Rescued By Tordin: Olodian Alien Warrior Romance (10 page)

Her thoughts and feelings were in conflict. All she ever desired was the confidence to go after what she wanted. She wanted Tordin, but now she knew it wasn’t mutual. He’d been kind, gracious and professional. But that was the extent of his feelings for her, and it all came tumbling down. All the days she’d spent daydreaming and thinking about him were for naught. And she felt really stupid about all those dreams she continued to have, with him as the star.

Whenever it came to men, stupidity seemed to hound her. If she liked them, there was a great chance they never reciprocated. This was no exception. Now she only wanted to get out of here, away from him as he made goo-goo eyes at Phoebe. She’d worked up the nerve to walk out of the room when Malm came in.

Malm. He was the only one of them who was safe. He treated Phoebe and Kyra the same, behaving like a loyal friend. She ran to him before she realized what she was doing and gave him a big hug.

“Malm! I’m so happy to see you. I wondered if you’d come by to visit Phoebe today,” she said, holding onto his firm, narrow waist as if she’d fall without it. She felt him stiffen a little, but then he returned the hug.

“Kyra, no I was detained a bit by something in the command room. I’m glad I managed to come when you were here, too. Phoebe seems to do better when you’re here.”

“No. She only responds to you, Malm. I just enjoy seeing her do something more than lie there when you touch her.”

Malm tensed again and removed her from his waist as he addressed Tordin. Kyra assumed he hadn’t realized he was in the room until now. The lighting was set for evening after all, and it was dim in there.

“Sire, I didn’t see you at first. It is good to see you visiting Phoebe. I know she senses all our presence. I think it will help her knowing you’ve come to visit, as well,” Malm said, assuming an air of respect for his commander.

Kyra slipped back to allow the two to interact. She wanted to watch how they acted around Phoebe, now that Malm was here and Tordin had been ogling her.

“Malm, cousin, we are off duty. Please stop with the Sire. Yes, I’ve been meaning to come down for a visit.” He looked at Kyra and said, “I was drawn to come and make my presence known. It’s been too long since I did that.”

Malm turned to look at Kyra as well and gave a warm smile. She noticed the thin scar make its usual arc as he did so. It only served to make him even more handsome in her opinion. At least one of them could appreciate her in Phoebe’s presence.

Malm spoke, “I agree, but it looks like you may have spent too much time away. Is everything as you remember?”

“Not as much, but I will find a way to get back into a routine that works. I see you have managed to do it, with great results.”

Now Kyra was lost. What were they talking about? They’d slipped into their native tongue, and they now spoke too fast for her to comprehend. Were they talking about the healing bay or work? It didn’t make sense, and they were effectively ignoring her, so she decided to leave them to it.

When she took a few steps, she heard Tordin say to her, “If you are leaving, I can walk with you. I’m headed back to my private quarters, and I’d like to catch up with how things have been going with you.”

She was startled. Now that Malm was there, he wanted to show her some attention. She ought to say no, but she couldn’t because he was the commander, and she ached to be around him. Darn her, she was too weak around him. He didn’t want her, but she was willing to take any bone he would throw her way. She was disgusting in her own eyes.

“Okay. I’m heading to my quarters for the evening, as well.” She directed her attention to Malm, who had taken his normal seat as one of the healers attached the unit that allowed him to touch Phoebe. She also noticed that Tordin stared with what looked like a look of amazement as Phoebe began to move her limbs in an undulating motion that was growing more full and fluid with each day’s passing. She felt a smug sense of satisfaction that Phoebe responded to Malm in front of Tordin, and also that Tordin seemed in awe of Malm’s effect on her. Neither mattered. The sooner she got this walk over with and made it to her room to cry, the better. “Tordin, I’m ready if you are,” she said and headed out of the room.

She set a quick pace to get as far from him as possible. Let him catch up. She wasn’t lingering to see him drooling over Phoebe a moment longer. She’d allow him to do his duty, but she wouldn’t have to make it easy for him.

“Kyra, wait for me, please.”

She didn’t want to admit how hearing him say her name turned her to putty; she slowed down but didn’t stop. In a few seconds, he was by her side, walking in step with her. The walk to her rooms was long, and she didn’t know if she could make it without tears escaping. She was so hurt—she wanted to be alone to have her crying fit.

He walked beside her, not saying a word. The only communication she felt was the heat wafting off his body and tickling hers. She felt tortured. On the one hand, she wanted to cry over how he’d rejected her, and on the other she wanted to accidentally bump up against him. The corridors of the ship were too wide to pull that off with any believability, since this one was empty but for them. So she walked onward and continued to pick up her pace.

