Calm

Keeping calm was Meri’s life, making others feel it was her job. Loving a Negotiator was her destiny.

Meribeth has been the assistant to a few Alliance personnel, but Negotiator Kao is her latest boss. At his insistence, she had gills installed to enable her to accompany him on wet assignments, but his ulterior motive was not clear until he is out of the armour and his own body is finally exposed. Vehn Kao has spent years encased in armour as a Negotiator, but the moment he comes out and sees Meribeth with his own eyes he knows that she is everything that he has ever wanted in a woman. She is intelligent, witty, attractive and has a tremendous passion just below the surface that he wants to bring out in an explosive release. Meri wants to be good at her job and Vehn want to take her calm and shake her up.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Calm Copyright © 2012 Viola Grace ISBN: 978-1-77111-376-2 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

Calm A Terran Times Tale By Viola Grace

To everyone who pursues calm and falls short. The pursuit of calm is the thing. Damn it! Where did my calm go?!

Chapter One

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lease rise for Negotiator Kao.” Meribeth Arkany stepped into the conference room ahead of her employer and moved aside once she had determined that no one other than the representatives of Zkin and Uast were present. “Thank you, Meri.” She nodded and took her place at the table, opposite her employer. She placed her hands on the table, palms down and sat alert while she listened to the proceedings. Kao’s voice was low and calm as it emitted through the speakers on his armour. When Meri felt a change in the pitch of the two parties in for the negotiation, she did what she was paid to do, she spread calm. Zkin and Uast were planets at war. Their worlds were side by side, which made attack easy and negotiation difficult. Neither side wanted to give in, but there was too much bad blood between them. Negotiator Kao was a master at this sort of issue, and he worked tirelessly to get them to an 1

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agreement. Meri used meditation and concentration to keep herself alert and ready to sooth the situation. If no one got too excited the talks would go faster. When they agreed to break for dinner, Meri wanted to stretch, but she let them leave before she tried to stand. The Negotiator sat and waited for her to move before he got to his feet. “Do you need help?” She smiled and shook her head. Her body was reeling from the alterations she had undergone for their last assignment. Having gills in an oxygenrich environment was awkward to say the least. “I will be fine. I haven’t had a chance to reverse the changes for Monareth.” He came to her side and lifted her to her feet. “You wish to eradicate the gills?” “Well, I have no use for them now, and you are about to retire, so it is doubtful that my next assignment will attach me to a Negotiator.” She swayed and breathed in through her mouth as spots swam in her vision. “You skipped breakfast again, did you not?” He shook his head in dismay. “I was in a hurry and took a shower instead. I will eat now.” She smiled brightly, but his hand was still on her arm. “I will come with you.” “You do not need to eat, Kao.” She tried to 2

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extricate herself, but he didn’t let go. He turned and shifted her arm so that it appeared she was using him as her escort. He led her out of the council chamber, past the lining of Alliance guards and to the mess hall of the Alliance Warship Calluth. Once she had gotten a tray and made her choices, she sat across from her boss and started to eat. She was halfway through and tired of staring at herself in the golden reflection of his armour. “You know, this penchant you have for watching me eat borders on creepy.” He inclined his head. “It is something I miss with the nutrients forced into my systems. Food was an important part of my family life until I was tapped as Negotiator.” Meri looked at him, captive in his gold armour and surrounded by long, black robes and a cloak. “I am sorry. I can’t imagine you out of that armour. I know it is impolite to ask your original species, and so, I have to use my imagination. My imagination isn’t that good.” He made a sound she had grown to interpret as a laugh. “I will be able to show you what I am after our final assignment together. You will need those gills for our next planet fall.” She made a face. “I see. Well, at least I will have my full suit ready for the day. The gill openings are built in, if a little risqué.” 3

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“Do you mind the gills so much?” “No. It is a change to my personal topography, and it will take some time to get used to them. If I do get used to them, I might even decide to keep them.” She finished her meal and sat back with a hot cup of tea. “You think so? You are very optimistic for someone trained to stop violence.” She shrugged and sipped at the rich taste of hot berries. “Stopping violence is beyond me. I can only cool it down in the beginning phases. I keep people calm, Negotiator.” “Kao.” “What?” “Call me Kao when we are not actively involved in a negotiation. I know I have encouraged the formality for far too long, but my time in the armour is coming to a close.” “Why the change?” He inclined his shiny, unmarked faceplate. “I am about to resume a life I was not sure I would make it to. Being decanted out of a Negotiator uniform is a traumatic experience, and I will need a friend. There is no one closer to me than you.” Meri sighed and sipped at her tea again. “Is this the reason for the evening workouts?” “Yes. It will make the transition easier if I have some muscle tone before the suit comes off.” Every night, after she removed his cloak and 4

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robes, Negotiator Kao engaged in a series of situps, push-ups and yoga moves that were truly impressive given his less-than-flexible armour. The grunts told her that he was not on the hydraulic assist that moved his body day after day. “How long will we be here?” “Two days at the outside. Your help has been invaluable, Meribeth. I want you to know that. The last two years with you at my side has made the time slip by and has increased the effectiveness of my work dramatically. Thank you.” Meri blinked. “Um, are you dying or something?” The translator on his suit made a peculiar sound before he shook his head. “No. But I am going to change, and I am attempting to adapt my behaviour accordingly. My distance from those around me is about to cease and no one is closer to me than you are.” It was the second time that he had said that, and though they had worked with each other for two years, she knew nothing about him. The true nature of a Negotiator was a highly guarded secret. He was supposed to be neutral in all negotiations, and therefore, he could not claim a home while he was in the armour. He was a man without a planet, or a woman. Meri couldn’t be 5

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sure. “So, do you have an estimated date when I will need to contact the Alliance for a new assignment?” To Meri’s surprise, Kao’s right fist clenched on the table where he had been resting his hand. “I will discuss that with the placement officer when I file the report on your service. There is no estimate until your final assignment is complete.” She inclined her head. “I apologize, Negotiator. I forgot for a moment that I was your employee.” His hand opened, and he placed his palm flat on the table. “I believe it is time to re-join our negotiation.” Meri got to her feet, “As you wish, Negotiator.” His hands clenched again, and she noted that the normal assisted-whirring sound was absent. He was operating on his own, and his body was carrying its own weight and that of the armour. Kao got to his feet and inclined his head. He turned and left the mess hall, leading her back to the conference room where she would do her job and he would do his. Whatever he was leading up to in his conversation was forgotten. Meri was tired of being put in her place. She may be the closest person to him, but she didn’t know him at all. Watching him walk ahead of her, she was sure of one thing, he was definitely a him. 6

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Chapter Two

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welve hours of negotiation across two more days exhausted Meri, but when it was over and done with, she was grimly delighted. Kao had become foul tempered in the extreme, and it got worse whenever she tried to ask him about giving her a good reference for her next Alliance position. Meribeth was sitting alone in the dining hall and poking at her salad. What had been a calm acquaintance had turned into a twisting morass of conflicting emotions. He was angry with her, curt, and she could swear that he was glaring at her behind the shield of his faceplate. She didn’t know what to do. Meri was running out of time as his assistant, and he wasn’t helping her to look for her next position like her previous employers had. Her talent was so peculiar that it was hard to quantify. Keeping folks calm was usually a by-product of a projecting empath. Meri was a one-trick pony, and she knew it. “You aren’t eating.” Kao sat next to her at the 7

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table. “I don’t have much appetite when my mind is spinning.” “You haven’t eaten for days.” “You seem to enjoy it when I eat, so I have decided that it is a gift I will not offer you.” Meri pushed her food aside. “Your colour is pale. Are you tired?” His concern set off warm flutters in her belly, but she knew that his emotions could rotate without warning, so she said quietly, “I am fine.” He shifted in his seat. “I…I mean would you…I am being decanted this afternoon and I wish for you to be there.” Meri sat up and stared at him. “What?” “I went in alone. I would like someone to be there when I come out. Will you?” He did something she had never heard him do. He cleared his throat, though the vocalization was translated by his suit’s systems. She sighed. “Of course I would. When is it happening?” He turned his head, and she saw the medical specialists gathered in the doorway to the dining hall. “It is happening now. I made them wait to see if you would come with me.” She smiled weakly. “Well, then, we had best not keep them waiting.” 8

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Meri got to her feet, and Kao stood next to her. She heard his whisper as they walked and almost tripped over her own feet. For the next two hours she would wonder if she really heard what she thought she heard. “Thank you, Meribeth.” The words out of his lips came the moment that the wires were removed from his skull. He had a tight grip on her hand, and he squeezed it as they eased him into an upright position. His skin was pale blue, his irises were a dark and vivid purple in a sea of black. Meri called on her knowledge of the species that had gill slits along their collarbones and came up with only one that she could think of. He was a Lahash of Reepha. “You are welcome, Kao.” She kept hold of his hand as the techs continued to remove the connections between his body and the armour. After the mental leads were removed, there were all the muscle triggers to take care of. The techs worked quickly and quietly, sealing each hole as the leads were removed. His skull was hairless and a paler shade than the rest of him. “You could have told me sooner, Kao. I could have helped ease you to this moment instead of letting you rave on as the mood struck you.” 9

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He blinked those lovely dark eyes at her. “You never tried to calm me.” “No, it wasn’t my place. People have emotions for a reason. They work through their stimuli and find their true way. The only problem arises when rage or fear takes over and kills common sense. That is when I need to step in. My talent is useful for old feuds and ending wars, but aside from that, it’s pretty silly.” He frowned, “Your talent has eased my negotiations for these past two years, calming those who were looking for an excuse to fly into a rage. It has comforted me to know that you were waiting to step in and keep things under control.” “I am glad you think so. So when the reference comes up, it will be favourable?” The ridges where his eyebrows should be were knit together. “Are you still on about that?” “It is the next phase of my life, and a little help is needed to keep me going forward.” “What if I offer you a job as my assistant?” She blinked, “What?” “I will be beginning a life at home as a mediator. Having a calming influence with me would be a distinct advantage.” Meri frowned, “But the Lahash live underwater.” “And you have a new set of gills.” She opened and closed her mouth in shock. 10

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“You aren’t joking.” Kao flinched as the techs worked on his lower spine. “No, I am not joking. I could use another qualified mediator at my side.” Meri’s shock ratcheted up a notch. “How did you know I was qualified? That record was supposed to be sealed.” His hand closed around hers. “It was. I watched your micro expressions while you were attending my negotiations. You twitched and bit your lip every time a matter of personal family issues occurred.” “So, you didn’t actually know until…” “You just told me. Now, I have need of a mediator in my own life on Reepha, and there is no one I trust to do a fair job more than I trust you.” He flinched and sighed as the last of the wires was removed from his muscles and the healing ran to its completion. One of the team came to the side of Kao’s head and knelt so that he could look at his patient face to face. “We have withdrawn the leads, but you will need a few days in a tank to help.” Kao didn’t let go of Meri’s hand. “Will you come to Reepha as assistant mediator?” She looked into his pretty eyes, the pained set of his mouth. She couldn’t say no. “Of course I will.” He pressed his lips to her skin, and she felt the 11

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tingle run from her knuckles through her torso. “Thank you. I will see you after I enter the tank. Will you visit me?” A blush crept up beyond the neck of her black and gold bodysuit. She shivered slightly, and when he smiled, she mentally kicked herself. “I will visit you, but that is as far as it goes.” “If you insist. I look forward to your visit.” He released her hand and she backed away from the bed where he had been laid out on his stomach. The techs placed monitor pods on him and lifted him to help him into the waiting tank. Meri left the room while the techs checked the monitor tabs. Watching him get wet and naked at the same time pushed her self-control. His transformation from quasi-robot to living being in the course of a few hours was a strain on her nerves. Sighing, she ran a hand over her neatly arranged hair and headed for the research centre. She had to look up the biology and sociology of the Lahash and anything else on Reepha. If she was heading into a situation as a mediator, she needed to know what she was dealing with.

