Pet's Pleasure (20 page)

Starling faced Furielle’s and Nausic’s concerned faces. She smiled for their sakes. “Tell Bekion thank you for us. While it’s sad to see how many lives the poachers ruined, it’s good to have a bit of the familiar.”

Nausic bowed. “I’ll leave you and Webber to it while I see to your lunch.” He urged Furielle out of the room as well.

That left Webber and Starling to the somber task of rifling through the belongings of their fellow humans. Cell phones of varying makes and models, e-readers, purses and wallets with cash and credit cards, mini computers, new purchases of DVDs, nonperishable foods and other pieces of Earth life came out of the boxes. Without conferring with each other, Starling and Webber started sorting, putting like items together.

Before long, Starling found herself crying. She noticed Webber was as well. Neither of them spoke as they emptied the boxes. They piled all forms of identification—credit cards, IDs and driver’s licenses—in one place so they could make a list. What they would do with the list neither of them knew. Having it felt like a priority though.

“Found my wallet,” Webber said with a wry grin. He dried his cheeks on his sleeve. “Phone too.”

“My purse was given to the one who purchased me. They passed it on to Bekion, who gave it back to me.” She caressed her polished amber. “My phone might be in here somewhere.” She dug a little bit before the familiar glint of a silver phone chain caught her eye. She pulled the chain, unearthing the phone. “Here it is. Battery is dead though.”

“That’s the story with most of them. Any chargers?”

“I found chargers in the purses. It’ll take a while to figure out which chargers go with which phones. Maybe one of the scientists can help us charge them.” She shook her head with a sad laugh. “Seems stupid though.” She tossed her phone back in with the others.

Webber dug it out again. “It’s yours. Keep it.” He folded her fingers around it then patted her hand.

Without asking, she understood what he meant. This piece of home, however small it may be, had more value than whether the phone worked or not.

A loud smack made Starling jump. She looked at Webber, who had slapped his own cheeks. He shook himself with a loud growl then said, “Enough sadness. Let’s see what we got.” He perused each stack. “We’ve got DVDs and a laptop to play the DVDs.”

Starling held up one of the e-readers. “This thing has over five thousand books in it.”

“How the hell does it still have a charge after so long?”

The e-reader beeped and shut down. Starling said, “It just died.”

“Did you see the genres?” He peered over her shoulder at it.

“What genre did you want?”

“Guy-on-guy porn.”

Starling smacked his arm with a little laugh. “Moving on. MP3 players that look pretty well-used so that has to mean they are loaded with music. Possibly movies too. The batteries need to be charged.”

“Hopefully the owners had good taste.” Webber snapped his fingers a few times. “I’ve got an idea. Get Nausic and Furielle back here. I think I figured out a way to get Bekion to forgive us.”

“I didn’t know you cared.”

He shrugged. “I don’t but you do.”

She smiled at him. “I knew you were a nice guy under all that mischief.”

“Shh. Don’t tell anyone. I’ll lose my bad-boy rep.”

Starling scribbled out a note on her armband. Nausic and Furielle returned a minute later. Webber requested a recharge for the many items so they could access the media. Furielle called Vieve, who sent three of her staff members.

One man picked up an MP3 player. “How quaint. Electrical-powered devices.”

Webber asked, “Can you power them or not?”

“Easily. It would be better to simply transfer the data to an apparatus that is not so antiquated.”

“Then do that,” Webber snapped.

The man pulled out his tablet and laid the MP3 player on it. After tapping at the tablet, he gestured to the side.

Vivaldi’s
Winter
flowed out. Starling sighed as she listened. Her heart felt lighter at the sounds of home. She asked in a soft voice, “Can you do that for all the devices?”

“Easily. I do not know why Lady Vieve sent three of us for such a simple task.” The man, along with the other two secretaries, cycled through all the devices in a matter of minutes.