When they passed one of the training rooms, what would be called a gym on Earth, hope mounted within her. She knew she was over halfway to her rooms. He was still walking next to her, quiet as ever and as hot as ever, too. She was dying here. It would be so easy to grab his hand, but she wouldn’t. He’d made it clear he didn’t want to be near her. He was simply being a gentleman, seeing her to her rooms, and she would accept it as such.

Finally.

They reached her rooms, and she turned to say thank you. When she did, his hand came to rest against her cheek. Before she realized it, his thumb rubbed away a tear that was about to fall. She’d teared up in spite of herself. His touch melted every part of her and made her feel like everything was right with the world. Stupid! She was still addicted to his touch, and now she didn’t want him to stop.

“What’s wrong, Kyra? What has made you so unhappy?” he asked, sincerity in his brilliant eyes.

She shook her head. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t confess how stupid she’d been in her girlish crush on him. He didn’t deserve her dumping that on him. He had every right to like and want Phoebe. He was a man, and Phoebe was beyond beautiful. Heck, she got better looking each and every day.

So she lied. “I’m just tired and sad to see Phoebe like that. I think I need to get some sleep, and I’ll be all right.” She turned to go into her room and was surprised when he followed her in.

“Kyra, why are you shielding and being untruthful with me? Why do you hurt so much? I can tell it has to do with something I’ve done. Please allow me to make it up to you.”

What? Damn aliens and their super powers. This sucked. She couldn’t even have her lie to herself. He stood too close, and she didn’t know what to do.
Breathe
. So she did, taking a moment to take a few deep, calming breaths. He stood there, unmoving, and waited.

What could she do? She couldn’t confess what was really wrong. He might run from the room and avoid her like the plague. She hedged for time and hoped he’d get the hint and leave. Instead he stepped closer until only about an inch of space separated them.

A finger under her chin brought her tear-stained face up to look into his.

“Kyra, you are a terrible liar. You can’t even think of something better to tell me? Why won’t you trust me enough to tell me what’s going on—the truth. I apologize for staying away. It’s how it has to be for now.”

“What? Your words are so confusing. Have I done something that would cause you to stay away from me? Have I repulsed you?” she asked before she could stop the words from falling out of her mouth.

“What? No! You could never repulse me. You are my guest, and I should find a way to check in on you more often.”

Oh, that again
. She didn’t want to be his damned guest, she wanted to be with him. This torture had to end. She tried to move back to put more distance between them before she lost control and threw herself at him. He leaned down and in. With the stealth of a panther, his lips brushed hers.

Liquid, pulsating heat spread through her as their lips connected. She was too stunned to move. Was this really happening? She hoped so with everything in her. She stepped back into the kiss and rejoiced when she felt strong arms encircle her.

A small moan escaped her throat as Tordin continued to kiss her. Kyra was in over her head. This wasn’t some dream where she had all the confidence that she could wish for. This was real. He was here, able to tell how inexperienced she was. She didn’t know what to do or how to act. Maybe this was a kiss of mercy to help her out of her sadness. Was he trying to get her to confess what was wrong by kissing it out of her?

Well, that might just work if he kept this up. What should she do with her hands? She wanted to rub them up and down his chest, but she was too self-conscious. Then he captured her face between his large, strong hands and tilted his own face to crush her lips with more hunger than before. He removed a hand from her face to find hers and placed it on his chest. “Touch me back,” he said against her lips.

She trembled with excitement and need. He’d given her permission to touch him, and he hadn’t run away. Either he was a great actor, or he wanted her. This kiss had all the passion and heat she always hoped it would. Allowing herself to let go and enjoy the moment, she ran her hand up his chest, enjoying the firmness of it. She brought her other hand up to join in and found his hardened nipples. She traced tight little circles around them with the middle fingers of both hands and rejoiced when he let out a low growl that resembled a distant thunder rumble and that vibrated into her, down to the core.

This was the invitation she needed to become bolder. Her hands spanned his chest, down the eight-pack of hard abs and around to encircle his narrow waist. He responded by following suit, pulling her tightly against him in an embrace that locked her into him. She sighed in contented pleasure and opened her mouth to beckon him in for more.

When the tip of his tongue met hers, prickles of electricity sizzled and slid up and down her spine, causing her to arch into him. Her full breasts squeezed against his hard chest as she fought to remain grounded. Her entire being felt like she could easily float or even take flight. His tongue glided into her mouth as she felt his hot sweet breath caress her face. When he flicked and teased her tongue, Kyra knew she would give in to any demands he made.