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Chapter Three

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ix hours of research had taken the wind out of her sails. The Lahash were part of the society of Reepha, the Sivith were the other half, and the water and land folk were always at odds. It was no wonder that Kao was going back as a mediator. His people certainly needed one. The Lahash enjoyed a peculiar symbiosis with the Sivith, but the Sivith could live quite happily without the Lahash, or so they believed. The Lahash could seduce with a touch and their children were almost entirely born by the Sivith. This strange arrangement led to hostilities, custody battles and general distrust of any of the water born. A Lahash child needed to be raised on the land until they had reached the age of five and at that point their secondary breathing mechanisms were mature enough to join the underwater community. This meant that many Sivith mothers lost their children at that age and it was traditional 13

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for a large payment to be made for the raising of the Lahash children. The arrangement was peculiar by Terran standards, but since it had been going on for thousands of years, Meri wasn’t in a position to judge, only mediate. Her head pounded and she stretched. A medical tech approached her, and she was immediately on guard. “Agent Arkany?” The Azon smiled gently at her and there was appreciation in his eyes. She snapped her arms down and ceased her stretch, reversing the arch of her chest. “Yes?” “Negotiator Kao has been asking for you. He is most insistent that you visit him.” She got to her feet. “Is he unwell?” “No, merely insistent.” He smiled and offered her his arm. She took the offered arm and let him lead her back to medical. “Do you unhook many Negotiators?” “It is a speciality. Working with the leads and the neuro science takes a special skill set.” He puffed his chest out with pride. Meribeth looked over and had to admit that her current companion was very well put together. His leonine features were handsome and the glint in his eyes had a definitely flirtatious aspect to it. “You did a very good job.” 14

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“Thank you. I have heard much about Kao’s skills as a Negotiator, so it was an honour to give him an easy transition back into the world of physical contact.” He stroked her fingers with his free hand. She fought the urge to release his arm and move aside. Instead, she sent a wave of calm through him that had the effect of flattening whatever arousal was starting to zip around in his body. It was a technique she used frequently. She felt a profound sense of relief when they entered medical. The tech led her straight to the tank where Kao was floating, and the scowl on her boss’s face showed some of that temper that she had run into over the past few days. “Thank you for the escort.” She smiled and dismissed the tech. “Anytime, Agent. My name is Jarvin if you wish to seek me out.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, but the shiver of heat and recognition was absent. Despite the fit aspect of his body, hers was not interested. She turned to face Kao, and his scowl was only slightly diminished. “Hello, Kao.” He pressed his hand to the plexi between them and with an instinct born of her recent research she pressed her hand to match his. Why did he kiss you? He kissed my hand. He didn’t kiss me. Probably for 15

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the same reason you did. Meri winced at the roar of anger that whipped through her mind. She didn’t pull her hand away from the glass, but it was tempting. She watched as Kao got himself under control, and she waited. I am sorry. I did not like seeing him touch you. I was touching him as well. It was a casual contact as you are very well aware. His mind was not casual. She couldn’t answer that, so she asked, Why did you want me here? I want you with me at all times. There is much to tell you about Reepha, and who better than an inhabitant to bring you up to speed on it. I have been doing my own research. Yes, but I can tell you a bit about your first mediation. It is a custody dispute. She blinked, there was emotion wrapped around his words. It seems common on Reepha to have that sort of dispute. Yes, but this is about my daughter. Her blood went cold as she realised that he had a child and that child had a mother that he had been attached to. Jealously ran through her, and she jerked her hand away from the tank. Meri’s thoughts spun wildly as she tried to get a handle on the situation. She ruthlessly throttled down her attraction to Kao, and when he tapped on his side of the tank, she put her hand back on 16

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the still-warm plexi. I did not mean to upset you. It is the Lahash way. We have the urge to spawn and we go to the Sivith cities, find a partner and do as nature wills. We then return to the lakes and seas, waiting for our children to be old enough to join us. Images streamed into her thoughts of being in the water with a tense pulse raging through her blood. The feelings were foreign, but as her sight focussed on nearby females, she noted the definite masculine tone of the thoughts. When he ceased transmitting the emotional mess, he had been approaching a group of females who were transfixed by his appearance. We attract the females whether they will it or not. We find the ideal mate for that time and place, and we join to make the next generation. I engaged in this activity before I left and received word that my daughter had been born in my absence. My family has kept in contact with her, but it is time for me to take her on as my responsibility. So, you want me to help you negotiate her custody? No, the settlement that her mother requires. It is an emotional time for both of us and clearer heads must prevail. That means you. So, what resources to you have to donate to the cause? He sent her a list of his holdings, properties and credit accounts. That should do. You have a home on land? 17

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I do, as well as one in the lake and one in the sea of Anutha. So, if she wants it, visitation is possible. No female wants that. Most are delighted to be free of their Lahash child. I think you underestimate the strength of the bond. Some women are attached to their children. The Sivith do not properly bond with Lahash children. That is why it is so important to have family who can visit and care for the child as it grows. It needs to know that it has a proper home when it can begin to breathe water. That is a lot to put on a child. The waiting. Our touch gives the child the information it needs. It is something that they learn as soon as they meet their first Lahash relative. My parents and sister were there when Niika was born. They have sent me dispatches for the last six years. She is ready to come home with me, but I have to be there to take custody. I have no idea how this will go, but I want you with me when it comes time to work out the details. He was frazzled, there was no doubt of that, but he had yet to answer one question that she had no idea how to ask, so she just blurted it out, thought to thought. What is your actual name? Vehn. My name is Vehn Kao, of the Kao line. Pleased to meet you, Vehn. Do you want me to call you Vehn or Kao? Vehn in private, Kao in public until the custody matter is settled. 18

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So, still all professional in our conduct? She couldn’t stop her smile. Until I can arrange it to be otherwise, I will say yes. Professional until Niika is home. She smiled and pressed her forehead against the glass. Fine, professional until Niika is home. With a new daughter in his life, he would lose any growing interest in her in a matter of seconds, Meribeth was quite sure. She would get her reference when he was otherwise occupied and then move on to the next world in her travelling adventure show. For a few short hours, she had imagined the possibility of Kao as a lover. The image of him as a father was rapidly overlaying it and doing wonders on flattening her hormones. I will speak with you tomorrow, Kao. I hope so, Meribeth. He sent a wave of heat and affection toward her, but she held it off with her talent. Above all, she was going to keep her calm even if she couldn’t have her dignity.

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Chapter Four

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ntil she saw the sociology in action, she was not going to believe that a series of mothers could simply hand over their children at the appointed time. It defied everything that Meri had grown up with. Her mother didn’t easily part with any of her four children as her brothers and sisters-in-law had found out. “Are you ready?” The Negotiator was dressed in similar clothing to her own, but on him, it was horribly impressive, as was his regenerated long navy blue hair. “As ready as I can be. Where are we landing?” Kao pointed to the large structures and large tarmacs. “The spaceport. My family will meet us there and take us to the site where the mediations will be held.” “So, you will meet your daughter today?” “I sincerely hope so. I have spoken with her on audio connections, but for obvious reasons, there has been no visual contact.” 20

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“Right, the armour thing. All faceplate, no face.” Meri sighed and shifted nervously. “Correct. Are you all right? You seem nervous.” He reached for her hand, and she jerked her arm away. “Meribeth, is something wrong?” “No. It has been a while since I have walked free on a world with a species so similar to my own. I simply want to keep my wits about me.” She winced as she realised she may have gotten too close to the actual problem. When he touched her, her heartbeat galloped out of control, her body warmed and she stared at him like he was the last man in the universe. It was part of the Lahash survival mechanism. They could enthrall with a look and seduce with a touch. She despised the thought that she would just be one of dozens he had simply whispered into his arms. He tried for her hand again, and she shifted. “No psychic contact, please, Mediator Kao.” He frowned. “I am not used to being refused, Meribeth. This is not like you.” She looked at his ridiculously handsome features and nodded tensely. “I know, but I think it should be until this mediation is done. I have to remain neutral for it to work.” She could feel him seething next to her. Their shuttle dropped and levelled out. “You have until this is concluded to straighten 21

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yourself out and be the Meribeth I am used to.” Her mouth quirked up on one side. “This is the Meribeth you are used to, you are just not used to being on the receiving end of the calm.” He sat grim and growling for the last hour of their journey. When the spaceport allowed them to land, Meri inhaled deeply, ignoring the scent of Kao as best she could. He was out of his seat the moment that the lights indicated safety. Meri unbuckled her harness and got to her feet, ignoring the hand he extended to her. She wasn’t going to take the risk of a contact reading. His ways were not her ways, and she was having a problem grappling with the methods of propagation of his species. She grabbed her two bags from storage, slipping them over her shoulders. She followed the other passengers to the shuttle exit and was immediately smacked by the humidity of Reepha. Her breathing was difficult, but her gills immediately began to flutter at her collarbone. She ruthlessly shut them and smiled blandly at the Sivith guards who were watching the debarkation. The Sivith were a handsome species—tall, elegant and graceful—they seemed to be in complete command of their bodies. Their uniforms were made of thin and nearly translucent material, but it seemed appropriate with the high humidity. 22

