Acting Out (15 page)

“When the exhibition and banquet have been completed, the
Council members and I will be meeting together in a closed room right here,”
Korian indicated with his finger on the projection of his compound’s
blueprints.

Mikael stepped in seamlessly to continue, “We will have
guards posted at the entrances and exits of all the rooms in the corridor, as
well as two in the room with Korian. That will be me and Commander Andreus.
Katsuko and Zandar Nic’Omar will be stationed right outside the room within
easy hailing distance.”

Korian nodded his head in approval of the plan. “It is the
general consensus that we expect the assassin to strike during the banquet when
everyone is mixing and socializing. The opportunity for distraction and chaos
to cover his actions is at its greatest during this time. We will have a total
of 12 warriors patrolling the conference hall, and all focus should be on the
Mamaxon party. Any signs of unusual activity should be reported to Mikael
immediately.” When everyone nodded in understanding, he continued, “I know that
we are all working hard to prevent the worst from happening, however, should
the assassin succeed in his mission, I have prepared a plan of succession in
order to protect our people.”

Jessica sucked in a breath and her jaw clenched. “That’s not
going to happen, Korian. We have too many safeguards in place for them to be
able to succeed.”

Korian’s heart gave a hard thump at the signs of her obvious
concern. Reaching out to run his knuckles over her pale cheek, he replied, “I
must not leave anything to chance, my
thalia
. There is too much at risk.”
Turning back to include the others in his speech, he continued, “Again, should
the assassin succeed against all odds, I have named Captain Mikael R’Varsel as
Regent with full power and authority of the throne behind him until such a time
as my youngling has been raised and trained to take their rightful place on the
throne. He will continue to work with the Council in order to ensure their
cooperation with protecting our home. Mikael has graciously agreed to this
plan.”

Mahoney scowled and punched her lifemate in the arm. “You
jackass! You didn’t tell me anything about this!”

The hulking warrior rubbed his bicep gingerly, but his lips
were split with a wide grin. “It is only a contingency plan, little warrior. I
saw no cause to provoke an argument with you over this plan when the likelihood
of it proceeding to fruition was so small.”

Mahoney crossed her arms and frowned. “Yeah, well, you had
better be on your game tomorrow, big guy. There’s no way that we’re babysitting
the throne
and
the future king or queen for the next 20 years.”

Korian cleared his throat to regain control of the
conversation. Casting a cautious glance at his temperamental
thalia
, he
added, “I also believe that it would be safest for Jessica not to attend the
function tomorrow night.”

“What?! There is no way I’m agreeing to that, Korian. Not
after all the work we put into the exhibition!” she cried, her face heating
with anger.

“I agree with Korian,” Mikael put his two cents in at the
same time that Mahoney said, “I agree with Jessica.”

Everyone paused to regroup, the women shooting glares at the
men, until Mikael threw his hands up in defeat. “Fine, I concede that the risk
to Jessica is minimal tomorrow night. Very few people know that they have
formed a personal relationship, and even fewer know that she carries his
youngling. There is no reason for her to be targeted, but perhaps Katsuko would
like to volunteer for guard duty since she is so insistent on her friend
attending?”

He framed the statement as a question, but Mahoney heard it
as a challenge. “You’re on, buddy. I’ll be the future queen’s personal
bodyguard for the entire night if it will make Korian pull the wad out of his
panties over her coming to the conference.”

Jessica snorted and Korian looked confused. “I do not
understand this phrase, but I assure you that I do not wear panties, Mahoney.
All that aside, I will agree to this compromise, but you must promise me that
at the first sign of trouble, you will abandon me and ensure that Jessica is
removed to a secure location and protected at all costs. That is your only
mission on orders from your king. Do you accept, warrior?”

Mahoney clasped her fist to her heart and bowed her head. “I
accept, King Korian. I will guard her with my life, as I would you.”

Jessica sighed heavily and exclaimed, “Honestly, you guys
are so dramatic. No one will be paying a bit of attention to me with all the
spectacle I have planned for the exhibition. Just keep your eyes peeled on
those delegates, and we won’t have a problem.”

Korian clapped his hands together loudly and announced, “I
believe we have everything under control. Everyone should retire to their
rooms, and I will see you early in the morning.”

Mikael and Mahoney exited in order to head to the rooms they
had been assigned at the king’s compound. When they were finally alone, Korian
closed the short distance between him and Jessica and folded her into his arms.
She melted into him willingly, the past week having eradicated all traces of
hesitance to touch him. They stood like that for long minutes, just absorbing
the comfort that they brought to each other.

