Knaleg: A Terraneu Novel (Book 3) (7 page)

Catherine sighed and tried to focus on the women gathered around her.
This was their first official meeting and she was trying to concentrate. Knaleg
damn him, kept running to the forefront of her thoughts. Mairi had told them
that she was expecting fraternal twin girls. She would be full term in about
eight months, but since she was carrying multiples it was a waiting game to see
how long she could safely carry the pregnancy. Everyone had offered
congratulations and the excited chatter about babies went on for about twenty
minutes. Everyone looked over at the triplets in their portable strolling
bassinets every few minutes. The fabricators of Terraneu had done some tweaking
on the regular strollers brought from Earth. There was a solar powered
automatic rocking button, and the whole stroller was shaded but let in indirect
light at the same time.

“I think that Cat should be our leader.” Amber stated emphatically.

“What?” Catherine snapped out of her musings, “What should I do?” She had
heard Amber say her name, or the nickname she had given her permission to use.
The day Amber was released she had shown up at her living dome. She had let
Amber and her entourage in, though she had realized with a grimace that there
wasn’t enough seating for everyone. Amber had defused the situation by saying
that she only wanted to thank her personally for all she had to done for
Knadyn, Knacayn and Brennae. She would forever be in her debt and if Catherine
needed anything, she would make sure she got it. Then she had swept out the
door, everyone again following hot on her heels.

Amber laughed, “I was just saying that you should be our council’s
leader.”

Mairi was nodding her head in agreement, “I think that is a great idea!
Cat is a perfect choice.”

Gwen and Jen both nodded excitedly. “Yes, that’s perfect!” and “You would
be great at it!”

Catherine was a bit stunned, “Why do you think I would be good at it? I
am painfully stubborn and...” she trailed off trying to get her head around the
fact that the women wanted her to lead.

“Think about it.” Amber insisted, “You are stubborn so will not back down
to pressure if you think it’s not a good idea. Also, you are not intimidated by
any of the male council members.” She beamed at her, “It has only been a week
and I’ve already seen you stand up to almost all of them. The only one that you
haven’t been in a confrontation with is Ailech.” She beamed at her. “Is there
something you want to say about the blonde Adonis of Terraneu or is there news
on the Jax front?” Amber was teasing her, but she was so far off track about
Ailech and Jax that Catherine felt like laughing.

“What? No. I don’t have any news about Ailech or Jax.” Catherine was
quick to say, “Jax is interested in Lacey and Ailech has been a perfect
gentleman. We have trained a few times, and talked in the park a few times too
but they both acted like perfect gentleman.”

Something in her voice must have tipped them off because they all went,
“Ahh.”

“Ahh. What?” Catherine shot back.

“You are looking for someone to rock your world.” Amber sighed.

“You want someone to ride in on his white charger and sweep you off your
feet!” Gwen added.

“A white charger Gwen?” Mairi teased her friend then turned to Catherine,
“You need fireworks, the ground to shift when he kisses you, the...”

“We get it Mairi.” Jen stepped in, “You want there to be smoking hot
chemistry between you and the guy you pick.”

“Yes, to all of those things.” Catherine admitted, “I just don’t know if
it is possible. It never happened for me on Earth and here I have only met one
man who even piques my interest.”

“So there is someone!” Amber pounced, “Who is it? We can help you learn
more about him.”

“Spill Cat! Tell us who he is...” Mairi was sitting at the edge of her
seat.

“Yes Cat do tell us who he is.” Kniam’s voice was a cold splash of water
on the women. With a start they all jumped and turned to the door leading to
the male Council dome.

“Kniam!” Amber was out of her seat and in his embrace before he had
gotten half way across the floor.

The woman all grinned at each other and waited a few minutes before
taking their seats.

“We have just voted for Cat as our leader,” Amber was holding him around
the waist and looked up to inform him of their decision. “Could you let the
other males know of our choice?”