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Meri kept her face calm as she sought out Kao in the crush of bodies, and she slowly migrated toward him, only to be stopped by a Sivith guard. “Air breathers must check in over here. Please allow me to escort you, miss.” “Oh. Thank you. I am a little tired after the voyage.” He extended his arm, and she hesitated but then curled her hand around it. “Are you here for business or pleasure?” She smiled. “I believe I am here for business. I am to be one of the new mediators.” “Excellent. We are always in need of mediation services. What is your name miss?” “Meribeth Arkany of the Alliance Protectorate of Terra.” He escorted her into a large glass-walled building, and she went through the same procedure she had engaged in on every world she landed on, and she stood in the body scanner, waiting for it to chirp authorization for her to walk through. The noise it made wasn’t a chirp, but the guard who had attached to her on the tarmac took her hand and pulled her aside. “I thought you said you were an air breather.” “I am. Born and raised. I have a recently installed gill set for work. Is that the problem?” He frowned. “You installed gills?” 23

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“Well, an Alliance surgeon did it for me, but yes. Mediators have to have flexible physiologies, we go where we are needed and switching a breathing system is not something we do lightly.” She waited, knowing that they wouldn’t be able to refuse her entrance but curious to see how far he would take it. “So, you are not a Lahash?” “What did my scan tell you?” “It said you were not, but I have to say, you are far more attractive than most of the water breathers I have met.” She smiled and looked up into eyes that were a robin’s egg blue with a golden iris. The Sivith were just as pretty in their way as the Lahash were. It must be troublesome. A few Sivith women were walking around, their clothing so barely there, it would have caused Earth law enforcement to begin measuring for decency. All the fabric was a loose weave and it hung strategically around the curves of every Sivith female in the building. Her escort went and completed some document before handing her her bags. “I look forward to seeing you again, Mediator Arkany. My name is Captain Keel Nnar.” “Thank you for your help, Captain. I am sure that you will be able to find me again if there are any issues regarding my work visa.” She smiled 24

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and took her bags to the main hall of the port station where Lahash and Sivith milled and mixed. Kao saw her and relief crossed his features. “Where did you go?” “I was run through dry-lander customs and immigration. My gills threw them off. Anyway, I am here now, so let’s get to work.” He placed a hand on her back, and she tried not to flinch. “First, you will meet my family.” He steered her to a gathering of tall, elegant and blue Lahash. “Meribeth, this is my mother, Mir Kao, my father, Hisk Kao, and my sister Ys Kao. Family, this is my assistant and full-fledged mediator, Meribeth Arkany. She will be staying in the town house.” Ys had the same striking colouration as her brother, but on her--with the brief halter-top that exposed her gills and the low-slung skirt that clung to her hips by friction alone--that beauty changed into something deadly to women in her vicinity. No one would see them with this creature nearby. Ys stepped forward and extended her hand, palm out. “I am happy to greet you on behalf of our family.” Meri buttoned down her mind and kept it all business as she pressed her palm to Ys’s. 25

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It took effort to keep her expression bland. “Pleased to meet you, all of you. Thank you for your hospitality.” Ys pressed against Meri’s mind, but Meri politely forced her back and disengaged her hand. “Now, I would like to see some of your city. Can you show me where I am staying and let me know when and where I am to begin the mediation?” She addressed her questions to Kao, and he looked like he wanted to read her the riot act once again but instead his mother moved forward. “I will show you to the house, dear. It is overlooking the water but near to downtown. A perfectly lovely location.” Meri was swept away by Mir. There was no other term for it. The older woman had her hair swept up in a green cascade that made its way down to her ribs. Her thin clothing was designed for a bit more support than her daughter’s, but the perfect blue of her skin was as unblemished as the younger woman’s. “Now, Meribeth, call me Mir. I was wondering how long you have known my son. I have never seen him in this type of temper.” Mir hailed a skimmer and bustled Meri inside. “I have been his assistant for two years. The temper is new. He has been in a foul mood since he announced his decanting.” She watched the city fly by. Every area of the city was meticulously 26

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planned. Mir’s lips were twisted sharply in amusement. “What has triggered his mood?” “Usually it was my asking for a reference for my next assignment. I won’t get assigned until I have a reference from Kao, so I was pressing him on the matter.” “Ah, that does explain it. He does not like having things he loves taken from him.” Meri let that slide. “Why did he leave to become a Negotiator?” “Reepha needed to put a foot into the Alliance, and Vehn was suited to it. He had no objection to the isolation, but he didn’t know that the spawning had taken. Nina hid it from everyone until Vehn was gone.” This brought the focus to the case she was about to mediate. “Why did she hide the pregnancy?” Mir smiled, “She was engaged to be wed and didn’t want her fiancé to find out. The Nnar are a proud and extensive family. Nina did not want to disappoint her husband-to-be with her lack of control.” “How does the spawning work, do the males just raid the seaside villages or something?” “Oh, my dear, no. The women line up when the moons are full, and they try to be chosen. The women who carry for the Lahash are well 27

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compensated and enjoy the pleasure. They rear the children while allowing the Lahash full visitation, and when the child is mature enough to breathe water, they become members of Lahash society.” “Can they visit their mothers?” “Of course. It is encouraged to maintain connections on all sides of the family for the child’s wellbeing.” “How is your granddaughter taking this?” “The same way that Vehn took it when he moved away from the land and into the sea. She is anticipating homesickness, but she is excited by the idea of living under the sea with other children who can do the same.” Meribeth froze in place. “Vehn was conceived on land?” “Certainly, two years before I even met Hisk. When we married, I became his mother and eventually bore Ys. We hired a Sivith nanny to take care of her on land and visited her every day.” “So, having your children raised on dry land isn’t an accident, it isn’t a choice?” “No, it is a biological necessity. It takes strong gills to push water through and the little ones just cannot manage. We have tried to raise them in our underwater cities, but children are children, they want to go outside with the others and can’t 28

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understand that one year makes all the difference.” There was sorrow in Mir’s voice. The idea of a child who could not survive playing outside with others made Meri shudder with the horror of the situation. “I think that raising them on the land is definitely a good idea in that case.” “Well, I am hoping that Niika’s transition goes smoothly. The finances can often be the sticking point.” Mir grimaced. “I will do what I can to keep things calm. Now, what constitutes a good settlement?” Meribeth picked Mir’s brain on the ins and outs of the finances of the Lahash and what a Sivith woman could and might demand. It was quite the list.

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Chapter Five

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he Kao townhouse was lovely and had three servants who kept the place ready for any and all guests. “The negotiations will be done in the dining room. Witnesses for both parties will be present, and we will begin immediately after your meal. Vehn just let me know you have not been eating well. We will soon fix that.” Mir smiled and showed sharp white teeth. At a few quiet commands, the maid had Meribeth’s bag and took it upstairs while Mir led her into the dining room where another servant was preparing a tea set. “I feel it best if you get used to the feel of this room as you are going to be running the festivities.” Mir ushered her to the head of the table. Mir took her seat and stared at Meri. “You must be very hot in all that fabric.” Meribeth smiled. “No, I can manage just fine. 30

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The suit is conditioned to respond to my body and heat or cool me accordingly.” “It looks horribly warm.” Mir frowned. “It is fine. I am used to it and have been in far heavier suits over the years. This one lets my skin breathe a little.” The maid brought the tea. Meri took it with a smile. Her brows rose in surprise when she tasted her favourite herb blend. “Where did this come from?” Mir smiled, “Vehn called ahead and had us stock this place with your favourites so that you would feel at home. I believe my son is smitten with you.” Meri got a little nervous and then spoke her mind. “He has other matters on his plate for now. He will soon grow out of any interest he has in me.” “You don’t know him as well as you think then. My son makes up his mind, and he pursues his decision with everything in him. Today, he will gain custody of his daughter, and from then on, his path will be clear.” Meri swallowed. “Well, I suppose I shall stay out of his path then. I am sure that he will want to situate Niika in one of his underwater homes.” Mir drank her tea. “Well, he will, once he is wed. While many children are raised in a singleparent home, that will not always be the case. 31

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Vehn has decided on you, Meribeth. You had better get used to the idea.” Meri’s hand clenched around the delicate cup, and she felt it give. She put it down immediately. “What he wants is immaterial. I have not been consulted on this matter, nor will I simply hand myself over to a man I do not know.” A smile crossed the older woman’s features. “He does not enthrall you?” “He does, but I fight it. My will wins over my instincts and that is what I believe to be spurring his foul temper.” “Excellent. Vehn has had too easy a life when it comes to ladies falling into his arms. A little fight will be good for him.” Meri lifted her cup once again and didn’t say anything. There would be time enough to speak when she was mediating. For now, she was simply trying to keep her calm. Meri was sitting at the dressing table, putting the last touches on her appearance when the maid came to the door. “Miss, they are here and gathered in the dining room.” “Thank you, Hala. I will be down presently.” Meribeth got to her feet in a rush of fabric. Her mediator robes had not wrinkled at all in storage, and the sombre grey of them brought a small smile to her lips. It had been too long since she 32

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had worn them, and she had missed the feeling of belonging that the robes brought to her. She had managed three assignments as mediator before her nerves had cracked. Calming and counselling at the same time was more than she could manage. Her robes had a special addition. The peak of the cowl had a gem set on it that fastened to her forehead and glowed when she used her calming talent. It was considered fair warning for her clients that they were getting out of control. Meribeth took one last look in the mirror and sighed. One assignment and off to wherever the Alliance sent her. It was time to get to work. She had been situated in a lovely guest suite, and it was a few seconds until she reached the stairs and made her way to the dining hall where everyone was waiting. The men got to their feet when she entered and the women remained seated. Nina was pale and lovely, and the two men with her looked uncomfortable with the situation. Meribeth recognized one of them. “Captain Nnar. How nice to see you again so soon.” He jerked and stared. “Miss Arkany. You really are here for work.” She inclined her head and took her seat at the head of the table, gesturing for everyone to sit. “We are here to engage in the transfer of custody 33

