Unexpected Hero, page 3
Misty sighed. “I can’t swim.”
Her new associate was shocked. “I don’t think I heard you correctly.”
“I can’t swim. I had to stay out of the water while my sibling had lessons. I never learned, so the first time I had a day off and went to one of the shores, I was wading, and someone bumped me over, and I couldn’t get back to the surface. I fought for air and got washed into shallow water. I got up and staggered to the beach. Locals were laughing at me, and I just sat on a chair for an hour and then left.”
“You started your swimming at a beach?”
“Coworkers said it was fun and would be enjoyable. It looked so easy. My sibling always said it was easy.”
“It is easy. For a Vecchin, we filter water through our skin. It is easy for us to swim.”
Misty nodded. “That is what it looked like.”
“So, what else have you done since arriving?”
“Um, I cook on my days off. I am trying to make things taste like what I was used to at home.”
“You have been here four years. What else have you done on your rest days?”
“Well, I have only gotten one every six weeks, so I just do some shopping or stay in and watch vids.”
Hazda stared at her. “That’s... you are supposed to have one per week.”
“Oh.”
“So, your wages should have you near to finishing your original bond.” Hazda whipped out her tablet, and then, she started typing. “You... what is this? Your bond was paid out six months ago. Oh... this isn’t good.”
Hazda frantically typed a message, and when her tablet vibrated lightly, she exhaled in relief.
“I thought he was going to the bond auction, but he went somewhere else to work out some tension.”
Misty cocked her head. “A brothel?”
Hazda laughed. “No. He has a line of women waiting if he wants them. He doesn’t. The moment he saw you, he was struck.”
Misty blinked. “You sent him there.”
“I did. Like I said, your frequency matches his. I don’t joke about that.”
Misty sighed and looked down at her fingers.
“So, the file says your mother and sister are here as well. What are they like?”
Misty mumbled. “I don’t know. They are doing research.”
Hazda scowled and sat down with the tablet, and she started flipping through things.
“Can I sleep?”
“What? Of course.”
“Thank you.” Misty leaned back and closed her eyes, seeking genuine, restorative sleep.
* * * *
Hazda acknowledged that Mekked and the others were on the way back. She looked at the nasty, degrading, and devastating comments Annabella and Lissa Deluca had ascribed to Misty. The hate and vitriol when they were asked to recommend Misty for citizenship were appalling. They hated the poor little bunny. There was nothing about Misty’s talents, sweetness, and eagerness to please. It was horrible. That is why she hadn’t gotten her citizenship. Her own family didn’t have theirs yet and didn’t think that a server could possibly have out-worked them. There was an investigation underway, and that investigation should have stopped her transport to the auction.
“Damn.” Hazda looked at Misty sleeping, twitching, and whimpering like a hurt animal, and she wondered if this was not the first time that she had been in a similar position. Her humble wish for a home of her own was easy, but it would come with a husband and, hopefully, children.
She took one of Misty’s hands, and she calmed down. It was a good tip to give Mekked.
The pressure change in the room told her that the defenders had arrived. She got up and smiled. She gestured for him to stop.
Mekked frowned. “What?” His hands moved silently.
“She is brittle and as delicate as a tiny kit. You need to be careful. She is brittle.” Reiterating it seemed important.
He looked at her and nodded, signing, “I know. She’s an open empath. She goes through the world being struck by others’ emotions. I can fix that. I want to fix that.”
“She cries when she sleeps.”
He froze and tensed. “Out of the way.”
She stepped aside, and he went to the beside, taking her small hand in his and pressing his lips to the inside of her wrist.
Her uncle closed his eyes, and she felt a wave of energy leave him to wrap around Misty. She had just gotten a shield.
Hazda watched as he pulled up the chair and sat with Misty’s hand pressed to his cheek. It was so sweet. Hazda looked forward to addressing her as aunt one day. Aunt Veru. Bunny.
* * * *
Misty woke up slowly. Someone was holding her hand. She opened her eyes, and Mekked was sitting next to her, his forehead pressed to the bed next to her arm and his hand holding hers. His breathing was even, and he looked tired. It radiated out of his posture.
She reached out with her tethered hand and stroked his thick hair. It was thick but feathery soft. His energy changed, and he lifted his head. At close range, he was nearly overwhelming.
She met his shining black gaze and resumed stroking his hair. “You look tired.” She murmured softly.
He smiled. “I am. Your treatment is nearly done. I will be taking you home, and we can negotiate a contract.”
Misty blinked. “I am not getting sold?”
“No. Your bond was actually complete. You just had an unscrupulous boss. They are being fined for theft of wages, using a bond contract as a threat, and withholding citizenship recommendation when you reached your allotted hours.” His thumb stroked her hand. “Not only are you over your needed hours, but you were underpaid, so you will be getting a bulk payment once the fine is collected. In the meantime, I would like to offer you a companion contract.”
She whispered, “Why?”