“Certainly. Cat is a very wise choice.” Kniam looked around and stated
diplomatically, “Although all of you would be equally worthy.” He cleared his
throat, “I do have an official request from the male council.” Kniam’s voice
held humor instead of a serious note.

Catherine was a bit curious to know what this issue Kniam had spoken of
was, and she knew that the couple was notorious for losing track of their
surroundings when together. She hurried to ask, “What is this request?”

Kniam looked around at the residing female council and said, “It has been
requested that females not be permitted to train in battle tactics with the
males.”

“What?” Cat was stunned. She hadn’t had anyone tell her she was out of
bounds in training with the men. All of them had been really welcoming. “When
was this request brought before the male council?”

Kniam gave an uncomfortable shrug, “At our meeting today. Before you ask,
I would like to keep the name of the requesting party out of the discussion. It
was an official request, so I am passing it on to you for a vote. You can
inform us of your decision when you have reached a consensus.” Done with his
official duty, he dragged his mate over to the strollers to gaze at their
family.

Catherine looked around at the other members. “Does anyone have any
objections to a female training with the males? Gwen is there a medical reason
why a female should not be allowed?”

Gwen’s brow furrowed while she thought, “I don’t think so Cat. We are
getting more injuries from soccer...oh sorry it is ‘football’ to you isn’t it?
Anyway we are treating more females from playing that than training with the
men. Honestly Cat I think you are the only one so far that has done it more
than once. Though I have had a few women ask me if it would be safe, so there
will be more if it is allowed.”

“We should let the women train, it is good exercise and it would not hurt
for the women to know some fighting tactics if they wish.” Mairi gave her
opinion.

Jen just smiled, “I don’t think it is harming anyone to do the training
with the men. We should be allowed the opportunity.”

Cat smiled at them for standing up for her, as she was the only one so
far to have done it consistently. She got Kniam’s attention, “We have voted and
agree that the females should be allowed to train as long as precautions are
taken for safety. Do you agree Amber?”

“Yes, I wholeheartedly agree.”

Kniam gave Amber one lingering kiss and moved back to the male council
dome.

When all of the women were seated once again Amber asked, “Who would not
want you to be training with the males?”

All eyes swung to Catherine. She thought it had to be Knaleg who had
protested but the question was why?

“There is only one person I can think of, I just don’t know why he would
have requested it.” Catherine paused then said, “The only person who has been
gone the whole time I’ve been training, and just got back today...Knaleg.”

Kniam informed him that the women had vetoed the idea of barring the
women from training with the men. He was undeterred however. He would just go
the direct route. With his new plan in mind, the next morning he made his way
to the training dome. He would just keep the males so busy training with him,
that Cat would be safe from one on one sparring. His plan may have worked if
Cat was not already at the dome, and ready for training. He forged ahead anyway,
trying to dissuade her from joining.

“I had planned a very difficult session today Cat. I’m not sure you would
be able to keep up.” Knaleg knew instantly that he had said the wrong thing.
She stiffened her spine and said with artificial sweetness.

“I would like the chance to try. If you don’t mind that is.” The smile
didn’t quite reach her eyes, and he knew that she was looking for a chance to
argue with him.

“Of course. You are welcome to try.” Knaleg got the men lined up and they
began their warm up and stretching. Once they were ready, he moved them into
the harder sequences. To his amazement she was able to keep up. No matter how
hard he made the moves, she was able to do them. When it came time to pair up
Knaleg knew this was how he would be able to get Catherine out of harms way. He
had counted around the room and knew that one person would be without a partner
to spar with. He maneuvered all the males away from Catherine as they tried to
approach her. Once everyone had a partner to spar with, he gave her a satisfied
look.

“I am sorry Cat. It looks like everyone already has a partner.” He
shrugged as if to say, ‘Sorry but what can I do.’

“You don’t have a partner, I can spar with you.” Catherine rolled her
neck and cracked her knuckles as she circled him.