Her nails lightly ran up and down his back, and he began to make sounds that stirred her insides, increasing her need for him. When he released her mouth for a breath, she sucked his bottom lip into her mouth, and he shuddered.

“Stop. I have to stop. I’m not supposed to be here with you like this. This is not how it should be. I could mess everything up. Please forgive me for losing myself.” He pulled back from her and looked at her with horror in his eyes.

She was overly aroused and confused. What was he saying? “What? No, I want you. I mean I wanted you to kiss me. I enjoyed—”

“No, Kyra, you don’t understand. You’re my guest. If I do this, then I could mess up any hope for a future that doesn’t bring dishonor to my father. I have to go. I thought I could be around you. I have done wrong by you. My apologies, but I must leave now.”

He stepped away from her. The removal of his body from hers was so swift she almost lost her balance and stumbled. The loss of his body heat left her cold. She watched as he whirled away as if in slow motion, his strides eating up the space between them and the door. Once there he said, “Again, dear Kyra, I apologize for overstepping into your personal space. I must not let myself lose sight of what is right or let this happen again. I will do my best to remember you are my guest and under my protection. Please forgive my actions here.” He turned, opened the door and left.

Kyra could only stare in disbelief after him as she stood in the empty, cold, lonely room.

K
yra dove into her work
, spending long hours learning the ship’s systems. She’d started to pick up an Olodian word here and there as well. Realizing the men around her all spoke English, even if it was a chore for them, Kyra asked the lead warrior to have his team speak their native tongue so she could learn. Hearing the language all day and forcing herself to stretch and grow to communicate with them gave her the perfect opportunity to focus on work and not on Tordin.

If she couldn’t have happiness of the heart, she’d become the best at her job. Kyra needed a win. She couldn’t lose everything she’d worked so hard for. She was determined to become the best here so they had no choice but to keep her or even elevate her to run a crew of her own. She’d find a way to get over not being around the commander by working harder and smarter. She’d pull her own weight and stop being a burden on him and his resources. She just had to learn their language, become strong enough to stay up for two days at a time and learn a whole new world of science, physics and technology—no big deal, right?

One thing was working for her, though—
gaiata
. Gaiata had become her best friend and personal salvation. If people on Earth had this stuff, drugs would become useless. She drank lots of it, luxuriated in it during her cleansing times and felt the elixir of life doing its magic as each Olodian-length day passed. The liquid was a miracle substance. She was no longer tired and dragging after what would be a typical workday—the equivalent of thirty-six hours in an Earth cycle. Instead, she flowed into a circadian body rhythm that mimicked that of the warriors.

Her sleep time was longer, at what she calculated to be ten to twelve Earth hours, but she felt refreshed when she woke. She reminded herself that her days were about twice as long, so her sleep needed to be, as well. Resting now meant allowing her body to repair and rejuvenate as the
gaiata
did its magic. She made sure to drink some before bed each night. With each passing day, she picked up more of the Olodians’ ways, what to do, how to live, and she did it faster.

After work she went to visit Phoebe, and Malm usually met her there. Although he was still the only one the healers allowed to touch Phoebe, she felt like her friend sensed and appreciated her presence, as well. And Phoebe looked well-rested and healed, perhaps almost ready to wake up—or that was Kyra’s hopeful assessment.

Malm remained his normal self and sat, quietly holding Phoebe’s hand as Kyra watched in awe and a little bit of sadness. She’d also noticed that Jalek had come by a few times when Malm was there but left quickly, not entering the room. Before leaving, though, he watched Phoebe move in response to Malm’s touch. Kyra was certain she saw hurt written across his face.

She was intimately familiar with that look. She’d endured it for years, always feeling like she was the second choice. Living in the shadows of people whose light shone way brighter than her own had made her a pro at concealing rejection, even if it ate her up from the inside out. She was always the invisible one trying to be smart enough to be taken seriously and respected. She figured if they couldn’t adore her as a beautiful woman she could at least get their respect as a brilliant colleague. Yes, she definitely understood what she saw in Jalek’s expression.

There it was again. Her heart lurched with want for Tordin. What was he doing at that moment? Did he feel this, too?

Kyra ached at the torturous pull to be with the commander; she couldn’t seem to stop when she was alone and forced to be with herself. Before she met him, she’d never had a problem spending endless hours alone. That seemed like eons ago. Now Kyra’s entire being wanted and needed Tordin to come to her, to hold her in his arms again. It was more than sexual. It was like needing air to breathe.