“Finished.” He handed the tablet to Starling. “Your information is now part of the public archive. You can access it from any terminal or tablet.” He looked over the devices he had handled. “There is no need to keep these things.”

Starling said, “Maybe not for you but there is for us. Thank you for your help.”

The secretaries left.

Webber kicked out Nausic and Furielle once more and faced her. “Now then, let’s get started. First things first, I need to know what music we’ve got access to.” He took the tablet from her and scrolled through it. “Good selection.” He looked at her. “One question—can you dance?”

“What kind of dancing did you have in mind?”

“Formal.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You mean waltz and the like, right? You do formal dancing?”

“I’m well-versed in several forms of dance and martial arts. My mother didn’t want me depending on athletic skills or a bad attitude that I could set to music to get me ahead. What about you?”

“Trained in singing and some formal dance. So long as you’re a solid lead, I can follow.”

“Good to know.” He looked at the closet. “We need outfits.”

Starling let a grin split her face. “I have an idea what you’re going to do. Bekion will love it.”

Two days later, Starling got to test her theory. She didn’t warn Bekion what she and Webber had planned since she wanted it to be a surprise. Only Furielle, Nausic and Vieve knew because they had to help with the setup.

Starling sat on the throne steps as usual, waiting for her cue. She wore a flowing blue ball gown that garnered several appreciative looks. The dress sparkled with every movement she made and breath she took. Matching gloves covered her arms to muffle her arm cuffs.

Bekion gave his verdict on his current case and dismissed the people. The next case was about to be called when a haunting melody filled the room. Everyone started murmuring.

Starling stood and brushed off her dress.

Bekion asked, “Starling?”

She turned and smiled up at him with a little wink then faced the doors.

Webber entered, wearing his tuxedo with long tails. The seamstresses had had a fun time making it. He looked very distinguished. Once he reached her, he sketched a bow to Starling, who curtsied.

The music switched to a waltz. Webber snapped Starling against his chest in a sharp move and then proceeded to lead her in a large circle around the throne room. Her dance teacher would be so proud of her form and steps. Starling had finally succeeded at the lessons he had taught her. Too bad the man couldn’t be there to see it.

The ländler played next. Starling smiled up at Webber. “I knew you would toss that in there.”

“What can I say? I’m a sucker for
The Sound of Music
. Wonderful movie. Julie Andrews was great.”

Starling noted the sounds of admiration from the crowd as Webber led her through the moves. She even glimpsed some people trying to mimic the dance steps. The song ended with her and Webber bowing to each other.

Clapping erupted from the audience.

Webber stripped off his jacket and tossed it toward the throne.

The next song started. Webber grabbed a handful of Starling’s skirt and whipped it away, revealing a shorter, tighter skirt. He then twirled her through the tango. The man took advantage of her short stature when he tossed her.

They ended the dance with her in a half-split on the ground, Webber bent over her and her arms around his neck.

He grinned as he caught his breath. “One more. You up for it?”

Starling said, “Anything you can do, I can do backward and in high heels.”

He pulled her up and began swaying to the salsa that started. This dance was more fun than anything else. It would be even better with more dancers but Starling didn’t mind just having Webber.

They ended to thundering, almost deafening, applause. Webber led Starling around the circle of onlookers so she could bow and wave to the crowd. They ended the tour before Bekion, where they did their deepest bows.

Bekion clapped as he stood and descended the steps. “Beautiful. Exquisite.”

Starling straightened. She met Bekion’s gaze. She thought she might find jealousy or anger there since a few the dances had been very intimate. Bekion stared at her with adoration the same as the rest of the audience.

He called, “Recess.”

The crowd rushed forward.

Bekion swept Starling onto his arm and carried her back to his audience chamber, leaving Webber to fend for himself. He closed the door and set Starling down.

She asked, “You really liked it?”

“You were beautiful. First you surprised me with your singing and now this. And that music was very pleasing.”

