Knollig: A Terraneu Novel ( Book 2) Read online

  “Mairi remember, you will need extra time in the sun. Drink water too…it helps to keep you rejuvenated. The rains will come at night, they are not heavy though so don’t worry.” He paused at her dome and waited for her to open her door. “There are animals we use to eat the grass to keep it short, they are called Gnowlers. They come and go at will during the night. Amber has managed to nurse one back to health, and it seems to enjoy visiting with her. The one she calls “Chewy” is the only semi-domesticated Gnowler I have ever heard of. Do not worry if you come across them, they are vegetarian and will not harm you. Just keep your front door and balcony door closed and they won’t come into your space.” Knollig absentmindedly walked into her living room. “If you hear larger animals making a yowling noise, those are probably Sacaths. They are what Amber refers to as “prehistoric saber toothed cat-dogs.” They are pets to some of the residents, and are completely harmless. Even though they are quite large, and may scare you…don’t be too alarmed if you see one.” Knollig looked around to find Mairi and was surprised to see her at her door console.

  “How do I lock the door to make sure nobody can get in?” Mairi was gazing up at him.

  “From the outside panel the door will only open for you, unless you program additional authorized parties. From the inside it will open for any community member already in the system.” Knollig pointed out.

  “What about the balcony in my bedroom?” Mairi asked as she moved to go through the door into that space. Knollig followed her, intent on making sure she felt safe in her domicile.

  “See Mairi, this console is the same as the one in your living room space. If you touch here on either console, it controls the illumination in a room. It can be programmed for voice commands. You can make it lighter or darker to your preference just by saying which level of light you require. It is also a communicator. You can program it for certain people, or it will contact the last known…” Knollig stopped short. Mairi was leaning against the wall by the door listening, but in the position she had placed herself her toga had slipped. He lost all train of thought as he gaped at the exposed skin.

  “Who will it contact…?” Mairi swung her eyes to him, saw where his stare was fixated and blushed furiously at the wardrobe malfunction she was having.

  Standing straight Knollig went to say good-night to Mairi, it wasn’t a good idea to be in her bedroom space. He was determined to be honorable and let her have a chance with other men in the community. If she wanted to make a connection with another male, he would not be happy about it…but he would not try to stop her either.

  “Mairi…” his voice came out thick and sultry, “I think I should say good-night to you now.” He went to turn around, and was stopped by the warm hand on his arm.

  “Okay Knollig, have you heard about how Earth females like to say good-night?” She looked up at him, her eyes were green pools in the fading light.

  “I can’t say that I have heard of any Earth customs regarding saying good-night…” Knollig swallowed nervously, he suddenly had the urge to back pedal, looking over his shoulder to see how far to the door.

  “It’s really very simple, here I’ll show you.” Mairi grabbed his hand, and he lost all backward momentum when she tugged him forward. Bracing her hands on his chest she looked up expectantly. “We kiss good-night. You will have to lean down for me.” She smiled radiantly at him and Knollig knew he would give her anything she wanted if she kept smiling at him like that.

  Against all his best intentions, he leaned into her kiss. He was expecting a slight brush of her lips against his. He should have known better. Mairi was determined to seduce him, and his body was more than willing to let her. What man would blame him for succumbing to the temptation with her breasts pressed into his chest, her mouth working on his and her hands traveling over his back to plant themselves firmly in his hair? Who could blame him for returning the kiss, parting her lips and taking up the challenge her tongue offered? Who would hold it against him for grabbing a handful of her delicious ass and grinding himself against her? When she made mewling sounds into his mouth, he snapped out of it. How had she managed to wrap her legs around his hips so fast?!

  “Mairi…” supporting her body under the thighs, he swallowed and tried again, “Mairi…I can’t do this.” She was slow to recover from the kiss, which pumped up his pride. On some level he was happy that she responded to him like she did, would she respond like that with other men? That thought turned his mood black!

  ‘Knollig what is it?” Mairi was looking with heavy eyes, “You are the only one that is stopping us from doing anything we want. We are both adults, I don’t understand.”

  “It isn’t you,” he rushed to assure her. “I have sworn to myself to give you time, but it goes deeper than that.” She let her legs go from around his hips, and he gently moved back from her. “Try to understand my position. The other males of the community deserve a chance to see if they might be a good fit for you.” When Mairi would argue he continued hurriedly, “I was the first male you saw, and I don’t want it to be said that they weren’t given a chance.”

  “I understand your sense of honor. It is something I respect about you.” She gently placed her hand against his chest, “I will get to know other males in the community, but as friends. I don’t believe in playing games. I will wait for you to feel enough time has passed to honor the vow you made.” Before she could move any closer, he hurried out of her bedchamber and outside.

  Knollig felt the fresh air wash over him. He groaned in frustration, Mairi was the most powerful temptation he had ever faced. How was he going to deny the attraction he felt for her? Maybe he would find out where Knaleg had taken the men for training. He could use some exercise.

  Chapter Eight

  “I mean who just walks away from something that hot?” Mairi was pacing in front of her chaise, Amber just sat patiently waiting for her to get it all out. “One minute we need the fire trucks to put out the flames he is putting off! The next he is practically running out the door! What is with that?”

