“Kitaico?” This time I do laugh. My alien turns to me, his face serious. “Of course not. He’s been kinder than anyone I’ve ever met.”
I turn to him and squeeze his hand. His skin ripples in shades of gray. His face is still drawn with worry, and I realize he doesn’t understand me.
“No, he would never hurt me,” I repeat, smiling at my mate.
“I am glad for it,” the elder in charge says coolly. “Regardless, there are questions that must still be answered. Why didn’t you bring her to the capital?”
“I did not wish to disqualify myself by leaving the nest. I assessed the situation, and as Leeenuh was unharmed, I decided to bring her when I returned for the final challenge.”
Both elders look at each other with some unspoken criticism of his answer. It must be an adequate response, as they don’t pry further.
“Might I ask why the blaster was discharged?” Gunkoi asks, his brows knitting.
“That was my fault!” I offer. Kitaico squeezes my hand back with a drawn mouth. I think he’s willing me to shut up, but I’ve already begun explaining. “An exile was trying to kidnap me, and I wasn’t sure who would come through the entrance. I didn’t realize it was Kitaico until I’d already shot. Luckily, I’m terrible with firearms, so I missed—mostly.”
All the Andjin grimace as I point to his burnt tentacle.
“And what became of the exile?”
“Dead,” Kitaico says plainly.
“Ah, I see,” the elder says, scanning the cave thoughtfully. “As much as I hate being in another male’s nest, I commend you for the work you’ve done, Kitaico. I’d like to continue our conversation back at the capital. You have much to prepare for. We’ll allow you to continue your Great Proving journey.”
“Thank you, Chancellor Hirouz. May the Great Mother allow me to bring honor to our people,” Kitiaico mutters, doing several quick motions with his fingers before thumping his fist on his chest.
Was that some kind of alien secret handshake?
“The female can travel?” Chancellor Hirouz asks.
“She has no gills.” Kitaico points out my evolutionary shortcomings.
“Ah, well, I will arrange for an additional pod,” the elder says before tapping a techy-looking broach on his jacket. He mutters into the device, “Transport requested at the nesting site.”
I turn my attention back to the scarred guard, who eyes me with curiosity. His face is almost as intrigued as it is distrusting, like he’s trying to figure me out.
He scooped up the blaster from the floor while we weren’t paying attention and holstered it at his hip.
I’m surprised at how high-tech the rest of the weapons strapped to the guard are. This planet seemed so primitive before.
But then again, I’ve been stuck in a cave, horny for Kitaico for most of it…
The guard takes a step closer and sniffs. Any confusion about me slips from his face.
“Chancellor Hirouz, I think the hopeful has been breeding with the female.” His voice is grave.
“Hey, my name is Lena, and I have done nothing I didn’t want to!” I don’t like this guard's vibe, so I give him my best scowl.
Kitaico’s eyes go wide as he watches the elders step closer and draw in the same awkward sniff as the guard.
“It would appear as though we still have much to discuss, Kitaico. Officer Rionkuj, please restrain the hopeful.”
“I can’t understand what she’s saying”—he taps his temple—“but I promise you there’s an explanation for whatever she’s said.”
“I expect there is. Please activate his translator chip as well. I wouldn’t want the female to have to repeat herself.” Chancellor Hirouz waves as the guard clamps both Kitaico’s hands and foretentacles behind his head.
Even though Kitaico’s face is forlorn, the brothers struggle in their restraints. They reach toward me as he’s led to the entrance. The guard pushes a small key fob device up against his temple and my alien winces.
“Are you okay, Kitaico?” I ask, panicking as I see the only person I know on this planet cuffed.