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of Niika. Nina Volar Nnar, what are your requests for the compensation of Niika’s first few years?” Nina lifted her head and looked shyly at Vehn while the man next to her—her husband—glared at the Lahash who had gotten to his bride first. “The compensation offered by the Kao family has been enough. The house, the land, everything is more than enough for the joy of raising Niika. Can she come visit me?” Nina’s husband shifted and the waves of anger coming off him were palpable, so Meri quashed them under a wave of calm. She did the same to the Kaos. Meri broke up the glaring contest between the two sides. “While this is a custody transfer, bear in mind that it is all about a little girl who had no choice in how she came into this world. There was no force, no subterfuge, merely a mating that resulted in another Lahash being born. It is about her, not the families.” Nina’s husband nodded tightly and leaned back. “She will need to visit at least once a month. Her brothers will miss her.” Meri looked to Vehn and felt him struggling against her aura of calm. “Is that feasible?” He nodded. “It will be done. Every third eightday?” Meri sighed as they got into the details of the exchange. Niika’s school reports would be sent to 34

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Nina, she would visit once a Reepha month, and copies of all artwork would be sent to her mother for the first five years. Nina also requested that she meet any prospective mate of Vehn’s before he made it final so that she could offer her opinion of her daughter’s new mother. Vehn agreed and inclined his head, requesting that Meri make a note of all parties involved in the negotiation. If his intentions were serious, Nina had just met his prospective mate. As Meri listened, it became apparent that if one parent was blood, the mate of that parent was simply adopted as the other parent. It was the Reepha way. By the time the documents had been drafted and everyone signed them, including Nina’s husband, Orenn Nnar, Meri was exhausted from keeping everyone calm. Mir got to her feet with Hisk at her side, and they left the room. They came back with a little girl with pale blue skin and eyes the same beautiful violet of her father’s. The little girl looked through the assembled adults, and when she saw her father, she started to run. Vehn caught her up and tears were in his eyes. Orenn wrapped an arm around his wife and squeezed her as tears tracked down both their faces. It appeared that knowing it was coming did not make it any easier. 35

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Niika was examining her father’s features, pulling at his hair that was shades darker than her own and pressing her webbed fingers to his. Meri could feel the psychic bond between them the moment it snapped into place. They were father and daughter as if no time had separated them, and Meri was learning a lesson in Reepha breeding. There really was more than one way of making a family. She gathered her data pads and moved away from the gathering to file the documents with the local authorities. In what she would qualify as the living room, she sat and filed custody documents with the Sivith government, the Lahash government, the Reepha registry and the Kao family trust. “So, your work is never done.” Captain Nnar was standing in the doorway. She jumped and settled quickly, making sure that nothing was missed. “Well, that is the life of a mediator. We come in, do our jobs and then have to prove that we were there to begin with. It’s peculiar, but it’s a living.” He came up to her and took a seat next to her on the couch. “You did not mention that you were affiliated with the Kao family.” “You did not mention that Niika Kao was your niece. We could not cover everything in our short meeting.” She smiled and kept her hands folded 36

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loosely in her lap. “Would you join me for dinner tomorrow evening? I mean now that your duty here is discharged, you might want to see some of our world before you move on.” A thundercloud of emotion stormed in from the hall. “She will be having dinner with me tomorrow night, Keel, and every night after if I have my way. You must find your companions elsewhere.” Vehn stood in the doorway and Niika mimicked his scowl from her perch on his hip. Keel smiled, but there was hardness in his eyes. “You can’t lay claim to all the attractive women in the world, Vehn.” “No, but I can lay claim to her. Besides, she is my employee, she goes where I tell her to.” Meri got to her feet, gathered her documents and inclined her head to both men. “As you do not need me for this conversation, I will retire for the evening.” Vehn stepped aside as she passed him, but Meri felt a light touch against her cheek. “She is mad, Daddy.” Meribeth kept her own frustration at being argued over to herself until she reached her rooms. She let the anger swirl out of her in a cascade and had to force herself to pull it back when her eyes told her that the room was glowing 37

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red. She pulled the stone away from her forehead and removed the robes that caused her nothing but grief. Keeping her mind and body calm was fine, but when she had to squelch hate, jealousy and manipulation, it enraged her. She could not know what they were thinking and try to talk them through it at the same time. To know that someone was lying about something being necessary to quality of life was one thing, but to have to act as if you didn’t know was something else entirely. She was ready to hit something, and she had no target available. She groaned and sat at the dressing table, shucking the robes off and enjoying the darkness that fell when the gem was removed. “I have not seen that gemstone on other mediators, what is its purpose?” Vehn’s voice came from her doorway. Meri turned and throttled back her temper again. “Its purpose is to tell others when I am dampening their emotions. It is considered manipulation of the mediation if I do not have it on.” He came into her room and Niika pattered after him, curiously investigating the Terran objects that Meri always travelled with. She was deliberate and careful as she examined each item, including Meri’s MP3 player and headphones. 38

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Meri smiled at the little girl and let the smile fade when she looked up at Vehn. “Was there something you wanted?” He reached out and touched her cheek before she could pull away. He blinked, “How can you be so angry and show nothing?” She grimaced and got to her feet, folding her robes and placing them back in their pack. “Practice. Now that you have ratified custody of Niika, will you give me that reference so that I can move on? I have to keep something in mind or my emotions get a little out of control.” He sighed, “Thank you for being honest with me.” She blinked and realised that between his touch and her words, he had figured out what her problem truly was. “I wasn’t. You are guessing.” “I am guessing that your mind has to go forward or it reels out of your control. You dampen other emotions because you have to and it broadcasts to those near you. It is not that you have no feeling for me, it is simply that you feel too much.” Meri opened her mouth to blast him verbally, but Niika’s small features peered up at her. Meri held in her mood, and Vehn nodded as if it was proof of his theory. Niika took Meri’s hand and smiled, “It’s a happy time. I will learn to swim tomorrow, and 39

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my daddy wishes you to come with us to his lake house.” The warmth and enthusiasm of the girl took hold of Meri’s soul and gave a sharp tug. Weakly, she smiled. “Of course I will come with you, since I have been invited.” Niika wrapped her arms around Meri’s legs and gave her a hug before returning to her father. There was satisfaction in Vehn’s lovely eyes, and Meri nodded toward him. He had won this round, but she was going to continue her fight.

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he humidity of the city was a memory. The comfortably warm air around the lake made it easy for the Lahash to enter and leave at will. Vehn was shameless. Niika had brought her Lahash-style clothing for the day and while they were in the black and gold of her uniform, Meribeth was nervous about all the exposed skin she was showing. The top was surprisingly supportive, a bandeau wrapped her breasts and a halter supported them while leaving her gills free. Meri let her hair down in an effort to gain more cover, smiling when she realised that her hair matched her clothing. She had always known that the peculiar shade of black was abnormal, but the gold highlights that had developed when she left the Terran atmosphere were signs of a mixed species mating back in her ancestry. She had never pursued the details. Frankly, she enjoyed not knowing. The skirt she was wearing was made of two 41

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wide panels that were joined on a drawstring. A wide belt covered the top of the skirt and hid the ties. Grumbling, Meri left her room to find Niika and Vehn. They were waiting for her in the family room at the base of the stairs. “Meribeth, you look…” Vehn’s mouth closed but his eyes were hot. “Pretty. You look very pretty.” Niika came forward and took her hand. “Papa, will you take us swimming now?” He nodded and Niika hauled Meribeth out of the lake house and down to the water. Meri looked back at him, and his gaze caught hers. He looked better than he had yesterday in his suit, now that he was wearing a short wrap around his hips and nothing else. The webbing between his fingers was more obvious now as was the webbing on Niika’s hands. Niika wanted to jump in the water, but Vehn stopped her. “Wait until I am out in the water and then come to me. It will feel strange at first, but you will soon start breathing through your gills. It may be scary but I will be here, all right?” Niika smiled and nodded. “Will Meribeth come too?” Meri winced. “It will take some time. My species is not designed to breathe water, so I have to fight instinct a lot harder than you do.” 42

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“Will you try?” “I will try.” Giving in to the child was not a good idea, but Niika’s grip was radiating affection and hopefulness. Vehn moved easily into the water, his thighs causing small ripples in the lake’s surface. When he reached waist deep, he dove under, and Meri could see his body twisting and frolicking beneath the surface. When he stabilized, he raised a hand and beckoned Niika forward. Niika let go of Meribeth’s hand and blundered into the water. On the grass, Meri held her breath as Niika first went under, her chubby legs flailing. A stream of bubbles rose to the surface and then was still. Meri could make out the silhouette of father and daughter as Niika began to breathe water. Five minutes passed and two hands came out of the water, beckoning her in. Shuddering, Meri took one step after another, putting one foot in front of the other. She touched her gills and confirmed that they were still there, but when she was up to her breasts in water, she paused. Hands touched her under the water, one sweeping at the back of her knees and the other holding her head. Vehn pressed his lips to her in a kiss that took her breath away. Her heart pounded, and she pressed herself against him, not 43

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wanting to come up for air. In a rush, her gills opened and began to breathe for her. Vehn’s mouth parted from hers. I thought that might work. Cheater. Blood was pounding between her thighs, in her breasts and through her neck. She was hot in the cool water. A result is a result. Come now, Niika is waiting to see her new school. Vehn kept his grip on her hand and kicked deeper into the water. Niika took his other hand, and they slowly explored the world under the lake’s surface. With Vehn’s hand on hers, she was careful to monitor her thoughts. The skirt allowed her to slowly kick as they approached a glowing expanse. The Lahash city of Yeri. I have a home here as well. It will be where Niika goes to school. What about your properties in the oceans? My father still takes care of them. Ocean living is treated as a retirement of sorts. It keeps the Lahash fit and independent from their grown children. Lakes are for families. I see. Not yet, but you will. Their path took them next to other groups of water folk. The other groups nodded their heads in greeting, but everyone swam to the same place. It looks like we are schooling. Everyone here has a child. 44

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That is because Niika has been enrolled in classes here. She is a year late entering so will have to catch up, but she is bright, and I have no doubt that she will manage just fine. Does she know? She does. I have been speaking with her while we made our way here. She wants to meet other Lahash children. Meri looked around. They seem to be all boys. She will sort them out in no time. Vehn laughed in her mind, and she gave a genuine smile without the normal grimace that came with it. Meri had to ask, Did you explain the purge to her? I did. She knows how to do it, and the teacher is standing by to help her out of the water. Out of the water? Our cities are bubbles. We live in air, only using our gills for swimming. I am surprised that you didn’t know this. I sort of got stuck on the mating behaviours. The idea of the spawning freaks me out. We will discuss it later. Here is the school. Meri hung back as he swam to the airlock with Niika, waving at the little one as she turned to flap her hand with a huge grin on her small face. Meri floated in place, the water in her body providing the neutral buoyancy she normally lacked. Family after family swam up and the couples left without their little ones. A few fathers brought their children alone, and Meri watched 45

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those men carefully bring their little ones into the school just like the other families. Meri saw several couples leave and swim off into the distance, and she waited, knowing that the first purge was the hardest. Negotiator Kao had been there for her—on Monareth —talking her through the expulsion of water from her gills as she gulped air in through her mouth. It was not a comfortable process, but it took her from water to land in seconds. The negotiation had been simple and she was now beginning to suspect she had been set up to get the gill implants. A few of the single males turned toward her and looked as if they were going to approach, but a blue streak whipped around them and caught her around the waist, pulling her into the depths in an instant. When they were away from prying eyes, Vehn slowed and came to a halt with her body pressed to his, floating in a crevice. She pressed her hands to his chest and looked up at him expectantly. Please explain the sudden flying tackle? I wanted to get to you before some of the other males tried a seduction. Jealous? Yes. He stroked her cheek and pressed a kiss to her forehead, another to her brow, another on her right cheek and then her left, finally kissing her lips with a slow gentleness. 46

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He was warmer than an amphibian had any right to be, and she threaded her fingers into his hair, holding him to her as she pressed her body close. His hands remained around her waist as they floated, but she caressed his outer thigh with one knee and tried to get closer. In her mind she heard a low groan, he broke their kiss, flipped her so that her back was pressed against his chest, and he kicked off, aiming for the city and the bright, glowing lights with his erection pressing against her ass.

