Chapter 9: Chapter Nine

Crisp autumn days were swept in upon cold winds. October was nearing its end. Elaine was regretful as the colorful season drew to a close. These carefree days had been spent in companionship, hard work and endless conversation. The nights were spent under Gavin's spell and in his bed, exploring one another.

However, there were times when growing pains stressed their relationship.

A few weeks after her ordeal, Elaine was standing at the kitchen window while preparing leftover chicken sandwiches for lunch. He came up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. She gasped, reaching back to cup his face.

"Non spaventarmi cosi!--Don't scare me like that!” she giggled, shivering as he nibbled on her neck. “You're supposed to be out hunting.”

“I brought a deer home. Besides, I was getting hungry,” he growled playfully.

“Lunch won't be ready for a half hour or so. How does chicken sandwiches and applesauce sound?”

He took the knife out of her hand and spun her around. “Good but your lips are far tastier. Kiss me.”

Gripping her wrists, he forced them around his neck and devoured her lips. Taken by surprise, she didn't like the force he was using. He crushed her to himself, squeezing the air from her lungs. She winced as his fingers dug into her hips with inhuman strength.

Adrenaline spiked her blood. His aggression intensified when she struggled against his iron grip. She tried to pull away but he only tightened his hold. Her lungs screamed to take a breath but he wouldn't give them enough space or release her mouth.

In desperation, her fingernails scratched at his neck, drawing trickles of blood. He gasped in pain and released her, stumbling backwards. In between hacking coughs, she sucked in air. The crazed hunger faded from Gavin's eyes and concern filled them instead.

“Elaine, I am so sorry...I...I don't know what came over me. Are you alright?”

“What the heck were you doing? I couldn't breathe and you just...didn't stop.”

“I didn't realize that I was holding you that tightly.” Guilt radiated off him. “I would never hurt you on purpose. I beg you...forgive me.”

She clutched her arms, shrinking from him. “Gavin, what is going on with you? You're not exactly...normal.”

“By Earth's standards, I'm not normal. This isn't my native environment.”

“When you killed those men, I saw an animal rage within you and it scared me.”

“You're bringing that up again? They deserved worse.”

“But you enjoyed killing them, didn't you?” She turned her back when he didn't respond. “There's a part of you that likes hurting and killing. I've seen this rage more than once.”

“I don't like hurting you.”

“And what's that supposed to mean? You'd love to kill everyone else but I'm lucky somehow?”

“That's not what I meant. I am...I was a soldier. From boyhood, I was conditioned to be ruthless and kill the enemy without question or hesitation. I guess that causes increased aggression after a kill. It's how I was trained.”

“Did this conditioning also give you unnatural strength and miraculous healing abilities?”

“How could you know...”

“Because I'm not a moron, Gavin.” She crossed her arms, glaring at him. “No ordinary man would have recovered from your injuries, let alone completely in a couple weeks' time. Are you finally going to be honest with me? Because if not, you can leave right now and let me finish lunch.”

“I can't explain yet.”

“Then leave. Now.”

He stepped forward and gripped her shoulders. “Please, don't push me away, Elaine. I love you. You are my entire world now and to hell with my past. Why does it matter so much?”

Tears stung her eyes. “I love the gentle, caring man before me but not the raging bull that is lurking underneath. I've been abused and violated for my whole life. I can't be hurt again. Not ever.”

He released her with a frustrated huff. “You are being a child. No matter how I try, there will be times that I don't know my own strength.”

“It doesn't sound like you are trying that hard.”

“Don't bait me. I have no desire to fight with you.”

“I don't want to fight either but I need to know more about you. Only then can I figure out how to handle your aggression.”

“And there we have it,” he scoffed, “I am just a dangerous problem to be put out of the way. Much like on Novus. I was an inconvenient obstacle there too.”

She blinked in shock. “What? No, I didn't mean that...I was only...”

“You were only wanting a means to control me. Look, if you're in love with me than stop prying into my past!”

“I do love you but that doesn't mean I love everything about you. There are things you'd change about me. I know there are and don't deny it.”

“On the contrary, you're right. I hate the constant nagging about my private life. Leave me be, woman!”

She threw up her hands and returned to cutting chicken. Silence fell between them except for her knife banging against the cutting board. Frustration hung thick in the air. She thought up a quick prayer for patience.

Hoofbeats thundered into the barnyard, interrupting their tense moment.

Wiping her hands, she slipped to the window. Several armed riders were approaching the cabin and their leader wore a badge. She recognized the Widow London riding next to the sheriff, a sour expression upon her face.

Cricket barked and growled, his hackles rising.

Terror shot through her. “The sheriff is here with a posse. They're looking for Tanner and his friends. I'm sure of it.”

Peering out the window from behind her, Gavin wrinkled his forehead. “What is a sheriff and why is he a problem?”

