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He resisted the urge to step out and tell her about his paintings. He loved to talk about his art, but none of his friends understood what he did. His creative streak did not match the logical and compassionate nature of other Olickies.

He would love to have someone to talk to about his creations. As he watched the female continue to study his art, he wondered if she might be the person who could help him.

As she moved on to the third easel, Rane shifted. He’d trapped himself. If she did a full circle of the room, she’d see him hiding.

He felt faintly ridiculous. He didn’t need to hide. Rather than looking like some convict lurking in the gloom, he decided to show himself.

Rane stepped out from behind the closet. “Do you like my work?”

The woman jumped and spun around. Her gaze shot to his crotch, and her eyes bugged. She took several steps back. “I didn’t know anyone was in here.”

“There’s no need to be alarmed.” Rane took a step forward, his hand held out. He could sense her panic and desire to flee. It was another Olickie ability, their empathic talents enhanced their diplomatic work.

The woman looked at the door. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I didn’t know this was your place.”

Rane smiled at her. She was attractive, in a wide-eyed startled way. “It’s not a problem. I always enjoy people looking at my art.”

“I should go.” She turned to the door. “You should get some clothes on.”

“I will dress if it offends you.”

The woman paused. “That might help.”

“There’s no need for you to go. Give me ten seconds.” As Rane spoke, he emitted a calm humming sound. He didn’t often use his skill on humans, but there was something about this female that had him troubled. Something about her was unsettling, as if she was hiding something deep inside that perhaps even she didn’t know about.

“Are you decent?” The woman kept her back to him.

“My clothes are on if that’s what you mean.”

The woman turned back to him and licked her lips. She was terrified.

“Please, I’d like you to stay. What’s your name?” Rane continued to hum. He could tell he was influencing her when the woman’s shoulders relaxed.

“Nell Saunders.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nell. I’m Rane. Welcome to what I like to think of as my studio.”

Nell’s dark eyes glazed as she looked around the room.

Rane reduced the vibration of his hum and fully flattened his neck frill. She was no threat to him. Humans were easily influenced by his ability to calm them. His skills were powerful, and he used them successfully on any alien to make them relaxed and pliable to his suggestions.

It was the reason he wasn’t all that keen on using his skills. It sometimes felt manipulative to use his ability to bend somebody to his will. Of course, if it was for the good of the star system or stopped two aliens from killing each other, he made an exception.

Nell took a step back, and her eyes narrowed. She slammed her hands over her ears. “You’re manipulating me.”

Rane stopped humming and shook his head. “You’re panicked. I didn’t want you to be. There’s no danger here.”

“Typical alien,” Nell muttered.

“What do you mean by that?”

“You’re always using your freaky ability to get what you want.” Nell bared her small, blunt teeth as if she meant to bite him.

Rane was certain humans did not bite, but he kept his movements to a minimum so as not to prompt any attack. “I can assure you I never do that. I have stopped humming.” He gestured for her to lower her hands.

Nell slowly removed one hand from her ear. “I know all about Olickies. I know what you can do.” Her gaze shifted back to his paintings.

“Perhaps you know a little about what we do. I don’t use my skills on those who are unwilling.”