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Chapter Seven

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his is the Kao family home. His swimming pattern changed as he approached it, entering the airlock from beneath. She was nervous at doing a purge, but he simply pulled her up until her head was exposed to air, he turned her to face him and slid his hand between her thighs. Her reflexive gasp purged her gills, causing her to push away from him and swim to the edge of the surround. It took a few tries to hoist out of the water. She ignored his hand and boosted her body onto the ledge, swinging her legs out and onto the dry surface with a grunt. “You have been more graceful.” He observed it with the light amusement of a long time friend. “Shut up, Vehn.” She got to her feet and shook out her skirt. It resumed its dry form rather quickly. “Huh, well constructed.” “The Lahash clothing is designed to dry in seconds.” He took a step toward her. “Now, may 48

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we continue what we began outside?” She snorted, “A tour of the Kao family home, please. The make-out session can wait. Oh, how did Niika take to her purge?” “As if she were born to it, which she was. She was excited to be in class, I have no doubt your ears will be aching by the time dinner is over.” He offered her his arm and she took it, letting him lead her where he would. “My family built this home five hundred years ago for the purpose of being close to the children while they are in school. The open ocean is far too dangerous for our little ones, so we educate our children in lakes.” Vehn paused near the edge of a huge window, and Meri had to admit that the view was spectacular. “It’s lovely. It seems that the city grew up around it.” He smiled. “It did. The Kaos were the first to settle in this body of water. It was excavated, landscaped and the minerals sold to member planets of the Alliance. The funds raised brought the Lahash out of the shadows and into respectable society for the first time.” He continued the tour. “Of course, there are those who want a return to the days when the Lahash in spawning simply stole their brides and transported them to the settlements until the child was born. It is much more organized now.” 49

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“Why do the Sivith put up with it? I don’t see why it would be appealing to be a brood mare.” Vehn nodded. “You must understand that it isn’t spawn or not, we either spawn or die, and this has always been accepted by the Sivith. We used to be the same species and they have the same mating urges that our males do, they merely do it via courtship before the necessity kicks in. With our females outnumbered by our males, it is not a practical thing for the Lahash to do.” “Why isn’t any of this information in the archives? It would have made things a lot easier, and you might have been able to go on a female recruitment drive or something. There are compatible species out there.” Meri was adamant. He chuckled and led her up a series of stairs. “I am aware of that. It is a hard sell among the Lahash. They agreed to send me out to see what I could bring home. After six years, I met nine suitable species and only one suitable mate.” Meri felt a blush working its way to her cheeks. “I see.” “If you look through that window, you will.” She followed the direction that his arm was pointing, and she saw their reflection. It was only now that she was reminded of his height. He had to be seven foot or taller and she was five and a half feet tall. On Earth, her hair had been the most remarkable thing about her, her dark eyes and 50

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medium build had made her invisible. It was only when she had been encouraged to enter the Volunteers that she knew what she truly was, a talent who could not only feel stress, but also dampen it in others. Here, she was standing next to a mer-man from outer space and all she could think about was the hand that was moving around her waist and pulling her back against him. He whispered a word in a liquid language and their reflection brightened as the outer wall polarized. Vehn bent his head and pressed a line of kisses down her neck, and she watched every move in the mirror. Her eyes grew heavy-lidded and her lips parted to inhale sharply while his hands stroked their way down her torso, cupping her sex and then stroking back upward again to cup her breasts. She exhaled a low moan, and he shifted his right hand down to her hip, slid it inside the slit of her skirt and sought out her wet heat. His fingers parted her and slipped inside while his thumb stroked until he found her clit and he pressed down rhythmically while his fingers moved within her. She watched her body twist, his fingers lift and caress her breasts through her clothing. His fingers thrusting into her were thick and long. She whimpered and raised her hands to slide them into his hair as she gave her body over to him. For 51

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this once, she just wanted to feel what her body was telling her, not what her emotions were twisting into knots. She moaned, rocked and twisted against his hand while he whispered liquid words against her neck and ear. When she felt her channel trying to grip his fingers, she clenched her hands in his hair, let her body quiver and her moans fill the room. He continued slow pulses of his fingers, drawing out her orgasm until her body’s caresses ceased. Meri leaned heavily against him and relaxed her fingers, pulling back and using her own balance instead of his. To her embarrassment, his fingers were still inside her. She turned her head to tell him to move his hand, and he pressed his lips to hers in a ferocious eating kiss. Her body warmed rapidly with his lips working at hers, his tongue tasting her over and over, and his fingers mimicking his tongue inside her. You have to be getting a cramp in your neck, Vehn. Shut up, Meribeth. He lifted her with the arm that had been caressing her breasts and kept the other inside her. Having him shift within with every step was peculiar, but it brought her to the edge of another slick orgasm by the time he placed her on a bed. He pulled his fingers out of her, and she groaned 52

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in disappointment. She was almost there. He peeled her top off, carefully adhering to the closures and then flipping it aside. Her belt and skirt took the same route. His wrap hit the floor on top of her skirt, and he struck the bed next to her, propping himself up on one elbow and caressing her with his hand from neck to knees. Meri reached out and touched his chest just below the collarbone and ran her hands down his skin with attention to his reactions. When she reached his erection, she focussed and learned how to touch him. She wrapped a hand around the main shaft and frowned at the small tendril of flexible tissue that formed a small projection above her fingers. If he was inside her and they were face to face, that projection would rub against her clit every time he thrust home. The width of his cock would make for a snug fit, but the column was tapered to make it a gradual stretch. Meri thumbed the head of his erection, circling her digit around and around, spreading the moisture that was increasing in appearance with every touch. She, with her hand lubed with his own precum, slid her palm up and down his shaft with slow and deliberate movements. His low, guttural groan brought a smile to her lips, and she gasped as he tipped her to her back. 53

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Vehn parted her thighs and lifted her legs so that her ankles draped over his shoulders. She was left trying to brace herself as he eased into her, pressing against her with a slow, rocking rhythm until the head of his cock popped inside. She gasped and shuddered as he slid deeper with every shift. Meri alternated between exhaling on low moans and shuddering as he worked into her, but the moment that that mystery appendage stroked her clit, her mind blanked, she stopped wondering when he would bottom out and simply enjoyed the feel of him inside her. He moved her legs from his shoulders and leaned in to kiss her as his hips surged and withdrew in a slow undulation. Meri sighed, reaching out to wrap her arms around his neck, licking at his lips as she raised her hips to his. The small appendage rubbed against her clit, a sweet friction that heightened her senses, taking her to the edge of her orgasm where a hard thrust of Vehn’s cock caused an aching tension in her pussy that sent her into rocking shudders against him. Meri bit his shoulder as her nerves released their tension into the universe. He groaned and pushed into her, his body bucking and his expression going blind. Vehn stayed locked against her for two minutes, his cock twitching inside her. 54

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Gasping, she dropped back and let her body relax. The only noise in the room was their breathing and the soft rustle of limbs against sheets. Vehn slowly let all of his weight rest on her, and she laughed and wrapped her limbs around him, pressing a kiss to the pointed curve of his ear. He groaned again before turning to kiss her mouth. If I had known what I was missing, I would have decanted the day you were hired. She snorted and moved his hair away from his face. If you had put any moves on me that first day, I would have calmed you into impotence in seconds. You can do that? Of course I can. Why do you think I don’t get out much? I have little to no interest in the opposite sex under normal circumstances. What do you call this? “I call this being under you, not under circumstances.” She stretched and enjoyed the feel of him inside her, smaller but still filling her. “That is true.” He wrapped his arms around her and rolled until she was draped over him, her legs splayed wide. Vehn sat up and helped her adjust her limbs until he was sitting on the edge of the bed and she was kneeling across his hips with her hands holding his shoulders. He shifted the position of her arms, sliding them against his ribs and reaching upward so she could pull him against her breasts as they moved. 55

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He followed suit with one arm and kept the other around her hips. As their gazes locked, he lifted her and she eased back down until she rested on his thighs. The intimacy was incredible. She tilted her head back and he leaned in for a kiss as they moved together over and over. Her nipples dragged against the hard planes of his chest, her hands caressed the flat expanse of his shoulders and back, stroking the hollow over his spine and moving her hands back again. Her orgasm was faster this time, the protrusion worked harder and faster to drive her to climax. She shivered and clutched at him, closing her eyes as the sparking rippled through her. When she had let it run its course, Vehn lifted her again to resume her slow ride. Meri met his purple gaze and smiled up at him. Her fingers tugged at his hair and he grinned in return. The directness of his gaze with the feel of him inside her was too much. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest while she continued to rise and fall on him, her body slowly coming back to the edge of orgasm once again. He closed his eyes and shuddered, his cock bucking inside her. Meri sighed and held him tight. There was time enough for recriminations later. Right now, she was in the arms of the man 56

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who wanted her and whom she wanted in return. It was a good start.

