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Etterian battleship Phoenix
A day later, when Oyaz’s torture began.
Macy awoke to a strange but persistent vibration running up her arm. She wanted to grumble, roll over, and snooze for another three hours when a different buzz rippled up her arm. Moaning, she activated her O.D.I. to find a message from Oyaz.
‘Awaken!’
She stifled a snort, swung her legs off the bed, and in a half-asleep state, dressed in her exercise clothes. Tiptoeing from the room, she waved at Quin who stirred but didn’t rise. Macy snuck out of the room and grabbed a bottle of water from the rehydrator.
Skip-jogging, she hurried along the now-familiar passages.
She entered the common. “Morning.”
Illan and Oyaz were waiting for her. “Good morning,” they said in unison.
“What?” she asked the men when they stared at her.
“Your hair.” Oyaz scowled.
With a huff, she gathered up her hair. “Sorry, forgot about it.” She tied it into a ponytail using the band around her wrist. “Ready.”
For the next hour, he made her do exercises her brain couldn’t instruct her muscles to do. And judging by her aching body, they were good exercises. By the time he called an end, sweat drenched her clothing, and she fought for every breath. With a whimper, she threw herself onto the sparring mat and lay there, spread-eagled, not caring what she looked like. Illan also struggled. She didn’t feel so bad then since he was more muscled than her and should have been in a better condition. He was still standing, at least. Hoorah for him.
“I think you killed me,” she said between breaths. Groaning, she rolled onto her stomach, hoping to be able to get on all fours, onto her knees, then, Lord willing, to her feet. She squealed when Oyaz picked her up and held her steady until she stood on her own. “Warn a girl next time,” she muttered even though she was grateful he’d done that.
“Are you going to complain every day?” A black-winged brow arched, and his lips twitched as if he fought a smile. The bastard hadn’t worked up a sweat, looking gorgeous in his warrior pants and a tight vest. She wished she could smack him but couldn’t risk moving her arms.
“Yup, get used to it.” Unrepentant, she forced a smirk. He shook his head, but this time a small smile claimed his mouth, dimpling one cheek. “I’m going to shower. Come across when you’re ready.”
Illan tapped his chest with one hand, the other still clutching his side. She assumed the chest-tapping was a yes.
“Watching another vid?” Oyaz asked, interest flittering across his face.
“Yes, I was thinking of playing this ancient vid. It’s about a guy that brings music to a town without it.”
“Sounds appropriate considering.” Oyaz hooked a towel around her neck before patting her shoulder.
With a wince, she tried to stand upright and not tip over. “You’re always welcome, Oyaz.” She dabbed her temple with the towel. “I’ll have the popcorn waiting.”
“Popcorn for breakfast?” His wide-eyed expression was priceless.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “All right, I’ll have something else waiting for you.” She watched him leave, her body throbbing in complaint. “Did he hurt us on purpose? Well, he failed. I only half-died.”
“Feels like an assassination attempt, though.” Illan straightened before he smiled. “Same time tomorrow.”
She grumbled. And did so, under her breath, all the way back to her quarters. She took a quick shower, dressed in a long summer dress, then relaxed in a comfy with a coffee. Her body wasn’t happy over the treatment Oyaz had put it through.
“Morning, sweetie.” Quin grinned, strolling out of their shared bedroom. “How’s my favorite singer doing?”
“I’m doing well.”
“Cyn and I were thinking of spending the day with you, watching vids, and doing other girly things.”
“No thanks, Quin. I have plans for today. But I’m throwing a party one evening soon. I’ll need you and Cyndi to show these males how to dance.”
“Sure, sounds like fun.” The cleansing room door closed and opened again with Quin’s head popping out. “What? You have plans?”
“Yup, spending time with Illan and Oyaz.”
Quin flashed a wide smile, and the door closed behind her.
Macy grinned and punched in a message to Oyaz and Illan asking them to let her know what time they were coming so she could make sure the food was ready. Both responded that they would be there at 0700. She set her O.D.I. alarm for 0645 and stretched out on the bed, groaning as her aching muscles twitched. Cyndi mumbled something into her pillow but didn’t stir otherwise. Macy didn’t nap though because Quin returned from the shower, now in her jeans and a T-shirt.
“Heard what you did last night,” she said, brushing out her yellow-blonde hair. “It’s impressed Xan. Is that why we’re having a party?”
“In a way. I kind of like the idea of teaching these guys how to dance, Quin. They’re graceful and for them to learn this...”
“Would be awesome,” Cyndi grumbled into her pillow. “Morning.” She rolled over to peek at them. “What’s the time?”
