Page 33 of Infala: The Alien's Bond
The lowest runes would give her additional endurance for long treks once the pigment had set permanently. Until then, however, it would likely be a bit uncomfortable as, more than other parts of her body, she used her feet constantly, even if only to walk across a room.
“Rest,” he said quietly when his task was complete, gently covering her with a light sheet as she drifted off to an exhausted sleep. He then gathered his tools, cleaned his workspace, and left her to rest and recover.
Darla didn’t know how long she’d slept, but the sun had settled low in the orange-tinged sky when she emerged from the yurt, moving slowly, her whole body a tapestry of new sensations. Some of them were good, some not so good, but all were different from any she had ever experienced.
Interestingly, her arousal, while tamped down by the repeated pricking by sharp needles, had nevertheless remained in place. It had dulled to a slow idle, but the ache in her groin was still there, craving release.
She walked toward the central dining area and took a seat on one of the benches. The smell of smoke and cooking food wafted to her nose, the aroma stronger than she remembered being able to detect.
Heydar had said parts of her would be enhanced, and they never knew for sure how the pigments would react, especially in an alien race like the human woman. Perhaps this was part of it. Perhaps she was a super smeller now. Thinking back to some of the nasty dive bars she’d run around in with her gal pals, Darla wondered if that might be such a good thing after all.
Tikanna and a far older woman were directing a group of young men in the preparations, their positions as elder females clearly affording them a fair amount of influence in the village. It really did seem the shortage of women here had fostered a matriarchal society where every woman’s value was paramount.
“We do not dine for some time,” a deep voice said from behind her, catching her unaware.
Darla turned around and watched Zepharos approach, his musculature clearly visible through the light tunic he had changed into since she’d last seen him. Then he had been laboring, carrying a table for Tikanna, but now he had cleaned up, and quite nicely at that.
His features were a bit more angular than a human’s, and of course he was well over six feet tall with pale green skin and those dazzling amber eyes. But from what she’d seen so far, his kind was remarkably similar to her own species.
“May I join you?”
“Of course,” Darla said, admiring the way he moved as he sat beside her. Smooth, yet powerful. The heat that had settled into a dim glow inside her flared slightly.
Zepharos was grinning at her, the corners of his eyes crinkling deliciously. Unlike her forced companion, this male seemed full of mirth and cheerful energy. That, and a healthy dose of masculine heat that radiated through his gaze and made the warmth in her belly flutter and spread.
“I see you are admiring our sunset.”
“The colors are amazing. And the air is so clear on your world. And the way it reflects off of the high clouds.”
“Yes, it is quite beautiful,” he agreed, “though it pales in comparison to your stunning complexion. Are all women of your world as lovely as you?”
Darla felt heat rise in her cheeks. “I’m just a normal person,” she objected.
“Nonsense. You are toohardon yourself,” he countered, stressing the word. “Encountering the likes of one such as you has been an unexpectedpleasure.”
Oh yeah, he’s sure coming on strong, she thought, enjoying the attention, her body humming with growing interest.
“So, uh, what exactly do you all do around here?” she asked, regretting the question at once.Lame, Dar. What kind of stupid small talk is that?
He just smiled at her, unfazed. “I cannot speak for the others, but as for me, I find physical activities to be moststimulating.”
Zepharos held her gaze a long moment then rose to his feet. “I really should be going. I should shed these clothes for something more dinner appropriate.”
“Oh, okay.”
“I enjoy your company, Darla. My home is just over there. If you ever care to, I would be more than happy to offer you my hospitality.”
He walked away, slowly, turning and glancing back at her over his shoulder then continuing on his way.
“Making friends, I see,” the elderly woman said, walking to meet the newcomer.
“Uh, yeah, I guess.”
“Zepharos is a fine specimen,” the woman said. “If I were younger… but those days have passed. I am Niala. You are obviously Darla, the offworld visitor.”
“Guilty as charged.”
“And you have caught someone’s eye already. Well done, girl. Zepharos clearly admires you. Why do you not pursue him?”
