Chapter Eleven

Kissing him deeply, Kayla, pushed her tongue into his mouth moaning gently as he sucked it in.  Her fingers played with his nipples as she grabbed his hair and deepened the kiss trying to transmit all her desires and feelings. After ravaging his mouth she pulled back running her lips past his neck, nipping at his collarbone.  She wanted to make him moan in ecstasy, lose control in desire and shake in passion like he made her do.

She flicked her tongue over his nipple, as her hands journeyed down toward the erection pressing urgently against her stomach.  She had an overwhelming feeling and  wanted to taste him.  She wanted to pleasure him more than anything.  Running her hands over the steel of his abs she followed with her lips.  His muscles contracted as she glided her hands over the silk of his skin. She heard her name whispered on a sigh above her while her wet mouth trailed behind her hands. She wanted to swallow that sigh, she wanted all of him; it was driving her crazy.

Kissing, licking and biting her way down she'd arrived to her destination.  Slowly lifting the band of his dove gray shorts Kayla planted a full kiss on the tip.  She smiled as she heard him gasp and felt his body tense up a little.  Swiping her tongue round the tip she tasted his desire. Dipping her tongue into the slit she heard Lucas  moan.  She slowly pulled the shorts down  and exposed him, running her tongue from tip to base.  She played with his tight balls as she left wet kisses, along his entire lengthbefore she slowly sucked him into her mouth. She took him in inch by thick inch until she felt him hit the back of her throat, using her hands to massage   what didn't fit comfortably. Leisurely, she pulled her head back using her hands to toy with his girth  she laved the prize in her hands.  She paid homage to him, gently yet urgently massaging him, her mouth encasing him, her tongue tasting him.

She could feel him responding, his breathing hitched; his moans got louder. He grabbed the back of her head forcing her down while he pushed his hips up, pushing himself down her throat.  She gently attempted to push back but as time passed the pressure of his grip increased along with his thrusts. As he got closer his moans became louder and every movement was urgent.   Kayla tried to relax her throat.

As his moans became more anxious.  She was running her hands from his abs to his thighs and over his lean hips dragging her nails along his skin. He held her head in place thrusting swiftly and deeply in her mouth. After several minutes, his movements became jerky and the hands that gripped her hair flexed and pulled her even closer.  Moments later she felt his body stiffen and jerk, he was gagging and suffocating her in his pleasure.  She tried to pull back a little but his grip didn't allow for it.  After several more thrusts she felt him expand before exploding directly down her throat.  Lack of air caused tears to form as he held her steady. She had no choice but to swallow every drop as she tried not to gag or bite him.

She could taste him in her mouth.  His body shook and his breath came in gasps. Pushing back against him again he finally released his grip, allowing her to withdraw him  from her mouth.  Coughing and trying to catch her breath she leaned back. After her breathing returned to normal she gave his semi-erect length a few licks and smirked when it danced for her.  Slowly she moved up his body stopping briefly to nip at his golden abs, before sucking on his nipples.  When she reached his neck she licked and bit the skin. Lucas groaned and pulled her up towards his mouth.  Dodging his delectable lips she kissed him first on one and then the other cheek, before looking into fathomless midnight blue eyes.

Kayla's eyes flew open. She had a fine sheen of sweat on her face. She was also embarrassingly wet between her legs and gasping alone in her bed.  Her eyes darted around her room before she looked out the, now curtained, window to see that it was still dark outside.  She gazed at the twin moons for a few seconds.  Dropping the cream and tan curtain she ran her shaking hands over her face.

She walked in a daze to the bathroom, grabbed a cup from the sink and ran water into it. She again noted the bruising around her neck still hadn't healed even though five weeks had passed. And the dreams?  They were getting more debauched with each passing night.  She gulped the water into her parched mouth before heading back to her bed.  Closing her eyes she could only pray to the gods that the dreams would stop. They were starting to affect her waking moments.  Before dozing back off she could swear she tasted him on her lips.

--------

Jacob watched his friend’s eyes as Kayla entered the dining room with Ebony.  He noticed she had dark circles under her beautiful brown eyes.  Jacob grinned from ear to ear  while he watched Lucas frown.

Turning to Jacob Lucas snapped "What?" A little too loudly. Today's inconspicuous spot had been located by the other students.  

