They separated us from the rest. Those of a certain age. That couldn’t be an accident.
At least most of the young women looked somewhat comforted by her idea. Naturally, Mary stole that taste of reassurance.
“None of it matters. Even if the Kalqs goofed up by coming here, they’ve sentenced us to death.” Fury and terror mixed freely on her features.
“Why? We haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Yeah, Mary. We’re the victims.”
“The Church doesn’t care.” Mary insisted. “We’re in the presence of Kalquorians. Sex-slaving, demonic Kalquorians. We’re tainted in the eyes of the Church and the Holy Father whether we’re violated or not.”
“Mary!” Tina gasped.
“It’s true. We don’t have to lie with them to be judged unclean. It’ll be assumed. We’re as good as executed for lewdness.”
The furious scowls and whispered reprimands, filled with unkind words, were enough to send Mary away. She sat alone, her head hanging down so that lush mane of hair hid her face. Her shoulders shook. She was crying again.
It wasn’t the first time she’d spoken crudely. The ideas that awful girl had!
Yet the visions her assertions had birthed sent that odd, warm swirly feeling through Tina again. It took everything she had not to see if the Kalquorian leader still watched her. He, with his broad shoulders, muscled biceps, brooding aura.
Instead, Tina glanced at Sister Katherine. The nun still spoke to the Kalquorian with only two silver bars, her expression pleading. It didn’t seem she was making much headway with the brute, who continued to gaze at her with a strange wonderment.
Before she realized what was happening, Tina’s traitorous glance moved to the four-bar Kalq. He stared at her, and goosebumps rose on her flesh. His expression was intense, as if he considered speaking out to her.
Her stomach lurched. That bizarre warmth within increased and spread at the dangerous alien’s stare. Tina couldn’t look away, though a part of her screamed for her to. She was caught in those strange purple eyes. The heat in her belly grew, and clandestine flesh clenched. Tina’s breath caught.
We’re in the presence of Kalquorians. Sex-slaving, demonic Kalquorians. Mary’s assertion echoed in Tina’s mind.
Then the moment was over. The Kalquorian’s expression reverted to its former unreadable mien. His chin dipped, a nod of acknowledgement. His attention moved to the door at the other end of the room as it opened. Two men entered, one carrying a small bin.
Strangely, the first thought that entered Tina’s mind was they’re not so bad.
Compared to the guards, who appeared somehow feral despite the worried expressions they wore, this new pair was downright human in demeanor. One, a ruggedly handsome sort who’d be at home starring in the last western she’d seen, wore a cheerful expression, at least until he noted the tearstained faces turning towards him. Then he appeared worried too.
His companion was too big and too muscled to be called adorable, but next to the rest of the Kalquorians, that description fit. His eyes were large for his features, giving him a sweet, innocent cast. And he was gorgeous. Movie-star, romantic-leading-man gorgeous. Tina’s heart thumped faster.
When his gaze swept in her direction, she ducked purely on instinct, though she kept looking at him through her hair. He didn’t appear terrible. Quite the opposite. Despite his size, something about the alien claimed gentleness.
You can’t know that. Stop humanizing them. Stop—stop feeling sinful stuff when you look at them!
She was shocked anew when the new arrivals noticed Sister Katherine speaking to the guard. They bowed. Then they bowed toward the clusters of young women, like gentlemen at a fancy party.
Stick them in tuxes and put them on the red carpet. “Good evening, miss. Lovely weather we’re having. Would you like an autograph?” Hysterical laughter bubbled in Tina’s throat at the idea.
“I’d feel better if we’d pray,” Sabrina whispered. The group was already kneeling for the most part, and they bowed their heads.
Tina played along, but she couldn’t resist peeking at the newcomers. They approached the scary man with the four silver bars. The Kalquorian who’d started out cheerful spoke, and the guard answered. He jerked in the direction of the knot of captives that included Tina.
All three men looked directly at her.
* * * *
“Do you see her?” Osopa pulled his gaze from the pale stare of naked fear.
“I hate that she’s terrified. Along with the rest.” Tukui also brought his gaze to the Nobek, as did Yorso.
Osopa found some solace in Tukui’s obvious discomfort. His Dramok saw the misery the Earther females suffered, and he