“Yeah. And since she’s pregnant, it just compounds the problem. And we don’t have any medicine here to help reduce the reaction.”
The man cocked his head, looking at his hands a moment, considering the options. Finally, he made a choice.
“Simple inflammation, you say? If you will allow me. My kind have a natural healing factor in our bodies. I have never tried with your species, but perhaps I can reduce her distress, at least a little.”
Maureen locked eyes with him, gauging his motives.
Goddamn, look at those cheekbones,she thought as she almost lost herself in his gaze.Get it together Maureen,she mentally slapped herself. “Okay, do what you can.”
Without a moment’s hesitation he moved closer, pressing one hand to the woman’s exposed chest, one to her left flank.
“What exactly do you need to—”
“Shh. I must concentrate.”
His brow furrowed with effort, a fine sheen of sweat beginning to form. Maureen was about to tell him to stop, but thanks for the effort, when she noticed a faint, pale-blue glow beneath his palms, soaking into the unconscious woman’s skin.
It was impossible, but the rash began to recede before her eyes and the woman’s breathing evened out as her distress diminished. After a full minute of effort the man lifted his hands clear and stepped back, a little wobbly on his feet.
“I did what I can. I hope it is enough.”
Maureen looked at the sleeping woman’s skin as the rash continued to fade, then covered her with a blanket. She turned to her companion, reminding herself not to get lost in those beautiful eyes.
“Thank you. I don’t know how you did it, but thank you.”
“I am glad to have been able to help.”
She rocked on her feet, feeling her pulse rise with his proximity. “So, uh, what’s your name?” she finally asked.
“I am called Bodok,” he said with a casual nod of his head. “And you?”
“I’m Maureen.”
“Maureen. Interesting name. Exotic.”
“You think my plain old human name Maureen is exotic?” she chuckled.
“To my people, it is.”
“And who, exactly, are your people?”
“We are called the Pokri.”
“Never heard of you.”
“And I have never heard of humans, until now,” he replied. “It seems we have both experienced a first for our kind.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Bodok.”
“And you, Maureen,” he replied with a belly-warming smile. “Now, come, sit with me, if you will. It appears we have some time on our hands. Tell me about your world.”
“You sure? We’re pretty boring compared to you guys.”
“I’ll be the judge of that. And I find you fascinating.”
Again, Maureen felt a warm ball growing in her belly. She met his gaze head on and grinned, letting the heat grow. “What do you want to know?” she asked.
A curious, sexy grin spread across his lips. “Everything.”
