Page 25 of Eclipse Bound
Rowan's expression hardened. "I've been looking over my shoulder for six months. I'm not about to start running again because James Petersen showed up at dinner."
"Your safety?—"
"Is my concern," she interrupted firmly. "And frankly, I'd rather face Milano with aliens on my side than alone."
Eclipse studied her, noting the determination in her energy pattern despite the fear beneath it. "You are remarkably resilient, Rowan Clark."
"Necessity," she replied with a small shrug. "Now eat your lava cake before it gets cold. We shouldn't let Milano ruin a perfectly good first date."
Despite the lingering tension, Eclipse found himself appreciating her defiance. She pushed the dessert toward him, demonstrating how to break the cake to release the molten center.
Eclipse tried the sweet confection and choked.
Rowan suppressed a smile. “Not good?”
“It is fine,” he managed. “I wish to complete this first date ritual to your satisfaction.”
Eclipse reached to take another bite, bracing himself for the horrible test of will this dessert would take.
Rowan reached for his arm to stop him. She shook her head in denial and slid the plate in front of her. “You do not have to eat it.”
“Are you sure? I wish for you to be happy with this date. I will not make you eat this test of wills alone.”
“But I like chocolate.” She grinned and took a big bite. “Simply means I don’t have to share. More for me.”
He took the wine to mask the taste of the molten lava. It made no sense that humans would enjoy eating such a thing.
Eclipse considered the new variables in their situation. Milano Enterprises was clearly a potential threat, one with both resources and motivation to investigate the crash. Their interest in him and his connection to Rowan created additional complications.
And yet, as he watched Rowan deliberately enjoying the chocolate despite the encounter, he found himself unwilling to sever their connection. The resonance between them had already grown beyond mere biorhythmic compatibility. There was a shared understanding and a parallel in their situations that created deeper meaning.
He felt a deep stirring inside of his core, like bound energy about to explode. His essence wanted to flow into her as it had in her office. Before Solar interrupted them, he had felt her human body responding unusually to his touch, and he wanted to know more. None of his curiosity was about missions or scientific exploration.
He wanted to physically envelope Rowan.
"We will need to warn Solar and Lunar of this threat," she noted as she finished the dessert.
"Let's give them until tomorrow," Eclipse said, thinking more about what it would feel like to exchange energy with her without the hindrance of her clothing. "They know to be on high alert. Let them have tonight on their dates."
"You're probably right. I doubt Milano will make a move tonight," she said after some consideration. "That was Petersen feeling out the situation. Though we should remain alert and assume they're trying to keep tabs on us."
Eclipse nodded, but he wasn't really thinking of her words, as he wondered how best to communicate his desire to touch her portals and absorb into her.
Chapter
Eight
After paying for the meal, a process Eclipse found needlessly complex compared to Zorveyan resource exchange systems, they left the restaurant by the main exit, both watching for any sign of Petersen. The parking area appeared clear, but Eclipse maintained heightened awareness as they walked to Rowan's vehicle.
The night had fully claimed the sky, and stars were brilliant above the red rock silhouettes. As Rowan drove them back toward the retreat, Eclipse found himself trying not to stare at the heat signature he found between her legs. A couple of times, he started to reach for it, but forced his essence to retract into his form.
Instead, he tried to compare Earth's constellations to the star patterns visible from the Twilight Belt. They were different arrangements, yet were equally beautiful in their complexity.
"Where to now?" Rowan asked as they approached the retreat. "Back to the suite? I imagine Solar and Lunar won't be there."
"That is likely," Eclipse agreed. "Solar's interest in the fire manipulator was evident, and Lunar appeared to have formed a connection with Poppy despite his denials."
Rowan drove in silence for a moment, her fingers tapping thoughtfully on the steering wheel.