Seeing Malm with Phoebe made her sad and a little sorry for herself. It might not have been so bad if she’d never known what it felt like to be in Tordin’s arms in real life, but she did. That was the torture—she had experienced it only to have to endure its loss every day.

He had rejected her, plain and simple.

She really knew how to pick them. Why couldn’t she fall for one of the other beautiful men on board? They were plentiful, kind and ripe for the picking. But no, she had to choose the commander, Lord Tordin, who had a huge conflict of interest where she was concerned. Or at least that’s what he said. Why was she so powerfully drawn to him if she couldn’t have him?

The pull to be near him felt stronger and more real as each day passed.

Am I obsessed to the point of madness over him?

She caught herself aimlessly walking the corridors of the ship, only to discover she was in the command center or training area where he was. Kyra never approached him, hoping she’d correct her course before he saw her. She was quick to leave as soon as she realized she’d gone to him. Her drifting toward him was trance-like. She didn’t know when she’d flow into it. Her only hope was that she’d be able to see him coming into view in time to divert her trajectory and go the other way.

I’m acting like a stupid, loyal, love-sick puppy where he’s concerned.

He looked downright distraught and horrified when he left her the last time, and she never wanted to see that look on his face again, especially if she was the one to put it there. Kyra had no doubt he’d wanted her as much as she wanted him at the time, but somehow, it wasn’t enough.

Or maybe she was just a woman of convenience for him. She was the only female on board who was conscious and walking around in good health. Maybe she was just a warm body that would do in the meantime. She evidently didn’t matter enough for him to try to figure out a way to make it work. She just wasn’t important enough to him.

Kyra stomped her foot in anger before she remembered where she was and that Malm had been watching her.

“What troubles you, bright one?” he asked.

There it was again, that moniker, ‘bright one’. What did it mean when they said it?

“Malm, why do you call me that? ‘Bright one’.”

“Because it is your name and what you bring.”

“Huh? I don’t follow what you mean.”

“Oh, forgive. What I mean is that your name means Sun according to your Earth’s records, and you bring the bright shine of your Earth’s sun with you everywhere you go, especially to our Sire.”

“I didn’t know that’s what my name meant. And as for your Sire, that’s the last thing I bring him. He stays away and avoids me like I’m a bad infection. It’s as if I’m obsessed with what I can’t have. Do you think I’m obsessed with him?” she asked, ashamed for feeling as immature as she did.

Malm smiled and said, “No, you’re not obsessed with him. It is the Goddess at work. As for Tordin, what he does is for both of you. Please do not believe what you see. Trust your heart. He wants to do what is right and honorable. Being around you tempts him to run the risk of limiting the chances of a long future with you.”

“See that statement right there makes no sense whatsoever. How can he avoid me in order to have a future with me? I might find someone else. This ship has oodles of men, and let’s not even talk about the ones on the other ships in the fleet.”

Malm nodded his head as if understanding. She was surprised he used the Earth gesture, but she’d noticed he’d picked up quite a few of her sayings and ways of late. Then he said, “It means he has to conquer himself where you are concerned. He is a strong leader in so many areas, but in this part of his life,” he gestured to her, “he must overcome his drive to fulfill his immediate desires in order to have life-long peace and happiness. The Goddess wills it. He must learn, grow and conquer himself. He has to become what the unction calls him to be.

“There are forces at work that neither of you see but will face in due time. You are his greatest strength and weakness. If he becomes what is required of him, you will help him open up possibilities of change that will impact our world in dramatic fashion. His avoiding you has nothing to do with not wanting to be with you. He is preparing to be able to be with you the right way, bright one. In that preparation, he’s taking this time of separation from you to focus on the mission his father gave him. The success of this mission is a key to your desires coming to pass. He honors you by keeping his distance. Trust your heart, bright one.”

“So I’m a distraction to what he needs to accomplish. Okay, I’ll continue to stay away, but I don’t know how to stop the dream-walking to find him.”

“You are never a distraction, bright one, you are a hope that helps him to stay focused. As for your walks, allow the Goddess to give you wisdom. I know that is not what you wish to hear, but it is the only advice I can give you. Your life’s path is joined with his. Only the Goddess knows the reason and purpose, but you are like her in many ways.”

“I don’t know about this Goddess you speak about. Is she like the God of our Earth?”

