s men showed up, Dolgra, I, and my squad followed you here. Fortunately, we’d put a tracker on Mitag’s shuttle, so we were able to find you quickly.”

“I’d put a phased marauder on standby the moment we decided on this operation. I realized anyone who grabbed Charity would try to get her off Haven immediately,” Dolgra added. “It was ready to snag any ship leaving the area. The instant I had a firm takeoff location, I reported the escape craft’s identification and likely trajectory to the marauder’s captain.”

“Thanks to your help, the Earthtique agents have been captured.” Groteg snarled at the humans who were beginning to groan and stir. His men had already cuffed them. At a nod from their superior, they ordered the hovercuffs to lift the men and float them out to where the enforcement shuttles no doubt awaited.

“But not those who hired them,” Detodev pointed out. “Those who’d continue to send assholes after Charity.”

“They’ll give us names,” Dolgra vowed. “They’ll be placed in the custody of the fleet’s spy division, not local law enforcement.”

“Which means what, exactly?”

“Matara Charity resides on Haven, which is in Kalquorian Empire space. We can interrogate the prisoners according to our standards, not the Galactic Council’s or Haven’s local enforcement entities.”

“GC standards are moot anyway, seeing how we’re at war with the Darks, which have taken control of it,” Ilid muttered. Detodev could see he was a long way from letting Dolgra off the hook for Charity’s near-abduction.

“We’ll get Wilkes and his cohorts to confirm they were acting under the orders of Mercy’s and New Bethlehem’s leadership.”

“Which does what? The Dark-controlled GC won’t do anything against them.”

“We can petition our allies to enact embargos until those responsible are booted out of power. It’ll hurt, maybe enough to make a difference.”

“The best news is, we have the perpetrators. Charity doesn’t have to leave Haven now.” Groteg finally managed a hint of a smile.

Detodev’s heart lifted at Groteg’s assertion. He saw Ilid and Mitag brighten as well. Though the immediate threat had ended, as a protective Nobek, he couldn’t resist bringing up a matter of concern. “Though it’s difficult for Earthtiques to come here, especially thanks to the protocols in place to ward off the Darks and the viruses, there may be others already present elsewhere on Haven. This might not be over.”

“It’s possible, but we caught Wilkes. There’s a good chance he knows who any additional threats are. If he does, I’ll get them from him.” Dolgra’s fanged grin was brutal enough to send a shiver down even a Nobek’s spine.

“In addition, she has you three along with me to watch over her. You all proved yourselves up to the task,” Groteg added. His expression of pride, aimed specifically at Detodev, filled the younger Nobek despite his anger.

* * * *

The marauder’s shuttle had barely settled in its landing spot at the spaceport near Sunrise when Charity surged toward the hatch. Inwardly, she cursed the shakiness of her legs. Steadying them through will, she forced them to hurry.

Recovery from a Kalquorian shockwave was known to be a painful ordeal, but she’d been spared the hours of agony. The marauder’s medical department had kept her sedated and anesthetized until the effects had worn off. She’d had the grim satisfaction of hearing from a flirtatious Nobek security guard that Wilkes hadn’t been afforded such kindness in his containment cell. The bastard had received a small but brutal dose of the justice coming to him.

She was wobbling not from her ordeal, but in her eagerness to return to Haven. Planet Farm Hell had become her unlikely paradise thanks to the amazing people who made it their home. She was impatient to get to them.

She’d have run down the ramp if she could have trusted her legs to not faceplant her to the port’s floor. She needn’t have worried. Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag would have caught her. They raced to claim her the instant she appeared in the shuttle’s opening. The trio shouted joyously as they lifted her in the air, swung her about, and took turns hugging her. Even Detodev’s face was alight as he welcomed her home.

Home . Charity had come to realize the word referred to those who held her heart, rather than the location where she put down roots. Gazing into those handsome, wonderful faces, she dreamed she’d be on Haven long after her enemies gave up on capturing her.

“I’m sorry we let him take you,” Ilid said. “We promised we’d keep you safe.”

“If anyone failed, it was me,” Detodev said. “I of all people know not to trust anyone who hasn’t personally proven themselves to me. I stopped to help the man who’d fallen instead of staying with you—”

“Guys, stop.” Charity touched their strong, dear faces in turn. “I’ve seen bad shit, remember? I’m well aware those who’d give their lives for me can’t always save me. If you knew how it felt when you burst in the barn to stop Wilkes…you’d realize you have nothing to apologize for. If he’d gotten me to New Bethlehem, it wouldn’t have kept me from the gratitude you did all you could.”

“We’ll do better from now on.” Mitag’s eyes were bright from emotion. He glanced at the other two to include them. “I found heaven, and I won’t lose it again.”

Ilid nodded. Detodev did too.

Charity’s feet barely touched the ramp as her lovers bore her to the spaceport’s floor, where Clan Codab, Clan Amgar, and the children waited, beaming happiness to have her among them once more. Even the elder Nobek brutes Groteg and Gruthep hugged her enthusiastically and shouted their delight to see her home safely.

Dramok Dolgra was there too. He stood in the background, smiling slightly as she was fussed over. When she looked at him, he bowed. “Welcome home,” he mouthed, no doubt realizing she wouldn’t hear him thanks to the exclamations of her found family.

Haven was home. Charity wouldn’t fight it, though she could hardly believe it.

Imdiko Utber shouted to be heard above the hubbub. “You’re all invited to the farm for a special meal to celebrate our Charity’s homecoming.”

Her brow lifted to hear him use her real name. Groteg smirked, “We have reason to believe you can come out of hiding. We’ll have to remain watchful, but you can be Charity Nath from now on.”

“Thanks to you and despite me, no doubt.” She grinned. “Don’t feel bad. I give those who mean the most to me the hardest time.”

He chuckled, then sobered. “Much has happened you haven’t learned yet. Some of it, you won’t be too happy about, so we need to talk…but you are free to remain on Haven with Kalquor’s blessing.” He glanced over his shoulder at Dolgra, who nodded.

“Just try to make me leave,” she laughingly dared them.

* * * *

Charity stared at the men sitting across from her in Clan Amgar’s sitting room. She could hear noise and chatter from the kitchen and dining room as everyone else pitched in to ready for the celebratory feast Utber had prepared, but they might as well have been as distant as the stars in the night sky.

“Browning Copeland’s dead.” She’d told Wilkes the truth, though she hadn’t known it at the time. Unreality washed over her as she repeated what the spy and enforcer had told her at the start of their news.

Groteg and Dolgra nodded.

“The announcement’s being held off while Kalquor determines how to reveal it to the public.”

“We need to keep the Dark-controlled Galactic Council from capitalizing on the fact Copeland died under Kalquor’s illegal custody.” Dolgra’s gaze held steady.

“My father is asking to take the entire blame for it, to erase any blame being assigned to your empire. He wants to stand trial before a jury on Earth since the GC is too dangerous to involve in the matter.” The words hissed from Charity. She had no voice to speak the awful suggestion.

Black-haired heads dipped once more.

She swallowed a lump in her throat to clear it. “How would it be possible for him to do so? To take full responsibility?”

Dolgra’s tone held its usual command, but he spoke gently, as if afraid she’d fly apart at the slightest provocation…which she felt ready to do. “His story will be that he sent his daughters to live in hiding. Then he and a group of likeminded Earthers abducted Copeland minutes ahead of Admiral Piras and Captain Kila destroying his battlecruiser. Clan Piras discovered General Nath’s daughters’ whereabouts, then took responsibility for your welfare, believing your father and Browning Copeland were dead.”

“And they ended up clanning my sister while I was sent to live on Jedver with my aunt and uncle. What a nice, neat package so far.” Charity’s tone wavered on a sneer.

It failed to demonstrate what she felt. She thought she might scream.

“Your father wants to testify he and his co-conspirators, whom he won’t name for obvious reasons—”

“Because his co-conspirators are the Kalquorian Empire.”

Dolgra continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “—held the Holy Leader prisoner in retaliation for his crimes. They did so because they were determined he wouldn’t escape justice due to an insanity plea or some other reason.”

“This is bullshit.” Charity couldn’t help the furious outburst. Borey was abandoning his chance to be in her life in order to save Kalquor’s reputation with its allies. He was putting the good of the galaxy over her again. His selfless saintliness warred with her selfish need for her father. Selfishness she acknowledged but couldn’t defeat. “Someone else has to take the blame for a change. Someone else should be responsible. He’s given up too much already. You can’t let him do this.”

“We’re working on other ideas. I agree your father has sacrificed his fair share.”

“You’d better damn well believe it.” She knuckled hot tears dry. “He feels guilty for allowing so many to be hurt while he tried to find a way to stop Copeland. Maybe he was right to give up years with our family to do so, but damn it, enough is enough!”

She swiveled so her back was to the men. She couldn’t stop grief from streaming down her cheeks. Copeland’s long-awaited death should be a celebratory moment instead of another reason to cry.

Why couldn’t Borey be less noble…be more like her? Despite those Charity had found who cared for her, she wanted to be worthy to have her father in her life.

Didn’t she deserve to not come second to the rest of the universe for once?

Chapter Twenty-three

Detodev caught himself humming a tune as he took soil samples in the east field early in the morning. He glanced at his surroundings to see if anyone heard him doing so.

The Nobek chuckled at his foolishness. So what if he was caught sounding happy? Someday it might feel natural.

It had been a few weeks since Wilkes and his group had been apprehended following the abduction attempt on Charity. Those surrounding the irascible woman continued to maintain a watchful eye on her, but there’d been no further attempts by Earthtiques to collect the bounty. Thus far, there was no word the Earthtiques had other operatives in the area.

He detected the hum of a hovercart and straightened from his crouched position in anticipation. As he’d hoped, Charity soon appeared in the row of young green cornstalks where he worked.

“Nice change on the hair,” he complimented when she’d stopped the cart and sat on its edge. “It suits your skin tone better. Is it your natural color?”

“It is, just like my mom’s. It’s great to be closer to my real self again.”

She tossed the dark brown mane and fluttered hazel eyes at him. He was still getting used to the change from the blue lenses she’d worn, but he liked her natural green-and-gold tinge.

“How’s it feel to be outed as a Nath?”

“It’s a relief, actually. I hated lying, even if it made me less vulnerable.” Her grin was bright and impossible to resist responding to in kind. She waved him over to sit next to her.

He did. “Did you finish the assignment that had you so worried?”

“Yes, and after two hours of fretting whether to send it in to my professor, I did. Keep your fingers crossed I haven’t flunked my first major project since transferring my credits.” She sighed dramatically.

“You probably aced it, Starry Eyes.”

Charity had enrolled at a Kalquorian university to continue pursuing her degree. She’d been approved as a remote studies student who’d been displaced by the war. She complained it was just as tough as the college she’d attended on Jedver, but Detodev could tell she enjoyed the challenge.

“Any word on your proposal?” he asked.

“For the observatory I asked the empire to build here on Haven?” Her grin spread wider, telling him she’d gotten good news before she shared it. “Kalquor and the university jointly contacted Haven and presented my proposal exactly as I’d written it. I was told they couldn’t improve on the pitch.”

“Did you caution them that the last thing they need to expand is your ego?”

Charity blew a raspberry and gave him a shove. “Haven’s governors and their science committees are seriously considering it. Governor Grisweld himself commed me this morning. He said my idea is not just valid, but exciting to the empire’s and Earth’s astronomy communities as well. They agreed Haven is in a prime position for a big-ass, badass observatory, so I’m hopeful.”

“In those exact terms? Governor Grisweld said ‘big-ass’ and ‘badass’?”

She shook her head as she laughed. “I enjoy this Detodev who gives me shit instead of freezing me out.”

“He’s all your doing, Starry Eyes.” Detodev focused on the matter he deemed most important. “It doesn’t sound as if you’ll be going anywhere else anytime soon.” He made no attempt to hide his delight.

“I guess not. You’ll have to put up with me for the foreseeable future.” Her smirk turned mischievous.

Detodev was perfectly fine to do so, and into the un foreseeable future as well.

He hated to dim her chipper mood, but it was important for her to share the bad alongside the good. “Any word from your father?”

He could practically hear the thud of her falling spirits. “I spoke to him this morning. He’s determined to give himself up to Earth to absolve Kalquor of suspicion where Copeland was concerned. He says one man is nothing compared to derailing the Darks’ determination to turn the empire’s allies against it.”

“He has a point. It doesn’t mean you aren’t hurting though.”

“I told him it wasn’t just himself he was taking down. He has daughters who have to live with the loss if he’s sent to prison.”

“How did he respond?”

“He believes he’s setting us free. He says taking all the blame and publicly absolving his children of any responsibility or knowledge of Copeland’s imprisonment might allow Hope and me to live normal lives.” Charity scowled at the cornstalks shivering and rustling in the light breeze. “As if we have the slightest clue how be normal. Hope sure as hell doesn’t, what with her running all over the galaxy as a spy to fight evildoers.”

“Any word from her yet?”

Charity shook her head. “As far as I know, she has no clue what’s going on. Dolgra checked, and no one’s heard a word from her and her clan in weeks. I’m scared for her. And my father. For all of us.”

Her lower lip trembled. Detodev slid his arm around her and pulled her close. He kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him, and he kissed her fully, pouring all the love in his heart that had awoken for her.

He offered her the comfort he had to give. He held nothing back.

* * * *

Next day

Charity ignored the curious glances cast her way as she nestled in the curl of Detodev’s arm. She concentrated on the people standing before them a few feet away, lined up behind a satiny blue ribbon strung between a couple of poles. Her Nobek companion cast his ‘don’t-fuck-with-us’ gaze at the large crowd gathered on the sidewalk in the middle of Sunrise. Groteg, standing on her other side, wore the same expression.

Charity was amused at how big a deal the townspeople of Sunrise made of a bakery opening. As promised, Mitag had turned it into an event. He’d seen to it his clients for upcoming celebrations had tried samples at sumptuous private tastings. He’d already secured quite a few catering jobs for Ilid’s Bakery. He’d strung banners everywhere he could get permission to fly them in the week leading to the grand opening. He’d even landed a newscast interview for the owners and their manager son about the new business on a vidcast. Another local vid station had sent a reporter to cover the bakery’s opening.

Charity’s revealed identity and her connection to Ilid had probably played a part in drawing a crowd as well. She was gawked at whenever she was in Sunrise, the woman who’d been a supposed traitor’s daughter and the Holy Leader’s last child bride. Because Haven consisted of humans who happily lived among Kalquorians, there’d been no overt hostility. In fact, quite a few residents had told her to let them know if she ran into any trouble. They were ready to help. It was a nice counterpoint to the rampant curiosity shining an unwanted spotlight on her when she ventured to be seen in public.

She thought perhaps Ilid’s Bakery would have excited plenty of interest even if Mitag hadn’t promoted it and its connection to her hadn’t been so notorious. This was Sunrise, after all. The occasional hilarious stage show aside, the residents had little to do except get drunk, have sex, dodge ronka and cow patties, and watch the grass grow.

Despite Charity silently poking fun at her surroundings, she did so warmed by affection for Haven. She’d never dreamed when she’d arrived she’d care for the planet itself…but she did.

Matara Diju cut the ribbon, and the bakery was officially open. Clan Codab, Ilid, and Mitag led Charity, Detodev, and the rest of Sunrise’s citizenry into the shop for samples and shopping. It boasted a coffee station in the corner, courtesy of the shop across the street, with which Ilid had successfully negotiated a trade agreement.

For the next three hours, far longer than any of them had anticipated, patrons crowded the bakery. Samples were wolfed down amid delighted praise. Having tasted Diju’s magnificent recipes and a few of Sara’s and Charity’s, a line formed at purchase station. There, Diju cheerfully rang up sales. The pastry cases, full at the start of the grand opening celebration, were emptied out, refilled, emptied, refilled, and emptied again as customers bought boxes full of goods. Ilid, Codab, Gruthep, and Jadel worked nonstop to bring fresh offerings. One by one, they announced what goods had sold out for the day. Charity couldn’t help beaming to see how fast the pies and cookies she’d contributed were sold. She and Sara were earning a percentage of the proceeds from their Earther recipes, another deal Ilid had negotiated like the freshly minted businessman he was. Charity smiled wider when he caught her eye from wherever he was working. His grin at the initial unqualified success of his family’s newest venture never faltered.

Smiles were all around, Detodev included. Charity didn’t miss how he gazed at Ilid and Mitag. His eyes shone with pride at their profitable grand opening when he wasn’t scrutinizing those who ventured near Charity. He insisted on keeping her at his side.

“I think our friends have found their true calling,” she told him at one point.

“Mitag’s talking up the place as fast as his lips can move, little as he needs to. Ilid’s directing the flow of sales and supply, and he’s answering questions as if he’s done this all his life,” the Nobek agreed. “Mark my words; he’ll own this bakery before five years have passed.”

“You’ll hear no argument from me.”

She beamed at her sweethearts. Mitag hadn’t given up on clan and love, and she was certain he’d soon win both. Ilid and Detodev had been forced to rethink their definitions of leader and protector. They’d managed to reshape their breed designations to fit themselves.

Despite her father’s continued absence, Charity knew she’d be all right too. She’d found no replacements for Borey, her mother Faith, or her sister Hope, but she’d forged an additional family. She gazed at Clan Amgar and their children with the love of a grateful foster daughter and sister. The members of Clan Codab, despite their returning soon to Kalquor, were also precious.

As for Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag…she couldn’t help but dream they’d continue to give her a reason to remain among the cow patties in Haven’s unexpected paradise.

* * * *

One month later

“It’s big.”

Ilid nodded at Mitag’s comment as he conducted the Imdiko, Detodev, and Charity on a tour of the rambling farmhouse he’d decided to buy…or rather, the house he and his parents had decided they would buy for him. He’d pay them back in the future. The near future, he believed. The bakery’s first weeks of business had blown the roof off their expectations.

If he happened to have clanmates who were successful in their own work to help him cover expenses…the situation would be even better. He wasn’t thinking along those lines purely for the financial bottom line. In fact, money had no bearing on his dreams at all.

I’m happy. It was sobering to realize he hadn’t expected to be so in the not-so-distant past.

Many of his problems were behind him. At least, it felt that way. The Darks remained an issue elsewhere, and there were no guarantees they wouldn’t somehow find a way to impact Haven in the end. The nightmares hadn’t bothered him for weeks, however. Having the companions he did gave him the strength to face an uncertain future.

“A lot of room,” Detodev agreed, bringing Ilid back to his surroundings. They’d reached the living room. It was bare of furnishings, but it had lovely paneling and a huge fireplace.

“I hope you’ve hired a maid. Keeping a house of this size clean is going to be a career in itself,” Charity teased.

“Are you applying for the job?” Ilid couldn’t resist the playful jab.

She blew a raspberry. “Dream on. I’ve heard your mother complain what a slob you are. I already have my fair share of assignments, thanks to school.” Realization lit her face. “Oh, I get it. You bought an Amgar-size farmhouse so when you’ve turned one room into a pigsty, you can move to another rather than clean it up.”

Ilid laughed. She never failed to make him smile. No doubt it was part of why he loved her. He was unable to imagine the rest of his life without her. Or any of them.

The moment had arrived to proclaim his intentions. “Actually, I chose such a big home so I can accommodate a nice, old-fashioned clan of four. It has space so we can each have a private office, plus a couple left over for any children who come along.”

“ We ? Children?” Mitag’s voice was choked by hope as he gazed at Ilid, his heart in his eyes.

The Dramok looked from one prospective clanmate to the next, nervousness jittering in his belly. He was too anxious to dare to interpret their wide-eyed expressions, save Mitag’s. “I’d like to promise myself if the three of you if you’d have me as your Dramok. You’re welcome to move in right away and make this your home before we formalize our clanship. Detodev, if you wish to farm the acreage that’s part of the property, you’re welcome to do so. As my Nobek, it’ll be yours as much as mine.”

“Why wait to formalize it?” Charity demanded. “Why can’t we be a clan now?”

For a moment, the air left Ilid’s body. Of his prospective clanmates, he’d thought she’d be the most reluctant to consider his proposal.

“Yes, Ilid. Why wait?” Detodev’s voice was soft, wondering.

They wanted it. They wanted him as their Dramok. It took a moment to swallow the thickness in his throat before he could reply.

“I’d prefer we meet Charity’s father and sister first. I think it’s important we win their approval.” He chuckled. “You three have my parent clan’s endorsement. I see no need to consult Mitag’s former guardians—”

“Thank the ancestors,” the Imdiko mumbled, but his face shone from joy.

“I assume you aren’t concerned about us earning your parent clan’s esteem either, Detodev.”

Detodev had admitted his high-ranking parent clan hadn’t hidden their disappointment in their pacifist son who’d lowered his horizons to remain on Haven as a hired farmhand. Ilid had the feeling they wouldn’t be impressed with a bakery manager or an event planner who’d come from a notorious family either.

“Hell, no. We barely speak once a year, and that’s more than enough for me.” The Nobek laughed at the idea. The surprisingly rich, bass sound rolled through the air.

“So it’s down to Charity’s family.” Ilid smiled at her.

She groaned. “The story of my life. Write it on my gravestone: she died waiting for someone’s approval to live as she wished. When will the fact I choose something be good enough?”

“Does that mean you’ll promise yourself to me? Once I talk to your father and sister and earn their consent, will you be my Matara?”

She took his hands in hers. “I’ll be your Matara. Yours and Detodev’s and Mitag’s.”

Mitag damned near squealed his delight.

“Though it means living on Planet Farm Hell?” Detodev teased.

“It’ll soon be Planet Astronomy Heaven,” she informed him loftily. “When they visited, Kalquor’s scientists and the university board were suitably impressed by my presentation and the incredible views an observatory will offer here. While you’re mucking in the manure, I’ll be dancing among the stars.”

“Hence the name Starry Eyes.”

Charity sobered and looked at Ilid. “Seriously, I’ll stay for you guys, observatory or not. Yes, my future Dramok, I promise myself to your clan. With all my heart and all my love.”

His chest felt ready to explode. He glanced at Mitag.

“I promise myself to you and our clan.” The beaming Imdiko blinked hard, as if warding off tears.

Ilid turned to Detodev, who wore a more serious expression. The Nobek nodded. “I promise myself to our future clan. I call you my Dramok, my Imdiko and my Matara now. You’re clanmates in my heart.”

Ilid spread his arms wide. The wondrous beings who’d become his life gathered close. The men wrapped their arms around him and each other, putting Charity in the middle as the rightful center of their existence. She snuggled between them, kissing them in turn.

They stood there for a long while, simply holding the joy they’d found, the promise of clanship and a future. Whatever it held, good or bad, at least they’d be together. Ilid sighed to feel the torment he’d borne dissipate.

“I have a bottle of excellent leshella at my place.” Mitag broke the silence at last.

“You do? You’ve been holding out the high-end stuff?” Charity accused.

He eyed them, blushing. “I put it aside ages ago. You know I’m a romantic. I was saving it for the day I was asked to clan. A promised clan is worth opening it now, isn’t it?”

“It absolutely is,” Ilid agreed. “I’ll buy us another bottle for the big day itself.”

They left without finishing the tour of the house. They were too eager to celebrate the more important event of having found love among the fields and pastures of Haven.

* * * *

Ilid examined Mitag’s dining room as the Imdiko poured sapphire blue Plasian leshella in fluted glasses. “You have excellent taste. Can you decorate our new home and swear not to break the bank?”

“I sure as hell won’t let Detodev do it.” Mitag shot a look of mock horror at the Nobek. “If you thought the chicken wire and haybale wedding reception was bad, it’s nothing compared to what he calls décor.”

“His home looks okay. A bit bare bones is all,” Charity laughed.

