Chapter 8 #5
"No need to involve the authorities in this.
This is Verrian," Krammer said, wiping his hands on his apron.
"Nobody'd bother coming anyway.” He shrugged.
“We'll handle the remains once folks finish eating. That fool had it coming, especially after what he tried with Kellie. I’ve had to hide my wife to keep her safe.
Everyone here witnessed what happened, right, fellas? "
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, punctuated by several firm nods. Ancelin cut into her eggs, steam rising from the yellow center as though nothing unusual had occurred. Krevan swiveled back to face his empty plate, then tapped it with his fork.
"Krammer," Ancelin said as the man returned with Krevan's second helping, "I brought something for Katie."
"She can come out now—all clear." Krammer turned toward the kitchen and shouted something about safety. The swinging doors parted, revealing a young woman who edged into the room with the caution of someone expecting trouble.
A young woman with a blonde pixie cut stepped through the doorway.
"Mr. Vallex," she nodded, "glad that tire situation worked out.
" Her gaze flicked to Gus sprawled on the floor, assessing him with the same casual interest she might give a fallen branch after a storm.
Then she turned to Ancelin, her face warming.
"You must be the Mrs. Vallex everyone's talking about.
Happy birthday and welcome to our little corner of Verrian.
" Her cheerful tone seemed bizarrely disconnected from the corpse at their feet.
"Just Ancelin is fine," she replied, tilting her head. "People talk about me here?"
"Your handsome husband.” She smiled. “I talked to him yesterday while he was collecting your furniture delivery.
Those tires—" Katie gestured toward the man on the floor.
"Probably his handiwork. He's been trouble since he showed up. Grabbed Kellie inappropriately, and when she defended herself, he struck her stomach. Can you believe that?”
“No, that’s awful.”
“Yes, it was. Derrick nearly lost his mind. That man pulled a knife, threatened to gut him. It was only going to end one way—either Derrick or him. Kellie had to practically drag Derrick away." She shook her head. "Been waiting for him to come after me next. So... good riddance, honestly."
"I'm starting to see that now. Is Kellie alright?
Her baby too?" Ancelin's gaze swept over the other men, her eyes narrowing to slits.
They averted their eyes immediately. She turned back to Katie, her voice hardening.
"No planet should tolerate this. Not assault, not rape—none of it.
What happened to Kellie makes my blood boil.
" Her expression suddenly brightened. "I'm throwing her a baby shower tomorrow.
Here—" She pulled an invitation from her bag.
"For you and your husband. Just bring something small for Kellie if you can.
I'll handle all the food. We'll have lunch, dinner, the works—and not a single bully in sight. "
"Wait, isn't tomorrow your birthday celebration?"
"Technically yes, but I'm making it Kellie's day instead." Ancelin tilted her head. "How did you know about my birthday?"
Katie smiled, gesturing toward Krevan with a nod. "Your husband mentioned it." Across the counter, Krevan watched them over the rim of his coffee cup.
"There'll be two cakes—one for me, one for the baby—but the spotlight is on Kellie. I've always loved hosting." Ancelin's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "It'll be wonderful. Maybe the start of real friendships here."
"After yesterday, I'm worried she might not feel up to socializing. I just hope the baby wasn't harmed."
"A party is exactly what she needs right now. Count us in—I've already got some baby gifts in mind. Can I contribute anything else? We stock sodas and several flavors of ice cream."
"Ice cream would be perfect with the cake," Ancelin said, her eyes brightening.
"Fresh batch coming tomorrow morning." Katie's smile was bright and sincere3. "Thank you for including us, Mrs. Vallex." She glanced toward the kitchen. "The lunch crowd will be here soon—I should get back to the kitchen." She turned to leave.
"Katie," Ancelin called after her, "friends use first names."
They finished their meal in comfortable silence. When Krammer brought the bill, he waved away Krevan's credits with a firm shake of his head.
“I’m sorry you couldn’t enjoy your meal in peace, and I’m grateful your wife has brought Katie so much joy. Thank you for inviting us. I’m thrilled Katie finally has something to look forward to—she’s been so down, always talking about going back to Earth. Thank you, Mrs. Vallex—sorry, Ancelin.”
