Embracing Emily (#7 Warriors of Kelon) (3 page)

Security checked her identification and gave her keys to one of the on-base houses; she would figure out where it was later. Now, there were other things to ponder.

“Is this why you’re here, Lieutenant? Everyone I’ve met on this human/Kelon initiative appears to be personally touched by something, some kind of illness or birth defect.”

He looked uncomfortable. “Kind of not allowed to talk about that, but I think it helps create empathy and willingness to work harder to make the initiative with the aliens succeed.”

It made sense.

“Kelons, Lieutenant, and our friends,” she reminded him. Deep inside, her stomach fluttered with nerves. She only ever caught glimpses of them on news clips, always looking larger than life and fierce.

“Of course, these ones seem nice, except for their head of Kelon Security. Vallarr is his name, right old grump. I don’t think he wants to be here, on Earth that is.”

Ah, how she had not missed the close-knit gossip which came with living on military bases. She has been on a few, dragged around half the world with her mother and father.

They resumed walking down the corridor at her pace, her crutch clanking with every other step. “Vallarr?” She liked how the name rolled off her tongue.

“Big fellow, he doesn’t do much other than sit in the corner with his arms folded and growls at any attempt to be friendly.” Jon lowered his voice. “Personally, I heard talk about him being sent here as punishment for something.”

It didn’t sound right, the Kelons would not send a criminal to Earth. “What kind of a girl are you? Next, you’ll be asking me over to paint toe nails, drink margaritas and talk about all the girls you’ve dated.”

Simmons’s face reddened, but he chuckled.

“Don’t put your trust into gossip, Lieutenant.”

“That’s what my mum always tells us.” Simmons shrugged. “Trust me, sweetheart, I’m far from being a girl.”

Emily grinned at him. “Sure, sure, big tough man to have to guard a crippled teacher.” Making jokes helped hide her growing apprehension. The Colonel assured her the Kelon males, now living and working in the new facility, although they were all over six-foot four, would be kind and respectful. Still, it didn’t help her nerves. First meetings were always full of uncertainty. She was there to teach and, hopefully, learn something herself in the process.

“Don’t put yourself down, Emily, you’re a smart woman.”

She smiled at his compliment before glancing at her watch. “Class starts in ten minutes. I don’t want to be late for the first lesson.”

“Third door on the left is your classroom; mess hall is down the end.”

She already knew the layout of the base. It was in the files her father had given her, but Jon didn’t need to know it.

He opened the door, letting her enter and following behind. She was a little surprised by the small, raised platform where her desk sat, near the large, adjustable computerised whiteboard. There was also a railing along the sides where she would walk or stand when talking to her class.

It meant she could leave her crutch behind and use the rail to lean against. The same as through her house—rails in the bathroom and hallways. Her dad taking care of her again. She smiled at his thoughtful gesture.

“Everything okay?” She glanced up to see Simmons studying her.

“Yes. A bit nervous, I guess. I’m sure teaching Kelons will be a little different to new immigrants.”

“Only a few of us have volunteered to be implanted with their translators, so we can communicate properly. The rest is up to you, to teach them English. Colonel Morland wouldn’t have appointed you if he didn’t have full confidence in your teaching skills. Being such a lovely lady, no doubt you’ll have them hanging off your every word.” He winked, flirtatiously.

“I guess so,” she murmured, turning slightly to hide the flush creeping into her apple cheeks. Handsome men, such as the Lieutenant, didn’t flirt with Emily Morland, which had been her experience so far. No, she was far too busy with other things to care about dating and the rejection which came after.

She mentally winced, maybe she wasn’t living her life to fullest after all, as she promised her mum before she passed away. With a sigh, she easily dismissed Simmons’s flirtation as harmless, only trying to help ease her nerves.

He kept his smile, hovering the other side of her desk. “Need any help with anything?” He placed her bag down. “I won’t be doing much, but standing here watching them watch you.”

“You don’t need to be here, I’m sure everything will be fine.”

“Have you been briefed on Kelon customs concerning women, Miss Morland?”