Sighing Jacob rolled his eyes.  He could see the flames of frustration in Lucas’ eyes and knew Kayla couldn't dismiss or avoid Lucas. But lately she seemed to withdraw into herself whenever he was there.    Whenever he spoke to her, her eyes stayed focused on a spot over his shoulder or on his forehead; Jacob would look on as he’d try to get her to make eye contact but she'd drop her head as soon as their eyes  met, her lovely caramel skin flushing.  She kept her answers so short and concise that both he and Lucas gave up asking questions.

Jacob remembered when Lucas told him about the night from the trials; he could believe Lucas ignored her protests since it wasn't the first time he’d done it.  But what he couldn't believe was Lucas planned to do it again. He'd known him his whole life, Lucas didn't sleep with the same person twice and he definitely didn't drink from every woman he bedded.  He'd dismiss his playmates from his mind as soon as he finished and never once looked back or felt remorse.

Jacob was wondering if he was watching the downfall of the Great Lucas Sinclair, woman slayer.  Had Lucas found his first paramour, a lover he wanted to keep?

Jacob watched again as Lucas followed her with his eyes. Amused he turned his gaze and smirked when he saw Ebony looking their way.  He had to admit that after she gained a few pounds and got rid of that awful purple hair she was pretty.  She and Kayla were an exotic pair. A lot of the males at the school were starting to lust after them. He'd heard Ebony had dates almost every night while Kayla had turned down every offer.

Kayla was no longer treated as a pariah thanks to Lucas and Jacob's 'friendship’. Still  to some people of the Alliance the Nah'Bye would never gain complete acknowledgement.  They were weak and peace-minded; they'd left the Alliance saying that those in charge didn't know how to engage other planets diplomatically. They only knew how to take what they wanted through intimidation and horrible wars.   Both statements were true but the Alliance didn't like that the Nah’Byians voiced their unwanted opinion.  But now the Alliance wanted Nah'Bye and was trying to acquire it using peaceful tactics.  Nah'Bye would join as a neutral planet.

-------

Ebony looked over to where a loud voice had come from and she realized that Lucas had just revealed their position behind a row of fragrant lilac bushes.  She tried to keep her expression impassive as she looked at both handsome Ah'Tarians.  She knew if she wasn't careful she'd lose her place on Jigu like Gloria Dean had.  Gloria knew, like she did, that Jacob's interest in her had to do with Kayla and had kept trying to use the knowledge to her advantage.  After three weeks Gloria was expelled from the Academy and sent home in disgrace.  Jacob didn't just have her removed from his presence he'd shamed her and her family.  She heard they  had moved to the outlands.

Glancing away she looked at her friend and like always she worried. No one could protect Kayla from them.  Over the past nine days Kayla's beautiful caramel skin had lost its glow and she'd noticed that her eyes always looked troubled.  After getting food and sitting by the picture window she watched as Kayla pushed her eggs around her plate.

Setting her toast down, she quickly glanced to where Lucas and Jacob sat hoping they wouldn't make their daily appearance.  "What's wrong, Kayla?" she asked fully concerned as she looked at the dark circles under her eyes.

Kayla looked into Ebony's violet eyes and smiled dimly, "Nothing.  I like your hair like that."

"That's crap and we both know it," came a blunt reply.  Ebony's hand did touch her hair though.   It was back to its natural color, black with blue highlights.

Kayla stared at Ebony as she bit into a slice of toast and mimicked her before saying, "I keep having disturbing dreams."  She confessed close to tears.

“Go on,” Ebony prompted.

As if a dam burst Kayla began talking. “I’ve been having them for weeks and I’m  starting to feel overwhelmed.  I don’t even dream about my family anymore. He,” she looked over to Lucas and quickly looked back down at her plate. “He’s all I’ve been seeing. It’s been that way since the Trials of Despair.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Ebony began. “He’s a good looking guy.”

“But I’m betrothed. I don’t even want to think of the debt my family would have to pay and all they would lose if it doesn’t happen.  I know sleeping with Lucas would only lead to disgrace.  

Ebony frowned while she thought of Gloria again then stared at Kayla fork poised to enter her mouth and said in disbelief, "You’re having nightmares?"  Ebony thought they both were too old to be letting nightmares keep them up and stress them out.

Kayla looked seriously, "Every night, I have dreams of having sex."

Ebony stared waiting for Kayla to continue telling her about the horrifying sex dreams, amusement lit her eyes violet eyes but she tried hard to appear serious.