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Chapter Eight know, I always wondered what my “You parents did on the first day of school. Now, I am not sure I want to know.” Vehn laughed. “Mated partners might have humdrum lives, but I am a man on a mission, and I will take every opportunity to convince you that I desire you no matter your moods or talents.” Meri grimaced. “No fair peeping into my mind when I am not looking.” He continued to chortle as he put the finishing touches on their meal. “You won’t let me in when you are looking, so I have to take the opportunity while I am balls deep I your wet heat.” She blinked in shock at his language. “That was…descriptive.” “I said much worse when I had my fingers inside you, but that was in ancient Lahash, and you have not learned it yet.” He winked and put a plate in front of her. Meri was dressed again, but he had not seen the 58

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need before he made lunch. She had to admit it would have made a high-rated cooking show back on Earth. “I will ignore that. What time do we go to pick up Niika?” “I will go and fetch her in an hour. Will you come with?” “Of course. I didn’t think you wanted me with this morning. It was a family day.” He sighed, “Meri, if you would simply agree to it, you would be family.” She paused on her fourth bite of whatever he had made. “What?” “I am offering you the chance to be my life mate. Have I been unclear?” He frowned. “Um, a little. Yes. I thought you just wanted me for a bed mate and I would go on to my next assignment.” “No. You are not leaving Reepha. Not now, not ever. I will not give you a reference for your next assignment, and you will remain here with me.” She tried to summon her normal anger, but it wasn’t there. She reached out and touched him, trying to gauge his mood, but he was calm. “If you are looking for your fury, it burned off during sex. It wasn’t anger, it was frustration, but they become interchangeable after a time.” He smiled and took the seat next to her. Her mortification was all consuming. “How 59

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long have you known?” “Only since the decanting. Until I touched you, I could not get a reading.” He ate his own meal and smiled. “Now, what will it take to make you mine?” Meri blinked. “What?” “It is traditional for the Lahash to buy their brides. Since you are no longer near your family, I cannot offer them a bride price.” She frowned. “The Alliance usually handles that end of things on behalf of the Terrans.” He fidgeted and focussed on his plate while he mumbled something. Meri scowled, “What?” “I bought out your contract when you had the gills installed. The Alliance would not authorize the procedure on a person of your talents, there was no urgency for the change, so I paid for it myself, and at the same time, I bought out your contract.” He looked up at her with his eyes sincere. “You are now sponsored to live on Reepha for the rest of your life, including a small house in the city if you want it.” “You are just mentioning this now? I have had the gills for over a year.” Laughter bubbled up in her. “Well, yes. I didn’t know how to bring it up. Arranging a negotiation underwater was hard enough, but insisting on you accompanying me 60

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took all my effort and quite a few favours.” He sat back and fiddled with his plate. “I was unsure how to approach one of your species, and my research didn’t proceed properly until I spoke with one of your representatives.” Meri quirked a smile. “Which one?” “An ex-Negotiator. Amanda Tyrell, currently the Consort of the Emperor of the Haldis Imperium. She explained a few of your quirks that had me baffled and offered me a consulting voice when I needed one. She is quite sharp.” “She’s one of our Champions. She is indeed very sharp.” She chuckled at the understatement. “The other ones are as well. They are the best that humanity had to offer.” “I beg to differ. They may have been exceptional, but all they did was surpass the expectations of the Alliance assessment council. You are the best that humanity has to offer, in my opinion.” She grinned, “I like your opinion. It’s very flattering.” “So, Meribeth, what will it take to get you to formalize our connection?” She looked at him, stared at him as her vision took him in from head to toe. His long, dark hair was tousled from her fingers. His eyes were bright. The curve of his lips was hopeful, and the rest of him made her mouth water. Aside from the 61

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physical, she had spent two years working with him, and his mind was as keen as his body was enchanting. He also appeared to have money, so he was the complete package, tall, dark and alien. She smiled. “What does a woman in my position usually ask for?” “Jewels, property, an account to buy jewels and property with.” He shrugged. “When my mother agreed to take my father, she almost confiscated the entire Kao family fortune.” She laughed. “Mir does seem rather strong willed.” He rubbed his forehead. “You have no idea.” She pondered what she wanted from the rest of her life. “I want a place that is mine. That no one can take from me. Clothing that will help me blend in as well as I can and lessons in swimming so that I don’t need you to haul me around under water.” He blinked. “That’s it?” “Well, I would have to know that Niika is all right with it. She just got a father. To have another stranger in her life so soon might be awkward for her.” “Why don’t we ask her when we go to pick her up?” Meri blinked. “Just like that?” “You are over complicating things, Meri. The Lahash are far more practical than you give us 62

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credit for.” “Even the children?” “Especially the children. My birth mother was a charming woman who enjoyed my father’s attentions until I was five, and at that point, he and I went to the water and she married a Sivith who moved her as far inland as he could. I never saw her again, but a few months later my father met Mir and she became my mother in all ways. There has never been a moment that I doubted her love for me. I could feel it every time she helped me with homework or ruffled my hair.” Meri smiled and blinked away the tears that welled up. His affection for Mir was obvious and heartfelt. “You didn’t mind the change?” “No, Mir is Lahash, and she understood the calling of the water, something that my birth mother never understood. It means a lot to be accepted for what you are. Niika will know what it means to have that in her life if you join us and complete our family.” “That is hitting below the belt.” He raised his eyebrows. “An interesting phrase, if an appalling visual.” “It refers to fighting with an illegal move.” “I thought it might. Well, we pick Niika up in an hour. You have that time to decide.” Meri exhaled and cleared the dishes, putting 63

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them in the cleansing unit and setting it to scrub them. She then puttered around and made tea. “How is it that everywhere I go on Reepha, I find my tea blend?” He leaned against the counter and smiled. “I made notes and had supplies laid in.” She chuckled. “Over-confident much?” “Call me hopeful.” He moved and pinned her against the counter. “Can I do anything to convince you?” “Give me time and a cup of tea. I have an hour before I go swimming again.” She snickered at the reference but let her mind wander when he feathered kisses across her forehead and down her cheek to her mouth. She tilted her mouth to his and went up on her toes to increase the pressure between them while her body fought to keep its balance without leaning on him. He broke the kiss and smiled, “How about now?” She laughed and placed a hand in the centre of his chest, guiding him backward so she could make the tea. It was going to be the longest hour of her life.

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Chapter Nine

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alking back to the wet entrance, she tried not to let her shaking fingers give her away. It was no use, the moment they were three feet away from the water, Vehn grabbed her, pressed his mouth to hers and dove for the water. His mouth didn’t give her the option to breathe, her gills opened immediately, and she relaxed against him. It’s still sneaky. And yet it works. I hope it works for decades to come. He released her mouth and grinned before setting off to the school. Meri tried to emulate the swimming style of the Lahash, but she was slow and sluggish compared to Vehn. He turned, noticed that she was slow and came back. He wrapped an arm around her waist and swam to the school. This time, he hauled her with him into the wet entrance, and she lifted her head above the surface while leaving her shoulders under water. The children were all lined up 65

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waiting for their parent or parents to arrive. Vehn was at her side, and together, they gestured for Niika to join them. She jumped into the water with a shriek, and while her entrance was seamless, Meri wanted to teach her the fine art of the cannon ball. Niika’s mind was excited, and she wormed her way between them, taking each of their hands in hers. Vehn hauled them away from the city and toward the shore. They entered the shallows and Vehn took Niika to purge. Meri tried to stand up in the shallows and eject the water from her gills, but she ended up doubled over and coughing, staggering up the sand and stone. She felt hands on her shoulders, and Vehn lifted her. “Back in you go until you can do it properly.” He held her under the water with one hand while fluid rushed into her gills. He dragged her back into waist-deep water and helped her stand. When her shoulders rose above the water, she held her breath. Vehn stood between her and Niika, wrapping his arms around her. “You have to breathe sometime, Meri.” She looked up at him, not saying a word with her body full of water. When his hands cupped her ass, her eyes widened, and when he slid his thumb between her buttocks, she gasped. Water flew from her gills as the influx of air propelled it 66

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out. She grabbed his arms and hung on while the world righted itself. “You can’t keep using that method.” He nodded. “I understand. Eventually you will get used to the shocking caresses and they won’t make you gasp. I suppose I will just have to be creative.” He patted her ass before he released her to walk to the bank on her own. Niika was bouncing around and hugging herself. She wrapped her arms around herself and twirled, her skirts flaring out around her leggings and her chubby bare feet stomped on the grass. “Hey, Niika, did you have a good day?” She walked into Niika’s spiral and became part of it when the little girl grabbed her hands and twirled with her. “It was wonderful. They had a class for purging and how to swim and Lahash history.” Niika was chortling and yanking on her arms. Vehn walked in and caught Niika in his arms. “Come along now, your gran will have dinner ready.” Meri swallowed, “Mir is here?” “It is a family home, and all our family will be here for her first day of school. They will also be with us on major holidays.” He chuckled at her expression. “It’s traditional.” 67

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She swallowed, “What did I get myself into?” He wrapped an arm around her and squeezed the bare skin of her waist. He kept his arm around her as the door opened for them. Mir and Hisk stood side by side, grinning wide. Niika squealed and kicked to be let down. The moment Vehn put her down, she lunged for her grandparents, chattering away and using her hands to pass along her emotions. Meri laughed, “It seems that she enjoyed going to school.” Vehn smiled, “It will last as long as it lasts. There is a reason we will need to move closer to the school after she fully adjusts. She will be just like other students and ditch school when she can.” “Even the evolved Lahash skip classes?” He stroked her bottom as she passed him to enter the lake house. “We have other means to prove our evolution. I look forward to assisting you in your search to find those means.” She wanted to blast him, but his family was looking on. They took one look at his hand on her waist and rushed forward to congratulate them. Hisk gave her a gentle hug. “Welcome to the Kaos, Meribeth.” Ys appeared from the kitchen, “She said yes?” Vehn grinned, “She said yes, and she didn’t 68

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even bankrupt the family.” Mir came in and hugged her with one arm while Niika was gripped with the other. “Welcome, daughter. The Kaos are a good, solid family, rich too. That doesn’t hurt.” Hisk rolled his eyes, and Ys just cackled. Vehn came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her while the family congratulated them. Ys finally tackled the elephant in the room. “It is a shame you are so small and pale.” Meri laughed. “Yes, I know. The horrors of being a Terran on a strange world. I am never quite right for the situation, too short, too pale, too bony.” Ys continued, “I mean, I wonder if Vehn will even fit.” From above her head, she heard the low and amused voice say, “I fit.” Hisk snorted as Mir and Ys darkened. Meri was entertained. Despite their casual references to spawning and the children thereof, it seemed that they were a little unprepared when sex simply happened. Niika wanted to know what would fit where, but she was left wanting. It seemed there was information that even contact telepathy could not work out of unwilling participants. Meri distracted Niika, “What was your favourite part of school today?” 69

