all? Flipping fuck! Was he casing the place?”
“Calm down, Kinsey Lea. Dagstabs cannot climb poles like the one attached to your birdhouse. That’s why it’s so slick and smooth. Birds who live in houses like that are protected.”
I feel some of the rage pulsing in me slip away.
Din Tairin strokes back a few strands of my hair that my friends messed up. The gesture is gentle and his gold and purple gaze is soft. I feel even more of my rage ease away.
“That’s why I bought the birdhouse for you. To protect your pets.”
Now I feel bad for yelling at him.
I hear a few sniffs and then see the guys walk off in my peripheral vision. I must look like a loon to them. A short human loon.
“I’m sorry for yelling at you.” A blue camleon chirps as it flies over my head. “I just can’t stand the thought of my friends getting killed.”
“It’s all right, little seema. I know how it feels to want to protect those you love.” The wind blows a few strands of hair in my face. Before I can brush them aside, he does. “Go inside. You did well today.”
I glance at the table and see that most of the glasses are empty. “Don’t you all need more stros?”
“No, we are going to talk business for just a little longer and then they are going home. You can clean up after they leave. Go on inside, seema.”
“Okay, but I will refill the glasses if needed.” He gives me a curt nod and then heads over to his friends. Badass friends. I could kick myself for getting mad in front of them. Showing anger could get me taken into the jungle and left there to rot. I have to start doing better.
I don’t want to lose Din Tairin. Ugh, when am I going to learn? Nothing in life lasts forever.
As I pass the guys I hear them talking about the increase in crime. Their growly tones cause a shiver of fear to slither through me.
Is this planet more dangerous than Earth?
~ Din Tairin ~
As the guys talk about the strange increase of crime on Zaphin, I watch Kinsey Lea walk into the house. She did well today. The tiny warrior defended her pets with honor.
Ash slaps his hand down on my shoulder. “Your seema handled her training well. Her submission and loyalty are good signs.”
Ryk dips his chin knowingly. “Yes, that loyalty will easily transfer over to you, Tairin.”
“Her scent makes me believe that to be true. But it also tells me that she’s holding back. Just when she’s starting to relax and enjoy her life here, she closes up and mentally distances herself from me. Her past is not a pleasant one so I understand her actions. But it’s still painful to watch.” She’s too precious to have suffered so much.
“Give her time. She’ll come around. Earth is a bad place. Only time will teach her that Zaphin is a good place to live,” Ryk says.
Since Ryk has a human female himself, his words make me feel better. Kinsey Lea Walker will come around. She’ll be fine.
Now if I could just figure out why she draws me like no other, I’d be fine.
CHAPTER
13
~ Kinsey Lea ~
♥
Butterflies are rioting in my stomach.
We just pulled up to Din Tairin’s friend, Din Zar TocGar’s, home. From the amount of vehicles in the yard, we must be the last ones to show up. My fingers twist in the soft material of my short dress. It’s the prettiest one I’ve ever seen but with it’s open back I’m wondering if it’s too sensual for a house party.
Din Tairin inhales deeply. “Don’t worry, seema. You will enjoy yourself.”
I shrug and the thin strap falls off my shoulder. I shiver when Tairin’s rough fingers slid the material back into place.
“Don’t you think I look too slutty? I love this dress but I don’t want to leave a bad impression on your friends.” If he doesn’t get rid of me soon, that is.
He looks so handsome in his snug jeans and fitted shirt. The short tight sleeves
Freddi MacNaughton
Alfred Jarry
Cecilia Galante
Orson Scott Card
Boston T. Party, Kenneth W. Royce
Madison Johns
Doris O'Connor
Karla Darcy
Morgan Rice
Gwethalyn Graham