Kayla continued not realizing Ebony's silence wasn't out of concern but more out of amusement, "I've seen what happens. I’ll be disowned and will have to leave Nah'Bye.  Permanently.”

Ebony tried not to choke on her vanilla honeysuckle tea as she stated casually, "You talk about sex as if you've never had it."  Ebony watched Kayla's expression and in a louder voice than she intended said, "How is it possible you've never had sex?"

Ebony's exclamation brought the dining hall to a stuttering stop as all eyes swung to their table.  Kayla looked mortified as she gazed at Ebony before standing and running out of the dining hall. “Kayla! Wait! I’m sorry!” But Kayla was long gone.

-----

Kayla couldn't believe Ebony. She was mortified.  Tears streamed down her face as she rushed to the elevator to return to her room.  When what felt like hours passed she ran up the stairs as quickly as her legs would carry her.  Breathless after running she smashed her ID against the reader and walked into her room.  At that time she knew she needed her brother beside her and cried.

She hadn’t cried since leaving Nah'Bye.  She became aware of how much she missed her friends and family.  Since being on Jigu she hadn't spoken to them; Kayla missed waking up in her own bed and listening to her father Clarence Ward, tell the same stories every morning.  She missed Jael-Quin's gaerim jim: a steamed fluffy egg casserole that had pieces of onions, green peppers and sausage in it.  She missed her twin brother and sister, Zero and Zahar. Their birthday was soon approaching and she wouldn't be there to celebrate with them.  Mostly, she missed her brother Kaelen.

Kaelen had taken after their mother and upon first glance wouldn't pass as a Nah'Byian. He had an olive complexion, hazel green eyes, and at 5'11 he was definitely attractive, all the girls in the village loved him.  But unlike the other men of Nah'Bye he didn't have broad shoulders and bulging muscles. He had a more slim studious build that befitted more of a scholar.  However, Kaelen did work the fields with her father on a regular basis.

Kayla smiled as she thought about her brother.  She missed sparring with him in the abandoned outbuilding behind the main house.  She looked toward the tablet she'd thrown on the desk and  walked over to it sniffling.  She wanted to talk to her brother but knew the thing only communicated with staff, faculty and students.  Outside calls had been banned before her arrival. With a tissue she wiped the snot  running down her nose and  pressed a few buttons for Orchid Sinclair.  She watched as the black screen lit up and Orchid's face appeared.

Orchid looked at the swollen and puffed face girl in distaste but knew  she had to be polite or Lucas would make her pay dearly for it.  Pasting a smile on her face she asked  in a false concerned voice, "Makayla?  What's wrong?"

Kayla stared at the screen knowing this fourth year had the  ability to help her, "Orchard," she started, "I want to dial someone off world.   Can you help me?"

Kayla watched in satisfaction as Orchid’s face twisted up for a second. Then with sickly sweet smile formed on her face she said , "You can come into the main building and set up in the communications room."

Smiling dully, Kayla thanked Orchid and disconnected the communication.  Sighing she felt better and  knew talking to her brother would help.  With a smile, she went to the bathroom and washed her face. Then,  ignoring her growling stomach, she went to her first class.

---

Back in the cafeteria, Jacob watched as Kayla left. With no humor he said "I doubt she'd be happy to know she wasn't a virgin anymore."  With that he stood up and strolled toward the food station knowing this would take everyone’s attention off of what had just happened.

Jacob stared at Lucas in concern. His dark blue eyes paled and anyone that glanced his way would have seen it. There was no secret about their eyes being able to change. They were Ah'Tarian, members of the elite with power levels above 90%.  He didn't want Lucas to give a classmate or their fine arts teacher a heart attack thinking they'd angered him.  Standing abruptly  exited with a backwards glance at Lucas indicating he should follow.

Lucas sighed and followed Jacob to the hallway.  He smirked as a teacher stepped back grabbing the wall for support when she passed by..

"So, did you want to tell me or should I go ask Orchid?"

Jacob was a master at interrogation and Orchid wouldn't have stood a chance.  Last time he'd asked Orchid a simple question they'd found out a lot more about her than either of them wanted to know.  A while back Jacob had asked her the rumor about her dating a diplomat from Valox.  By the time Jacob had finished she was in tears and they'd known every detail of her dating and sex life for the past five years.  He smirked as he thought back to her huddled, crying form in the corner asking for him to leave her alone.