  Amber just shrugged helplessly at her questions. Mairi really liked Amber. She had stopped by, as she said she would to talk about the classes the men were taking. They had quickly gone from arranging times for training, to Mairi venting about Knollig.

  “It’s not that I don’t like that he has such a strong sense of honor, it is really a good quality. I just wish he would…” Mairi paused to think of the right way to say it.

  Amber took the opportunity to break in, “Knollig is just like the other brothers Mairi. He does have a strong sense of honor, but he also is a tad more aggressive than the other males.” She looked knowingly at her, “If you were to give him what he wants...” Mairi went to shake her head, “Hear me out…” Amber patted the chaise next to her. When she sat Amber continued, “Give him what he thinks he wants. Go out with some of the other males of the community.”

  She wasn’t the type to lead a man on, and was going to say so! Before she could say anything Amber finished, “Don’t lead the poor men on, that isn’t what I’m suggesting. Just get to know them. Go out and around the community, see what they do in the industrial domes. Check out the different Council meetings. Oh and our classes will give you the perfect chance to meet and learn about the men, to befriend them. What Knollig imagines is going on is going to be enough to drive him crazy.”

  Mairi knew she did need to try to meet other members of the community. With the classes she would be helping with, she would be socializing with the men. At the same time she could be working at getting Knollig to realize he was the one she wanted.

  She beamed at Amber, “I will meet the other men as long as they know I will only be interested in them as friends. I refuse to lead them on or hurt them that way. Besides I would be shocked if there was another man out there that made me feel like Knollig does.” She blushed at the information she was giving Amber, but couldn’t help talking about him.

  “Mairi, believe me if anyone kno
ws how you feel it is me. I felt that way after my first night of talking with Kniam. He made me laugh, he was so gentle and caring and sweet and sexy...” Mairi cleared her throat and Amber continued, “What, oh that’s right…Just keep working on Knollig. I know he feels the same attraction for you. It will just take patience to get him to realize that he can keep his honor and have you at the same time. Now to the problem of getting to meet more men in the compound. There is a class is a few minutes.” Amber stood up suddenly, “You can lend a hand. This one is about physical boundaries, so you will be a great help!”

  Mairi was given time to put on the sandals she found in her drawer, and then they were off and running out the door. As she was pulled along, she realized the men were staying away. They were looking at her and Amber on the pathway, but didn’t try to approach. She commented on the oddity to Amber.

  “Ah, that. Don’t worry. It isn’t a reflection on you. They are afraid of Cebat and Tabec…and a little of Kniam too.”

  Mairi was confused now, “Who are Cebat and Tabec?”

  Amber stopped short, “That’s right you haven’t met them…” she put her fingers to her mouth and let out a piercing whistle that had Mairi flinching. “Babies…over here! That’s right come to mommy!”

  Mairi had a sudden feeling she didn’t want to know who or what Cebat and Tabec were! As soon as the thought floated across her brain, she felt something brush against her from behind. Don’t look down! Just don’t look down! Too late, she looked down. Then had to bite back a startled shriek. Knollig had warned her about something Amber called “saber toothed cat-dogs” and these had to be them! They were huge, more lioness sized than dog with the largest teeth she had ever seen.

  “Who’s a good boy!? Who’s a good girl!? You are…yes you are!” Amber was cooing and petting the beasts. When she could finally tear her eyes off the Sacaths she saw that Amber was watching her. “You can pet them. They are completely harmless.”

  “Yeah. I can see that they would be.” Mairi said sarcastically. Not wanting to appear unfriendly to the pets, in case they could sense her fear she stretched out a hand. The larger one was closer so she put her hand into its fur. It was silky and soft! It was like a dog she had as a child, an adorable Shih Tzu. This Sacath had a coat of fur just like that! It was wonderful. She got into rubbing the fur, massaging the muscles underneath. The other Sacath must have felt jealous, because the next thing she knew she was sandwiched with a Sacath on either side! Both of them were pressing into her for attention.

  Her delighted laugh rang out, drawing the attention of the men around the square. “They are wonderful Amber! Their fur is so soft!”

  “You enjoy the Sacaths Earth female?” One of the braver men had drawn closer, yet at a safe distance to ask the question.

  “Yes they are gorgeous animals.” Mairi called out. Now was a good a time as any to get to know the men of the community, “Are you attending the class Amber is teaching?”

  “Yes, I have been to all of the classes. I am determined to be a good mate. This class is to be about physical boundaries is it not?” The male was absurdly good looking. He was tall, maybe not quite as tall as Knollig, but tall enough. He was probably 5’ 10-6’, with nice brown hair and those purple eyes. She was going to have to get used to those eyes.

  Amber knew the male that she was talking to, “Yes Fortem. We are going to cover physical boundaries in this lesson, you may escort us to the meeting dome if you would like.” She moved to stand next to Mairi, “Cebat…Tabec…Go!” At her command both pets drooped their shoulders, their heads going down…their eyes stayed on Amber, begging to be allowed to stay. “Don’t look at me like that! Go find daddy!” Amber started laughing as they both darted off, “They will hunt Kniam down and beg for attention from him.”

