Beyond My Stars

Creature

Maité season day 3: Traveling into Hakon.

            I woke up early to get ready. Sounds stupid, like something a teenager would do. Yeah, I know. I could hardly sleep last night. Every time I fell asleep I was teased with wet dreams about the brothers, and awake my mind seemed to wander to what we were going to do for the next two days. So, at the moment the first full moon rose, so did I. I slipped into a top that was light grey, embroidered with clear and light blue crystals, and a long black skirt that was shorter in the front and hugged my legs. I slipped my feet into grey gladiator style sandals and pulled my hair to the side, braiding it loosely to just keep it out of my face. Then I applied some mascara and a paper-thin eyeliner meant to enhance my lashes even more, but that was all.

            When I was done I went out into the kitchen and got a cup of cileto, Kajian’s version of coffee. It was a lot more bitter than what I was used too, but man, it worked. One half cup was like drinking two cups of regular human coffee. Maddie and I talked for a little while, and I explained that I was going to gone most of the day, but Beth should be fine today from what Donvo said. Maddie was both excited for me, and yet worried. It had only been a little while that I knew the brothers, but I reassured her that I knew what I was doing. Maybe I did. She even told me about a Kaji that had been seeking her out when she was on walks around the Complex. It was nice knowing I wasn’t the only one adapting to our new world.

            In the middle of talking, my wrist started vibrating. I looked down and tapped it three times. “Morning, boys.”

            I heard Koryn huff. “Where are you?”

            “Will you be nice? We’re trying to win her over, not scare her off.” Kit said in the background.

            I giggled. “I’ll be down in a minute.”

            When they clicked off, I looked up to Maddie and smiled. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. I want to hear more about this mystery Kaji when I come home.”

            She nodded. “I will. Have fun.”

            As I came closer to the gate, I saw the brothers on the other side watching me. Since the ‘heat’ started, absolutely no Kajian’s are allowed in the Complex unless emergency or allowed by the High Commander. Even Koryn and Kit with their elevated clearance weren’t permitted to enter. When I got closer I realized something, I thought all humans were to stay inside the Complex at all times. Why was I allowed to leave?

            I winked at them as they pushed the gate open, then groaned as I saw what they were wearing. “Seriously? Both of you are wearing gloves? It thought we were past this?”

            Koryn rolled his eyes, but Kit answered. “It’s to make sure your deciding of your own actions, not biased because of the feelings we get when we touch. This way, we all will know it’s our decisions and you didn’t make a mistake.”

            “Fine.” I sighed. “That makes sense. For now, at least. Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you two not in your uniforms.”

            Kit smiled as he held out his hands to show off. He was in a near white shirt that was sleeveless and a pair of dark blue jean style material, his short hair was always styled without even trying. While Koryn wore a black Kajian styled v-neck with dark, nearly black grey Kaji jeans. His hair was as messy as it normally was. Both brothers wore their communicator cuffs, and Koryn though also had a chain necklace that hung just below his collarbone. Like this, the warriors seemed very human. I almost laughed at the thought, then I noticed something tucked into the front of Koryn’s pants.

            “Koryn, is that a gun?”

            He nodded, holding his hand out. “It is. I never go anywhere without it.”

            I rolled my eyes as I placed my hand in his gloved one. “Uh huh.”

            “I have mine too, luvana.” Kit admitted slightly turning to showed in the back waistline was a gun.

            I smiled as I shook my head. “So, where are we going?”

            “Well, technically we have to do some work.” Kit said, slipping his hang into my free hand. “But I promise you’re going to like it.”

            I felt Koryn’s thumb rubbed the back of my hand with his large hands. It was honestly the gentlest thing he had ever done to this point. It made me blush all the way down to my neck, and it didn’t go unnoticed.

            “Are you okay, luvana? You’re not getting sick or anything?” Kit asked, using his other hand to reach forward and move my face to look him in the eyes.

            “Nothing! I’m fine…” I said nervously. Koryn stifled a laugh next to me and I was blatantly aware that when the brothers were together, it made me nervous. “It’s going to be a long day.”

            From what Koryn and Kit explained, they were allowed a kind of leave, but they still had to do something with their free time. Which they called a welfare check. They went to outlining Reye tribe colonies and made sure everything was in order with them before they got actual free time to do whatever they wanted. I didn’t mind really. I wanted to see where they were from, and this was a good start to adapting to the planet. Getting to know the different colonies, tribes, and people made me feel more connected to this lovely place.