"Orchid wanted me to know that Kayla called crying wanting to speak to someone off world," came Lucas’ ice cold response.

Jacob knew Lucas would go into Kayla’s mind. He could sense it and everytime he did he saw a slender Rayian with a fair olive complexion, close cropped dark hair and hazel green eyes.  When Lucas had told him Jacob also knew he didn't like that she had fond and loving memories of playing and sparring with this mystery man.  He assumed this person was her betrothed and had wanted to go through her every memory destroying thoughts of him but Jacob told him he'd probably kill her.

Jacob thought on this news for a few minutes before having an idea, "Why don't we walk her over to the main building?"

Lucas smiled. “You’re just full of good ideas.

Jacob was sure Lucas had lost his reasoning when it came to Kayla.  He actually felt sorry for her as she was toyed with by Lucas over and over again. Turning on his heel, he started toward the stairs, "Kayla's class is on the third floor.  Let's go get her now."

Lucas shrugged and casually walked after Jacob humming as he went to go and retrieve Kayla so she could ring someone off world.  

Jacob flinched inwardly when he heard Lucas humming the Ah'Tarian anthem. Every time he hummed it something disastrous happened.  When they were kids there was the incident with the fire at the formal ball. Next was  The Ollyum debacle when he and Lucas were on a peaceful and friendly assignment with their fathers to acknowledge the new leader of their council. He and Lucas had slept with every councilmen's wife and daughter and, in one case, even a mother.  

The new head had got upset, complained to their fathers. He was  mysteriously found dead the next day of am apparent suicide. Then there was the incident that had them shipped to the Academy. Lucas had decapitated a diplomat and slaughtered his whole family before Jacob could peacefully settle the situation.  He assumed he didn't make the situation any better when he'd killed all the guy's bodyguards, but in his defense they had tried to attack Lucas.  Since coming to the Academy a few more things had happened but nothing that couldn't be swept away by Anthony.

Jacob walked into Kayla's fine arts class and went directly to the teacher who was lecturing on the ancient mysteries of Atlantis.  As he smiled at the teacher speaking in hushed tones, a rosy blush appeared on her cheeks. She nodded and started to stroke the arm he had placed on the desk.  

After several minutes with the whole class watching she placed her palm on Jacob's hand held, so that he had her personal contact information, and stood up.  Jacob turned on his heel and exited the silent classroom.

"Makayla Ward, you are wanted in the main office.  Please take your device and leave," said the fine arts teacher before sitting down again, acting like she'd never flirted with the young man and went back to her lecturing.

Kayla looked toward the door Jacob had  just exited wearily. With a sigh, she slowly got up,  grabbed her hand held,  and walked out the class.  She turned to see Jacob's still smiling face and Lucas leaning against the wall. When he looked Jacob watched her she quickly drop her head not wanting to make eye contact.

Lucas scowled and  pushed himself away from the wall and asked coldly, "You wanted to dial someone?"

Kayla's head whipped up and her eyes collided with Lucas.  “I'd hoped Orchid wouldn't say anything to anyone. But  I suppose there’s  no real reason to think she wouldn't.  

Jacob looked on as she didn’t move, just stood there and stared into his eyes.  She shivered but couldn't look away from those eyes. Right when Jacob thought he’d have to step in yet again Lucas’ gaze turned  gentle and started to darken as he looked into Kayla's eyes. They could both see she had dark circles under eyes. Her face looked drawn and the normal carefree expression she wore was replaced by  worry. Her normally vibrant eyes looked listless, her hair was dull and she seemed so sad.  Stepping toward her he reached out and touched her face gently.

Jacob hoped this would be a good thing as he watched Lucas grab Kayla by the arm firmly before doing the hikaru no sokudo step and moving to a different location.  Jacob stepped nonplussed as he had a feeling where Lucas went. Sighing and dragging his hand through his hair he headed to the main building.  He was confident Lucas would take her there, her sad face even tugged on  his heartstrings.

------

“That was quick.” Kayla looked around once they were standing in front of the main building which was usually a brisk 20 minute walk from the fine arts building.  “I  asked Brian, if I could be taught how to do the step after class one day.  He started training me. He said I’m  not that powerful but I'm strong enough.  Right now I can do a five foot step, Beibī Suteppu.  But Brian says  he can step up to 500 yards.”

