Acting Out Read online

  Mikael couldn’t hide the gleeful grin that spread across his face and caused the split in his lip to seep fresh blood. “Then you should claim her for your own, Korian. You could do no better than the Earthling for a mate. She has already proven her loyalty and devotion to our people through her service aboard The Ax’Sandre, and if you swear not to repeat these words to Katsuko, I will also add that she is exceptionally beautiful. You cannot have it both ways, my friend. Either you claim her for yourself, or you allow her the freedom to choose another.”

  Korian groaned and rubbed his face with exhaustion. “It is not as easy as you make it sound, old man. I am too young and my reign on the throne is too unstable at present to take a mate. Yet the thought of her in another warrior’s arms makes me want to tear apart rocks in my hands. I confess that I do not know what to do about the frustrating human.”

  Mikael moaned in pain as he hauled himself to his feet and offered his hand to help leverage the king to his feet. When they were both standing, Mikael gripped the younger man’s shoulder companionably and met his eyes. “I can advise you on many things when it comes to war and strategy, my king, but when it comes to women? I can only say that if you want her badly enough, you will find a way. May the stars shine wisdom down upon you, Korian.” He turned to walk away, but stopped to face his king once more. “But I fear I must warn you of this. Should you make Jessica MacGregor cry again, it will be Katsuko that you will have to explain your actions to next time, not me.”

  The captain saluted his king once more and limped out the door to head back to his home. Korian cringed at the thought of having to face the fierce Earth warrior. He had watched enough of the security footage from the ship to know that he could not be 100% confident that he would come out the victor in such a fight. With his shoulders slumped and his head ringing with pain, he exited the training room and made his way back to his room. Alone.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “Thank you again for your offer to take me into the city to explore, Zandar,” Jessica told her escort the following afternoon.

  The large T’Kalan warrior grinned down at the small human female and replied, “I wish you had allowed me to retrieve you from the king’s compound instead of having a conveyance bring you to the city. It would set my mind at ease had you been accompanied by an armed escort.”

  Jessica rolled her eyes behind her replicated sunglasses. “I have a feeling that wouldn’t have been wise. The king and I have reached an understanding about my visit here, but he was none too happy with my conditions and I would hate for you to get caught in the crosshairs of our argument.”

  “Crosshairs? That word does not translate, but I gather your meaning all the same. Does King Korian know you are visiting with me? I ask only so that I may be prepared should he be displeased at our time together,” Zandar replied, his voice cautious.

  Jessica waved his concern away and her answer was flip. “I didn’t ask for his permission and it’s none of his business who I spend my time with anyway. Enough about the king. I want to see everything!”

  Zandar’s laugh was deep and he gently guided his guest toward the open-air market in the center of the capital. P’Hartha was not the largest city on T’Kala, but it was still bustling with activity and was the political and economic center for his world. Jessica felt like a bobble-head as she craned her neck to see all the sights the alien world had to offer, and she was amazed all over again at how clean everything was and how friendly the citizens were. Her research via the computerized system in Korian’s home explained that T’Kala operated on a type of progressive socialism where each citizen was provided with the basic necessities as long as they contributed in some way to their society. If they did not have jobs or careers, then each citizen was expected to perform so many hours of community service a week in order to provide for their families. It seemed to work well for the planet, but it was also over 100 times smaller than Earth in population.

  As Jessica strolled arm-in-arm with her companion, she peppered him with questions about the solar energy the planet had perfected, architecture, and different alien species they encountered on their way to the market. The one thing she stubbornly refused to ask about was King Korian. No matter that she kept replaying, over and over in her mind, the feeling of his strong arms holding her off the ground or the growled possessiveness of his voice. Zandar was a perfect gentleman, patiently answering her queries, and even stopping to introduce her to those who hailed him by name. There was little chance of her being recognized, since so few of the nobles shopped in the market. Zandar had explained that many of them either shopped off-world, or they placed orders for delivery through the computerized systems.