            Koryn drove this odd kind of car, that wasn’t a car at all. It moved over the ground as if it was floating on water. To be honest, I didn’t even want to get in, but Koryn wasn’t having my procrastination and tossed me in. Kit sat next to me explaining about the other tribes and the Reye tribe. A crash course on the way there.

            The Arrett Tribe. In the eastern province called Matous. They are the second leading tribe, and are described by their orange eyes and geometric style tattoo work. Strong Kaji with a good way around machinery and born engineers.

            Celle Tribe was next, they run the northern province called Egil. They are the third leading tribe, and are described by their pink eyes and crystal-like tattoo work. Known for their healing abilities and common lust for knowledge. Jag was a part of this tribe.

            Then the Naak Tribe. They own the southern province called Ludek. They are last on the totem pole of the tribes, and are described by their bright green eyes anatomic tattoo work. Considered the laborer race, good at working hard and cultivating. They produce nearly all the grown food for the Kajian’s.

            Finally, the Reye Tribe. Owners of the western province called Hakon. They are considered the strongest tribe out of the four, and are described by their silver eyes and scroll work tattoo work. Natural born warriors, and known for their brutality. This was where the brothers were from.

            Kit didn’t want to say too much about their tribe, almost like he was embarrassed or maybe afraid. He went into elaborate detail about the others though, I figured I would learn about their people when we got there. The brothers also made it very apparent that they were trying to be on their best, non-touchy, behavior. It was cute, and depressing all at the same time. I craved their attention, wanted Koryn to be the way he was last night, and wanted to see if Kit was gentle or had a hidden rough side. Yet, every time I made a pass at them, they swerved it. It was starting to get on my nerves.

            At least the ride was interesting. I got to see firsthand what Kaja looked like outside the city. And it was beautiful. The sky was dark like usual, and because of the atmosphere the stars appeared in various shades of purple. The “country" or sector that the Reye tribes live in was mostly sandy desert with these stunning red trees that reminded me of a cherry blossom tree. The bark was a deep blood red, and the leaves a softer crimson color. There were these little stringy bushes that kind of reminded me of cotton placed around each of the trees. Inside the vehicle I couldn’t feel if it was hot or cold outside, but I was hoping it was not any colder. I didn’t have any jacket and a crop top on. Beside me, Koryn and Kit went back and forth about the disturbances within the far tribes. There was something going around taking people. Their conversation made me realize that I haven’t seen anything animal like. Nothing that would be like cats, rats, dogs, not even a bird. If that wasn’t strange enough, Kit described me what a creature they killed last year looked like and I about shed my skin. He said it was nine feet tall, rotting hairy flesh, a jaw that could bite off an entire human head, razor claws, and eyes as black as the sky. He said the creature was a mutation from overexposure to a specific gas that comes out of cracks in what he called the “Dead Place”.

Apparently, the Dead Place is pretty self-explanatory. Everything there is dead. The animals, plants, even the water dried up. None of the Kajian's know why. A long time ago it was a thriving sector with two successful tribes inhabiting its land. They cultivated food and raised a special livestock that was only sustainable in the sector. Then one day, cracks opened in the ground releasing this toxic gas that didn’t kill on contact. It sort of acted like radiation, you had a slow and painful death. One would be dying, and you wouldn’t even know it until you were taking your last painful breath. The Kaja military won’t even go in. I guess some of the once peaceful creatures that lived there mutated into horrid monsters. Luckily today, we weren’t going anywhere near there. The ‘Dead Place'.

Sometime after this I fell asleep.

“Were here, luvana. Wake up for us.”

Kit’s gently voice cooed as I felt a light gloved touch to the side of my face. With a groan I opened my eyes and sat up. “How long was I asleep?”

He shrugged. “Only a little while.”

I looked around and didn’t see Koryn anywhere, and I felt my heart slide into my throat. “Where’s Koryn? Is everything okay?”

“Koryn is meeting with the Chief of this tribe right now, we are meet up with him after you get up.” Kit said, holding out a hand for me to take.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I nodded and placed my hand in his.