“Well we just stepped about 1800 yards,” Lucas said

"Wow," exclaimed Kayla excited as she stared at Lucas's forehead. "That's amazing!"  She was so giddy about the hikaru no sokudo she didn't even notice that Jacob had just appeared less than three feet away.  With an enthusiasm he hadn't seen in days she started to ask Lucas questions about extending her stepping capabilities. Kayla was caught off guard when Lucas smiled as she happily rattled off questions while dancing in place.  

When he visited her at night he took her body, blood and sometimes looked into her mind before making her recollection foggy and dream like. In the weeks that he'd known her, not during the days or nights, had they'd spoken like friends.

"I'll help you from now on," came Lucas's reply. He was so happy he did because the smile she presented him took his breath away.  It was at that moment Lucas realized  he wanted to befriend Kayla and not just use her body.  He wanted to get to know everything he could about her. He knew that he needed to play nice so that she'd drop her guard around him and come to trust him.   With that trust he would be able to have all of her.

Lucas had the knowledge and skills that would made him a good trainer but he lacked qualities that were necessary such as patience, understanding, empathy, patience, positive attitude or patience.  He'd once been asked to train recruits in the Ah'Tarian military and every recruit had left, accepting shame being placed on their name.  Not one of them could handle being under Lucas, they'd said he was a monster and a bloodthirsty tyrant and coming from Ah'Tarians that's something.

Skipping toward the main office, Lucas could see Kayla felt happy and excited.

-----

Orchid looked up as the bells above the door rang and sighed.  She hated those bells with a passion and couldn't wait until she was able to leave the Academy.  Her time to leave was drawing near meaning she'd soon be used to strengthen unity but she didn't care.  Once released from the Academy and off Jigu, she'd gain freedom.  She'd been placed in the Academy at a young age and with the arrival of her cousin and his friend the strictness intensified ten-fold.  

Orchid scowled as Kayla happily skipped up to Orchid's desk.  Kayla was beyond happy she  could ring her brother and she was going to get help learning the hikaru no sokudo.  She couldn't wait to book training time in the dorm's training room.

"You came quickly," said Orchid in an overly sweet, yet snide voice.

"Yes, Lucas and Jacob, came to escort me."  Stated Kayla turning so that Orchid could see both Jacob and Lucas standing outside the door.

Orchid, winced hoping Lucas didn't hear her.  She didn't know why either were so interested in the half-breed fat cow but she guessed Lucas was finally understanding what being a diplomat meant.  Standing she showed Kayla to a small, five by five foot, room that was next door to President's Office. Twisting a silver handled knob she opened the door; inside the dimly lit room was a chair, table and communication device that was capable of dialing off Jigu.

"Thank you," whispered Kayla as she hurried to the device.

Orchid closed the door behind her and turned to see Jacob and Lucas both standing at her desk waiting for her.  She wondered vaguely, what would happen if she ran away from them.  Shaking her head she dismissed the thought of running away and walked over to her desk.  Pressing a few buttons she linked her system to the device in the communications room.

------

They watched as Kayla pressed her palm against the reader and as the screen lit up, "Makayla Aubree Ward."  She stated her name clearly as she watched the screen, removing her hand she smiled as she thought of her brother.  "Connect to Nah'Bye, code 118991," she stated her brother's code and hoped he was able to pick up.

After the screen flashed, blacked out and flashed once more, her brother's image appeared on the screen. Tears swelled in Kayla's eyes as she looked at her big brother's face.  Touching the screen Kayla could feel her heart bursting with pain as she ran her fingers longingly over the display.

"Kaelen," she started on a sob.

"I see you've reached your limit," came a warm deep voice.  "Dad said you wouldn't be able to hold out until break and I bet him you would.  I've lost two royals," he said jokingly.  

Kayla smiled through her tears as she saw her brother's hazel green eyes twinkling at her from the display.

"How is everyone?  Are you eating?  How are the talks of joining the Alliance?  Have you lost weight?"  Kayla rattled off her questions so quickly she didn't even give her brother a chance to answer at first.

When she finally stopped to breathe he laughed, "I'm fine, love."  He continued in a serious yet kind voice, "Talks with the Alliance are tedious.  They are more diplomatic than we thought they'd be but they still rule with a militia style. Even as a neutral planet they ask for us to have at least five Ah'Tarian military bases.  Dad is unsure about their demands saying they could take over at any time if we allow them to have so many.  But the others on the council want to join the Alliance at any cost.  They say we have a surplus of land, produce and natural minerals that are wanted and until we are recognized by the Alliance we cannot sell to any Alliance governed planet."

