Page 15 of The Thren's Fated

“No, no. You didn’t. I don’t know what his problem is,” Lena said.

Ochin walked around from behind the bar, directing a sharp glare at any patron who was still staring at the group. The music and conversation recommenced as Ochin patted her back with a tentacle.

“Are you okay, dear? Do you want me to bring the drinks?”

Lena shook her head, taking a deep breath.

“No, I’ll take them,” she replied, determined to figure out what this guy’s issue was.

Screl sat with his legs spread wide, one arm resting on his thigh. His head was down, eyes on the floor, even as she entered. Was this how a Thren sulked?

After closing the curtain behind her and setting the drinks down, she crossed her arms over her chest.

“I can smell that creature all over you,” Screl growled, finally bringing his eyes up to meet hers.

She scoffed.

“I’m not sure how they do things on Botune, but I do not belong to you. Adrax is a regular here and a kind male. He has my permission to touch me like that.”

Her brain was urging her to take a step closer, but she froze, willing herself to stay still. Apparently, Screl did not have the same inclination.

He stood slowly and plodded toward her, tentacles gently undulating as if blown by a light wind. He stopped just before reaching her, looking down as she tried to stand her ground.

“Do I have your permission, little pet?”

Lena swallowed hard. The warmth of arousal filled her body, starting in her core, a pleasant tingling sensation that she desperately tried to push away.

She should say no. Then, this little game would be over. She bit the inside of her cheek, willing the word from her throat. Why was it so difficult to say?

“No,” she finally managed, though it pained her.

Screl closed all his eyes with a grumble and took a few steps back. With a flick of a tentacle, he gestured at one of the empty chairs, and she dutifully sat down. Her heart rate jumped as she sensed his presence behind her, but he didn’t touch her. Instead, he took the seat opposite her and sighed.

Lena narrowed her eyes, unsure what he wanted. Honestly, unsure of what she wanted. She was grateful that he had respected her wishes, but why did some part of her crave his touch once more?

“How long will you be on the station?” she asked, sliding his drink closer to him.

Screl didn’t answer for a long time, those iridescent blue eyes glistening in and out between darkness and light.

“I will leave after the Peace Accords,” he said, turning away.

“Are you taking part in them?”

He nodded, his jaw clenched tight as he stared at her without blinking.

“I am part of the diplomatic envoy. I’ve helped oversee trade between Botune and Henios since this station’s conception. This treaty is very important to me.”

“Will you be returning to Botune when you’re done?” she asked, clasping her hands in her lap.

Lena tried not to look too eager as he glanced at her, his eyes dimming as if he were sad about the idea of leaving.

“Yes, I will be returning to my homeworld.”

“What’s it like there?”

A strange part of her didn’t want to leave, didn’t want the conversation to end.

Screl seemed to laugh to himself before his voice became a deep grumble.