  When they approached a storefront that housed unusual animals, she tugged on his arm and pointed. “Zandar, what is this place?”

  His icy brown eyes followed the path of her finger and he exclaimed, “Ah! That would be the companion retailer. Would you like to see them?”

  Jessica barely waited for his offer before she was pulling him toward the door. “When you say ‘companion,’ do you mean that these animals are kept by T’Kalans in their homes?” When he nodded his agreement of her assessment, she clapped in glee. “On Earth, we call them ‘pets.’ Most people keep dogs or cats, but some of them also keep birds, fish, and reptiles,” she explained.

  She was overwhelmed by the myriad types of animals available. One case held long, wriggling animals that resembled nothing more than furry scarves. At Zandar’s encouragement, she picked up a white and gray spotted one and shrieked in surprise when it immediately began to climb up her arm by twining itself in spirals. It finally came to rest around her neck where one of its ends caressed her face and vibrated with a rumbling purr.

  Jessica laughed nervously. “You better take this thing off of me, Zandar. Somehow, I just can’t trust anything without a face that I can see.”

  The warrior laughed and retrieved the skinkt and placed it back in its cage. Another display caught her eye, and she dragged her escort over to it in order to coo in delight. The animal resembled a cross between a panda bear and a raccoon, but they were only the size of newborn Labrador puppies. The shop keeper, a friendly T’Kalan woman, scooped two out of the container and handed the wriggling animals to her.

  “Oh, my God! Zandar, what are these?” she cooed as she cuddled them against her neck. Their fur was as soft as down and they emitted a scent reminiscent of crushed peppermint.

  Zandar chuckled before explaining, “These are called bimbops. They are imported from a territory on the other side of the planet and are one of the priciest companions to purchase. These are but younglings, and they will only grow to be about three times their current size. They are very loyal companions, easily trained, and their fur will grow longer as they age. They are highly sought after by the rich nobles for their ingrained instinct to protect and defend younglings of any species. I had the misfortune to come across an adult bimbop when I visited the home of my sister after the birth of my first niece. I was lucky to have made it to a medi-unit before I lost three of my fingers.”

  Jessica laughed along with the warrior and continued to cuddle and run her nose through the sinfully soft fur of the strange animals. “Oh, I wish I could have one,” she stated wistfully as one of the wriggling masses of black and white fur burrowed into her hair and crooned with a soft burr burr.

  Zandar lifted his hand and hailed the busy shopkeeper. “Please contact the king’s residence and speak with his secretary. Tell her that King Korian’s human guest would like to purchase a bimbop youngling.” The shopkeeper hurried to do his bidding, likely seeing a large commission in her future.

  Jessica’s bright blue eyes snapped up in surprise. “Oh, no, Zandar! I can’t have one of these! I have to go home in a month’s time. What would I do with it when I go?”

  Zandar reached out to tuck a strand of her fiery hair behind her ear. “If you do decide to return to your world, then I am sure Lieutenant Commander Mahoney will
be glad to take over the care of your companion. However, perhaps you will grow too attached to it and wish to stay,” he replied lightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

  The shopkeeper trotted back to their side and her face was wreathed with a wide smile. “King Korian sends his regards and bid me tell his guest to purchase whatever she wishes. He further added that you have only to charge any purchases to his estate during your time in the city.”

  Jessica’s heart squeezed at this show of generosity from Korian. She would have to make sure to thank him when she returned to the compound this evening. With her eyes shining with happiness, she told the saleswoman, “I’ll take this one.” She indicated the one currently napping in her hair and regretfully handed back the extra.

  “Excellent choice, my lady. The one you hold is a female, and they are very loyal and protective of their owners,” she assured her.