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The distraction worked, and Ys herded them all into the dining room for a charming dinner. Sunset was creeping in, and it came as a bit of a surprise. “How long were we in the lake?” “Seven hours.” Vehn put some green shredded veg on her plate and winked. “How time flies.” “Well, we were occupied.” She smiled and blushed as Mir and Hisk shared a glance. Ys laughed, “See, it is quite something to witness when you are not the one dealing it out, Mom.” Meri could see Hisk’s arm and based on the angle he was holding it, his hand was not on his own thigh. She snickered and reached for her glass, sipping at the water while the family life of the Lahash lapped at her from all sides. She worked through the peculiar foods one at a time, and when she heard conversation turn to her, she perked up. “So, Meri, you have a problem purging?” Ys was curious. Niika nodded. “She made horrible noises.” Meri nodded in agreement. “The gills were installed, I wasn’t born with them. It takes me a few days to get used to using them. The first time I used them, I had to have the locals hold me under until the gills started to work. It was traumatic for them.” Niika’s eyes were wide. “You were born 70

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Sivith?” She shook her head. “No, I was born as something else, something strange from beyond the stars.” Vehn lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to it. “And I am very happy that you fell into my path.” “I didn’t fall, I was summoned.” She turned her hand in his and stroked his palm with her fingers. Niika was working something else out. “So, if you are an alien, is that why your fingers don’t have webbing?” “That’s correct, nor my feet. None of me was designed for life in water until the Alliance techs got a hold of me. They had me floating in a tank in a matter of days.” “They didn’t teach you to purge?” Niika’s eyes were shocked again. “No, they hung me upside down by my ankles and drained me that way. It was not fun.” She enjoyed the general amazement around the table. “If you don’t believe me, ask Vehn, he was there.” “Yes, they hung her upside down, and the water came out. It was really something, as if they had never heard of purging.” Vehn shook his head. Meri smiled, “I can answer that. Most species with gills have them either up on the neck or lower on the back. The back gills are the most common. The Lahash are a distinct species. You 71

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should have seen the expression on the tech’s faces when Vehn demanded the collarbone placement.” Vehn laughed. “They were most surprised. I think they had to look it up.” Meri returned the conversation to Niika, “Now, did you meet any nice children your age at school?” Niika frowned. “They are all younger than me, but teacher says that as soon as I catch up, I can get into my age class. There are two girls in that class.” Mir got to her feet and retrieved dessert. Fruit drizzled with sweet syrup. As she set the tray down, she asked Meri, “So, do you cook?” Meri shrugged. “I haven’t cooked since I left my world. I travel too much to get used to cooking with foreign foods. I usually eat rations designed for my people.” Vehn raised his brows, “Would you like to learn how to cook here on Reepha?” “Of course. If I can’t be a mediator, I will need something to occupy my time.” Vehn brought her hand to his lips again, I plan to occupy as much of your time as I can manage. Meri ate her berries with the fingers of her free hand and left the other in Vehn’s custody. She tried to lick the syrup free of her fingers, but before she could get her hand to her lips, Vehn had grabbed it and brought it to his own mouth. 72

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Hisk laughed, grabbed Mir and told Niika it was her bedtime. Niika must have gotten a message from one of her grandparents, because she rushed over and gave Meri a kiss and then Vehn before scampering off. Ys waved at them. “Leave the dishes, I will get them later.” Meri turned to face him and smiled. “You have a knack for sending your family running.” He lifted her sticky hand to his lips and slowly licked each bit of sugary treat from her fingers. “It is a knack I developed since meeting you. I give you full credit.” She laughed and ignored the tug low in her belly that coincided to each stroke and suck of his mouth. Her evening had suddenly taken a lessthan-parental turn.

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Chapter Ten

V

ehn’s room was dressed in silvers and blues, but Meri didn’t stop to stare. She was interested on the closure of his wrap and nothing else. He pulled her hand away from the knotted fabric, and with two sharp tugs, let it fall. I have to say that it’s a little strange to be on a planet that doesn’t require one to cover up. It is tremendously freeing. He laughed, gripped her by the hips and pressed her to the wall beside the door. With steady hands, he moved her skirt aside. It is also highly convenient. His thighs pinned her and supported her while his fingers slid into her folds. His fingers primed her with long strokes that curved along the front wall of her channel. Meri closed her eyes as his mouth licked and sucked at her neck. She whimpered and clutched at his shoulders. 74

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Your neck is delightful. I think I could almost make you cum just by licking here. He tongued a spot below her ear and Meri shuddered violently. Her breath left her lungs in a rush, and she arched against his chest, the wall scratched her shoulders, but the light burn added to the other sensations. He moved his fingers from her and replaced it with the hard slide of his cock and the delightful appendage that rubbed her clit with every stroke. She held onto him as he pushed into her, his thighs flexing between hers in a steady pace that stole her breath and had her exhaling on tiny moans. It was such a peculiar feeling to have him inside her mind and her body at the same time that she reached out and took his lust for her and made it her own. Her roar of release echoed in the air, and when she dumped her pleasure into his mind, he followed with a sharp bite to her shoulder that kept the spasms going forever. Meri draped her arms around him and hung on as her entire body went limp, but her inner muscles milked him endlessly. I love the way that feels. I could stay in you forever. His inner voice was lazy and satisfied. No you couldn’t. You would get all wrinkled and pruny and that is something I could not deal with. She 75

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chuckled and nuzzled his neck, careful to avoid his gills. Why do you avoid my gills? She raised her head and looked him in the eye. “I thought you would want me to. Mine are really sensitive, so I wasn’t sure how a casual contact would feel to someone else.” He smiled. “They are muscles and tissue with nerves that are very sensitive and can be pleasurable if approached correctly. Shall I demonstrate?” She shifted. “No, not against the wall. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it tremendously…” “I could tell.” “But right now, my back is on fire, so I would appreciate a change in location.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, walking with her to the bed. He uncoupled from her and helped her remove the rest of her clothing. She groaned as she knelt on the sheets. Her knees fought going together. He was proportional, but his hips were wider than she was accustomed to. Meri gathered her hair and watched him putter around the room, folding their clothing and flipping the latch on the door. She stared in shock. “So the door was open the entire time?” 76

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“No, of course not. It was closed, just not locked.” He knelt on the bed and moved behind her. “Now, as you use your gills more frequently, they will become able to withstand a little more rough handling. For now, we will start with something light.” He licked along one of her gills and it fluttered. The tip of his tongue worked just below the edge and when he stroked along it, the feeling was akin to having a tongue slipping along the entrance to her sex. She froze as he did the same to the other side, terrified that he would stop and horrified that he would continue. He stopped and pulled back. “You see?” Meri licked her lips and swallowed. “I see that the sensitivity has its uses.” Vehn laughed. “It does. My gills are fine, you can touch, stroke and do anything you wish to them, I will tell you if I need you to stop.” She turned and groaned as her muscles pulled. “Can we save the exploration for tomorrow? I have had a bit of a day.” The sigh of disappointment was heartfelt, but he gathered her in his arms and pulled her horizontal. “I can wait until tomorrow or the next day or the next. In fact, I think I will just enjoy holding you right now.” His voice was sleepy and slurred, 77

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but he held her tight against him until his breathing evened out. Meribeth smiled and drew her fingers down his arm, tracing a pattern that took her mind into a quiet place where she joined Vehn in sleep. The next morning, they walked to the lake, hand in hand with Niika beaming between them. Breakfast had been a discussion of the official ceremony with Hisk and Ys leading the charge. Mir had sat back and watched her daughter and husband craft the guest list while Niika twirled at the idea of carrying the joining bands. Meri didn’t have an opinion on the matter, because she had no idea what the ceremony was supposed to look like, and Vehn didn’t really care as long as Meri wasn’t leaving him. He was in constant contact with her, his hand touching hers, thigh pressed to hers and mind sending whispers of affection into her thoughts. The peculiar feeling settled in her chest as she looked at the Kaos around the table. Aside from her pale skin, she felt that she was one of the family. Walking into the water with her bright blue clothing still felt surreal, but Vehn only needed to hold her under for a minute before her gills opened. She gripped his head and rolled in the water 78

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with him, bringing Niika to join the fun with a giggle that came through on the psychic plane. Niika will be late if we keep that up. He delivered a pat to her behind and pulled her to him, coaxing her into the same swimming pattern as his legs while he tugged Niika along. After they dropped her off, they spent the day introducing Meri to their neighbours and touring the underwater city. They engaged in the same ritual every day for a week until the day that Vehn got a call. “Niika has been in a fight at school. We need to go.” Vehn sighed and put on his wrap. Meri smoothed her skirt down and verified that her top was back where it should be. “Let’s go.” Meri jumped into the wet entrance without a look back at Vehn. With determination and a growing skill, she swam next to Vehn all the way to the school. She built up speed on her way into the school’s entrance and purged her gills while firing out of the water. Skidding to a stop on the lip of the entrance, several of the children jumped back with a fright. Vehn made a more decorous exit from the water. “Niika, are you all right?” Meri knelt and Niika separated from the teacher to run to her arms. “He said you weren’t a proper Lahash.” Niika 79

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whispered it against her neck. Meri held her at arm’s length and looked into her eyes. “Oh, honey. You can’t take offense every time someone makes fun of me. I don’t mind, and I am not a proper Lahash. I was made into something that could swim, but I am not, nor will I ever be a proper Lahash.” “You are my mom and you are a proper Lahash.” Niika’s face was serious. Vehn knelt next to them and faced his daughter. “You can’t go escalating fights, you need to practice Meri’s specialty. Calm.” The teacher was nearby, and when Meri looked around, she saw more than one little boy sporting a black eye or a large bruise. “Niika? How many boys were making fun of me?” Niika frowned. “It started with Marki, but the other boys joined in, so I bashed them all.” Meri reached out to Vehn, Do the Lahash do any home schooling? It isn’t frequent, but this might be a good case. It seems Niika has a bit of rage and a highly developed sense of family. Can we go to the sea? It is dangerous for someone as small as Niika. Just for a few days? There is something I need to know. A memory had come to her when she thought of the sea, something that she had put aside in her thoughts for a while. What? 80

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Something that the techs said when they were working on installing my gills. I need to know if they were right. What did they say? Meri ignored the children, the teacher and the arriving parents. Do you know what a Harliv is? Vehn’s expression got excited. Are you certain that is what they said? They ran a full genetic scan. That is what they traced into my heritage, and I want to know if it’s true. There is no other way to find out. I need salt water. Vehn grinned and touched Niika. She immediately got excited. Vehn stood and spoke quietly to the teacher while Niika wrapped herself around Meri again. See, you are special. Better than a normal mom. I am not better, Niika. Just different. Not better, not worse, just different. Different can be a good thing. I still think you are special. And I think you are special, but special people need more self-control than others and that is what your daddy wants me to teach you. Is that what you do, teach people? It is what I had to do to become calm. I learned to pull my mind in, and eventually, I could make others feel that calm. Can you help me? Sometimes boys make me mad. Meri laughed and ruffled Niika’s hair. “That just makes you a normal little girl. You are going to be bigger than them for a few years, and by the 81

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time they are bigger than you are, they won’t have an interest in getting revenge.” Niika grinned, and after Vehn made her apologize to the rest of her class, they were ready to go. It was time for the next location for their family.

