Page 82 of Master
"What?" I pushed against his chest. Excitement at seeing my friends on top of lust turning my blood into frothy champagne. "How long before they get here?"
Tarook pulled me back against his chest. "The shuttle from the Bardaga to the surface usually takes about twenty of your earth minutes."
I relaxed, letting my arms wind around my mate's neck as I pulled his lips toward mine.
"Tarook my love. Have you ever heard of the Earth concept called a quickie?"
Exactly twenty-two minutes later, I made my way—showered, dressed, and very well pleasured—toward the far end of the settlement where the shuttle would land.
The village flurried with action, people rushing around throwing together an impromptu welcoming party for the Bardaga. Mei and Bartholomeus stood hand in hand, directing the action, while the faint chug of Buck and Lula's truck approached from the south.
Tarook led me to a small field past the general store specifically set aside for a shuttle landing.
"Are you nervous?" Tarook held me close as a metallic glint became noticeable on the horizon.
"Excited," I breathed. I wanted to see my friends and begin my new life with Tarook.
My mate.
The shuttle reminded me of the ship that transported me to the Hartouk Lenaii, dull gray, boxy, with few windows. It landed with a softswish,barely disturbing the surrounding air. When the door opened and the ramp descended, all comparisons to hateful aliens stopped.
I don't know what made the first sight of Emmy and Daisy so strange—the fact they looked forty years younger than the last time I'd seen them or the two massive warriors at their side. Both males dressed like Tarook, with black leather-like pants, boots, and something that looked like the baby of a vest and tunic corraling the massive muscles of their chests and shoulders. The male holding Emmy's hand was close to Tarook's height, with thick black hair pulled back into a braid. The male with his arm around Daisy's shoulders stood taller, with dirty blonde hair that reminded me of a lion's mane. Both men sported golden irises swimming in a cobalt sea, although the shade of gold differed from male to male.
"Clara!"
I don't know which woman screamed my name. I launched into a run, arms open wide, as Emmy and Daisy sprinted toward me. When the three of us got our arms around each other, we dissolved into a blob of laughter, tears, and "Oh my Gods"sprinkled with comments about how fabulous each thought the other looked.
Vaguely, I noticed the males standing around, laughing during their own greetings.
"Thank you for finding her," Emmy tearfully told Tarook, giving him a pat on his shoulder.
His hand rested on the small of my back as I detangled myself from the reunion blob.
"It was my very great pleasure," Tarook said with a sly grin.
One auburn eyebrow arched in my direction as Emmy shot me a questioning glance. I smiled and shrugged, drawing a bark of laughter from her lips.
"Clara, this is my mate Khaion, chieftain of the Bardaga and the war chief Daicon… and Daisy's mate," Emmy told me, pointing to each male in turn. At the mention of his name, each warrior squared his shoulders, lifting a fist to give three sharp taps over his heart.
"It's the sign of respect when meeting another Vaktaire's chosen mate," Tarook murmured near my ear, repeating the same motion for first Emmy and then Daisy.
"It's so wonderful to meet you," I said, and meant it. Daisy and Emmy hadn't looked this happy in years.
"As it is to meet you," Khaion said with a smile.
"Tarook's a handful. Are you sure you don't want to look around? We got a lot of other males onboard." Daicon teased with a sly wink.
"I'm sure." I smiled at my mate.
My mate.
Damn, I liked the sound of that.
Khaion stiffened, his glance returning to the shuttle. "Orzon is bringing the children." At his words, both my friends drew nervous breath.
A small blue cherubic alien strode down the ramp, leading the pack. The group consisted of eighteen beings—alldifferent species, all different sizes, but definitely all children. They moved in single file from the ship toward the town square, and my heart squeezed with memory. I knew that moment… the steps you take toward strangers hoping to become family.
One small being broke from the group, bounding in our direction. He was short and chubby, covered in grayish brown fur with expressive dark button eyes. He reminded me of those teddy bear creatures from the Star Wars movies. Beside me, Tarook's sharp gasp conveyed there was more than cuteness to the little creature. His arm went around my waist, pulling me close to his side.
