Curiosity spiked.Even though it was clear that Rixavox didn’t want others seeing her, which was why she couldn’t go out during the day and explore, why couldn’t she just take a little peek?
She grabbed one of the heavy fur wrappings that Rixavox had taken off her the night before and settled it around her shoulders, bringing it up to cloak her hair and head.She was completely covered from head-to-toe in fur, except for her silk house slippers that Rixavox had bought for her to wear during the day.
With a tug that strained her muscles, she managed to wrestle open the heavy door and she squeaked as the chill billowed her fur cloak around her body.She snatched it more tightly around her and with a deep breath that seared her lungs, she stepped out onto Rixavox’s patio, in the middle of the afternoon.
She knew from their nighttime travels that Rixavox’s house was somewhat secluded from the rest of the outpost.And even though it was at the base of a mountain, it was situated at a higher elevation in the valley.Even knowing all this, it couldn’t prepare her for the sheer awe she felt when she stepped up to the ledge, allowing her a clear view below.
Velraxawas situated at the base of the mountain range, but its sprawl was impressive.There were smooth, stone buildings and houses as far as she could see, dotting the valley below the mountain.To the west, she could see what she assumed was the bazaar, the marketplace, because there were more organized lines of little buildings and when she squinted, she could see a flurry of activity, of Luxirians shopping and walking and socializing.More north, she could see taller buildings, with what looked like a few football fields of cleared, empty ground right behind them.A stadium of some sort?Or were they training grounds?
But above the outpost, the mountains stood tall and imposing.She craned her neck up but the tops disappeared into the thin cloud covering.They were frosted in silver and they glittered whenever the suns’ rays broke through.
Beyond the mountains, she could see vast, open land and nothing else.Hadn’t Rixavox saidVelraxawas a hunting outpost?She wondered how long they had to travel to find game.
It was ridiculously cold.Her thin slippers weren’t holding up to the ice-packed patio and even through the layer of thick fur, the chill seeped into her.But she understood what Levrix meant.As she gazed out overVelraxa, she felt the beauty of it, the calmness of the silver mountains, the quietness of the icy air.In the distance, she could hear the bustle of activity from below.
Cecelia squinted.She spotted a hovercraft approaching from the tall buildings she’d seen towards the north.It was just a speck in the sky, but it grew and grew.Cecelia smile, her heart beating a little faster, because, instinctively, she knew it was Rixavox.
Even though her fingertips were numb, she stayed and waited on the patio until she had to step away so he could land the hovercraft.
She wondered if he would be angry that she’d come out here, but as he disembarked, it was worry she saw on his face instead.
“What are you doing out here,luxiva?” he asked, approaching quickly, taking her in his arms.Immediately, she felt some of his warmth transfer into her and she sighed.
“I just wanted to see the outpost during the day,” she said, her breath puffing out in front of her.His eyes softened as he looked down at her, at the makeshift hood covering her face.“No one saw me.I promise.”
He stroked his fingers over her cheek and she held her breath as they glided gently over her lips.
“What do you think ofVelraxa?” he rumbled, nudging his head in the direction of the city.
“I think it’s beautiful,” she replied.“Cold and quiet and beautiful.”She broke his gaze to point at the taller set of buildings he’d flown from.“Is that where you work?”
His gaze focused to where she pointed in the distance before he looked back at her.“Tev.TheVelraxacommand center.”
“What’s the empty space behind it?”
“It is used for warrior training.Velraxaproduces a fair amount of warriors.I oversee the training there.”
“Busy guy,” she commented, smiling.“Do you have to go back today?”
“Nix,” he said.“I am yours.”
Those words did things to her, things she didn’t want to explore because she worried what they might mean for her future.
“Come,” he said.“You need warmth.I brought you food as well.”
Cecelia let him lead her back into the house.He closed the door easily and she sighed as she felt her bones begin to thaw.She’d always liked the cold, but it felt nice to be inside as well.
Rixavox helped her out of the furs and even though she slowly warmed, his touch still made her shiver.
He purred low in his chest but then huffed out a breath, releasing her to retrieve the two platters of food he’d brought with him.
His reaction confused her.He seemed to do that often.He would touch her, say things to her that made her tremble with need, but then he’d pull away, as if something was keeping him in check.She didn’t know if it was a Luxirian thing or not, which frustrated her.Was she expected to make the first move?Was that how it worked?
She should’ve asked Levrix, but didn’t know how to bring it up without making it awkward, considering the past relationship she’d had with the alien male in question.
Maybe she would have to make her interest clear to him.
Because dammit, shewantedhim.
