A flash of guilt ran through me.
Even though I’d done it accidentally, it was my fault Xylo and I were now court-bonded. If we didn’t end up getting along, I could sever it before his bonding spores made it permanent, but it sounded like that would hurt him. Just the thought caused another surge of guilt though I couldn’t deny that it was tinged with relief I had the option. What would be the point of being bonded with someone I couldn’t get along with—or worse, one that wanted to control me?
Xylo seemed like a kind person, but before I trusted appearances, I needed answers. And I needed a bit more space.
I slid off the far side of the bed.
As I did, I noticed I was no longer naked. I looked down and eyed the dark blue nightgown. Whoever had dressed me clearly thought about my modesty—a consideration I’d never been given on the Yaarkin ship. It was a kind gesture, and it made my heart flutter. I examined the gown as I rubbed the soft fabric between my fingers.
“Who took care of me? This is beautiful. I’ve never owned any clothing.” My mental voice filled with awe.
“After we rescued you, I got permission to gather extra sheets and drapes from the storage bay to create a few simple gowns. We do not use clothing, though most of the other species in CEG do, so we didn’t have anything else aboard that might work. I am sorry the gown is so rudimentary.”
I grimaced at that confession and looked up at him. “No, please don’t apologize. I don’t want to be a bother or cause you any trouble. The nightgown is lovely. It’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.”
Xylo scanned my body once before returning his gaze to mine. “It was no problem. Part of my job is to study and understand other species. I had read that humans cannot regulate their body temperature and need clothing. I wanted to make you comfortable. The gown is but a simple design. Once the ship docks at CEG HQ—a space station—I can acquire anything you need.”
I turned away, unable to credit how thoughtful he was about my needs—there had to be a catch. He said his job was to study alien species. Perhaps he intended to use our court bond to examine me? I shuddered at the thought of being the subject of further experiments. Would I never be free to live my life? Or was I destined to remain someone’s test subject? I just wanted to find a place to call home.
Build a life of my own.
Be my own person.
Maybe even figure out what it was like to love and to be loved in return.
The sound of movement pulled me from my thoughts.
“What is the matter? I thought my studies were—”
“What’s your plan? Are you going to keep me locked up to test and study? Hand me over to some lab? Return me to my old masters? Tell me the truth now because I’d rather be air-locked than become a test subject again—or worse, a sex slave...” The words spilled in a torrent from my lips, and I clenched my fists.
“Selena... calm yourself. I want only your return to health. I have failed in taking care of you. Please lie back down. I will answer all your questions,” he coaxed as he stood directly behind me, waiting.
I rolled my eyes, not believing he didn’t know all about me.
He was part of the team that had treated me. He’d all but said they’d studied my anatomy when they installed the communicator. They could’ve completed all sorts of experiments while I was unconscious, and I wouldn’t have a clue. Or worse, they could have installed something else in me without my consent...
This had to be some sort of trap. He was being too kind, too understanding. He had to have some sort of hidden agenda. Was being bonded with me a lie, designed to placate me?
I backed away.
Was it compulsion? A result of our accidental courting bond? Or was it some unknown ability his species had?
“Selena... I don’t know how else to explain it to you. My sworn duty as the Master Scholar on this ship is to aid any species we come across in our travels. I would fail in my sworn duty if I didn’t care for you properly.”
That was reasonable. He sounded reasonable...
My health was important because it was part of his job. And if he wasn’t lying about the court bond, shouldn’t that keep him from harming me? I mean... so far, the only thing he had insisted on was learning how best to help me. To understand what was necessary for my health, to meet my needs...
“You should not be out of bed yet with your injuries, and you must be hungry,” he prodded gently. “If you return to bed and eat some of the food I brought you, I promise to answer your questions. I need to check the progress of your healing.”
I turned too quickly to face him and grimaced at the wave of pain and fatigue that nearly caused my knees to buckle. I wasn’t at full strength. I knew this. Perhaps I should listen to him, allow him to take care of me. I felt a flutter in my chest at the thought of him taking care of me.
My stomach growled, and I clapped my hands over it in embarrassment. My body needed food and rest, and I needed to listen to it—and him.
“Are you all right? Let me assist you.” Xylo’s mental voice was full of panic.
“Please,” I replied and held out a hand, then continued in a distressed voice, “I’ll eat. But I still need answers.”
As Xylo crossed to me, I noticed the height difference. He was considerably taller—my head would barely reach his chin. Up close, I could see more detail in the patterns along his body. They
