Chapter 21
Atem
He wanted to snarl in annoyance.
His Council really had the worst timing.
And, thanks to his combot, his female was now worried that she was being watched.
She hadn't said anything, but just the speed at which she had hidden her body told him that's exactly what she assumed it was doing.
Even his promise that the camera function was off, and she would be able to see it gleaming if it was on, didn't ease her worry.
Sighing, he resigned himself to not being able to enjoy Peony this evening as he sat up.
“Connect comm,” he ordered the device, straightening his clothes.
The small combot followed him, no longer pointing at Peony. It was only a voice comm, the tone completely different from what a holo comm request would have sounded like.
The voice that answered was familiar.
“Atem, we have gathered at your request and are waiting for you.”
Atem grumbled. Usually, being First Domini meant that others waited on him. If he wanted to fuck his female and make his council wait until he was done, he could.
Except when it came to First Scholar Torvii.
He was an older male that had served the First Domini before Atem, and Atem's father before him.
He had met Atem when he was still too young to change colors, as he liked to remind him frequently.
He was not the oldest member of his Council, that title belonged to First Healer Donivi, who liked to remind Atem that he had brought him into his world.
It must be an old male thing to say for they both said it a lot.
But only First Scholar would refuse to wait without sending Atem gentle reminders that he had asked to meet with them. And he would get away with it, just as First Healer did, because, though it was frustrating, they were both right.
Age traded strength for weakness but foolishness for wisdom. Another ancient proverb and a reminder that those that had attained great age were to be respected because it meant they had been strong and/or clever enough to weather life's challenges successfully.
Annoying, but not untrue.
“I am coming, Torvii,” he said, trying to keep the annoyance from his tone and not quite succeeding.
First Scholar was wise enough not to mention it. “We await you in the Council chamber. We have ordered fresh trii for you to enjoy as you regale us with your full tale.”
“I'll be there momentarily.” Atem gave Peony a regretful look. She seemed to be relaxing, but she kept her arms crossed over her breasts, looking between him and the combot as they exchanged words. She couldn't understand, but a knowing, disappointed look had come over her face.
He would give anything to return to bed and crawl back over her.
“May I remind you, Atem, that this was a meeting you asked for,” Temnavi said, as though sensing his weakness.
Yes, but he hadn’t meant for that very night!
“Very well,” Atem growled, giving in as he stood, not bothering to tell him to just wait until the morning. He knew there would be no point to his words other than to insult the elder.
Sure enough, First Scholar kept talking, updating him on all the details of things he had missed. It was all an attempt to remind him that he had somewhere to be and that he, First Scholar Torvii, would not allow him to be distracted.
“Duty first, vi Seerin,” Atem said regretfully, stroking Peony's cheek as he sat on the side of her bed, looking over her willing, half nude body.
He felt a real pang of regret, seeing the way the fleshy curves of her breasts pushed around against the arm concealing her nipples. Her thighs shifted together, fighting against her own desire. She was right there, ripe and ready for fucking.
“I suppose it's all for the best,” he continued, speaking low under First Scholar's continued prattling. “I will have you after we talk tomorrow. It won't be a battle lust fueled joining either. I will be able to properly court you.”
Peony's head tilted curiously, not understanding but still listening.
He couldn't wait to see her face come alive when he spoke to her. When he told her how precious she was to him. How important all of them were to him. The other four were his sisters now, but Peony was so much more than that.
He had named all of them vora vakara, but only Peony got an individual name. Only Peony had been brave enough to offer him her precious bowl of water.
He stroked her cheek, leaning over her. Just one more kiss. One more taste and then he would-
“Atem, are you listening to me?”
Atem fought back a growl, stopping short. He had to remind himself sharply that it was not honorable to challenge his Firsts for being insufferable. Especially not an elder that had served through three First Dominis.
“I hear you, Torvii. I already told you, I am on my way.”
“Excellent. I should also like to discuss these strange females you have found. I do not recognize their species. Have you any idea where the ratchi found them?”
Atem finally released Peony, getting to his feet. Frowning.
First Scholar Torvii had been around for years longer than Atem, had been many times to the seat of the Coalition, even before Atem's service. If even he was not familiar with Peony or her species, maybe they really were from a pre-contact world.
“I will tell you all when I get there.”
“I also want to-”
“End comm.”
Atem grimaced as the elder's voice cut off. He was going to pay for that later. But the sweet silence that followed as he waved the combot back was a relief. He smiled at Peony who had sat up to watch the combot hover a respectful distance away.
“I'll be back, vi Seerin,” he promised, catching her attention again. “Maybe not tonight. I'm sure this meeting will go late, and I don't want to steal your sleep. Not when you need it so much right now. We will speak tomorrow, and I will explain everything then.”
She listened as though she knew exactly what he said. Her smile widened. She said something, chuckling, before pulling her top back in place. He sighed sadly at the loss of her breasts, and it sent her into a fit of giggles.
“Sleep well, vi Seerin,” he said, smiling at her. “I will see you, I will hear you, tomorrow.”
She responded so sweetly to him. When he reached the door and looked back, she was sitting up in bed, still watching him. Her eyes radiated peace and happiness.
His female, safe and protected and fed. Everything he needed.
And far less than he owed her.