“What?” Knaleg was stunned speechless. Why wasn’t his plan working? “I
could not possibly spar with you!”

“Why not?” Catherine asked. “I have been sparring with Jax all week. I
was able to keep up with him, and you couldn’t be that much harder to beat.”

Knaleg pumped his chest out a little, his pride injured. “I am one of the
best fighters on Terraneu, I would not wish to harm you.”

“You might if you are able to land a hit on me.” Catherine replied
cheekily. “Besides, I’m wearing the safety gear.”

“This is a really bad idea...” he tried one last time.

“Enough talking, my muscles are cooling off. Let’s do this.” Catherine
didn’t wait for him to respond she threw out a jab that hit him in the chest. A
bit stunned Knaleg watched as she danced on the balls of her feet to move out
of the way. Suddenly she swept her leg out and nailed him in the knee. He was
thrown off balance and hurried to spin around to see where she had gone. He was
surprised to see she wasn’t there. It was then he felt her lunge against his
back, her hands cupping against his ears causing them to ring instantly. He
whirled again and just barely drew back in time to avoid another hit.

“Now you’re moving. I was wondering if this was going to be one-sided.”
Catherine was smiling. He almost missed seeing the right cross coming at his
face. He blocked with his left and spun on instinct. Taking his right arm he
swung for her ribs. Instead of going with the momentum Catherine moved counter
to him and used her elbow to hit him in the shoulder.

Knaleg was impressed. Catherine really was an accomplished fighter. After
sparring with her for a few minutes he realized that she had greater speed and
agility. If he wanted to win this contest, he would have to get his hands on
her. That seemed to be the problem though. Every time he got close she would
hit him then spun off or would dive away while he recovered. He knew he needed
to lure her in and use his strength to defeat her.

Bending at the waist to pretend a cramp in his stomach he waited for
Catherine to move in. When she jumped on his back he moved fast. He reached
behind him and got her under the armpits. With a quick flexing of his arms she
was flying across the mat, landing with an “oommph”.
 
He pounced to try to hold her to the mat. Catherine reacted by
rolling onto her stomach and he ended up landing flat on the mat where she had
been. Catherine used the opportunity to hit him across the back knocking what
little air he had left, out of his lungs. Knaleg made it to his hands and knees
before she jumped on his back. She tried wrapping her arms around his chest,
well as far as they would go anyway. He knew she was trying to get him onto his
back. That was the system the males had said was in place for declaring a
winner. He could not help himself he began to laugh. The tiny she cat was a
devious fighter. He liked her even more after this sparring session, and that
was a bad thing. He was still terrified of her coming to harm.

Knaleg felt Catherine freeze in her attempts to get him onto his back. He
knew that she was just too small to push him over. Before she could recover and
think of a new attack plan he snaked one of his arms around her and rolled
until she was under him on the mat. He didn’t soften the impact when they
flipped over. He made sure she was taking the full brunt of his weight.

Still laughing he looked at the tiny female, “You are a worthy fighter
little she Cat.” He gently moved off her and helped her to her feet. She was
bent over struggling to regain her breath. Knaleg was worried that he had hurt
her, which is exactly what he had been afraid of. The other males had stopped
sparring and had been watching them. When Catherine just stayed bent over he
began to panic. When her shoulders started shaking, he yelled at the men to get
a med kit.

“No!” Catherine gasped holding up a hand, “Don’t get a med kit.” She
stood up and took a huge breath, then burst out laughing again. “Sorry.” She
gasped out, “Give me a second.”

Knaleg felt deflated, she was laughing. Hysterically.

Catherine couldn’t believe it! It had been a really long time since she
had lost a sparring match. The men of Earth had been able to win against her so
it wasn’t as if she never lost. She just wasn’t beaten very often.