“If he finds out that you killed those men, he'll put a noose around your neck and hang you from the nearest tree.” She led him into the bedroom. “Quick, go out the back door and hide in the woods until I get rid of them.”

“A coward's way out, Elaine. I am not ashamed or apologetic for killing those monsters. Why would anyone prosecute me for carrying out justice?”

Elaine growled, wringing her hands. “Are you serious? We don't have time to debate this. Get out that door! Stay in the trees until I get rid of the posse.”

Loud knocking shook the front door. Checking her hair quickly, Elaine took a deep breath before answering the door. The sheriff swept his hat off, a gruff smile bristling his gray mustache.

“Good afternoon, Miss Bower. I'm Sheriff Bolton and I'd like to ask you a few questions about four missing men? May I come in for a few minutes?”

Her eyes were cast warily over the armed men. “Surely but I'll only allow you into the cabin, Sheriff. Everyone else can stay outside.”

“Fine by me.”

“I'm entitled to be present too!” Widow London's shrill voice interrupted. “Those were my men that went missing, after all. I'm the one suffering without any farmhands.”

Sheriff Bolton shook his head, barring the woman's entrance. “Mrs London, you'll have to wait outside. I let you come along today but don't make me tell you twice.”

Though terrified, Elaine maintained a calm, aloof attitude. She answered the sheriff's questions as close to the truth as possible while denying having seen the men. He requested to search the cabin. She agreed nonchalantly but kept a close eye upon him.

Then she remembered Gavin's clothes in the dresser and almost fainted.

To her immense relief, the lawman didn't open any drawers or look under the bed where Gavin kept a second pair of sandals. The sheriff seemed content with her answers and found nothing to make him suspicious. She escorted him out.

Bolton mounted his horse and gathered the reins. “You were wrong, Mrs London. I'm sure Miss Bower isn't involved in your hands' vanishing.”

The woman glowered at Elaine, pointing a bony finger. “That harlot has brought evil to our town and I want her arrested. She is lying that my men didn't come here for her services.”

“Madam, I won't take another of your insults without a defense,” Elaine snarled, anger snapping through her muscles. “I don't understand why you hate me so much. I have come out west for a fresh start and a new life, same as everyone else. Don't I deserve that opportunity?”

With an amused nod, Sheriff Bolton tipped his hat and led the group back up the dirt road. Elaine's knees weakened but she steeled herself. The exchange had given her a lot to ponder.

Leaving Cricket in the bedroom, she went to find Gavin and found him walking toward her already.

"Mi sono sbarazzato di loro—I got rid of them. We're safe for now.”

“Why did I have to hide like a coward?”

“Because no one from town knows that you are here at my farm. If they did, we would either be hung or driven out.”

Regret colored his face. “I hadn't realized that my actions have endangered your reputation. Your world has different rules than mine. I should have respected them.”

“I don't have a reputation to ruin any longer.” she smiled, placing a hand on his arm. “How could you know what might happen?”

“I won't make that mistake again. There is more at stake than just my life now. I am sorry for not thinking before acting.”

“And I apologize for nagging you. It wasn't my intention. I was trying to ease troubled waters but made them so much worse.”

“Perhaps you were right.” His green eyes dropped as he processed what she had said. “On my planet, mercy is rare and leniency is looked upon as weakness. Justice is swift and cutting. There is only ever one option in a dilemma and no shortcuts. It will be hard to change.”

Understanding ignited in her mind and she saw him fully for the first time. He wasn't an arrogant or abusive man. His education hadn't included the finer points of compassion and mercy. He had been raised by a different culture. That is all.

“My love, you are a good man. I have been putting too much pressure on you.” She cupped his face gently. “You are a kind, wonderful soul. It's your past that scares me.”

“Your world is unsettling for me too. The open landscapes are impressive but these primitives are savage animals.”

“So what does that make me?”

He chuckled. “You are my primitive little minx with claws sharp enough to slash my heart.”

Mildly irritated, she put her hands on her hips. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“Let me explain,” he laughed, “Anyone living on Earth and outside Novus' gates are called primitives. Due to their ignorance and lack of civilization.”

“Not all of us are savages.”

“Trust me, my people's viewpoint has been born from experience. Until I met you, I didn't think an intelligent primitive existed. There is a reason why condemned prisoners are exiled to Earth and left to die. As a whole, primitives are narrow-minded, ignorant, prejudiced and violent.”

Elaine saw his point. “You're right. I've been shunned by everyone I've ever met because my father sold me into prostitution. I'm dead to the world for all intents and purposes.”

“Not to me. You are the only reason for me to be alive.” His fingers glided through her hair, caressing her scalp. “You are my everything, Elaine Bower. And I can't apologize deeply enough for hurting you earlier. You are like a beautiful, intoxicating serum, searing my brain with red fire.”

Tears welled up behind her eyes. “Gavin, I...”

“Shh, come with me. We need a break.”

His kiss silenced any thoughts in her head. She leaned against his broad chest, soaking in his strength. He took her hand, leading her into the woods.

