Raised to Kill

She wished they could go directly back to wherever it was the big Kindred had his domicile and get things over with. He was affecting her in strange ways she didn’t like and it made her worry about her resolve.

She had expected to hate the big Kindred on first sight—had expected him to be ugly and cruel—an evil giant. Instead, though he certainly seemed like a giant to her, he had so far been kind and considerate. And though she looked for it in the fleeting glances she snatched from time to time, she could see no cruelty in his handsome features.

His golden eyes were just as often turned down to her as her gaze was turned up to his, and every time he caught her looking at him, a little smile would tug at the corner of his mouth.

When that happened, Allara looked away quickly, her heart pounding in her chest. Why did it make her feel so strange to be around him? Why couldn’t she hate him like she ought to?

You’ll hate him, all right, whispered that voice that sounded like her aunt’s in her head. Once he defiles you and forces himself inside you, then you will find the hate in your heart for him and do what must be done.

But Allara couldn’t bear to think about that. With a shiver, she looked around, noticing that they had come out of the small forest the Earth women had called “The Sacred Grove.” The big Kindred was now leading her towards another park-like area where someone had set up a large, spreading tent which was snowy white against the deep green and rich purple of the grass.

Suddenly, Kat came up alongside her.

“Bride and groom, at the front of the tent,” she said, all business and efficiency. “And I’ve got your shoes and boots, if you want to put them back on,” she added, holding up Allara’s dainty silver slippers and a pair of the most enormous black boots she had ever seen.

“Thanks, Kat,” Brand rumbled easily, taking the boots from her. “Forgot all about them.”

“I’d say that’s no surprise, since you appear to only have eyes for your new bride,” Kat remarked, smiling at Allara. “I hope you liked the ceremony, doll,” she added.

“It was…beautiful,” Allara said honestly. “Very unlike what I am used to on my planet, but still lovely.”

“Oh, good!” Kat looked relieved. “I was tearing up, myself. Those were beautiful vows, Brand,” she added.

“I meant every word,” Allara’s new mate murmured and she felt his golden eyes on her again. Lightly, he squeezed her fingers, which were still entwined with his much larger ones. Unable to help herself, she looked up at him again and found that once more she was lost in a sea of gold.

“Well, I’ll leave you two alone for now. Just have a seat at the table at the end of the tent, there,” Kat directed, giving Allara back her slippers. “We’ll do the cake and then some karaoke.”

“What is…karaoke?” Allara asked, frowning.

“It is an Earth custom,” Brand explained. “Popular songs are projected on a screen and the background music is played so that people can sing along with them.”

Allara was shocked.

“You write your songs down?” she exclaimed, looking at Kat.

“Why? Shouldn’t we?” Kat asked blankly.

Allara struggled to explain.

“Music is…sacred,” she said at last. “To…attempt to trap it, to not allow it to flow…” She shook her head, at a loss for words.

“Well, this isn’t exactly church music, doll,” Kat said comfortingly. “I promise you, there’s nothing sacred about singing karaoke. It’s just for fun.”

This seemed like a doubtful proposition to Allara, but what could she do but nod?

“I suppose your ideas of music must be different from those of the Q’ess,” she said hesitantly.

“Well, we already know our wedding traditions are way different, so I wouldn’t be surprised.” Kat smiled at her. “Just try to enjoy your reception, okay? Lauren is just about bursting to bring out the cake. She’s really hoping you like it.”

Allara had no idea what a “cake” was but it seemed rude to say so.

“I am certain it will be wonderful,” she said, trying to smile at Kat.

“Good! I’m going to go arrange for it. I’ll see you later in the tent,” Kat told her and bustled away.

“She’s really professional about all this,” Brand said, and Allara realized he was talking to her. “I hope you like everything we have planned,” he added, looking down at her. “I wanted to learn more about your people but there’s almost no information out there.”

“Is there…more information about other people from other planets, then?” Allara asked him.

“Oh, yes!” He nodded firmly. “Why, long before we ever saw the people of Earth, the Kindred knew they would be good genetic trade partners. That’s because the humans had been pumping out decades worth of entertainment vids for years,” he added. “So we already knew their likes and dislikes and their cultures and religions and customs long before we first made contact. But with the Q’ess…” He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Nothing.”