"I know the Earth codes," Ancelin said, fingers already tracing the Satphone's smooth surface."And I can reimburse you for the call charges."
Krevan's only response was a slight nod before he slipped out, pulling the heavy door closed with barely a sound.Alone in his sanctum of leather-bound books and polished wood, Ancelin ran her fingertip along the edge of his desk.Alone in his sanctum, Ancelin traced her fingertips over the polished desk edge.Yesterday's brooding stranger—the same man who had pulverized a windshield without effort—had just granted her entry to his inner realm.As he'd pulled the door closed, she'd caught his gaze lingering: cautious and evaluating, but with an unmistakable softness around the edges.
She dialed Lena's number, following the proper Satphone protocol and inputting the necessary codes."Hello," came a drowsy voice from the other end.
"Hi, Lena, it's Ancelin.I'm calling from Verrian.I got here safely."
"Ancelin!Thank God," Lena's voice crackled through the receiver."We've been worried sick."
"I'm fine," Ancelin twisted the cord around her finger."Mr.Vallex met me at the station yesterday.His farmhouse is incredible—middle of nowhere, but stunning.Still haven't seen my place though.The storm's too bad, and apparently, it's a wreck anyway.Needs a lot of repairs.”She lowered her voice."He expected Ancelin Trever to be a man."
"What's he like, this Vallex?"
"He's Triaxen.You know, from Triaxe?Do you know anything about them?"
"Just that it's tropical planet.I can research more if you want."
Static hissed through the line as thunder boomed outside."We might lose connection," Ancelin warned."The storm's getting worse."
"Wait—you're staying in his house?What's his full name?Is he treating you well?"
"Krevan Vallex.And yes, he's..."Ancelin hesitated, heat rising to her cheeks."He's been kind.After a rough start."
"Vallex," Lena repeated."That sounds familiar.Like from a news story years ago.I'll check.I do know Triaxe has several universities.Lots of Earth humans live there too."
“Okay, thanks, Lena, for all your information and looking him up for me.I’d better go now.The thunder is louder; the storm is nearer.It’s drowning you out.I’ll call you as soon as I get another chance.Don’t worry about me.I love you guys, and I miss you bunches.Good-bye.”Ancelin hung up the phone.
Sitting back in the large office chair, she swirled around like a child.The books fascinated her.She was interested in seeing and reading some.Nowadays, bound books were expensive and rare.To have them on Verrian was a true luxury only a wealthy man could possibly attain.She wanted to look them over.However, she would not invade his privacy or touch his priceless tomes without permission.When appropriate, she would ask him if he would allow her to read them.To hold one in her hands would be a rare pleasure.
Ancelin sprung out of the spinning chair and left the room to retrieve Krevan.When she approached the greenhouse doors, they swooshed open to allow her entrance.
"I've made my call," Ancelin announced, her voice carrying through the humid air of the greenhouse.She lingered at the threshold, watching Krevan's silhouette among the foliage."Ready to show me your kitchen supplies?"Above them, the sky had transformed into a bruised expanse of purple-black, pressing down on the glass ceiling.Each gust of wind tested the seams of the structure with a low, persistent moan.Ancelin ventured a few steps deeper into the verdant sanctuary, scanning the left side of the room.
"Ancelin."His voice came from nowhere, soft against her ear.She jumped, barely containing a startled cry.
"Do you always sneak up on people like that?"She pressed her palm against her thundering heart."You'll turn my hair gray before morning."She swept her hand theatrically over her forehead.When his lips quirked upward, she found herself reaching for his forearm.The muscles beneath her fingers flexed then softened.
"I'll make more noise approaching next time," he said, gaze dropping to her hand on his skin."Or perhaps you'll grow accustomed to my...differences, eventually."He took her hand in his and led her toward the kitchen.
A chill traveled from his cool palm up through her arm."The storm's getting worse.We should cook now before I power down the generators.Lightning makes the electrical systems unpredictable."
"Is there anything you lack here?"Ancelin asked, taking in the gleaming countertops and state-of-the-art appliances.
"Possessions?"Krevan's mouth curved slightly."My wealth sees to those needs."As they stepped into the kitchen's warm light, his voice softened to a near-whisper."Though some needs can't be satisfied with money."The words brushed against her ear, sending a cascade of heat through her body.Warmth pooled at the base of her spine, radiating outward until her toes curled inside her shoes.
Ancelin's jaw dropped as Krevan swung open the cold and freezer storage doors.Shelves groaned under the weight of provisions—chicken breasts nestled beside thick-cut bacon, Earth vegetables alongside purple-tinged Triaxen produce she couldn't name.In the corner, vacuum-sealed packages of coffee beans filled an entire shelf, their rich aroma somehow penetrating the sealed bags.The freezer hummed with frozen milk, cream, and grains, while the adjacent pantry revealed row upon row of meticulously organized canned goods and dry ingredients.Her fingers trailed over bags of flour, sugar, and cocoa powder—everything needed for the chocolate cake her mother had taught her to bake at thirteen.Ancelin pulled out a bag of rice and a package of what looked like chicken, turning to Krevan with raised eyebrows."For a self-proclaimed hermit," she said, "you shop like you're expecting the royal family for dinner."
"My mother sends me food items she orders.I like to eat.”He shrugged.“Hopefully, my family will visit me someday," Krevan replied, a hint of sadness crossing his face momentarily as he led her out of the walk-in pantry.
"Do you like noodles with chicken in cream sauce?"Ancelin asked."I could also make a fruit pie, but if we lose power, it won't bake properly.Maybe I should bake a cake or pie later.For now, I can whip up a nice pasta dish."
"I'd love the pasta dish; it sounds delicious.Could you make some coffee, too?The storm isn't improving.Once you've finished cooking, I'll turn off the generator.I’ll go turn off the ones upstairs, the garage, and other buildings now.I'll leave the kitchen generator on until you're done.I'll also get some candles."
"I'll have this ready before you know it," Ancelin said, turning the burner dial with a flick of her wrist.She glanced over her shoulder at him, adding, "We might as well make the most of the storm—dinner by candlelight sounds like fun.”She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, surprised by her own boldness.Something about his presence made her voice drop to a tone she hardly recognized.
"I look forward to it," Krevan replied, her name a soft afterthought on his lips.
By the time he returned to the kitchen, Ancelin had already set steaming serving dish of pasta on the table.The house had gone quiet—the background hum of electricity silenced as he'd shut down the upstairs generators.Shadows played across his face as he entered, the cardboard box in his arms revealing its cargo of tapered candles and battery-powered lights.