  Mairi started laughing with Amber, it really was a contagious thing! The thought of the giant man getting run around by the pets was amusing.

  “You are a very attractive female…your hair is like the Hu’lani flowers that Earth female Amber has planted.” He looked under his eyes at Amber, and when she gave a big smile, he looked relieved.

  “Thank you...” Mairi cursed Knollig under her breath! Did he have to say the men were going to compliment her, and then say almost verbatim what they would say?! Now instead of Fortem, she was thinking of him and how he had said it!

  “You are…ahhh, very brave to have come to say Hello to us with the Sacaths around.” She was trying to think of something nice to say, without being too encouraging.

  “I have been training with Knaleg to be on the military force. We are going to police the male and female population so that life runs smoothly.” He put his arm out for her to take, then the other for Amber.

  “Yes. Fortem is one of the star pupils of the classes I have been giving. He will make a fine addition to the military force. He is very gentlemanly…” Amber gave Mairi a tilt of her head, “Now that I think of it, he may be the perfect person to help with the problem you are having.”

  Mairi shook her head, she didn’t want Fortem to get hurt feelings, and he seemed to be really nice. “I don’t think that is a good idea.” She hesitated.

  “I would be very honored to help you Earth female Mairi.” He swore, “If there is a way that I can be of service, I am honor bound to do it.” He flushed after thinking on his words, “Not that it would be only honor that would make me wish to help.”

  Mairi laughed, there was that damn “honor” thing again biting her in the butt, “I will talk with you after class. You can decide if you want to help then.”

  They had made it to the meeting dome and Mairi was suddenly happy for Fortem’s escort. There were men everywhere, at least forty of them…and they were still arriving.

  “Everyone move inside for the class please!” Amber had a voice that carried for all her small size. All the men started moving into the class, most of them giving questioning looks to her and Fortem.

  “Thank you, Fortem…we may need your help in the training. Could you stay at the front of the room please?” Amber brought Mairi into the class with her. She was surprised to see it was almost like being in High School again. There were chairs in rows, with a table and computer console at the front. Mairi made her way with Amber to the head of the room.

  “Can someone announce that the class is full, and that we will do another this afternoon after my walk in the square?” Amber requested, and the men all got a concentrated look on their faces. There was a chorus of “We have done as you asked…” and Amber laughed, knowing that the message had to have bounced around the community.

  “Okay. Everyone, first things first. This is Mairi. As you know she is the granddaughter of the Earth male that is allowing us to use his land to bring more females here to Terraneu.” Amber stressed the word allowing, and Mairi knew that she had an elevated status in the community thanks to her grandfather. “Also,” Amber continued, “Callum McPherson is helping Kneus to fit in on Earth, and it is with his help that we are going to have enough females for everyone.” Amber gave them a stern look, “I know Kniam has stated this before, but I want you all to understand. Mairi isn’t to be bothered like she was yesterday in the square. She is to be treated with respect, and unless you are encouraged…let her have her personal space. That is what today’s lesson is about! So let’s get to it.” Amber slapped her hands together.

  Mairi jumped a little, not sure why. It could have had something to do with the feeling of a hundred eyes on her! Mairi wasn’t against being in front of a crowd, it didn’t really bother her…this was different. These were men intent on getting a female, and she was available in their eyes. It was like she was a slab of meat, and they were hungry carnivores.

  “We will go over a scenario like yesterday. If a female is walking…Mairi will demonstrate.” Amber waved for her to walk around in front of the room, so she started taking little laps around the open space in front of the desk. “Yes that’s good. When a female is walking, you can feel free
to approach her. Fortem can you please approach Mairi.” Fortem walked up to Mairi, so she stopped and looked up expectantly.

  “See how Mairi is looking at Fortem, she has made eye contact.” Amber emphasized the words. “This means that she is willing to engage in conversation. If the female does not make eye contact, or looks away that means she is not willing to engage in conversation and you should just leave her alone. If there is already a male, or group of males around a female inquire if you can join the group, don’t just rush up and crowd in.” Amber smiled around at all the men. “Next is walking or standing with a female.” Amber turned to where she and Fortem were standing.

  “Mairi, could you stand here please.” Amber pointed to a spot in front of the men, right in the middle. Mairi moved to the location she indicated, “Lets see… Fortem, can you stand next to Mairi.” When he moved to where she pointed, Amber said, “Yes, that’s good.” She moved to stand to the side of them. “Now, notice that there is space between them.” She moved her hand to indicate the gap between her and Fortem. “This is a good thing. It is a way to make a female feel more comfortable with you, if you let her have this personal space. If there are already men around a female, don’t jostle for room! More than four or five men is way too many! Give a woman her breathing room.”

  “What if the female steps closer to us?” One of the men yelled out.

  “That is a good question! Yes…if a female moves closer to you on purpose, then that is a good sign.” Amber moved Mairi and Fortem closer by pulling their arms. “Now this is closer, but still note that the female is relaxed and comfortable. If she seems nervous, then maybe move away a bit. If she doesn’t mind you in this space, maybe try holding her hand.”