Korian carded his fingers through her silky scarlet waves
and said, “Jessica, this past week has meant more to me than you can ever know.
Not only did I get to spend time with you, but you gave of your time and talents
without complaint in order to help me impress the Council. I could ask for no
better queen for my people than you. I know it is early days yet, but just know
that I love you and our unborn babe, and I will protect you both with my life and
even beyond death.”

Jessica sniffled against his shirt. “Dammit, Korian! Here go
the waterworks again. I told you that my hormones are out of control,” she
complained, wiping her wet cheek against his shirt. She took a shuddering
breath and continued, “This has been the best week of my life, too. Your world
and its people are amazing, talented, gracious, and beautiful. I would be
honored to be its queen, but even more than that, I would be honored to be your
lifemate. I love you, too, Korian. I think I have for quite a while now.”

Korian’s chest swelled with emotion, but another part of him
was swelling, too. “Does this mean that we may share our bodies with each other
once more?” he asked, his tone hopeful.

Jessica pulled away from his chest and looped her arms
around his neck. All traces of her tears were gone and she licked her bottom
lip with invitation. “I’m done waiting, Korian. Take me to bed,” she purred as
she ran her hand down his chest to trace to the dips and grooves of his
muscles.

Korian wasted no more time. Bending at the waist, he scooped
his woman into his arms as she squealed with laughter. He had been patient, he
had made a good start on atoning for his mistakes, and he was beyond ready for
his reward. If worse came to worse, this could be their last night together,
and Korian planned to make every minute of it count with her.

“Mahoney, stop it! For God’s sake, quit touching her. It’s
creepy,” Jessica admonished her friend the next evening as she was getting
dressed.

Mahoney snatched her hand away from the swirling orange
designs in the alien female’s dark brown skin. “Crap. I didn’t realize I was
doing it again. Sorry, Enahara.”

The Yeyolani female chuckled huskily and only smiled. “
Tah
,
do not worry yourself, warrior. The spirit of the All Mother calls to you from
within me. It is nothing to be ashamed about,” the heavily pregnant woman
explained as she draped and pinned the fabric of Jessica’s gown. She continued
to speak as she worked, “I find you humans endlessly fascinating. Two women of
the same planet, and yet so very different. Within Jessica, I have sensed the
blessing of the All Mother, yet within you, Mahoney, I sense the presence of
Her daughter, the Fire Mother. You will be a fierce and protective mother to
your young, much like Jessica’s companion, and will raise many strong daughters
who will carry the Fire Mother’s blessings.”

Mahoney exchanged a bemused glance with Jessica who only
grinned in reply. “Uh, thanks. I think,” the warrior female replied
skeptically. She took a healthy step back from the alluring pregnant woman and
asked, “Are you about done getting Jessica ready? The last foreign airship has
docked and the delegates are making their way to the arena for the exhibition.”

Enahara gave a few last twitches to the shimmering black
fabric that looked like the voids of space with stars twinkling brightly across
the expanse. The bodice was tight and clinging, but the skirt flowed gently
around her legs and seemed to float on an invisible wind. It was gorgeous on her,
and made her flame-colored hair seem even more vibrant against its backdrop.
Enahara studied her with a practiced eye and reached over to the bureau to
retrieve the T’Kalan dagger hairpin. Pulling up one side of her heavy waves,
the alien female clipped the pin in her hair and proclaimed her ready.

At Jessica’s feet, the sound of whining and yipping made all
three females turn their gazes to the distraught
bimbop
clinging to her
shoe. Jessica bent over and picked the animal up to cuddle against her chest
while cooing and rubbing her fingertip along its nose.

Mahoney rolled her eyes and warned, “You’re going to get fur
all over your dress, you big dork. Can’t you put that thing in its crate or
something?”

Jessica looked scandalized. “Mahoney! That is cruel, even
for you! She can’t help being over-protective. She cries and yowls anytime I’m
away from her for more than an hour. I don’t know how I’m going to get through
tonight without having her with me.”

Enahara looked thoughtful as she studied Jessica carefully.
“Perhaps it will not be necessary to leave her behind, after all. Give me a
moment,
tah
?”

The alien female gathered the scraps of the material for
Jessica’s dress and began to fashion something with the help of her handheld
material shaper. Within just moments, the seamstress handed Jessica a cloth bag
that she could drape over her shoulder that was big enough for her pet to
either lay in and sleep unseen, or poke her head out to see the action. Jessica
was over the moon about it, but Mahoney was just plain over it and itching to
go where the action was.

