Serena's POV:

The house looked tidy and simple as I followed Darien. He led me down the hallway to a back bedroom that held a bed meant for one person. Darien sat on it before pulling me onto his lap and wrapping his arms around me.

I could still feel the lingering bits of tension from his earlier fight. I leaned against him to help him relax. He lay back on the bed and twisted me so that I lay on his chest. His arm draped over my waist as his other hand twirled a strand of hair that had escaped my ponytail.

He blinked languidly at me and I rested my cheek on his shoulder. He leaned his head against mine. It was more intimate than anything we had done so far, but the bond was trying to make it feel natural. I felt a bit shy, but there was no real awkwardness.

We simply lay like that for some time and I slowly felt the remaining traces of tension leave his muscles. The contact also had the same effect on me and the last of my nerves from my narrow escape faded. It was peaceful with no one else around.

I realized just how much I had missed the peace and quiet that I had grown so accustomed to over the years. Things had simply been crazy since I met Darien, yet I was still glad that he had found me.

I seriously hoped that things slowed down. If this is what people meant by excitement and adventure, then they could have it. I would rather just have quiet time with Darien without all of the drama.

I still marveled at how much I loved and depended upon the man I had met only days ago. Just the thought of it warmed my heart. Darien murmured, "I can sense your love and you have no idea how happy it makes me feel."

I blushed, "Exactly how much are you picking up? I somehow doubt that you are actually reading my mind."

He hummed lightly in thought, "Not as much as you likely think. The ability is really quite limited, although it is clearer when you are touching me. I mostly pick up strong emotions and occasionally images. I can't actually hear your thoughts though, which kind of disappoints me."

I turned my head so I could see his eyes. He could occasionally pick up images? I concentrated and brought up the memory of when I had seen him hiding in the trees from the bus window. All I could see were his glowing blue eyes. I held that image and tried to push it to the front of my mind, willing him to see it.

"Can you see what I am picturing?"

His eyes focused on mine and I knew he was trying to get a read on me. I focused solely on that image. He suddenly blinked in surprise, "So that was how you spotted me in the shadows. You weren't kidding when you said my eyes glowed. Do you still see the glow?"

I nodded, "Yes, it is always there. Every Tarulk I have seen also has glowing eyes, although they don't glow as strongly as yours. Is that something the mate bond might be responsible for?"

"That could be possible, although I have never heard of anyone ever saying that our eyes glowed."

"You are the only one I have told so far. Oh, I was talking with Alex and he told me to mention that I can sense your direction through the bond."

Darien blinked in surprise, "You can? That is strange. I can't sense that."

I nodded, "It surprised Alex too. I think it is a handy little trick." I tilted my head, "Some stories on Earth said that soulmates could speak mind to mind, is that actually possible?"

He shook his head, "No, mindspeech isn't one of the bond's abilities. It tends to respond to emotions, not thoughts."

I sighed, "Drat. That would have been handy, especially the way the last few days have gone. I practically need a cellphone with you on speed dial."

"Cellphones won't work here. For some reason, combustible engines don't work, and neither do firearms or fireworks."

I gave him an incredulous look, "Seriously?"

He shrugged, "We have tried many times. Vehicles simply don't start and almost nothing that explodes on Earth will actually do so here. There is something similar to electricity here that allows for lighting, but it is weak and we can't do much with it."

I shook my head as I tried to wrap my head around those details, "This place gets weirder all the time. At least I don't have to worry about a sniper out to get me."

I felt his muscles tense at that thought and I lightly massaged the muscles under my hand. He leaned his forehead against mine, "Just stay close to me in this place. There are many dangers on this planet."

I didn't doubt that in the least. "Sounds good to me."

Darien turned his head towards the door and gave a light growl of warning to whoever was there. I turned my head to see the hostess in our doorway with a stunned expression at the position she had found us in. Considering that Tarulk didn't like contact, the two of us must really stand out.

I blushed at her shocked gaze and shifted in Darien's arms in embarrassment. He tightened his grip so I couldn't slide off his chest as he glared at the hostess, "I hope you came here for something other than to stare at my mate and embarrass her." His tone could have caused ice to form on water.

The hostess blushed and recollected her thoughts as she stammered, "My apologies, supper will be ready shortly if you wish to join us." She fled the doorway, self-conscious at having been caught staring so rudely.

Darien turned his gaze to me and his worry was evident, "The food on this planet is quite different from Earth and I am not entirely sure what might be safe for you to eat or drink."

That was the least of my worries. I brushed my thumb along his jawline and whispered, "I can purify or make food safe with a short hum. That is one less thing for you to worry about. Hopefully, they will put the humming down to a human quirk. On a side note, just how good is the average Tarulk's hearing?"

He relaxed with that information, "Quite good. Mine is much better than theirs now, but their hearing is about three or four times better than a human's is. They won't be able to hear our whispers in here if they are in the living room, even if the house was silent. If you are in the same room, they will probably hear you hum, but don't let them bother you."