“Don’t you dare put frilly shit in the areas where I’ll spend any length of time, my Imdiko,” Detodev growled, eyeing the lace curtains at the window.

“But you’d be so lovely in a setting of—”

Detodev stepped close to loom over Mitag and growled, cutting off the dramatic protest. Mitag cracked up. A second later, the rest joined him, Detodev loudest of all.

When the chuckles quieted, Ilid raised his glass to them. “To us, possibly the most unlikely future clanmates to come together. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that we did. I’ll never take you for granted.”

“To the men who turned a backwards town and planet into a true haven for this lost girl,” Charity added. “Thank you for everything, especially the part where I had no choice but to love you so much I had to stay.”

Mitag uttered a sound suspiciously like a sniffle. “To all of you, who finally granted me the one dream I’ve always had.” He winked at Detodev. “Though it took a lot of convincing.”

“To you for being so damned pushy,” the Nobek grinned in return. “And Charity too. Most of all, my gratitude for you three letting me be the Nobek I want to be…and showing me I already was a protector when I couldn’t see myself clearly.” His smile softened as he waved his glass at Ilid in recognition for his role in setting him straight.

“To us all for overcoming and helping each other do so,” Ilid said. They murmured affirmative responses. They drank.

Sighs of pleasure followed the first sips of the smooth, sparkling leshella. “No wonder people go on and on about how great this stuff is.” Detodev gazed at his glass in surprise.

“It costs a lot too. How far in debt did you go for this bottle?” Charity quizzed Mitag.

“No debt, but I saved for a couple of years to buy it.”

She rounded on Ilid. “I refuse to wait a couple of years before we clan for you to afford another bottle.”

“We’ll all pitch in as best we can,” Mitag laughed. “Since I bought this, I’ve forged terrific relations with a few suppliers and can get it at a discount.”

“Better be a big discount,” she muttered. She sipped and brightened again. A wicked gleam lit her eyes as she looked the men up and down in turn. “How else can we celebrate our upcoming nuptials? I have a few ideas.”

“Hmm. Better run those ideas by us. Make sure you include specific details,” Ilid invited. He had a few ideas of his own, but he wasn’t sure he’d share ahead of enacting them.

As they drank, Charity described acts that tempted him to gulp his leshella and get rid of it so he could race to fulfill her fantasies. She made it easy to ignore the hefty price tag demanding the drink be savored.

When she finished her recitation, leaving the men wide-eyed and obviously aroused, Ilid offered a breathless chuckle. “From Starry Eyes to Miss Behavior in the blink of an eye.”

Detodev appeared faintly stunned. “Getting rather adventurous for this poor, boring farmhand. Where did you find such…inspiration?”

“I’ve heard women can be wilder than men. Is this what you and Matara Sara talk about over coffee?” Mitag asked.

“No! No, no, no.” Detodev set his empty glass on the polished dining table to clap his hands to his ears. “Sara’s been a mother to me. If she gave you these ideas, I don’t want to know. If you truly love me, don’t tell me.”

Charity was laughing at having shocked them. Ilid noted her cheeks were flushed, no doubt thanks to the alcohol. “Easy, big man. I’ve been watching porn to spice up our fun. You guys are already super knowledgeable, so I figured as the least experienced of the bunch, I need to catch up.”

“I haven’t done half of your list.” Mitag shook his head, then grinned. “I’m willing to try.”

“Though it might kill us,” Ilid snickered. But what a way to go.

They finished the leshella. Still laughing at Charity’s outrageous suggestions and demanding she write down the vids she’d viewed for inspiration, they hurried to Mitag’s sleeping room.

* * * *

They entered the bedroom, Charity just behind Mitag, who’d led. She’d barely set foot beyond the door when Ilid barked, “Stand by the sleeping mat, my Matara, and wait.”

Her heart sped at the commanding tone. Her Dramok lover was taking her at her word that she wanted her fantasies fulfilled. First and foremost was them assuming dominance over her.

It wasn’t a mere fantasy. It was a self-inflicted test. She’d enjoyed the men taking command during sex, but the part of her who bemoaned an existence of bowing to authority was struggling.

She was afraid she’d go too far as she learned to control her own future, which was finally hers to decide. She had the feeling she might become fixated on constantly holding the reins. Such a mindset wouldn’t work if she were to have a successful, happy relationship with her chosen clan, Ilid in particular. It was to be an equal partnership they’d agreed…but in some matters, the natural leader should do what he did best. What he’d been born to do.

Her concerns about her own urges had merit. Even now, as the order in his no-nonsense tone had her obeying instinctively, a part of her bristled to be expected to do so. Resistance had become a habitual response after so many years of being “guided” by well-meaning and protective guardians. In other words, they’d moved her about like a game piece for her own good.

She firmly reminded herself she ultimately did have control when it came to her lovers. If she said sholt at any time, their activities would cease. It was the same for them all. No one was anyone else’s powerless minion.

Swallowing the instant of rebellion, she went to the bed. She turned to face her lovers and waited to see where they’d take her.

“Strip.”

Looking Ilid in the eye, her brow arched, she pulled her top off. She froze again.

His expression had turned stony. “Am I seeing a disrespectful attitude, my Matara?”

It’s part of the game I asked for. Nonetheless, it felt very serious, far from play. She dropped her gaze, her brow, and the smirk trying to tug at her lips. “Apologies, my Dramok.”

“I’ll excuse it this time. Don’t do it twice.”

“Yes, my Dramok.” Anxiety woke to tremble in her gut, but she was wet. Excited.

“Continue taking your clothes off.”

She did so. She was hyperaware of her nakedness and vulnerability when she stood before the still-clothed men. Strong males, who could do as they wished to her, permission or not. She trusted them, but the realization of her powerlessness lit her in ways she couldn’t quite comprehend.

“She needs a chair to sit on, my Nobek.” Ilid spoke after they’d spent several silent seconds inspecting her.

The weeks they’d spent in each other’s company, growing closer as the dream of clanship had increased in potential, had rendered further explanation unnecessary. Charity peeked through the curtain of hair that had fallen over her face to see the leering Detodev approach. He pulled her away from the bed and stood behind her. Gripping her thighs, he lifted her so they rested on his beefy forearms. He spread her legs wide to display her sex. His chest was her backrest. He supported her effortlessly, as if he could do so all day and not strain.

Ilid stood in front of her. Mitag looked at her over his shoulder. Their stares were avid. The Dramok smiled, less severe in the wake of her proper surrender. “You’re beautiful, especially having halted the part of Miss Behavior.”

He turned his head to mutter to Mitag. Charity’s ears strained, but she couldn’t understand what he said. The Imdiko’s grin was suspiciously bright as he hurried to the drawer where he kept intimate toys and tools. He returned carrying a thin length of silky braided rope. He handed it to Ilid.

The Dramok tied one end to Charity’s ankle. He looped the length around Detodev’s thick neck and tied off the other ankle. Her knees were bent nearly to her ears. Had she been exposed before? She was blatantly revealed now.

“Any strain? Are your hips or knees hurting?” Ilid ran his finger between the rope and her leg, verifying the ties weren’t cutting off her circulation.

“No, my Dramok.” Her voice was low, her focus on her splayed pussy. She’d instinctively gripped Detodev’s biceps in order to keep from covering herself. The urge to say something smartass, if only to distract her attention from how brazen her position was, danced on her lips. She pressed them closed, then bit them together. She was far too helpless to test Ilid’s patience, especially when some of the ideas she’d given him included erotic punishments.

I should have opted to take it slower. Note to self: never make sexy suggestions after drinking leshella again.

Ilid watched her expression. He stroked her inner thigh, sending a surge of heat straight to her sex. “I love seeing you this way.” The feeling in his tone and the approval in his gaze settled her nerves. A little.

His touch slid up. His fingertips slid through her wet crevice. A cascade of warmth fell through her, and she gasped.

He took advantage by bending forward to kiss her. It was demanding and deep, claiming her as surely as thrusting his cocks in her pussy and ass would have. Charity forgot her feelings of vulnerability and nervousness as passion filled her.

Ilid broke the kiss. He pinched her nipples. It should have hurt, but all she felt was the shock of yearning from her breasts to her pussy. Her fingers dug in Detodev’s biceps, and he chuckled.

Ilid stepped back to view his prize: his future Matara. Their promised Nobek stretched her open for him. She visibly trembled, probably from a mix of carnal hunger and anxiety. Her lush breasts rose and fell as she breathed. She stared at him with hope and apprehension. Had she thought through her requests for erotic play prior to naming them? Perhaps she’d failed to do so, but he preferred her unable to consider her urges too closely if it meant censoring them. She should be able to name her desires freely. How else could he serve her?

She possessed definite delight in surrender. For a Dramok, it was an enthralling quality.

Her arousal scent rose, the delicate aroma he likened to the seaside in the summer. Her gleaming pussy was gorgeously swollen. Her clit peeking from beneath its hood, beckoning him to pay it the respect it deserved. A service he was eager to perform.

Detodev held her high so her head rested on his muscled shoulder. The Nobek was taller than Ilid, so it wasn’t a strain when he bent to taste her sweetness. The tip of his tongue traced her trembling folds, and she sang a vocal sigh. Ilid grinned, thinking how loud Charity became during sex. He recalled their attempts at intimate encounters on the shuttle that had brought them to Haven. It had been necessary to stop carnal play because of her inability to remain quiet and the proximity of his parents. He almost laughed out loud at the memory. In his wildest imaginings, he'd never hoped to have the beguiling woman he’d known then as Jennifer Seng as his future clanmate.

He spent a few minutes playing. His tongue circled her clit, dove deep in her entrance to taste her honeyed essence, and darted a quick touch to the tip of her sensitive nub. He mapped her sumptuous sex thoroughly. He spread her folds to tongue fuck her, then teased her clit until she squirmed and wailed in Detodev’s unrelenting grip.

He straightened and stepped back. He delighted in her inarticulate cry of longing, of how her hips jerked to invite him to return.

He reached in his pants, finding himself well lubricated in anticipation. He wet his fingers thoroughly in the slickness. He reached for her to paint her rear entrance. He slid his finger in slightly.

She groaned, the taut opening tightening in reaction. He rewarded her by penetrating further.

Charity had become accustomed to rear entries, but being kept helpless made it more intense. Her hands were free to do as she wished, whether to encourage Ilid’s invasion or attempt to ward him off.

His determined stare was what brought the usual urge to do as she wanted to a screeching halt. He was all Dramok, resolute and displaying no hesitation. The man he’d been born to be. He wielded the authority Charity had grown eager to defy to forge an avenue of freedom from those who’d often smothered her in their devotion to her safety. They’d repressed her for her own good, but she’d chafed under it nonetheless.

She understood Ilid wasn’t after her independence. He was invested in her living as unfettered as she could despite a dangerous universe. This moment was merely an interlude, a venue where he exercised his own instincts. He’d do so to their mutual satisfaction if she’d throw off the shackles of her habit of defiance.

Those binds and her knee-jerk reaction to them evaded his control after an instant, however. She jerked in Detodev’s grip, under the steel regard of Ilid’s unwavering gaze. “No.” It came out in a half-rebellious whine and a gasp of need.

He bent to her clit once more. A surge of purest ecstasy shot through her, and thoughts of resistance disappeared. Charity shouted as his tongue lapped and his finger moved, slowly fucking her back there. Lust stampeded, sending her to incredible heights in an instant.

Ilid pulled his finger free and replaced it with two. He sucked and rubbed his tongue on her clit, stroking the demand she submit. Sensation lifted her high, brought her to the brink, left her hovering for a breathless eternity…

Rapturous bliss exploded. Charity unleashed a scream as she fell into elation. It surged in violent pulses until she knew only pleasure. No sight or sound existed. Just exaltation. She tried to jerk. Her hips instinctively bucked as knots of elation broke loose, but she was held still for Ilid’s avid attention. She shrieked and shook, helpless to move as orgasm rushed through her again and again.

He straightened when the ebbing pulses left her quietly moaning in the aftermath. He licked his lips. “I love tasting you come.”

“Ungh,” was her tongue-tied response.

He chuckled. “You could exercise better discipline. You came quicker than I intended. From now on, you need my permission to climax.”

She stared at him, unable to credit the words her ears had heard him say. “Right. Good luck on that.”

He leaned close, his intense stare skewering her. “You’ll wait for me to tell you to come. Do you understand?”

For once, thoughts of defiance for defiance’s sake didn’t appear. All Charity could think of was how Ilid’s control excited her. How good it felt when he ate her pussy. How crazy she got when he stuffed her full of his cocks and rode her.

How the hell was she supposed to hold off orgasm when he drove her straight into its maelstrom? Just the notion of the delights he’d given her moments prior made her pussy clench in anticipation.

“And if I can’t stop it from happening?” She’d meant to demand an answer, but her voice wheezed in a breathless whisper.

“You’ll have to be ready for the consequences of disobedience.”

He must have decided her gape-mouthed silence was assent, because he delivered wet, sucking kisses to her nipples. They tingled under the assault. When she moaned, he stopped. He left her for Mitag’s open drawer of tormenting delights to rummage. She strained in Detodev’s untiring arms to see his selection. Ilid kept the item he’d claimed cupped out of sight in his hand.

“I’m in the mood to test how well you can behave for your future Dramok.” He squirted something on his hand, then rubbed it on her labia. He took care to coat the folds of her pussy and clit.

An instant later, heat woke where he’d applied the gel. Ilid traced the top of her clit, his touch barely there. Charity kicked as brute desire woke. “Shit!”

“Curse if it helps you maintain control.” Ilid spoke in an offhand, conversational tone. “But no coming until I give permission. Sensitizing gel isn’t as much fun when you’ve earned a pussy spanking.”

“I think I liked you better when you weren’t so sure of yourself,” she grouched. The half-hearted complaint made him chuckle before he resumed a sterner aspect.

He went for her breasts again. He rubbed his stubbled cheeks and chin on them, the friction rough enough to add to her excitement, but not too rough. The coarse attention abraded, and her nipples stood at attention. They attracted his kisses. The nips that followed were just enough to offer stings, which translated to exquisite sensation. She yipped more from the zings shooting to her avid cunt than the twinges of hurt. His wet kisses soothed her nipples but sent greater thrills to her clit. He cupped the heavy mounds and played. Her head tossed and her cries filled the room.

She was so enraptured, it took several moments for her to regain her senses when he stopped. Ilid watched and waited for her eyes to clear to slide fingers along her dripping slit. She arched in response against Detodev, her mouth wide in a shout as ecstasy stampeded. A shock of abrupt pain halted the orgasm in its tracks. She gasped and stared at Ilid, who’d swatted her pussy. It tingled in the aftermath, finding unrepentant pleasure as hurt transformed to a soft, erotic bliss.

“Permission to come isn’t given yet,” the Dramok said.

She squalled like an angry cat. In truth, she was too aroused for real fury. She saw no way she wouldn’t climax at his next touch. He’d stacked the deck against her too well.

He wanted her to fail.

The realization came as he flung off his shirt and opened his pants. His cat-slit pupils had bloomed large, making his eyes dark, dangerous, and filled with intent. His cocks were thick battering rams eager to push her over the edge. He was determined to bring her to unstoppable ecstasy so she’d be bound to submit to punishment for disobeying.

Her obstinate nature rose. She was positive she’d lose this battle, but by the prophets, she’d been on the losing side in the past. If there was one thing Charity Nath could do, it was go down fighting.

Nonetheless, she almost gave in as he closed in on her and his primary brushed her eagerly flexing pussy. She stiffened as ardor clamored to be released, as he eased in her. His larger cock parted her folds, breaching her. She felt every delectable millimeter of his strength as he entered first her cunt, then teased his way into her ass.

She shook her head, her desperate cries ringing as he pushed in, filling her impossibly full, stretching her flesh and her sanity beyond their limits. Her pussy spasmed, heat and rapture saturating it. She fought the orgasm threatening to burst loose as Ilid unmercifully sank in her as deep as he was capable.

She was swollen from her earlier climax. The gel was doing its evil work to uncouple her fraying control as Ilid thrust and thrust and thrust. His rear cock found places as exciting as those in her womanhood, adding to the frenzy of delight and torment. Detodev groaned, the sound excited, as she dug her fingernails in his arms.

“Don’t do it,” Ilid growled. “Don’t you dare come yet.”

The order only made it harder to resist. The deepening spiral of surrender came closer to swamping her when he reached between them to tease her clit. Charity screamed her defiance, but orgasm clawed viciously, determined to break her.

He stroked her clit unmercifully. Every hungry thrust of his hips intensified the sensations filling her clamoring pussy and ass. A pulse of pleasure shot through her, a warning jolt of the coming cataclysm that wouldn’t be denied.

“No,” snarled Ilid even as a triumphant grin pulled the corners of his mouth.

Charity shrieked through gritted teeth, fighting with all she had to barricade against the orgasm breaching her restraint. Ilid moved faster, his cocks battering at the wall she’d attempted to erect, knocking it down brick by brick.

It crashed. Climax barreled through.

She was blinded and deafened by the power rushing through her, removing her from Mitag’s sleeping room, blasting her to a realm of heaving ecstasy which had no conscience. No guilt. Nothing but profound elation, which permeated her every pore until she exploded again. A nova swamped the sky with lights of all colors. She was destroyed and created anew, the mother of a galaxy of stars.

She slowly settled and found herself gasping at the last surges of pleasure. Ilid panted in her ear, leaning on her and Detodev as his passion throbbed. He soaked her in the warmth of his release.

If this is losing, I can learn to live with it. Charity huffed a snicker and kissed the cheek nestled close.

Ilid turned his head to regard her, a smile stretching his mouth so his teeth showed. “There’s my Miss Behavior.”

“No regrets.” Though as orgasm spent itself, she wondered if she’d feel the same way when she received her promised punishment. She had no idea if it would be the erotic type she’d suggested, or if Ilid would decide on real consequences. They were promised clanmates, but they had much to learn about each other. Still, she couldn’t fathom her acceptance of his proposal might be a mistake.

His humorous, overly dramatic expression of firm displeasure reassured her as he untied the rope holding her ankles. “There will be times I mean it. I enjoy controlling my lovers’ orgasms when the mood hits, but I pushed you unfairly by using the gel.”

“I’m sure you had a reason?”

His eyes twinkled before he took on an attitude of resolve. He turned it on the man supporting them. “Nobeks are the traditional disciplinarians of the clan. As I’m partial to the traditions of clanship, your penalty for disobeying me will be up to Detodev.”

Charity heard Detodev’s sharp intake of breath. Tension sang in his muscled frame. “My Dramok—”

“You have a duty.” Despite the steel of command, Ilid’s tone was soft. He stepped back, his gaze holding the other man’s. “I expect you to carry it out when required. Do so now.”

Detodev looked from him to Charity to Ilid again, as if he watched a tennis match. She focused her regard on the Nobek.

“I’m a naughty girl, and you need to put me in my place. If you don’t, I might decide to get up to greater shenanigans.” She whispered in his ear, “I trust you. Surely you can concoct some form of punishment that doesn’t include lunatic brutality.”

He chuffed a weak laugh. She could practically hear him applying the brakes on his panicked, racing thoughts. “Of course.”

She wasn’t quite certain how he performed his next move. Kalquorians were supernaturally fast, but she was still amazed when she went from merely facing Ilid to her breasts pressing Detodev’s chest. Darn her bad luck, the man was fully clothed.

He fumbled beneath her, his hand brushing her crotch as he worked his resealable fly. His hot, hard lengths were abruptly free. She squirmed in anticipation. This was definitely her kind of punishment.

He snorted. “Don’t think you’re getting away with disobeying your Dramok, Starry Eyes.”

“What’s the penalty?”

“You’ll see.”

He lifted and shifted her…really, did the man’s arms never get tired? He had lots of muscle, but she was no featherweight. Thoughts of Detodev’s strength fled her mind as he set the tips of his cocks at her entrances. He loosened his grip on her waist to allow her to sink a little onto him. Just an inch perhaps, then he stopped her.

Despite the recent orgasm, pleasure stabbed her deeper than his cocks had ventured. She moaned.

“Like it?” He eased his grip, and she engulfed more of him before he halted her descent yet again.

“Fuck,” she gasped. Her pussy clenched, eager for him.

“Too demanding. I’ll wait for when you stop being so pushy.”

He was true to his word, waiting for the spasm to end. Afterward, he allowed only another inch or two. The growing girth of his tapered lengths, the way his groin rubbed her mound…her pussy seized on him. She whimpered when he kept her from claiming all of him.

“Quick to come, quick to demand…you’d better learn some patience.” His expression had no mercy.

A dozen responses leapt to her lips, none of which would have helped her cause. They probably would have gotten her the opposite of the fucking she ached for.

Glaring at him, she kept her mouth firmly shut. Her burning gaze battled his impassive regard, the only fight she dared.

Their skirmish went on until at long last, he was deep in her. Deeper than was truly comfortable, thanks to her weight pressing her down on him. He began rocking his hips slightly, applying minute friction to where pleasure lived. He lifted her breast and dipped to capture it in his mouth, scraping his teeth along her nipple. Not-quite pain seared and enhanced the excitement bubbling in her. Shocked cries flew from Charity as climax reached for her. She arched, her mouth gaping wide.

Detodev stopped.

“Please, please, don’t quit,” she begged. Her body clamored for him to keep going.

His pelvis ground a slow circle in response. She groaned.

“Ask our Dramok for his pardon.”

Her mouth snapped shut. She stared at Detodev. “Huh?”

“Ask him to pardon you for disobeying him.”

“Seriously?” For coming when he’d driven her to it? Of all the obnoxious demands she’d ever heard…

Detodev popped her fanny. A smack for each cheek. Her buttocks blazed fire, which somehow added to her excitement. She kicked and squealed equal parts arousal and fury.

He commandeered her other breast, his teeth closing on the stiffened tip painfully. Hurt translated to elation. Her pussy and ass clenched on their invaders.

“Apologize,” came the unreasonable demand.

“You…you…damn you!” she shouted. “He made me come on purpose!”

Two more smacks. Additional grinding to stand her hair on end. She was taut from passion. Orgasm was so close she could taste it. The Nobek held her prisoner and kept her from claiming what she wanted. What she needed.

Then she was on her back, her wrists clamped over her head in a giant hand. The other held her ankle high, next to Detodev’s ear. His hips swung slowly, leisurely, taking her in increments, his groin performing its grinding circle when their loins met. He fucked her, but his motions were so gradual she had no hope of succumbing to climax.

She yelled. Seconds later, she pleaded, straining to escape his implacable control. Her insides coiled tight. She actually hurt. She couldn’t believe she wasn’t coming. She was right there .

Perhaps a minute went by. It felt like an eternity, and her stubborn streak collapsed. “I’m sorry, Ilid!” she squalled in desperation. “I apologize! I’ll behave, I promise, so tell this oversized gardener to…to…”

Her words and sense broke apart because Detodev plunged fast and hard. He pounded her, sending exquisite shocks through her as he collided with her engorged clit. “You may come,” he grunted.

Rapture walloped her, sending a scream pouring from her throat. He continued thrusting until she seized anew and her vision blanked white.

She was vaguely aware of him pulling out, of the sensation of rotating in midair. Her cheek found the soft bed covering, as did the rest of her. Her hips were hauled upward. A thick length pressed in her from behind.

His primary, slick from their combined excitement, slid in her ass. His secondary rubbed her clit. He thudded against her, the rhythm primal and constant. Her helplessness to deny him fed another burst of exquisite surrender. She shrieked into the bed covers as climax consumed her.

Detodev ground deep. He groaned, his cocks jolting as he filled her ass with copious heat.

“Well done, my Nobek.” Ilid sounded proud.

