Page 81 of Warrior Rescued

“They are. I think your clothes are ready.” He nodded toward the now open door on the replicator.

“Oh, good.”

As Elena headed toward the unit in the wall, he watched her shapely rear end bounce. Despite how harsh the planet had been to her, she’d thrived enough to keep some of her delicious curves.

“Yes?” Elena asked when she turned and spotted him staring.

“I love your behind. Particularly where it meets your glorious thighs.” He cupped his hands like he was palming her full rear and wagged his brow.

“Down, boy,” she giggled as she tugged the dress over her head.

“I will behave,” he nodded seriously then added, “just long enough to feed you and talk strategy.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” Elena smiled as she smoothed down her dress.

Elena

“I think we need to make some footwear for you,” Payim commented as they walked.

She looked down at her holey sneakers.

“Probably. These certainly don’t match my dress.”

Her dress was more like an oversized shirt that went to her knees. Back home she wouldn’t have picked the style, but still, she loved it. It was so bright and happy.

She glanced up as they entered the ship cafeteria and her steps faltered. There were so many people here, at least twenty.

“Are you all right?” Payim whispered to her.

She nodded and followed as he headed toward Thunder, Faktil, and two Osivoire men. It took her a moment to discern which one was Thorac.

“You must be Scala.” She reached out to shake Scala’s hand.

“I am.” Scala glanced at her hand before taking it.

“This is Elena,” Payim introduced her.

“Nice to meet you. Glad you made it back safely,” she said.

“I am glad to meet you as well.” Scala smiled pleasantly, though she noticed what looked like amusement as he surveyed how short she was and just how tall Payim stood next to her. “Food! I’m starving,” he then declared.

Payim steered her toward a long buffet table separating the dining room from a futuristic kitchen. Unlike in their suite, there were three Osivoire who appeared to be preparing and cooking the dishes, though there was a variety already set out on the table.

“So much food,” she commented in awe.

“I suggest you try a little of everything.” Payim grabbed a plate and handed it to her with an encouraging nod.

“Although, you might find they-grora little spicy,” Scala added.

“Spicy? Really? Which one is that?” she asked excitedly. How long had it been since she’d eaten something with a little kick?

“There.” Thorac pointed to the dish that looked like a green stew.

Eagerly she scooped up a bit of the stew and put it on her plate before grabbing a chunk with her bare fingers and popping it into her mouth. Her eyes widened. It was spicy. Not like the peppers she was familiar with but still good, and the meat was juicy.

“If it’s too hot you can spit it out,” Payim whispered to her.

“No!” Elena scooped more of the wonderful alien stew onto her plate, ignoring the rest.

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