14. Zeleck

14

ZELECK

I wake with the soft weight of Jay-duh in my arms. She is still sleeping, her head nestled against me, her warm breath tickling my skin with each rise and fall of her chest. There is nothing better than the feeling of her close to me. She fits perfectly in my embrace, as if she is meant to be there.

Outside, the storm has passed, the sounds of early morning sprinkled with random drips of water from the foliage. The temperature is crisp, the air fresh and clean. Even as the day begins with a tranquil calm, a storm still rages within my heart. A whirlwind of emotions leaves me feeling unsettled.

Jay-duh belongs with me, yet she has not agreed to be my mate.

Holding her like this feels so right it nearly steals my breath. Yet even as my heart beats with the certainty of our bond, I know she is undecided. This shrouds our future in doubt, complicated by the vast differences in our worlds and her desire to leave mine.

Drinking in her delicate beauty, fierce protectiveness surges through my blood. I would do anything to shield her from harm and ensure her happiness.

What if the greatest threat to her happiness is me?

Jay-duh stirs, her thick lashes fluttering open to reveal eyes that never fail to captivate me. A sleepy smile curves her lips as she stretches lazily, her body pressing against mine in ways that make me long to share pleasure with her once again.

She tilts her head up and brushes a soft, sweet kiss- zing against my mouth, a tender gesture that likely has more meaning for me than it does for her.

"The storm's over." Her voice is husky with the remnants of sleep.

I nod, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "It will be a pleasant day for travel."

"I can't wait to get back to the village and learn more about the Rakuium." I can hear the excitement in her words.

"How do you feel about Ah-lan-uh helping you with that?"

"I don't know," she answers honestly. "She's really smart, which would make her an asset. But things between us are so tense and weird. If I ask for her help, maybe Jillian could act as a sort of buffer between us."

"That is a good idea. Jill-ee-un does have a way of putting people at ease, and she tells me she is an expert at matters of the heart."

Jay-duh laughs. "When did she tell you that? In my experience, she's more of an expert on sex."

"When I asked her for help," I say. "She gave me very good advice. Maybe she could help ease the ache in your heart from being abandoned as a kit."

She frowns. "I don't think anything can ease that kind of pain."

"Forging new bonds has a way of easing pain from the past," I say. "Spending time with Ah-lan-uh might allow you to forgive her."

"Maybe," Jay-duh says. "It sounds like you've been hurt by someone before."

"I have been hurt by losing someone."

"What happened?" Her hand draws soothing circles on my chest.

"I lost my future mate during the sickness that claimed so many of the Rakui females' lives. I carried the pain of that loss for too many cycles of the seasons. It was with me always. Until recently."

"What finally eased your pain?"

My arms tighten around her. "You."

Jay-duh stiffens and pulls away to get dressed. "That's a low blow, Zeleck."

"I did not mean to upset you by speaking the truth." I catch her hand before she leaves the shelter. "This was not some sort of trick meant to pressure you into becoming my mate. I know you wish to return to your homeworld."

She looks like she does not believe me. "You weren't pressuring me to stay by making me feel bad for you?"

I squeeze her hand. "I would never do that to someone I care deeply about."

"Well, lots of Earth guys would."

I do not tell her this means she would be better off with a Rakui mate. "I am an honorable male, Jay-duh. Do I want you to stay? Yes. Will I try and stop you from leaving? Not if that makes you unhappy."

She lets out a breath, and the tension leaves her body. "Thank you for respecting my wishes. I'm sorry if I over-reacted."

We lapse into a companionable silence as we gather our things and share a light meal before beginning the journey back to the village. Neither of us mention the pleasure we shared the night before. Yet, I can feel a shift in the energy between us.

There is a newfound closeness that binds us together. Every brush of our hands, every shared glance, every small smile seems filled with a deeper meaning, a silent acknowledgment of the tentative bond we forged. I know with certainty that Jay-duh feels it, too, even if this does not change her plans.

The half-day walk back to the village is pleasant and uneventful. Jay-duh walks beside me with a noticeable spring in her step and a smile on her face. I wonder how much of her buoyant mood is due to the Rakuium we found—and how much is from our time together. I choose to think that our shared quest has left some sort of mark on her heart, just as it has on mine.

As we approach the village, I let out a whistle. We are greeted by Trauhn and Vauss with the Rakui Welcome Cry. They beat their fists against their chests, throw their heads back, and howl. I return their greeting.

"How was your journey?" Trauhn asks.

Jay-duh pats the pouch hanging from her holster. "Fruitful."

"We brought back several small pieces of Rakuium," I add for clarity.

Vauss' brow furrows, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "You should have spoken to the Elders before embarking on this quest."

I wave off his concern. "There was much talk of our quest at the celebration. If the Elders were concerned, they would have summoned us to discuss it."

Trauhn claps a hand on my shoulder. "After hearing about Jill-ee-un's ring, I am happy you have brought back some Rakuium. My mate is fragile, and I am interested in new ways to keep her safe." He glances at Vauss. "Protecting the Terran females and the kits that are on the way is a worthwhile endeavor."

Vauss grunts his agreement. "As long as there is a balance between caution and progress."

"I promise to be careful when evaluating the Rakuium," Jay-duh vows, then turns toward me. "Zeleck, I'm going to head over to the Cavern of Memory and talk with Zavra. I'll see you later?"

I nod, understanding her eagerness to unravel the stone's mysteries. "Of course."

She flashes me a brilliant smile before hurrying off, her steps light and purposeful. Vauss, too, takes his leave, citing duties that require his attention. Then, it is just Trauhn and me, standing at the edge of the village.

"Are you and Jay-duh mates now?" he asks. "The connection between you two is undeniable."

"Not yet," I admit. "She is still determined to return to her homeworld."

Trauhn nods, a smile playing on his lips. "Give her time, my brother. I have faith that you will win her heart."

"I hope you are right." Now that Jay-duh has her Rakuium, I fear that time is running out to convince her to stay.