“This was Webber’s idea. An apology of sorts and to prove we can do more than fight with each other. I think everyone liked the intermission we provided them.”

Bekion cupped her cheek. Passion sparkled in his eyes.

Whether he would have done more would remain unknown, as Vieve and the guards burst into the room.

Vieve ran to Starling and swept her into a tight hug. “You are amazing,” the woman said in a high, squealing voice. “That was simply gorgeous. Everyone cannot stop talking about the talent of King Bekion’s pets and how lucky he is.”

Webber elbowed Bekion’s side. “Admit it. I did good. Go on, say it.”

Bekion patted Webber’s head but didn’t say the words.

Starling heard the congratulations of the guards as a far-off thing. She only had eyes for Bekion and how happy he looked. Things would be different. He might even come to like Webber.

Chapter Fifteen

Starling knew Bekion wanted to kill Webber in that moment. She could feel the tension of Bekion’s body from her position on his lap.

Webber stood in the middle of the throne room doorway after having slammed the doors open, startling many people and interrupting the current person laying their grievance before Bekion.

In the month since the dancing exhibition, Webber had strived to annoy Bekion as much as possible—little digs and insults about Bekion’s lack of attendance to Starling when no one else could hear them, sneaking into Starling’s bed at night—the nights she used her bed—so Bekion found them together in the morning and the occasional game of tag in the middle of court proceedings.

To keep Bekion from thinking Webber only strove to annoy, Starling had coordinated a few more dance numbers. As well, she sang for the throne room patrons with Webber doing interpretive dancing. Everyone had enjoyed that. It pleased Starling to have the accompanying music. The palace scientists had taken several songs and removed the singer so Starling wouldn’t have to compete.

Her distractions worked, for the most part. Seeing Webber’s latest disturbance let her know she should start planning another distraction.

Webber announced in as loud a voice as he could manage, “Sorry to interrupt. Please carry on and ignore me.”

Behind him, Nausic looked apologetic.

Starling let her head fall onto her hand. A very big distraction.

Bekion’s fingers tapped out an annoyed rhythm against her thigh.

She said softly, “I would say I’m sorry but this is more Tinette’s fault than mine since she gave him to you.”

“Agreed,” Bekion whispered back and then straightened. After an annoyed exhalation of breath, he asked, “Why have you interrupted this hearing, Webber?”

“I told you to ignore me.” Webber mounted the dais steps.

“If it were possible to ignore you, I would have done it long ago.”

Webber made a kissing motion. He stopped a step away and held his hand out to Starling.

She looked at it and then him. “What?”

“Take my hand and see.” He grinned at her.

She glanced at Nausic. The man inclined his head in a gesture urging her to comply. She turned her gaze back to Webber.

He beckoned to her. “You know you want to.”

“Fine.” She put her hand in his. He yanked her from Bekion’s lap. She squeaked and braced for the fall but Webber caught her. She yelled, “What the hell is wrong with you?”

He set her on her feet and whipped a fistful of flowers from behind his back. “There you are.”

“Huh?”

“Take them. It took me all day yesterday to find ones I liked and thought you would like too.”

She took the bouquet. It was beautiful. If Webber had really spent as much time as he said, it wasn’t wasted. She looked away from the wildflowers to Webber. “What are these for?”

Bekion said, “I’m also curious about that. As I’m sure are the other occupants of the throne room.” He gestured to the waiting crowd.

They weren’t curious about the flowers, Starling knew. The crowd waited to see what Webber’s antic of the day would be. He had quite a following. In fact, he had a section in the Panagiota news, which also annoyed Bekion.

Webber took Starling’s free hand in his and bowed over it with flourish. “Happy birthday.” He kissed her knuckles before he straightened.

“Excuse me?” She stared at him with wide eyes.

Webber unhooked his watch, which he wore over his arm cuff since getting it back, and held it out to her. “It’s got a calendar and has been keeping time ever since our departure.”

She looked at the date and couldn’t believe her eyes.

“I took a peek at your driver’s license. My watch doesn’t care about changes in locale and has continued to function the way it was designed. Today, or rather the next,” he took the watch back and looked at it, “twenty-two hours and seventeen minutes Earth time, or roughly eight hours
jattikan
time, is your birthday.”

She’d been on Panagiota a little over three months by their calendar. In that time, almost six months had passed on Earth. She looked at the flowers and couldn’t think. No reaction seemed appropriate. She couldn’t be happy but being sad didn’t seem right either.

Webber whispered, **Happy birthday.**

The flowers dropped from Starling’s fingers. She reached out as her legs stopped supporting her.

Webber caught her and hugged her tight.

She returned the strength of his embrace. “Thank you. Thank you.”

The flowers, while beautiful, didn’t compare to the knowledge Webber had given her. She finally knew how much time had passed since her kidnapping. Her parents had to be worried out of their minds.

Webber rested his chin on her head. “I got some eggheads working on the conversion in case my watch gives out, so we’ll know when my birthday rolls around and yours for next year…as it were.”

She nodded.

“Do you like your gift?”

“Sometimes your thoughtfulness amazes me. I’m glad this is one of those times.”

He kissed her forehead. “I love you too.” With one final squeeze, he released her. “Well, I’ve done my damage for the day. I leave you in the capable hands of he who owns us.”

Starling glanced back at Bekion. She’d pretty much forgotten about him once Webber informed her of her birthday.

Bekion looked upset. That word best described his expression. Usually Webber’s antics caused Bekion annoyance and anger, which he complained about to her later. Bekion’s reaction to the latest whim of her alleged mate confused her.

Webber said in a smug voice to Bekion, “Top that. If you can.” He walked away before Bekion could respond to the challenge.

Nausic bowed to Bekion and followed after Webber.

Starling was about to say something but Bekion spoke over her. “Recess!”

The word wasn’t much more than a growled jumble. Anger had replaced upset. Bekion didn’t bother hiding it. He scooped her against his chest and left the throne room.

“Bekion, slow down.” She braced her hands on his shoulders to steady herself.

“I would have liked Webber to present such news in private.”

“Which is why he did it with an audience.” She turned Bekion’s head so he looked at her.

He stopped walking. His creased brow smoothed and an apologetic expression took its place. “I’m sorry.”

That surprised her. She thought he was angry. “For what?”

“I didn’t know it was your birthday.”

“Bekion…” She trailed off and looked around. People milled the halls, murmuring amongst themselves and watching them. She straightened and lowered her hands from Bekion’s face. “In your room.”

He resumed walking.

Neither said a word until they were inside his bedroom and Furielle told to wait outside with all the others.

Bekion closed the door then faced Starling. “I would have prepared a gift had I known—”

“Bekion,
I
didn’t even know. Me. It’s
my
birthday. I would have never known if Webber hadn’t told me.” She crooked her finger at him and beckoned him forward.

He dropped to one knee.

“You had no way of knowing. I didn’t even realize so many months had passed. I’ve gotten used to
jattikan
time-keeping. I forgot time is moving at a faster rate for Earth, so to speak.”

“I wish you to have a gift…from me.”

She rolled her eyes. “Only because Webber challenged you. This isn’t a competition, Bekion. He only does things like that to annoy you.”

It would be so easy to tell him about Webber’s sexual preference. She stopped herself since she found Bekion’s jealousy cute. In its own way, it showed he cared about her as more than a pet.

He asked, “What would you like?”

“You’ve given me enough. I don’t need anything else.”

“Starling, please. I wish to—”

She pressed her lips to his, quieting him the only way she knew how.

Bekion circled his arms around her waist and pulled her in tight to his chest.

She let herself lean against him. She moaned into his mouth when she felt him bunching the skirt of her dress against her back so he could caress her behind. He moved his hand lower and forward, cupping the juncture between her thighs. Her answering keen urged him to push his fingers against her panty-clad, sensitive flesh and rub.