  Jessica and Zandar spent the next half an hour selecting bedding, toys, collars, and food, and the shopkeeper assured her they would all be delivered to the compound before her return. Her final purchase was a fashionable sling made of sturdy, pale purple material for her to carry her new companion around as they continued their jaunt. As she settled the sleeping bimbop inside the padded opening, she ruthlessly squashed the thought that she had chosen the sling’s color because they reminded her of Korian’s eyes.

  Jessica’s spirits soared even higher as they finally made their way into the heart of the marketplace. There were stalls as far as her eyes could see hawking every kind of ware she could imagine and many she couldn’t. The air was heavy with the mouthwatering scents of cooking food, and her stomach growled in complaint. Zandar chuckled at her chagrined look and grabbed her hand to drag her to a nearby stand that sold a T’Kalan specialty that resembled a falafel. The breading was soft and chewy, the meat was tender and spicy, and the vegetables gave it a distinct crunch that Jessica enjoyed.

  After their impromptu meal, they continued to stroll through the marketplace, laughing and sharing stories as they went. Jessica was having a wonderful time with the warrior and found him to be easy to talk to and quite funny and gentle for a man who was so tall and intimidating in appearance. He never grew frustrated or impatient with her questions and willingly followed along as she flitted from one stall to the next. He even gamely helped her select several different headscarves, even though he protested at the idea of her covering her unusual-colored hair.

  It didn’t take long before she realized that gossip about her had spread quickly from the companion store. Many shopkeepers began to shout out such things as “Pretty human, our king would love to see his guest in this dress!” or “King Korian would no doubt enjoy seeing this jeweled clip in your hair!” It wasn’t very original as far as sales pitches were concerned, but she did her best to at least browse each stall that beckoned her, even if she didn’t always purchase from them. She did select a jeweled hair clip that had a T’Kalan warrior dagger designed in phosphorescent silver stones. It was intricately designed, down to the detail, in miniature fashion and it was both feminine and tough. For Mahoney, she reasoned, though she thought she might wear it to the gala the next evening first. By the time the twin suns began to descend toward the horizon, Jessica was exhausted, but elated, with her outing with Zandar, and not just because her purchases left King Korian several thousand credits poorer.

  As they made their way back toward the main thoroughfare where her conveyance awaited her, Jessica leaned her head against Zandar’s arm while they strolled unhurriedly through the bustling crowd. Her heart was overflowing with happiness, and she couldn’t wait to get back to the compound so she could send a transmission to Mahoney and tell her all about it.

  Glancing up at her escort, she said, “Zandar?” When his eyes met hers with warmth, she continued, “I can’t thank you enough for today. I had such a good time with you.”

  Zandar picked up Jessica’s hand from where it was hooked around his elbow and brought it to his lips for an innocent kiss. “It was my pleasure and honor to be allowed to spend time with you today, Jessica. Perhaps we may be able to see each other again soon, if your schedule permits? Of course, I will be at the king’s gala tomorrow night, but it will not be the same as having you to myself.”

  Jessica came to a stop next to the hovering conveyance and faced the warrior for their goodbye. “I would love to see you again. As soon as I know my schedule, I’ll send you a transmission and let you know when I will next be free.” Careful not to jostle or squish her new pet, she wound her arms around his waist and hugged him tight. She felt his body tense for a split second before he returned her hug gently.

  Reaching down to tip her chin up with his finger, he slowly lowered himself until his lips pressed softly against her cheek for several long moments. Drawing back once more, he searched her eyes for something unknown to her. “I cannot speak plainly my intentions while you are under the king’s protection, but just know that when your month with him has expired, we will both be free to make our own choices and declarations. Do you understand my meaning, Jessica?”

  She nodded her head silently, her eyebrows lowered with consternation. With one final wave of farewell, she slid inside the plush interior of the hover craft. Her heart was full of turmoil and her pleasure in the day dimmed as she scooped her new pet out of the sling and cuddled her to her cheek.

