Read Online Colonial Commander by KD Jones - Free Book Online

collaborated.”
    “Well, it was very helpful.”
    “Please come in and have a seat. The meal is being delivered. I would have cooked, except that…”
    “She can’t cook.” TylOR finished for her, chuckling.
    “I can cook some things,” Lizzie defended herself.
    “I didn’t mate you for your cooking skills,” TylOR growled as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.
    Lizzie giggled and hit him on the shoulder. “Stop that, we have guests.”
    Ava tried to find somewhere to look besides at the happy couple, but when she turned her head to the left and her eyes caught AshOR’s. He was staring at her with an intensity that made her feel slightly uncomfortable but excited at the same time. She licked her suddenly dry lips, and his eyes tracked the movement.
    A knock on the door caught everyone’s attention. AshOR walked over and opened it so that the staff could bring in the food. A few minutes later they were all sitting around the table. Lizzie had put Ava and AshOR next to each other on one side of the table, while she and TylOR sat on the other side.
    The servers helped dish out the food before they left. Conversation flowed smoothly, and she found humor in the way AshOR and his brother interacted and teased each other.  She could see that it was all done with love and respect.
    “You would not have to reset the shields so frequently if you reduced your power usage two hours a day,” TylOR informed his brother.
    AshOR shook his head. “That would leave us vulnerable to a Morin attack.”
    “Two hours spread apart. You can manage using warships to help guard you until the power comes back online.”
    “I’m not a new lieutenant. I have plenty of experience on a transport.” AshOR crossed his arms over his wide chest.
    “I’m just trying to help you out.”
    “Maybe I don’t want your help.”
    “Then you’re an idiot.”
    Both of them growled at each other. Ava felt awkward at first, but then Lizzie’s burst of laughter at them had her laughing too. She looked up at the confused expressions on the men’s faces and laughed even harder.
    “What is so funny?” TylOR demanded.
    “Yes, why are you two laughing?” AshOR also demanded, but there was no heat in his voice.
    Ava looked at Lizzie, who winked at her and answered them. “I don’t know, maybe it’s because you’re like two macho cavemen beating their chests and arguing over who has the bigger club.”
    “What’s a cavemen?” TylOR asked.
    “I don’t know, but whatever this club is, mine is bigger,” AshOR said, chuckling. TylOR grinned.
    There was more joking and laughter after that, and the rest of the dinner was pleasant. She had no idea how funny AshOR could be in a social setting. He always came off so cold and distant. According to Lizzie and TylOR, AshOR had been the black sheep of the family, always getting into trouble. He’d sure done a turnaround. The only thing that hadn’t changed was AshOR’s reputation with the women.
    “What was that singer’s name that you started something up with back on Katiera?” TylOR asked.
    AshOR’s cheeks reddened, and he glared at his brother. “That was a while back, and it wasn’t serious.”
    “It never is,” TylOR said without thinking. “Ouch, what in Kitana! Elizabeth, that was my knee you just kicked!”
    Lizzie’s face turned red as she glared at her mate. “Watch what you are saying.”
    “Why?”
    “I think it’s time for me to leave.” Ava stood up and headed toward the door.
    “Don’t go, stay and talk some more with me. It feels like it’s been forever since I spent any time with a human,” Lizzie begged.
    “I would love to talk more with you, but if I am going to help relocate the survivors to the Kiljorn transport tomorrow, I need to get some sleep.”
    “I wish you would consider traveling with us to Kiljor. You would love it there, it’s so beautiful.”
    “Maybe one day I can come for a visit.” She felt AshOR coming up behind her.