Once they were out of the amphitheater, Alex led Rile into the nearest bushes. She shot out in a speed-burst with him, becoming invisible. Her vision blurred into grey as she pushed herself to the limit with several more speed-bursts, knowing that it was their only chance for escape. After taking some time to recover, she used her last burst of energy to streak towards the InterSpecies Consulate where Zilik had procured her rooms. Alex staggered under Rile's weight to the ornately carved nine-foot wooden front doors.

Opening the doors, Zilik's eyes sparkled as he grinned at Alex. He offered a supportive arm to Rile and slowly escorted him across the lobby. Rile's feet dragged wearily along the marble floor to the new rooms. Zilik helped Rile sit down on the bed, arranging the pillows behind him before carefully laying him down.

"Razz was supposed to come with the first aid supplies," Zilik said. "He should have been back by now. I'll track him down and help him in case some clerk is giving him a bad time."

Once he left, Alex stepped closer, her gaze lingering on the battered body lying on the bed. She bit back a gasp at the deep gashes in his chest and snarled inwardly at the collar fused to his skin with cruel metal prongs.

"Rile," she said softly, pressing a gently glowing hand to his chest.

His swollen eye was closed, and he didn't stir, so she traced around the worst of the wounds, around the collar, and up to his face.

Eyes still closed, his lips twitched into a contented smile before he murmured, "I'm too beat up to act on how great that feels." He sighed when she stopped. "Me and my big mouth."

"Haven't you had enough of that sort of fun by now?" she asked in a tone mixed with both anger and humiliation.

He opened his eyes. "Do I look like I've been having fun?"

Alex bent her head at the correction and said meekly, "I'm sorry. No, you don't. But wasn't the sex worth playing along with them?"

"No sex," Rile said. "They couldn't force me like they do the Anolis males. Not that they didn't try."

Alex fumbled the bandages, and they scattered to the ground. Rile felt a sharp pain, but his attention was soon diverted when he felt the warmth of Alex's hands on his muzzle. He looked into her eyes, amazed at the emotion emanating from them. Her forehead gently pressed against his and he felt her silent message of love and concern overwhelming him. He covered her hands with his own, and could see a soft, golden glow emanating from their touch. He wondered if she knew she was transmitting her feelings.

Rile's throat was tight and his eyes stung when he uttered the words, "Maybe we understand each other better now." He could sense a deep-seated sorrow emanating from her, even though her face remained stone still.

She shook her head slowly and said, "I wouldn't wish that on you, Rile, or anyone. Not for any reason."

He nodded in agreement, wishing he had the right words to offer comfort but knowing that none would suffice. He knew he hadn't had it as bad as Alex. He hadn't been truly afraid of Mina, and while he was somewhat embarrassed of her attempts on him, he was angry, not shamed. So instead, he tried to send her his own silent reassurance.

She broke away, looking startled and confused, and now he was certain that she hadn't known about the shared emotions.

"You don't need to be afraid. Don't pull away." Rile's voice was soft, as close to an entreaty as it ever came.

The door banged against the wall after a perfunctory knock. Dr. Glick strode in, followed by Master Healer Guni and Razz, arms laden with bandages and a large burlap bag.

Rile could have strangled them.

"News of your remarkable combat and escape ... well ... energetic exit... is spreading like wildfire. Come, let's examine your injuries." Dr. Glick said, digging in his overflowing pockets of his brown lab coat.

Rile stared down at the tiny Gecko and asked, "Who's the little guy?"

Master Healer Guni laced his fingers together and sighed. Alex bent to whisper in his tympanum and he smiled.

"Judge me by my size, do you?" Guni asked.

Rile roared with laughter. "Only you, Alex, would teach Star Wars quotes to an alien doctor."

She gave a noncommittal shrug and a lopsided grin, her brown eyes glinting with amusement. But when she saw the collar around Rile's neck, her expression quickly sobered. "Master Healer, this is an even more vicious form of Razz's collar."

Guni leapt up onto the bed and leaned in close, his muzzle nearly brushing against the spikes. At first Rile startled at the sudden contact, but then he braced himself for the inevitable examination.

