Man-Kzin Wars XI by Hal Colbatch (positive books to read .TXT) 📕

quietly, but the sound of a scraping knife told her Theo heard her just fine.

She threw an annoyed look over her shoulder then padded to the living room with Cebo. She took the opportunity to sit on the floor in front of the fire and finger-comb her tangled hair. When she was done, she leaned back on one arm, basking in the warmth of the fire. Small glowing orbs floated above her, helpfully providing her with light.

“How do these work?” she asked curiously, twirling a warm globe in her palm.

“They provide light and heat to anything in need,” Theo said, rummaging around the kitchen.

Jade clicked her tongue. “Thank you, Captain Obvious. I meant, how are they able to provide heat and light? On Earth, lights run on electricity that’s hardwired through the house.” She examined the delicate bubble more closely.

She turned to see him glancing between her and a floating light near his head. “The exterior of the house traps the sun’s rays and uses the energy in different parts of the house. When the orbs have used up their energy, they return to their charging stations.”

“Many people on Earth use solar power too, but we’re nowhere near this advanced yet. Is that why the outside of your house glows like that? And how do they float?” Jade had a million questions now that Theo finally seemed willing to answer her.

“Yes, that’s why the house glows, and I don’t really know how they float, just that they do.”

Cebo laid his head in her lap, and she stroked his long ears. From her position, she could see Theo in the kitchen. “How do you not know how it floats? It’s incredible!” Jade said, pushing the orb away from her.

“They’re normal here,” Theo said with a shrug. “They’ve always been present, so I never thought to question how they worked. I think it has something to do with magnets.” He concentrated on his cooking once more, adding defensively, “Do you know how every piece of technology on your planet works?”

“I suppose not,” she mumbled, trying to think of how exactly a TV worked.

Jade watched Theo in silence. He was so handsome she could sigh. His wild shoulder-length black hair was tied back at his nape with some unruly strands falling into his face. He wore it this way whenever she’d seen him working or exercising. His face with its high cheekbones, strong chiseled jaw and full lips was a mask of concentration.

Suddenly, a laugh ripped from her chest. He looked up, a question lingering in his beautiful green eyes.

No man should be this hot!

“Sorry,” she said, waving him on while still giggling. “I was just thinking about how I’m sitting in front of a fire in the most beautiful house I’ve ever seen with a dog’s head on my lap, coming off the best orgasm I’ve had in who knows how long, and watching the sexiest man I’ve ever seen making me what I assume will be some more of the greatest food I’ve ever had.” She laughed incredulously. “It’s too bad you don’t like me very much, because I could get used to this.”

Theo stared at her for long moments, an unreadable expression crossing over his face, then grunted and continued with his work.

Just when she thought he’d continue to ignore her he said, “Did you hear what Xoris told me?”

Jade laid down in front of the fireplace fully and stretched like a cat in the sun. “I walked in, and all hell broke loose. All I heard was immature male grunting and growling.”

“He expressed the same concerns I’ve been expressing.”

Jade rose to her elbows to study Theo. “He thinks I’m a spy too?”

Theo’s cold look told her what she already knew.

“I really need to meet some more Clecanian females. Apparently, the women you two are used to are way more badass than most women I know.” She flopped back down and threw her hands up in the air in front of her. “I’m done trying to convince you of anything. Believe what you want.” Under her breath, she muttered, “Way to ruin a girl’s good mood.”

Jade felt a cold stab of sadness at Theo’s news. After the events of today, she’d begun weighing the pros and cons of attempting to return to Earth. She felt more alive on this planet than she had on Earth in many years.

Yes, Earth was safe and familiar, but on Clecania there were so many new things to be excited about and to experience. Her life wouldn’t consist of work then sleep day in and day out anymore.

The last few weeks had been filled with terror, despair, anger, sadness, passion, and wonder. For the first time in a long time, Jade felt like she was living in color.

Theo was slowly but surely settling himself under her skin, but his continued suspicions made her feel like he wouldn’t want to continue to be married to her after the three-month mark, and for some inexplicable reason, that hurt.

“Dinner is ready,” Theo said setting a plate at the table.

“I’m not hungry anymore,” Jade said petulantly.

She watched him walk to the door. “Eat it when you are. I have to go out for a bit.”

Rolling to her stomach, she called, “You’re leaving again?”

“Yes. I won’t be back until late. I’m sure you can entertain yourself.” And then he was gone.

Jade sat up and stared into the fire, trying to rein in her disappointment. She gave Cebo a half grin and said, “Well, at least we know he has blue balls right now. Serves him right.”

Chapter 28

“Please come in,” Asivva said sarcastically as Theo stormed through her door without an invitation.

“What did you tell Jade?” he demanded.

She walked over to an overstuffed chair and sat instead of answering him.

Stalking over to her, he repeated, “What did you tell her?”

“It’s very nice to see you too, brother. Thank you for visiting.”

He threw his head back and let out a bark of frustration then slowly exhaled a breath. “Hello,