The tribe was not what I expected at all. We were in a town. With paved streets, buildings, and street lights. I looked around and drank everything in. Although, it was becoming increasingly noticeable that everyone here, was staring at me. I know it was because I was a human, outside of the Complex, hell even outside of Circle City. Unless these people were notified, they might not even know that humans were here on the planet. I watched as the Kaji walking stared, whispered, and gawked openly. Not even realizing it, I was squeezing the life from Kit’s hand.

He rubbed his thumb along my first finger comfortingly. “Try to ignore them. They have never seen someone like you before.”

“A human?” I said teasingly.

“One as beautiful, as you.” Kit said, sending a sly smile in my direction.

I rolled my eyes, giggling as I tried to keep from looking at everyone. “Smooth. That was real smooth.”

Kit shrugged. “I try to please you, luvana.”

You know what? I wanted to test my theory. I wanted to see if Kit was how I imagined, soft and gentle, or secretly rough like Koryn. With a sigh, I reached out and grabbed his other hand with mine. I licked my lips and used my teeth to pull at my bottom lip.

“Kit. Why is it that you and Koryn decided to keep your gloves on? What if I want to feel…what do you call it?” I asked, watching him swallow hard.

“It’s called the bond. Because your Maité was designed specifically for you, you feel different with their touch. With more exposure to your Maité, the stronger the bond gets. Wait…what are you doing?” Kit’s voice trailed off as he felt my hands on him.

Oh yeah. Let the onslaught begin.

I ran my hands across his chest, making sure to get as close as I could. Intentionally invading his personal space. One of my hands went to the side of his face, pulling him down so he was closer to my level. I let out a deep breath, running my other hand in the opposite direction. Looping my fingers into the waistline of his pants. I slipped my right leg in-between his, making sure to lift my knee a little high.

Finally, I got a reaction out of him. His hand slid behind my head and pulled me in, his other hand slipped around my waist. I was fully expecting him to put his lips to mine, but…no. At the last second he stopped. Then, pulled away and removed his hands from me.

Maybe I was wrong. With this act and him behaving the way he was made me think I was right. He was going to be sensitive and gentle one. It made me want both brothers together even more. I wanted to push him, push him into opening up to me and all the possibilities I could give him. Koryn on the other hand, will be pushing me the same way.                                                                                                                                                                         

“Don’t start something with me, luvana. We are in the middle of the town.” Kit huffed out as a faint tinge of red was visible on his cheeks.

I winked at him. “What’s wrong with a little PDA, Kit?”

When we arrive at the Chief’s home I was astonished by the size. I expected a massive house with indoor pools and a theater room. Instead, it was an ordinary Kajian home. The only thing that made it stand out was the sign in the front yard that said, “Chief’s residence”. It sat in between other Kaji homes, with an interesting blue walkway that was lined with white rocks.

Kit lead the way, not bothering to knock on the door. He led me into the first room and I nearly gasped outload. While the outside was modest and simple. The inside was immaculate and reminded me of the inside of a Russian temple. Colorful, shades of red, gold, and white was the theme. Intricate detailing on everything, the walls, the floor, even the ceiling was stunning. The inside seemed ten times larger than the house form the outside. I was in too much wonder to even see Kit watching me with a little smile on his face. I reached out and ran my hands lightly over a swirl-like carving on the doorframe.

“Come, luvana. Koryn will be mad if we take any longer.” Kit said, pulling me from my thoughts.

I slipped my hand into his gloved one and let him pull me along. It made it easier for me to study the house with him guiding me. The place was amazing, I wanted to ask a million things about the house, but I wasn’t sure if it was the right time.        

We rounded the corner, and standing there in front of what looked like a fireplace was Koryn and who I was assuming the chief. Koryn’s eyes instantly met mine, a nearly unrecognizable smile appeared on his lips. The Kaji with Koryn was tall, nearly as tall as the brothers with a body built to emphasize the warrior branding on the Reye tribes. Bulk, but still lean muscles. Cunning eyes that saw everything around him, and a commanding presence. His dark hair was cut shorter and slicked back, his silver eyes were slightly darker and small wrinkles formed at the corners of his eyes.

As his eyes landed on me, I got chills all over. He looked confused, and curious.

“Good to see you, Chief Cosu. It’s been a while.” Kit said, moving over to grasp the Kaji’s forearm as the chief did the same. It was the Kajian way of shaking hands.