With effusive thanks to the talented Yeyolani female,
Mahoney escorted Jessica to the hovercraft that waited to take them to the same
arena where they had all stood a month prior when the crew of
The Ax’Sandre
had
been feted for their bravery during combat. When they arrived, Jessica was
impressed at the changes to the open-air stadium. Since it was well into dusk
when the exhibition would begin, the whole place was lit with solar light
panels that illuminated the giant T’Kalan flag depicted on the vidscreen that
acted as the backdrop to the stage where the exhibition would take place.
Jessica’s nerves were shot and she grabbed Mahoney’s arm and squeezed it tight
as they walked inside to take their places next to Korian where he sat with the
Council members.

“Have you seen the delegates from the other planets yet?”
she whispered loudly to her friend as they dodged busy workers and chatting
locals. “I’m dying to see what they all look like.”

Mahoney firmly pried Jessica’s fingers off her bicep and
patted her gently on the shoulder. “I saw them all when we reviewed the guest
list and matched faces with names, but I haven’t seen them in person yet. There
are five planets that comprise the ruling Council for the Great Alliance of
planets. The largest and most powerful is Mamaxon, of course. Their people are
typically very tall and a variety of different shades of blue, so keep your
eyes peeled for them. The next biggest planet is called Sinepax, and their
people remind me of the elves from the
LOTR
movies. You know what I
mean. They’re very pale, willowy, and have white hair, too. Kinda look washed
out, if you ask me. Next is one that you’re already familiar with, the Harani.
Like Officer Felonia and her brother Fallon, their people are feline in
appearance, but with obvious humanoid characteristics.”

Jessica clapped her hands like a little girl. “Oh, I can’t
wait to see more of them! It is so fascinating to see all the different races
of aliens.”

Mahoney arched an eyebrow and made snorted. “Don’t get too
excited. The people of Lugia-A, the fourth planet representatives of the
Council, are hideous. I’m talking big-headed, bug-eyed, matte gray, Roswell
types. Gives me a serious case of the heebie-jeebies, for real.”

Jessica counted up on her fingers as they walked. “So, that
leaves one more. Who are the last ones?”

Mahoney’s eyes were darting around and her hand had settled
on the hilt of her T’Kalan sword that was belted to the waist of her dress
uniform. She sounded distracted when she replied, “That would be the rep from
Pharganna. They’re very odd people. From what I could gather, they have some
sort of sixth sense capabilities that allows them to detect deception and glean
truth. I’m not really sure how it works, but they’re arguably the most valuable
members of the Council because of it. Their appearance is pretty awesome, too.
It’s almost like Lisa Frank threw up all over their planet. Their hair color
ranges from bubblegum pink to purple to lime green and all over the spectrum of
the rainbow, and their general dispositions are just as kooky and sunny. You’ll
love them.”

By this point, they had reached the guarded entrance to the
private box for the VIPs and Mahoney saluted the two warriors that guarded the
entrance. They returned the greeting and nodded respectfully to Jessica as they
held the door open for the ladies to walk inside. The box seats were spacious
and were located front and center with the best view of the acts on stage.
Jessica’s eyes took in the assortment of people milling around and chatting as
they sampled the T’Kalan snacks provided for their enjoyment during the show.
Like a lightning to a rod, her gaze met Korian’s and the relief and joy that
lit up his face made her catch her breath at the sheer masculine beauty of the
man. Korian excused himself from conversation with an extremely towering, slate
blue-skinned alien and strode across the room to her.

Lifting her hand to kiss her knuckles, he murmured, “I did
not think it possible, but you look even more beautiful than ever, my
thalia
.”
To Mahoney, he added, “Keep a close eye on her tonight, warrior. I entrust my
very heart into your care.”

Mahoney tipped her head with a smirk. “I’m leaving her in
your capable hands for now, King Korian. I have to make my way to the staging
area to prepare for the demonstration. After the show has concluded, I will
return here to pick her up and take her to the dining hall for dinner.”

Korian clasped his fist to his heart and said, “I am most
eager to see you in action in person, Lt. Cmdr. Mahoney. May the stars guide
you to success.”

Mahoney returned his salute, reached over to tweak a lock of
Jessica’s hair, and headed back out the door. Korian took Jessica’s hand and
tucked it into his elbow and guided her toward the Council delegates. Her
stomach fluttered nervously as they reached the first one and Korian paused to
introduce them. Despite the familiar likeness from the little green men they
envisioned on Earth, the representative from Lugia-A was a flat gray in color
and there were no distinguishing characteristics that allowed her to determine
the Council member’s sex. Even its voice was monotone and clipped and gave her no
hints as to a gender. She managed to keep her Hollywood-ingrained fear of the
alien well-hidden, but Korian still seemed to pick up on it and soon made their
excuses to move on to the next ones.

