Page 17 of Alien's Heart
“The power lines were exposed because someone dug up the power lines,” he said.
“That fucker.” They did not need to discuss the identity of the fucker.
Nox cracked open the bottle and sniffed the contents. It was pure sugar.
“Don’t make that face. It’s soda, not poison. I thought you might appreciate something cold.”
“I am pleased you thought of me,” he said with sincerity.
“Not exactly a thank you, but sure. No problem.” After a beat, “Besides, you’re too useful to poison. I’ll get around to it later.”
His ears went forward. “Excuse me?”
“I am a black widow, after all.” She took another swig from the bottle like she didn’t just drop a bomb in his lap.
He laughed in delight. “You threaten me with mortal peril.”
“Sorry. You looked so serious. All,I’m gonna tear that fucker from limb to limb.” She bared her blunt human teeth in a snarl, and it was adorable.
His tail brushed against her leg. She didn’t move away. The air between them grew heated.
“Kitten—” His voice was low, nearly a whisper.
The wuap appeared, carrying something small and dead in its mouth. It dropped the kill at Nox’s feet and made a trilling noise.
“She brought you a present,” Ruth said with enthusiasm, seizing the distraction.
“She is very skilled.” He stroked the wuap’s head. “What is the little hunter’s name?”
“Doesn’t have one. She’s a barn wuap and supposed to be feral, but she’s domesticated herself. Almost.”
Nox felt a kinship with the animal. He also did not have a name.
“Gifts from two fierce females in one night. Be honest,” he said, turning his attention to Ruth, “are you flirting with me? This is flirting.” He nodded, having decided.
Mirth vanished from her face as she lurched to her feet. “I would never. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“Do not apologize. I am flattered.” His ego was healthy enough for a dozen males, and his confidence was never in question.
“Forget I said anything. Just…I’m sorry.”
And she ran into the house.
Nox certainly had a way with the females.
Such a reaction might give a male misgivings about his ability to charm others. Other, less secure males.
He finished the vile soda, planning out a course of action.
Ruth
She joined Nox on the porch that night intending to confront him about the fake ID band, but he…distracted her with his smoldering eyes and that tail.
It wasn’t fair. She didn’t have enough experience flirting, and he was a master. Oh, she knew it was an act, but that didn’t stop her from giggling and tucking her hair behind one ear.
She tossed and turned all night, unable to stop replaying the scene in her head. What kind of name was Nox anyway? It was as fake as Sinister McFakerton. Nefarious T. Blownapart. Okay, that was more of a movie villain name, but the principle stood. Nox was a street name. Anom de crime, if you will.
Ugh, that was cringy.
