Passion Play (Abducted 3)

uld she not understand that tanash’aei did depend on each other? For pleasure. For happiness. For love.

But that was the problem. She did understand.

And she rejected the whole concept.

Terrien sat across from Larson as they ate their lunch. He and Larson had been friends for several years, even before Larson had been promoted to the rank of commander. They both had a duty shift today and were taking their break together.

“You know, I learned something new about the Earth women’s culture yesterday,” Terrien said. “Crystal told me about pets. It seems that people own animals like cats as companions, and they become quite attached to them.”

“Really?”

“They keep them in their houses rather than allowing them to roam free.”

Larson frowned. “So I assume these pets rely on their owners.” He tapped on the table with his fingertips. “I wonder if any of the women we brought here has a pet.”

“I know Crystal doesn’t, but I don’t know about the others.”

“I didn’t see anything in Eva’s file, either, but I’ll check the other women’s. We wouldn’t want to cause a problem because of separating someone from their pet.”

It was a valid point. Although some of the women had family left behind on Earth, the family were all grown people who had lives of their own. A pet, on the other hand, was a dependent of sorts, and the tie would be different.

Terrien took a bite of food, although he wasn’t really hungry. He still ached inside at Crystal’s rejection.

“So how is Eva adapting to the idea of being here?” Terrien asked.

Larson put down his fork and stared at Terrien. He could see his own pain mirrored in Larson’s eyes.

Larson shook his head. “Not well.” His hand tightened into a fist, and his jaw clenched. “I don’t understand it. How can she feel the intense craving we have for each other and not know the truth of our connection?”

Terrien shook his head at his friend’s words, echoing his own dilemma. Although he didn’t wish this difficulty on his friend, it helped Terrien to know he wasn’t the only one experiencing a problem with his tanash’ae. That made him feel less alone.

Of course, he should not doubt the wisdom of nata’tai, but sometimes even the most faithful had doubts. At least now he knew he had someone he could talk to about it. Someone who would understand.

“Is it the same with you and Crystal?” Larson asked.

Terrien nodded. “She says she does not want to share her life with someone.”

“Have you”—Larson stared at his plate—“consummated your relationship yet?”

Terrien stared at Larson and, from the set of his jaw, realized Larson had not.

Gattra, the man must be going insane. Terrien couldn’t imagine being so close to his tanash’ae for so long without consummating.

“Yes, we have, but Crystal seems more open about sex than is typical for Earth women.”

Larson nodded, but they both knew that with the connection urging tanash’aei to be together, even a shy Earth woman would be consumed with need. Terrien couldn’t imagine how Larson’s woman could resist her tanash’ae.

“If there’s anything I can do to help…” Terrien said. “If you need to talk any time…just let me know.”

It was little solace, but friendship was the best Terrien could offer.

Larson nodded. “And the same with you. If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”

Larson picked up his fork and began to eat again.

Crystal sat propped against the pillows on the bed staring at the handheld reading device, but the words blurred in front of her.

She’d learned long ago not to become dependent on anyone, especially a man. When her mother had gotten married young, probably pregnant with Crystal’s older sister, she’d been disowned by her father, Crystal’s grandfather. When Crystal’s father died six years later, leaving Crystal’s mom poverty stricken with two young daughters and no means of support, Crystal’s grandfather had not relented.