Claimed: Unchartered Territory (13 page)

She made a sound of disbelief before continuing. “And what exactly did you have in mind?”

“Some of our top technicians are eager to meet with you. I have indicated that you will be ready to speak with them at your earliest convenience.”

She arched a brow at him, her doubt easily reflected in her expression.

“And what about the tours?”

“It was my other reason for searching you out today.” That, and he found himself unable to stay away from her for too long.

A hint of a smile flashed across her lips before being quickly masked. But he was sure of what he saw.  It made his hearts soar to make her happy, even if only briefly.

“So why are we standing out here?” she questioned with shielded enthusiasm.

He shrugged. “It’s where you wanted to be.”

Dallas rolled her eyes. “And now you’re suddenly agreeable to my wants?”

“You’re not a prisoner
Dal’las
, of course I want you happy.”

“Hmm, are you sure this isn’t opposite day on your planet?”

He didn’t get a chance to query the meaning of her odd question before his ear com vibrated. 

“Yes,” he barked into the device watching his mate turn to make a steady retreat into the garden.

“The other sector leaders are ready for your holo meeting,” his assistant advised.

Remar shot a lingering look in
Dal’las’
direction before resigning himself to the inevitable. “I’m on my way.”

He would not delay the meeting with the other leaders but would see to its quick conclusion. After, he would able to focus on getting
Dal’las
acclimated.

There would be plenty of time for him and his bond mate.

***

The walk she’d attempted was short lived and it was all due to one thing. She was actually excited about getting started with the technicians. But when she circled back to see if Remar was done with the conversation that interrupted their discussion he’d disappeared. In his place were two guards ready to escort her to the engineering facility. The wave of disappointment washing over her was unexpected. She mentally blanched at her response. His olive branch was no call for her to go all soft.

Remember, he basically kidnapped you and forced you into marriage
, she reminded herself. The thought still wasn’t enough to squelch the pleasure coursing through her.

It’s okay to be happy, why live in constant misery. It still doesn’t mean you have to like him
, the little voice inside her encouraged.

The mental reassurance was enough to push any negative thoughts to the back of her mind.

***

Dallas was beyond impressed with the center. She knew the Chezarian’s possessed advanced technology but some of the projects were absolutely astounding. Water recycling and filtration which allowed for minimum impact on the planet’s resources explained the continuous water fall in the bathing rooms. Safe and sustainable agricultural developments enabled them to raise livestock free of chemical enhancements but with enough availability to prevent hunger in their sector. They’d also perfected nano technology in so many areas but it was the application in healthcare and bioengineering which really amazed her. She learned the nanos were responsible for the translation device on her wrist. Their scientists managed to extract enough human DNA samples from probes acquired over the years to come up with genetic sequencing to make the device a viable use on humans. Apparently, more samples taken from Dallas during her initial examination had only confirmed their findings. Of course she was their first real test specimen, that part she didn’t want to focus on too much.

Still, the interconnection between science and engineering was so vast just one tour wouldn’t be enough for her to determine exactly where she could fit in. The alien planet might not be earth but Dallas was beginning to see maybe, just maybe, there was a place for her after all.

***

At that moment Remar sat in a holo-conference with the High Commanders of the other three sectors and their advisors listening to the various accusations of injustice being hurled about Sector One’s claim challenge involving his bond mate.

“What right did you have to exclude our sectors from participation?” Keltar demanded using his signature pack attack method. In truth Remar knew he cared little if the other two sectors had been granted access to the claim challenge, only that neither he nor members of his sector were permitted entry. And like the coward Remar knew Keltar to be the petty leader needed others in his corner to give credence to his argument.

“When has one sector involved another in their competitions? You boast having the largest female population in generations and yet have refused to allow outside sectors entrance into your challenge arenas,” Remar reminded.

“That is entirely different,” he sputtered. “In the spirit of mutual assurance the alien woman should have been made accessible to us all-”

“It has been done and the matter is not one for discussion,” Remar answered with deadly finality effectively cutting off the other leader’s protests.

“Surely, you cannot completely begrudge Keltar his curiosity. An
E’rthr
on Chezar is a sight everyone one would like to behold,” Nelo added.

As much as Remar would prefer to let the topic drop all together he could not ignore the legitimacy of Nelo’s statement.

“Understood, but there will be no more talk over the legitimacy of my sector’s claim challenge with my bond mate.”

“But-”

“Of course,” Voren, leader of sector four interrupted Keltar. As usual his gravely calm tone masked any emotions. “I hear told the event was unprecedented and you demonstrated the strength of ten warriors.”

Remar silently grunted, not allowing himself to be taken in by the placating compliment. “Arrangements have been made to give each of your teams access to technology recovered from the craft.”

Keltar made a loud huffing sound but kept any other form of protest to himself.

“And while our teams are conducting their studies would you be opposed to a meeting with your bond mate?” Voren continued. “Obviously your mating represents a historical marker for us all.”

There was a resounding murmur of agreement amongst the other three leaders.

Remar stamped down his initial desire to refuse the request. As much as his preference was to keep
Dal’las
to himself it would only create further discord with the other leaders.

“I will take it under consideration.”