He had previously mentioned that he could hear my heartbeat from another room, but most others wouldn't be able to hear a hum if I wasn't in the same room. It was actually a relief that their hearing was not as keen as Darien's was. I grinned, "The others already think I am strange, I doubt a bit of humming is going to change their opinion any."

Darien did not find that amusing. "If they disrespect you, they will be dealing with me. They have already used up my allotment of patience for the day."

I tilted my head mischievously, "Do I have a limit too?"

I already knew the answer to that one, but the look on his face was worth the comment. He was finally amused, "You are my heart. I doubt you can ever wear out my patience." He knew that I knew that.

I closed the small gap between our faces to gently kiss his lips. He deepened the kiss and only parted when I ran out of breath. Wow. He could really kiss. Although I didn't have anyone else to compare him to. Other than Darien, I had never kissed anyone other than my parents when I was a child. Darien's eyes were tender and glowing brightly in happiness.

A voice called out from the kitchen, "Supper is ready."

That lady sure knew how to interrupt a good mood. I was a bit irritated and Darien chuckled as he slowly sat up, "As much as I agree with your annoyance, I know you haven't eaten since breakfast."

He guided me to the kitchen with his arm around my shoulder. I knew where it was, but Darien wasn't about to let go of me without a good reason. Alex and the hostess were already at the table dishing food into their plates. I didn't recognize any of the food, although that didn't surprise me.

Darien eyed up the distantly spaced chairs in disfavor and chose the one closer to Alex. He pulled me onto his lap, and I blushed at the disbelieving look the hostess sent us. Darien had done this at Nick's place all the time, so I should be used to it by now. Apparently, that day had not come yet.

Darien looked over the food as he pulled a second plate closer, "I think it is best if you avoid anything spicy, but the rest of it should be safe enough for you to eat."

Alex glanced over in worry, "I forgot to even consider that angle. Things that we regularly eat could harm a human."

Darien exhaled in frustration, "I know, but she needs to eat. I will just have to keep a close eye on what she tries."

Darien put several things on a plate before sliding it in front of me. He started dishing up a plate of his own. I started humming as quietly as I could, as if contentedly waiting for Darien before touching my own food. My humming took under ten seconds and I was done before Darien had his plate ready.

The hum had been a good idea since I had felt my magic rise and crest, so it had done something. I had kept my humming restricted to my plate and glass. It kept the song shorter since it was more limited and it wouldn't affect anyone else's food. If the hum removed a spice that was toxic to humans, then it would also change the flavor of a dish and I didn't want anyone else to suddenly question why their food tasted different.

Darien put his plate down and I took a bite of what resembled a slice of buttered bread. It had a nutty flavor to it and was quite good. I wasn't sure I liked the odd green paste, but everything else Darien had put on my plate was pretty good. Nothing on my plate had any spice at all, just some subtle flavors from herbs.

I could tell from how Darien watching me that he was trying to read my emotions as I ate. The look of faint concern and worry was evident even though I had told him that I could make the food safe for myself. It was touching, but his worry had him slightly on edge. I focused on his facial expression and pushed the image to the front of my mind when I noticed him concentrating on me again.

He blinked slowly in surprise and I knew that he had picked up the image. He finally decided to resort to words. "How is the food?"

"It is very good."

Darien relaxed slightly. I turned my attention to Alex. His bruises had almost completely faded. "You look like you are doing much better now."

Alex smiled at me, "The worst of the injuries are almost gone. I will be fine by the morning." He turned his attention to Darien, "What are your plans? No one has managed to leave this planet via a waygate and I can't see you staying in a war camp that is guarding a waygate for very long."

Darien ate with one hand, while his other arm was wrapped around my waist, "I am thinking about heading towards the Cypress Hills. If I recall correctly, there aren't many people in that area. I was also going to ask if you wanted to accompany us for some time. You are the only one I really trust with Serena, and I am not sure what to expect on the road. I can take on anything that threatens us, but I would feel better if I knew someone was keeping watch over her if I end up in a fight."

Alex nodded without hesitation, "I was actually going to offer to go with you two, at least until you get settled somewhere. People have been relocating away from the war's battle lines, so there is more crowding in most places."

The hostess commented, "The war is only going to make things more crowded as the Dranek continue to take over more territory. Most with any fighting ability tend to head to the front lines to try and slow the enemy."

Darien glared at her with a look that should have made frost appear, "Serena is not going anywhere near the fighting." The hostess ducked her head to avoid his glare as she continued to eat her food in silence.

Once we finished supper, Darien went to the living room with Alex. Darien still hadn't let go of me yet, so I came along by default. Not that I had any desire to remain with the sullen hostess.

I didn't understand most of what they were talking about. It seemed to be about locations, people, and recent events as Alex tried to bring Darien up to speed from his time trapped in the lab. The sky outside the window grew dark, although it felt much later. The day's events had tired me out.

I leaned back against Darien and closed my eyes. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep.