Knollig: A Terraneu Novel ( Book 2) (4 page)

Mairi had a lot to think about. She knew she didn’t
want to explore other men. She wanted to explore Knollig. The Council had
decided that the women should date around, not necessarily from bed to bed…but
get a feel for the men of the community before deciding on one. Her body had already
decided on Knollig. She wouldn’t have any problems being friends with other men
in the community, but she wanted him.

“Is there anything else I need to be present for?”
When they shook their heads no, she could leave. She asked, “Is there someone
that can walk me back to my quarters?”

Knaleg and Knollig both stood up and simultaneously
said, “I can take you.”

All eyes swung to the two brothers.

Knollig almost laughed over his small victory.
Knaleg had stood up and volunteered to take the female back to her quarters. He
had taken great pleasure in reminding Knaleg, “You are scheduled to go out and
train the men who swarmed Mairi are you not? Besides I already offered Mairi a
tour.”

Knaleg had inclined his head, then with a flourish grabbed Mairi’s hand
and lingered over it. Whispering words he couldn’t hear, that had the female
laughing. The husky sound had skipped down his spine, sending little waves of
electric shock to all his nerve endings. If this was how he was reacting to one
small laugh from the female, how was he going to last through her dating
different men?

With a low growl, he had bumped his brother out of the way. Just how he
was able to manage that feat he wasn’t sure. He really did need to have a talk
with Knaleg about slowing down on the training. At the rate he was going they
would need to widen the doorways. His brother was turning into one massive
beast. He really felt sorry for anyone who messed with him…they wouldn’t come
out the winner.

“Mairi,” he pulled her tenderly to her feet. “Allow me to give you the
tour I had promised earlier, and then walk you to your quarters.” He didn’t
wait for her acquiescence, with his hand on the small of her back, he propelled
her forward.

Before they made it out the door Amber yelled after them, “I will stop by
tomorrow and talk to you about the classes for the men.” He had turned with
Mairi in time to see Amber do a wave and Mairi did a wave back. Then he
couldn’t help himself his hand slipping to even lower on her back. Somehow he
got Mairi out the door before Knaleg could interfere.
 

~*~*~*

“Did you feel the sparks between them?” Amber was
waving her hand in front of her face. “I mean…Wow!”

“I only feel sparks for you little female.” Kniam
came around the table and helped Amber to her feet. Keeping his arm around her
shoulder.

“I have to agree with Amber. They are going to have
a sexual relationship!” Knaleg laughed. “He wanted to kill me for even touching
her. I could feel it.”

Kniam’s concerned gaze swept to his brother, “Knaleg
don’t taunt Knollig if he has chosen Mairi.” He held his hand up to his
brother, “I know you do not have real feelings for her, if you did it would be
you walking her around the compound and not Knollig.” Then before Knaleg could
escape to his training mission, Kniam asked, “Are you well? We are all worried
about you. All you think about lately is security and training with the men. Do
you know how long it has been since you have laughed?”

Knaleg smiled, “I just laughed a moment ago.” Kniam
made to protest and it was Knaleg’s turn to hold up his hand, “Yes, I know! I
have been a bit out of control with training and preparation. I am just
determined that we are going to be prepared for the females and any trouble
that might come up. I want everything to be perfect.”

Amber moved to grasp Knaleg’s hand, “Everything
can’t be perfect. That is a common problem with life on Earth. Sometimes
perfection can never be attained! Then all you will have is disappointment. We
have a thing we called “Murphy’s Law”, anything that can go wrong…will go
wrong.”

Amber gently hugged him, “Please, try to relax.”
Before Knaleg could protest she hurried to add, “After the first group of
females are here. When things settle down, and your security measures are
successful. Then you can work on finding a mate and relaxing? Please say you
will try?”

Knaleg returned Ambers hug, “I will try after the
first females are here.” He turned to the Council, a wicked smile crossed his
handsome face, “Now, who thinks that Knollig will make it two days before the
female gets him into bed?”
 

Nobody raised his or her hand, “Who thinks it will
be tonight?” In unison everyone raised their hands, and then they all burst
into laughter.

~*~*~*

Knollig moved his hand from Mairi’s back to take
hold of her hand. She looked surprised, then smiled. Moving a step closer to
him until they were almost touching shoulders.

