Psy: Alien Castaways (Intergalactic Dating Agency) Page 8

  “Judgment comes from experience. You don’t have much experience with men. None, in fact. He got you to lie for him.”

  That was on me. He had no idea—and the way to get experience is to get experience.

  “I don’t want you to get experience—I want you to meet a nice man, fall in love, marry, and live happily ever after.”

  Really?

  “Of course! How could you doubt it? What kind of a terrible mother would I be if I kept you tied to me your entire life? You’re an adult. It would be strange if you didn’t desire a relationship. Forgive me for being protective and wishing to ensure your relationship is with the right person.”

  The discussion was going so much better than expected, she found herself at a loss for words. She’d prepared for resistance—not acceptance. Then again, it’s not over yet, she thought wryly. Just because Rosalie was open to the idea of dating, didn’t mean she would accept Psy—or Cassie moving out.

  “Why don’t we go in the living room and talk?” her mother suggested. “I’m glad you told the truth about you being with Psy,” she commented after they were settled on the sofa. “I went into town to the hardware store and decided to drop in at Verna’s junk shop to see you. To my surprise, you weren’t there.”

  Her mother never ventured into the antique store. Why today of all days?

  “Verna told me you’d left with Psy. She also said he was the one she suspected of having mumps! Was it smart to go off with him when he has a contagious disease?”

  You said I was vaccinated.

  “Yes, but why take chances?”

  I’m immune.

  “Immunity can lessen over time. I assumed your exposure was momentary—not that you’d spent an entire evening with a contagious person.”

  She’d spent an entire evening kissing him. He doesn’t have mumps anymore.

  “If he had it this afternoon, he still has it.”

  No, because he was treated.

  Rosalie shook her head. “This is why I’m so protective. Cassie—”

  She held up her hand. Taking a deep breath, she wrote, Psy is an extraterrestrial. He contracted mumps, but he has a medical machine that cured him.

  “Is that what he told you? Psy’s not an alien. He’s a creepy guy taking advantage of an innocent young girl.”

  No. He is an alien—and not the only one. The owner of Lavender Bliss Farm is married to one. So is Delia Mason who works at the Whitetail. Extraterrestrials are here! She hoped she wasn’t revealing something she shouldn’t.

  “Did he tell you that, too?”

  Ask around town, she wrote. Find out for yourself.

  “You bet I will.”

  In the meantime, I will be seeing Psy. He’s a nice guy. I like him.

  “I don’t like this at all. You’re going to get hurt.”

  Her heart pounded a worried beat. Would her mother put her foot down and forbid her to see him? She would continue to see him no matter what. She lifted her chin and braced for a blowup.

  Rosalie compressed her lips. “You’re hell-bent on seeing this guy, aren’t you? Nothing I say is going to dissuade you. Unfortunately, you’re going to have to find out the hard way. I just hope you don’t get hurt too badly.”

  He’s not going to hurt me.

  “I don’t believe for an instant he’s an alien, but if he is—that doesn’t make it better! You don’t know what kind of weird powers he might have. He could be distorting your mind! Brainwashing you!”

  Cassie almost choked. Psy would never do that, but Rosalie had almost hit a bullseye.

  Her mother lifted her hands and let them fall with a heavy sigh. “I’ll be here. Whatever happens, I’ll be here for you. I hope for your sake I’m wrong. I get that you want to be independent and do things on your own. Like your job. I don’t like Verna—and I never will—but I see how happy working at Timeless Treasures makes you.

  “I can’t keep you as my little girl forever. That’s not why a parent raises a child. But it will hurt me if you get hurt. I hope this guy, this alien, is everything you think he is, that he purports himself to be.” She held out her arms. “Give me a hug.”

  She dropped her pad and embraced her mother.

  “I love you, honey. I worry about you. Be careful!”

  She knew she worried and wished she could reassure her everything would be fine. Through the telepathic connection, she knew Psy was kind and decent—the sort of man any mother would want for a daughter. But the mind reading would only freak her out. Better to let her get to know him better and then reveal what he was and what he could do. Let her realize what a great guy he was first.