“Because we can make each other better. Whole. I can help you control what is swamping your senses, and you can give me what I need.”
“What is it that you need?”
“You.” The word was simple and absolute.
She stared as his face got closer and closer, and then, his lips touched hers. She felt a literal spark between them, and he brushed his lips across hers. Vecchin didn’t kiss. She jolted back.
He frowned. “Did I do it wrong?”
“What? No. It was right. Vecchin don’t kiss.”
“We don’t?”
“No.”
“Hmrain do. At least the ones that have read the Terran files do. Your people respond strongly to stimulation via the mouth.”
“Terran files?”
He grinned. “Oh, yes. You have a higher companion ratio than has been seen in recent years. All the Hmrain watch the station stats with focus.”
“Including the children of Hmrain?”
“Indeed. I am notable in that I don’t have wings, but I have the markings for them. There has been another case where a wingless descendant gained psychic wings after taking one of your people as mate.”
“Um... how?”
“You know we take energy from you, yes? We take pleasure because it is easily manipulated, and our companions are known for having unceasing appetites.”
She blinked. “I am pretty sure I am the exception. I don’t do that.”
He stroked her palm with his thumb. “When you are safe, comfortable, and trust me, you will.”
“You would wait?”
Mekked nodded. “For you, I will wait. Whatever you decide, you are still coming home with us.”
“Us?”
“Yes, the defenders all live at my home. It is easier that way.”
“Oh. Yeah, I guess that would be convenient.”
He laughed. “It is a big enough house. We won’t be on top of each other.”
She nodded and then felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. The idea of being on top of him had a certain appeal. She went white as the reality of the thought hit her.
He smiled and caressed her fingers, not pushing for a response. The doctor came back in, and when he reached for the regen rod to slide it out of her, she made a noise to stall the doctor, but he withdrew the rod and blinked. It was gleaming, dripping, and shining as the surprised doctor stared at it.
Misty covered her face, and Mekked smiled with satisfaction. The doctor quickly put the unit aside and put the scan over her abdomen. He nodded. “The gouges have been repaired.”
Misty nodded, and her voice was high. “Great.”
Mekked ran his thumb across her palm. “It is a very pleasant circumstance.”
Hazda had left at some point.
“So, Hazda is your niece?” She smiled and tried to dislodge his mind from the dripping slick he had focused on.
“Yes, my sister’s daughter.” He smiled. “She’s here to learn the family business.”
“Collecting aliens?”
He laughed. “Yes, but I will be happy with a collection of one.”
The doctor looked startled, stared at Misty, and then blinked. A moment later, he said, “Miss, I am going to remove the injector cuff now. The infection in your system has subsided, and you should make a full recovery in a matter of days.”
She nodded. “Um, thank you.”
Mekked frowned. “Infection?”
“From the injuries treated by the regen rod.”
“Ah, right. I should have hit him harder.” Mekked was grim. “I need the medical reports.”
“Of course.”
“Right, well, your female is good to leave. She needs to rest quietly for a day or two and then return for checks, but she’s otherwise fine.” He bowed slightly. “We just need to make sure that the infection is at bay. She also needs to renew some inoculations. A few of hers have run their course.”
She smiled. “Like the one that lets me digest Vecchin minerals?”
“That is one of them, yes.”
Mekked frowned. “Can’t you give it to her now?”
“We don’t stock them here. They are at the immigration platform near the space port. A few more days won’t hurt her.” The doc nodded. “I will send you the list as well, sir.”
“Thank you. I will source what she needs and makes sure she gets it.”
“Yes, sir. She can leave at any time.”
Misty sat up with the sheet to her chest. “Can I get a medical gown or something?”
Her clothing had been the first casualty, and she did not miss the auction gown, but she wasn’t going to run around naked.
Mekked got up and went to a corner. “Hazda brought you this.”
He pulled a dress along with some shoes out of a shopping container.
He smiled. “It laces to fit, so don’t worry about sizing.”
She looked at the style of dress that she had seen wealthy women wear to the café. “I can’t accept this.”
Mekked shrugged. “I have no problem flying you home naked, but this will set a better first impression if you are properly clothed.”
She looked at him and saw his determination and lack of concern. She loosened the ties, pulled the dress over her head and stuffed her feet into the shoes. She pulled the dress down under the medical sheet and swung her legs out of the bed. The sheet flipped back, and he was helping her properly fit the dress. He helped her to her feet and smoothed the fabric down before finishing the tugging at the laces. It was smoothed over her breasts and hips, and the ties at the side fitted it to her. The sleeves fitted to her elbow and then opened so that when she would move her hands, her arms looked graceful. That was a stretch.
A glance down made her blink. The cleavage was... extreme but well within Vecchin standards.
He smoothed the shoulders. “There. Nice and respectable.”
She chuckled and kept her gaze away from his.
He asked, “Are you all right to walk?”
Misty nodded. “I am.” She could probably walk for about half an hour, and then, she was going to need to rest, but she could make it out of the medical centre.
