So, that’s why Xylo has always mentioned something about my personality or mind, and nothing about how I looked. And why both he and Odelm were so sensitive about their unusual looks.
“Thanks, Kaede.”
He nodded.
“I’ll let you have some time alone since that’s what you wanted. I need to make rounds anyway and report to my client. Page me if you need me, but I’ll more than likely be around before you do.”
At my nod, Kaede strode off, cape swaying behind him. As soon as he was out of sight, I shed my trousers and tank and slipped into the water. I knew I was supposed to wait for Odelm, but I promised myself I would stay near shore where I could easily stand if I tired.
As I swam on my back, arms stroking lazily to keep me in place, I stared up at the dome. Odelm was right about the view of space being different every time you looked. I floated, letting my jumbled thoughts drift through my mind. My pregnancy, my new mates, the ship, the upcoming arrival at CEG...
Lost in my thoughts, I was startled by sudden movement in the water around me. I gasped and allowed my feet to drop, pulling myself vertical. Water streamed down my hair and dripped on my face as I looked around. I had drifted far enough from shore, I could no longer touch the bottom.
Shit.
The source of the splashes was readily apparent. Three Ulax males in a variety of blues swam beside me.
“May I help you?” I asked, confused.
Outside of the few people who’d spoken to me, the rest of the crew acted as though I were invisible.
The center male answered my question with one of his own. “You are Master Scholar Xylo’s nestqueen, are you not?”
Eyeing him, unsure what he was getting at, I replied, “Yes. Though why is that any of your concern?”
The one on the left swam closer, and I backed away, warily.
“You chose him over one of the many available Warrior Class males on this ship? Even the princes?”
Pissed they seemed to be denigrating Xylo, I snapped, “I don’t wonder that you’re unbonded—if you think it’s a good plan to come here and pressure a pregnant female while she’s alone and relaxing.”
The remaining male interjected with a look of apology, “What they are trying, and failing, to ask is—why him? Usually, females desire males with military rank or attractive looks, neither of which Master Scholar Xylo possesses.”
Angry and unsure how to respond to these arrogant males, I could feel myself tiring as I struggled to tread water. As I tried to decide what to do and started backing away from the group, an arm slid around my chest, just below my breasts.
I gasped, filling my mouth with water.
“I believe it is time for Selena to come back to shore,” Odelm interrupted, fury filling his voice.
I slumped against him in relief.
“We were only talking to her. You have to admit you are also curious about it,” the center male said.
“It is not my right to question her personal choices or her private life. Neither is it yours,” Odelm snapped as he started swimming toward shore.
I was amazed at his strength and shocked he’d come to my rescue. When I was able to gather my breath to speak, I whispered, “Thank you, Odelm.”
He shrugged and didn’t reply.
When he was able to stand, Odelm picked me up and cradled me to his chest, carrying me to shore. As we approached, I saw Kaede, holding my clothes and shoes.
“What happened to being in charge of protecting Selena from harm?” Odelm growled. “If I had not come for a swim when Selena failed to meet me at the café for lessons, she would have been alone with those males.”
Jerking his chin toward the sky, Kaede replied, “Look up. I had my drones ready if they were aggressive, but she seemed to be able to manage, and I knew you were on your way and could assist, so no harm done. I’m not going to interfere with the strange Circuli mating rituals.” He laughed. “At least they were smart enough not to follow you.”
Odelm set me down, and I snatched my clothes from Kaede.
“Thanks, I guess? But you know you don’t have to shoot everyone who comes to talk to me. That’s sort of extreme and frightening.”
“No. But those males snuck up on you while you were peacefully relaxing. If Odelm hadn’t been there to assist, I would’ve done so myself.”
Rolling my eyes, I shook out my clothes.
Kaede clearly didn’t understand how extreme his reaction was. Certainly, those Ulax males had startled me, but they hadn’t been aggressive. Somewhat rude perhaps and arrogantly curious about my personal life but not something worth being shot by a drone over.
Kaede’s thoughts and mood swings confused me. Almost as much as Odelm’s—but I was getting used to treading around Odelm’s triggers. One moment, Kaede was caring and considerate, the next he was argumentative, spewing rude or violent remarks—or both.
Frustrated, I tugged my clothes over my soaking wet body and shoved my wet feet into my sandals. The sandy grit made me grimace.
I tossed over my shoulder as I marched off, “I’m going back to the suite to clean up and change. I’ll meet you at the café for dinner.”
I didn’t bother looking to see if they followed.
Chapter Twenty Xylo
All Xylo’s research throughout his many years of study had not prepared him for how he would feel being fully bonded to his nestqueen. Selena was a blessing he had never expected, and their coupling had been an indescribable pleasure. She was more sensitive to his essence than Circuli females were reported to be. Her taste was sweet and addictive—he could not stop
