“That’s either romantic or creepy. I haven’t decided which.”
“I’m hoping for romantic.”
She takes a sip and studies me over the rim. “So. Bayzon of Thirty-Six. Crew leader of the Fever Brothers. Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn’t learn from eavesdropping on bitter females at the buffet.”
I consider the question. What would I want her to know? “I have eight brothers. All of them are annoying. Four are already mated to humans, which means I now have four human sisters who are also annoying but in more pleasant ways.”
She laughs, bright and warm. “Leah mentioned that. She said you’re all called ‘human-lovers.’”
“A term meant as an insult by some.” I meet her gaze steadily. “But I don’t find it insulting. Humans are interesting and resilient. You feel things deeply and aren’t ashamed of it. Xylan could learn much from your species.”
Her expression softens. “That’s not what I expected you to say.”
“What did you expect?”
“I don’t know. Something about humans being small and fragile and needing protection.”
“You are small.” I can’t help but let my gaze travel down her form. “But I don’t think you’re fragile. I know that humans are fierce.”
Her smile widens.
“My turn,” I announce. “Tell me something about yourself.”
“Like what?”
“Why are you on Timbur? Hook’s message said you’re here for a job interview, but he didn’t elaborate.”
“It’s complicated. Mainly, I needed a fresh start. My best friend Leah lives here with her family. A position opened up that matches my skills. It seemed like fate.”
“Are you going to tell me why it’s complicated?”
She takes another sip of her drink. “That requires more alcohol and fewer witnesses.”
I find myself wanting to know everything. “Fair enough,” I say. “But I hope one day you’ll trust me with the long version.”
Her eyes meet mine and she gives a curt nod. “Maybe. If you keep being this charming instead of making females cry.”
I wince. “I should explain that.”
“Yes, you should.”
“The female who cried has been asking me to perform a mating compatibility test with her for years. Every time I see her, she asks. Every ball, every gathering, every mining event. She knows my answer will always be no, but she continues.”
Naomi frowns. “Why does she keep asking if you keep saying no?”
“Because she doesn’t believe me. Or she thinks I’ll change my mind.” I shake my head. “I have the ability to scent compatibility, which means I know before clasping hands whether a bond exists. There is no bond between us. There never will be. But she refuses to accept this.”
“So you weren’t being cruel. You were just... firm.”
“I was frustrated,” I admit. “Tonight of all nights, when I’d finally spotted a female who made my crystal warm in my pocket, who made my chest tight just looking at her across acrowded room. And then my path to her was blocked by the same request I’ve declined a hundred times before.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then she tilts her head. “Your crystal warmed? What does that mean?”
I pull the small Illibrium stone from my pocket and show her. Even now, sitting this close to her, it glows brighter than usual. “Every fever brother carries a personal crystal. We’re bonded to the Illibrium, it’s why we can’t leave Timbur. The crystal responds to strong emotion. It’s been warm since the moment I saw you.”
She reaches out, then hesitates. “Can I...?”
“Touch it? Yes.”
