So why did they let us in?
And why take outside jobs on other planets?
“I-I’m not sure this is gonna work,” Micah announced in a shaky voice, bringing my attention back to him.
“It will,” Leeloo decisively replied. “Try again.”
My mate puffed out a breath and refocused on the thin gutter of lava surrounding the helipad with an expression so uncharacteristically serious, I wondered if another Stellarian had taken over.
Impossible.
Since I’m the only one allowed inside him.
“I can’t do it,” Micah sighed after a full minute of no results, his shoulders drooping in defeat. “I just don’t have the space wizard Force.”
Oh, sunshine.
Watching the most important person in my life struggle—combined with keepingmyabilities under wraps—was making me restless, but I wasn’t sure how to help.
Or if hewantsmy help at all…
Leeloo cocked their hooded head. “How do you create your shields, My-kuh?”
Micah chewed his bottom lip. “Well… I combine whatever particles are on hand andpushthem outward. Withmyshield, I’m kind of just… holding everything in place about a millimeter above my skin.”
So incredibly impressive.
The Eki hummed thoughtfully. “What about when you create shields for others—like with the child?”
Micah adorably scrunched up his face, and I realized his amazing abilities came so naturally to him, he rarely thought about how they worked.
“In that case, I think I’m…pullinginparticles from the air,” he murmured, gesturing vaguely. “And then sealing the shields around whoever?—”
“Show me on Zig-ee,” Leeloo interrupted, and I froze.
What?!
Micah met my gaze before nervously glancing at Leeloo. “I-I’m not sure…”
The Eki clasped their hands behind their back and stepped closer. “Surely you have shielded your less powerful mate before?”
“He…” Micah cleared his throat, radiating anxiety. “He doesn’t like it. Gets… claustrophobic.”
Now, Leeloo was staring atme,and I knew our hesitation was starting to look suspicious.
Fuck.
“It’s all right, Micah.” I smiled brightly, sending soothing energy through our bond. “If it helps your training, I don’t mind.”
I definitely minded. Just theideaof being encased in an impenetrable barrier was making my true form writhe beneath the surface, wanting to star hop away from the threat.
Breathe, Ziggy.
Micah is not a threat.
“Pretend he is your enemy,” Leeloo coolly said, and Micah shrank backwards. “So instead of creating shields toprotectZig-ee, create a cagetotraphim.”
It took every ounce of self-control to remain outwardly calm, but I schooled my Earthling face into a placid mask and nodded at my mate.