Guni stretched out a hand towards Razz without looking away from Rile's neck. "Razz," he said, "please pass me the cream in the blue crystal jar. It should be in my bag you brought in."

Razz quickly grabbed a jar from the shelf and handed it to Guni. He opened it, revealing a thick, white cream inside, with a mild, pleasant herbal odor.

"Would you please numb this wound?" Guni asked Alex politely.

"Already done," she said. "But it seems more urgent to cut this collar off. Did anyone call a metal worker?"

"Ah, but I am better prepared this time." Guni set down the jar and held out a small hand to Razz, who after only a few seconds of searching, placed metal shears in them. "Master Metal Worker Crota is a bit difficult to work with, so I will spare us his presence, at least for now. Do you need a moment to prepare yourself?" he asked Rile with true concern.

"Nah, I'm a 'do it and get it over with' kind of guy," Rile said.

The Master Healer's long, thin fingers worked with a precise lightness as he cut the collar in multiple places all around Rile's neck. Then he expertly plucked each piece of collar, spike attached, out of Rile's neck. Rile, like Razz, didn't even flinch. Guni was quick to slather cream over his neck and knife wounds. Then his nimble fingers flew over Rile's arm, belly, and legs.

"I do not feel any other wounds," he said. "Are there numbed ones I should know about?"

Rile shook his head. "That's it. Thanks, Master Healer."

In the meantime, Dr. Glick had poked and prodded Alex for injuries. At the end, Dr. Glick said, "Good, no broken bones, and no internal hemorrhaging."

The Master Healer joined Dr. Glick at Alex's side. "Do you want me to send for Master Metal Worker Crota?" The Gecko's black eyes shone with amusement and his smile was kind. At Alex's uncertain look, he said, "Perhaps in the morning."

Razz touched the doctor's arm inquiringly.

"Yes, yes, they are cleared for the traditional bath," Dr. Glick answered and turned to leave.

"Excellent idea." Master Healer Guni packed his things in his bag. "Just remember to reapply the ointments to their wounds."

"Bath?" Alex squeaked.

"Absolutely. Antiseptic for the wounds and medicinal for the contusions. Excellent remedy. Enjoy." Dr. Glick waved.

"Let us visit an excellent tavern that serves an excellent ale and meat pie," Guni said to Glick. "I would love to compare notes."

The two walked out together. After a brief disappearance, Razz fidgeted nervously as he approached Alex and Rile, holding two plush robes. He bowed low before them and offered the garments with an outstretched arm.

They both accepted them, looking confused.

"Put them on, please, mistress," Razz said in a soft voice. As they tied the sashes of the robes around their waists, Razz explained with regret, "You must remove your clothing first."

Alex held the robe close to her body as if it were a shield.

"Mistress?" Rile quirked an eye-ridge at Alex.

"I told him to use my name, but he insists on that word," Alex said, clutching the robe even tighter.

"Please, it is traditional for the warrior and the mate she has won to enjoy the ceremonial bath. in the nude together." Razz looked anxiously between the two.

"Okay, I'm done." Alex untied the belt of her robe, letting it drop off her shoulders to the ground..

Razz pleaded with his friends, desperation filling his voice. "It's for your own good. You heard what the healers said. Won't you at least try the modesty bath?" He handed them sets of clothing that resembled bathing suits, and then pointed to a set of doors.

Rile said cheerfully, "Sure!"

Razz's dark eyes softened with encouragement as he ushered Rile through one door and Alex through the other. "Please, when you have changed, exit the other door to the bathing chamber. Do you require any assistance?"

"No," was the joint reply.

***

Rile and Alex stepped into the chamber, their eyes adjusting to the warm, orange glow that illuminated the room. The pool before them was foamy, its surface churning from whatever concoction Razz had placed inside. Aromatic herbs permeated the air, mixed with a hint of antiseptic and something cleaner, fresher, like a balm for the soul.

"Rile, you first. I'll go in when you're done." Alex held her robe closed with tight fingers.

"No, no, you must enter together," Razz fussed.

Rile chucked off his robe and slipped into the pool. "It's fabulous, Alex, come in."