Macy tapped her O.D.I. to check. “0615.”
“What the hell? Mace?” Quin leaped to her side to study her wrist. The holographics faded when the O.D.I. deactivated.
Macy shrugged. “Medic Rior implanted it yesterday.”
“That’s so unfair.” Quin pouted.
“Hurts like hell.” Macy trembled her lips and sniffed. “I bled all over the place. Rior ran around panicking that he’d nicked my artery. I thought I’d die.”
“Someone’s bullshitting us.” Cyndi chuckled as she sat up, rubbing her eyes with the heel of her palms.
“How come I can never fool you, Cyndi?” Macy thumped the bed with a firm fist, despite grinning. “Oyaz needed to comm me.”
“It’s a good idea.” Cyndi flicked the blanket aside. “We should get one too, Quin. That way we can talk to each other no matter where we are.”
“I don’t know if it has a limited range. I’ll ask Oyaz. Speaking of him, would you guys mind if Illan, Oyaz, and I watch a vid this morning?”
“Vids?” Quin’s brow arched.
“Yup.” Macy pointed in the direction of the display vid. “I found all of Earth’s contraband music and vids on the display vid.” Best find ever.
“Awesome.” Quin clapped, her unbound hair swirling in her excitement.
“We don’t mind, Macy. We were a little worried about you,” Cyndi said. “I felt so bad leaving you all alone.”
“It wasn’t you or Quin making me sad, Cyndi.” Macy gave her friend a quick hug. “I was super bored. Oyaz and Illan are helping me find things to do.”
“What are you going to watch?” Quin asked while braiding her hair.
“Something about bringing music to a dull town.” Macy laughed. “It’s appropriate.”
Quin flicked her braid over a shoulder. “Well, I’ll make myself scarce, but let me know if you need any help with the party arrangements.”
“You mean besides shaking that ass?” Macy teased.
Quin chuckled and did a quick butt jiggle before leaving the room.
“That’s my cue.” Cyndi leaped to her feet. “Best hop into the shower and out the door.”
“Thanks, Cyndi.” As her friend left the room, Macy activated her O.D.I. to check the time and sighed.
She made the bed and had a coffee waiting for Cyndi as she exited the cleansing room. Macy browsed through the music and chose a ballad, mournful, evocative, setting the volume to medium. Cyndi hummed as she sipped her coffee, swaying her hips to the tune. She dropped her empty cup into the waste receptacle and hugged Macy before rushing out.
Macy ordered breakfast and iced coffees, all the while singing along to the song. When it ended, she selected another one from the same artist. The words were about hitting rock bottom then being rescued. She belted out the lyrics, stretching her voice to its fullest range.
“Your birdsong is beautiful,” Oyaz said from where he stood in the doorway. A smiling Illan hovered behind him.
“Shit,” she gasped. “I didn’t realize the door was open. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for?” Illan entered the quarters. “Oyaz was correct. You sing well.”
She dipped her chin, straightened, then bounced toward them. “Well, come in, let’s get the party started.”
“Party?” Oyaz frowned.
“It’s just a saying. It means let’s start.” She gestured to the chairs. “How do we make them face the screen?”
Oyaz tapped on the display vid and navigated to Aesthetics. He pressed a few buttons, and the chairs shifted. She gaped when they moved by ‘themselves.’ Crowding him, she watched him work the buttons. On the vid was a plan of their quarters. He positioned the chairs, three in a row, right in front of the display vid.
“Magnetic bases,” he said.
“Well, that makes life easier.” She offered him a sandwich from the platter in her hand.
He took one and bit into it with enthusiasm. His groan of pleasure had Illan reaching for one too.
“These are bacon and cheese grilled sandwiches. My grandmother used to say that bacon should be in heaven.” She shared with them before giving each one their iced coffee.
“Your grandmother was right,” Illan said, accepting the cold beverage.
Her lips tingled when he watched her wrap them around the straw and suck. He grinned once he’d swallowed a good deal of it.
“What is this?” Oyaz drained the cup.
“It’s ice coffee.”
“It is wonderful.” He focused on her untouched coffee.
She giggled and handed hers over. She started the vid. Illan and Oyaz grumbled at scenes throughout, but by the end of it, their hips twitched to the music.
“I liked it,” Oyaz said as soon as the credits rolled.
“Entertaining.” Illan reached for the last sandwich, now cold.
“You do not expect me to dance like that, do you?” Oyaz’s worried expression had her laughing.
