Love's Beguiling Healer Page 15

  He groaned in feigned exasperation, then ruffled her hair and laughed ruefully. “How does Sarcan manage to cope with both you and Hanna?"

  "That's the secret he learned a long time ago, Wylin.” Tera patted his cheek. “He lets us make our own decisions and mistakes. He's there for advice if we want it, but otherwise he doesn't interfere."

  "I get the hint.” He held his hands up. “I promise to try and stay out of your affairs."

  "Right,” Tera said ironically.

  It was his turn to wink.

  "Now are you unpacked, or what?” She asked.

  "I didn't bring as much stuff as you. Of course I'm unpacked."

  She eyed him disbelievingly. “You've been standing there since Illam and Denyon left."

  "So?"

  "Go and unpack, Wylin."

  He laughed, ruffled her hair once more, dodged her smacking hand and left the room.

  Smiling, Tera resumed unpacking her containers. Yes, Wylin was like a brother to her and Hanna. In fact, she'd grown up with Wylin, Eulie and Kiile, as well, and they were all like brothers.

  Her smile faded a little. And like close brothers, they knew her past.

  Pausing, she stared at the thin gold bracelet that encircled her wrist. The design on it was of the rare night blossom flowers that she loved so much. Slowly she touched it, tracing the delicate scrolling. A present from so long ago.

  She'd had the dream, too. The pain it caused didn't have the power to make her cry anymore. The shock and pain had dimmed over the years. The dream she hadn't had for a long, long time. What had brought it back?

  She was very afraid she might suspect, so she resolutely turned her thoughts back to her unpacking. She had forty minutes left to bathe, get dressed and be ready for Denyon to escort her and Wylin to the dinner.

  The meet'n'greet.

  The bath made her sigh blissfully, and it was with deep reluctance that she left it. To be truthful, it was only Wylin shouting down to her to move her backside because he wanted a bath, too, that finally made her leave the warm waters.

  Deciding what to wear was a problem. She didn't think one of her silky gowns would be appropriate, considering the surroundings. Instead, she dressed in loose pants and a sleeveless top that flowed over her down to mid-thigh. The pale blue almost matched her eyes. A simple tie cinched it in at the waist. In the pocket she slipped the data collector. After a second, she hesitated, then withdrew and returned it to the bench. This night was to meet'n'greet, not to research. She'd rely on her memory to take in other things. It wouldn't do to appear as though she were more interested in collecting data than getting to know everyone. Getting to know the Felys was half the fun of the research. And, after all, they were allies now, thanks to Marten and Lysie's wedding.

  Drawing her hair back from the sides of her face, she fastened it behind her head with a small gold clip. Lastly, she slid into low-heeled slippers and walked out of the door, yelling, “Are you ready, Wylin?"

  "Of course.” Wylin appeared in his doorway, buttoning up his jacket.

  "Ooohh, spiffy.” She looked him up and down. “And looking exactly as you did when we arrived."

  He raised one brow mildly.

  "Lose the jacket and just go in your shirt,” she suggested.

  "You think the pants are too much?"

  "You are so amusing."

  "I do try.” He winked.

  Laughing, she strode beside him down the corridor and out into the lounge room. Denyon was just about to knock at the open door, and he lowered his hand with a smile. His gaze swept approvingly over Tera, then came to a stop on Wylin. He raised his brows.

  Tera knew why. Whereas Denyon was dressed in a shirt that wasn't even buttoned up, showing his muscular chest to advantage, Wylin was still very much the bodyguard in his uniform, with not a thing out of place, and that included his hair.

  "Told you to lose the shirt,” she muttered out of the corner of her mouth.

  "You also insinuated to lose the pants, too."

  "No, that was totally your own idea."

  "I'm perfectly happy as I am.” He grinned at Denyon. “Just a little fashion discussion."

  "All right.” Unfazed, Denyon held his arm out to Tera. “Shall we?” His eyes glinted slightly at Wylin.

  Oh, wonderful. Challenge time.

  "Maybe I'll just walk without hanging on to you big, tough, manly men.” She passed him and went out the door.