“Your god is encompassed within her. The Creator Goddess gives life and interacts with each of us in the way best for us to grasp. The energy of the Goddess flows strong within you. Her unction is upon you, and I have no doubt you will fulfill the call.”

Confused, that’s what Kyra was. Instead of begging Malm to speak like a normal person instead of some esoteric prophet, she decided to give it a rest. There was one thing she couldn’t deny, though. She felt the weight and life of the words Malm spoke. They set up residence deep within her like the ones the healers had pronounced over her.

All she could do was stare at Malm as he returned his attention to Phoebe. She’d moved like a mermaid, gracefully undulating in smooth ripples as he’d spoken. He never stopped touching her through the entire exchange. Kyra envied her friend to be able to exist in a coma and not have to deal with all of this.

Phoebe was back to her normal, smooth but limited movements now that he was silent. If Kyra didn’t know any better, she’d believe Malm and Phoebe were symbiotically bound together in some way. Phoebe’s body had reacted differently as he spoke to Kyra. What was going on between them and between Tordin and her?

She had to think, and she left the room as quietly as possible. She focused on making it to her room but was dismayed to find herself at one of the training rooms closer to the Healing Section.

“Oh no, I did it again,” she said, not liking how in spite of her best efforts she’d ended up at the training room where Tordin might be.

The room was empty at the moment. That was odd. Normally he’d already be wherever she’d been led. Maybe Malm’s words were working on her in some way, kind of how the healers’ did.
Might as well get some exercise in, then.
Now she knew that must be the
gaiata
working within her. She never voluntarily worked out, especially not by herself.

She finished a rigorous simulated hike that climbed some alien trail, and she marveled at how the
gaiata
refreshed and cooled her skin after the exertion. Sweating was such a different experience now. It felt…good, not slimy and gross as it had was on Earth. Plus, her body didn’t hurt after the exercise. That was a huge win. She might make this part of her daily routine. She’d come here and work out after visiting Phoebe.

She didn’t hear the footsteps until he was close enough for her to hear his ragged breathing.

“So you bought into their mind control hook, line and sinker, I see. Look at you. You look and act more like them as the days go by!”

Brantley!
She’d know that spineless wonder’s voice anywhere. The troll was here in the same room with her. When she turned around, the shriek of horror that flew out of her filled the room. Brantley was hideous, and he smelled as bad as he looked.

His skin had an unhealthy yellowish-green hue, like he’d been living in some radioactive sewer, and his eyes bulged with a crazy gleam.

“Brantley, what are you doing here?” she managed to ask as calmly as possible.

“I’ve been waiting to catch you when he’s not around, watching and lurking.”

She was confused. Who was he talking about?

“Brantley, what are you talking about? Who’s been lurking around me besides you?” She couldn’t resist the dig. This was beyond creepy and felt a little stalker-ish, too.

“Who? Why, the great and all-powerful Oz, also known as Lord Tordin. I hate him. He never lets you out of his sight. Whenever I’ve asked to see you, one of his football player-looking goons tells me you’ve refused my request. But I know that can’t be right. I can see now they’ve brainwashed you to believe their lies. I had to get to you to warn you and get you to snap out of it. We have to escape.”

Kyra could tell Brantley was out of his mind. He looked badly malnourished and deranged. Gone was his pot gut; instead he looked haggard, saggy and old. She almost felt sorry for him until she remembered what he’d done, and anger replaced pity.

“Brantley, stay away from me. Lord Tordin was doing what I asked him to—keeping you away from me. I still can’t get over how you sexually harassed me and what you allowed to happen to the station. Your carelessness is the reason we’re here now. You caused the deaths of so many people, and I do not want to be responsible for doing something harmful to you.”

“Ha! Harmful to me? You can’t do anything that hasn’t already been done. They watch me all the time. I have to sneak around and hide like an animal just to get away from them. They’re out to have my mind. I can tell they already have yours now. And that poor woman in there. They have her pickled like some lab experiment in that box. There’s no telling what they’re doing to her.”

Kyra tried hard to follow what he said, but when he spoke of Phoebe being pickled and experimented on, she knew he was delusional. “No, Brantley, Phoebe is not dead, she’s in suspension while she works her way back to consciousness. She’s in a coma.”

“No, she’s not. That blue liquid is alive. It does things to you. It sucks your life away. I won’t allow them to make me take it. It’s evil and part of their attempt to brainwash me. Don’t drink it or go near it.”

“Yeah, look at all the good that’s done for you,” she said, noting how he appeared to be rotting away.