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Chapter Eleven

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he Kao family held the bonding ceremony on Kao beach on the Anutha Sea. Meribeth watched Niika walk through the path strewn with coins and jewels. It was traditional for the guests to line the bride’s path with money in an effort to make her happier in the union. When the flutes cued her music, Meri stepped into the light and listened to the music as she walked out to a chorus of admiring sounds. Males in the audience had distinct interest in their eyes and the females eyed her with speculation and envy. The Kaos had gone all out for her clothing if that is what she could call the thirty pounds of various-coloured pearls that hung in strategic strands around her. They draped around her neck in a concealing gathering of necklaces and a belt supported the pearls that dripped on strands to her ankles. Her head was held high to keep the weight of the woven strands from pulling her left or right, and 83

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in this costume, she walked to Vehn and his family. On Earth, the wealth she was wearing and walking on would have provided for her and several other people for the rest of her life. Right now, she didn’t care. Vehn was standing with Niika next to him, and they were all that she wanted from now on. As the magistrate began the ceremony, she kept the quivering out of her limbs with an effort of self-control, but the moment that she could take Vehn’s hand, she sighed in relief. The magistrate’s voice rose, and he spoke those words, “And as it was intended, the woman brings the wealth of her body and soul to the man, offering it freely. He accepts it gratefully and honours her sacrifice. To formalize this bond, we now have the cuffs.” Niika smiled proudly and raised the bands. Meri raised the wide cuff and placed it on Vehn’s left arm. He did the same with her left. If they had children, a second set of cuffs would be placed. “As you now have proved your bond and shown to all that you belong to each other, I congratulate you, Vehn Kao, husband of Meribeth Kao, and I thank you, Meribeth Kao, for accepting Vehn Kao. Our family is richer for your bond.” The magistrate raised their joined hands and 84

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kissed them. Niika clapped her hands and hugged Meri then Vehn. It had been arranged that she would spend a few days with Mir and Hisk while the happy couple went on their Lahash honeymoon. Meri just didn’t want her too close in case the Harliv shift didn’t work. Vehn gave their daughter a kiss on her forehead, and she nodded, running to Mir and holding her leg. “Are you ready?” Meri shrugged. “I suppose so. First swim as a bonded couple and then back for the reception?” “Yes. Even if the shift doesn’t happen, we will still have our first swim.” She winked and went up on her toes for a kiss, the pearls in her hair swinging heavily. They held hands, and together, with the crowd cheering them on, they walked into the surf. He tried to pass calm to her, but he was far too excited. She grinned as they waded out, her skirt allowed the full sensation of the salt water on her limbs, and as they got up to waist deep, a tingling started. “Here we go.” With Vehn holding her hand, she dove into the water and inhaled sharply. As salt water wrapped her all around, her body convulsed in a sharp movement, fire spreading across her body from ribs to toes. 85

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Love, calm down. You are lovely. Beautiful and amazing. She looked at him, and even under the murky water, he was perfectly clear in her vision. Meri looked down and saw what the flippant diagnosis had hinted at. She was a mermaid with a tail of gold scales. Her hands were webbed and she reached out for Vehn. This feels so weird, right but weird. You aren’t even touching me, but you can still project. Apparently. She circled him easily. Harlivs were mermaids. They needed a minimal salinity to work the elemental change that armoured their legs for optimal propulsion. You move so easily. I am envious. She chortled, And I am venomous. Do you want it? You know I do. Harliv DNA is the dream of our people. Well, only I carry the DNA, but I can give you the chance of passing those genes along. She chortled and flicked her tail against his thighs. Vehn twisted abruptly and grabbed her in his arms, pulling her into the deep. Perhaps later, for now, we will spend some time at my family home, and I will take those pearls off one by one. Meri enjoyed the freedom that the change had brought to her, but she enjoyed Vehn’s arms around her. A flick of her tail and she was through the wet 86

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entry with her gills purged. Her tail disappeared when she was completely out of the water. Vehn sat next to her as she skidded to a halt. “That was impressive.” She squealed and jumped on him. “I can’t believe it. I mean, my family has had rumours and whispers of women with tails and men with scales. I thought it was all fairy tales and smoke.” “The Harlivs left this sector two thousand years ago, and no one knew where they went.” “Apparently, they snuck onto Earth during the Enjel and Dhema thing. No one would notice a few drops in the ocean.” She smiled and gently stroked her fingers over his gills. “I am glad for those drops, though I would love a look at your histories about the Harlivs.” He smiled and stroked her spine. “There isn’t much, just stories of sailors pulled from ships and seduced by watery maids. Then again, there are also the selkies, the kelpies and a few other water-born stories. Huh. I guess it might be useful after all.” She rubbed her pearl strands against his chest. He chuckled and cupped her ass. “I am thinking that this is not the time for a history lesson.” She kissed her way up his neck and settled on his lips, murmuring, “I think history is best left in the past. I have a distinct interest in your present.” 87

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He rolled her to her back and loomed over her. “Is that a euphemism?” She laughed and wrapped her legs around his thighs. “It wasn’t, but it is now.” **** Mediating neighbour disputes took up most of Vehn’s time and meeting with scientific officers took up Meri’s. She provided venom samples to the Lahash researchers and was set to appear at Niika’s school now that she had caught up to the others and gained the self-control that would keep Vehn and Meri from getting calls. With Vehn mediating, Meri was on after-school collection, she swam into the wet entrance to the school and climbed out to face the teacher and two other parents with their offspring. Niika walked over to her and took her hand. “I got into a fight today.” “Oh, Niika, what happened?” One of the parents stepped forward, “Madam Kao, our son was forcibly restrained by your daughter.” The teacher watched intently. “What were the circumstances?” Meri kept tight to Niika’s hand, sending reassurance through their connection. The father on the other side inclined his head 88

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when the first speaker didn’t say anything. “My child was being picked on, he is younger and smaller than the others in the class, so it makes him an easy target. Your daughter kept the other boy from attacking my son Powik, his father wishes you to bear the punishment for his spawning a bully.” Meri scanned the other parent and the sullen child. The parent felt rage, guilt and frustration, so Meri dampened it with calm before the aggression could get out of control. He looked at her with shock, but it was calm shock. “So, Niika merely restrained a child from striking another? Where is the issue?” The man opened and closed his mouth before saying, “Your daughter laid hands on my son.” Meri shrugged. “In two decades, it will be one of his fondest memories. Being a bully is not a good choice for making oneself attractive to the opposite sex. Being known to be the father of a bully is not a good idea either.” The man flinched and nodded. He jerked his head toward the teacher and tossed his son into the wet exit. The other male came forward and shook her hand. “Thank you, Madam Kao.” Powik did the same with Niika. “Thank you, Niika.” 89

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They inclined their heads and disappeared under the water in a few seconds. The teacher came forward. “Madam Kao, you handled that well.” Meri bent and Niika climbed on her back for the swim home. She still wasn’t fast in fresh water, but at least her hands webbed when she breathed liquid. “Thank you. It was nice to practice.” The teacher shifted from side to side and cleared his throat. “I have been asked to pass on a request from the school board.” “Yes?” “Would you be interested in having a seat on the school board as one of the trustees? We occasionally need someone to speak to other parents when issues such as this arise and you have a unique ability to deal with this sort of thing.” Do you mind if I am involved in your schooling? Does it mean I am in trouble? No, silly. It just means that I will be at the school more often. Niika’s light voice piped up, “She will do it. Mom will be here when you need her.” Meri smiled. There was always a bit of a thrill when Niika called her mom. “Apparently I will do it.” The teacher grinned. “Excellent, I will forward you acceptance to the board.” Meri nodded and slipped back into the wet 90

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entrance. Are you happy about my participating in your school? I am. It will mean that my classmates will have to believe me now. Believe you? About what? That you are special. Aw, honey, you are the special one. You helped that little guy and knew it would get you in trouble. Her small voice was very solemn when she said, I did what you told me to do. I stayed calm when I wanted to hit him and grabbed him instead. Pride overwhelmed Meri as she returned them home. Her skills may have twisted with her changes, but her ability to instruct Niika was her proudest moment. Wait until your father gets home. He will be so impressed with how you handled it. I can’t wait to tell Dad that you came to school naked. Oh hell.

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Author’s Note Maintaining calm lets everything roll and break around you as long as you can hold your centre. The next Terran Times story will be Catalyst. Some people have good luck, some have bad luck and for others, all hell breaks loose in their wake. I hope that folks will choose to join me in Catalyst, I intend to make it a rollicking good time….or at least a fun story. Thanks for reading, Viola Grace [email protected] http://www.violagrace.com Find me on Facebook…if you dare.

About The Author Viola Grace was born in Manitoba, Canada where she still resides today. She really likes it there. She has no pets and can barely keep sea monkeys alive for a reasonable amount of time. Her line of day job tends to be analytical which leaves her mind hopping to weave stories. No co-worker is safe from her character analysis. In keeping with busy hands are happy hands, her hobbies have included cross-stitch, needlepoint, quilting, costuming, cake decorating, baking, cooking, metal work, beading, sculpting, painting, doll making, henna tattoos, chain mail, and a few others that have been forgotten. It is quite often that these hobbies make their way into her tales. Viola’s fetishes include boots and corsetry, and her greatest weakness is her uncontrollable blush. Her writing actively pursues the Happily Ever After that so rarely occurs in nature. It is an admirable thing and something that we should all strive for. To find one that we truly like, as well as love.