Krevan's mouth curved into a half-smile."Tempting in more ways than one.But I need to check the perimeter.I'll help you upstairs first, get your bath started, then have a look around."
"Even you aren't bulletproof," she said."Or laser-proof."
"True enough."He brushed a strand of hair from her face."But I'm tougher than I look.It's probably just the wind from the approaching storm—the one we outpaced on the drive home.You should start baking soon, before I might need to cut the power.We've got a party to prepare for."He pressed his lips to hers."If you need me, just call out.I'll hear you—my hearing's exceptionally tuned to your voice."With a gentle pat to her hip, he guided her upstairs.
Ancelin bathed quickly, eager to begin her party preparations.She mentally reviewed her plans: the jewelry gifts for Kellie and Katie—especially meaningful for Kellie, who'd likely owned few luxuries.She'd make chocolate cake with pink frosting and white cake with green—plus maybe that third cake Krevan had suggested.The food coloring she'd found at Silos market would make decorating fun.After dressing, she went to the living room, adjusted the SatView until she found music, and envisioned the pink and blue finger sandwiches she'd serve for lunch.
As Ancelin folded pink, blue, yellow, and green food coloring into the bread dough, memories of Earth flooded back—her mother's dinner parties, the baby showers with friends, the careful planning of every detail.The familiar motions soothed her, even as a wave of homesickness twisted in her stomach like a blade.
The kitchen filled with the scent of baking bread as she moved between tasks.Two hours passed.The cakes cooled on racks, waiting for icing.Still no Krevan.She glanced at the window for the dozenth time.
"Krevan!"she called out, dropping her kitchen towel onto the counter."Krevan!"Her voice echoed through the empty house."I thought you said you could hear me!"
"I can."His voice came from directly behind her.
She spun around."Where have you been all this time?I've been worried sick!"Her words tumbled out, high-pitched and rushed.
Krevan's brow furrowed."Someone broke into the barn and chicken house—took an axe to the doors.All the animals got out.I've spent hours rounding them up and making repairs."
"You're serious?"
"The chickens are mostly back.Got the pigs too.The tartis are still missing, though I've left feed out for them.They smashed the barn doors, tried to get into my office too."
"Who would do this?"
Krevan's expression softened as he studied her face."Have you been crying?"
Ancelin touched her cheek."Just thinking about my mother.I'm fine."
"I doubt it's the same people looking for whatever they think you have," Krevan said, his jaw tightening."More likely it's connected to that fool who collapsed after taking a swing at me, or some other local with a grudge.These types prefer sabotage to facing me directly."He ran his hand through his hair."I'll reinforce the barn doors, install better locks.Maybe even set up something to catch them in the act next time."He paused, nostrils flaring."Something smells amazing in here."He moved behind her, his large hand cupping her breast as he pressed against her.His lips brushed her temple."Where should I store Kellie's furniture until the party?"
“Is it too hard to put the furniture upstairs in one of the bedrooms to hide it for now?”
His mouth quirked at one corner."I thought you liked things to be hard?"
Ancelin brushed past his innuendo."Either you can bring the gifts down when it's time, or I'll take her upstairs for the surprise.I've planned everything—tea service, finger sandwiches for lunch, then presents, followed by dinner and cake."Her hands fluttered as she spoke."It's been so long since I've had anything worth celebrating."
"Same here," he said quietly.
"It reminds me of home.Back on Earth, our house was always full of people."Ancelin's eyes grew distant
."Mom would invite colleagues from the University, and I'd have my friends over.Remember how I told you about planning Lena's wedding shower?And her baby shower?"Her smile faded."I should call her back.She's worried about you—thinks you're dangerous.Told me I should run."
"Understandable," Krevan said, his voice softening."But she doesn't understand Verrian.Women here need protection."He stepped closer, his fingers grazing her cheek."And you have more than protection with me—you have a mate."He winked, the gesture somehow both playful and possessive.
"Lena has no idea what Verrian is really like.She's never met you, and she certainly doesn't know I've got people trying to kill me," Ancelin said with a sigh.
Krevan glanced at the table."Is there any of that white paper left?I could use some."
"Just four sheets.I need to finish the bows with that ribbon."Ancelin gestured toward the staircase."The extras are on the cot downstairs.The furniture will have to go without wrapping—I'll just add bows to make it festive."
"Mind if I take what's left when you're done?"
"Help yourself."Ancelin set steaming plates on the table."Dinner's ready."She watched Krevan take his seat before continuing."I keep thinking about Kellie's baby.She must be thrilled.Though I worry—Verrian isn't exactly child-friendly, and there's no education system here."
Krevan nodded."You're right to be concerned.This region has no schools whatsoever.I believe there's one established institution on the far side of the planet."
"You've been there?"