“My pleasure,” Detodev panted. At least he sounded properly winded, Charity thought. She took the smidgen of success she could claim after being made to apologize.

“I knew you’d do fine. It’s just a matter of becoming comfortable in your own skin.”

“For you too.”

A pause. “I’m looking forward to us accomplishing our goals together.”

Charity’s pique faded. She glowed to hear them taking steps toward a better future…a future as clanmates. A future she’d be able to contribute to as their Matara.

After taking some time to recover, during which Detodev gently stroked her trembling frame, the Nobek slipped free and crashed at the foot of the bed. Charity felt like overcooked spaghetti, her limbs loose and strengthless.

Warmth caressed her sex and ass. She whimpered. She had no power to check to see who was doing what to her. After a couple of seconds, she realized someone used a damp cloth to gently wash her. Fingers parted her folds between the tender strokes. Her butt cheeks as well. As if he inspected her.

She found the strength to raise her head and look over her shoulder. Mitag glanced at her questioning expression and smiled. “You three went at it pretty hard. I want to make sure you weren’t bruised. It all looks good. How do you feel? Any pain?”

“I’m okay.”

He knelt next to her. She had no trouble seeing how his erections strained the crotch of his pants. He was aroused, fiercely so. He could have simply begun the seduction, knowing she’d tell him if it were necessary to stop, but he hadn’t. He’d put her needs first. He’d put her first, above all other considerations.

Charity fought a sudden onslaught of tears, but a tiny sob escaped. Mitag’s eyes widened. He lifted her and pulled her close. The next instant, Ilid and Detodev were there too. The men surrounded her, enclosing her in a wall of bodies.

They’d sworn they wouldn’t leave her. Ever. The realization crashed against her, through her, and she was swept on its tide. Another sob broke free. A storm of loud crying followed, shaking her from head to toe.

“Sweet girl. We aren’t going anywhere,” Mitag whispered in her hair. He rocked her, and Ilid and Detodev swayed along as they stroked her and murmured gentle words. She wasn’t certain how they knew the issue setting her off, but they reassured her.

“You have us,” Ilid said. “We’re here for you.”

“Always,” Detodev added.

She wept until she had no tears left. She huddled in the middle, feeling their warmth seep into her hollowed self, their love filling her to the brim. “We were having an amazing time, and I ruined it by bawling. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Mitag said. “You were past due.”

“You haven’t ruined a thing,” Ilid insisted.

“Loneliness is painful.” Detodev’s tone reflected he knew the feeling all too well. “Even in the case of heroic family rushing off to save the universe, you have the right to be hurt.”

“It’s pretty selfish of me.”

“Maybe they’re doing the heroic thing, but you deserve those you love near nonetheless,” Ilid asserted. “We’ll stick close. We’re going nowhere.”

She looked at them, one by one. Darling, caring Mitag whose eagerness for a family guaranteed he wouldn’t leave her behind. His sleek frame was beauty personified, his face’s fine but firm lines and plump lips a feast for her gaze. His purple eyes riveted on her, as if she were his entire world.

Her gorgeous brute Detodev was next. Sheer masculinity, he’d bound his power to his future clan’s care. His steady soul wouldn’t experience conflict when it came to protecting her and the rest. At the moment, his strong and striking features were calm, ready to be cast in any emotion the situation called for…including the once-rare smile he wouldn’t hesitate to light up for her.

And Ilid. She saw no sign of indecision from the Dramok who’d proven himself to them. In him, she saw the stability she could lean on for the entirety of their lives, the assuredness she’d never have to look far to find him. Mitag might be the hearth of their home and Detodev the walls that would keep trouble at bay…but Ilid was their firm foundation.

She was hollowed from her crying jag, but she realized there’d been an old weight still present since her decision to remain on Haven and become part of Clan Ilid. As she fully woke to what she’d won, the weight made itself known by dissolving. It disappeared, leaving her light as air.

She shook her head and laughed in wonder. “I had no idea I was looking for a clan. Or a place to call home. We four must be the most unlikely people to fall in love…and Haven the most unlikely location to be paradise. Yet here we are, exactly in the right place at the right time.”

“Here we are,” Mitag echoed, glancing at them all. “Where we should be.”

“Home.” Ilid drew a deep breath and grinned broadly. “Home and clan.”

“And love.” Detodev’s voice was cautious, as if he feared naming it would risk losing it.

“Love,” Charity announced firmly. “Don’t doubt it, especially from me. But tell me trusting this is for keeps will get easier.”

“It’ll all get easier, I think.” Ilid looked at Detodev, who nodded and allowed a slight smile of hope. “We just need practice.”

They moved close. Ilid kissed Charity’s brow. The three hugged tight, each finding shelter. Charity believed they fit together as only once-broken people could, having at last discovered compatible broken pieces.

Mitag’s lips found Charity’s during the clan snuggle. Their kiss started sweet and soft, the healing sort of embrace they’d waited for. The Imdiko was still aroused, however. It was no surprise when his kiss deepened, when it grew hungry and demanding. He broke off with effort.

“Sorry,” he chuckled, though shamefaced. “My libido took the sharing a bit further than it should have.”

“It took you exactly where you should go.” Charity slung her arms around his shoulders and gazed in his eyes. “I love you.”

His breath caught. Adoration and dark lust moved in concert in his gentle features. “I love you, my Matara.” He glanced at the rest. “All of you…you’re my world now. My sweetest dream made real.”

Ilid and Detodev murmured their own vows of forever, stroking Charity’s hair as they did so. Mitag’s face glowed as he contemplated them. His regard returned to Charity, who waited.

“Show me,” she breathed.

His fingers tangled in her dark hair to hold her captive for his kiss. The gentle Imdiko was left behind as lust had its say. His strength and demand told Charity better than words how much this moment meant to him.

He nipped her lower lip, then he licked the sting from it. His tongue dove in to taste, his hunger and love sweeping through her like a firestorm. She clung to him, wishing to meld their bodies into one.

Their mouths broke apart. They gasped and stared at each other. “Always?” Mitag asked, the last plaintive thread of desperate longing loosening its hold.

“Always?” Charity repeated, her heart reaching for the promise it was for keeps.

“Always,” they breathed at once.

Mitag yanked her close and cupped a breast. His thumb rubbed the nipple, bringing it to tingling life. “I have to hear you beg me for orgasm. Again and again.”

Her heart pounded. It was far from an impossible request when his expression shouted pure desire. She didn’t try to stop the moan of eagerness that rose from deep inside.

“Start by wrapping those lovely lips around my cock. Taste how much I crave you,” he growled.

Charity’s pussy clenched. She definitely had a thing for being dominated. Fortunately, she had the perfect men to explore the urge. They’d demonstrated they had no issue putting her in her place. As stubborn and rebellious as she tended to be, it would take all three to do so.

She grinned. “As you wish, my Imdiko.”

My Imdiko. How long had Mitag dreamed of hearing someone speak those words to him? Now he had the full group eager to do so: a Dramok, a Nobek, and his Matara.

Seeing how the situation was developing, Ilid and Detodev had drawn back, giving him his turn with the woman they all loved. Mitag’s vision was filled by Charity’s beautiful features, framed by the brunette waves that suited her coloring so much better than the honeyed blond hair had. Her hazel eyes riveted on him, and he detected the fierce light of love there. Love for him, blazing bright and unrelenting.

He’d won it all.

He cupped her cheeks and held her for his kiss. This embrace had neither wondering sweetness nor lustful demand. He kissed her as his lifemate, the woman he’d sworn his heart and soul to. It was a firm kiss of both possession and surrendering himself to her. Of belonging together no matter what.

He kissed her until she swayed against him. Her mouth softened in yearning submission. He released her lips but continued to cradle her face. She gazed at him, her eyes glazed. Perfect.

He slid to the edge of the sleeping mat and stepped to the floor, carefully tugging her along so she knelt on the edge. He straightened and coaxed her toward his wet, engorged cocks.

Smiling dreamily, she crouched on her elbows to put herself in position to accept his unspoken instruction. Her lips parted for him. He held his larger member to his abdomen. He slid his secondary into warmth.

Elation shot from his cock straight up his spine. It lit fireworks in his skull. Mitag’s head rocked back as her tongue rubbed the underside, where the large vein pulsed a quickening beat. He looked down to revel in the stunning view of his beauty taking him deeper, her concentration on his firm flesh. She sucked and swallowed his lubricating juices, making him a part of herself.

For a few moments, the delight of having someone drawing eagerly on his cock blanked Mitag’s mind of the usual impulse to tend rather than being tended to. He reveled in having a willing lover put him first and foremost.

She wasn’t alone when it came to looking after him. When his Imdiko predisposition awoke and he started to pull away, forgetting the delight Charity had shown in being dominated, his promised Dramok was there to remind him.

“Let go, my Imdiko,” Ilid called. His voice was soft, but the unspoken command shivered through Mitag. “Let her serve you. She wants strong men who insist she offers all they wish.”

He might have given in even without the Dramok’s order. Charity’s warm, wet mouth pulled on his clamoring secondary. Her tongue applied mind-blowing friction. Her hand tugged his primary’s heat-filled eagerness. His cocks jerked in response. Mitag lost the ability to sort the separate feelings. They coalesced, making him a being of a single, brutal yearning. The sole rational thought occurring to him was the mantra my Matara, my clan, my Matara…

Ilid spoke to Charity, dictating the encounter. “Switch, my Matara.”

She sucked as her mouth released Mitag’s smaller cock and came off him with an audible pop . Her glistening lips approached his larger length as she gazed up at him in submission. Her mouth surrounded Mitag in balmy sweetness. He shuddered and cried out as ecstasy surged.

“Same deal as for her,” Ilid said. “Don’t come until I tell you to, my Imdiko.”

Mitag tried to respond, but only a guttural stream of nonsense syllables escaped in what might have been agreement or a complaint. He wasn’t sure which it was, but he had to obey his promised clan leader. He didn’t possess Charity’s rebellious streak. His entire being centered on succumbing to his leader’s wishes, though his groin ached for release.

“Give her pussy more gel, my Nobek. I want her ready for him,” Ilid said.

Mitag was vaguely aware of Detodev moving behind Charity. Her moans vibrated the Imdiko’s cock, bringing climax close. He fended it off with grim concentration, but her mouth gobbling his primary was fraying his control. Profound pleasure was edging into hurt from holding off.

“My Dramok,” he whimpered in desperation.

Ilid didn’t answer. Instead, he growled, “Detodev, help her get in position so her Imdiko can fuck her. Hold her down for him.”

In an instant, Charity’s gorgeous mouth was gone. Detodev arranged her on the mat before Mitag.

The Imdiko’s breath left him. Charity lay like a sacrifice, her legs on either side of his. Detodev pinned her arms wide, leaving her utterly open and vulnerable. She stared up at Mitag, squirming helplessly under his feverish gaze. Her pussy trembled. Her swollen clit had emerged from its hood, blatant and red in its eagerness.

“Fuck your promised Matara’s pussy with both cocks until I allow you two to come,” Ilid commanded.

Even if he’d wanted to, Mitag couldn’t have resisted the order. He grasped his twitching cocks and guided them to tender, vulnerable flesh.

Charity jerked at the contact as Mitag’s tapered tips settled on her avid sex. Prophets, he looked huge, impossible. She was tempted to try to bargain with Ilid…she knew arguing was no use…but the set expression he wore told her there was no mercy from that quarter.

Besides, the sensitizing gel was driving her crazy. She’d let Mitag split her in half if it would fulfill the desire ravening her.

He eased in, though his strained countenance told her he’d have preferred to plunge deep and lay her to waste. He was halfway engulfed in her clenching sex when he lost some measure of control. Mitag abruptly shoved, driving in to the hilt. Charity shrieked as ecstasy zoomed at her, frantic to be experienced. A thunderclap of sensation struck. The Imdiko shouted too, falling forward and barely catching himself as his hands splayed on the bed on either side of her head.

“Don’t do it,” Ilid snarled.

They shuddered and moaned, tears dripping as they fought the battle between will and carnal yearning. Detodev crept forward to kneel over them, his cocks livid from excitement despite his recent orgasm. Ilid did the same on the other side, leering at them all. They were his to control, to reward or punish, depending on his whims.

Somehow, the need to satisfy his hunger to lead helped Charity leash the defiant compulsion to climax. She hung on by a thread, but she was hanging on. She gazed at Mitag, his long hair draping to frame his tense features. She willed him to hold off too.

“Fuck her,” Ilid said.

Mitag’s hips shifted, drawing his flesh outward, putting friction where it tormented her most. He pulled almost all the way out. Gasping, he surged deep, driving hard.

The thuds of pelvis to pelvis were fast at the start. They quickened as the seconds passed. Charity perceived herself to being animalistically restrained and rutted by primitive men who served only their lusts. The bestial crudeness of Ilid’s and Detodev’s supremacy, which she and Mitag were forced to serve, brought rampant craving surging. She gloried in being held down and fucked hard. From the way Mitag’s cocks jerked inside her and how he ground his teeth as he fought climax, he thrilled to it too.

Both wailed in tandem, unintelligible pleas to their masters as the need to orgasm clawed for escape. Charity was certain she was seconds from disobeying yet again. This time, she didn’t wish to. Ilid was her Dramok in all but name. They were equals elsewhere, but in passion, she ached for his rule.

A veined pair of massive shafts appeared before her. Detodev eagerly stroked his primary inches over Charity’s face.

“Yes, my Nobek.” Ilid sounded exultant as he did the same.

Detodev uttered a grunt. Milky passion spurted to shoot in her gaping, shouting mouth. His spicy-salty-sweet juices lit on her tongue, a potent elixir. The Nobek’s hips shifted, and cum sprayed Charity’s breasts too.

A sob broke from her throat as excitement sent a mighty surge through her. She was losing it, she was going to come, she couldn’t stop it…

“Come, my Imdiko and Matara!”

Mitag arched as his cocks jolted within Charity. Ilid bellowed, the cry of the victor ringing loud, his cum hot as it joined Detodev’s on her skin and lips. It was the last thing Charity knew before orgasm tore through her.

The universe was a heaving, euphoric madness. She’d never known such rapture and agony at once. It was too much, overloading her until she became one with the twisting, churning cacophony. She dove deep, succumbing and drowning willingly.

She washed up on the shore of reality on diminishing waves of sensual pleasure. Scattered around her were the men she loved, chorusing soft groans of completion.

Slowly, they recovered. Bodies slid closer together, snuggling in each other’s warmth. As strength returned…at least to Ilid and Detodev…Charity and Mitag were lifted and borne to the shower.

The balmy heat of the water and tender caring of their tormentors brought recovery. Whispers rose amid the steam of the shower. Then soft mutters. Chuckles and giggles began to punctuate the patters of drops on the floor. Moans as gentler love began. As their lives forever together began. It had started reluctantly at first, but it was now eagerly welcomed.

Paradise had been realized.

Clans of Kalquor 13

Clan Beginnings

Alien Haven

Version Two

Chapter One

The woman who’d introduced herself to her shipmates as Jennifer Seng ran her palms along Dramok Ilid’s chiseled chest. He drowned her in a kiss, his hands clutching her honey-blond hair. “Jennifer” had enjoyed intimacy with a few men, including aliens at the university she’d attended until recently, but never a Kalquorian.

His body, still fully clothed, was a revelation of curves and hollows. Kalquorians were naturally muscled. Jennifer’s companion, slightly older than her twenty years, had obviously worked to add to his delicious physique. He’d vastly improved on what genetics had generously bestowed..

They’d had a couple bottles of kloq to start their tryst in her tiny sleeping quarters on board a Kalquorian fleet shuttle. The room was cramped from the massive bed Jennifer and Ilid writhed on. She’d compensated for the tight space by ordering the window and ceiling vids to display the vast stretch of space the shuttle shot through. Satin blackness was dotted by sequin stars overhead and next to the bed they lounged upon.

Had she thought of them as lounging in their star-speckled retreat? No, they weren’t doing anything so restful or serene. They were squirming and groping and clutching, rumpling the cover and sheets to a fine mess.

The handsome Kalquorian tasted of the warm ale they’d imbibed. The scent of his arousal, a sweetish aroma accented by the bite of spice, mingled excitingly with his flavor.

He lay half on her, his excitement hard against her thigh through their clothes. He was intent on removing barriers as he kissed her deeply and passionately. He tugged on the front of her blouse, parting the resealable seam to bare her to his eager touch.

Two days. It had taken her this long to get him where she’d wanted him from the moment she’d set eyes on him in the shuttle’s main cabin. They were mere hours from docking at her port of exile. She was thrilled to have at last herded him where curiosity and pure lust could be satisfied.

He succeeded in getting her top open. His hand was hot as he rubbed along her abdomen and ribs. He found her bra-clad breast and rubbed his thumb on the brazen nipple poking at the fabric.

Thank the prophets he acted as if he were in as much of a hurry to get to the good stuff as she. He didn’t delay by undoing her bra. He simply shoved it up toward her throat. His calloused fingers closed on bared flesh. A flash of brilliant excitement shot straight to her pussy, and her wide-mouthed moan interrupted their kiss.

“Ancestors,” he muttered, purple cat-pupil eyes staring at her. “You bear no resemblance to the fabled repressed Earther female.”

She smirked. “I’m not only not repressed, I’m extremely vocal. As our earlier petting has forewarned you. I hope you like it loud.”

His grin lit his bronze face. “Where you’re concerned, I like it any way you’ll give it to me. Especially since my parents are nowhere in the area.”

An important point. Their transportation was an older shuttle, and the walls weren’t soundproof. Ilid’s parent clan’s quarters were next door to Jennifer. His room was on the opposite side of his adoring fathers and mother, collectively known as Clan Codab. Their proximity on the small vessel and Jennifer’s uncontrollably loud delight during sex were the reasons it had taken the couple so long to get a real chance at intimacy. There was nothing like parental presence to dampen even the fieriest of youthful urges.

Ilid buried his face between Jennifer’s voluptuous breasts, groaning his approval. Her breath caught as he kissed his way to a nipple, then to the other. He’d admitted to little experience with women…none where Earthers or the rare Kalquorian females still in existence were concerned. Nonetheless, she discovered no reason to complain as his hot mouth licked and sucked and kissed her to heady rapture.

“Still too many clothes,” she gasped. She pulled at his soft blue shirt, untucking it from black trousers he filled out oh so well. She wanted to feel him naked against her.

“Ladies first,” Ilid chuckled. He grabbed her wrists and pinned them over her head to thwart her eager attempts to unclothe him.

The hint of dominance sent wet warmth fleeing between her thighs. Dramoks were the breed acknowledged as Kalquor’s natural leaders. During the two days they’d spent together, Jennifer had seen hints of command from Ilid on occasion, but not as often as the majority of Dramoks she’d encountered. The sudden control he exerted was a thrill.

He was intent on stripping her, but she sensed the constraint he placed on himself to do so. He concentrated on thoroughly enjoying all he revealed. She was delighted at how he meticulously unfastened her belt and slid it through the loops of her pants’ waistband. He slowly peeled them down her legs. He licked his lips as he eyed her lacy panties, which matched the bra crumpled above her chest. He paused to inspect his conquest, and Jennifer basked in the satisfaction of her curvy figure. At least that hadn’t been altered when she’d left behind her identity on Alpha Space Station. She’d have fought the Kalquorian Empire’s spy contingent tooth and nail if they’d attempted to change one inch of her lush five-foot-six frame. The modifications to her hair, eyes, and face had been more than she could stand as it was, thank you very much.

Ilid stroked the skin he’d revealed, his expression of reverence shaking her. She’d been gazed at appreciatively, lustfully, and hungrily, but never had anyone appeared worshipful before. She wasn’t sure anyone should be stared at in such a manner, her particularly.

“Magnificent,” he breathed and went for her panties.

They wetly peeled from her flexing pussy. He drew an admiring sniff. He grinned at her and tossed a glance at the ceiling. “Watch the sky.”

“As an astronomy student, I watch it all the time. I’d rather watch you.”

His tone took on the edge of a Dramok’s natural command and repeated, “Watch the sky.”

She huffed even as she obeyed instinctively. Dramoks had the ability to encourage compliance from the reluctant. Jennifer wasn’t reluctant in the least when it came to sex with Ilid. She also wasn’t known for submitting without a fight. Or at least an intense discussion.

As he kissed, licked, nipped, and caressed every inch of exposed flesh he could find, she found the will to surrender, if only for a few seconds. Each instant of contact roused her higher, and her excited noises grew loud as he worked his way lower. Her gyrations increased too. He’d descended halfway down her abdomen when she bucked hard enough for him to look up.

“Do I need to tie you down?”

A surge of exhilaration greeted his threat. Or maybe it was his hot yet steely gaze.

“How?” she smarted off, pretending there was no tremble in her voice. “Do you see any ropes floating around space?” She gestured at the ceiling.

“I suggest you stay still and take it or suffer the consequences.” He was in full Dramok mode.

Jennifer blew a raspberry and snuggled deep into the bed, as if sinking in it might keep her immobilized. She wished they did have some rope. The idea of being helpless for Ilid’s attentions was a stimulating notion.

He kissed her deeply to take any sting from his dominant demand. His muscled thighs squirmed between hers. She dared to shift so his crotch, deliciously engorged behind the trousers, rubbed where it felt most incredible.

“Watch the sky,” he muttered, moving down.

No argument this time as he mouthed her throat, her breasts, her abdomen. She loved the vast depths of space, teasing its mysteries of far reaches in the distant twinkles of planets and stars. There was no better view than infinity as Ilid slid her legs up on his shoulders and bent to where her pulse pounded hardest.

His rough, raw silk tongue lapped. She unleashed a cry of rapture, singing to the galaxy her pleasure. Another lick and a ringing shout of her avid approval as bliss devoured her—

“…can’t imagine even a fleet vessel mess crew thinking such a meal is worthy of being served…”

Jennifer gasped as Matara Diju’s voice spoke outside her door. She shoved at Ilid. “Your parents!”

He came up, his lips shiny from her passion and scowled. “Damn!” he hissed so he couldn’t be heard. “Why are they back from dinner so soon?”

“Apparently, the food wasn’t very good.” She could hear them chattering about under-tenderized ronka and pastry burnt at the edges as they entered their quarters. She eyed his obvious excitement, which hadn’t eased despite the shock of nearly being overheard. She wondered if his discomfort was worse than her own ache of unfulfillment. “Damn. We were so close. Me especially.”

He grimaced, adjusting himself. The shuttle was small, a nondescript little vessel. The craft had been utilized by the spy arm of Kalquor’s fleet to escape unwanted attention as it transported those who needed to keep a low profile to safety.

In short, there was nowhere besides the sleeping quarters to escape to for a tryst. Since Jennifer’s pussy had a direct connection to her vocal cords, even those “private spaces” were no real sanctuary from sensitive Kalquorian hearing. Particularly when it came to the ears of doting parents.

Her disappointment was tinged by curiosity. She wondered once more why Ilid and his parent clan warranted a secretive escort to the planet Haven. Ilid had hinted he’d once been on a spyship crew before leaving the fleet. His former duty had allowed them to hitch a ride when their application to visit the colony on business had been approved.

Jennifer strongly suspected there was more to the story than had been revealed. Ilid had little to say when it came to his recent past. The haunted expression he often wore and the way his parents’ often nervous attention focused on him suggested he was running from someone or something.

Jennifer had her own issues and her own secrets to keep, however. Taking on another person’s problems was beyond her current capacity. She liked Ilid, but she’d firmly counseled herself he was simply a distraction from her exile to what she feared was the most backward planet in the known galaxy.

He smiled at her ruefully as he helped her recover her clothes. “We’ll both be close to the town of Sunrise, smack in the middle of farms and ranchlands. I’m sure we can find a place to meet where we can yell our heads off and not be heard.”

