Page 16 of Her Alien Harmony
“Oh, yeah. Forgot about the way you can change your appearance. It makes sense now.”
“But there have been some, like your military, who know of our existence, yet they are determined to destroy what they do not understand. Perhaps the people of Earth are more like Quantorians after all, snuffing out those they see as rivals.”
“Not all of us have such closed minds. Look at me. I’ve known you for two days and now I’m about to meet your family.”
He smiled, then leaned close. “I hope I can interest you into staying for a while. My people are strong, yet we do not prey on the weak. We believe everyone, even the Quantorians, have a purpose in this universe. If you like what you see, perhaps youwill decide to help me—I mean us.” His cheeks flashed a darker violet.
“One thing at a time.” My heart swelled.Could I have a future here? A home?The idea didn’t feel as frightening as usual.
“Agreed. One step in front of the other.” Drayven turned back to the screen. “Do you see that tunnel ahead?”
“The one smack dab in the side of the volcano?” I gripped the armrests of the chair.Surely he’s not going to fly straight into it.
“Yes. Our base is deep underground. Once we land, I will show you everything.”
“And I don’t need a spacesuit?” The idea of nothing between me and Mars made my stomach flip.
“No. We have equipment that recycles the gasses here, converting it into a breathable atmosphere, similar to Voldera and Earth. The temperature is also set to 19 degrees Celsius, which is around 66 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“Sounds perfect.” It really did, but I couldn’t concentrate on what he said because the mouth of the cave loomed ahead. My breathing accelerated as the sparrow bulleted through the air. Below, the rocky, iron-colored ground of Mars became a blur.
Please God don’t let us die.Unable to help myself, I grabbed Drayven’s arm and squeezed.
“All will be fine, Gerri. It looks smaller than it is.”
A nervous chuckle escaped my lips. “Not something most guys would say.”
His eyebrows drew together in confusion. “What—”
“Never mind.” I gripped him tighter. “Why do I feel like puking?”
“The sensation will pass.” He used his left hand and tapped a green, blinking light. “Sparrow 42 requesting a landing bay.”
A soft ding, then a resonant, male voice answered in a language that sounded like a mix of Russian and Arabic. Theman growled. Though I didn't understand what Drayven said in response, the overall feeling of the conversation felt strained.
After a minute more of talking, Drayven tapped the circle, turning it white.
“That was Voren. He and his brother, Major Baraxen, did not exactly give me permission to visit Earth, though they never explicitly told me to stay.”
“Uh oh. So, we’re in trouble?” I couldn’t get the mental image of angry, purple Volderens scowling at me, the puny human from Earth.
What in the hell was I thinking? That they’d just accept me and invite me to live in their home?The deep urge to run away surfaced.Trapped, I’m trapped.The craft's cabin closed in on me. My lungs couldn’t get enough air.
“Calm, Gerri. Calm. Things will work out in the end. They are angry at me, not you. I daresay your presence will actually be a balm, judging by the way Voren treats Lilly.” His fingers stroked tiny circles along my forearm.
His words and the soothing gesture calmed the nerves writhing in my stomach like a ball of snakes. “How did you know what I was feeling?”
A grin tipped the corner of his mouth.
Outside, the dark tunnel lit up in a soft blue and the ship decelerated. On either side, large bays appeared down the line.
“You are my mate. Your soul calls to mine, and I answer. In time, if you decide to give me a chance, you will become attuned to the invisible matter binding mates together.”
“I have so many questions.”
He tapped a line on the holographic console and the vessel slowed to a crawl, turned into a large hangar, and stopped. “And I will answer them all. But first—” He pushed the release latch on his harness, then reached over and released mine. “—I must answer Baraxen and Voren. Come. I shall explain myself thengive you a tour. Afterwards, you may choose a guestroom or stay in my apartment. Whichever would be most comfortable for you.”
Even though sweat soaked the palms of my hands, I stood and followed Drayven on shaky legs.
