Chapter 8

Ellax

T he female's quiet question tugged at something inside of me. Something rarely felt, brought on by a certain sadness over losing my wife and son, coupled with jealousy of what Caide had with his human wife. Whatever the feeling was, it was akin to an uncharacteristic softness. This female needed help. Realizing helping her would not inconvenience me, and perhaps the universe would help me out of my dilemma if I assisted her out of hers, I chose to take a nobler path.

"It will be well," I said. "We both know I am not without means and resources. I can contact your ship, either by way of this ship's communication systems or when we arrive on Asterion. I can explain that I needed your assistance with maintaining records. I will advise them that we simply lost track of time. They will not argue. After all, I am…"

"A Lead Advisor on the Interstellar Coalition," she broke in. She still appeared unhappy, but she had fortified herself enough to push away from my embrace. I let my arms fall, noticing instantly the chill of the room against my skin without her body next to mine.

"I suppose it might work," she agreed, tucking her hair behind her ear. Stars, her hair was wild. I could not recall Druea ever appearing this mussed. Then again, I had rarely, if ever, had her awaken beside me, either.

"Maybe, with your position, they'll take me back," she mused. "Then again, I'll have to find a way to get there. How am I going to get there? I can't pay for a transport if it's very expensive. I'm dead ass broke. I—"

"Fret not," I assured her. "If I've learnt anything throughout my years as an Elder and now Lead Advisor, it is to tackle a challenge one problem at a time. First, we will find something to eat. Your hangover will only worsen, despite the drink to settle it, if you have no food in your belly.

"Trust me," I added wryly, seeing her face screw up in distaste at the mention of food, "I know. Then we will go to the ship's captain. We will contact your space ship. We will do this in steps. One at a time," I reassured her.

She studied me from the corner of her vision. "Why are you being so nice to me?" she asked. "Why are you agreeing to help me? I'm not your pet project. And helping a human woman seems pretty far down the list for someone in your position. I'm sure you have far more important things to worry about."

I shrugged. "I suppose I feel a certain responsibility for your plight," I admitted. "I am offering to assist you. Take it or leave it, as you will."

It was her turn to shrug. "Clearly, I'm not in a position to turn down any offers of help," she muttered.

"Correct." I stood, uncaring of my near nakedness, and crossed the room to retrieve my phone. "I will call for food. And…" I glanced back over at her, only to see her watching me closely. When our stares met, her cheeks flushed pink and she dropped her gaze. I did not know whether to be amused or flattered. When had I last seen a female blush? How long since I'd met a female who was obviously attracted to me, but didn't wish me to know? The females I lay with were either bold with their desires—such as the flight attendant on this ship—or else paid sex workers, who understood pleasuring a male was their job.

"…I will see if we might find clothing and toiletries for you," I finished, after a brief, awkward span of silence. "I suppose you have nothing on this ship."

She plucked at the blanket fretfully, refusing to look at me. "Nope. Nothing."

Why did I find her embarrassment…almost…charming? Endearing? Because it was so different?

You are acting a fool, Ellax, I told myself, turning away from her to push a button on my phone that would connect me with the ship's bridge. I did not need admiration or adulation from a human female. Or from any female, for that matter. In fact, the only thing I needed was an heir. And I certainly would not find that from this woman.