“Yay for Planet Farm Hell, where the deer and the ronka play. Just don’t expect me to go for a roll where we might find their blessings heaped.” Jennifer swept her hair loose from the blouse she’d put on, letting still-unfamiliar honeyed waves tumble to her shoulders.

Ilid chuckled. After their conversations, he was aware of her sight-unseen opinion of Haven. “I’ll make it a point to scout out the cleanest pastures.”

“Ha! Find us a nice room in a decent inn, or forget it.” She grinned and kissed his lush lips, making it a hearty smack. At least she could get away with that amount of noise. Ilid’s parents continued to audibly chatter their low opinions of the kitchen staff on the other side of the too-thin wall.

“Consider the earliest reservation at a local inn done.” Ilid sighed his regret as he closed her blouse, hiding her heavy breasts from his view.

* * * *

“In spite of the acoustics, I wish the trip had been longer. I enjoyed getting to know you,” Jennifer whispered to Ilid.

He darted a glance at his parent clan, who followed them a few feet behind in the aisle toward the exit hatch of the shuttle. The vessel had landed a couple minutes before. “Me too. I will see you?”

Jennifer grinned, delighted at the prospect of encountering his familiar and classically handsome face again. And of discovering far more of him from head to toe. It was all she had to look forward to on the planet she’d never aspired to visit, much less spend an extended stay on. Three days of flight had barely scratched the surface of what promised to be an exciting fling where Ilid was concerned. She hadn’t come close to getting her fill of the compelling man.

“Remember, Clan Amgar’s farm is where I’ve been sentenced. I will be insulted if you don’t visit in a day or two,” she warned.

There was no trace of the reserve that sometimes gripped Ilid. He smiled broadly. “I’d never insult a woman such as you,” he swore, his Kalquorian accent slightly slurring the English he spoke for her benefit.

Perhaps his parent clan overheard them despite their quiet conversation. Kalquorian hearing was insanely sensitive. Maybe they’d have heard her and Ilid getting friendly even if the walls had been thicker. Over Ilid’s shoulder, she saw Matara Diju and her trio of male clanmates exchange smirks.

Far from the protective type for whom no woman would be good enough for her son, Diju had acted determined to play matchmaker between the young people. Every chance she’d gotten during the flight to Haven, a mixed Earther-Kalquorian community in Kalquorian Empire space, Diju had pointed out Ilid’s best traits to Jennifer.

She might have been delighted to hear them having sex. Jennifer somehow kept her nose from wrinkling at the thought.

She had no designs on any long-term relationships, though Ilid was a compelling temptation to give her daydreams to the contrary. Twenty-three years old, he was perfect for fun, especially when his pronounced serious streak disappeared.

She would see him again, she vowed. Though his problems were his own, she was determined to loosen him up. His laugh brightened their surroundings when it came, which was far too rare. He was a genuinely good guy.

Had she been in the market for a serious relationship, she admitted she would have judged Ilid a better than acceptable prospect. The Dramok breed of Kalquorian men had a habit of being bossy in her opinion. In defiance of his categorization, Ilid possessed an aura of vulnerability under the surface. She found it alluring. His parents were absolute darlings from what she could tell from their short acquaintance. That assessment included the watchful and brooding Nobek Gruthep, the protector of the clan. He and his clanmates doted on Ilid while obviously trying not to smother him.

In short, Ilid was wonderful, as was his family. Jennifer almost regretted her determination to play the field, but she’d eschewed dating Kalquorians until recently. She had a lot of catching up to do when it came to the species her elder sister Hope had committed to, in love and career. Fortunately…or unfortunately, depending on how things went…Ilid would possibly return to Kalquor in a month anyway.

An attendant who’d kept the sole five civilian passengers of the spacious shuttle comfortable during the trip, wearing the armored uniform of a Kalquorian fleet member, offered a slight bow as Jennifer and Ilid neared the hatch. “Welcome to Haven.”

“Ee-i-ee-i-o,” Jennifer muttered in sing-song.

“Matara?”

“An old Earther tune regarding the glamorous life on a farm. I can’t wait to be among the cows and pigs.”

Ilid chuckled. He’d heard her complaints when it came to being stuck on Haven, a mostly agricultural community. He’d been appropriately sympathetic while finding humor in her concerns about backwoods hayseeds and watching where she stepped when she went outdoors.

She was relieved not to be knocked backward by the smell of animal manure when she exited the hatch. Indeed, Haven’s largest spaceport bore a remarkably respectable resemblance to such facilities she’d been to throughout the galaxy. It appeared as technologically modern as busier ports, if less hectic and noisy.

Despite the welcome absence of fertilizer aroma, Jennifer noted an appalling amount of flannel shirts, stained dungarees, and tall boots among the obvious fulltime residents who hurried past groups of uniformed ships’ crews. Even the Kalquorians who apparently called Haven home had adopted clothing reflecting an Earther influence. Yeehaw, she thought, her mood dipping. Two flavors of hayseeds.

She slowly descended the ramp to the ridged flooring, which offered stable, nonslip footing. Feeling Ilid close behind, she said, “It’s quieter than most spaceports. Fewer ships.”

“Anti-virus protocols have shut out a lot of commerce, I’d guess,” he ventured, also gazing at their surroundings. His expression had taken on the nervously watchful cast she’d caught glimpses of during the trip.

Nobek Gruthep, a scarred but likable member of Kalquor’s warrior caste sporting an ass-long graying braid, placed a hand on Ilid’s shoulder. “Their security watches carefully for Darks, too. There have been no instances of suspicion our enemy has gained a presence on Haven.”

Ilid visibly drew a deep breath. Another nervous glance at his surroundings, and he relaxed enough to smile at Jennifer. “Where is this Clan Amgar supposedly responsible for rehabilitating you, Miss Behavior?”

Jennifer blew a raspberry at him but laughed. As far as Ilid and anyone who asked knew, she’d run a bit wild in the now Dark-overrun Galactic Council, where she’d attended university until a few weeks prior. According to her cover story, she hadn’t gotten in the sort of trouble to land her in a detention facility…thanks to her father’s high-ranking position in the government…but it had been decided she should cool her heels on Haven while she learned to stay out of mischief.

In response to this tale, Ilid had given her the pun nickname of “Miss Behavior.” His mother had been quick to defend Jennifer. She vigorously protested a young person’s right to make mistakes, especially in the current climate of war and viral pandemics. Jennifer had merely laughed at Ilid’s gentle teasing. She could take a joke, and he was as non-malicious as a person could be.

In response to his question about her guardians, Jennifer glanced at the few people rushing past. “I have no idea what they look like. Their Matara is an Earther and…oh, that might be them.”

An attractive blond woman, flanked by two Kalquorian men, was hurrying along the walkway in the middle of the docked vessels. The blonde waved at Jennifer, smiling a welcome.

“Nobek and Imdiko. There’s no Dramok,” Ilid’s father Jadel said in an undertone, probably to his clanmates.

“It’s nice three of the four came to meet Jennifer on a regular workday.” Diju stepped forward to stand next to her. The muscled but plump Kalquorian woman waited expectantly, making it clear she regarded herself responsible for the younger woman until her rightful caregivers arrived.

The oncoming trio eyed Ilid and his parent clan warily, but their expressions remained pleasant. Jennifer decided it was up to her to head off any concerns.

“Hi!” she called. “Clan Amgar?”

“Here we are.” The Earther woman was extremely slender, the sort of leanness that spoke of hard work rather than lack of nourishment. When she shook Jennifer’s hand, there was surprising strength in her grip. “Sorry we ran a bit late. I’m Sara.”

“It was my fault we weren’t prompt.” The unfamiliar Nobek’s gaze took in Clan Codab, each man in turn. “I’m Nobek Groteg, head of the Kalquorian branch of Haven’s security. This is our Imdiko, Utber.”

“It’s good to meet you. Let me introduce my new friends Dramok Ilid and his parents, Matara Diju, Dramok Codab, Imdiko Jadel, and Nobek Gruthep.” Jennifer glanced between the Nobeks. “Your names are similar, and you’re both involved in law enforcement. I bet I’ll get them mixed up. Don’t smack the silly Earther when she calls you the wrong names.”

The pair glanced at her and chuckled. Groteg visibly relaxed. “I’ll let it pass this first time.” His eyes twinkled.

She grinned, liking him on the spot despite his intimidating appearance. “You’re the head of the planet’s security? Isn’t the area kind of…isolated for you to work from?”

“ Isolation describes Haven’s overall setup in a nutshell,” Utber laughed. “The town of Sunrise is small, but it’s mere kilometers from the seat of our government. The location has been deliberately kept rural for the safety of the planet’s leaders.”

“It’s easier to keep tabs on those who show up to cause problems,” Groteg agreed. “It appears to be an odd arrangement, but so far, it’s worked for us.” His attention turned to Clan Codab. “I understand your clan is interested in expanding your bakery business beyond Kalquor.”

“Under our son’s management.” Diju beamed at Ilid. “If we find Haven suitable, he’ll do an amazing job.”

Groteg, Gruthep, and Codab exchanged what Jennifer thought were overly meaningful glances. What had she missed?

“A bakery would be wonderful,” Sara said, her blue eyes brightening. Their corners creased pleasantly as her smile deepened. “The only one in Sunrise closed when the owner passed away several months ago. We have a coffee shop, but it isn’t the same. I understand the building and its equipment are for sale.”

“It sounds like an intriguing opportunity for Ilid.” Diju beamed at the news.

“Let me give you the address. Had you planned to stay nearby during your visit?”

While the women put their heads together, the men, save Ilid, drew close to mutter. Ilid jerked his head to indicate Jennifer and he should retreat a couple feet distant so they could talk.

“Clan Amgar seems to be a good bunch. Are you okay? Nervous?” he asked.

She smirked. “I was told I’m not the first wayward youth they’ve worked to put on the straight and narrow. I don’t see what kind of trouble I could find on Planet Farm Hell anyway. Hey, have you ever heard of cow tipping? I bet you’d be great at it.” She eyed his muscular build, her grin widening.

“I don’t know what cow tipping is, but it sounds as if Miss Behavior is already up to no good.” He shook a finger, laughing as he pretended to reprimand her.

“Ilid, Clan Amgar needs to get Jennifer settled and return to their workday. We’ll have to say our goodbyes for now. We’ll see you again, Jennifer?” Diju sounded hopeful.

Jennifer kept her gaze locked on Ilid. “I certainly plan on it.”

“If only to distract you from committing mayhem.” He dipped a traditional Kalquorian bow to her. “I look forward to hearing all about you toiling in the fields while seeking to keep your shoes clean. Until then, Matara Jennifer Seng.” He winked, his broad grin dispelling the formality.

Wistful loss swept through her as Ilid and his family said their goodbyes and walked away. For some reason, it bothered Charity “Jennifer Seng” Nath to see her would-be lover leave, unaware of her true identity.

* * * *

“Has it been difficult to respond to the name Jennifer ?” Sara asked as Clan Amgar’s well-used but clean shuttle, piloted by Groteg, zipped over vast swaths of fields and woods.

“I’m getting used to it. I went under another name on Jedver, while I was at university. I’ve had to be someone else for a long time now.” Charity grew glummer by the second as she viewed a few buildings in the distance. No doubt it was the town Sunrise, which was closest to the spaceport and her hosts’ farm. The spaceport’s scatter of landing pads and buildings covered more land than the town did.

Maybe I’m not in the middle of nowhere, but I can see it from here.

“This has to be a shock to the system after the bustle of a university area and a crowded space station.” Imdiko Utber was what Charity thought of classically handsome, though in a way too boyish for his years.

“This is, uh, quite bucolic. Wide open spaces, plenty of room to run wild and free, huh?”

They must have picked up on her false brightness. The trio chuckled.

“Don’t worry. There are activities for young people to do besides yank weeds and feed chickens,” Sara assured her.

Playing ‘dodge the cow shit,’ for example. Charity had a habit of tossing such smart remarks around, especially when she was in a foul or depressed mood. However, Clan Amgar was doing her a favor by letting her hide at their home until the heat of being the daughter of the so-called traitor General Borey Nath cooled.

She shrugged. “You don’t just farm, is my understanding. Besides Groteg being Haven’s head of security, Imdiko Utber is chef to the Kalquorian governor, right?”

Utber smiled. “Which is why I can guarantee a nice meal tonight to properly welcome you to our home. How do steak, potatoes, salad, and apple pie sound?”

Her grin was genuine this time. “Like heaven. Sara, I was told you manage the farm. What does Dramok Amgar do?”

Their warmth toward her didn’t diminish, but she detected a dampening of mood. Groteg’s voice was quiet as he kept his attention on the shuttle controls. “Our Dramok passed eight years ago in a fire.”

“Oh. I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

“It was a hero’s death,” Groteg said, pride mixing in the heaviness. “He saved our sons.”

“While Groteg saved our daughter. He also nearly died doing so.” Sara’s gaze showed love as she regarded him. “My clanship to Amgar was short, but I count myself as lucky to have had the months we did.”

“Let’s talk about you, Jennifer. I hope you don’t mind me getting in the habit of your assumed identity, rather than using your real name.” Utber interjected smoothly.

“Not at all.”

“Your role isn’t exactly a compliment, is it? Are you all right playing the part of a troubled young woman?”

“It’s a shame you’re coming in under a supposed cloud of mischief. You’re already dealing with the actual problem of radical Earthtiques wanting to interrogate you for their own ends.” Sara’s pretty face took on a determined cast Charity recognized. It was the look her elder sister Hope had worn when she’d been hellbent to shelter Charity from a powerful man who’d wanted to force her into marriage and sexual slavery. It was the expression her aunt Ruth had taken on when the supposedly dead Charity had been outed as alive and well on Alpha Space Station.

It looks as if I found myself another mama bear. Charity was equal parts amused and dismayed.

“The cover story the fleet’s spy division decided on is the best possible excuse for her being here. We’re known for taking in youths who’ve encountered difficulties in society. Usually we foster Nobek teens, but few will question our having you move in.” Groteg spoke in a steady tone. Charity thought she heard an underlying attitude of this is how it is so deal with it .

Very Nobek, in other words. She bet he kept his past problematic wards in line easily.

“It’s only a part you have to act.” Sara was doing her best to soften what she believed must be a blow to Charity’s ego.

The younger woman had to laugh. “If you only knew how my family would respond to my situation. They’d tell you no acting is required on my part when it comes to youthful hijinks and bad attitude.”

“Really?” Utber gazed at her, his disbelief tinged by growing concern as he tried to detect wickedness in her demeanor. Perhaps he was thinking of her potential influence on his children.

“Don’t worry. I tend to be less mouthy to those I’m unrelated to. Especially those who might decide I’m more bother than I’m worth. I have no interest in giving you a reason to send me to the barn to sleep.”

She earned chuckles, including from Groteg.

Sara said, “Children typically let their parents have the worst of their behavior. Our kids’ teachers go on and on about how well behaved they are, but when it comes time for homework and chores—”

“The daily beatings commence to get them in line.” Groteg shot a grin over his shoulder at Charity to show he was joking. She was startled how handsome a smile made his somewhat stark features.

“As for farm work, I don’t expect you to do much. Just enough to keep anyone from becoming suspicious,” Sara said. “I’m sure you have your studies to keep up on until you can return to school. I prefer you to focus on them as much as possible.”

“I don’t mind pulling my weight,” Charity was surprised to hear herself say. She found she meant it, however. Her instincts insisted these people, who were going out of their way to shelter a stranger, were the best sort.

“We can always use an extra hand,” Utber sighed. “I don’t know how Sara does it, despite us having hired help. Groteg and I pitch in when our jobs allow.”

Charity was prompted to warn them. “Please understand, I don’t know the first thing when it comes to farming. Someone once gave me a spider plant as a gift. I was told it was low- maintenance and hard to kill. It lasted three months before my black thumb of death did it in.”

“We’ll find something nonlethal for you to demonstrate to visitors you’re helping us.” Sara glanced at the window vid as the shuttle began its descent. A very Earth-style two-story farmhouse featuring a wraparound porch came into view. “Here we are. Welcome to the farm of Clan Amgar, Jennifer.”

Chapter Two

“Nice place,” Charity said, no trace of sarcasm to be found as she stood next to the shuttle and looked at her surroundings.

The white house was lovely and so Earther, she was surprised the Kalquorian part of the clan lived in it. It had a cute porch swing and rocking chairs. The adjacent red barn was a familiar sight, thanks to scenic photographs and the picture books she’d read as a kid.

Charity hadn’t been at any actual farms when she’d lived on Earth. Nonetheless, she’d have sworn she’d been transported ten years in the past and stood on her home planet. Darn if she didn’t hear chickens clucking nearby.

Groteg and Utber brought out her travel bins from the shuttle. “Sorry to dump you and run, but we have to return to work for a few hours,” the Imdiko explained as he hurried past to the house.

“Don’t worry. You have me…oh, and here come the kids,” Sara said as a long shuttle zoomed toward the farm. It settled on the dirt lane before the large front yard in front of the home.

Charity watched as the shuttle’s hatch opened and a dark-haired boy of around eight or nine years of age fairly leapt out of its environs. Clan in shorts and a shirt bearing evidence of a recent eating mishap, his sturdy legs pumped as he raced across the lawn. His face beamed in the age-old exuberance of a child released from the tedium of a school day.

Following at a much more sedate pace came a lovely adolescent girl, enviable golden curls of hair cascading to the waistband of her slouchy trousers. Her gaze was curious, neither friendly nor adversarial as she eyed Charity’s presence. She simply seemed to be cataloguing the new arrival.

Finally was another blonde, a teenage boy who was a male version of Sara. He blinked at Charity. A friendly grin spread across his handsome features. His walk took on a strut. Sara, standing next to Charity, snorted.

“Go easy on the oldest, okay? It took him a whole week to get over his last crush.”

Charity covered her mouth to smother a laugh. “I’ll convince him I’m an elderly woman, too uncool to be bothered by. How old is he?”

“Fifteen.” Sara sighed, then her youngest was on her, hugging her. “Hey, sweetie. How was school?”

“I got a hundred percent on my math test! Hi, who are you?” Wide brown eyes gazed at Charity.

“Hold on for your brother and sister, and I’ll introduce you all at once. Come on, guys, you have chores and I’m running behind on my own stuff.” As the siblings lined up in front of Charity and Sara, their mother rattled off names. “Adam’s my oldest. James is our math whiz, and Tori’s twelve going on twenty-one. This is Jennifer, everyone. She’ll be staying for a while.”

“A human girl instead of a Nobek? That’s new. What are you in for?” Tori wore a half-smirk.

“It doesn't matter. Treat her as you would your brothers…no, treat her respectfully,” Sara hurriedly amended.

Charity had her story ready, however. Having been a pre-teen not so long ago herself, she grinned at Tori. “I might have had a bad habit of pulling pranks on those who lacked senses of humor.”

“You got sent to Haven for pranking somebody?”

“The last stunt went kind of wrong. No permanent injuries, but…” Charity shrugged, as if to say what can you do? Then she assumed a penitent expression. “I didn’t mean to hurt my chemistry professor. It was only supposed to be a little blast.”

Sara fell into her role. “The trouble when it comes to these situations is we rarely want to cause harm, but it happens quite easily. I’ve been informed you were warned this exile would happen if you kept up your practical jokes.”

Charity hung her head. She peeked through still-unfamiliar honey-blond strands to see what reaction their performance had won.

Adam gazed at her as if impressed, his blue eyes bright. Charity might have told him she’d scaled the galaxy’s tallest mountain in high heels and won less admiration.

Tori’s attention was pointed at her mother, showing a sort of world-weariness reserved for those of a certain age who couldn’t believe how lame their parents were. Her tone was all sympathy when she said, “Accidents happen. Sounds to me like someone had it out for you, Jennifer.” Having dispensed her opinion, she headed to the house. “Lovely to meet you. Pop by my room to chat after dinner, if you want. Later, all. Stuff to do.”

“ Stuff had better include weeding the herb garden,” Sara called after her.

Meanwhile, James had discovered a large red bug trundling over the grass. He was busy setting sticks, leaves, and other debris in its way. If he’d taken any notice of Charity’s supposed sins, he’d forgotten them already.

Sara shooed the boys off to do their chores and start on their homework. “Dinner table at six. With hands washed, James.” She grinned at Charity as soon as they were out of earshot. “Pretty good cover story.”

“I wish I could take credit, but the Kalquorian powers-that-be concocted it.” Charity gazed at the front door, through which the children had disappeared.

All three were fully human, no doubt from an earlier relationship Sara had been in. Sometimes the hybrid offspring of Kalquorians and Earthers appeared to be solely of Kalquorian heritage, but even those possessing strong human traits had some hint of the other species in their appearances. She wondered why Clan Amgar had no hybrid children, but it wasn’t a polite question to ask. Especially not of a woman she’d met less than an hour ago.

“Let’s go to the kitchen,” Sara suggested. “A cup of coffee or tea?”

“Coffee would be amazing,” Charity said gratefully. “But if you have work, I don’t want to hold you up—”

“Nothing too pressing. Claiming I’m behind on my work is what I automatically say to the kids because it’s usually true.” Sara laughed. “They gave us a decent heads-up you were coming. I set aside time to get you settled.”

They were soon seated at a small table in what had to be the most technologically advanced kitchen Charity had ever seen. It made sense it would be, thanks to Utber being an honest-to-goodness chef. Because the farmhouse was so traditional from the outside, she’d expected a more rustic setting. She had to admit the modernity disappointed her a little.

Sara stirred real cream in her coffee from a nearby dairy farm. Charity sipped hers, enjoying the decadent richness as if she indulged in a particularly luscious dessert.

“I don’t mind answering most personal questions, especially considering your situation. You must worry about whom you can trust these days,” Sara told her. “You were wondering why I have only human children after eight years of clanship.”

“I was, but it’s none of my business. Seriously, if the people who sent me trust you, then I do too.”

“Thanks, but as I said, I don’t mind. James came earlier than expected due to a major pregnancy complication. When I say he came early, I mean on the kitchen floor of my first house here. I nearly died.”

“Wow. I bet you were terrified.”

“That’s putting it lightly. Having him left internal damage, which couldn’t be corrected. The doctors warned me against having more children. They couldn’t guarantee they or I would survive future pregnancies.

“My first husband had died a few months before James was born. I’d never farmed before coming to Haven. With two small children already to care for, I wasn’t doing so well. Clan Amgar swooped to the rescue and helped us. Hell, they saved us, me particularly. It was considered scandalous how quickly we fell in love.”

“Probably especially where your fellow Earthers were concerned,” Charity guessed.

“Don’t get me wrong; I loved my husband Jesse. He was a good man. Unfortunately, we’d married for the wrong reasons…to be grown up and escape from our small Midwestern town on Earth.”

“It reminds me of a romance movie or a book.”

“We were romantics, including pie-in-the-sky dreams. We even accomplished a couple. We earned college degrees despite working full time and having Adam and Tori. We were saving for a home. Then Armageddon hit and tore our lives out from under us. We counted ourselves lucky to get a chance to start over on Haven.” Sara’s blue eyes gazed in the distance. Her sweet face was sad, and Charity saw the faint lines of care a tough life had etched in her pretty features.

“What happened to Jesse? How did he die?”

“He got sick. At its beginning, Haven was a lot different from how it is now. The Kalquorian governor, a Dramok named Ospar, was eager to help the residents in any way he could. He was limited in that respect since Haven’s original charter meant we Earthers had to rely on our human governor. Governor Hoover was tightfisted when it came to aid. He acted as if the money came out of his own pocket. A real ‘pull yourself up by your own bootstraps’ type, and tough luck if you couldn’t afford boots in the first place.”

