a different direction. Bandar was impressive, but true command emanated from Kotto. Their interactions had been brief and semi-hostile. So why was she so anxious for their next round?
Kotto had snapped orders at Bandar in the cube, aggressively pushing until Bandar backed down. It had been like watching rival alpha wolves snarl at each other. And I was the cause . The realization was much more appealing than it should have been. They hadn’t been vying for the right to claim her. They’d been—she shivered as a forbidden thrill cascaded through her body. According to Mimi’s journals, that was exactly how it was with Rodyte warriors. They hunted, pursued and claimed their females.
But Kotto’s interest in her was professional, not personal. He needed a scientist, not a mate. She simply wasn’t the sort of female to elicit a strong response in any male. Being Ashley’s best friend had been hard on Raina’s ego. Ashley was warm and loving, her loyalty unflappable. But men frequently flirted with Raina for the sole purpose of getting close to, or gaining information about, Ashley. Raina couldn’t blame Ashley for the thoughtlessness of college-age men. For the most part, Ashley didn’t even want the attention. Still, it had eroded Raina’s already fragile self-esteem.
Raina crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the moon, determined to think about something else, anything else. Why was the ship orbiting the moon rather than the Earth? There had to be significance to the position. Or was there—
The main door hissed and Raina turned around as Kotto strode into the cabin. Her heart did the same tight flip it had executed the first time she’d seen him. By human standards, Bandar was better looking. So why did Kotto’s angular features and penetrating stare trigger reactions in her that Bandar didn’t? She wasn’t afraid, exactly. He made her feel edgy and restless.
“I hope you weren’t too bored.” The door slid closed behind him and he moved deeper into the room. “It took a bit longer for me to return to you than I’d anticipated.”
Her first instinct was to pick up the metal tray cover and fling it at his head. But she was a grown woman, not an irrational teen. Instead, she stepped away from the window/screen and said, “I’ve had plenty of time to consider my options. I’d like to leave now.”
“Really?” His pace slowed as he approached. His expression might be casual, but it was obvious he was stalking her. “Would you please explain what led to this conclusion?”
She gritted her teeth, unable to suppress the anger surging through her system. This was a game to him! He had no intention of releasing her regardless of her feelings on the matter. But she’d grown up arguing with a lawyer, so she knew a thing or two about twisting words. “I don’t trust you and I have no interest in working with or for you. I’ve had my fill of aliens. I want to go home.” Even in her ears she sounded like a petulant child.
He took a step closer. “What if I told you there’s a Rodyte outpost inside the moon? Would it be worth six months of your life for the opportunity to explore such a facility?”
That was so unfair. Rumors about the moon had been circulating longer than Raina had been alive. Mimi had been obsessed with the idea that aliens were using the moon as a sort of observatory. “You are such a jerk.”
He chuckled and motioned toward the table. “Would you like something to drink?” His gaze swept the contents of the tray. “It looks like you were only offered water.”
She’d fully intended on pitching a fit the second he walked through the door. She was going to explain, in explicit terms, what she thought of his hospitality and exactly where he could shove his job. She even practiced several speeches with varying levels of profanity. Instead, she found herself silently moving to the table and sitting down. She was such a coward, a spineless little mouse. This
Kotto had snapped orders at Bandar in the cube, aggressively pushing until Bandar backed down. It had been like watching rival alpha wolves snarl at each other. And I was the cause . The realization was much more appealing than it should have been. They hadn’t been vying for the right to claim her. They’d been—she shivered as a forbidden thrill cascaded through her body. According to Mimi’s journals, that was exactly how it was with Rodyte warriors. They hunted, pursued and claimed their females.
But Kotto’s interest in her was professional, not personal. He needed a scientist, not a mate. She simply wasn’t the sort of female to elicit a strong response in any male. Being Ashley’s best friend had been hard on Raina’s ego. Ashley was warm and loving, her loyalty unflappable. But men frequently flirted with Raina for the sole purpose of getting close to, or gaining information about, Ashley. Raina couldn’t blame Ashley for the thoughtlessness of college-age men. For the most part, Ashley didn’t even want the attention. Still, it had eroded Raina’s already fragile self-esteem.
Raina crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the moon, determined to think about something else, anything else. Why was the ship orbiting the moon rather than the Earth? There had to be significance to the position. Or was there—
The main door hissed and Raina turned around as Kotto strode into the cabin. Her heart did the same tight flip it had executed the first time she’d seen him. By human standards, Bandar was better looking. So why did Kotto’s angular features and penetrating stare trigger reactions in her that Bandar didn’t? She wasn’t afraid, exactly. He made her feel edgy and restless.
“I hope you weren’t too bored.” The door slid closed behind him and he moved deeper into the room. “It took a bit longer for me to return to you than I’d anticipated.”
Her first instinct was to pick up the metal tray cover and fling it at his head. But she was a grown woman, not an irrational teen. Instead, she stepped away from the window/screen and said, “I’ve had plenty of time to consider my options. I’d like to leave now.”
“Really?” His pace slowed as he approached. His expression might be casual, but it was obvious he was stalking her. “Would you please explain what led to this conclusion?”
She gritted her teeth, unable to suppress the anger surging through her system. This was a game to him! He had no intention of releasing her regardless of her feelings on the matter. But she’d grown up arguing with a lawyer, so she knew a thing or two about twisting words. “I don’t trust you and I have no interest in working with or for you. I’ve had my fill of aliens. I want to go home.” Even in her ears she sounded like a petulant child.
He took a step closer. “What if I told you there’s a Rodyte outpost inside the moon? Would it be worth six months of your life for the opportunity to explore such a facility?”
That was so unfair. Rumors about the moon had been circulating longer than Raina had been alive. Mimi had been obsessed with the idea that aliens were using the moon as a sort of observatory. “You are such a jerk.”
He chuckled and motioned toward the table. “Would you like something to drink?” His gaze swept the contents of the tray. “It looks like you were only offered water.”
She’d fully intended on pitching a fit the second he walked through the door. She was going to explain, in explicit terms, what she thought of his hospitality and exactly where he could shove his job. She even practiced several speeches with varying levels of profanity. Instead, she found herself silently moving to the table and sitting down. She was such a coward, a spineless little mouse. This
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