  Discussions about moving out and severing the guardianship would have to wait, too. She couldn’t spring those on her mother right now. Once she accepted Psy, then Cassie would address the rest. The evidence she had been right and had made a sound decision would bolster the argument she deserved emancipation.

  For now, it was enough her mother would permit her to date. Reluctantly—but at least she hadn’t outright forbidden her. Cassie pulled out of the embrace and grabbed her notebook. I love you, Mom.

  “I love you, too, honey.”

  Don’t worry.

  Rosalie gave a resigned smile. “Can’t promise that.”

  Cassie kissed her, wished her good night, and went to bed.

  Chapter Eleven

  Hiding in the hall, Psy shot a teasing telepathic message to Cassie. Are your eyes closed? He didn’t have to ask. With their mind link, he knew she’d followed his instructions. He constructed a mental barrier to prevent her from gleaning his thoughts so he wouldn’t spoil the surprise.

  Yes!

  After rendezvousing at Millie’s for dinner, he’d brought her to the farmhouse on the hover scooter. He’d asked her to sit on the sofa and cover her eyes before he went to retrieve the gift. Purchased over the Internet, the item had arrived today, and he couldn’t wait to give it to her.

  He tiptoed into the living room and set the wrapped present on the coffee table. Having been the first to meet his genmate, Chameleon had the most knowledge of human customs, and he had advised gifts must be wrapped.

  “In what?” Psy had asked.

  “Paper.”

  “Does it matter what kind?”

  “No. Paper is paper.”

  The only paper they had at the farmhouse was toilet paper, so Psy wound a whole roll around the gift and secured it with duct tape.

  Excitement and nervousness welled up inside. He hoped she liked it. Open your eyes! he said.

  She dropped her hands and blinked at the gift. What’s that?

  “Open it and find out.” He could tell his gesture pleased, and, for some reason, amused her, but he wouldn’t know if she truly liked the item until she unwrapped it. Some things were irreplaceable. Would this be one of them?

  A smile played on her lips as she carefully peeled away multiple layers of paper. A spot of teal ceramic appeared. She sucked in a breath. Oh my god, is this what I think it is? She ripped off the rest of the paper to reveal a cookie jar shaped like a bear. The cookie jar! My cookie jar! She squealed aloud.

  Do you like it?

  I’m going to cry. She fanned her face. I love it. She ran her hands over the jar, removed the hat-shaped lid, and peered inside. It’s the same as the one I got from Verna—except it’s in better condition. It’s not chipped or anything. Her gaze shot to his. Where did you find it? How did you find it?

  He sat beside her. You showed me a mental picture, so I scoured auction sites and antique dealers on the Internet until I found one. It came in today’s mail.

  I can’t believe you did this for me! She launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck.

  Why wouldn’t I do this for you? I thought it would make you happy.

  She stroked his nape and pressed kisses to his lips, face, and throat.

  Heat coiled low in his belly. It didn’t take much for her to stir his libido. A kiss, a glance, a smile. He
ached to consummate their mating. A week had passed since she’d instructed him to buy condoms. He’d done so, but then she’d gotten her period. She’d been horribly embarrassed at having to explain. ’Topian females didn’t menstruate.

  She kissed him again before examining the bear, peering inside, checking out the bottom. Finally, she replaced the lid. It’s exactly the same as the other one, only in perfect condition. I’m going to take extra special care of this. Mom is not allowed to touch it.

  It didn’t trigger another vision though? Mind-linked, he figured he’d be aware if one did occur.

  Once they come and go, they’re gone. But this proves I’m not crazy.

  You’re not crazy. He’d been in the minds of a couple of people who had gone insane—it hadn’t been pleasant.

  I have a surprise, too. She pulled up her sleeve to reveal a lump beneath the skin of her upper arm. I got a birth control implant! She paused. Now we can…you know…if you want to…

  He loosened his mental shields to let her feel his desire.