"No thanks, I'm good."

"Please, you must." There was no fussiness in Razz's voice now. "This solidifies your claim on your new mate. You would not want that claim nullified by the Kuni, would you?"

Alex clutched the edges of her luxurious robe and, eyes closed, slowly began to pull it open. As the soft fabric brushed her shoulders, goosebumps raced across her skin. She stepped forward into the warm water, its heat radiating through her body as she submerged herself up to her neck.

"AAAaaa!" Alex jumped as Razz's hand touched her shoulder. Her face contorted in surprise, and Razz quickly withdrew, an expression of shame crossing his features.

"I am sorry," he said meekly. "I only meant to clean your wounds."

He looked so pitiful that Alex softened and replied, "That's okay."

Rile's lips were curled into a mischievous smirk, eyes twinkling with delight. He leaned in closer and said, "Maybe I should do it."

"Of course, now that you have entered the bath, I shall leave you alone to tend each other." Razz apparently caught Rile's enthusiasm.

"No! No... I mean... you do it. You're more experienced," she stammered, sinking further into the comforting warmth of the water.

***

The combination of fatigue, a warm bath, and skillful massaging by Razz overcame Alex's apprehension, and she relaxed. "I'm never coming out," she declared.

"Yes, some wish to consummate the tie with a new mate in the bath," Razz stated.

"I'm out!" Alex jumped out of the pool, her feet scrambling for traction on the wet floor. She dashed for the door of the changing room, again covering her bare chest with her arms.

Rile and Razz stared after her, eyes wide with surprise and admiration.

"She is unlike any warrior I have ever known," Razz said in a hushed tone.

"Alex is unique," Rile agreed with a grin.

"She is most kind," Razz sighed, earning an evaluating look from Rile. "Come. Let me show you the sleep chamber." Razz climbed out of the pool, grabbed a towel, and offered it to him.

As Alex entered the chamber, she felt like she had been transported to a mystical realm. The room was designed to look like a natural cave, with rough-hewn stone walls and uneven floors. A small waterfall cascaded into a serene pond at one end of the chamber, surrounded by lush green plants. The crackling flames from a massive fireplace made of dark rocks illuminated the opposite end of the space. The centerpiece was a massive bed, carved from dark wood and surrounded by plush pillow. It was underneath a ceiling fresco painted to look like a starry night sky.

"Your new victory will join you when she is ready," Razz said.

"I'm not ready," Alex's voice sang out.

"Remember what I said about your claim being nullified?" Razz called back, mimicking her sing-song tone.

Rile grinned at him. The door opened and Alex entered, looking a trifle sullen.

A mischievous light twinkled in Razz's eyes as he tilted his head, sending a tingle of warmth through Alex that she had grown to adore. "What reputation does this male have that gives a warrior such as yourself pause?" he asked with an amused smirk.

Is Razz teasing or genuinely curious? Probably both.

She gave him a mock glare out of sheer amusement before sweeping him from the room with a playful flick of her wrist. As she turned around, she found Rile sprawled on the bed in stifled laughter.

Rile's eye-ridges wriggled in a suggestive dance, and his fingers traced lazy circles down her arm. "Come and take me, oh victorious one."

She playfully swatted his hand away. "Oh, stop it," she scolded, though the smile on her face betrayed her amusement. "Did you ask Razz to say that?"

"Nope." Rile sat up, took her hand, and pulled her down to the bed. "Don't you want to, even a little?" Rile's posture was rigid with anticipation as he waited for Alex to answer. His gaze didn't waver from her face.

"What I want is irrelevant," Alex said, pulling the words out with force as if to make them more true.

But Rile countered, "Not to me," and then everything became still.

For a few moments they just looked at each other, until Alex eventually said in a soft whisper "It's irrelevant because I don't act on what I want".

Not anymore. Nothing but a world of hurt by following my heart.

"You should."

Alex held Rile's gaze, the frustration and fear in her eyes clear. "Rile, if I'm going to do this, I'll do it right."

"Yes!"

Her chest rose and fell as she took a deep breath, gathering her strength before continuing. "I meant that if this is what I decide, I'll tell Gabe face to face. Break it off formally. Cleanly. Officially. No cheating behind his back."

