Close Contact by Katherine Allred

Author:Katherine Allred
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2010-07-09T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

The sun had barely cleared the edge of the planet the next morning before I was up, energized by the decision I’d reached the night before. I had a goal now, one that felt absolutely right this time, as if the Director of Alien Affairs job had been made specifically with me in mind. Don’t know why I hadn’t seen it before. Too busy being upset with the unasked-for changes in my life, maybe.

Oh, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I’d have to work my way into the job. But Dr. Daniels was getting on up there in age, and sooner or later he’d want to retire. With my background in political relations and organizational skills, I’d be uniquely qualified to step into his very large shoes.

There were only two stumbling blocks to this plan that I could foresee.

First and foremost, I’d have to complete this mission. Successfully.

My chin went all stubborn as I thought about it. I could do it. I was created to be a problem solver. Now that I was invested in getting this done, the bad guys didn’t stand a chance.

Imbued with new energy for my task, I jumped out of bed, wrapped my cloak around me, and headed for the shower. My cheery call of “Good morning!” to Bim, who had just returned from his breakfast break, startled the stoic man, and I could feel him watching me in surprise as I tripped down the path to the privy.

Peri zipped inside with me, and I was under the shower, scrubbing away and trying not to step on her as she flapped vigorously near the drain, before I let myself think about the second problem.

Reynard.

Every time I pictured myself in Dr. Daniels’s office, doing his job, Reynard was by my side.

He would love Centaurius. Love the universities and museums. Love all the modern gadgets, and technology, and information available. I could even see him working for Alien Affairs. His ability to distinguish truth from lie would make him an invaluable asset, and he had so much more than that to offer.

But I also knew, right down to my toes, that he would never abandon his duty to King Politaus. His loyalty to the man was unwavering, preceding Reynard’s own wants or needs.

I couldn’t—wouldn’t—ask him to change. His honor and loyalty were as much a part of him as his eye color or height. And it was part of why I was rapidly falling in love with him.

My problem, I thought, as I stepped from under the water and toweled off. One I wouldn’t inflict on Reynard. I’d simply have to live with the knowledge that he could only be mine for as long as I was on Madrea, and enjoy him while I had the chance.

As much as I wanted to rush through everything I had to do, I forced myself to slow down enough to insure I got my clothes on properly, and then combed out my wild mass of hair while Peri preened and fluffed her damp feathers.

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