“My Ancelin is sweet through and through,” Krevan said with a proud hug.
“See you tomorrow afternoon; I’m looking forward to some social time.
” He guided her to the door, his hand settling possessively on her lower back, warmth seeping through her clothes.
She waved goodbye as he walked her back to the vehicle they’d driven in that morning.
“Lock the doors and wait here. Honk, if anyone approaches. I’ll transfer our purchases into my car and pay Krammer for patching my tires.
When I’m done, you can follow me home—sound good?
” Krevan shut the door and peered in through the driver’s window, his expression radiating masculine certainty.
“I hope you can handle this vehicle. If not, I’ll have Krammer give you a hand—just say the word. ”
“I can drive, boss,” Ancelin teased, sticking her tongue out. “I drove all the time on Earth. I’m not a little girl, nor helpless under normal circumstances.”
"Are you certain about that, darling?" Krevan asked, his pause suggesting he genuinely awaited her response. "That tongue of yours—is it promising something I'd find... pleasurable?" With a wink, he turned and strode back toward the store.
"What happened to the sweet girl I used to be?" Ancelin whispered under her breath. The driver's door flew open without warning, making her jump.
"Krevan?" The name escaped her lips in a startled gasp.
“I owe you an apology,” he said, stepping in close.
“I tried to stay calm and not hurt him, but I never meant for anyone to die—or for you to be upset. Nobody’s ever punched me square in the mouth before,” he admitted, “and him hitting his hand on my fang was just bad luck for him. I still can’t believe it happened. ”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“Thank you for that.” Krevan nodded. “You’re kind in every way, and it pains me to see these events changing you.
No matter what goes on around you, you’ll always be sweet—maybe a bit fussy, at times, but sweet.
” He leaned in and kissed her softly. “I’m here for you now.
My father is already looking into your father’s death—he’ll update me once he uncovers why they’re after you. ”
"Thank you and all you’ve done. One thing I can do is drive," Ancelin said flatly.
“That’s good.” Krevan shut the door and disappeared into the store. Minutes later, he emerged, waved, and climbed into his own vehicle. She followed his dust trail out of town, keeping a careful distance on the rough road. Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the garage one after another.
Krevan swung open her door with a grin. "Not bad for your first Verrian drive. No casualties, no hijackings, and you kept up nicely." He offered his hand with a wink.
"I navigated Los Angeles freeways for years," she said, taking his hand and stepping out.
"I may need protection from whatever lurks in the darkness, but behind a wheel, I'm perfectly capable.
" She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Krevan responded by pressing her against the vehicle, his kiss hungry and possessive.
When they broke apart, she whispered, "Let's unload quickly.
I can't wait to see that waterfall you promised. "
“I’m excited too—but not for the waterfalls,” Krevan teased, pressing himself against her. “Pack lunches and some water, then let’s go. We’ll take the spare vehicle. I’ll unpack your purchases later.”
He swung open the door to the house. Ancelin slipped past him into the kitchen. “I still have those blankets from last time,” she reminded him as she set to work.
While she made four sandwiches and filled two jugs of water, Krevan disappeared into his office. When she’d finished gathering everything for their picnic, she knocked and stepped inside. He was on the Satphone but waved her in without missing a beat.
"Father, I understand," he said into the receiver, his voice shifting to a formal cadence Ancelin hadn't heard before.
"Ancelin will forward the necessary details.
" He glanced at her, lips curving into a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Yes, we're taking precautions. No, she's quite content here.
" His shoulders tensed slightly. "We'll schedule a SatView once you and Mother return.
Though tomorrow might be chaotic with Ancelin's celebration.
" A laugh escaped him. "The Judicial Review Committee's interest changes everything.
" His voice softened, revealing genuine emotion.
"Eight years is too long to be exiled from Triaxe.
" After disconnecting, he turned to her, expression carefully composed.
"That was my father. Earth detectives have reopened your parents' case.
We'll likely need to travel there—my parents are eager to meet you.
My sentence permits Earth visits, but Triaxe remains forbidden territory. "