The brook appeared, sparkling through the trees. Next to the water, they found a large rock warmed by the sun. She relished the sound of running water. Peace flowed over her. Her eyes closed. The land was singing its song.

Frogs croaked from the brook, birds sang in the treetops, raccoons chattered in the ground shrubbery, bees buzzed about on flowers and a bald eagle flew overhead, sounding its cry of freedom...everything was as it should be. There was such innocence found in nature. It seemed right to simply be quiet and breathe in Earth's heartbeat.

She lifted her skirt and unlaced her boots, preparing for a good soak.

“What are you doing?” Gavin asked, watching curiously.

“Don't tell me that you've never dangled your feet in moving water before?”

“No, we are more civilized where I was born.”

Annoyed, she looked up and found his eyes alive with laughter. “Take your sandals off without any more lip, okay?”

He threw his head back, chest shaking with laughter. “Yes, ma'am. Whatever your command.”

He submerged his toes alongside hers. Gurgling and splashing, the cool water lapped at their calves. Elaine sighed, content and fulfilled. His presence made her life that much better. No matter their differences, she couldn't let him go.

“I need to say something,” he said, “I have...abilities which are hard to control at times. When I'm angry or aroused, I can lose myself. A darker person takes control. He doesn't care who he hurts.”

She took his hand in hers. “My love, don't worry about such things. We will walk the future together. From now on, let me be your center. Next time, trust me enough to pull you back from the abyss. If you tell me when you're feeling that way, I promise to talk you down.”

He smiled, tracing her lips. “I'll try. Trust doesn't come easily to me any longer. But if I can trust anyone, it is you.”

“Well, I think it's time to forget about Earth and Novus and your exile and what those terrible men tried to do to me.” A wolfish smile stole across her face. “Have you ever had sex underwater?”

“Sweet paradise above, I love you so much,” he laughed.

Without inhibition, the lovers unbuttoned each other's clothing and slid into the creek, kissing madly. The water wasn't deep but enough to lap against their ribs. Caresses and groping hands escalated quickly. This time was different then the times gone before. Gavin didn't hold back in adoration, skill or fervor. All those years and so much meaningless sex; never had she been fulfilled this thoroughly.

When his glorious cry echoed through the trees, he had found a blessed, searing release as well.

Exhausted, the lovers waded out of the brook and collapsed nude on the grassy bank. Elaine rolled against her panting lover and burrowed against his warm chest. He held her tight as his breathing returned to normal. She smiled, tracing circles between his hairless pectorals.

“You're an amazing lover,” she breathed, “I've never known such passion before.”

He grinned. “Thank you. I just thought about something concerning though.”

“And what could possibly have you worried, my love?”

“If I'm doing such a good job, you could be pregnant by now. We may be parents already and don't know it.”

Her world collapsed into oblivion. Blood pounded in her ears. Memories flooded her conscious mind, acidic and repulsive. Trembling, she struggled to get her bearings. Gavin's deep, anxious voice drifted through the agony and brought her back into the present moment.

“My love, what did I say?”

“Nothing...I just know that I won't be getting pregnant.”

She slipped out of his grasp and began putting her clothes back on. He followed her lead, dressing in silence. Then she sat on the rock again, fresh tears painting her cheeks. His arms stole around her. She laid her head on his comforting shoulder.

“I was fifteen when my father sold me into slavery. The madam and her male bodyguard dragged me from my house and kept me chained to a bed for weeks. For a few pennies, any man could relieve himself and take pleasure inside me. I got pregnant quickly.”

Gavin held her tighter as she clung to him. “You don't have to speak of these horrors.”

“No, if we spend our lives together, you will need to know why I can't ever bear a child for you.” She took a deep, shaky breath. “The madam made a concoction out of wild carrot seeds that would 'take care of this problem' as she put it. There was so much blood...and horrible pain. Anyway, I've never fallen pregnant again.”

Gavin didn't speak and Elaine's heart broke anew. He must be so disappointed with her. Pulling away, she couldn't look at him. Sobs wracked her shoulders.

“I made a huge blunder,” he said, sounding horrified, “I never should have mentioned such a painful subject.”

“You're sorry? I'm useless to you as a woman. I wouldn't blame you for changing your mind.”

“Elaine, your love is all I care about. I've never been good around children anyway. I'm always afraid that I will hurt them without intention.”

“You're just saying that so I'll feel better.”

“No, I'm serious.” He smiled, looking mischievous. “And I was trying to make you feel better. Did it work?”

Despite herself, she smiled back. “Are you sure that I'm enough for now?”

He kissed her softly. “You are enough for a lifetime. Let's go back to the cabin and eat something.”

Nodding, she let him assist her to stand. They walked back through dense foliage, hand in hand. Speaking of lighter things, they laughed together. The cabin came into view. A few hundred yards out, Gavin stopped in his tracks. Fists clenching, he stared towards the barn.