“We do not want your
consideration
. The
E’rth
woman must be made available to us,” Keltar insisted.

“You are in no position to make demands Keltar,” Remar interjected “I will speak no more on this until my decision is made.”

“Of course.” Nelo added quickly. “Emotions are obviously high over the unprecedented events. Tell us Remar has your mate revealed if more
E’rthers
will arrive?”

“It is unlikely. Her vessel became lost and she was caught by the apparition. Her arrival on Chezar was purely accidental.”

“Perhaps the apparition will bring more females from
E’rth
.” Nelo continued, the hopeful tone in his voice evident.

“It does not seem likely.
Dal’las
managed to send a distress message to her home world before her vessel reached Chezar. She requested no other vessels follow as there is no means of return.”

“Perhaps she can persuade other females to come. Have you spoken with her about this?” Voren inquired.

“No, and if my mate is a true representation of
E’rth
women the females of her world will not be receptive to our ways.”

“Ah, so there is discord in your bonding. Perhaps your bond mate only has issue with you. It may not be so for others,” Keltar accused.

Instant anger boiled inside Remar but he held his temper in check, refusing to give the other man the satisfaction of seeing the effect his words caused.

“Surely, you can have your mate send a new message to her home world,” Voren presented.

“Unfortunately her vessels communication system is inoperable,” Remar supplied.

“Very convenient or is it you wish to keep your communication with
E’rth
secret and have fabricated this tale?” Keltar spat.

“Your scientist will have the opportunity to verify all I have shared and if they need assistance I am certain Nelo and Voren will make their findings available to you.”

Keltar’s face visibly lightened in rage until it nearly glowed making his instant anger apparent. It only gave Remar small pleasure to see the irritating leader go silent from his obvious anger.

“All sounds within accordance of the mutual assurance agreement,” Nelo added diplomatically.

“Good. Now I must excuse myself, there are other pressing matters which need to be addressed.” Remar allowed for only the briefest ending before disconnecting from the holo-conference.

***

Dallas’ head buzzed with the activity of the day. There was still so much to see and learn. She’d barely scratched the surface in her tour. The tiny hand held unit given to her provided instant sync ups to an assortment of databases for projects she’d expressed interest in and others she hadn’t gotten around to seeing yet. The auditory translation was a godsend but she realized that in order to get a deeper grasp of the information she would have to commit to tackling the Chezarian written word. Although she prided herself on her intelligence their language looked like a complicated mixture of Hebrew, Arabic and ancient Sumerian. It was a daunting task but she thrived on challenges.  Mentally, she catalogued the things to be seen the next day.

A quick thought crossed her mind. Would Remar continue to hold true to his word or would he withdraw his offer? Before she could give the thought further consideration the aromatic scent of something deliciously distracting caught her attention. Her stomach grumbled it’s disapproval at being denied sustenance for so long. She raised her head from the device in time to notice she’d been escorted back to Remar’s room. Like before a veritable buffet was laid out on the small floor table. She couldn’t identify most of the items but didn’t care. It all looked like scrumptious mounds of heaven.

No sooner than the door folded closed she dropped onto an overstuffed pillow and reached for glistening bread. Dallas peeled off a piece and popped it into her mouth. Warm decadence trampled her taste buds with a sweet tangy after taste.

“Bliss,” she mumbled before tearing off a larger piece. It melted in her mouth far too soon and she moaned with a mixture of pure ecstasy and eagerness for another sampling. It only seemed to get better with each bite. Her lids shuttered closed in pleasure when she polished off the last piece.

“I believe it is wrong for me to be jealous of that
gorin
you just devoured?”

Remar’s sudden question had her eyes snapping open. Until then she hadn’t realized he was in the room, talk about being distracted.

“I didn’t know you were here.” She stared up at his towering frame as he approached from the depths of the room.

“I arrived moments before you…but you were preoccupied and I did not wish to disturb you.”

She averted her gaze back to the spread in front of her. “If this was meant for you I’m sure I can find something else in-”

“No, this was intended for the two of us. Do you mind if I join you?” He nodded in indication to the empty seat.

“Um-no. This is your-”

His stern look effectively cut her off. “Our rooms. Based on the spheres from your world I hardly believe the concept is unknown to you.”

She held back the response which immediately sprang to mind choosing instead to go a different route. “Please sit.”

Again, she was surprised at the ease with which he arranged himself on the pillows.

“I hope the tour was to your liking?” He started.

“Yes, thank you. There seem to be a lot of areas I could fit into, so long as the offer stands.”

His brows furrowed. “Why would it not?”

She shrugged. “Just checking. So where did you take off to earlier. I almost thought you’d want to show me around yourself to make sure I didn’t go sneaking off into any classified areas.”

“And did you?”

“What?”

“Sneak into any classified areas?”

“No.”

“Then it seems my services were not required. However, should you wish for me to come along on the morrow I will be more than happy to oblige.”

“Not necessary. I’m sure you have far more important things to do.”

“For me there is nothing more important than you and your happiness.”

Dallas responded by forking what looked to be a vegetable off a platter and taking it in her mouth. She couldn’t help but notice the way Remar’s gaze followed her movements, and lingered on her lips.

“There is a matter I wish to have your opinion on,” he said after long moments.