Read Chosen (HMCS Borealis Book 2) for Free Online Page B

"Hello," he said.   The voice had the sound of several voices at once, in delicate harmony with each other.
    Heather stopped mid-stride, her words fading before they reached her lips. Her mug began to slip from her fingers, and she tightened her grip on it.   "Hi," she whispered.   "You're a Palani."   She realised how stupid she sounded; he probably already knew what he was.
    The white-faced young man had a beatific smile.   "I am," he said, his voice more song than speech.   He hesitated before he spoke, as if choosing his words carefully.   "I am sorry," he continued, "that you were awoken.   I did not intend to cause upset."
    She stepped in front of the couch, lowering herself to sit next to Lakshmi, who slid across the cushion to make room for her.   "Sorry, Heather," said Lakshmi.   "We didn't know what to do.   Blaine and I thought—"
    "Nah, Laks, it's good," said Heather, not taking her eyes from the blue-haired man sitting across from her.   He was still smiling, sitting upright in the big chair.   She took a sip of coffee.   "Okay," she ventured, "I'm Heather."
    "I am Elan," said the Palani.   "I have already met Lakshmi and Blaine."
    Heather's fingers were tapping on the side of her mug.   "So tell me, Elan…" she shook her head.   This was ridiculous.   "Who the fuck are you?   What are you doing here?   Why are you in our living room?"
    Elan flinched as if she'd slapped him; she knew she often spoke before thinking, and sometimes offended people as a result.   Lately she'd been trying to be more polite, but this was asking too much.   "Look," she tried again, "I'm sorry, but—"
    "No," said Elan.   Heather felt a brief flash of anger at the interruption, but chose to just glare at him while he continued.
    "I understand," he said, in his lyrical voice.   "You are right to be suspicious.   Our two peoples are not friendly to each other, though I wish it wasn't so."
    Elan made a small gesture towards the front door.   His hands were perfectly manicured, and he moved with a gentle grace.   Heather wondered if he was from a noble family.   "Last night," he said, "I landed at the starport, and crossed the street.   Yours was the only door not locked."
    Heather took a deep breath, and caught the delicate smell of citrus.   She found herself relaxing and enjoying the musical sound of his voice.   There was something about him that seemed so sincere, so inviting.   Maybe, she thought, we should at least give the guy a few minutes to tell his story.   "Fine," she said.   "Were you a stowaway?"
    Elan's brow furrowed, the first lines Heather had seen on that flawless white skin.   "I do not understand the word."
    "Were you hiding on the ship?"
    "Oh," he nodded.   "Yes."
    "Are you running away from home?   Are you in trouble?"
    He stopped a moment, before the creases on his forehead relaxed and the smile returned.   "Yes, I am running away from home.   When they discover I am gone, I will be in trouble."
    Heather's fingers stopped tapping at her mug.   She turned her head to catch Blaine's eye.   He was standing beside the couch, arms across his chest and biting at his fingernails.   "Blaine?" she asked.   "Could you please start another pot of coffee?"

    *     *     *

    When Heather went to the kitchen to get her third cup of coffee, Blaine followed her.   She could see him fidgeting, but he waited until she was done stirring before he leaned in to whisper to her.   "I want to let him stay," he said.   "But we can't, can we?   Won't we get in trouble?"
    "I don't care," she said.   "We're not going to throw the guy out."   Heather looked past Blaine and caught a glimpse of Elan sitting on the couch, talking with Lakshmi.   He seemed calm enough, she admitted to herself, but he must be terrified.   How bad were things on his homeworld?   How much trouble was he in?  It must have been terrible at home, to make him run halfway across the galactic arm to a strange planet