∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Mac stood in the door of the survivors’ area, her gaze taking it all in. It was one large, open room with drab-colored walls and several more doors on one end. The survivors had each claimed their own area. In the far corner, where the most cots were set up, were her friends all huddled together wearing gray capes. Letting out a little cry of relief, she hurried over to them.
Nikhil barely restrained himself from grabbing his Mackenzie and dragging her from the room, especially when male arms began to envelop her. He knew these were her people, and that they would all want to greet her, but it went against every instinct he had to allow them to touch her with such familiarity. He didn't like that he couldn't understand what was being said, as they were speaking their native language including Mackenzie. But what he couldn't tolerate most was losing sight of her golden, brown hair. Growling, he went to find her.
"I'm fine, Craig, really." Mac moved out of the arms of the man that had become their leader, all because the Ganglians had put the educator on him first. She remembered when she'd first met him. He'd been your typical cocky, good-looking guy, with blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes, and a big, unnaturally white smile. He'd flirted with her, but she instantly knew it was because he was a natural flirt, and she was the only available female. He'd quickly lost that smile. His eyes no longer sparkled, and the blonde hair he always fussed with was now dull and lifeless.
"We were so worried. I wish...”
"There was nothing you could have done." She let her gaze travel over the rest of the group. "Nothing any of you could do. Where's...” A deep, angry growl had her turning to find Nikhil shoving people aside on his way to her. "Nikhil...”
"Mac...” Craig went to step in front of her, but she put a restraining hand on his arm.
"It's alright, Craig. He's not going to harm me." She switched to Kaliszian. "Nikhil, what's wrong?"
"They are touching you," he growled back, the intense glow of his eyes causing several of the guys to take a step back.
"They are just hugging me. It's a common way for us to greet one another," she explained.
"I do not like it."
"Well, I'm sorry, but I'm not going to not hug my friends just because you don't like it. Now I need to talk to them, need to make sure they're all okay. You need to leave."
"You wish for me to leave you? Leave you alone with other males?"
"I'm not going to be with 'other males.' I'm going to be with males that are my friends. Males that have been keeping me safe for a long time."
"They let the Zaludians take you," he said between gritted teeth.
"That's not their fault." She turned and knew what Nikhil thought when he looked at the guys all huddled together. He believed they had been unwilling to protect her, but she knew better. "We're safe here, aren't we? No one’s going to attack us, are they?
"Of course, no one will! You are all protected here!" Nikhil told her.
"Then there is no reason I can't be alone with my friends."
Nikhil didn't like his Ashe's logic. He especially didn't like that she was right. Logically, he knew he couldn't be constantly at her side, but he would prefer to know she was safely secured in his quarters when he wasn't with her.
"Please, Nikhil."
Nikhil hated that he couldn't deny her something she wanted. Especially, when there was no reason to, except for the fact that he didn't like it. "I will, but I will return for you later. You rest with me."
"Nikhil...”
"It is that, or I carry you out of here now, and your... friends can fend for themselves."
Nikhil's hard look told her he would do just that if she didn't agree. And really, did she want to sleep away from him? "Alright," she agreed softly.
Nikhil nodded stiffly, almost hating that she had agreed. He would have preferred to be forced to carry her back to their quarters. "Warriors Onp and Nroa are just outside the doors. If you need anything, let them know, and they will contact me."
"Alright, but everything will be fine," she reassured him. Nikhil didn't reply. Instead, he lowered his head, capturing her lips with a kiss that left no doubt who she belonged to, then giving the males behind her a hard glare, spun on his heel and forced himself to leave her.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Nikhil's hands were fisted as he walked out the doors of the survivors’ area. His heart was pounding, his jaw was clenched, and he found his breath was coming in short pants.
"Is something wrong, Squad Leader?" Onp asked carefully, earning himself Nikhil's harsh glare.
"The female I just escorted into the area," Nikhil began.