“Sounds similar to what they have on Mercy and New Bethlehem. He would have been an Earthtique,” Charity supposed.

“No doubt. When Jesse got sick, we’d just planted our first crop. There wasn’t money for him to see a doctor. So he didn’t and…” Sara’s hands splayed wide.

“Assholes,” Charity muttered. She blushed when she realized she’d said it out loud.

Sara grinned. “I had a few nasty names to call Hoover and his gang. Jesse should still be here. He deserves to be here. It’s funny to think so when I love Groteg and Utber, but it’s how it is.”

She gazed into her coffee. “They and Amgar showed up in my hour of need. They made sure me and the kids were taken care of. Knights in shining armor, pretty much. When I realized I was starting to feel more for them than gratitude, I was shocked. I’d recently buried my poor Jesse. I’d just had his baby. How could I fall in love again so fast?”

“It wasn’t the same love as what you and Jesse had.” Charity prompted when she paused, swept up by the tale.

Sara smiled at her, surprised. “You’re right. It wasn’t pie-in-the-sky. It wasn’t a couple of kids who were too dumb to think their future through. It was a mature love between people who’d seen the worst of what life could throw at us.” She thought, trying to put together the right words.

She must have found them because she added, “I saw Clan Amgar as they were. The fact they were stable and loyal and kind was a plus…but they had their shortcomings, as I do. Instead of wanting to mold them to fit my ideals, the way I had with Jesse, I was willing to take them as they were. I loved them for who they were, imperfections and all. I guess I’d grown up.”

“They weren’t unhappy you couldn’t give them kids of their own? It was a big deal to Kalquorians at one point.”

“Careful. Don’t suggest to Groteg and Utber those three fiends of mine aren’t theirs too. They’ll take it personally.”

“Really?”

“Right from the start, they and Amgar adored the children. When they asked me to clan, they asked Adam too. Tori and James were too young to understand what was going on, but Adam accepted them for fathers on his and his siblings’ behalf.”

“Wow. No jealousy?”

“Adam was scared and looking for security. He was lost without Jesse. He clung to my clanmates probably for all the wrong reasons at the beginning, but they’ve come to mean what they should to him.”

“That’s wonderful.” Charity couldn’t imagine being so accepting had her father remarried after her mother’s death, but she’d been older than Adam when she’d lost her parent.

“James never knew Jesse, of course. Tori took to Clan Amgar almost immediately. Especially Groteg. She’s a total daddy’s girl where he’s concerned.” Sara chuckled, her earlier sadness gone. “So my clanmates are their fathers, and they’re excellent ones. The biological question doesn’t come up.”

“It sounds like you got lucky,” Charity said.

“Definitely, though losing Amgar and Jesse…I’ve wondered if I’m cursed. At any rate, it makes me appreciate Groteg and Utber.” Sara shook her head, as if to dispel the subject from her mind as well as the conversation. “Speaking of men, what’s the scoop on the cutie who rode in on the shuttle with you? Dramok Ilid?”

“I wish I knew,” Charity sighed. “He’s so nice. He has this weird hint of tragedy too.”

“Weird? In what way?”

“I don’t know. Every now and then he looks haunted.” She snorted. “It’s probably a case of me being romantic and dramatic. I’m dying for a taste of passionate excitement, I guess. A riveting tale of the wounded soul aching to be healed.” Charity struck a theatrical pose, her hand to her brow.

Sara snickered. “You should have asked him.”

“I considered it, but it felt wrong to interrogate him for too many personal details since I’m hiding who I am.” Regret tugged at her anew.

“His parent clan seemed stable. They were protective of you.”

“Clan Codab are absolute sweethearts. My whole take on Ilid’s tale of some fascinating past woe is probably sheer fantasy. Seriously, how messed up is it to find the idea of a damaged man exciting?”

“No more messed up than a couple of teenage kids eloping the night of their high school graduation and running from home just because they were desperately bored and unhappy.” Sara sipped the last of her coffee and checked the time. “Goodness, I need to get a move on and do some work.”

Charity stood. “Point me to what you want done once you’ve armed yourself with all available patience.”

Sara laughed. “To the cellar then. We’ll bring up some potatoes and onions to prep for Utber. Then you can see your room and unpack.”

Charity was happy to follow her hostess. The worst of her angst at having to stay on Planet Farm Hell had disappeared, thanks to having Sara to talk to.

* * * *

“What’s this I hear about you taking in a human girl, Chief? I thought you specialized in troubled Nobeks.”

Groteg chuckled at the man who’d popped in his office. “Sara and Tori are sick of being outnumbered. They insisted we even the odds for a change.”

Martin Wilkes laughed. The assistant chief of security for the Earther side of Haven’s law enforcement force was a friendly guy, personable and easy to talk to. He was also as tall and muscled as a Kalquorian, six-foot-five of pure brawn at forty-two years of age. “I’m sure those ladies can hold their own, even when it comes to Nobeks. You don’t mind me nosing in, seeing as this new ward of yours is Earther?”

“Not at all. I had planned to send you a report detailing the particulars anyway. I waited until her actual arrival due to the Darks taking over the Galactic Council and the pandemics…”

“Yeah. She might have been refused entry.” Martin’s demeanor turned appropriately serious as he was reminded of the multiple areas of trouble befalling the galaxy as of late. “What’s the girl’s name?”

“Jennifer Seng. She was tossed out of college after damned near blowing up her professor…hell, most of the university’s chemistry lab too. It was the last in a series of escalating pranks to impress her peers.”

Martin stared in wide-eyed shock. “Why wasn’t she brought up on charges? Or was she, and this is what they decided on? Is it her first criminal offense?”

“She meant no real harm. Nonetheless, she’d been warned on multiple occasions to rein in her mischief. Her final antic made her family and the authorities decide she should face punishment. She’s never been on a farm before. The isolation is quite a shock.”

“She’s used to an urban setting, huh? Clubs instead of corrals?” Wilkes grinned.

“It’s a wakeup call. She’s in for quite a few surprises.”

“You’re in for it yourself, my friend. I have sisters, and you’ve never heard the intense distress of a teen or twenty-something when they can’t go out and have fun.”

The young woman Groteg was determined to fix in his head as “Jennifer” hadn’t struck him as particularly shallow. She was probably too worried about those eager to find her.

He wished he could bring Wilkes into his confidence as to his ward’s true identity. Unfortunately, the spy contingent of the fleet had warned only he, his clanmates, and the spy liaison present on Haven were to have the information.

“What was she studying in school?” Martin checked the time, indicating he had to stop indulging his curiosity and be somewhere soon.

“Astronomy. Smart girl, but a lot of growing up to do. Similar to the troubled Nobeks we get.” Groteg hit a button on his computer. “There you go. Full report straight to you and Chief Connelly.”

“Thanks. Hate to chat and run, but I have to give a speech at the local school on the advantages of staying on the straight and narrow. Universities don’t have an exclusive on pranksters.”

“Better you than me.” Groteg didn’t mind community outreach, but he hated giving speeches.

“Which is how I feel where your latest miscreant is concerned. Maybe I’ll use her as an example of how not to behave. Enjoy the angst.” Chuckling, Wilkes left the office.

* * * *

“This is the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had,” Charity declared after a single bite.

Imdiko Utber chuckled. “I had a lot of practice, thanks to the kids. Chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and pizza. You’d swear there were no other foods worth eating.”

“Tacos,” Tori declared. “Tacos are always to be on the week’s menu.”

“Grease and lactose, the fuel of the younger generation.” Charity had another forkful of mac and cheese and had to fend off a moan of sheer lust. Utber’s recipe was utterly decadent.

“It is a challenge to make sure it’s healthy,” the Imdiko chuckled.

“Such language. How dare you assault our ears with words like ‘healthy.’” Tori grinned at Charity, whom she sat beside.

The girl had wandered in Charity’s room as she was unpacking earlier. Her nonchalant facade had faded as they got to know each other. It had taken only half an hour before she was gabbing in the breathless way adolescent girls had when they’d found a confidante. Charity was amused, touched, and a little saddened…when had she left similar eagerness behind? Had she ever experienced it? She thought she might have been denied, having spent a portion of her own formative years under the yoke of hardline followers of Holy Leader Browning Copeland. There’d been Copeland himself, making it clear Charity was to become his latest wife when she was only fifteen…

She felt a rush of gladness Tori hadn’t grown up under the shadow of fear. Her angst was of the pure preteen kind, the testing indulged in by someone flexing independence from parents and teachers. Charity’s had been more of a defense mechanism to keep growing terror at bay.

She glanced at those around her, this fascinating family formed from a series of tragedies. Adam snuck worshipful glances at her when he wasn’t telling Groteg of the new coach for the football team he played running back for. Sara and Utber gently coaxed James to eat his buttered wedi stalks, which they’d caught him trying to hide under his napkin. Tori pumped Charity for information regarding college and the men she’d met, beaming at Groteg when he turned an anxious eye toward her and said, “Why are you asking about boys?”

“I’m just curious how those in GC space are different from these around here.”

“Well, don’t be, Lady Sunshine. There’ll be plenty of time for boys later. Much, much later.”

“Oh, Daddy. You’re cute freaking out over me dating.”

“You’re dating?” He turned his horrified gaze to Sara. “She’s dating ?”

She waved him off. “Of course she isn’t. She’s talking of the future when she’s sixteen.”

“Eighteen,” Groteg countered in a growl.

“Daddy!”

The warmth as they bantered and Groteg panicked reminded Charity how far she was from her own family. She’d left behind her aunt and uncle mere days ago when the bounty had been put on her by the fanatical factions of Mercy and New Bethlehem colonies. It had been months since she’d seen her sister Hope and father Borey in person.

We had no chance of being a family like this when we were together. Not after Armageddon. Not after Mom died.

“Don’t worry.” Sara had caught Charity’s state of mind, though not the reason for it. “We don’t always argue at length.”

“Usually, we’re worse,” Tori said cheerfully.

“Young lady,” Utber warned.

“Dating,” Groteg groaned, staring at his half-empty plate in despair. “How can she be thinking of dating at her age?”

“I’ve been thinking of dating for years. I’ll be old enough in a few months. Then look out, girls.” Adam grinned until he met Charity’s eyes. He blushed furiously and concentrated on shoveling his dinner in his face.

“They’d better not have to look out. If I hear of you being anything except the perfect gentleman, mister, you’ll be sorry.” Sara shook her fork at her oldest.

Utber looked at Charity and shrugged. “Welcome to the family. This is as good as it gets, I’m afraid.”

If you only knew how good you have it. As the bickering eased to laughter, Charity decided they might. Her angst abruptly transformed to a soft, sentimental joy.

She was glad for them and basked to be at the edges of their warmth.

* * * *

Assistant Chief Martin Wilkes eyed Jennifer Seng’s official identification picture, part of the information Chief Groteg had forwarded. He brought up another I.D. on his computer’s holo screen. He enlarged both so no detail could be missed. He looked at the two women side by side.

Jennifer’s honey-blond hair was shoulder length, a fabulously tousled mass suggesting windswept beaches. Sultry lidded deep blue eyes, which recalled the ocean, bore the slightest hint of an Asian background in their shape.

In contrast, the young woman so many were hunting for had dark brown hair and less-hooded hazel eyes. Jennifer’s nose and chin were narrower too. The second woman’s cheekbones were more sculpted, giving her a haughtier appearance.

There was a vague resemblance if one searched for it, but they did appear to be two different women. Surgery could have accounted for the variations…but if Jennifer Seng had undergone a cosmetic procedure, it was impossible to detect.

Wilkes considered them, wishing for a telltale scar or some other unmistakably shared detail. If there’d been any, if it were the same woman, the characteristics had been erased. He could only wonder until he had a face-to-face encounter with Groteg’s newest ward.

If Jennifer Seng was the recently vanished Charity Nath, Wilkes’ work was cut out for him to prove it.

Ilid wandered the bucolic setting of the Earther-style home his parents had rented for the month. The property included an option to extend the lease should he deign to remain on Haven longer.

He was surprised at how taken he was by the wide-open countryside. He could see similar homes dotting the distance; free-standing structures of sprawling porches, fertile gardens of vegetables and flowers, and vast lawns. Close to Sunrise, these were getaways for those seeking quiet and the opportunity to unwind. Haven wasn’t a tremendously popular vacation destination, but for those invested in the sort of solitude that included the option of ready supplies in the nearby town, it was perfect.

Ilid was a city boy who’d temporarily traded the hustle and bustle of a major Kalquorian urban setting for the tight, congested spaces of a fleet spyship. Kalquor had its own wide-open spaces, but he’d eschewed plains and deserts for mountains and wooded areas.

He thought the wide space surrounding him should have been a void. He’d been prepared to be overwhelmed by the silence and loneliness. Instead, he felt incredible peace. He could see for what appeared to be miles at a stretch. Birds, frogs, and crickets imported from Earth and reptilian drils from Kalquor sang in a chorus as the sun sank into the horizon. Though darkness was beginning to spread, the absence of worrisome shadows made his heart light. For the first time in months, he felt a sense of real safety.

He heard the approach of someone behind him and recognized his mother’s tread. He marveled he had no instinct to whirl and search her for trouble. Less than a day on Haven, and he’d begun to accept he might be able to relax his constant vigilance for Darks.

She drew next to him and threaded her arm in his. “It’s so big out here. The sky goes on forever.”

He inhaled her scent and surmised she’d been baking stya rolls. Soft, airy breads, which practically melted in the mouth, they were among his favorites. He smiled at her.

I can finally breathe again. “I like it. I think Haven’s beautiful.”

“As is a certain young lady who shared our shuttle ride? Have you commed her to see how she’s settling in?”

“It’s a little soon, isn’t it? Are you in a hurry to clan me off your hands?” he teased.

“My home will always be yours. I simply want you to be happy. Jennifer made you smile more in three days than I’ve seen since you…since you returned from service.”

Since I was a prisoner of the Darks.

He warded off the sick memory. “She’s a special woman.” Vibrant and enthusiastic, Jennifer had helped him forget for minutes at a time the dangerous galaxy they lived in.

“She has promise. A mother’s instincts are seldom wrong when it comes to those who’d be right for her son.” Diju’s grin was self-assured.

Anguish rose again, determined to have its say. “What of her son’s rightness for potential clanmates? Can you guarantee that?”

Her smile faded. “You’re a wonderful man, Ilid. Caring, intelligent—”

“Damaged. Weak. After what happened, I might not be Dramok enough for anyone.”

“Stop it.” Diju tugged him to face her. “What you encountered would have destroyed most men. You survived what no one else on your ship could.”

“And afterward? If it hadn’t been for a watchful security guard in the psych ward, I wouldn’t have lived to see today. I fell apart. There’s no getting around it.”

He regretted reminding her of his suicide attempt as tears brightened her purple eyes. “You’re here now. Yes, you had a bad spell. Who wouldn’t, considering what happened? But you were given a second chance. You faced down the fears and won in the end.”

“It hasn’t ended, my mother. Until the Darks or we are destroyed, it’ll never be finished, not truly.” He drew a breath and smiled for her sake. “But yes, I am feeling healthier. I have no wish to end my life any longer. I just don’t know if I’m the kind of Dramok any woman deserves. Particularly a lady as lovely as Jennifer.”

Diju’s sadness was palpable. When a few seconds ticked past, she visibly drew herself up. “You should let her make such a decision, shouldn’t you? Despite an inclination to have the sort of fun and excitement people your age tend to go for…or at least, her tendencies that I wish you’d try on for size now since rank isn’t your entire focus…and if your drive to succeed isn’t pure Dramok, I don’t know what is…” the slew of half-formed protestations faded as she ran out of breath.

Ilid chuckled.

She waved him quiet. “As I was saying, underneath a slight hint of irresponsibility a twenty-year-old woman is entitled to, Jennifer is an intelligent person. So be the wonderful man you are. Let her good sense tell her what a catch she’s found in you.”

“If she’s half the Matara you are, I could hardly do better.” Ilid hugged Diju, feeling how lucky he was to have lived, if merely to be near her.

“My son, you deserve the best.”

Ilid watched Diju go inside the pleasant home, smiling at her determination to find him someone special. Buoyed by her encouragement, he pulled his com from its belt sheath and scrounged up Jennifer’s frequency. He hesitated a moment as insecurity nibbled his gut.

What the hell, the worst she can do is say get lost . He clicked to connect.

“Ilid!” came the happy audio-only voice despite his having enabled vid on his end. “How was your first day on Haven?”

“Not bad. We’ve barely settled in at the place we rented, so I haven’t done much else but unpack. No vid picture of your gorgeous face? Did I catch you at a bad time?”

Her laugh made him smile. “My newly adopted little sister might come bursting in my room at any moment. There was quite the discussion during dinner when it comes to her dating.”

“Oh?”

“She’s twelve and not seriously thinking of it yet, but her Nobek dad is already having a coronary over the idea. If she comes in and sees me talking to a handsome Dramok, it might start a whole episode I’d rather avoid setting off.”

He chuckled. “It sounds as if Clan Amgar is all right.”

“They’re terrific. Such a sad story, though. Dramok Amgar himself died years ago saving the children from a fire. They’d clanned Sara mere months before. Sweet prophets, it’s a tragedy, starting with her first husband’s death just before her youngest was born. It breaks my heart.”

Ilid didn’t try to keep the reluctance from his tone. “I guess I shouldn’t stop by in a day or two if you’re trying to be a good influence on the younger generation. If you want me to keep my distance—”

“Are you kidding me? You’d better come visit. I refuse to cool my heels here on the ass-end of nowhere the whole duration of my sentence.”

“I hear Miss Behavior howling to break free.”

“A girl’s gotta have some fun off the farm. Just no hot and heavy where we might be caught. Keep an eye out for the inn you promised we could escape to.”

Ilid laughed, delighting as always in her enthusiasm. Also in the memory of the kissing and heavy petting they’d indulged in during the trip to Haven. Jennifer had made it plain she’d been up for more than the little they’d managed, but they’d both been conscious of his parents’ proximity to wherever they managed to be on the small vessel.

He also preferred a romantic setting rather than a quick do-me in the tight, spare shuttle quarters allotted for sleeping. He was too fond of Jennifer to treat her like a one-night stand, even if it was all they ended up enjoying.

“My parents and I are going to town tomorrow to look at the local bakery for sale. I’ll check to see what fun we can have there.”

“No pig wrestling. Or cattle branding.”

“I have no idea what those are, but I’ll stay clear of them.”

She laughed. “I miss you already, Ilid. Com tomorrow and we’ll make plans for as soon as possible.”

“Consider it done.”

* * * *

A couple hours later, Ilid lay in the large bed in the room designated for him. He gazed at the open window, through which the cool night breeze wafted drapes. An actual window, he marveled. On their home planet, Kalquorians used energy-efficient vids to give the illusion of the outdoors. Some had vents to simulate breezes.

Somehow the real thing seemed nicer. But then, everything about Haven had pleased him thus far.

Above all, there were no Darks to threaten him. The terrible entities, part of a larger alien force known as the All, had invaded from another dimension and threatened the galaxy. Ilid had been among the first to confront the terrible creatures while orbiting a planet called Bi’is. The Darks had destroyed Bi’is’ entire civilization in a matter of weeks after their arrival.

Few people could detect the Darks by sight. Ilid was among them. As an ensign on a spyship, he’d been aware of strange, transparent shadow shapes draped on the shoulders and necks of his fellow crewmates, controlling everyone around him. At the beginning, he’d thought he was going insane. The Darks had realized he was on to them and inflicted horrific experiments to learn how he was able to see them. Thanks to a fellow low-ranking crewmember who could also detect the malevolent creatures, Ilid had been set free. In his attempt to expose the Darks to the fleet, his rescuer had accidentally destroyed the spyship. Badly injured, Ilid had barely escaped alive on a shuttle, the sole survivor of his crew.

Other ships had honed in on his distress call, and he’d been able to warn the Kalquorian Empire of the Dark menace determined to wipe them out of existence. After the trauma he’d endured, Ilid had been remanded to a psychiatric hospital. He’d been unable to sleep because of nightmares, plagued by hallucinations of shadows creeping up on him, and terrorized by the knowledge the Darks were coming for Kalquor. The All and its Darks had taken control of the Galactic Council of Planets, the ambassadorial body of many worlds, including Kalquor and Earth II.

The idea of his parents having to cope with his ongoing overwhelming distress had sent Ilid into a greater blackness. A few weeks earlier, he’d attempted suicide rather than cause them further pain. The quick-acting hospital staff had kept him from succeeding, and his parents’ determination and love had lured him back into wanting to live. The trip to Haven, where safeguards had thus far thwarted the Darks’ infiltration efforts, was the latest effort to restore Ilid to emotional well-being.

It’s an escape though. I’m not facing my fears.

On board the shuttle taking him to Haven, he’d met Jennifer. She’d somehow made his hurts less in the three days he’d known her. She was a bright spot in an increasingly grim universe. It wasn’t just Diju’s eager matchmaking helping him consider a future with someone special.

Fertile Kalquorian women had become few, thanks to a deadly and often sterilizing virus. Kalquorian men had banded together in clans for several centuries, made up of three breeds: Dramok, Imdiko, and Nobek. Until recently, such a union had been the legal requirement to clan an increasingly rare female lifegiver, the celebrated and venerated Matara.

Earthers had changed everything. The numerous human women had been found to be compatible for carrying children fathered by Kalquorians, thanks to an ancient ancestor common to the two species.

Nowadays, a single Kalquorian man of any breed could clan, or marry, a human woman. Clanning of all the breeds continued to be a favored tradition among several, however. Prior to his encounter with the Darks, Ilid hadn’t been able to conceive of heading anything but the typical four-person clan, though he was perfectly willing for his future Matara to be Earther.

The Darks had destroyed his hopes. Ilid’s damaged psyche had challenged his view of himself. How could he be a true clan leader…a real Dramok…when nightmares left him screaming? When he’d run from Kalquor to escape the continuing Dark threat hanging over it?

Meeting Jennifer had allowed some of his dream to reassert itself, despite his misgivings. She’d shown him he still wished to have someone to share his life with.

An Earther might not have the expectations of a Nobek and an Imdiko. Perhaps Ilid was Dramok enough for such a relationship. He wondered if a human woman could accept a less than perfect man if she didn’t know the extent of how badly he’d been broken.

* * * *

“I’m concerned the sudden appearance of a young Earther woman on Haven at the exact same time Charity Nath vanished from Alpha Space Station might raise suspicions.”

Charity paused nibbling her toast smothered in homemade blueberry jam to consider Sara’s worried comment. She nodded her agreement. “Never underestimate the fanaticism of Earthtiques. Even before coffee. Especially before coffee.”

It was her and the lady of the manor, the kids having gone to school and the men to work. Charity had been allowed to sleep in after the excitement of arrival. She’d missed the breakfast rush, during which Clan Amgar’s dozen hired workers had also been fed.

Meals cooked by the incredible Utber and a paycheck. It sounded like a pretty great deal for the farmhands, Charity thought.

Sara chuckled, overtly banishing her concerns. “You’re probably not being watched so soon. Still, it wouldn’t hurt for you to be seen doing a few chores on the farm right away. We should establish your presence as a worker now, same as the rest of our ‘projects’ we’ve taken in.”

“Explain in very small words how I can avoid killing your crops. Remember, I don’t know a weed from a carrot.”

“Don’t worry; as far as anyone knows, you’ll be doing most your penance in and around the house rather than the fields.”

“I’m fine doing whatever you think is best.” Charity gobbled her toast and sucked down her coffee. “Point me where I need to be.”