  Her eyes widened, and color, part embarrassment, part pleasure, tinted her face.

  He stood and beckoned.

  With a shy but seductive smile, she slipped her hand into his. They took the stairs to his room, the first door off the landing. Moonlight spilled in through the open blinds. The room was sparsely furnished, but he had invested in a comfortable king-sized bed backed by a padded black faux-leather headboard.

  More light? he asked. I can turn on a lamp.

  Moonlight is perfect. Romantic.

  He stroked a finger from her temple to her cheek, appreciating how the gentle illumination caressed her beauty, accentuating her dark lashes, her wide eyes, the contours of her face. She turned her head and kissed his palm.

  He pressed his lips to hers, opening his mouth to deepen the contact. She gave a little moan and melted against him. He cupped her buttocks to fit her in the cradle of his hips and against his throbbing cock. His heart thudded, echoed by the drumbeat of hers. My genmate. Elation and desire wound tighter and tighter within him.

  He trailed his lips along her jaw and down. Clutching his shirt in her fists, she arched her neck as he kissed her throat. She sought his mouth again while her busy hands worked the buttons of the garment. They disrobed as they inched their way to the bed, celebrating each drop of clothing with a kiss.

  Her body offered a delight to view and touch, her skin smooth, her curves slight but feminine. “You’re so beautiful,” he said.

  He could feel her pleasure and surprise. Had no one ever said those words to her before? He vowed to tell her every day, every moment. He nudged her to the mattress, and they tumbled atop the silky sheets.

  Cupping her breasts, he raised them to his lips so he could gently suck the hardened nipples. She raked her hands through his hair, sending tingles of sensation straight to his cock—which throbbed when she slipped a hand between their bodies and closed her fingers around the shaft.

  Her touch, tentative at first, grew bolder. A groan of desire erupted from his chest. You like that? She smiled against his mouth.

  More than you know.

  She chuckled. Oh, I think I do.

  He smoothed his hands over her skin, over the contraceptive implant in her arm, before trailing his fingers to her tummy. He brushed his fingers through wiry curls before slipping between her legs where moisture pooled. Her hips moved with the motions of his hand, and when he dipped his head for a taste, she arched and gasped aloud.

  Ohgodohgod… Her thoughts echoed in his head.

  Need pounded through him, heavy and hard, his desire a living, breathing thing, and her desire multiplied the effect.

  Now, please, now… She dug her fingers into his shoulders.

  He shifted into position and guided his cock to her entrance. He pushed into her channel as their mind link deepened. Her eyes widened just before pleasure contorted her face. She hooked her heels into his buttocks and rocked as her physical sensations of fullness and satisfaction amplified the tension coiling within him.

  More…more… she urged.

  His body surrendered to her command, thrusting harder and faster. Mental barriers crashed. All he thought, all he felt poured out to her, and her consciousness became his. Her hopes, dreams, her essence were illuminated. Rapture intensified. The light grew brighter…except…over there—a tiny spot of darkness. Attention diverted, he froze, but then the light consumed shadow, and the darkness vanished like it had never been. Her mind glowed bright and brilliant.

  I never dared to dream for someone like you, she said.

  Nor I, you, he replied, forgetting about imagined shadows, letting the bliss consume him, fill him, remake him.

  Ecstasy, swift and fierce, physical and mental, united them as one.

  * * * *

  Her head pillowed on Psy’s shoulder, Cassie drifted on a cloud of well-being. The physical sex had been explosive, but she’d never imagined the mental ecstasy could be so intense—or that such pleasure and unity even existed. No wonder people were so obsessed with sex.

  It is only that way with Veritals and their genmates. He tightened his arms around her.

  She hadn’t thought their mental connection could get any deeper, but during intercourse, it had. United in body and mind, she had seen, felt, and heard every thought, every emotion, every wish, every desire. His consciousness had been as vivid and real as her own.

  She frowned, remembering his flash of surprise, how he’d frozen for a second. What did you see?