“Of course not. But you are a little stiff when you dance, surprisingly for someone so graceful.”
“Stiff? Graceful?” He frowned.
“What is so terrible?” Illan furrowed his brow.
She gestured for them to stand. Using the display vid, she sent the chairs to the walls, giving them a larger space to dance. She chose a classic club anthem, loud enough to vibrate the walls and up through her feet. Shimmying to the center, she closed her eyes and let the music take her. She roved all over the floor, grinding and pulsing her backside, gyrating her shoulders, her arms in the air, reaching for the ceiling. She opened her eyes and dragged a wide-eyed Illan into the middle. He jerked his hips, finding the rhythm.
She gawked. Damn.
He gyrated like he’d danced his entire life. Oyaz joined then, encouraged by Illan’s skill. At first, he was stiff, but by the end of the song, he swayed and twirled his hips. When he moved a little lower, bending his knees, her pulse screamed ‘stripper.’
Their self-confidence solidified as song after song played, migrating them around the floor.
“The last one,” she said as the next song started. This one was heavy on the bass. Her chest swelled with warmth and excitement. She loved it. “That was fantastic. I’m so proud of you two.” She hugged them before bouncing on her feet. Her thighs burned, and her calves twinged, but she ignored the agony.
“I like the vibrations” Illan hugged her back. “I will practice for this party, Macy.”
“Neither of you need to practice. You are both naturals, and see, Oyaz, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“I am grateful for that,” he grinned, pleased with himself. “So, when do you want it to be?”
“After tomorrow’s evening meal?” She arched a brow, watching his face for disapproval. Oyaz grunted which she assumed was a yes. “Now, I’ll play one or two sexy songs, for Xan and Iddan. So, don’t panic. I don’t expect you to dance to them.”
“Sexy?” Oyaz’s eyebrows shot upwards.
Illan frowned. “Is that wise, Macy?” He darted a glance at Oyaz as if to tell him to say no.
She wrung her hands. “If it bothers you, I’ll play just one, okay.”
“Let me hear it,” Oyaz said, his tone commanding.
She sighed and navigated on her O.D.I. to the song she was thinking of.
“Now show me how to dance to this one.”
Her eyebrows shot up as her cheeks heated. A personal ‘lap dance?’
“It’s the same, just slow.” She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out their faces. Swaying her hips in a seductive figure eight, she brushed her sides, past her breasts, over her waist to her hips. She thrust out her backside and swung it side-to-side before she ran her hands back up, flipping her hair out and holding her arms above her head as she swirled her hips. Her mouth fell open ad she spun her head and arched her back.
Oyaz tapped her wrist, pausing the song, halting her in mid-hip-swirl. “Alodon’s balls,” he gasped and glanced at a stunned Illan.
“No,” Illan growled out.
“I agree.” Oyaz scowled.
“Why?” She darted her gaze between them. Was it the song choice? Was it my dancing? She wasn’t that bad.
“Are you insane?” Oyaz clenched his hands at his sides.
“You will have every male wanting to mate with you, Macy,” Illan said.
“What?” The thought hadn’t occurred to her. “Why?”
Oyaz frowned. “To find their Dar Eth.”
“Their what now?” Some of the males had mentioned this, but she hadn’t asked. Settling her hands on her hips, she met Oyaz’s gaze.
“Do you not have the Etterian Language Protocol activated on your O.D.I?” Oyaz reached for her wrist but she whipped it out of reach.
“I don’t have time to learn a new language. Just...explain, like I’m a two-year-old.”
With a sigh, Oyaz clasped his hands behind his back. “When an Etterian male meets the female meant for him, it triggers the Ethera. The force of this bond will bring a male to his knees. He becomes an Eth, the female a Dar Eth.”
“So...if any of your men...males were my Eth, they would kneel?” She pursed her lips as she dredged her memories for any collapsing Etterians. None came to mind, but it could still happen, right? “Is there a time delay?”
“It strikes in an instant.” Oyaz shrugged. “Not much is known. A pairing is considered intimate so not well-documented.”
She formed an ‘oh’ with her mouth. Pairing? That had to mean Eth plus Dar Eth like a couple?
“What I do know is that the male must see all of the female in her natural beauty,” Illan added.
“You know this for certain?” Oyaz arched a brow.
“She must be naked?” Macy gasped. No wonder no Eth existed for her. There was no way on this metal flying box she would prance around in the nude with her breasts swaying and her flabby ass jiggling.
Illan chuckled, earning a thump on the arm from her. “No, just a full view of her without anything to hide her true beauty...like mud, dust, dirtiness.” He rubbed his arm while grinning.
