Chapter Thirty-Five Zann
I wave to Corrina from the narrow walkway where Davix and I are offloading crates from a newly arrived ship.
It has been two weeks since we began our new jobs, and Corrina often stops by after her own work so that we can eat the evening meal together.
I am glad that we are still able to spend time with her.
She smiles at me and waves, and it lightens something in my chest to see her smile at me.
It is a strange feeling to feel such intense emotion for a female of any species, but it is one that I feel growing stronger every day.
I set down a crate and watch as Corrina begins to weave her way towards me.
Davix turns to see why I have stopped, and I notice a smile form on his lips when he sees Corrina.
“We will be right back,” I call to the crew chief who gives me a furry thumbs up.
It has been interesting working in this crew with many other non-humans, including the black-furred humanoid with pointed ears who commands us.
He is a jovial and easygoing creature, and I have enjoyed learning more about his species.
But for now, my attention is on Corrina.
She spins out of the way of an insectoid hurrying towards the exit, dancing sideways to avoid running into anyone else.
Corrina gives me an amused grin, and I am about to call to her when a loud voice booms through the docking bay.
“Corrina, Corrina!” a deep voice shouts, and I watch as her head whips to the side.
Her eyes widen in surprise, and her mouth drops open.
And then I stare in disbelief as she runs in the other direction and throws her arms around a tall human man with long black hair.
He sweeps her into his arms and spins her around and then kisses both her cheeks before setting her on the ground.
“Who is that?” Davix signs. He is scowling at the newcomer angrily.
“I do not know,” I reply. I narrow my eyes at the strange man as I stride purposefully in his direction.
I am just a step away from he and Corrina when I realize that my claws have extended slightly.
It takes effort to retract them, but then I am standing behind Corrina.
This human is nearly as tall as me and almost as broad as Davix, who I feel at my back.
“You got a problem, buddy?” the strange man asks, staring at me as he pulls Corrina closer to him.
“Oh!” Corrina exclaims, wriggling out of his embrace as she turns to face me. “These are my friends,” she says, gesturing towards me. “Zann and Davix, this is Slade.”
“It is a pleasure to meet any friend of Corrina’s,” the human – Slade – says, extending his hand in a typical human greeting. I shake his hand firmly as Davix steps forward to do the same.
“Where’s Krish?” Corrina asks, glancing around for the third of our trio.
“Still onboard,” Davix signs, and Corrina nods.
“Are you guys almost done?” she asks me.
“You mean you didn’t come down here just to meet me?” Slade asks. “Baby, I’m heartbroken.” His hands slide over Corrina’s shoulders with an intimacy and familiarity that brings a growl to my lips, though fortunately Corrina doesn’t seem to notice.
“Imagine that,” she says with a laugh, wriggling out of his grasp again. “I’d have to have some vague idea of when you might decide to show up to even think about meeting you on arrival,” she says with a grin. “But no, I’m not here to see you. We’ve got dinner plans.”
Slade gives me a skeptical look. “Dinner plans?” he asks.
“Yes,” I reply. “Corrina is here to see us.” Slade’s eyes widen at that, and he glances down at Corrina curiously.
“It’s a long story,” she says with a wave.
“I can’t wait to hear it. Tell me you’re going to clear some time for me, beautiful,” he murmurs, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss against her knuckles.
“Don’t I always?” she replies. “But seriously, message me at the base,” she tells him before turning to me. “We should get Krish and get moving. I’m starving.”
I nod and stride off to call for Krish as Davix steps closer to Corrina. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him press a hand to the small of her back as they walk away side by side.
“Bye, baby,” Slade calls as Corrina and Davix walk away.
“I’ll see you soon.” I look back at Slade for a moment and notice the blatant way he watches Corrina’s backside as she walks away from him.
Then Slade’s eyes meet mine and he gives me a mocking smile before turning away. This time, my growl is louder.
“Who is that?” Krish asks, coming to stand beside me.
“A human named Slade,” I reply sharply. “Someone that Corrina seems to know.” I do not mention that this Slade person touched and kissed Corrina the way I have seen partners interact.
I will speak to Krish and Davix about it later, but for now I prefer not to think about the way Slade touched and kissed Corrina. Or what it might mean.