Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Z exx kept to the shadows at the edge of the celebration, his back against a tall, willowy tree trunk as he watched the Crestek chancellor laugh at something one of the priestesses said, the sound high and clear.
He ground his teeth. He shouldn't notice such things about Linnea. She was Crestek, even if she had shed her concealing cloak to reveal gauzy layers that left little to the imagination. The fabric caught the firelight, making her appear to shimmer as she moved. His hands fisted at his sides as he noticed several warriors eyeing her with clear interest.
A low growl escaped him as one of the younger males started in her direction. The warrior caught his eye, sensed his empathic warning, and quickly changed course. Good. The last thing they needed was some hot-blooded Dothvek making advances on the Crestek leader. Talk about a diplomatic incident.
"You could join the celebration instead of prowling the perimeter like a sand scorpion," Kyrana said as she materialized beside him.
Zexx jerked his head up and clicked his tongue against his teeth. "Someone needs to stay alert with a Crestek in our midst."
The tribe leader's knowing smile made him bristle. "The Crestek is Karv's sister. And our ally now."
"She's still their chancellor." He watched as Linnea accepted another cup of wine from a passing warrior. "And she's had too much to drink."
"Then perhaps you should do more than glower from the shadows." Kyrana's voice held a hint of amusement. "Unless you enjoy watching other males attend to her."
His growl was fiercer this time, but Kyrana had already glided away, leaving him to his dark thoughts. Why should he care if Linnea drank with his kinsmen? She wasn't his responsibility. He was merely doing his duty as head of security by keeping an eye on her.
He thought about what she’d said to him, her words teasing but carrying a challenge. He did not fear her because she was Crestek, although the fact that he’d spent his life thinking of her people as his sworn enemy was not lost on him. Was he wary of her because she was a female, because she awakened something dark and primal within him?
The night wore on, drums beating a steady rhythm as more and more of his people surrendered to the wild celebration. Usually he would have joined them, but tonight he remained clearheaded and watchful. Each time a warrior approached Linnea, Zexx found himself drifting closer until they caught his eye, sensed his warning, and backed away.
"Some party, huh?" Maya appeared at his elbow, making him jump. He was losing his edge if humans could sneak up on him now. "Good thing you're here to protect my new sister-in-law by staring at her.”
He scowled at the bride. "I'm protecting the peace between our peoples."
"Is that what you call scowling at her all night?" Maya's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks an awful lot like—"
"Maya." Karv's gentle admonishment cut off whatever his mate had been about to say as he walked up and threaded his fingers with hers. The Dothvek warrior gave Zexx an apologetic look. “Zexx is only doing his job as security chief.”
“We do not want the Dothvek leader to injure herself.” Zexx's voice was gruff as he watched Linnea attempt to stand, swaying slightly. He especially did not want the Dothveks to be blamed for any injury. He didn’t want the female to have so much as a stubbed toe under his watch.
Maya tugged on Karv's arm. "Come on, mate. I think it’s time for bed.”
Zexx waited until the newlyweds had disappeared into the maze of tents before crossing to where Linnea stood unsteadily. She blinked at him, her eyes slightly unfocused. "Are you here to stop me from having fun?”
"You should sleep.”
She lifted her chin. “I’ll be the judge of that, Dothvek."
But as she tried to step around him, her foot caught in her flowing skirts. Zexx moved without thinking, catching her before she could fall. Her legs wobbled as he attempted to right her, so he scooped her up. He held her as if she were a child, her body light in his arms.
"Put me down," she ordered, but her words slurred slightly.
"When we reach your tent." He adjusted his grip, trying to ignore how perfectly she tucked into his chest or the way her sweet scent made his head spin.
She muttered something that sounded like "barbarian" but didn't struggle as he carried her through the village, his feet sinking into the cool, soft sand. He knew his people had prepared a tent for her near Kyrana’s, outfitting it with silk cushions and woven carpets since she was an honored guest.
When he ducked through the open flaps and inside the single-poled tent, she stirred. "I can walk now."
A lantern flickered on a low table next to the pile of furs and blankets, sending shadows dancing across the fabric sides.
He set her carefully on her feet, keeping his hands on her waist until he was sure she was steady. "Can you?"
She looked up at him, and his breath caught at her nearness. "Why do you keep watching me?"
"I fear what might happen if I do not." The words escaped before he could stop them.
Her laugh was throaty. "I thought Dothveks didn't fear anything."
"We only fear what we don’t know." He forced himself to drop his hands and step back. "But we're not foolish enough to play with fire either."
She swayed toward him. "Are you calling me fire?”
Zexx bit back a groan. "I'm calling you trouble." He backed toward the tent opening. "Sleep well, Chancellor."
Her soft "goodnight, warrior" followed him into the darkness, and he knew sleep would be a long time coming for him.