“Of course I—” The report told her the females on Kelon were always guarded by their men—protected. She didn’t think much of it because the Kelons were on Earth, not Kelon. She realised her father would do everything not to offend or upset them as what they brought in advancements to the human race was extremely valuable.

“You’re my protector.”

“Bingo, unless you want to find yourself carried off and claimed.”

She swallowed and tried to suppress the tingling creeping through her body. A big, strong, strapping man able to carry her off was something she could only ever dream of.

“Yes, I get it. I doubt it will be an issue, but stay if you must. No doubt, you’re under orders from the Colonel.” She bit down on her lower lip, her words sounding bitterer than she intended.

“Miss Morland,” chided Lieutenant Simmons and Emily tensed. “I think you—”

She was saved by a knock at the door. “Lieutenant, Miss Morland’s box.” A cadet stood holding her white box.

“Just here, please.” She let out a breath and smiled at the young man. He quickly set down her box before scurrying out.

Ignoring the Lieutenant’s speculative study, she busied herself removing a few homey knick-knacks from the box and placing them on the desk. Treasured gifts from some of her students, to help remind her of her love of teaching. She pulled out the lesson plans, sat down and took a moment to go over her notes, adding a few things she needed to address with the Kelons before they started.

“Heads up, Miss Morland.” Lieutenant Simmons voice made her glance up, following his gaze to the door. He stood up straight and folded his arms, replacing his smile with a serious expression.

She stood up, leaning against the desk for support as the door darkened with large figures. “Let the show begin,” Simmons muttered.

Emily held her breath, her heart thudding against her chest as the door opened and the Kelons walked in.

* * * *

The gravity on this planet was slightly less than on Kelon. It took several days for the High Council's handpicked contingent of teachers, healers and scientists to adjust properly. They were already complaining behind Vallarr’s back about the constant and hard workouts he subjected them to help their bodies adapt quicker.

Then, there were the other security issues. The low technology spying devices found throughout their quarters did not put the new Initiative off to a good start. The Head of the Initiative, Fe-Commander Jyl, confronted the Colonel, putting all the devices on his desk and telling him not to let it happen again or their deal would end. Jyl stopped Vallarr from wanting to shove the devices down the Colonel's throat.

Vallarr set up tracking devices around the perimeter to make sure no one breached the compound where the humans and Kelons lived and worked.

While the humans were open and welcoming, Vallarr rebuffed any attempt they made to befriend him. Communication was limited as only a few human males were implanted with translators. The High Council found it amusing to force them to learn the main human language of Earth, English. Fortunately, growls and glares were a universal 'stay the fuck away from me' form of communication the humans clearly understood.

He was not here to make friends, only to do his job. It was clear, they did not know about him, and he was not about to let them or anyone find out. The High Council covered up his history, not that he cared anymore.

Team leader Jyl already reprimanded him for his gruff behaviour towards the humans, who eyed him with fear—and so they should. He did not care what anyone thought.

“Our future is invested with the humans. Do not harm this alliance, or I will be having strong words with the High Commander,” Fe-Commander Jyl warned him.

Vallarr did not back down or move as the smaller Kelon glared at him. “I am here to do a job, not make friends. You are here for that. I shall do my duty and you do yours.”

Jyl shook his head. “You are head of security, but I am head of this project. Do not step out of line; do not offend the humans.”

Vallarr snorted, turned and walked away. As long as everyone stayed out of his way, there would be no problem.

“Time for our first English lesson,” linguist specialist Barr eagerly reminded the team who gathered in the meal room.

Their main human liaison, Captain Cutter, one of the few humans implanted with Kelon translators, entered the room, nodding with a friendly smile.

“If you're ready, gentlemen, I will show you the way to the lesson room.”

“I will meet you in the workout room afterwards,” Vallarr stated to Jyl and turned to walk away.

“No, Commander, you will attend the lessons and learn the language as well.”

“It was not a part of my orders,” Vallarr snapped.