  “My sweet little bimbop, what should I do? How can that kiss from Zandar leave me cold when he is so kind and gentle and wonderful, and yet Korian can leave me a trembling wreck of desire even after he rejects me and leaves me wanting?” she whispered into the minty-scented fur of the wriggling alien pet. She kissed the soft, downy fur between its rounded ears and settled back into the seat for her trip back to the compound and the one warrior she wanted who didn’t want her back.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  It was late evening and Jessica found herself in her rooms unpacking her purchases and putting them away while her new pet scampered after her every step. Since it was late enough to prepare for bed, she had slipped into a light green silk chemise with an overwrap belted around her waist. She tried on her new headscarves, slipped a purple jeweled collar on her companion, and sang softly under her breath as she bundled the package wrappings together to dispose of in the incinerator.

  A light chime sound at her door startled her, and her little bimbop stiffened and began to growl in a tiny, baby voice that made her laugh. “Come in!” she called out, laughter still in her voice.

  The door slid open to reveal Korian standing uncertainly in the threshold, his hands buried in the pockets of his loose trousers. Jessica felt her heart give a leap in her chest, but she tempered the smile that had started to form on her lips and she greeted him cautiously. “King Korian, I wasn’t expecting you, or I would have dressed more appropriately.”

  A lazy half-grin pulled his lips up at the corner. “My apologies for calling on you so late, Jessica. I only wanted to ensure that you were well and that you had no troubles with your shopping today.” His ghostly lavender eyes traveled up and down her length, and he added, “And I have no complaints about your attire, for that matter. It is quite…becoming on you.”

  Jessica could feel the heat climbing up her chest and seeping into her face. “Thank you, Korian. Won’t you come in for moment? I’d like the opportunity to thank you for your generosity today.”

  Korian tipped his head in agreement and strolled deeper into her rooms. The small, squeaky sound of a growl stopped him in his tracks and he looked down to see the little black and white bundle of fur vibrating with warning at his feet. His eyes lit up with delight and he slowly lowered himself into a squat to better view the tiny protector. With cautious ease, he placed his hand flat to the floor and waited. A few moments later, the baby bimbop slowly approached him, her nose quivering, until she was right upon the king’s hand. When she determined that he was no threat, she began to make the adorable burr burr noise and Korian smiled. Gently, he scooped the small animal
into his hand and stood back to his feet to cuddle the creature against his wide, muscled chest.

  “She is adorable and already very fierce,” Korian chuckled as he ran his finger over her downy head. “Have you decided on a name yet?”

  Jessica couldn’t take her eyes off of where the king held the small creature so gently and lovingly against him. Swallowing past the dryness of her throat, she croaked, “Don’t tell on me, but I started calling her Little Mahoney after we got home and she began to growl at everyone that approached me. Somehow, I don’t think that the real Mahoney will be honored.” Jessica chuckled nervously, unsure of how to react around Korian after their last disastrous meeting.

  Korian, completely at his ease, took a seat on the bed and played with the animal by rubbing its nose and allowing it to gnaw on his calloused finger while it playfully growled and clutched his hand between its paws. “I think it is an appropriate name, for this little one is already quite protective of her mistress. You know, I had two bimbops when I was growing up, and they were my most faithful and loving companions. I still miss them, even after all these years.”

  Jessica found herself drifting closer to man sitting on her bed. He was so relaxed and had his guard down for the first time since they met. She was intrigued by this glimpse into the real man instead of one of the masks that the king was forced to wear. She wanted to know more, see more, and she settled herself several feet away on the bed next to him.

  “I wanted to thank you for allowing me to purchase her. I was told that they are quite pricey, but I’m afraid I still don’t understand your monetary systems enough to determine exactly how much I spent today. I hope I didn’t go overboard. I tried to keep my purchases within a reasonable limit, but there was just so much to see. The marketplace is amazing! I could have stayed there all day and still not have seen everything on display,” Jessica gushed, her excitement from the experience returning to brighten her expression.