Page 25 of Zalis
Zalis followed, not trusting her to be steady on her feet. “Do you require assistance?”
“No, I should be good. That doctor said I can get the boot wet, so I’ll be fine.”
Zalis turned his back to the door but stayed nearby until he heard water running. Satisfied that Gemma had found all the supplies she required, he activated the matter reconstructor.
The appliance was notorious for printing tasteless food, but it could produce certain items well. It had a menu for basic pain relief, noting which ones were safe for human consumption. He requested the most popular options. While the reconstructor worked, he prepared tea for the mating ceremony.
He set the table, wishing for a cloth or candles or anything to mark the occasion. He would only experience the mating ceremony once. It had to be correct.
Could it be? No, that was a flawed assumption on his part. Gemma had chosen him out of necessity. The ceremony was meant to be a contemplative moment shared between mates. He could hand her a cup of tea, but its significance would be lost. The thought of a ceremony devoid of meaning held no appeal.
It would be better to wait.
Zalis dumped the brewing tea and prepared an ordinary herbal tea.
His next task took him to the mess hall. The cooks had added several dishes enjoyed by humans to the menu. Gemma should not take medication on an empty stomach. If he hurried, he could return before she finished her shower.
Unsure of her appetite or what she preferred, he was stymied by options. A decadent slice of cake, thick with frosting. A steaming bowl of soup, rich with a salty aroma. Meat and rice wrapped in a bread so flat he was amazed it held together. Several pieces of fish, cooked and uncooked, nestled on rice. Vegetables fried. Vegetables in buttery sauces. Vegetables pickled in a vinegar brine.
Noodles. Noodles were safe. He had seen several human females consume noodles.
Unsure which flavor Gemma would prefer, he grabbed them all: spicy, seafood, poultry, and fermented.
“There you are,” Havik said, blocking his exit from the mess hall. His gaze dipped down to the tray. “I suppose a warrior your size has an appetite.”
Zalis bristled. The male did not jest. Havik was incapable of humor. He meant it in all sincerity, and that irked Zalis morethan a gentle teasing. “My mate requires sustenance, and I am unsure of her preferences.”
Havik nodded, as if agreeing. “Wise. The warlord wants a briefing.”
Zalis looked at the tray.
“Now,” Havik said. “He is not in the mood for indulgences.”
“Yes. Understood.” He gave the tray to a bot to be delivered. He would prefer to spend the time with Gemma. They had much to discuss.
The part of his brain that always spun and refused to settle was thrilled. This was time to prepare and research, to be the mate that Gemma deserved.
ZALIS
“Apparently, I have threatened a constable on a fringe planet,” the warlord said.
For a moment, Zalis’ mind spun, like a computer loading a complex program. “Law enforcement seemed unwilling to pursue the traffickers. Encouragement seemed appropriate,” he managed to say.
Paax gave Zalis a long look, as if scrutinizing his soul. “A little encouragement is never amiss.”
Zalis relaxed. “A Mahdfel pursuing the traffickers has a greater chance of success than a civilian effort.”
“Only in that a Mahdfel will not abandon the hunt.” The warlord braced his hands against the meeting table, watching the screen embedded into the surface.
“If you allow, I’ll find the traffickers and bring them to justice.” He wanted to do this, to give Gemma the justice she desired.
“No. For this, we will let the constable do her job.” Paax did not even look up from the screen as he delivered a devastating blow.Justice was the one thing he knew Gemma wanted and the one thing he felt able to give her.
Zalis tried to hide his disappointment, his posture tense, and delivered an overly formal, “Sir.”
“Your disappointment is surprising,” Paax said, “considering now you will have time to spend with your new mate.”
“They hurt my mate.”