When she had hit Knaleg across the back she was sure that he was stunned
enough to push over. She had definitely given it her best effort. He was just
too solid! She had shoved with everything she had, and he still hadn’t moved an
inch.

When she could stop laughing she told the worried men around her, “I
don’t need a med kit.” Her voice was brimming with mirth, “It is just a shock
that Knaleg was able to beat me.” She held out her hand to shake his. “Good
match. Thanks for sparring with me.” As soon as their hands touched she felt
the heat run from her palm straight up her arm.

“You are a worthy opponent.” Knaleg spoke softly, his husky words made
her heart jump with excitement.

“Thank you.” Catherine didn’t try to get her hand released. His fingers
were wrapped around hers, rubbing absently every few seconds. “Tricking me to
come in closer was a good tactic, now I will be warned. You won’t beat me so
easily a second time.” She couldn’t help but tease him.

“Maybe I will have to utilize a different tactic then.” Knaleg teased
back.

Catherine reluctantly moved away to replace the safety equipment. Looking
back at him over her should she asked, “Knaleg would you mind taking a walk
with me in the park? I have something I need to ask you.”

He looked surprised for one second then nodded his head in agreement. He
waited patiently for her to finish putting away her equipment then they walked
together toward the park.

“Do you have a preference for which location you would like to sit?”
Knaleg inquired politely.

“No.” Catherine looked around at the almost empty space, “Any bench will
do.”

Knaleg smiled and moved them toward a bench looking out over the waving
lawns. In the distance she could see the construction still going on at the
pool site.

“When do you think the pool will be ready?” Catherine asked to break the
silence.

“I am not sure. Kneus is working on it while at the same time trying to
get the medical units re-programmed for women and children.”

“He must have a lot of pressure on him to get that done quickly!”
Catherine commented, “With all of the men and women partnering, there is going
to need to be some way to keep all the women and children healthy too.” She
swung her eyes to meet his, this was exactly what she wanted to talk about with
him. Turning the conversation to couples was the reason she had asked him out
here in the first place.

“Yes, Kneus has a lot of demands on his time. I know he can handle it
though. He is determined to make the medical units safe for women and children
by the time Mairi is to give birth. He is hoping to have one or two units that
will make delivery easier for both mother and child. He really is a genius.”
Pride rang in Knaleg’s tone.

“Yes he is very impressive.” Catherine hesitated wondering how to ask the
question plaguing her mind. “Knaleg, I was wondering if you could tell me
something.”

His eyes widened for a split second, “What would you like to know?”

“Why would you ask that the females not be allowed to train in battle
tactics with the males?” Catherine watched his face for the reaction to her
question. The color spread over his cheeks in a blush, his eyes breaking
contact with hers. So she had been right. It was Knaleg who had made the
request.

With a sigh Knaleg turned back, “Would you like the real reason or the
reason I gave the council?”

Catherine gave a slight shrug, “I would prefer an honest answer.” She
waited for Knaleg to turn back around to make eye contact again.

He finally turned around and his gaze met and held hers, “I requested
that the females not be allowed to train for fear of the damage that could
occur to them...to you.” He paused, “I was going to speak to Gwen about an
issue I was having, but I think maybe I should speak to you instead.”

Catherine was shocked. He was having a medical issue that needed Gwen’s
expertise but instead was thinking about telling her? She wasn’t sure if she
wanted to know, since she may not be able to help.

“Knaleg, before you tell me something of a medical nature that may be
wrong with you, I need you to know that I may not have an answer that could
help you.” She tried to forestall any confession he was trying to make about
his health.

“It is not a physical thing wrong with my body. That is healthy and
acting as it always has.” He flexed a few muscles along his chest, arms and
abs. Catherine had to agree. There wasn’t anything she could see that was
physically wrong with him. His body was perfect as far as she could tell.

“I think the issue I am having is in here.” He tapped his head, “I have
been having thoughts...you might call them ‘doubts’ in my head. I am not used
to these feelings of uncertainty and fears that keep coming into my mind.”

