Page 69 of Grulen

He met the larger transport in the hangar bay and exchanged warrior clasps with the Jalaxians.Krinir tugged on Niksen’s braid to pull her to his side, looked at everyone, then said, “We’ll be busy for the foreseeable future.”He lifted her over his shoulder, and she pummeled his back.

“I can walk.”

“You’re too slow.I want you now.”He slapped her ass.“No sass or I’ll teach you a lesson.”Her furious retort was lost in the laughter that filled the hangar bay.

Now that the bulk of their personnel was onboard, they traveled to meet the smaller transport to pick up Crax and Kara who already contacted Costonia with the results of their investigation before returning the Orkites home.

At evening meal, everyone except Krinir and Niksen sat and shared stories of their time apart.

“Oh, I can’t wait until Heggar finds out about our newest mated pair.”Fraddar grinned.“He owes me a bottle of Estalan liquor.”

“He knew about them?”Morgan stabbed some meat on the platter and transferred it to her plate.

“A lot of us have been placing bets on when she’d wear him down.It’s taken years.Krinir’s one stubborn Orkite.”Fraddar scooped up some roasted vegetables.“I told Heggar this was the trip where he’d finally realize how he felt about her.”

“The sexual tension between the two has been unbearable.”Lollek smirked and fanned her face with a hand.“I had to work it off with a pair of Ladortan guards numerous times.”

Everyone laughed at the female Orkite’s antics.

“I’m glad they figured it out,” Morgan said quietly.“I know she was very unhappy.”

“You’re very kind to say so, especially after how she treated you.”Fraddar’s normally cheerful face became solemn.“It hurt to watch her take her pain out on all of you, but he needed to witness it.I apologize that I couldn’t step in sooner.”

“It’s okay.Everything worked out.”Morgan popped a vegetable into her mouth.

She’s such a caring female.And forgiving.Goddess, is there nothing unattractive about the human?

“We’ll meet up with Crax and Kara in three days.Once they’re back with us, we’ll take you home,” Makai said.“That should take another week.”

“Such a shame I couldn’t bring those guards with me.They were very inventive,” Lollek said.

“If you’re in the market for another pleasure mating, feel free to knock on my door.I’m certain Krinir won’t be there.”Fraddar wiggled his eyebrows.

“You’re much too old for me.”Lollek pointed her utensil at him.“I’d hate for you to keel over dead from pleasure.”

“You wound me.”Fraddar clutched at his chest.“I wouldn’t mind testing your theory.”

“Another lifetime, perhaps.”

Stalad shook his head at their banter.Everyone is much more relaxed.I wonder what’s next for us.

Stalad chewed on his fruit and glanced around the dining area.Except for Yaz, everyone onboard sat enjoying morning meal.Grouped together at one end of the table, the females chattered, while the males concentrated on their food.Crax and Kara returned four days ago and from her gestures and the laughter around her, she related another story about Rumaska.Even Niksen and Lollek participated happily.

Closing his eyes, he couldn’t quite hear the details of the conversation, but the rise and fall of female voices soothed him before an ache in his chest began.A sensation of a memory flittered in his brain, but when he tried to grasp it, pain throbbed at his temples.Ceasing his efforts, he reverted to listening and entered a meditative state similar to when he conducted his training forms.The sensation returned, although he didn’t try to force any memories.He simply enjoyed the warmth the voices provided him.

“Stalad?”

His peace interrupted, he opened his eyes to see Lezon peering at him with concern.

“Are you okay?I called your name several times.”

“Yes, just thinking.”

“We’re going to spar later with the Orkites.Did you want to join us?”

“I’ll be there.”Stalad sipped his juice.“Does Makai have another mission for us?”

“Not that I’ve heard.Come by for a checkup after we spar.I want to see if there have been any changes.”

---