“This is the Sorrem holding. They are very docile
pack animals that we use for transportation.” He turned to look around at the
small crowd of men that were following them. Giving the men a glare, he turned
back to Mairi. Walking around the complex and showing Mairi some of the
different features of the industrial domes. She had a lot of questions about
how things were manufactured. He explained that they could replicate anything
as long as they had the base materials and a template. They also did some
woodworking though they limited the amount of lumber they used. There were also
metalworking, and textiles. Finally after the tour was over he was ready to
take her back to her living quarters.

“Mairi remember, you will need extra time in the
sun. Drink water too…it helps to keep you rejuvenated. The rains will come at
night, they are not heavy though so don’t worry.” He paused at her dome and
waited for her to open her door. “There are animals we use to eat the grass to
keep it short, they are called Gnowlers. They come and go at will during the
night. Amber has managed to nurse one back to health, and it seems to enjoy
visiting with her. The one she calls “Chewy” is the only semi-domesticated
Gnowler I have ever heard of. Do not worry if you come across them, they are
vegetarian and will not harm you. Just keep your front door and balcony door
closed and they won’t come into your space.” Knollig absentmindedly walked into
her living room. “If you hear larger animals making a yowling noise, those are
probably Sacaths. They are what Amber refers to as “prehistoric saber toothed
cat-dogs.” They are pets to some of the residents, and are completely harmless.
Even though they are quite large, and may scare you…don’t be too alarmed if you
see one.” Knollig looked around to find Mairi and was surprised to see her at
her door console.

“How do I lock the door to make sure nobody can get
in?” Mairi was gazing up at him.

“From the outside panel the door will only open for
you, unless you program additional authorized parties. From the inside it will
open for any community member already in the system.” Knollig pointed out.

“What about the balcony in my bedroom?” Mairi asked
as she moved to go through the door into that space. Knollig followed her,
intent on making sure she felt safe in her domicile.

“See Mairi, this console is the same as the one in
your living room space. If you touch here on either console, it controls the
illumination in a room. It can be programmed for voice commands. You can make
it lighter or darker to your preference just by saying which level of light you
require. It is also a communicator. You can program it for certain people, or
it will contact the last known…” Knollig stopped short. Mairi was leaning
against the wall by the door listening, but in the position she had placed
herself her toga had slipped. He lost all train of thought as he gaped at the
exposed skin.

“Who will it contact…?” Mairi swung her eyes to him,
saw where his stare was fixated and blushed furiously at the wardrobe
malfunction she was having.

Standing straight Knollig went to say good-night to
Mairi, it wasn’t a good idea to be in her bedroom space. He was determined to
be honorable and let her have a chance with other men in the community. If she
wanted to make a connection with another male, he would not be happy about
it…but he would not try to stop her either.

“Mairi…” his voice came out thick and sultry, “I
think I should say good-night to you now.” He went to turn around, and was
stopped by the warm hand on his arm.

“Okay Knollig, have you heard about how Earth
females like to say good-night?” She looked up at him, her eyes were green
pools in the fading light.

“I can’t say that I have heard of any Earth customs
regarding saying good-night…” Knollig swallowed nervously, he suddenly had the
urge to back pedal, looking over his shoulder to see how far to the door.

“It’s really very simple, here I’ll show you.” Mairi
grabbed his hand, and he lost all backward momentum when she tugged him
forward. Bracing her hands on his chest she looked up expectantly. “We kiss
good-night. You will have to lean down for me.” She smiled radiantly at him and
Knollig knew he would give her anything she wanted if she kept smiling at him
like that.

Against all his best intentions, he leaned into her
kiss. He was expecting a slight brush of her lips against his. He should have
known better. Mairi was determined to seduce him, and his body was more than
willing to let her. What man would blame him for succumbing to the temptation
with her breasts pressed into his chest, her mouth working on his and her hands
traveling over his back to plant themselves firmly in his hair? Who could blame
him for returning the kiss, parting her lips and taking up the challenge her
tongue offered? Who would hold it against him for grabbing a handful of her
delicious ass and grinding himself against her? When she made mewling sounds
into his mouth, he snapped out of it. How had she managed to wrap her legs
around his hips so fast?!

“Mairi…” supporting her body under the thighs, he
swallowed and tried again, “Mairi…I can’t do this.” She was slow to recover
from the kiss, which pumped up his pride. On some level he was happy that she
responded to him like she did, would she respond like that with other men? That
thought turned his mood black!

‘Knollig what is it?” Mairi was looking with heavy
eyes, “You are the only one that is stopping us from doing anything we want. We
are both adults, I don’t understand.”