  "Wenches,” she heard Wylin say behind her.

  "Never understand them,” Denyon agreed.

  She would have rolled her eyes, but her attention was caught by her surroundings. The sun had gone down, and it was now dusk. Little sun-powered lights dotted the narrow paths that led through the settlement, and lined the path that led to the Meeting Hall. Along with the songs of the night flyers and the hushed sound of the forest, and combined with the smell of flowers, plants, and the aromatic aroma of food cooking, it was magical. Almost like the legends of thousands of years ago, of magical villages and enchanted forests. The Felys would have been enchanted people.

  "Beautiful.” Wylin came to a stop behind her.

  "Absolutely.” Closing her eyes she breathed in deeply. “Magical."

  When she opened them, she saw the smile of approval on Denyon's face.

  "Shall we?” he murmured. “I'm hungry, and the food smells delicious."

  They walked down the stone path, and for the first time she noticed that the base dwellings were built slightly raised. For the rains, she realized.

  The sound of people chatting grew louder as they neared the Meeting hall. Inside were the Felys, their hope placed in the Argons, that their new allies could help them.

  Even as she took a deep breath, Denyon led them straight into the Meeting Hall. Almost as though on a timer, the talk trailed off, and silence prevailed.

  Meet'n'greet. Oh yes, that's what I don't like about them. Now I remember. Plastering a smile on her face, Tera looked around the hall. And met the feline-like gazes of a mixed group of male and female Felys of all ages staring back at her in frank curiosity, a touch of suspicion, a good dose of wariness, and a couple of hostile expressions.

  Yep, it's just like a family reunion.

  Six

  Tera was glad to have Wylin's comforting strength beside her, his hand at the small of her back a reassurance that she wasn't alone. Silently she blessed Kiile for insisting that his bodyguard accompany her. It wasn't that she was afraid, but she was a stranger, and having one of her own kind with her made her feel that much more secure.

  In one sweeping glance she took in the big hall. Tables lined the floors in the middle of it, and against the walls stood more tables covered with platters of food. A lot of meat, she saw at a glance, and to a smaller extent, vegetables and fruit. But a lot of meat. Carnivores. She shouldn't be surprised.

  Felys sat at the tables. Every exotic mixture of color of hair that she'd only seen on lycats was now displayed in fascinating array. She had to stop herself from staring. Instead, she smiled politely to no one in particular.

  "Tera, Wylin.” Shar gestured imperiously from where she sat at a nearby table. “Come, you are to sit with us."

  "But first,” Almire stood up. “We should introduce our guests to our people."

  "Of course.” She didn't look pleased that she hadn't thought of that first, but managed to sound as though she'd been just about to suggest the same thing herself. “I'll allow you to do that."

  Almire didn't even notice. He swept grandly up to Tera and Wylin, his long cloak over top of his pants swirling with his movements. Turning to face his people, he announced, “This is Tera, the healer from Argon, and her bodyguard, Wylin. As you all know, they're here to try and find out why our litters are producing more and more runts."

  The scrutiny of the Felys became even more intense, and Tera could see the black threads in their eyes swirling with a mixture of hope, disbelief and, yes, still the wariness.

  "Their research sta
rts tomorrow, and I know you'll all give them as much cooperation as you can.” Beaming, he turned back to Tera and Wylin. “Come and have something to eat and drink."

  Aware of every eye on her, Tera crossed to the table and sat down with relief, Wylin beside her. She found herself sitting across from Marx and Rilla, who both grinned. The chair opposite Wylin was empty.

  "They are under strict orders to not talk business tonight,” Shar stated, picking up a small glass of wine and sipping delicately.

  "I don't mind,” Tera said.

  "But we do. Once these two start, there's no stopping them, nor getting a word in edgewise.” She waved her hand lazily.

  Marx and Rilla both raised their eyebrows simultaneously, then Marx winked at Tera. She grinned back at him as Shar started to chatter on about how excited she was that the Argons had come, and how she was sure they'd be great friends. There was no doubt that anyone would be lucky to get a word in edgewise until Shar was finished.