The delegate from Harani was the next to greet them. Jessica
was equal parts giddy and terrified at the appearance of the Harani male who
towered over her at well over 6 feet tall. He resembled a huge panther with fur
so black that it had blue undertones in the light and it looks so dense and
soft that Jessica longed to sink her fingers into it. Any thought she gave to
that action, however, was squashed when the male grinned to show colossal upper
fangs at least as long as her hand with smaller, yet no less frightening,
smaller ones on the bottom. His eyes were amber colored with black pupils that
seemed to stalk her as she moved, and she felt like a walking rare ribeye
steak. He wore no shirt, but instead sported crisscrossed bandolier-style
sheaths that held double swords strapped to his back, and his jewel-toned
purple pants were loose and silky, much like she imagined an Arabian prince would
wear. His massive paws, easily the size of her head, were all bare, but she
could see the glint of sharp claws peeking from his toes.

Korian braced her with a hand to the small of her back and
came to a stop in front of the big jungle cat. “Uthor, allow me to present to
you my guest and future lifemate, Jessica MacGregor, a human from Earth.” To
Jessica, he added, “Jessica, this is Uthor from the Namiri Pride. He is the
Alpha King from the planet Harani.”

Jessica was unsure how to greet the intimidating cat man,
but then she remembered how Felonia had shown her the Harani way. Taking a
hesitant step forward, she tipped her head up to him and reached up high to
place her hands on his broad shoulders. His eyes flared wide in surprise and
his whiskers twitched, but he lowered his head to rub his cheek along each of
hers. Jessica’s heart pounded in her throat to have those massive teeth so
close to her jugular, but she smiled as she stepped back and said, “It is a
pleasure to meet you, Uthor of Harani. We are honored to host you on T’Kala and
hope you find your visit to be both pleasurable and profitable for all.”

His teeth flashed again and his voice came out with a
guttural growl. “I thank you for the warm welcome. Tell me, Jessica MacGregor.
How does a human from Earth find herself so far from home and yet knows the
traditional Harani greeting?”

She traded a nervous glance with Korian, but recovered her
composure quickly. “It’s a long and boring tale, Uthor, and I’ll be happy to
share it over dinner. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting two of your people on my
journey here aboard the T’Kalan flagship. Officer Felonia and her littermate
Fallon became good friends of mine. The Harani people have been very kind and
welcoming to me.”

He nodded his big, furred head in understanding, and Jessica
tried not to watch his ears twitching as they picked up ambient sounds in the
box. “Ah, yes. The kits have been participating in our exchange program we
sponsor through the Alliance. I shall make sure to commend them for promoting
positive relations with our allies.”

She was interrupted from responding by a steady growling
coming from her handbag and she felt the vibration of it all through her body.
All three of them looked down at her purse to see the
bimbop
peeking
over the edge at the big cat with murder in its eyes. Jessica pressed her palm
down on her head and the animal subsided reluctantly, but still rumbled in its
throat from within the bag.

Jessica was mortified and could feel her face flush with
embarrassment. “I am so sorry about that, Uthor. Little Mahoney is very
protective of me these days. I hope you don’t take it as disrespect.”

Uthor opened his jaws and barked a laugh. “On the contrary,
little human. Your companion recognized my scent as a predator and was doing
her job to warn me away. Perhaps we will get to see more of each other this
evening and I will get the chance to explain to the little brother that I mean
you no harm.”

She agreed readily and allowed Korian to spirit her on to
the next delegate. “Well done, Jessica. That was the first time I have seen him
smile, much less laugh, since I met him a year ago.”

She glowed with his praise and silently hoped that she
continued the trend with the final three delegates. The Sinepaxan female was
indeed willowy and vaguely reminded her of movie elves with her long platinum
hair, pointed ears, petite features, and moonbeam skin, but her personality was
as warm as the twin suns. Jessica followed Korian’s lead this time, and watched
carefully as they greeted each other. When it was Jessica’s turn, she held her
hand out palm up and allowed the female to place hers on top for a brief
moment.

Her voice reminded Jessica of a gentle wind blowing through
the rushes as she said, “
La
, Korian! You have been holding out on us.
Humans from Earth are most rare in this part of the universe, and I see that
you have not one, but two! Perhaps the Council was wrong to underestimate the
T’Kalan people.”

Jessica smiled fondly and assured her, “Actually, T’Kala has
a population of seven humans from Earth when you include both me and the
warrior Mahoney. Just wait until you see the exhibition we have planned, Lor-yan
of Sinepax. I may have only been here a short time, but I have fallen in love
with T’Kala and its people. It is our hope that you and your Council will do
the same.”