They had landed just after dawn, which would allow sufficient time to reach the caves of his tribe before nightfall. A few snowflakes drifted down in front of the window, but he didn’t detect the signs of an approaching storm.
“I’m going to need some more clothes. Kamat’s hand-me-downs aren’t going to keep me warm.”
The worry in her voice caught his attention. “Are you sorry that we came here? I can try and find an alternative, but I think this is the best place to avoid anyone that Relkhei may send after us.”
She immediately shook her head and smiled up at him. “No, it’s fine. Really. It’s just that where I lived never had much in the way of winter weather, and this is all a little overwhelming. But beautiful,” she added hastily.
Beautiful? He considered the landscape again. It had always just been home to him, but after his time away, he could recognize the stark beauty of the icy landscape.
“I’m glad you do not find it unappealing. I think it would be best if you wait here while I go into the port and procure additional clothing for you.”
“What port?” She gestured out at the emptiness surrounding them, and he laughed.
“It’s on the other side of the ship. Come. I will show you.”
He held out his hand, but to his surprise, she hesitated. His heart rate increased. Was she already regretting her decision, despite her reassuring words? “What is wrong, my aria?”
“Nothing. It’s just that I feel as if once we leave this cabin, things are going to change. And I—I have enjoyed the trip.”
The tinge of pink that indicated embarrassment rose to her cheeks. Abandoning his timeline, he lifted her into his arms so that they were face-to-face.
“I, too, have enjoyed this trip and our time together.” Should he say more? Should he tell her how much it had meant to him? Perhaps even ask her to stay with him always? She had said nothing to indicate that she felt the same way even though she came eagerly into his arms every night. In the end, he settled for the simple truth. “We will still be together.”
The small crease between her brows disappeared, and she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his. He was unable to resist returning the kiss, parting her lips to explore the delicious, tantalizing warmth of her mouth. His kotra inevitably responded to the taste and feel of her, and it wasn’t until he realized that his erection was nuzzling at her entrance that he thought to hold back.
“I’m sorry, my aria. I did not mean to get carried away.”
She wiggled teasingly across the head of his kotra. “I don’t mind.”
He knew he should get going, but with his female warm and fragrant in his arms, his desire threatened to overrule his discipline. Just as he felt the first kiss of her deliciously wet cunt, the door alarm sounded.
“Time to get going. I don’t want to be stuck in this hellhole any longer than necessary.” Despite Captain Glasach’s jovial tone, he heard the underlying note of concern. It was certainly possible that Relkhei already had someone on their trail, and it would be better for the ship if it had already departed. With a reluctant groan, he gently lowered Isabel to the ground and forced his unwilling shaft back into his sheath.
“I apologize again,” he said softly.
“Don’t apologize. Captain Glasach is right—we should get going.”
He hated that the worried look had returned to her beautiful face, but all he could do was proceed with the plan as quickly as possible.
“Have Kamat show you Port Eyeja from the lounge. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
She nodded, and he brushed one last quick kiss across her lips as he headed for the door.
“I’m going to get suitable clothing for Isabel,” he told Captain Glasach, who was still standing outside the door, looking amused. “I’ll be back as quickly as possible.”
“Good. Time the two of you were off my ship.” She grinned, then said softly, “Don’t worry. She’ll be safe with me until you return.”
“I know. Thank you.” He clasped her shoulder briefly before heading for the landing ramp.
If the view from the window had brought back memories, stepping outside into the frigid air had an even stronger impact. He caught the scent of snow, a storm far off in the distance, and the heavy tang of the sarlag dung smoke that hung over the small town. More alien scents also filled the air, those bringing back a rush of unpleasant memories from his last visit. He longed to turn away from the port and head straight into the icy hills, but Isabel needed assistance to face the frigid temperatures. A brief gust of wind swirled around his shoulders, surprisingly cold, and he realized that even his natural adaptation to the environment had been weakened by his time away. Perhaps he too would require additional supplies.
Walking briskly away from the ship, he headed into the warren of narrow streets that surrounded the landing field. He avoided the places with which he was familiar and chose the first open merchant.
“I require suitable clothing,” he announced as a small Oolong came scurrying over, rubbing his hands together anxiously.
“Clothing? I thought Hothians did not believe in external protection.”
The words brought home to him how much he had changed, and he immediately abandoned the idea of supplies for himself. A warrior did not show weakness. He would adapt soon enough.
“It is for another,” he said quickly. “A young…male of a different species.”
“Ah, I see.” The merchant shot him a speculative look but didn’t ask any additional questions as he led Baralt over to a display of outerwear. There wasn’t a huge selection, but he chose a heavy cloak woven from sarlag fur and matching boots lined with