  Shar paused to draw breath and looked at Wylin. “So you're Tera's bodyguard. I thought you were Kiile's bodyguard?"

  "He has charged me with her care,” Wylin replied easily, nodding his thanks as Denyon poured a glass of wine for him.

  "Most considerate of him,” she said, then simply stopped talking to pin Wylin with a thoughtful stare, her green eyes scrutinizing him closely before sliding to do the same to Tera.

  No, Shar might come across as being a chatterbox, but she had the cunning of a, well, a lycat. Lulling people into thinking she wasn't to be taken too seriously, then catching them off-guard to study closely. Tera smile politely at her.

  Almire leaned across the table. “What do you think of our settlement?"

  "Quite beautiful,” she replied.

  "Not quite what you expected, hmm?” His gaze was sharp.

  Oh-ho, time to test the guests. Taking a sip of the wine and finding it pleasantly sweet, Tera took her time answering. “Not at all. We didn't come with any expectations except to try and find a reason behind your problem."

  "You know we're a small clan. Not as forward as our kin, the Lypeople. Surely you had some expectation?"

  Placing the glass on the table, Tera leaned back in her chair and stared directly at him. “I'm a healer, not a judge. How you choose to live holds no concern for me, unless it directly reflects on the problem at hand."

  Almire stroked his chin, while Shar rubbed her cheek with the side of her hand. They were both studying her and not bothering to hide it. Tera returned their gazed steadily.

  "What do you think of what you have seen so far, then?” Almire queried.

  "The settlement is pretty, your people I don't know yet."

  "You know some. The Felys from the scout ship."

  "They were very nice. I got samples from them for our research.” And I didn't get bitten. Well, I did by one, but let's not go there right now.

  Speaking of which, where was Illam? He wasn't sitting at the table, she knew that much. But now was not the time to look. She had other things to handle.

  Such as two challenging Felys.

  Placing her hands flat in her lap, she smiled lazily. “I'm looking forward to getting to know you all. Shar, you and Almire are first on my list of samples to gather."

  "Us? First?” Shar looked startled. “Don't you wish to start with the others?"

  "Not at all. I'm sure you'll want to show them all that there is nothing to fear from my instruments of research.” Tera waved her own hand lazily in the air. “As the leaders of the Felys, I know you want to set the example."

  It was more than obvious that Shar and Almire knew their challenge was being met. Their eyes narrowed and their pupils dilated.

  "Leaders who lead their people have always impressed the Argons,” Tera added.

  The Felys leaders were cornered. To refuse, thereby challenging her again, meant that they were showing their people that they wouldn't lead by example. Bad choice. But to agree and show their cooperation with the Argon healer was to seal the official approval on the healer and her bodyguard, and gain the admiration of their people in leading the way to hopeful healing.

  "Touché',” Shar murmured, her smile all teeth.

  Instinctively, Tera blinked back at her, a gesture of approval she'd learned from watching the Felys soldiers on the scout ship.

  Shar was taken aback, but then her smile grew wider, and obvious approval filled her eyes. “Well done, Tera. I see you learn fast."

  "To get on with another species, is to learn what I can,” Tera replied quietly. “We're here only to learn and help, not to judge and constantly meet challenges."

  The table was silent. Beside her, she felt Wylin's tension beneath his calm exterior. The occupants of the other tables fell quiet as the main table's silence made itself felt.

  "Our kind issue challenges to test,” Almire stated quietly.

  "Our kind only issue challenges if we deem it necessary,” Wylin stated just as quietly.

  "Can we agree that challenges have been raised and met at this table, and continue with the research?” Denyon's voice held the authority of a captain. “I myself have issued challenge to the bodyguard, and he has met it well. They are a different race to us, and to get on, we need to give and take.” His gaze flashed briefly to Tera, and he smiled slightly. “For the good of all. And after all, Kiile of Argon has placed his healer and his bodyguard under our protection, and in my and Illam's personal care. Challenges to them are challenges issued to us."