“It isn’t you,” he rushed to assure her. “I have
sworn to myself to give you time, but it goes deeper than that.” She let her
legs go from around his hips, and he gently moved back from her. “Try to
understand my position. The other males of the community deserve a chance to
see if they might be a good fit for you.” When Mairi would argue he continued
hurriedly, “I was the first male you saw, and I don’t want it to be said that
they weren’t given a chance.”

“I understand your sense of honor. It is something I
respect about you.” She gently placed her hand against his chest, “I will get
to know other males in the community, but as friends. I don’t believe in
playing games. I will wait for you to feel enough time has passed to honor the
vow you made.” Before she could move any closer, he hurried out of her
bedchamber and outside.

Knollig felt the fresh air wash over him. He groaned
in frustration, Mairi was the most powerful temptation he had ever faced. How
was he going to deny the attraction he felt for her? Maybe he would find out
where Knaleg had taken the men for training. He could use some exercise.

“I mean who just walks away from something that
hot?” Mairi was pacing in front of her chaise, Amber just sat patiently waiting
for her to get it all out. “One minute we need the fire trucks to put out the
flames he is putting off! The next he is practically running out the door! What
is with that?”

Amber just shrugged helplessly at her questions.
Mairi really liked Amber. She had stopped by, as she said she would to talk
about the classes the men were taking. They had quickly gone from arranging
times for training, to Mairi venting about Knollig.

“It’s not that I don’t like that he has such a
strong sense of honor, it is really a good quality. I just wish he would…”
Mairi paused to think of the right way to say it.

Amber took the opportunity to break in, “Knollig is
just like the other brothers Mairi. He does have a strong sense of honor, but
he also is a tad more aggressive than the other males.” She looked knowingly at
her, “If you were to give him what he wants...” Mairi went to shake her head,
“Hear me out…” Amber patted the chaise next to her. When she sat Amber
continued, “Give him what he
thinks
he wants. Go out with some of the
other males of the community.”

 
She wasn’t
the type to lead a man on, and was going to say so! Before she could say
anything Amber finished, “Don’t lead the poor men on, that isn’t what I’m
suggesting. Just get to know them. Go out and around the community, see what
they do in the industrial domes. Check out the different Council meetings. Oh
and our classes will give you the perfect chance to meet and learn about the
men, to befriend them. What Knollig imagines is going on is going to be enough
to drive him crazy.”

Mairi knew she did need to try to meet other members
of the community. With the classes she would be helping with, she would be
socializing with the men. At the same time she could be working at getting
Knollig to realize he was the one she wanted.

She beamed at Amber, “I will meet the other men as
long as they know I will only be interested in them as friends. I refuse to
lead them on or hurt them that way. Besides I would be shocked if there was
another man out there that made me feel like Knollig does.” She blushed at the
information she was giving Amber, but couldn’t help talking about him.

“Mairi, believe me if anyone knows how you feel it
is me. I felt that way after my first night of talking with Kniam. He made me
laugh, he was so gentle and caring and sweet and sexy...” Mairi cleared her
throat and Amber continued, “What, oh that’s right…Just keep working on
Knollig. I know he feels the same attraction for you. It will just take
patience to get him to realize that he can keep his honor and have you at the
same time. Now to the problem of getting to meet more men in the compound.
There is a class is a few minutes.” Amber stood up suddenly, “You can lend a
hand. This one is about physical boundaries, so you will be a great help!”

Mairi was given time to put on the sandals she found
in her drawer, and then they were off and running out the door. As she was
pulled along, she realized the men were staying away. They were looking at her
and Amber on the pathway, but didn’t try to approach. She commented on the
oddity to Amber.

“Ah, that. Don’t worry. It isn’t a reflection on
you. They are afraid of Cebat and Tabec…and a little of Kniam too.”

Mairi was confused now, “Who are Cebat and Tabec?”

Amber stopped short, “That’s right you haven’t met
them…” she put her fingers to her mouth and let out a piercing whistle that had
Mairi flinching. “Babies…over here! That’s right come to mommy!”

Mairi had a sudden feeling she didn’t want to know
who or what Cebat and Tabec were! As soon as the thought floated across her
brain, she felt something brush against her from behind. Don’t look down! Just
don’t look down! Too late, she looked down. Then had to bite back a startled
shriek. Knollig had warned her about something Amber called “saber toothed
cat-dogs” and these had to be them! They were huge, more lioness sized than dog
with the largest teeth she had ever seen.