  See? He lazily massaged her arm.

  In my mind. You saw something, sensed something. I felt you freeze.

  He continued to rub her arm. I thought I saw a smudge—but it was nothing.

  How can a smudge in my brain be nothing?

  Not in your brain, your mind, but I’m sure I imagined it.

  If it was something, what would it be?

  It could be a hidden memory or a protective barrier caused by trauma.

  I haven’t suffered any trauma. She’d experienced disappointment and frustration from not being able to speak but nothing traumatic. Just the opposite—she’d been cossetted and overly protected from anything harmful.

  I thought I saw a dark spot, but then it lightened. Besides, many people have a dark spot or two. As intimately linked as our minds were, if there had been anything worrisome, I would have known it.

  She relaxed. If he wasn’t worried, then she wasn’t worried. With Psy in her corner, she could do anything! Which reminded her…

  I thought about what you said about the possibility of my voice having healed itself or that there might be medical advances. I’ve decided to take the chance. When I saw my doctor for birth control, I talked to her about it. She’s going to refer me to a specialist for a consultation. They’re supposed to text me to set up an appointment.

  He pressed a kiss to her head. Are you sure? I don’t want to push you into anything.

  You didn’t. You gave me the courage to try. He had made her realize she shouldn’t shy away from possibility out of fear. In this case, she had nothing to lose and everything to gain. If doctors could help her speak, that would be amazing, but if they couldn’t, she would be no worse off than she was now. And life was pretty damn good.

  She had a great job, a great boyfriend—a genmate—her mother had loosened the apron strings, and, before much longer, she’d have her own apartment, and after that—full independence!

  When I get the appointment, will you go with me for moral support?

  Absolutely! You wouldn’t prefer your mother with you though?

  It will be simpler if I do it on my own. Her mouth quirked. Well, on my own with you. This is part of my push for independence. She had a pretty strong hunch her mother would be opposed to a medical reevaluation because she believed the situation to be hopeless and wished to spare her the disappointment.

  Life will be easier once I’m emancipated, she said.

  In searching for the cookie
jar, I researched legal guardianships. Usually when an adult becomes the ward of another, it’s because he or she is mentally incompetent. That’s clearly not the case with you. I don’t understand why not being able to speak would be considered a disability requiring supervision.

  She rose up on an elbow. Mom told me when I didn’t learn to speak, the first doctor she took me to diagnosed me as developmentally disabled. Later, other doctors determined I just couldn’t speak. Maybe she figured she’d always have to take care of me.

  But why not sever the guardianship when the true facts had come to light? Why continue with it? She wondered now. I wish I had an idea what was in the decree. Her future attorney would need the info, too.

  Can’t you ask her for the papers?

  That would bring on the whole discussion before I’m ready for it. I want all my ducks in a row before I approach her. She should have dealt with the matter years ago, but until recently, it hadn’t seemed to matter.

  I could check into it, Psy offered. I’m sure Shadow will help me. He’s a wiz on your Internet. If the information is there, he’ll find it.

  That would be very helpful to me! Thank you! She did not feel capable of confronting her mother until she had gathered all the facts. Besides, she wanted to bask in her happiness for a while before engaging in a big battle—although, perhaps she wasn’t being fair. Despite reservations, her mother had been surprisingly accepting and open about the job and Psy. Cassie herself had changed—maybe her mother had, too.

  She stretched and slid her leg between his thighs and cuddled against his side, relishing his nakedness. The sex had been amazing, a complete rapture of body and mind. Of course, having been a virgin, she had nothing to compare it to, but she had a hunch sex with Psy exceeded the norm. She’d never felt closer to another person in her entire life.

  He was everything she dreamed about but never believed she’d have. Caring, loving, handsome. She had a hot alien boyfriend, a job she loved, and a new lease on life. Maybe something could be done about her voice. One way or another, she would be all right. Soon she would have an apartment, and, once she severed the guardianship, she’d be free to live her life her own way.