Rile's expression was one of desperation. He spoke quickly, his voice begging her to act. "Fine, fine. But act now and talk later. He's away. He's busy."

Alex exhaled sharply, her annoyance evident in the sound she made. She pulled back from him slightly and asked with a raised eyebrow, "Are you listening to what I'm saying?"

He met her gaze with a hint of tenderness in his eyes. "Yes. You said yes." His hands cupped her cheeks, gently stroking them as he drew her closer and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

She melted into it for several long minutes. She discovered that despite the different shapes of their mouths, his lips were warm and soft and conformed to hers with gentle pressure. She flashed back to Morgan's abuse, his wet blubbery lips plastered on her mouth, his slobber smeared over her chin. She blinked back tears and pushed away, heart pounding and lips tingling.

"My first Agama kiss," she said. "So much better than a human's."

Rile smiled down at her and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I can't tell you what that means to me."

Alex blushed up to the roots of her hair. "Sorry, that can't have been nice for you. I'll make it to you later, after all this."

Gabe was smart to never kiss me. Guess that's why he's the clan and team leader.

Rile's smile creased into a frown. "Why do you say that?"

"Simple logic. Agama kisses are spectacular. Human kisses are disgusting. I know the difference. But it doesn't matter. I can't do anything with you. Not now," Alex said, full of regret.

I've made my deal with Gabe and the devil of pragmatism. Time to pay in pain.

The door creaked open, and Razz shuffled in, his slightly bowed head bent towards the ground. His pale hands wrung together as he asked quietly, "Mistress, please."

Startled, they both looked over at him.

"Mistress, why are you stopping?" Razz looked more distressed than ever, his black eyes full of misery.

"Yeah, why?" Rile echoed.

Alex shot him a glare. "Because I am pledged to Gabe."

"So?" Razz clasped his hands together, expression blended between confusion and pain.

Rile wisely did not echo that 'so?'

Alex grimaced as he uttered the word 'mate', her voice tight and strained. She couldn't bring herself to meet Razz's gaze, instead looking off to one side in shame.

Razz stared at Alex, incredulous. "Because of Gabe you deny yourself this one? And me?" His voice was heavy with disbelief.

"Yes, now you know. Case closed." Alex turned her back on Rile.

"Then is not this Gabe supposed to deny himself as well?" Razz said.

"Yes," said Rile quickly.

"I don't want to hear this," Alex warned.

"But you are free, mistress. He and Cla—" he started, but Alex raised a hand to stop him, tears pricking at the edges of her eyes. She dropped her head into her hands and groaned softly in despair.

Rile slowly wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his hide cool against hers. She felt a wave of reassurance pass through her as she leaned into him, the comforting embrace of a friend.

"Please, mistress." Razz knelt and clung to her leg. "I did not mean to hurt you. I only want you to be happy. This one loves you and I think that you love him. A warrior's life is uncertain. Tomorrow may hold only death for you. Do not wait for one who has abandoned you for another."

"Are you thinking of something that will get me killed tomorrow? While I don't mind the sound of it, it might upset Rile," Alex said, stroking Razz's back. She knew that he wouldn't turn loose of her until he was reassured. "There are more important things lining up to kill me, like the revolution."

"I would not do that." Razz's small body shook with his emphatic denial. "But your enemies are many, and some are very skilled."

Alex slumped her shoulders in despair and uttered her objection in a bleak voice. "So skilled I'm unable to defeat them."

Rile sighed that clearly Alex's mood had soured at even an oblique mention of Cla.

Razz's grip tightened around Alex's leg. "Yes, mistress, I hope you never have to face that one again."

"Razz, please let go of my leg. You're making me feel—"

"Awkward? Embarrassed? Really tall?" Rile teased.

"Silly. I feel silly." Alex helped Razz to a sitting position next to her, her hands warm around his cold wrists. "We're a sorry-looking trio. All beat up and no place to go. Let's lie down and put this bed to good use."

"Finally." Rile fell backward and bounced on the mattress.

"To sleep. To sleep," Alex growled.