“Who’s a good boy!? Who’s a good girl!? You are…yes
you are!” Amber was cooing and petting the beasts. When she could finally tear
her eyes off the Sacaths she saw that Amber was watching her. “You can pet
them. They are completely harmless.”

“Yeah. I can see that they would be.” Mairi said
sarcastically. Not wanting to appear unfriendly to the pets, in case they could
sense her fear she stretched out a hand. The larger one was closer so she put
her hand into its fur. It was silky and soft! It was like a dog she had as a
child, an adorable Shih Tzu. This Sacath had a coat of fur just like that! It
was wonderful. She got into rubbing the fur, massaging the muscles underneath.
The other Sacath must have felt jealous, because the next thing she knew she
was sandwiched with a Sacath on either side! Both of them were pressing into
her for attention.

Her delighted laugh rang out, drawing the attention
of the men around the square. “They are wonderful Amber! Their fur is so soft!”

“You enjoy the Sacaths Earth female?” One of the
braver men had drawn closer, yet at a safe distance to ask the question.

“Yes they are gorgeous animals.” Mairi called out.
Now was a good a time as any to get to know the men of the community, “Are you
attending the class Amber is teaching?”

“Yes, I have been to all of the classes. I am
determined to be a good mate. This class is to be about physical boundaries is
it not?” The male was absurdly good looking. He was tall, maybe not quite as
tall as Knollig, but tall enough. He was probably 5’ 10-6’, with nice brown
hair and those purple eyes. She was going to have to get used to those eyes.

Amber knew the male that she was talking to, “Yes
Fortem. We are going to cover physical boundaries in this lesson, you may
escort us to the meeting dome if you would like.”
 
She moved to stand next to Mairi, “Cebat…Tabec…Go!” At her
command both pets drooped their shoulders, their heads going down…their eyes
stayed on Amber, begging to be allowed to stay. “Don’t look at me like that! Go
find daddy!” Amber started laughing as they both darted off, “They will hunt
Kniam down and beg for attention from him.”

Mairi started laughing with Amber, it really was a
contagious thing! The thought of the giant man getting run around by the pets
was amusing.

“You are a very attractive female…your hair is like
the Hu’lani flowers that Earth female Amber has planted.” He looked under his
eyes at Amber, and when she gave a big smile, he looked relieved.

“Thank you...” Mairi cursed Knollig under her
breath! Did he have to say the men were going to compliment her, and then say
almost verbatim what they would say?! Now instead of Fortem, she was thinking of
him and how he had said it!

 
“You
are…ahhh, very brave to have come to say Hello to us with the Sacaths around.”
She was trying to think of something nice to say, without being too
encouraging.

“I have been training with Knaleg to be on the
military force. We are going to police the male and female population so that
life runs smoothly.” He put his arm out for her to take, then the other for
Amber.

“Yes. Fortem is one of the star pupils of the
classes I have been giving. He will make a fine addition to the military force.
He is very gentlemanly…” Amber gave Mairi a tilt of her head, “Now that I think
of it, he may be the perfect person to help with the problem you are having.”

Mairi shook her head, she didn’t want Fortem to get
hurt feelings, and he seemed to be really nice. “I don’t think that is a good
idea.” She hesitated.

“I would be very honored to help you Earth female
Mairi.” He swore, “If there is a way that I can be of service, I am honor bound
to do it.” He flushed after thinking on his words, “Not that it would be only
honor that would make me wish to help.”

Mairi laughed, there was that damn “honor” thing
again biting her in the butt, “I will talk with you after class. You can decide
if you want to help then.”

They had made it to the meeting dome and Mairi was
suddenly happy for Fortem’s escort. There were men everywhere, at least forty
of them…and they were still arriving.

“Everyone move inside for the class please!” Amber
had a voice that carried for all her small size. All the men started moving
into the class, most of them giving questioning looks to her and Fortem.

“Thank you, Fortem…we may need your help in the
training. Could you stay at the front of the room please?” Amber brought Mairi
into the class with her. She was surprised to see it was almost like being in
High School again. There were chairs in rows, with a table and computer console
at the front. Mairi made her way with Amber to the head of the room.

“Can someone announce that the class is full, and
that we will do another this afternoon after my walk in the square?” Amber
requested, and the men all got a concentrated look on their faces. There was a
chorus of “We have done as you asked…” and Amber laughed, knowing that the
message had to have bounced around the community.