Kayla nodded. It was common knowledge that even after the Bloody Wars the Alliance, ruled by the Ah’Tarians, continued to acquire planets through whatever means necessary.  Up until recently there were only two neutral planets but in the past three years that number increased to four.  The only planets not affected were known as the outlands.

He continued to speak when he saw she wasn't going to cut him off, "I don't think I've lost weight, Mia."  Saying that he raised his bicep, flexed the muscle and kissed it. He looked at her with a smile and continued. "As a matter of fact, I've gained weight according to some.  Also, no more farming for me everyday. It's time I learned more about being the heir to a Council seat”

Kayla choked on her emotions as she looked lovingly at her brother, "That's great!  I love you so much!  I miss you so much!"  Her tears had started again.

He stared at her with eyes starting to fill with worry, "How's school, Mia?" She shook her head as more tears and emotions flooded her. She didn't want to talk about school anymore.  She wanted to listen to her brother tell her about his every hour, minute and second since she'd left. Sighing, his fingers splayed on the screen, "How could I spoil you to the point that you'd become useless?"  He asked half-jokingly, half seriously.  "Don't be like that, please.  Tell me about school."  He stated the last in a voice that let her know she was causing him needless pain.

Hiccupping Kayla brushed her tears away, "Tell me honestly?  What would happen if I decided I wanted to leave the Academy and come back home to you?"

Kaelen stared at his sister. “I’d be surprised.”  Pulling at his ear, he smiled crookedly at her, "It's not in your nature to give up.  Why the sudden change?"  Sighing he continued,  "You wanted to go before getting married. You said you wanted to get to experience life and what it was like to stand on your own two feet."  He continued lightly. "If you want to come back I'll support you and have the wedding scheduled."  He said the last part in a voice that held disdain.

Upon hearing the wedding would be scheduled if she came back Kayla’s eyes widened, "What if I don't want to get married?"  She whispered this question, scared of the answer.

Kaelen, stared at Kayla through the screen, shrugging, he whispered to her his truth "I will support you no matter what you decide.  I love you more than words, Mia.  I'll be beside you no matter what." Turning he smiled at someone behind him before turning back to Kayla.  "Come home during your break! You’ll have to show me what you've learned!  OK?"

Kayla knew the brief conversation was coming to an end. Even though she wanted to cry and scream for him to continue talking to her she knew she had to stop.  She relied too much on her brother after their mother died and she'd never stopped relying on him. Kayla didn't tell Kaelen anything, not about the dreams,  about being pointed out as a virgin, not about classes or about her victories. She knew she had a lot she could have boasted about: her academic scores, the trials of despair and training class but she didn't talk about any of it.  Sighing she looked up.

"Bye. See you in a few weeks,” she said as she watched the screen go black.

------

Lucas, Jacob and Orchid watched the conversation all with mixed feelings.  Orchid could tell immediately that what she was seeing was a very codependent sibling relationship. She could tell that neither Lucas nor Jacob had grasped that.  She could see the similarities in their facial structure and in the almond shape of their eyes.  

As she watched their display of sibling affection she wished she had a brother or sister.  But she knew that wasn't possible, just as she knew she wouldn't be able to have a child now.   Ah’Tarians couldn't breed outside their race nor could they have more than one child.  It was a curse that was laid on them by the gods for their wretched and horrible ways.

She watched when Jacob stared at Lucas, trying to see how he'd processed the conversation. Orchid looked at him too. His eyes hadn't changed and he didn't look like he was going to murder anyone.  He looked over towards the president’s office as the door to the communications room opened and Kayla stepped out.  Lucas plastered a fake smile on his face before turning toward Kayla.  She still looked sad but Orchid could see that speaking to this Kaelen person had eased her mind a little.  

Struggling to smile, Kayla walked toward them, "Thank you, Orchid,"

Orchid was now staring at Lucas, who was staring at Kayla, and absently responded, "You're welcome."

Orchid couldn't make an excuse to leave, but from the hungry look in Lucas's eye she felt she had something juicy to report to her auntie.  She'd been casually informing her auntie for months about Lucas and Jacob's behavior.  Last week when she said Lucas had adjusted okay and was not causing issues and her aunt had wondered why.  Orchid had the feeling that the fat, chupacabra, half-breed was the reason.  She'd dial her auntie tonight after she finished her work study.