He touched her cheek and said, “I am going to be waiting for those reports, doc.”
He put his hand on her back and pressed gently forward, so she walked out under her own power.
“Why is it important that I am walking?”
“Because there are reporters outside, and they want to catch me with a woman and hauling her off without consent. Your situation is unique, and your options need to be clarified before any final decisions are made.”
She walked with him, and they entered the lift, lowering them to the main floor. When the doors opened, she folded her hands in front of her and walked out with Mekked’s hand on her back. He stepped away from her as a crowd surged toward them.
“What is going on?”
“Your employer has been exposed for their lack of inclination to pay the ransom, their theft of your wages, and paying you far below your worth to the business. Also, concealing your meeting citizenship qualifications is a huge issue.” As he spoke, the crowd surged forward, asking her questions.
She flinched and edged toward Mekked. She unlocked her hands and started to speak as she caught the questions coming while still walking out toward daylight.
She signed in manual as she spoke. “I have heard that my boss deceived me. I look forward to seeing what the result of the investigation will be.”
“I have met Defender Mekked once before at the café. I worked the late shift, and he, Aldrun, and Soith came in after work. They were covered with soot.”
“I am not his mate. It has not been discussed.” She felt a touch on her back. “But a discussion is in the immediate future.”
“I am companion class with a defect. It requires special handling.”
“I just want to eat something. It has been a day and a half since I have eaten, and I am a little dizzy. Please, excuse me.” Misty nodded and headed for the door.
Mekked stepped outside with her, picked her up, and flew off with her.
“You can fly?” Her strangled whisper got the point across that she didn’t actually know.
“Of course. You don’t watch news reels?”
“No broadcast at the café, and I didn’t have enough funds for a unit.” She focused on his face as he flew.
“What do you... he refused to pay you.”
Now knowing that it wasn’t supposed to be that way, she was grim. “Correct.”
“We will collect your possessions. Where do you live?”
“There is an alcove at the café. A full staff bath. I had the uniform for the café and one change of street clothes and a swimsuit that I used once.”
“Wait, so he didn’t let you leave for days off?”
She shrugged. “I had one once. I didn’t care for it.”
He nodded. “We will work on that. The idea of you relaxed and happy is an intoxicating one.”
“This is a little sudden.”
“You would prefer I buy you from the bond auction? As the local overseer, I don’t need to bid. It is up to us to come up with a fair bond contract.”
“Aren’t I up for citizenship?”
“Yes and no. There were some strenuous objections to your citizenship qualification, so it is being reviewed.”
There was a pause, and she slumped. “My mother and sister are fighting it.”
“How did you know?”
“I have met them.” She grimaced. “They do not care for me, and they never want to see me as an equal.”
“How do you know that?” He seemed appalled.
She sighed. “They told me so.”
He swooped upward in an arc and landed in front of a building that she didn’t want to look at. It was huge and elegant and terrified her. It wasn’t her kind of place, and eventually, they would dismiss her. Where would she go then?
Chapter Four
Misty looked around as he brought her inside. “Um, I can walk.”
A Srveda male came toward them with a bright grin. “So, this is the new acquisition?”
Mekked was precise. “Not yet an acquisition. For now, she is a guest. A hungry guest.”
The male chuckled. “I saw the report. As you have unwillingly fasted, I will start you off slowly. I am Kekkari. I am the cook and housekeeper for these three.”
Misty blinked and said, “Pleased to meet you. I am Misty.”
“Aren’t you just adorable? All soft and pale. Master Mekked, does she smell nice?”
“I am not going to answer. It will just make her nervous.”
“Well, I have some food for her in the dining room.” Kekkari left, and his tail lashed as he walked.
Misty would have called Kekkari a big kitty on Earth, but he was an uplander Vecchin. Vecchin the Hmrain had gathered and combined species that were compatible, and the combination had created three very visible genetic prints. Cat people, water people, and land people. Mekked was Hmrain with water people eyes and abilities.
Mekked carried her, ignoring her muttered mention that she could walk.
He sat down at a long onyx table, and Kekkari laughed as Mekked simply rotated her to face the table. “If he tries to burp you, I will call the authorities.”
Mekked snorted. “If you had a female as sweet as this one, your teeth would be in the back of her neck in seconds.”
“Like yours won’t be.” The cook grinned.
Misty twisted her fingers together nervously at that. Inside she was whimpering a little bit. She spent her life being helpless, but that didn’t mean she didn’t hate it. This was just another thing she had to get used to.
“Uh, is she all right? She got even paler.”
Mekked leaned to look at her. “He was joking.”
She looked at him and could tell he was lying to make her feel better. She started to shake, and memories from the last months on Earth rippled through her. It had not been a peaceful time, and things had happened to her that her mother wouldn’t forgive.
“There are a lot of shadows in your gaze, Misty.”
She nodded. “There is a reason for them.”
He hugged her. “Ah, little jewel, will you share them with me?”