“Okay. Everyone, first things first. This is Mairi.
As you know she is the granddaughter of the Earth male that is
allowing
us to use his land to bring more females here to Terraneu.” Amber stressed the
word
allowing
, and Mairi knew that she had an elevated status in the
community thanks to her grandfather. “Also,” Amber continued, “Callum McPherson
is helping Kneus to fit in on Earth, and it is with his help that we are going
to have enough females for everyone.” Amber gave them a stern look, “I know
Kniam has stated this before, but I want you all to understand. Mairi isn’t to
be bothered like she was yesterday in the square. She is to be treated with
respect, and unless you are encouraged…let her have her personal space. That is
what today’s lesson is about! So let’s get to it.” Amber slapped her hands
together.

Mairi jumped a little, not sure why. It could have
had something to do with the feeling of a hundred eyes on her! Mairi wasn’t
against being in front of a crowd, it didn’t really bother her…this was different.
These were men intent on getting a female, and she was available in their eyes.
It was like she was a slab of meat, and they were hungry carnivores.

“We will go over a scenario like yesterday. If a
female is walking…Mairi will demonstrate.” Amber waved for her to walk around
in front of the room, so she started taking little laps around the open space
in front of the desk. “Yes that’s good. When a female is walking, you can feel
free to approach her. Fortem can you please approach Mairi.” Fortem walked up
to Mairi, so she stopped and looked up expectantly.

“See how Mairi is looking at Fortem, she has made
eye contact.” Amber emphasized the words. “This means that she is willing to
engage in conversation. If the female does not make eye contact, or looks away
that means she is not willing to engage in conversation and you should just
leave her alone. If there is already a male, or group of males around a female
inquire if you can join the group, don’t just rush up and crowd in.” Amber
smiled around at all the men. “Next is walking or standing with a female.”
Amber turned to where she and Fortem were standing.

“Mairi, could you stand here please.” Amber pointed
to a spot in front of the men, right in the middle. Mairi moved to the location
she indicated, “Lets see… Fortem, can you stand next to Mairi.” When he moved
to where she pointed, Amber said, “Yes, that’s good.” She moved to stand to the
side of them. “Now, notice that there is space between them.” She moved her
hand to indicate the gap between her and Fortem. “This is a good thing. It is a
way to make a female feel more comfortable with you, if you let her have this
personal space. If there are already men around a female, don’t jostle for
room! More than four or five men is way too many! Give a woman her breathing
room.”

“What if the female steps closer to us?” One of the
men yelled out.

“That is a good question! Yes…if a female moves
closer to you on purpose, then that is a good sign.” Amber moved Mairi and
Fortem closer by pulling their arms. “Now this is closer, but still note that
the female is relaxed and comfortable. If she seems nervous, then maybe move
away a bit. If she doesn’t mind you in this space, maybe try holding her hand.”

“Why would we want to hold a females hand?” Another
yelled out.

“Another good question. Mairi, could you hold
Fortem’s hand please.” Amber asked laughingly, mischief in her eyes.

Mairi looked at Fortem, and smiling she took his
hand. She didn’t understand what the big deal was. Then she saw Fortem’s face
and knew it was a big deal to them.

“Fortem, can you tell us why a female would want her
hand held?” Amber asked.

“Her hand is so small and soft. The fingers feel
fragile to me, like she is to be protected. There is a sensation that she is
close to me, accepting me into her space.” Fortem sounded like he was in awe,
and he was just holding her hand! She hadn’t thought of it in this way. The
overwhelming feelings they must experience.

“Yes that is exactly it. It is a way to show that
you are accepted into her personal space. That she wants physical contact with
you. That doesn’t mean that she wants any other contact. Accept the small
gestures, like holding hands…and proceed at the pace the female sets. Some of
them will want to have more physical contact than others. Make sure you know
what is acceptable to the female before you try anything. If you have to be
blunt and ask, then do so.” Amber warned.

“What more contact is there? Besides holding hands?”
Mairi cringed, they would have to ask that one.

“Well there is hugging, that is where you put your
arms around them. Hugging is a way of saying hello, good-night, or comforting a
female. You need to respect their boundaries and only get close if you feel the
female is willing.” Amber looked over at Mairi and Fortem and raised her
eyebrow and nodded her head then looked back at the crowd. Mairi smiled and
turning into Fortem put her arms around his shoulders. He was completely rigid,
not one bit of movement in his body. Not even breathing!