“I am making it an order, Commander. This is not for debate. As head of our security, I would think you would
want
to learn their language.” Jyl eyed him with clear challenge. “Unless you are unable to learn or afraid.”

What little pride Vallarr still held onto, Jyl clearly insulted. Vallarr’s temper flared, but he clenched his fists and held them by his side.
I will not harm my fellow Kelons.
No, he would save it for the training room.

“I am capable.” He shoved past Jyl and followed the others out of the meal room. He would soon wipe the smug smile off the leader's face while in training of hand to hand combat. His grin turned feral at the thought.

His gaze scanned their surroundings as they traversed the corridor before the men filed into a room. Vallarr was the last to enter. All the men gathered around and appeared to be staring at something. His view was blocked by their wide bodies.

“For Elron’s sake, do not stand there—sit down. Now!” Vallarr bellowed at them. They parted, each quickly finding a seat, but their gazes did not leave their new source of fascination.

Vallarr’s view fell on a small human female. Her soft blue eyes widened while she stared up at him. Shock stunned him into being nailed to the spot. He reviewed every single personnel file, so he knew who should be here and who should not. There were two older human females working in the kitchens and one who worked for the Colonel, but this woman’s face he had not seen before. Vallarr glanced at the human soldier who stood arms folded, glaring at Vallarr. This soldier he had seen.

Vallarr frowned. “What is she doing here, where is the instructor?”

“She is your instructor, appointed by the Colonel himself. Have fun.” The captain, clearly amused, grinned as he turned and walked out the door.

The female moved forward. She leant heavily on the side of her desk. “If you’ll please take a seat with the others, Mr Vallarr.” She inclined her head towards an empty seat.

Her soft, throaty voice startled washed over him and his body reacted against his will. Sudden arousal spread through him, making his cock thicken and his pants feel restrictive and uncomfortable. He swallowed and took a step back.

“Sit down, Vallarr,” Jyl commanded.

He forced himself to move, and grab a solid chair at the back of the room and sink into it. He closed his eyes.
Get yourself under control, Vallarr, remember your training.
He could not show weakness in front of his fellow Kelons.

A slight clank made him snap open his eyes. His gaze along with everyone else’s watched as the human female took hold of a long metal stick the height of her waist, threaded her arm through it and leaned heavily on the stick while she moved her left leg.

She was injured? Who harmed this beautiful, fragile female? Was she a victim of the—
No!
Fresh memories of another wide-eyed human female, hurt, injured, flooded into his mind. His breath seized in his lungs and he fought to keep his body from shaking.

He suppressed his growls, not wanting to draw more unwanted attention.

“My name is Emily and I’ll be your English language teacher.” Her soft, pink lips tipped up in a smile, making her round face go from pretty to utterly beautiful.

“I understand you’re not used to having a female for a teacher, but here on Earth it is common for human women to work, which is their choice. If any are you offended by having me to teach you, please feel free to leave and I will have the Colonel make other arrangements, but I can assure you, I am qualified and have been teaching for many years. I will also be your human studies instructor, to help you learn about our ways.” Mirth sparkled in her eyes. “Being human is complicated. Trust me, I was born one and I’m still trying to figure myself out.”

Several of the men chuckled at her soft humour. Not one Kelon made a move to leave. From the straight, attentive body language, no one wanted to leave, considering she was the first human female they met. No doubt, they were now entertaining notions of how to court and claim the lovely female.

“I don’t have a translator implanted, but I know you can understand. So, please, just nod if you understand for now.”

Everyone nodded. Her gaze moved to the back where Vallarr sat, meeting his gaze head on. Like a blow to his solar plexus, with just a look, she knocked the breath out of him. Sweat broke out over his body. The air around him suddenly felt thin, and he struggled to draw in even, measured breaths.

She turned her curious gaze back to the other men and continued. “I know you have questions, especially about this.” She leaned on one leg and lifted her stick. “I have a disability and can’t walk without the assistance of this crutch, but I’ve learned to live with it and function quite normally. Having a disability does not make me helpless. So banish thoughts of pity—I’m an ordinary, independent woman.”