Chief Cosu nodded. “It has, at least three seasons. I figured you and your brother were too high up on the ladder to even pay visits to the tribes anymore.”

Koryn huffed. “I told you. This is our time off.”

“And still, you’re working. That is why I never joined the military. May I ask, who is this lovely vision you have with you? And what sort of creature is she? She’s not Kaji, I can see that.” Chief Cosu asked as he turned his full attention to me.

            Koryn and Kit slightly stiffened at the Chief’s wandering eyes. I felt nervous, exposed. I swallowed my distress and held my head high. The brothers didn’t need a weak woman who buckled at the slightest discomfort. So, I could freak out on the inside, but can never let it get to my face. After taking a second to compose myself I let a smile onto my lips and kept my posture perfect.

            Kit admired me, while Koryn looked proud. He took another drink from his cup before setting it down on the mantel and walked over to me. I glanced over to him as he got close, but didn’t move an inch. He reached out to take my hand, placing an electric kiss to the inside of my palm.

            “This is Milady, and no, she is not a Kajian. She is human. One of the commanders took two human ship’s a few weeks ago, and she is from one of them.” Koryn said as he watched my lips slightly part, while I was trying to maintain the façade, I was also trying to keep from claiming his lips with mine.

            Chief Cosu nodded. “I heard something about that, but I didn’t believe it to be true. So, is she a pet or something?”

            Kit shook his head. “Not at all. We just recently found out that she is our Mate.”

            The shock that appeared on the chief’s face was enough to make anyone laugh. He rubbed his chin for a moment, like he was thinking deeply about something. “Does she speak?”

            “Of course.” I said with the loveliest smile I could muster.

            Chief Cosu’s face lit up. “My dear, you have the voice of a goddess. How do you like my little tribe so far my dear?”

            I bowed my head a little, as a sign of respect. “It’s beautiful, Chief Cosu. I especially love your home. It’s stunning.”

            His laugh was genuine and bellowed out into the room. “Pale, in comparison to you, little human.”

            “You flatter me.”

            “Now can we talk about this creature that has been seen around the tribe?” Kit interrupted.

            When I looked over I could see slight red on his cheeks and an irritated look to his eyes. Hold the phone…was he jealous? No. Kit? If it was Koryn, maybe. But Kit? I know that look though. He was jealous.

            Chief Cosu nodded. “No one has a solid image of the creature, but from what I was told, it’s not your average Torano or Basik. It stands taller than this house, preying on the single individual. It doesn’t ever attack anyone in groups. It likes to shred the bodies and eats’ most of the insides. We found Drina on the outskirts of the tribe with all her organs gone, including her reproductive organs. Even her scent glands were taken from her body. I need this creature gone, my people can’t rest, and I’m afraid it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better. Please, help me eradicate it.”

            Koryn nodded. “We’ll look into it. We have another tribe we must visit, so, if we cannot kill the beast tonight, then it’s going to have to wait. When I get back to the capital I will send troops to stake out the tribe and kill it. If we stay overnight, do you have any place we could sleep for tonight?”

            Chef Cosu let out a breath he had been holding in. “How many rooms do you need? There is an Inn, but it only has one room available.”

            “We’ll only need the one.” Kit said as he helped himself to the drink cart.

            I tried my best to keep from showing I was freaking out on the inside. Instantly my mind went to the dream I had the other night. I felt my toes curl as I imagined taking advantage of being in the same room to have them. I wanted their hands in every crevasse of my body, I want them to memorize the way my body feels against theirs. I want to wrap my legs around their hips and place my hands in places that will make them tremble. I felt my legs tense up as I did my best to keep from showing what I was thinking about. Koryn shot me an amused look. Then I remembered what that other Kajian said to me. That Kaji have strong sense of smell, and that all the males in the room could smell my arousal.

            THAT, made my façade falter a little. I know my freckled cheeks and ears were red. I avoided Kit and Koryn’s anxious and irritated glares. I couldn’t keep up any fake appearances with the brothers. They saw right through me like I was glass. Turning me from a confident model that I was, into I giddy schoolgirl.

            “The Inn is the last building on the end of this street. Have fun.” Chief Cosu said with a wink. “Oh, and good luck trying to find the creature. If you have the opportunity to capture it alive, don’t take it. Kill the beast. Kaja is better off without something like that on it.”