“I’d appreciate you taking the hovercart to the west field and delivering lunches. It would be a good start to make you known as just another face here.”

* * * *

Even if Charity hadn’t been a talented plotter of the stars and therefore fully capable of finding the west field of the farm, the hovercart had a map app which told her exactly where she was headed. A third of the workers were working there, where a variety of beans, squashes, and corn were growing.

She was impressed by the vastness of the west field’s twenty-acre stretch and its seemingly endless mounds. The trio of edibles had been planted together: the corn supplied the tall stalks for the bean vines to climb, and the broad leaves of the squash varieties kept weeds at bay from both plants. Among them trundled a number of AI machines, which tested the soil, adjusted nutrients and water levels, and basically kept the farm producing well. The four workers assigned to the field kept an eye on the machines and were ready to respond to any maintenance issues or malfunctions. They also checked the plants themselves for anything the machines might somehow miss.

Charity could have ridden on the hovercart…Sara had told her most usually did because of the distances between the workers…but she was thrilled to stretch her legs under the balmy sunshine. Living on Alpha Space Station for a few weeks had reminded her to appreciate the joys of being on a planet. Alpha hadn’t been a small, cramped station, but walking its corridors and promenade didn’t feel as roomy as striding on a terrestrial world. Particularly one given mostly to farming.

“I still don’t want to be on Yeehaw Central,” Charity told the waving cornstalk leaves she passed on her way to the hired hands. “Don’t feel too smug I’m currently enjoying myself, Haven.”

Her first stop was near a human male she guessed to be in his sixties. Though his hair was iron gray, he was hale and greeted her with a strong handshake. “Gus Fremont,” he introduced himself. “I heard we’d see you around. Pleased to meet you, especially since you’re bringing lunch.”

Charity chuckled. “I’m glad someone’s happy to see me. Cranky machine?” She nodded to the yellow and black field monitor lying on the ground instead of floating among the plants. It was about the size of a German shepherd. Its myriad of nearly a dozen arms were flung wide on the rich brown soil, as if it had been killed in a shootout in a saloon.

“Yeah, it’s insisting stuff is ready to harvest. Caught it before it started picking, thank the prophets. Probably a bad sensor. Those go faster than anything else on these beasts.”

A little small talk, and Charity moved on. Gus hadn’t asked her what had brought her to Haven and the Amgar farm. Had Sara informed the fieldhands of her supposed indiscretion, or did he simply mind his own business?

“That’s a rare breed,” she snorted as she moved on.

Her next mouth to feed was a human who told her to call him Bud. A fitting nickname for Planet Farm Hell, but he too seemed nice. A rawboned man in his forties, he was pleasant, though not as smilingly so as Gus. “Found some trouble elsewhere? Don’t worry; we don’t mind young’uns who cut up a bit. You landed in the perfect place, miss.”

“Thanks. I like Clan Amgar.” She managed not to drawl partner after speaking.

“Excellent bunch. None better.” He turned to yet another monitor apparently on the fritz.

Next came a Dramok in his late teens. He looked her over while wearing a shy grin but spoke politely as he worked on the third farm monitor having a bad day. “I want to have the biggest farm on Haven when I claim my plot. I’m learning all aspects of the work from the ground up.”

“Good luck.” He reminded Charity of the slightly younger Adam. Teenage humanoid boys were apparently a lot alike, no matter the species. Certainly their side glances at women and eagerness to impress them were the same.

She found her final lunch recipient doing what was quickly becoming apparent was the main job of fieldhands: working on faulty farm monitors. “Do any of these contraptions work right?”

The Nobek she addressed appeared to be Ilid’s age, early to mid-twenties. The lack of more than a couple scars on his chest, exposed by the loose, long-sleeved shirt he wore, bore out her guess. His expression was remarkably reserved, allowing only a portion of the natural Nobek aura of contained danger to betray his breed…barely so.

He regarded her for a couple of beats before answering as he accepted the proffered covered lunch tray. “Field monitors work pretty much nonstop, day and night. Even if they aren’t breaking down, we have to do constant maintenance.”

He didn’t tell her his name. His curt nod had served as the traditional bow of respect she’d grown used to receiving from Kalquorian men. He set the food tray aside and focused his attention on the monitor he was pulling apart. Charity observed he seemed to be cleaning the dirt-encrusted components.

“I’m…Jennifer Seng.”

“Are you sure?” He’d noted her hesitation but refused to glance up. Or maybe he was being extra diligent in his work. His intense stare on the machine had no room for distractions.

She felt a nudge of irritability at his lack of interest and her near-mistake of giving the name “Ashley Holloway,” which had been what she’d gone by at the university on Jedver. At least she hadn’t nearly outed herself as Charity Nath.

“Do you have a name? Or can I make one up for you? How about…Tex? Seeing as how we’re on Planet Farm Hell, it would fit.”

“Ah. You aren’t here by choice.” His lips twitched a notch, as if wanting to smile smugly.

“Exactly. I have a life, which I haven’t given up on yet.” She grinned, though he continued to refuse to look at her.

“You lived too intensely if you’ve come to Haven against your will. You’re the first human I’ve seen remanded to Clan Amgar’s farm, however. The only woman.”

“Well, Tex, it’s like this. I’m a trailblazer. Equal rights fighter. I wanna commit nefarious crimes on behalf of the sisterhood, show you boys how it’s properly done.”

Maybe it was the boys that got him to look at her. Charity flashed him her best irascible grin, daring him to take the bait.

She had a definite crush to pursue where Ilid was concerned, but she was aware of the rules of Kalquorian society. She and Ilid weren’t clanned. Adhering to his traditions, it meant she was free to flirt with any man of any breed she wished. Charity’s own personal code meant she wouldn’t play for the attention of another Dramok while seeing Ilid, no matter how casual she felt the bond was. She was too fascinated by her new friend. Besides, it felt rude.

A handsome, unattached Nobek, however…that was a different story. For all she knew, Ilid was searching for male clanmates. They’d both discussed the merits of the shuttle attendants, so she was aware he was, similar to most Kalquorians, bisexual. Charity had indulged in experimenting with her own gender but had discovered it wasn’t for her. She’d seen plenty of erotic vids of men enjoying other men, particularly Kalquorian porn, and thought it titillating, however.

I bet Ilid would like this guy. He appreciates the big hunky ones when it comes to Nobeks. The lack of smiling and personality might be a dealbreaker, though.

Charity, on the other hand, loved a challenge. Drawing out Nobek Strong and Silent had abruptly become a project.

She went to the hovercart, smirking to suppose “Tex” might be feeling a moment of relief to believe she was leaving. Instead, she sat on its edge and got comfortable.

“What about you, Tex? Are you here because you’re a bad boy, or did you decide on a slow, painful death by boredom to prove your Nobek worth?”

Did she imagine him drawing a deep breath, as if to gain strength? His deep voice was definitely tight when he said, “I was originally one of Clan Amgar’s troubled Nobeks, though I came to Haven willingly when I learned of the place. I decided to stay afterward. I like living on this ‘farm hell,’ as you put it.”

Sensing rising irritability, Charity decided she’d pushed him as hard as she was willing to. There was no trace of teasing when she said, “Then you got lucky, same as me. Clan Amgar is wonderful.”

Bingo. His features softened, lending the stern but attractive features an extra dose of handsomeness. “They are. It’s says a lot for you to recognize it.” He paused, then almost reluctantly added, “The name is Detodev, by the way. I don’t think I like being called ‘Tex.’”

“It’s nice to meet you, Detodev.” She didn’t ask him why he’d been sent to Haven. Having finagled him into introducing himself, if half-heartedly, she preferred to keep their present interaction on a positive swing.

She added, “I have a friend who just arrived, a Dramok about our age. We’re hoping to get together. Where are the fun places to hang when you’re young and foolish but trying to stay out of trouble?”

“Where were you before?” He sounded interested despite his stoic expression.

“Jedver. Galactic Council University of Astronomical Studies.”

“Refugee, huh? Or were you sentenced ahead of the Dark invasion mess?”

“The timing kind of coincided. The calls to consider leaving Galactic Council space had barely begun when I left with a bang. A literal bang.”

Detodev snorted. “City and college girl, no less. I doubt you’ll enjoy our town’s brand of entertainment. It’ll bore you.”

“There’d better be a diversion while I’m sentenced to stay. If I’m bored, I’m a problem. Ask anyone. Especially my last professor. Come on, there has to be something resembling fun here. Anything . Including ronka tipping.”

He sighed and rubbed the back of his hand against his arrow-straight nose, a feature rarely seen on an adult Nobek. He left a smear of dirt on its tip. “There are a couple of bars. Bar, Bowl, and Barrel is your best bet of the two. Less fights, better drinks, and the customers are evenly split between Kalquorians and humans. It has an attached bowling alley plus pool, vid games, the works.”

Bowling and pool. It sounded as hokey as Charity could imagine. “No dance clubs?”

“Dancing’s at the other bar, Steve’s Roadhouse. It’s probably not the kind of dancing you enjoyed on Jedver. I have no idea what they call it, but it looks clumsy as hell.”

“You don’t get out on the floor and show them how it’s done?” she teased.

She earned an unamused glower. “Kalquorian men don’t dance.”

“Except the historical exhibitions. I know, Detodev, I was teasing. You’re a regular laugh factory, my friend.”

He began reassembling the field monitor. “If you go to the Roadhouse, be sure your friend can defend you.”

“It’s bad, huh?”

“Law enforcement patrols the inside of the place.”

“Wow.” She was betting it was where he hung out when he left the farm. Nobeks loved to brawl.

As for her and Ilid, Bar, Bowl, and Barrel was the favored destination. If it was all they could find to enjoy themselves until they found a suitable inn to spend at least a few private hours, it would have to do. She set the hovercart to head back to the farmhouse. “Thanks for the tip, Detodev.”

“Sure.” Hunched over the machine, he’d already put her in the background.

Charity refused to let him have the last disinterested word. “See you around. Try to have fun in the field, happy man. Keep those laughs coming.”

* * * *

Sara answered the knock at the back door, off the kitchen. She wasn’t surprised to see Dramok Dolgra on her back porch, nor the package he held despite her not expecting a delivery for at least a week.

She was happily clanned to two incredible men, but it didn’t keep her from indulging in deep appreciation for her visitor. Dolgra was drop-dead handsome. His chiseled good looks screamed masculinity, and his tan delivery uniform did next to nothing to hide the beefy body it clothed. Sara had the absurd urge to pat her hair to ensure it wasn’t a mess. She wished she’d put on makeup that morning.

She reminded herself she’d had her fair share of husbands and clanmates…and enough heartbreak from the loss of half of them. The fact Dolgra’s job as a deliveryman was a front for a more dangerous career solidified her refusal to consider him as more than an incredible view.

She smiled as she held out her hands for the plain brown box. “Hello, Dramok. Our new ward is settling in well.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” He gave her the box, which was surprisingly heavy.

“An actual package?”

“Consider it a thank-you gift for helping the empire hide Matara Jennifer. No problems at all?”

“None. The reports of her being hard to handle must have been exaggerated. She’s a real sweetheart.”

Sara noted she was measuring the width of his shoulders. He was easily a match for Groteg’s muscle. Perhaps being a spy for the Kalquorian fleet, which was determined to maintain Charity Nath’s safety from those who’d harm her, meant he was as canny a fighter. And survivor.

Stop it. You’re thirty-seven and a mother of three. You’re too old and too clanned for a silly crush…especially considering your bad luck.

“No one has stopped by to see your new boarder? No one suspicious lurking around?”

“I haven’t come across anyone who might suspect who she is. The only interest she’s been shown was from a young man who arrived on the shuttle that brought her to Haven.”

“Dramok Ilid?” Dolgra’s focus sharpened. She nearly shivered at the intensity of his gaze.

“Is he another subject of the Kalquorian fleet’s spy division?” Sara tried for an offhand tone, but she was already protective of Charity. If seemingly sweet Ilid potentially added to the girl’s danger, Sara was ready to step in.

“He’s a special case. No worries; he’s a decent kid who had a bad time not of his own making. However, Jennifer’s situation might put him in jeopardy if her identity becomes known. I hope she hasn’t told him her story?”

“She’s kept it quiet. She understands how careful she needs to be when it comes to sharing too much.”

“If you don’t feel she’ll be rebellious simply for the sake of watching her minders squirm—”

“She won’t.” Sara wondered what Charity had done in the past to earn her reputation. Dolgra’s concern was probably that of the typical nervous Kalquorian man who hadn’t a clue how to deal with a fun-loving college student. Particularly one who was under pressure.

Dolgra smiled, and Sara told herself his expression wasn’t as warm as her imagination insisted. “Do me a favor and remind her to be careful. She can’t expose her identity no matter how she friendly she becomes with the young men she meets and feels the urge to strike up strong friendships with.”

“She has a good head on her shoulders, but I’ll emphasize the danger she’s in.”

“Thank you. Let me give you my personal com frequency. You can reach me, day or night. If there’s any problem whatsoever, or even the slightest concern, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Do you have any reason to believe she was followed?” Sara recorded the frequency.

“None, but these are strange times. Besides, I’m a spy. Paranoia is my fallback position. It keeps my kind alive longer.” He winked.

Sara laughed, but her stomach dropped. Jesse had been a mere farmer and Amgar a government acquisitions administrator. They hadn’t engaged in the high-stakes risks she guessed Dolgra did. Nonetheless, they were dead, both in the prime of life.

“I still can’t believe Haven rates a spy presence. There’s been no trouble on the planet since the Kalquorian civil war,” she said.

“I’m here because we want to ensure its trouble-free status. In truth, it’s been a boring…wait, I’ve been assigned to Haven six years already? Almost.”

A beep went off on a device on his belt. Dolgra sighed. “I’d better get on these deliveries. The last thing I need is to expose my true identity. It would be almost as bad as Earthers learning who Jennifer Seng is.” He dipped a traditional bow of respect, his gaze steady on her before he hurried to his waiting delivery transport.

Sara closed the door, her heart beating a little too fast. She realized she still held the package Dolgra had brought.

She opened it and discovered a bottle of bohut. Her eyes widened at the label…it was a pricey, extravagant vintage. Sara was well aware of its cost. She’d once considered buying it for her clanmates as an anniversary present, but there had been seedlings to purchase and farmhands to pay. She’d had to settle for a far less exclusive label.

Dolgra had claimed it was a thank-you from the empire. She doubted the Kalquorian fleet had approved of such gratitude, since it was paying Clan Amgar handsomely for hiding Charity.

Surely it couldn’t be a personal gift from their representative. However, he was an unclanned Dramok…

Ridiculous. He’d never been anything but polite to them. All business and reserved, for the most part. She was reading too much into the gesture. She had to be.

Right?

“Don’t be interested in us,” she whispered. “Groteg and Utber will always think of Amgar as their only clan leader, and I…I’m nothing but bad news.”

Chapter Four

“Thanks for letting me do this,” Charity said as Sara’s handheld tapped hers, transmitting a shopping list. “I realize you can have what you need delivered, and I haven’t done much as far as work’s concerned.”

“You should get the lay of the land. The town isn’t a big deal to figure out, but you’ll want to familiarize yourself where everything is. Including the bakery Ilid’s parents are considering buying.” Sara wiggled her brows at her. “Ilid must be very interested to have asked you to get together again so soon.”

“We’re hoping to have fun. He’s probably finding it hard to be in a new place where he hasn’t met anyone yet. I get the idea he isn’t as outgoing as me.” As warm as he’d been when they’d first met, Charity had the notion Ilid wouldn’t have introduced himself to her on the shuttle. His matchmaking mother had been the instigator.

“Be careful then, especially if you’re ‘just having fun,’” Sara advised. “I doubt Ilid would tell anyone your identity, but you never can tell who might be listening in on your conversations.”

“No problem. To him, I’ll always be Jennifer Seng, otherwise known as Miss Behavior and chemistry lab bomber.” Charity offered her sunniest smile despite a jab of conscience. She hated the necessity of lying to Ilid. Though her crush on him was no doubt temporary, he was a sweet guy who didn’t deserve to be lied to.

* * * *

“So this is the makings of your baked goods kingdom.” Charity looked around the shop. “I have to say, the smell alone screams ‘buy me.’ I can feel my waistline expanding already.”

Ilid and his parents chuckled as she pretended to bite the air. “You missed the excitement of us evaluating the equipment.” Her friend indicated the stainless steel tools of the trade visible through the door that opened to the rear of the shop area.

“Industrial mixers, oven capacity, beverage machines…the heart races,” Imdiko Jadel joked.

Charity fanned herself and spoke breathlessly. “Not to mention vats of dough rising. And the kneading machine! Stars, I feel faint.”

“I’m beginning to wonder why I went into security work if baking is such a thrill. My Matara, you’ve been holding out on me,” Gruthep chided Diju.

“You stay out of it, Nobek. I’m keeping it all for myself and my son,” she snarled before erupting in girlish giggles.

Charity grinned. Clan Codab were excellent sports, always ready to join in on the younger people’s sillier turns.

“Seriously, how’s it look for your plans? I don’t have the first clue went it comes to commercial baking, but it certainly appears clean and inviting.” She admired the sparkling surfaces, the vast baked treats display shelves, and cozy if somewhat worn seating dotting the public space.

“It’s nearly move-in ready,” Ilid said, his gaze impressed as he evaluated the space. “The previous owners kept it up beautifully.”

“It would do to start, but I believe upgrades are in order.” Diju spoke in businesswoman tones as she tapped in her handheld. “We’ll give Ilid time to decide if this environment suits him. If so, we’ll make an offer.”

“Go ahead and do it. I feel great about this.” Ilid beamed at the large front windows of the bakery, which showed a coffee shop across the wide shuttle lane in front of the business.

Charity eyed the coffee shop with lust. She was overdue for another cup. As soon as possible, she’d obey its siren song and visit.

Besides the beckoning java, a few people, mostly women guiding their small children in hover strollers, strolled along the walkways. They drifted in and out of the various stores boasting farm wares, groceries, and clothing.

“You’ve barely been on Haven a full day, my son. It’s soon to come to such a decision,” Codab gently reminded him.

“It’s perfect. Don’t you think so, Jennifer?”

She glanced at him and was astounded at how happy he looked. The guardedness had all but vanished from his handsome face. Was this compelling bright-faced man the real Ilid?

She swallowed. It was on the tip of her tongue to agree because she enjoyed how at ease he appeared.

“If it makes you happy, it’s perfect for you .”

A shadow briefly flitted across his face. “Still worried about stepping in those ronka patties, huh?”

“I’m in the market for galoshes if you want to take me shopping when you’re done here. Fortunately, Clan Amgar doesn’t deal in critters bigger than chickens, so the hip waders I planned on aren’t necessary. Halfway up the shins should do fine.” She was glad he didn’t take her lack of adoration for Planet Farm Hell personally.

Besides, it was best to ensure he was aware their association, as delightful as it had been and promised to be, was for a limited time only. Eventually, Jennifer Seng would revert to Charity Nath, who had a life and future far from Haven.

If Diju was disappointed Charity hadn’t fallen so hard for her son that she was ready to cancel her plans in favor of a life at his side, she didn’t show it. “You two go ahead and explore the town. A successful bakery isn’t simply a matter of the four walls it’s in, after all. It’s dependent on those who’ll buy from it. Get to know your potential customers, Ilid…and have fun, of course.”

“All right.” Ilid grinned at Charity. “Where do you suppose we’ll find the boots you need to survive the fields and pastures?”

“No idea, so we’d better grab some fuel to keep us going.”

“The coffee shop across the street? Sounds perfect.”

Charity beamed at Diju. “You raised your boy right, Momma.”

They left on a tide of Clan Codab’s laughter.

* * * *

Neither Charity nor Ilid were in a hurry to do actual shopping. They sat in the café sipping coffee, which the Dramok said was growing on him. “I’ve been a bit slow to enjoy your drinks and food. I haven’t had a lot of exposure to Earthers despite our people getting closer over the past decade,” he admitted.

“Despite the Earthtiques’ attempts to stick a wedge between us, you mean.”

“I have a confession.” Ilid eyed her, shamefaced. “When the Basma started his campaign for a pure Kalquor, my parents and I agreed. To a point,” he added quickly. “It wasn’t as if we wanted war or to let our culture go extinct. Mixing our species had happened fast. We were rattled by it. It was overwhelming to have so many of the empire’s resources go to human women.”

“It was a quick change. I was surrounded by those who were determined to separate our species by force. I never saw myself dating a Kalquorian, much less a clan. It was just recently I considered your people an option,” Charity allowed.

Ilid looked relieved. “The business of civil war over whether Earthers should be welcome in the empire was where my family drew the line. When Dramok Maf set our people against each other, it became clear we’d taken the wrong side. Overnight, my mother started baking and selling cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies alongside suod wafers and tasi biscuits.”

“Chocolate chip cookies,” Charity breathed. “All is forgiven if I’m allowed to have a sample.”

He chuckled. “The first batch from the new bakery is yours. How did you overcome your reluctance to date Kalquorians?”

Charity’s face warmed, but embarrassment only made her blunt. “Lust.”

Ilid’s eyes widened. He slapped a hand over his mouth to keep from bellowing fresh laughter.

Prophets, she loved seeing him grin and loved hearing his amusement after seeing his lapses into gloom during their trip to Haven.

As much as she wished to continue to amuse him, she was determined to be as truthful with Ilid as her situation allowed. “Actually, the stunning members of the empire helped me get past the real reason I kept my distance.”

“Which was?”

Charity felt the bitterness in her smile. “I warn you…it’s totally childish. You might lose whatever respect you have for me if I admit the depth of my resentment.”

His brows rose. “I doubt it. Do tell, Miss Behavior.”

“My older sister ran off and joined a clan. It felt as if she abandoned me. She didn’t really. There was no help for us being separated, but it put distance between us. I was hurt. Still am. Whatever she does, my knee-jerk reaction is to do the opposite.”

Ilid’s hand covered hers. “That’s rough. You and she were close at one point?”

“Long ago. Following our mother’s death, she took care of me. She was my rock, as hard as I made it for her.” Charity considered how she’d taken out her grief, masking as snarky angst, on Hope every chance she got. “Man, what a pain in the ass I was, especially considering she’d have laid her life on the line for me. I’d have done the same for her, but she probably wouldn’t believe it. I was the worst.”

“I’ve always wished for brothers and sisters,” Ilid said. “Being a Dramok, I’d have probably bossed them around horribly. I bet it’s for the best I’m an only child.”

“You’d be amazed at how forgiving siblings would have been. My sister…she still hasn’t given up on me. When she gets the guts to face my attitude, she’s as encouraging and supportive as ever. She does add a generous sprinkling of ‘give the insolence a rest.’” Charity laughed and noted how sad it sounded. It had been weeks since she’d heard from her sister, who at last report, had gone deep in enemy territory to spy on the Darks.

She shook the moroseness free. “Enough of this tragic story. We need to lighten up and have some fun.”

“I’m all for it.” Ilid raised his coffee cup to her. “We can make discovering a worthwhile venue for shenanigans our main objective.”

“Shenanigans. There’s the word for the day. I may have a lead on the location to indulge, thanks to the most standoffish Nobek I’ve ever met.”

Charity told him of the local drinking spot Detodev had mentioned. “He’s right about avoiding the other bar. I peeked in. It smells of man sweat, animals, and anger. I think I also caught a hint of piss.”

Ilid snickered. “Oh no. Tell me you’re kidding.”

“It has no floor. Sawdust covers the ground. I bet it’s to soak up the aforementioned urine and blood from the murderous fights Detodev mentioned. Very Old Earth-Old West degenerate.”

“I’d protect you, fair damsel,” Ilid teased. “No need to fear.”

