Pettus was off to the side, with three men behind him. They all had stoic expressions and wore similar outfits to his, only in blue. They were tall, fit, but lacked the commanding air that Ruckus had in spades.
The man who’d clearly been leading the party toward them, however, didn’t have the same problem as his men. He demanded attention, respect, instantly. It was clear in the way he held himself, the way he took up space and seemed to suck up all the oxygen in the room. His hair was light blond, more sunflower than honey. His uniform was different, the collar of his formfitting shirt an inch taller than the rest, the sleeves stopping at his elbows instead of covering his whole arm.
He was as tall as Ruckus, but his legs seemed longer somehow, and his eyes were cornflower blue rimmed in a deep crimson. They were a mixture of beautiful and creepy, especially with the burning way he had them currently set upon her.
She couldn’t call him more attractive than Ruckus, just attractive in a different sort of way. There was no doubt in her mind that he was the Zane.
“I told them you were on your way, Ander Ruckus,” Pettus was explaining the whole time she and the Zane stared at each other. “Zane Trystan couldn’t wait.”
“I think I’ve waited long enough,” the Zane spoke, his voice cutting across the room like a blade. “Don’t you agree, Lissa Olena?”
Her confidence had been waning since the moment she’d spotted him. He didn’t appear to be the type of man who was easily manipulated. And he definitely looked like the type to kill the person attempting the manipulation.
“I apologize for my delay,” she said; it was the first thing that had come to mind. “I was unforgivably detained.”
“Unforgivably?” He took a step toward her and, if he noticed Ruckus tensing at her side like she did, he ignored it. “Indeed. What was it that detained you, Lissa, if you don’t mind my asking?”
She wasn’t one to be easily fooled, either. He wasn’t asking.
“As I’m sure you’re aware,” she said, taking a risk, “Earth has many strange oddities to offer. I merely got caught up exploring the culture. There’s a festival—it happens only once a year, in Maine—called the Summer Welcoming. It takes place in Seabrook, a very small town, and I’m afraid my curiosity got the best of me.”
Silently, she prayed that he believed her, while simultaneously thanking her mini hometown for having at least one thing notable about it. It also happened to take place in May—last week, even. Her parents had been very upset with her for not coming home to celebrate it.
“Hmm.” His eyes inspected her more closely. “Rumor has it your delay is due to other factors.”
“Other factors?” she said, faking confusion. “What other factors could there be?” At his pointed look, she feigned indignation. “Are you implying that I intended to go back on my vow? I know my duty, Zane Trystan, same as you.”
For a moment she feared he didn’t believe her, that she’d stepped over a line or given some hint that she wasn’t really who she said she was, but then he pulled his arms behind his back, his cold stance gentling some.
“Ander Ruckus, you and your men are free to leave us for a moment.”
Her heart slammed into her chest, and it took everything in her not to show it. Her fingers twitched at her side, wanting to reach out and grab on to Ruckus before he could leave her alone. He might be an alien and a kidnapper, but at least she knew he’d listen to her. And frankly, she didn’t trust the Zane. There was something about him, something dark that she couldn’t quite place but knew well enough to avoid.
“With all due respect, Zane,” Ruckus stated, clearly struggling himself, “Lissa Olena has had a long journey, and I’m under strict orders to return her to the castle. Already our arrival has been delayed due to your boarding.”
“Surely she’s not too exhausted to share a moment with her betrothed?” The Zane eyed her challengingly.
She rose to the occasion.
“It’s fine, Ander.” She never took her eyes from the Zane’s stare. “I’m perfectly safe in the company of the Zane. Aren’t I, Zane?” Game. Set. Match.
“Of course, Lissa.” His lips twitched into a smirk, and his blue-and-crimson eyes glittered with humor. Turning, he extended an arm to her.
She forced herself to boldly step forward and take it. His arm was every bit as steel-like as Ruckus’s were. She allowed the Zane to angle her toward the hallway to his right as they began walking.
“My men will keep you company,” the Zane called over his shoulder to Ruckus, before they turned a corner and went out of sight.
Taking even breaths, she glanced around their surroundings, having been rushed down the previous hallway with Ruckus. There really wasn’t anything special about them, just pale white walls with doors scattered here and there and pipes lining the tops. Bright lights were set on the sides of both the floor and the ceiling.
“We talked about your silence last time we met, Olena,” he told her suddenly in an even voice, “and how much I dislike it.”
“Did we?” she asked, cocking a brow at him. “I don’t recall.”
“Don’t you?” His tone was as hard as his arm and the metal all around them.
It was risky, but she was certain he’d found her return of his challenge back there amusing. If she could hold on to that amusement, at least long enough for them to dock the ship and her to exit safely, she might actually be able to pull this off.
She allowed her mouth to twitch and she dropped her gaze, saying volumes with the move.
“Ah,” he said, “so you do remember.”
“I doubt conversations had with you are easily forgotten,” she told him.
“I know what you’re doing.” He’d led them down a labyrinth of hallways and then stopped, turning so that they were facing each other. “We were matched, Olena. How do you think it looks that my betrothed would rather stay on a primitive planet than return home to me?”
She bristled, noting the slight twinge in his voice when he’d mentioned their engagement. Going out on a limb, she dropped her arm from his and tilted up her chin defiantly.
“Let’s not play games,” she said. “Neither one of us wanted this. But that doesn’t mean either of us would go back on our parents’ word. We don’t want to restart the war, do we?”
That glint returned, chasing away the anger that had threatened to spill into his eyes. “No, of course not.”
“Exactly. I stayed away for the reason I gave.”
“For a human celebration.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t believe you.” Before she could argue, he took a large step forward, forcing her back against the wall.
What was with aliens and crowding her?!