“When do these feelings manifest themselves?” Catherine asked, “During
your regular, daily routine?”

“No. They only trouble me when I am around a certain female.” Knaleg
spoke softly. “I have difficulty containing my emotions around her.”

“Oh.” Catherine was stunned for a second, then the green-eyed monster
struck again. He was able to talk comfortably with her, was so at ease with her
that he could spar with her. In fact she had only seen a few flashes of emotion
from him, so she wasn’t the one causing his discomfort and worry. He must be
talking about a female he was attracted to.

“Do you feel uncertainty that she may not return your affections? The
fear of rejection?” Catherine silently hoped that the female wasn’t interested,
and then maybe he would turn to her instead.

“To fully understand my feelings I would have to tell you of an
experience I recently had.” Knaleg whispered conspiratorially. “You could not
tell anyone else of this happening.”

Catherine nodded that she understood so he leaned closer, “It all started
after the triplets were born. Kniam had a horrifying nightmare and trapped all
of the brothers in it with him.” He absently grabbed her hand and she held her
breath waiting to hear the details. She could tell they were grim by the
pressure he was applying. “In Kniam’s nightmare Amber had passed away. The pain
he was suffering...I don’t even know how to describe it. It was the most
intense feeling of hopelessness mixed with gut wrenching agony I have ever
experienced. I do not wish to feel that way ever again. If I take a mate, and
grow to have the same feelings of love that Kniam has for Amber. What would I
do if I lost her? I am a large male, and if my offspring were to damage my mate
how would I live with that?”

Catherine’s hand was stinging in Knaleg’s grip. She knew he didn’t
realize he was squeezing her fingers. “Knaleg...” She cleared her throat,
swallowed hard and tried again. “I know that you are new to all those feelings,
and may not have the perspective to work through them. Usually when someone
passes away, you have years of
good
memories to make the loss bearable.
Even if it happens suddenly you take the moments you are given and cherish
them.” She used her free hand to place over his and gently rubbed his knuckles.
“Sometimes when you suffer a loss, you have to realize that the love you
had...even if for a short time, was worth experiencing.” Knaleg realized that
his hold was too strong and relaxed his grip. “If you asked Kniam to go back
and change his life what do you think he would say? To never meet Amber or have
the triplets. Do you think he would give all that up to avoid feeling any
pain?”

Knaleg didn’t pause for even a second before he stated emphatically, “I
know Kniam would never give up one moment with Amber, and the triplets he would
defend with his last breath!”

“You see it isn’t that you stop fearing the pain of loss, or the
uncertainty of what might happen if you choose a mate.” Catherine tried to
smile, “It means something that you are feeling those things at all. On Earth
there are constant worries so maybe we are better prepared than you. Life on
Terraneu is so idyllic that it may be hard at first for the males to adjust to
the feelings they are having. You haven’t had to face the loss of a loved one
in a very long time, but I’m sure that you will adapt.” Catherine tried to
think of a way to allay his fear about babies, “As for the worries about your
size and an offspring damaging your mate you mustn’t’ worry so much. There were
men as large as you on Earth and females carried their offspring just fine.
With the advancements that Kneus is making, pregnancy should be a lot less
worrisome for any size female.”

Catherine paused in her speech hoping that Knaleg was able to take some
of her advice. It really was a sad thing for him to be holding back from
dating. He would make a fine mate if he could get over his fears. Catherine
would have to find out whom he was interested in. Even though she had been
hoping maybe they could date, she wouldn’t be petty and deny Knaleg some
happiness.

“What you say does make sense. I would like to make an attempt at dating,
and there is one female that interests me.” His gaze suddenly intensified.

“That’s nice.” Catherine tried to sound cheerful and knew she failed. “I
would be happy to help if you need dating advice. What do you know about your
female?”

