Chapter 4
She came from a close-knit modest income family. Tera was the eldest of five girls born to two teachers who taught their girls to think for themselves and that they had to work hard for what they wanted in life. Though she was taught to be self reliant and independent, her family had a hard time accepting her decision to leave Earth. Maybe she could have brought up the subject in a better way instead of how she actually did it.
Tera sat at the big round dining room table, her four younger sisters each at their usual seats and her parents at opposite ends of the table. Her mother had established a routine of going around the table and having each person say something about their day. No phones were allowed, no interruptions tolerated. This was their quality time together. When her time came to speak she rushed into it.
“I applied for relocation to Katiera. Pass the potatoes please.”
All hell broke loose. Her sisters asked me a million questions and her mother broke out into tears. Her father, God bless him, looked at me thoughtfully before saying, “I think it’s a good opportunity for you.” Then he passed me the potatoes.
Of course, her parents had their own questions that I had to answer for them. Her mother didn’t want her to go but her father supported the idea, knowing that there wasn’t much for Tera on Earth. I promised to write to them or send video messages, whenever possible. My hope was that one day I would be able to send for my family to join me. Socializing with the Primes of Kiljor could help her do that.
Tera was nervous as she stood in front of the door of the prime family’s suite. It was ridiculous to feel this way. It was just dinner with friends. She waved her hand over the bell system, which identified her to the quarters’ inhabitants. She glanced quickly down at her dress, hoping she was dressed appropriately. What exactly did one wear when dining with what accounted for alien royalty?
She’d chosen a light green sarong-style dress in the style that the females on Katiera and Kiljor wore. She hoped to blend in as best she could. Her long curly hair was bound up on top of her head, leaving her neck and shoulders exposed except for a few long, curly strands that cascaded down. One of the nice human women she’d met on the trip from Earth had taught her how to do that style, after Tera complained about how unruly her hair was at times. The woman she befriended, Dixie, was a stylist, and helped her learn techniques to tame the curls. She could have straightened it, but she didn’t felt like taking longer to get ready.
Lindsey answered the door, which surprised her. She would have thought that as a Prima, which was the equivalent to a princess on Earth, Lindsey would be surrounded by staff to wait on her hand and foot. To come to think of it, most of the times that she’d met with Lindsey, she’d only had one guard, watching over her for safety reasons.
“I’m so glad you agreed to come this evening. We have so much to discuss.” Lindsey practically pulled her into the entryway, already discussing plans she had for a nursery daycare for those who wouldn’t be of age to go to school with the other children yet. She stopped talking only when they reached the end of the hallway, which ended in a large, open-concept room connecting the kitchen, dining room, and living room. Tera could see the glass doors at the other side of the dining room, which opened up to a balcony. She loved the balconies that the Katierans and Kiljorns had on most quarters. They enjoyed the outside as much as they did the luxury on the inside.
Her nervousness returned when she saw that the large living room wasn’t empty. Lindsey introduced her to the small group that was gathered there.
“I know you’ve met both Commander TylOR and his mate, Dr. Elizabeth Connell.”
She smiled as she greeted the mated pair. “Commander TylOR and Dr. Connell, it’s good to see you again.”
“Please call me Lizzie. We’re friends here.”
Tera relaxed a little more. “Lizzie, you’re looking great.”
Lizzie snorted. “I’m sleep-deprived is what I am. Three children under the age of three is cra...a...zzzy.”
Tera laughed. “I remember what it was like growing up with my sisters. We kept our parents on their toes, for sure. Where are the children?” She had only just noticed how quiet and peaceful the home seemed.
Lindsey snuggled next to her mate as she answered. “Our little girl is staying with my father, his mate, and my sister, who are visiting us for a few weeks.”
“Our kids are at home with a nanny we just hired after the twins were born. This is our first night out without them. It feels weird.” Lizzie turned to her mate and whispered, “Should I call and check on them?”
“They’re fine.” TylOR wrapped a reassuring arm around his tiny mate. It was strange seeing someone so big and muscular with someone as short and little as Lizzie, but their love for each was strong and real and inspiring.
Tera had to glance away from the loving scene to keep from expressing the loneliness she was feeling. That was when she realized that there was another person in the room—a gorgeous blond-haired Kiljorn, who had the most amazing eyes. How had she not spotted him when she first came inside? He had seemed to blend in with the environment effortlessly, but now that she’d seen him, she couldn’t seem to look away.
“Oh my, where are my manners? Tera, this is Warrior CristOF, an elite tracker for the Kiljorn nation. Warrior CristOF, this is Tera Kincaid. She’s in charge of the construction of the new schools on Katiera and here on Kiljor, and helped set up the foster program.”
“Hello, Miss Kincaid.” CristOF gave a gentlemanly bow, somehow keeping his eyes on her the entire time.
She felt heat rise to her cheeks. No man had ever looked at her so intently before. It was like he could see all of her at once, inside and out. It was...intense, and kind of hot. She almost forgot there were other people in the room watching.
“Nice to meet you.” Thank God she didn’t stutter.
There was a small silence while she stared at him, which was broken when Lindsey cleared her throat.
“Dinner is ready. I admit I didn’t cook it all myself, but I had amazing helpers.” Lindsey let her mate help her stand. KadEN paused to place his hand over her slightly swollen belly.
“May I assist you?” A deep male voice rumbled close to her.
Tera looked up and CristOF was suddenly there, offering his hand. Close up, he was breathtaking. She looked at his hand and hesitated before placing her hand in it. The moment they touched, electricity shot through her whole body. She stood up, but she wasn’t sure she could feel her legs. Her heart was racing and for a moment she forgot to breathe.
CristOF kept hold of her hand as he led her to the table. Everyone else was seated, leaving two empty chairs side by side for her and her impromptu escort. She felt herself shaking a little and was surprised when he squeezed her hand in comfort. That should have made her embarrassed, but when she looked into his eyes, she saw a kindness and warmth that made her feel safe instead.