“Oh, I’m not afraid of the jerks who no doubt make up the clientele at night. This morning, I only saw an old man snoring at a table littered by beer and kloq bottles and shattered dreams. What terrifies me is what your mother would do to me if I let you anywhere near the place. Even if the grumpy Nobek I spoke to was with us.”

“You’re a wise woman.” His smile was everything, drawing her from her half-made-up description of the Roadhouse bar.

“We should meet up at the respectable club. Tonight.”

“Meet up? You mean with the Nobek from the Amgar farm?”

“I was referring to you and me, Ilid.”

“You don’t want to go out right after shopping? Maybe have dinner?”

She cocked a brow. “I’m self-absorbed, and I fully believe the universe revolves around me, but I have no intention of my constant presence smothering you all day today.”

“I won’t mind if you do. My plans were to check out the bakery, then spend the rest of the day escorting you around town…unless I’d be smothering you .” Anxiety touched his features.

Pleasure filled her. She’d hoped their afternoon together would extend to the evening. “Great. Let’s have our coffee, go shop, pick up Sara’s order, eat dinner, and have drinks at Bar, Bowl, and Barrel. As for the Nobek, would you be interested in an introduction if he shows up? I think Detodev’s around our age.”

Ilid considered. The sense of past hurt had returned, and Charity wondered if it came from a former relationship gone bad. Maybe her urge to draw out Detodev and find his fun side would have to go unanswered.

“I suppose it would be all right. I should introduce myself to the locals for the bakery’s sake, if nothing else. What’s this Detodev like?”

She shrugged. “He’s a bit standoffish. It makes him interesting…to me, anyway. People who try to keep themselves under wraps present too much of a mystery for me to resist trying to get under their skin.”

“Ah. You enjoy a challenge.” A shadow passed over his features.

“You already know me so well. Detodev’s on his own now, but he was originally among Clan Amgar’s teen rescues…willingly, he says. I think he came here to escape a crime syndicate. I suspect he and the boss’ wife had a torrid affair.”

“As a teen?” Ilid snorted.

“Coming up with worst-case scenarios is among my favorite games. You try.”

“Okay.” He considered. “He’s an undercover agent for the farming collective, searching for genetically altered seeds. If they’re grown, the resulting crops will turn those who eat them into mindless super soldiers, capable of taking over the universe on the behalf of the mastermind behind the plot.”

“Wow. Nice one. You should write vid dramas.” Charity grinned in delight.

“Your turn.”

“I’m done. I can’t top your soldier seed apocalypse. What happens when the mastermind discovers Detodev’s a spy? You know it’ll come out in the end. Weave me the tale and leave me gasping.”

She lost herself in Ilid’s laughter, delighted to have met such a wonderful man in the most unremarkable of places.

* * * *

Assistant Chief Wilkes sauntered past the bakery where an unfamiliar Kalquorian clan was taking measurements of the walls and counter spaces. They held little interest for him, but his gaze nonetheless lingered on the Kalquorian woman. The alien females were so rare as to be remarkable. This particular Matara had impressive muscle, similar to the men of her species, but she was curvy tending toward plumpness. Her face was pleasant as she spoke to the men.

The Nobek, scarred as his breed tended to be, turned in Wilkes’ direction. The enforcement officer nodded acknowledgment when their gazes met and moved on.

He waited until he was past the bakery’s big glass windows to aim his gaze across the shuttle lane at the woman he was interested in. She sat next to the large window in the coffee shop, accompanied by a young Kalquorian male. He was someone else Wilkes didn’t recognize. Jennifer Seng laughed hard at something her companion said. In spite of her mouth being stretched wide open, she was pretty in a vivacious fashion.

Wilkes paused to take a longer look when he’d ensured no one witnessed him watching his subject. Again, he couldn’t verify she might be Charity Nath, though he’d examined every picture and vid of the vanished woman he’d been able to unearth. They weren’t helpful. Most had been taken when she’d been in her childhood and early teens, before Armageddon.

He moved on. After checking his surroundings again, he pulled his com unit from a pocket and told it to connect to Devin’s Building Supply.

“Is it her?” a voice asked by way of greeting. The man who’d answered and spoke in Wilke’s earpiece wasn’t named Devin, and he owned no supply company.

“I can’t tell. I’ll have to get a voice recording and do an analysis. A DNA sample would be better to be absolutely certain. It could take time.”

“Time is what I don’t have. I had to sleep overnight in the bunker again, thanks to these asshole rebels. The sooner you find out if she’s the traitor’s daughter, the sooner we can get some answers about her father’s and Browning Copeland’s supposed death.”

“I’m working on it, but I have to move carefully. She’s lodging at the home of Haven’s Kalquorian head of security, which complicates the situation.”

He could practically see Governor John McCarthy of Mercy seething despite it being an audio-only connection. “You want to talk complicated situations? Come out here, and I’ll show you complicated. Half the damn planet’s sick from Dark Death, and the other half is trying to stage a coup against my government. I need proof the Holy Leader lives and the Kalquorian Empire is holding him illegally to bring these assholes in line!”

“You’ll have it once I can get close to the girl and verify she’s our target. If my agenda is exposed, we get nothing. I have to go.” He clicked off and smiled at the woman pushing a hover stroller in his direction. “Good morning, Anna! How are the twins?”

He pretended to admire the hybrid children the cheerful brunette paused to show off. Wilkes could admit McCarthy had it bad on virus- and insurgent-plagued Mercy, but much of it had been his own damned fault. His ruse to undermine those who opposed him had set his constituents against him and threatened his hold on the government.

Deadly pandemic and unrest aside, at least the stupid bastard wasn’t surrounded by ungodly whores, degenerate aliens, and their unnatural offspring. Wilkes was up to his neck in Haven’s mire, reporting on its sins to support the traditional-leaning Earther governments of Mercy and New Bethlehem. He couldn’t indulge in the solace of hauling in the smugly beaming Anna of Clan Wyto before a jury of her peers to answer for her sins. All he could do was allow her to walk off while cooing to her foul progeny. His sole function over the years had been to catalog the travesties he lived alongside of and hope his superiors found a way to capitalize on the endless reports he sent.

If Jennifer Seng was Charity Nath, he’d score a greater victory. The Galactic Council, now firmly set against Kalquor, could recover the Holy Leader once it was proven he lived. If Copeland was restored to the true believers of old Earth, if it were proved God’s will couldn’t be denied in the end, Wilkes’ people would have direction again.

“Let me be the instrument of our salvation,” he breathed as he continued through the Sodom and Gomorrah known as Haven.

Chapter Five

Charity returned to the Amgar farm despite her earlier plans to not do so. Eager to look nice for her night on the town, she changed from the casual clothes she’d worn to shop in Sunrise. She selected a pretty blue dress she hoped wouldn’t be too upscale for Bar, Bowl, and Barrel. Once she was satisfied by her appearance, she stepped from her bedroom to find Sara and Groteg waiting for her in the hall.

She groaned inwardly. A flash of her usual stubbornness and angst eagerly rose to the occasion of questioning authority. She quashed it, determined to do the right thing for a change.

She beamed at her hosts. “Let me guess. I’m failing to play disgraced college student Jennifer Seng as I should be. No night out in the company of the cutie waiting for me downstairs.”

To her great relief, Sara waved off her concerns. “On the contrary. I think a rebel would be determined to escape her sentence, so it’ll look perfectly normal for you to go out.”

“Thank you.” Charity tried to contain the rush of exuberance, but she caught herself wiggling in anticipation.

Sara chuckled. “By all means, be young and foolish while you can. You and Ilid have fun tonight. Responsibility will come calling soon enough.”

“Don’t be too foolish,” Groteg countered. Despite the warning, his expression was as gentle as his fierce features allowed. “A resident member of the Kalquorian spy division here on Haven commed me earlier today.”

“Dramok Dolgra, right?” She’d heard his name mentioned by her warders on Alpha Space Station. She had yet to meet him.

Groteg’s features tightened, as if she wasn’t supposed to know the spy’s identity, but he made no mention of it. “There were a couple of transmissions to Mercy this afternoon from the area.”

“You think Earthtiques found me? Already?” An unpleasant jolt shot through her system.

“Probably not. Plenty of our residents have relatives on Mercy. They’re constantly trying to check on them since the issues that planet’s had. Damned few transmissions get through since the rebels against the government have seized so many com stations, but occasionally, they get lucky.”

“The coms could be something or nothing, in other words.” Charity managed to keep sarcasm from her tone. Don’t be a bitch. Let the man do his job.

“Keep an eye on your surroundings. Com me if anything looks odd. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

“Okay. I’ll have Ilid on hand until you come riding to the rescue. Maybe Detodev too. He told me he likes to go to Bar, Bowl, and Barrel on occasion.”

Groteg exchanged a glance with Sara, who crooked a brow. The Nobek sighed. “Sure. Keep close to your friends and you’ll be fine.”

She gave the pair her best smile. “Thanks for everything. You know, your kids are lucky to have you guys for parents.”

“Remind them of it every opportunity you get,” Sara chuckled. “Have a good time.”

As Charity bounced down the stairs, she thought even if Haven were Planet Farm Hell, it had its decent points. Clan Amgar was at the top of the list.

* * * *

An hour after arriving at Bar, Bowl, and Barrel, Charity was less enthused about her night out. In fact, she was thinking of heading back to the farm early.

It wasn’t because the place was awful. The club portion was little more than a shitkicker bar full of fieldhands taking the edge off a long day of farming, cleaning stalls, riding the range, and whatever else farm types did. It was far nicer than the Roadhouse. It had an actual floor, no sawdust, and a blessed lack of urine scent. It boasted a few pool tables, a vid-game room, and a few spaces between tables big enough to allow Earther couples to dance if they were able or rock in each other’s arms if they weren’t so light-footed.

The attached bowling alley was decent, but Charity’s dress was hardly the right outfit for playing a few frames. The lanes were crowded to capacity anyway, full of serious teams and fun-seeking families.

The fight pit at the back of the building, reserved strictly for Nobeks who wanted to spar, gave Charity a moment’s pause. Her nerves settled…a little…after she read the warning signs. One declared no Nobek who’d had more than ten bottles of kloq, five of bohut, or eight shots of whiskey would be allowed to participate. Another sign proclaimed intent to do serious bodily harm would result in offenders being arrested and permanently banned from the premises.

A civilized shitkicker bar, Charity surmised. Fair enough.

Bar, Bowl, and Barrel was fine. Her problem was Ilid. The young man had displayed uneasiness upon entering the bar, and it hadn’t diminished despite the laidback atmosphere. She couldn’t figure out what his problem was. There were plenty of his fellow Kalquorians present. The Earthers mixed easily among them. There was no sign of speciesism to be seen as the two races laughed and conversed together like the longtime friendly acquaintances they apparently were. Earther women and a couple human men, who were obviously in romantic relationships with Kalquorians in singles and multiples, weren’t looked at twice except when someone hailed them in affable recognition.

Despite the congenial atmosphere, Charity noted Ilid was damned near ill from discomfort. He tried to hide it behind a front of warm conversation. He paid plenty of attention to her. However, his gaze darted here and there, as if searching for trouble…or an enemy. He jumped at sudden bursts of laughter. When someone dropped a bottle and it shattered on the floor, he’d nearly flown from his tall stool at their small table. His eyes had locked on the exit as his hand reached for her arm. It was as if he’d been prompted to escape and take her with him. His embarrassed laughter and fumbling apology for being startled couldn’t hide how he refused to meet her gaze…or the flash of sickened shame in his expression.

Maybe he’s ill. He’d tried his first pizza at her suggestion. He’d declared it delicious. There’d been a few families, including Kalquorians, in the restaurant they’d gone to before the bar. The aliens had been having pizza for dinner too, tucking in as if they’d eaten it a gazillion times before. Still, Ilid wasn’t used to Earther food. Maybe it hadn’t agreed with him, though he’d said he was fine when she’d asked.

Charity had no idea why Ilid wasn’t having fun. The thought it might be her fault was unpleasant to consider. She cast about in her head what she might have said or done to upset him. Her desperate chatter died as she ran out of things to say.

“We have a couple of guys coming our way, looking right at us,” Ilid noted following a couple of seconds of silence, during which he’d continued to scan the dimly lit environs. “They appear to be a Nobek and an Imdiko.”

Charity turned, relieved for any distraction. Her gaze lit on the most charming smile she’d ever encountered. It came from a sweet-faced man who was definitely of the nurturing Imdiko breed. Next to him brooded the reluctant expression of Nobek Detodev. The cheerful fellow pulled him along by the wrist.

“The Nobek is the effervescent fieldhand I mentioned to you. Doesn’t he look thrilled and ready to party?” she bubbled to Ilid, loud so the nearing pair could hear her teasing. “Hi, Detodev! So nice to see your smiling face. Who’s your friend?”

The Imdiko sketched a quick bow before charging forward to offer his hand for her to shake. “Imdiko Mitag, Matara Jennifer. Detodev told me you’re staying at Clan Amgar’s farm. So nice to meet you.”

Relief warred against delight for supremacy. Mitag was full of energetic personality. The night might be saved. “And to meet you. This is my friend, Dramok Ilid. His family’s thinking of buying the bakery in town. He’ll manage it if they do.”

The three Kalquorians exchanged bows. Mitag fairly danced in excitement. “I’m glad I ignored the need for an early night to come out. I was hoping to run into Detodev, which I obviously did. Now I get to make new friends. Dramok Ilid, welcome to Haven. When did you arrive? How do you like it so far?”

“It’s beautiful.” Ilid’s worried expression eased slightly at the effusive greeting. “So much wide-open space.”

“It has that, all right,” Mitag chuckled. “Did you two come to the planet together?”

“By accident.” Charity warmed to the Imdiko’s friendliness. To his gorgeous features, far more delicate and sharper than Ilid’s or Detodev’s. His tousled black hair, which grew past his shoulders, was messy in the most stylish manner possible. He was dressed in simple but well-cut shirt and trousers, making Charity glad she’d slipped on the sheath dress and heels despite the bar’s decidedly un-fancy environment. His admiring regard bolstered her confidence.

“We were brought here on the same ship and struck up a friendship.” Ilid’s smile grew as he glanced at Charity an instant before his scrutiny skittered at their surroundings.

Okay, so it isn’t me bothering him. She knew it was selfish, but Charity was too relieved to worry overmuch about what was stealing Ilid’s ease of mind.

She directed her attention to the silent Nobek who stood slightly apart from them. His sharp stare was intent, particularly on Ilid. “Hey, quit hogging the spotlight, Detodev. It isn’t all about you.”

Mitag laughed. “He’s definitely the strong, silent type. If it weren’t for me, he’d lack any manners. Say hello, Detodev. The night just got interesting.”

“Interesting is what you call it?” The brooding figure stepped closer. “Hello again, Jennifer. A pleasure to meet you, Dramok Ilid.”

For a moment, Ilid avoided his regard, though he gazed in his direction. He seemed to peer over the larger man’s shoulder. Then he nodded to the Nobek. “And you, Detodev. Jennifer told me you recommended this bar.”

“You don’t seem particularly enthused by it. Or you’re searching for someone whom you’d rather not run into.”

His bland assessment caught Charity by surprise. Detodev wasn’t familiar with Ilid, but he’d quickly caught on to his discomfort. Ilid was similarly taken aback.

“You Nobeks never miss a clue. I suppose I’m somewhat claustrophobic. A lot of people, and the lighting makes it feel smaller than it is. Lots of shadows…” he scanned the room nervously, much as he had since he and Charity had arrived.

“Why didn’t you say so?” Charity laid a hand on his arm and noticed how tension thrummed through it. “We can leave.”

“I hate to ruin your night. I can handle it.” He waved the arm she wasn’t touching as if to brush off her concern.

“The bar has a huge open deck in the rear,” Mitag offered grandly. “We can go there. Come on. I’ll buy the next round in honor of new friends, and we’ll enjoy this beautiful night under the stars.”

Charity noted Ilid appeared ashamed of his phobia. She hung onto him to show she wasn’t bothered by it, tugging him toward the door Mitag had indicated led to the deck. He went along.

Mitag nudged Detodev, who looked as if he might remain where he stood for eternity. “I said I’m buying. You haven’t turned down a free drink in the past, you big freeloader, even if it does mean being sociable.” He winked at Charity. “I’m trying to wear this cranky ronka down by being his sugar daddy.”

She laughed. “Are you rich?”

“No, but I’m better off than he is. I don’t mind letting him know it in hopes of buying his affections. I have a terrible weakness for those who play hard to get.”

Detodev scowled but said nothing.

Mitag scored their drinks, and the foursome went outdoors to the well-lit deck. The recorded music playing indoors was piped to the exterior. A few couples were taking advantage of it by dancing in the spacious surroundings. Only a quarter of the rustic wood tables and bench seats were occupied. Ilid visibly relaxed as he glanced around.

“The deck is rarely crowded. Is this all right, Ilid?” Mitag led them to a table no one else sat next to.

“Yeah. This is okay.” He grimaced as he glanced at the Imdiko and Detodev. “Some Dramok, huh?”

“My cousin who helped me move here from Kalquor hates snakes. He’s a Dramok, and he actually screamed when he saw a poor little rat snake in a bush. He was halfway up a tree before I realized what had set him off. You have no reason to feel bad.” Mitag chuckled.

Detodev snorted at the story. Charity gazed at him in pretended shock. “Did you just laugh? Do you possibly possess a sense of humor under those inscrutable but handsome features?”

“No.” A ghost of a smile remained, however. Charity thought it might be because she’d called him handsome, which he was.

“He laughs. Usually at me when I do something asinine,” Mitag sighed.

“If that were the case, I’d never stop laughing.” Detodev swallowed a gulp of bohut, his eyes glinting at the Imdiko.

Charity and a more relaxed Ilid snickered, particularly at Mitag’s pretended outraged attempt to take back the drink he’d bought the Nobek. Detodev easily fended him off, then regarded Ilid.

“There are far worse quirks than an intense dislike of enclosed spaces. I doubt it makes you less than the natural leader your designation claims you are.”

“Same,” Mitag sang out. “So how are things on Kalquor? I heard the virus is being brought under control. They let you on Haven, so it can’t be too bad.”

“A lot of areas are still quarantined, but overall, it hasn’t been as devastating as what the Earthers are dealing with.”

“I was lucky to be nowhere near the Dark Death outbreak sites,” Charity said. “Haven’s lucky to have escaped it so far.”

“The Darks supposedly unleashed both viruses,” Detodev said. She noted his voice was deep, almost ponderous, as if it carried weight. They weren’t touching, but she swore it trembled her bones. “The Imperial Clan and Royal Council have been adamant the empire will defeat the Darks, but I get a sense it isn’t going as well as they’d have everyone believe.”

“Have you been tested for sensitivity? Can you see them?” Ilid asked.

“All Kalquorians on Haven were tested. My brain doesn’t have the necessary configuration, apparently.”

“Mine either, and I’m no meditator,” Mitag said carelessly. “Thank goodness for the Earther women who can hear those things.” He grinned charmingly at Charity.

“Haven’s head of security has stationed Kalquorians who can detect Darks by sight where they’re needed most,” Detodev asserted. “Nobek Groteg told me if anyone ridden by those entities tries to sneak past the security cordon, or in the unlikely event they actually make it on the planet, he’ll know.”

“Maybe he sees them,” Charity guessed.

“Could be. I feel pretty secure having him in charge.” Detodev glanced at their glasses. “I guess Ilid’s the man to keep up with when it comes to drinking. Contrary to what the rich event planner Mitag says, I can afford the next round. Drink up.”

“Event planner?” Charity smirked at Mitag. “Here? Do you run rodeos, square dances, or potlucks?”

He made a face at her. “We have clanning ceremonies and wedding receptions and all sorts of parties. Since I’m the best in the area when it comes to putting on a grand function—”

“He’s one of three in the district. The other two are so bad, he might as well be the only event planner,” Detodev observed in his dry tone. “In Sunrise, if you bring a bottle of wine and the dishes are clean, you’re an event planner.”

Mitag’s expression was so hurt, Charity forgot herself and gave the Nobek a shove. When Detodev failed to budge an inch, she shoved him again. “You’re mean.”

“What? I didn’t say he isn’t talented at what he does. I’m only saying he has no competition.”

“I’m very talented at what I do,” Mitag informed him loftily. He turned pointedly from Detodev and spoke to Charity and Ilid. “I’m booked solid for the next nine months, and my services aren’t cheap. My clients do get their money’s worth, however.”

“The Earther governor’s birthday party was a hit,” Detodev muttered, as if trying to restore himself to Mitag’s good graces but was embarrassed to do so.

“Damn right it was. Haven’s news bureau…the planet’s, not the local Sunrise hacks…called it the social gathering of the year.” Mitag kept his back to the Nobek, apparently unwilling to forgive so soon.

“I wonder how I can score an invite to one of your galas,” Charity mused.

“I could always use an extremely beautiful server.” He leaned closer while wearing a charming grin, blatantly flirting.

“Excuse me, Imdiko. She and I came here as dates. She’s leaving with me.” Ilid appeared more amused than offended. In fact, his grin at Mitag was positively inviting.

“Maybe I can join you when you go?” Mitag looked Ilid over, returning the interest.

“Mitag has no shame. I like him,” Charity told Ilid.

“You don’t mind men who enjoy men?” Detodev edged forward to be included.

Charity imagined his regard was less aloof. I should keep shoving him. Or perhaps a punch would make him happy. He is a Nobek. Rough is their drug of choice.

She met his eyes. “Honey, there are far worse characteristics to have than being attracted to your fellow man. If that’s what gets your engine purring, you don’t need my blessing.” Another thought occurred to her. “Just men, Detodev? Or you an equal opportunity sort?”

This time, his smile went beyond the hint of a presence. His lips actually curled upward. “I’m very attracted to women. Even those who don’t run off when I’m giving every signal they should.”

“He feels the same for us Imdikos. I never miss a chance to lure him home.” Judging from the wicked leer Mitag gave Detodev, he’d gotten over his irritation at the Nobek.

“Mitag is a pro when it comes to detecting my moments of weakness…or desperation.” Detodev’s smirk remained.

“You’re such a bastard.” Mitag grinned.

Charity and Ilid chuckled at the pair. The young woman guessed Detodev liked Mitag despite himself. Then she wondered why the Nobek was so determined to keep his distance. Trust issues?

Join the club, big boy. She suppressed a sigh and concentrated on having fun in the company of the three handsome men.

* * * *

Charity had enjoyed her share of intimate partners. There’d even been a couple of one-night stands in her earliest days in college. She was aware Kalquorians held sex in casual regard. It was normal for them to indulge in sleeping together on a first…or only date. As natural as meeting up for drinks.

She’d treated herself to bouts of heavy petting when she and Ilid had managed to get alone on the shuttle ride to Haven. He’d made her feel good…incredible, in fact. She found him sexually attractive. Mitag was also a delicious temptation. Detodev too, once he’d had several drinks and allowed his reserve to ease a touch.

However, it wasn’t her typical modus operandi to jump in bed with two virtual strangers and a third she’d met days ago all at once. Maybe it was having been brought up in a dangerous environment where extramarital sex, if discovered, led to a death sentence via torture. Maybe it was her better sense coming forth for a change…not that she discerned any trouble where her companions were concerned. They teased and flirted, but they didn’t cross the line into disrespect once.

More likely, it was the feeling she should uncover the mysteries lurking beneath the inviting surface. Ilid’s anxiety was improved on the deck outdoors, but he continued to be excessively watchful for the quiet pastoral environment. She was certain Detodev’s distance, despite his thawing, was a defensive tactic. Mitag was his opposite, at times appearing desperate to get close to them and her.