Starling felt moisture pooling where his fingers touched. Her whole body was hot and ready.

She should stop this. They had yet to break their record of being interrupted right when things started to get good. She almost thought Furielle and Rois—the two who interrupted the most—had some way to monitor Bekion so they knew when to interfere.

“King Bekion, the lords of—” Furielle gasped loudly then slammed the door shut and faced it. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Bekion curled his hands into fists.

Starling inched away from him with a sigh. She knew it.

Bekion said, “Furielle—”

“Forgive me, My King. The door wasn’t locked.”

He rose and faced Furielle. “Turn.”

The woman obeyed but kept her gaze on her feet.

“Why did you interrupt…” He stopped and cleared his throat. “What is it you wanted?”

“The lords of Delana wish to continue their meeting with you.”

“Tell them I will return shortly.”

Furielle dropped a curtsy and rushed out of the room.

Bekion closed the door behind her. He kept his back rigid as he continued clenching and unclenching his fists. “I shouldn’t have let that go as far as it did. You always test my control.” He glanced back at her. “I always fail that test.”

Starling almost covered her ears. How many times would she hear this speech? Every time someone interrupted, Bekion reacted the same way—complaining about his guilt and vowing he would do better in the future to deny his desire for her. She wanted to scream for him to be quiet. Instead, she stood in silence.

“I remain in my determination to get you a gift.”

She whispered, “You don’t have to.”

He faced her then. “This isn’t about competing with Webber. I would insist on giving you a gift even if he hadn’t challenged me.”

A thought occurred that stopped her from denying his generosity again. She met his gaze. Every past experience made her sure he wouldn’t grant her request but she felt compelled to ask. “You truly want to give me a gift?”

“Yes.”

“And it wouldn’t hurt if it outdid Webber’s, right?”

He pursed his lips, not answering.

She didn’t need him to answer. The truth was written on his face. He wanted to outdo Webber at all costs.

She crossed her arms. “The scientists are returning to Earth’s solar system again.”

“I cannot return you.”

“I’m not asking for that. I’m asking to send my parents—the ones who made it possible for me to have a birthday at all—a letter. Some small peace of mind so they know I’m not dead. That I’m healthy.” She stepped closer to him. “Please.”

When he hesitated, she added, “I’ll translate it for you. If you don’t believe what I tell you then you can have Webber do the translation. Please.”

“Stop begging.”

“It’s only a letter, Bekion. No matter what I say, it’s not like they can act on it in any way that would affect you or the Gorov Empire.”

“Starling—”

“Please.”

He went to one knee again and held out his hand to her.

She hesitated, not sure what he planned to do or say. She put her hand in his and let him draw her near. “Please.”

“You humble me and shame me that you feel you must beg for something like that,” he whispered.

“You’ve always denied me before.”

“It’s the only punishment that means anything to you. What else would you have me do?” He covered her lips with his finger before she could answer. “Write your letter. Say whatever you want. Tell them everything, if that is your wish.”

She gave him a questioning look. What was he saying? Did he realize what he was saying?

“If you decide to translate it for my benefit then I shall listen. I no longer demand or require it.” He laid a light kiss on the back of her hand. “Once it is ready, I’ll have a messenger expedite the letter to the scientists, who will deliver it to the Earth couriers.”

She smiled at him. In a small voice, she said, “Just make sure they give it to a courier in the United States, otherwise the postage I have won’t be enough.”

He nodded.

“Thank you.”

He cupped her cheek. She thought he would kiss her but he released her and straightened to his full height. “I suppose you will wish to start your letter now, so I shall see you at dinner.”

She waited for him to leave the room before dashing to the closet. That’s where she’d stored the boxes of Earth memorabilia. One of them held a backpack with school supplies—paper, pens and envelopes.