  The silence continued. Shar and Almire exchanged glances, then both nodded at once.

  "Challenge met,” Shar announced. “Kiile honors us by sending you to us, Tera and Wylin. Forgive us, our culture is different to yours."

  "There's nothing to forgive,” Tera returned. “As allies, we need to learn and respect each other's cultures and ways. If we stray onto forbidden areas or topics, we need to be told. That is all. Explain things to us, tell us, guide us. That is all we ask."

  Almire inclined his head. “Done."

  And just like that, the silence was broken. Conversation filled the air, and everyone returned to their dinner. Even Shar and Almire started chatting to everyone as though nothing unusual had happened.

  Tera slid a glance sideways at Wylin, to meet his stoic eyes. But she saw the approval in them. She'd held her own side well. Under cover of the table, she gave his hand a light squeeze. He patted her hand back.

  Denyon spoke from her other side, catching her attention. “No one means to be hostile. Many of my people haven't mixed with other species, as some of us have."

  Tera shrugged. “It's no problem, Denyon."

  "Good.” His eyes glinted. “And I meant what I said. Any challenges issued to you or Wylin, are to be brought to Illam and me."

  "I fight my own battles."

  "Ah, but you're in a different culture now.” He grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You come to us. Agreed?"

  "Is this a challenge?"

  "No. An order."

  Wylin gave a laugh.

  "Aye, aye, Captain.” Tera saluted Denyon.

  They laughed together.

  "Come with me and we'll all get something to eat.” Denyon stood up.

  Tera and Wylin went with him to the food tables, and she was able to have an idea of their diet. As she noticed before, there was a wide assortment of meat. Some of it was well cooked, others partially raw. Ewww. Okay, this isn't really a judgmental thing, just a personal opinion. Ew. Ew. Ew.

  Choosing a small portion of meat and a helping of what appeared to be stir-fried vegetables, Tera waited for Wylin and Denyon as they deliberated over the food. Turning, she studied the Felys as unobtrusively as possible.

  The men wore loose pants slung low at their hips, and while some were bare-chested, others wore sleeveless shirts with the fronts unfastened, so it hung loose and showed their torsos to advantage. And it was to advantage. Of different heights, but inclining towards tallness, the men were mostly lean, yet muscular,
both young and old. Some were more inclined to be larger of build, but somehow they had an animal magnetism that made the extra weight seem a negligent issue.

  Interesting.

  The wenches were dressed in loose pants as well, also slung low on shapely hips. They wore loose blouses that were almost transparent. Artfully placed lace and stitching covered their breasts, adding to the mystery of their charms. Their arms were bare, and showed a lean strength. Like the men, they all wore soft, heelless boots. Again, some of the females were heavier in build, but it didn't detract from their animal magnetism.

  And that, Tera concluded, was the thing. Animal magnetism. There was something hot and forbidden about the Felys. Their hair color caught the attention of a watcher, and their green and gold eyes were fascinating. The black threads reflected their moods, as did the dilation and slitting of their pupils.

  The men had strong faces, the women pretty, but both had a sensuality that was utterly feline and sexual all at the same time. Their basic features were similar—a broader than normal nose, again feline in appearance, and full lips, but it only added to their attractiveness.

  It was no wonder they had been prized in the slave markets. That their reputation of sexual prowess only added to their value was no surprise.

  What she did notice were the lack of Felys kits. That was a little disappointing. She'd wanted to really see them closely. She'd noticed a fascinating aspect of them earlier, and she wanted a closer look. Obviously that was not going to happen tonight.

  With a sigh she glanced around her. Her attention was caught by movement at the door, and she looked in that direction.

  By God, there was a Felys with more animal magnetism than was legal.

  Illam was standing there, his gaze flickering around the hall. Aras stood beside him, talking quietly. Illam was dressed in low-riding black pants, soft boots, and an open shirt with long sleeves, the cuffs rolled back at the wrists. He looked as though he'd just flung it on in a token gesture of civility.

  He looked damn yummy.

  His golden gaze swept the room, pausing only briefly on her before he turned to Aras and said something.