"Killjoy," Rile said.

"I can stay?" Razz's question was full of wonder.

"I did mention we were sleeping," Alex said grumpily. "Rile's species has the same group bed concept as yours, Razz."

"Where do you want me?" Razz asked in all eagerness.

"I call shotgun," Rile said.

Before Alex could react, Rile leaped forward and looped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. In one swift movement, he yanked her down onto the bed. With a soft thud, Razz landed beside her, sandwiching Alex between them in an intimate hug. She whimpered in protest, but felt safe in the embrace.

"Sleep," she grumbled, hating herself for replaying her first and only Agama kiss in her mind, and for longing for another one.

***

Hours later, Razz's eyes fluttered open to find the room bathed in a warm, soft light. He raised his head and saw that it was emanating from Alex, who lay sleeping beside him. She had a peaceful glow about her that infused him with a warm happiness he hadn't felt since childhood. Only long years of practicing stealth kept him from jumping up. He saw Rile watching him from the other side of Alex.

"Don't wake her up," Rile warned in a low voice.

"What is it?"

Rile shrugged, and the movement made Alex stir. She stirred, and they both froze in place until her breathing smoothed out again.

"I don't know exactly," Rile whispered. "But you can never mention it to her."

"Why not? Does it hurt her? Drain her?"

Rile quickly shook his head and spoke in a low voice. "Not at all. It, uh, only embarrasses her that she doesn't have full control. You know how self-conscious she is. She'll be mortified if she knew you knew." He paused for a moment before adding, "And trust me, you won't be sleeping here again if she finds out." she is. She'll never let you sleep here again if she knew that you knew."

Razz sensed that Rile was withholding information, but he nodded anyway. "I am no fool. There has been precious little happiness in my life and I can keep a secret. If you swear it does not hurt Alex."

"I swear."

The two of them shifted closer to Alex, leaning into the warmth of her body. Soon, the steady rhythm of their breathing filled the room, and they drifted off to sleep.

As the golden light that surrounded Razz and Rile faded away, Razz slowly climbed out of bed. He looked at Alex and caressed her cheek gently before turning to Rile. "It is not safe to be out after the third night watch." His voice was firm but oozed with empathy as his gaze lingered on her sleeping form for a moment longer. "I will be back before then. I wish you luck."

"She's exhausted from the day," Rile looked down at Alex. "I wouldn't wake her up, especially just for my pleasure."

"Still, remember, I will be back by the third night watch."

***

Razz pounded down the hallway, trying to return to the bedchamber before the guards of the third watch caught him. He fumbled with the heavy iron door handle and slipped into the bedchamber just in time. As he moved to sneak into bed, Rile's form was tensed and ready, a short dagger glinting in moonlight spilling in from the window. When Razz bumped Alex, her eyes cracked open with confusion.

The grogginess vanished and her own dagger was in her hand when one of the guards, a Draconinae, flung open the door.

"What's going on?" Alex demanded and sat up, looking around wildly.

"We're following an intruder. I thought he came in here," the Draconinae said.

Without warning, Alex plucked a dagger from beneath her pillow and threw it with deadly accuracy. It embedded itself just an inch away from the guard's head. Her face reddened as she rose to her feet. "What does a female have to do for privacy to enjoy her new mates?" she roared.

The guard apologized and excused himself quickly, pushing his partner away from the door.

Having a planet full of domineering females can be handy sometimes.

Alex waited until the guard's footsteps were long gone. "What's going on, Razz?" she whispered.

"I was trying to help," Razz said.

"Help who?"

Razz considered a minute before telling a partial truth. "Rile. I wanted to give him time alone with you."

Alex growled in frustration.

"You're not helping my cause now." Rile's dry tone was full of suspicion.

Alex flopped back onto the bed, her every limb heavy with fatigue. She pulled a pillow over her head and groaned. "Sleeping. We are supposed to sleep. We were sleeping. We are going back to sleep. Nothing else. Do I make myself clear?"

Maybe I can smother myself, or at least the dreams of spectacular kisses.

****

A/N

Thanks to IanReeve216

who noticed I published this chapter in the wrong book -- whoops!