Then there’s me. Hunted by fanatics, playing someone I’m not…they don’t know what I really look like, much less who I am.

The situation felt weird in spite of her being attracted to the trio. Too weird. As the hour grew late, Charity made it clear she’d be returning to Clan Amgar’s farm for sleep rather than accompanying anyone elsewhere.

“Really?” Mitag gave her a forlorn expression, but he made no protest. “Then allow me to see you safely to your door.”

“Is he deaf or dense?” Ilid asked Detodev. The Dramok had reminded Mitag several times that Charity was officially his date.

“Stubborn. And relentless.” Detodev eyed Mitag. Charity would have sworn his regard for the Imdiko contained amused affection. “He does have his good points, but don’t tell him I said so.”

“I’m right here, you big ronka. Hearing every word you say, so you can’t take it back.” Mitag grinned brightly.

“It’s the bohut and whiskey. They’re doing my talking for me.” The Nobek had drunk quite a bit, but his words weren’t slurred. He moved with shocking grace for someone so big and muscled.

“Ilid?” Charity pointedly gazed toward the flat expanse where far fewer shuttles were parked than a mere hour earlier. She could clearly see the Dramok’s rented vessel though it was parked in a far corner.

“Nobek, Imdiko, it’s been a pleasure.” Ilid bowed to the men, real warmth lighting his handsome features.

“You’re new to Sunrise,” Mitag wheedled. “You might get lost. Let us join you to guarantee Matara Jennifer is safely delivered to her doorstep. Detodev, as a protective Nobek, you must want to ensure our new friends get where they need to be.”

“Of course. I’m at least capable of helping you get home,” came the gruff reply.

Charity thought it was an odd statement to make.

There was continued back and forth until Charity stood and stared at the Dramok who laughingly protested he was perfectly capable of finding the Amgar farm, then his own rented quarters.

“Ilid.”

Uttering nothing else, she left the deck and headed for his shuttle.

Her eyes rolled but she grinned when she heard all three men following her, still debating whether Mitag and Detodev would chaperone her and Ilid.

In the end, the Imdiko and Nobek piled in the small craft, continuing to make their arguments though Ilid had closed the hatch behind them. He was already in the pilot’s seat readying to lift off. Charity sat next to him.

“Enough!” Ilid pretended to protest. “We’re on our way, so give it a rest.”

Barely five minutes later, he set the shuttle on the Amgar front lawn. The three men spilled from it and proceeded to jostle for the right to hold Charity’s hand in gentlemanly support as she descended the ramp.

“Check them, Groteg,” a woman’s voice called from the porch. “They seem giddy for flying this evening.”

Charity was grateful for the semi-darkness. Her hot cheeks warned she was blushing as Sara, Groteg, and Utber rose from rocking chairs to greet the group of young people.

“I hope you weren’t waiting up for me,” she groaned. “If I’d known, I’d have returned earlier.”

“We came out to enjoy the air and got wrapped up talking. It’s later than I realized,” Sara noted as she leaned on the porch railing. “You seem fine, Jennifer. Did you pilot?”

“I did.” Ilid stepped forward and bowed. He followed up by fishing out what appeared to be a paper strip from his pocket. He held it up. “I tested as I left the bar. I’m within legal range to fly.”

“Let me see.” Groteg held out his hand, wearing a severe and very paternal frown.

“Poor Tori and her future dates,” Charity teased.

“She isn’t dating. Ever.” Groteg looked at the alcohol level strip and its timestamp. He nodded and returned it to Ilid. His gaze swung to Detodev, whom he eyed in silence for a couple beats. He turned his attention to Mitag. “You’re the man who throws the parties around here.”

“He does an amazing job,” Utber said, coming down the porch steps to talk to his fellow Imdiko. They exchanged bows. “It’s good to see you again, Mitag.”

“And you, Imdiko Utber. What I wouldn’t do to have you cater my functions!”

“The Kalquorian governor keeps me far too busy but thank you. I attended Governor Grisweld’s birthday party and was impressed by your work. You have a great future ahead of you.”

“I had fun,” Ilid whispered to Charity. “I hope I wasn’t too depressing due to my…claustrophobia.”

“You were fine.” She considered him for an instant before going on her toes to give him a quick, chaste peck on the lips. “So fine, I demand you see me again. Will you?”

“You’d have to swing a stick at me to keep me away. Even then, I might take my chances on a cracked skull.”

She laughed. “I think you’re safe. If I decide I’ve had enough of you, I’ll send Groteg out to tell you to leave.”

“Yikes.” Ilid tried to use her as cover to hide from the narrow-eyed Nobek behind her, making her laugh harder.

* * * *

“I have to take you back to the bar to get your shuttles, don’t I?” Ilid said as he lifted off. The window vid showed Jennifer waving goodbye from the farmhouse’s front steps, and he smiled.

“She’s amazing,” Mitag said. “So much energy. So willing to laugh and have fun.”

“Smart too, though she doesn’t make a big deal of showing it off,” Ilid agreed.

Detodev said nothing, but his gaze was riveted on the young woman as she turned and followed Clan Amgar into their home.

Since Detodev had taken the copilot’s seat, Mitag hung over them both. His arms propped on their backrests. “I walked from my house, which isn’t far from Bar, Bowl, and Barrel. I bet Detodev walked too.”

“I did. You can drop me off at my place, if you don’t mind, Dramok. It’s on the way.”

“Or we could continue this lovely night at my home,” Mitag invited, grinning naughtily.

Ilid was tempted. Perhaps he would have gone for it if it had been only Detodev. The Nobek seemed aloof when he hadn’t had plenty to drink. He might be glad for a mere fuck-buddy for one night. Mitag, in contrast, acted as if he were actively on the hunt for relationships. Maybe clanmates. The fact he’d been attempting to romance Detodev for more than a year despite the Nobek’s taciturn nature spoke volumes about his intentions.

A good guy, Mitag. Sweet, funny, and vibrant like Jennifer. He has all the makings of a terrific clanmate.

Too bad Ilid couldn’t say the same for himself.

“I told my parents to expect me home tonight,” he apologized. “It’s too late to com them I’m not coming in. My mother and Imdiko father will worry if they wake up in the morning and I’m nowhere to be found. The trials of being under twenty-five.” He tried to make it sound as if he joked.

“I love that you’re younger than me. It makes me feel so experienced and wise.” Mitag chuckled.

“You aren’t twenty-five either,” Detodev reminded him.

“I will be in a few months. And I don’t live with my parents.” Mitag winced and quickly added, “I’m not saying anything is lacking about you doing so, Dramok. Please don’t take my statement wrong. Based on tonight, I think you’re wonderful. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t invite you home.”

“Thanks. I took no offense. I was on my own less than a year ago. On this trip, it made sense to rent a place as a family while we evaluate owning a bakery on Haven.”

It wasn’t quite a lie. Ilid felt ashamed to hide the entire truth, however. It was clear he had no business encouraging Mitag for anything beyond a casual fuck.

“If you have parents who want you close, you should take every advantage of it,” Detodev said, his gaze distant.

It was on the tip of Ilid’s tongue to ask if the Nobek’s past troubles, which had led him to be put in Clan Amgar’s care during his youth, had estranged him from his parent clan.

Detodev spoke before he had the chance to pose the question. “You can drop me off at Mitag’s, Ilid. Thanks.”

Mitag beamed, as if the Nobek had granted his every wish. “Glorious! Meanwhile, give me your com frequency, Ilid. We’ll figure out when we can get together, at which time you can make your excuses to those loving elders of yours.”

Ilid thought he heard a slight catch in Mitag’s voice. When he glanced at him, the Imdiko was smiling at him, his com at the ready to record his contact information.

“I don’t know how much time I’ll have to spare for recreation,” Ilid said. “We’re meeting the sellers tomorrow. I’ll be contacting suppliers and computing cost analyses—”

“Ugh, don’t tell me you’re as unsociable as Detodev,” Mitag groaned. “Why are you hot guys so reluctant to enjoy life? To enjoy me? Do I smell bad or what?”

“I told him to drop me off at your place,” Detodev scowled. “Am I being unsociable?”

“Trust me, you’ll be well rewarded for emerging from behind your impenetrable wall. Frequency, Ilid? Please?”

Since Ilid couldn’t conjure a reason not to give it to him and avoid being insulting, he caved. I’ll think of a reason to put him off when he coms. He’ll eventually understand he can do better.

Chapter Six

“What a night,” Mitag enthused. Detodev followed him into his apartment after Ilid had dropped them off. “Can you believe we were so lucky to meet a pair like them? Beautiful woman, handsome Dramok?”

“Planning your clanning ceremony, Mitag? You should find yourself the right Nobek too, if that’s the case.”

Maybe I have. The problem was, Detodev didn’t agree.

Mitag looked the big Nobek over as Detodev conscientiously pulled his boots off and left them by the front door next to Mitag’s. There wasn’t a speck of dirt on those boots. Experience had taught Mitag they were the pair the Nobek saved for going out after work. Fieldworkers were used to taking their shoes off so as not to track in dirt. Habit or not, Mitag was convinced that deep down, Detodev was thoughtful.

His companion was a tough nut to crack, however…impossible, thus far. Another Imdiko probably would have given up on the stolid Nobek who usually kept his distance. Mitag would have too, under normal circumstances.

He knew Detodev had no contact with his family. He didn’t know why. His friend…damn it, Detodev was his friend despite the Nobek’s attempts to prove otherwise…had formed an attachment to Clan Amgar. Thanks to being remanded to their care when he’d gotten in whatever trouble had landed him on Haven, he had their support. Nonetheless, they couldn’t properly be called his family.

Like Mitag, he was alone. Mitag was convinced Detodev was as despondent about his isolation as he was.

Both of us are orphans, in some fashion. He needs a confidante. I need a confidante. Why doesn’t he see it?

Detodev was already looking at his boots in the entryway, no doubt reconsidering whether he should stay the night. Mitag wouldn’t give him the chance to change his mind.

He pulled off his jacket meant more for fashion than warmth and tossed it to a nearby chair. He approached his target. The Nobek ceased considering his footwear to watch Mitag slink toward him, his feet making no sound on the hardwood floor.

He spoke no words. Detodev wasn’t chatty on his most sociable days, so Mitag quelled the flood of niceties his nature tended to. He simply wrapped his arms around the Nobek’s thick neck and pulled him close for a kiss.

Detodev came willingly.

Mitag was convinced he was his companion’s first real lover. By his own admission, Detodev had only been intimate with fellow Nobeks prior to his and Mitag’s initial sexual encounter. He’d been damned near terrified the first time the Imdiko had seduced him, afraid he’d somehow hurt the smaller man. It should have been funny to see such an intimidating Nobek shaking as Detodev had. Mitag had found it pitiful…and also sweet. His crush had been so worried for his welfare. Maybe it had been that moment when he’d become determined to convince Detodev they could be a couple.

Nearly a year in, he was still trying to persuade the stubborn lug they should be more than an occasional fuck.

He poured his lust for sex and an emotional connection in the kiss, as he always did. Detodev responded, his arms tight around Mitag’s waist, pulling him in, letting him feel his growing desire against his belly. Their lips performed a sinuous dance, matched by the twining choreography of their tongues. Mitag moaned and moved to excite the Nobek the way he’d learned the man responded to. He was rewarded by his lover lifting him off his feet. Detodev carried him down the polished floor of the hallway to the bedroom.

Detodev paused in the doorway to consider his surroundings. Mitag held off a grin, worried it could be taken the wrong way. He wasn’t amused, but anticipatory.

Mitag’s bed was clan-size, big enough for four to sleep on. The coverings were lush and soft, and double rods festooned by sheers and heavier curtains spanned to carved wood columns at the corners. When the canopy drapes were drawn, it gave the romantic illusion lovers were shut off from the rest of the world in a private oasis.

Detodev eyed the bed, then the grouping of cushions before a fireplace on the near wall. Many of the cushions were billowy and some had firmer supportive forms. They could be moved to any number of configurations lovers might choose for comfort and play.

“Do you think it’s too warm in here for a fire?” the Nobek asked.

“A fire would be nice. Why don’t you light it while I strip you?” Mitag invited. He unleashed his eager grin when Detodev’s eyes darkened in excitement. A hint of spicy-sweet arousal teased his nostrils. His and his companion’s.

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

Detodev carried him to the hearth and set him on his feet. Musky scentwood was already stacked properly in the fireplace. The Nobek knelt and took a small portable torch from its pouch on his belt while Mitag loosened the belt itself.

As Detodev lit the wood, Mitag pushed his companion’s trousers down and admired the rounded cheeks of his perfectly carved ass. He cupped them in his palms and sighed. Not for the first time, he wished Detodev’s personality was as warm as he was gorgeous. He slid his hands up, bunching the other man’s shirt toward his shoulder blades. The narrow waist, the complicated and exciting hills of muscles widening Detodev’s torso as he traveled up, the surprisingly few shiny scars displaying the history of his development as a member of Kalquor’s warrior caste…the individual elements composing the masterpiece named Detodev made Mitag’s pulse thunder. He licked a path behind his hands, up Detodev’s spine.

He reached the Nobek’s neck as Detodev finished lighting the fire and switched off his torch. Mitag swept the shirt over his head and off his powerful arms without pausing. Detodev turned and grabbed him. Mitag melted in the hungry kiss as the waking flames crackled and released the heady scent infused in the wood.

Detodev bore him onto the softness of the large floor cushions. Mitag experienced a jolt of warmth to his dual manhood to feel the bigger man’s weight on him, pinning him. He was equally happy to top or bottom, depending on his lover’s needs. He loved all forms of lovemaking, relished pleasing and being pleased in equal measure.

It was the closeness that mattered most, rather than the act itself. He wanted so much to be close to others, to know the uncompromising love and security lacking for most of his life.

He pretended he’d found it in Detodev. He pretended this wasn’t another isolated instance of the Nobek succumbing to mere lust.

Detodev paused kissing him to part the resealable seam running along the front of Mitag’s expensive shirt. Some Nobeks got so animalistic during sex, they tore their partners’ clothing. Detodev never had, at least where Mitag was concerned. He was probably worried he’d have to replace stuff he couldn’t afford. The Imdiko had expensive tastes.

Or was there another reason he was more cautious than the Nobeks Mitag had known in the past? Even Detodev’s rougher play had a sense of him holding back. As always, he speculated about the layers of thin scars on his lover’s forearms, crosshatched ladders that climbed the flesh from elbows to nearly his wrists.

Mitag’s wonderings broke off as the other man licked and kissed his chest in eager abandon. No, not as rough as his breed was characterized, but there was no doubt the Imdiko enticed him. He sucked Mitag’s nipple hungrily, his tongue rubbing the sensitive flesh so excitement zinged straight to his stiffening cocks.

Mitag moaned encouragement. His fingers tangled in the Nobek’s wavy hair. His grip tightened as Detodev slurped a path downward. He shoved Mitag’s trousers to his knees. Work-roughened hands gripped the Imdiko’s ass and kneaded.

Detodev wasn’t harsh as far as handling went, but he wasted little time on niceties. Finesse had never been his style, so it was no surprise for him to suck in a mouthful of Mitag’s smaller cock, making no attempt to tease. His head tilted to the side to keep from stabbing himself in the face with the larger frontal shaft, lifted high like a banner. Mitag shouted and writhed at the enthusiastic blowjob. Detodev’s attentions shot him to excruciating arousal in an instant.

Mitag was young enough to come easily, needing very little in the way of play prior to losing control. His gyrations were a desperate attempt to escape before it could happen, but Detodev was too strong for him to slip free. Telltale heat filled the shaft Detodev gobbled and began its inexorable journey to his primary, where his seed would erupt in less than half a minute if he couldn’t get free of the hot, demanding mouth.

Detodev released the grip on one of his ass cheeks. He lazily curled his fingers around the base of Mitag’s larger length as the thread of passion reached it. He squeezed.

The Imdiko’s climax still threatened, but it was dammed from release by his lover’s grip. He thrashed, now in an attempt to get loose so release could happen. The need to come overwhelmed Mitag, and he squalled an inarticulate demand to be allowed to do so.

Detodev came off his secondary and eyed him for a moment. Then he slowly, deliberately swallowed Mitag’s larger cock to where his fist grasped him.

The Imdiko’s sexes jolted, a lightning bolt of vicious yearning turning his insides to lava. His feet thudded against the cushions. His fists beat on them. He screamed as his vision turned white.

His surroundings abruptly reasserted themselves. His cocks throbbed desperately at his inability to orgasm.

Mitag swore. He begged. He fought, raining blows on Detodev’s shoulders, yanking his hair, the heels of his hands shoving his broad forehead. The muscled farmer’s head continued to bob relentlessly as he swallowed Mitag again and again. The Imdiko might as well have been a fly for all the effect he had on the bigger man.

“Please, Detodev, you’re killing me. Please, damn you, you asshole, stop! Let me get off or—hateful bastard—please, Detodev, you have to, don’t be mean…”

There was no way to shake the brutal beast loose, no matter what Mitag did.

Detodev waited until the Imdiko’s struggles and voice weakened to relax his grip. It disappeared. He went all the way down on Mitag. There was an instant when the trapped man felt the entirety of his primary enclosed. Detodev’s throat drew on him, swallowing.

The world shattered. Mitag shattered with it. Cataclysmic convulsions filled him, breaking him apart. Climax hurt after being held off for so long. It was sheer paradise as well, emptying him of the horrific pressure that had built so high. He sensed he was disappearing in jolts of purest elation.

The waves of pleasure hadn’t quite abated when he became aware of the monolithic figure of a huge man rearing up in the dancing firelight. Pressure returned but elsewhere, an insistent burrowing demanding entrance. Despite the ache blooming from Detodev’s determined invasion, Mitag offered no resistance. No denial. He was too wasted and euphoric from what had gone before.

Detodev grunted a happy sound as his slick sex filled Mitag. He propped the Imdiko’s calves against his shoulders and held them there. He slowly thrusted and retreated, thrusted and retreated. His eyes, usually cynicism-sharp, were soft and unfocused as he watched where they joined.

Mitag loved witnessing the Nobek surrender to the moment. It was only during sex he saw Detodev appear vulnerable. Not helpless, but accepting of what had been given to him and grateful to have it. It was a peek into the feeling soul usually hidden behind Detodev’s implacable shell.

Detodev was barely a year older than Mitag and as susceptible to a quick end. The Imdiko watched for the priceless moment that made getting past the farmer’s formidable defenses worthwhile. The seconds passed and his pace quickened. The steady clap-clap-clap of their flesh meeting as the Nobek fucked him counted down the seconds.

Detodev’s face squeezed tight, an expression speaking of pain rather than bliss. It lasted a brief instant. A moan left him in a breathy rush. Tension was erased at the first jerk of the thick cock in Mitag, at the first spurt of hot passion filling him. Sweet calm, then utter euphoria suffused the Nobek’s features as he lost himself in climax. It was the joy of the soldier reaching home after years of battle, the place he’d dreamed of and feared he’d never see.

Like he had during such prior transformations, Mitag fell a little more in love with Detodev.

Minutes later, despite initial insistence he had to go home and get some sleep so he could work in the morning, Detodev pinned Mitag, ready for another round. Just as their youth meant speedy ecstasy, it also granted them quick recovery. It was quite late before they’d truly exhausted themselves.

Spooned from behind, Mitag waited for sleep. He was at once satisfied yet already worrying when he could lure Detodev to his bed again. He clutched the thick arms wrapped around him, willing the Nobek to relinquish the reluctance that demanded a new seduction at every encounter.

* * * *

To his chagrin, Ilid’s mother and Dramok father had waited up for him in the rented house’s kitchen. He did his best to answer Diju’s questions about his night on the town offhandedly, but she seized on the companions he’d ended up among and had flown home.

“They must have been very interesting men for you and Jennifer to have stayed out so late. A Nobek and an Imdiko?” Diju all but danced in her delight on the white tile floor amongst the gleaming appliances and a small, cozy table in the middle of the spacious room. “Close to your age, no less.”

“Jennifer had better rapport than I did when it came to Mitag. They’re both interested in clothes and parties. Detodev came off as barely sociable. I think Mitag’s more into him than vice versa. He barely spoke two words at a time to any of us.”

“Oh, what else would you expect from a Nobek? They prefer their actions to speak for them. If he stuck close, he’s interested.”

“It was a random encounter at the bar. He and Jennifer had become acquainted on the farm. He works for Clan Amgar. For all I know, we won’t run across either him or Mitag again soon.”

“You didn’t exchange com frequencies?” At last, disappointment showed up.

As much as he hated to burst his mother’s bubble, it was for the best. Ilid avoided telling her Mitag had his contact information. “I hardly thought a first meeting involving a number of drinks warranted it.”

“Well, what does? Plenty happens between available Kalquorians after a few drinks.”

“I really don’t want to have this conversation with my mother,” Ilid groaned.

“Diju,” Codab spoke quietly from the wooden chair he occupied at the matching table. “He hasn’t reached legal age to clan unless we give permission. There are plenty of Nobeks and maybe even Imdikos for him to meet here. Let him look around.”

“I wasn’t offered the option, nor was I of age to choose to clan,” she returned, glaring at him. “I was nineteen. You were barely twenty-five. It was an arranged clanning.”

“Times have changed. The traditional clan of four isn’t a guarantee any longer, no more than arranged clanships. He deserves the opportunity to forge his own path.” Codab smiled at her, his gaze soft. Arranged or not, their relationship was full of love. Dramok Codab had no problem displaying it.

She continued to scowl, but the heat lessened in the face of his adoring regard. “I want the best for my son. You have to admit, the support of a protector and caregiver can’t be underestimated.”

“I have no complaints. However, Ilid isn’t me. Or you.”

She rolled her eyes and turned to their child. “At least grant them a chance if they make an effort to see you again. They might be perfect for you.”

“All right. If we cross paths, I’ll see if they’re interested in a real outing, where drinking isn’t the main event of the night.” Ilid smiled. Her love was a beacon of warmth in a cold universe. While her meddling wasn’t entirely welcome, he basked in the caring behind it.

“Excellent. I’m going to bed. Codab?”

“In a moment.”

Diju paused long enough to shoot him a suspicious glance. She turned to her son and cupped her palm around Ilid’s cheek. She left them, murmuring good night. They listened to her go up the softly creaking stairs.

As soon as her footfalls quieted, Codab stood and looked at Ilid. The younger man’s heart sank.

Sure enough, his father had read through his attempts to downplay the night. “Were you truly unimpressed by Detodev and Mitag, or is it a matter of what happened to you?”

Ilid knew he had no choice but to confess. “I don’t want a clan. Or at least, I don’t deserve one. I have no right to play the part of a Dramok to fellow Kalquorians.”

“You do fine when it comes to Jennifer.”

“She’s an Earther. She doesn’t have the expectations our people do of a clan leader. I may fall short of what she wants, but it won’t be because I don’t fit a particular mold.” He looked away, unable to meet the gaze of Codab, a true Dramok.

“Ilid, you were strong when you had to be. You survived what no one else on your ship could. If yours isn’t the heart of a Dramok, then I have no idea what is.” His father’s voice was intense, as if he could etch the words on Ilid’s brain through sheer force.

“I fell apart on Kalquor. I tried to kill myself so you and the rest of my parents wouldn’t have to watch me scream and cry and break down. Now I’m hiding on Haven. How does any of it equate to the heart of a Dramok?” Ilid rubbed shaking hands over his face. “In the bar, I couldn’t stop looking for those damned Darks, though I’m certain they haven’t made it onto the planet. My mind insisted they were in every shadow. Detodev noticed, unsurprisingly. How could a Nobek miss my fear?”

“You were tortured by those things, my son. No man would escape such a situation and be unaffected for months or years afterward.”