“So I can dance then. No Ethera has happened.”
“We can find fulfillment without the Ethera, ensa.” Oyaz winced, which meant there was more to that.
She gestured to herself. “They would want to mate with me? Don’t you mean with Cyndi or Quin?”
He shook his head. “No, with you.”
She smothered the laughter bubbling up her throat, but she wasn’t going to push the sexy songs if he believed that bit of nonsense. “All right, nothing sexy,” she said, hoping this incident wouldn’t cost her the club night. She was looking forward to it.
“Good.” He sucked in a deep breath.
“What are you going to wear?” she asked, making them jerk back.
“This,” they said at the same time, pointing to what they were wearing—Oyaz in his uniform and Illan in his loose slacks and shirt.
She sighed. “Come, put in your sizes.” She pointed at the replicator.
Illan strolled over first and helped her size his garments. She chose a pair of dark blue jeans with a white, buttoned-up long-sleeved shirt. It took longer to convince him to try shoes that weren’t like his comfortable slippers... and socks.
“Try it on.” She gestured to the cleansing room and faced Oyaz. His expression said he wasn’t pleased with this new development. “Just try. You might like it.”
He grumbled, shifted closer, and let her choose black jeans and a camel-colored V-necked T-shirt. She handed him his clothes and gestured to the bedroom. Tucking her bottom lip over her top lip, she smothered her laugh when he dragged his heels but did as she asked. So like a teenage boy.
Illan came out handsome-as-hell in his jeans and white shirt. As aliens went, he was attractive, made even more so by the pleased smile gracing his lips.
“The shirt is nice, but the pants are a little tight.”
“You don’t like showing what a nice ass you have?” she teased, delighted with herself when his cheeks faded to a pale blue. “And the shoes?”
“Will take getting used to. Opacity: reflection.” He admired himself. “Yes, I see the appeal.” He nodded at his backside. “These do suit me.” He flashed a smile. “Thank you, Macy. I will wear this to the event. Now, if you will excuse me, there is somewhere I need to be.” He left, leaving her a little stunned at his speedy exit, but knowing his circumstances, she understood.
“These are too tight,” Oyaz said from the bedroom door, tugging at his crotch in a boyish manner.
Her mouth dried, and she licked her lips. Shit, he is hot. The jeans not only hugged his thighs and backside but hung low on his hips, and with his military boots, he gave off a kickass biker vibe. His camel-colored T-shirt hugged his shoulders and biceps, and the V-neck showed off a bit of his caramel chest. The color complimented his bronzed skin and black hair.
“You look amazing,” she said.
He grumbled and studied his image in the reflective walls.
“I like the shirt.” He grunted, which she was fast learning meant approval or agreement. “But the pants are too tight. How do your males move in this?”
“Do you want a bigger size?” She requested a larger size from the replicator.
He grunted again and strode toward her. She’d forgotten how bulky he was, and with the tight T-shirt and jeans on, he had an intimidating presence.
“Thank you. Now the most important question, what will you wear?”
“I haven’t decided yet, maybe a dress?”
He glanced at the summer dress she was wearing with the open shoulders and the floor-length skirt.
“No, not like this.”
“Let me see.” He faced the replicator, crowding her to see the screen.
She shoved his larger pair of jeans to the side before punching in her requirements. Then chose an outfit she’d never wear—a red elegant dress with a thigh-to-ankle split which made his eyebrows shoot up. She smothered a giggle.
“No.”
She rolled her eyes but managed to hide her smile.
“How about pants and a shirt?”
“Can the shirt have an opening down to my belly button?” She didn’t bother hiding her grin. Why he needed to make sure she was decently covered amazed her. Like what she wore mattered. “In transparent fabric, so you can see my nipples?” She laughed when his scowl darkened. “I’m kidding, Oyaz.” She sucked in breaths as tears slid down her cheeks. “I’m wearing jeans and a shirt. I want to dance not fuck.”
He grumbled something and ran his hand over his face as if she tried his patience. Well, she was lying to him. Any one of these males would be a killer in bed. They would want the lights off, but she wouldn’t mind. She imagined running her fingers down a male’s muscled back. Yummy.
Oyaz stiffened and stepped away from her. “I will collect you. I want to ensure you wear nothing transparent.” He grabbed his jeans and bolted for the door, picking up his discarded uniform along the way.
“Don’t trust me?” she teased.
“No.” And the door closed behind him.
She un-paused the sexy song he had halted and finished the seductive dance for herself.
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