Knaleg grinned, “I know she is busy with many things here on Terraneu.
She has made many friends.”

Catherine hated her. She sounded like a busybody!

Knaleg continued, “She is very talented and skillful in many different
fields of study.”

Catherine snorted, she sounded like a boring know it all. Nobody liked a
braggart!

“She is also very beautiful.” Knaleg’s eyes became a smoking purple color
and Catherine swallowed hard as an insult rose to her tongue. Of course
Knaleg’s pick would be beautiful, all the women here seemed to have a certain
glow about them. Why would the female he was attracted to be any different?

 
“I am constantly in fear of
fighting with the men to stop them from looking at her amazing body.” Knaleg
was pressing closer so she turned her face into his, “I know the basics about
what goes on with dating couples and mates. There are things that I would like
to do with her.”

Catherine swallowed uncomfortably. Well she didn’t need to know the
details of what he wanted to do this paragon of Terraneu womanhood! She went to
pull back but was taken by complete surprise when Knaleg grabbed her face and
tilted it toward his.

“First I am going to kiss her.” Knaleg’s voice whispered across her lips
in a husky breath, “Then I am going to persuade her into going on a real date
with me.”

Catherine only had time to gasp in a breath before Knaleg’s full lips
were sweeping across hers. Seeking acceptance of the promise of passion they
offered. With a groan Catherine pressed herself fully against Knaleg’s chest.
Their lips and teeth plumping and suckling each other. Their tongues brushed
against each other’s, then moved off to explore, then moving back to spar
again. Catherine dove her hands into Knaleg’s hair, her fingernails grazing
gently at his scalp. Knaleg pulled her onto his lap so she sat straddling his
thighs. Their passion ramped up to the next level when Catherine pressed
forward with her hips, her eyes shot open when she felt the hard press of
desire against her. That was one impressive erection he had in his pants.

Knaleg’s husky laugh made her want to rip their clothes off right there
on the bench. “I guess we do not have to worry about the genetic block. It
seems thanks to you I am able to be free of it.”

Knaleg’s hands drove back into her hair, and they resumed the kiss with
more fervor than before.

“Maybe we should pretend we don’t see them and go to another spot on the
grass.” Catherine groaned when she heard Amber “whispering” to Kniam.

“We could do that, but what kind of example would we be setting for the
children.” Kniam’s voice teased back.

Catherine felt Knaleg freeze, his mouth stopped moving against hers. The
passion between them was now floating away on the breeze. Knaleg groaned and
opened his eyes to stare into hers.

“I will not take no for an answer on going on a proper date Cat. After I
get rid of my nuisance of a brother...and his mate...”

“Well that hurts Knaleg it really does!” Kniam couldn’t help ribbing his
brother.

“How did I get into this, I am the one that said we could walk around.”
Amber’s laugh reached them on the bench.

“Yes.” Another voice cut across the air, “Why would you desire to get rid
of us?”

Catherine felt Knaleg’s previously impressive erection shrivel away, and
they both groaned. When Amber went out with the triplets in tow it usually
meant a large group followed. She was almost afraid to look, but was never one
to cower from the facts. When she swung herself off Knaleg’s lap to sit on the
bench she just barely stopped herself from slapping her forehead! She knew it
was going to be embarrassing getting caught necking in public. What she had not
realized was that it was going to be on an epic scale!

Standing on the path was Kniam and Amber with the triplets in their
strollers. Mairi, Knollig, Asteen, Ailech, Gwen, Thian, Jen, Callum, Kneus,
Fortem and his mate along with a few other male and female mated couples she
hadn’t met yet. All of them watching her and Knaleg with open curiosity.

When she was finally able to gather herself she went to stand up to join
the group. Knaleg grabbed her hand and held it as they both moved forward. The
men of the council surrounded Knaleg so that he was talking with them. The
females quickly surrounded her. Everyone kept looking from her to Knaleg and
the hands they held clasped between them.