Eland and Jeanne (Tales of the Shareem) by Allyson James Read Free Book Online Page A

sure.”
    Judith raised her brows, but a woman was calling to her from a table, wanting more ale. Before Judith could turn away, Jeanne seized Judith’s hand and put her lips to the taller woman’s ear. “Do you know anything about Shareem?”
    Judith’s eyes sharpened, then she leaned down to answer. “Go upstairs. I’ll come when I can.”
    Jeanne nodded, feeling Judith palm a key card into her hand. Judith then called a cheerful answer to the women who’d wanted more ale, and Jeanne went to the alcove that held the door to a staircase.
    The noise faded once Jeanne closed the door behind her, mounting the stairs to Judith’s living quarters above.
    Judith didn’t have much, but her apartment was bigger than Jeanne’s, the bar doing lucrative business. She had two bedrooms and a separate bathroom, a large sitting room, and a kitchen that could be used to cook more than a tiny meal.
    Jeanne had spent nights here before, when she and Judith had talked long past time either of them should have gone to sleep. Judith had also instructed Jeanne in a few sensual delights, such as small vibrating buttons that could be very stimulating to the clit. Jeanne hadn’t yet been brave enough to try the wands, but she’d very much enjoyed the button.
    The bed in Judith’s guest room was of carved wood, brought from off-world, rather than the utilitarian slab Jeanne slept on. Jeanne stretched out, enjoying the comfort even as her head buzzed with too many thoughts of Eland.
    Judith arrived an hour later, which was sooner than Jeanne had expected. Judith tugged off her boots and sat cross-legged on the bed, unfastening her coverall to her waist to let in air.
    “Aren’t you still open?” Jeanne asked, sitting up with her back to the headboard. She’d long since shucked her own boots.
    “I have enough help tonight that I can take a break. Crowd’s thinning already anyway. No one will bother me unless there’s a dire emergency.” She sat forward, hand under her chin, her eyes alight. “Now, what is this about Shareem?”
    “You’ve heard of them?”
    “Of course. Everyone has now, thanks to all the reports.”
    Jeanne chewed her lip then decided. “I’ve seen one,” she said swiftly. “But for the gods’ sakes don’t tell anyone.”
    To her surprise, Judith didn’t look stunned or upset, only looked more intrigued. “Yeah? When?”
    “A few nights ago. In my apartment.”
    Judith’s eyes opened wider. Jeanne expected her to demand the entire story, but instead she simply asked, “What did he look like?”

Chapter Seven
     
    Jeanne told Judith about Eland, and Judith listened avidly. When Jeanne trailed off, thinking of the beautiful blue of Eland’s eyes, how he’d watched her as she’d drifted to sleep, Judith shook her head.
    “Wasn’t the same one.”
    Jeanne came reluctantly out of her daydream. “Wasn’t the same what?”
    “Same Shareem.” Judith looked thoughtful. “Mine had blond hair too, but darker, and he had a different attitude, it sounds like. Plus he’s not skulking around looking for water. He’s being careful, but provisioning himself.”
    “Wait.” Jeanne blinked. “Are you saying you’ve met one too?”
    Judith nodded. “He came to the bar, after it closed. I thought he was from off-planet. I tried to tell him it was after hours—I didn’t want to turn him away, because he’s gorgeous, but laws are laws. He didn’t give me a choice. Pushed his way in, then stayed up here for five days. Just when we were getting to know each other—if you know what I mean—he says ‘thank you very much,’ and disappears again. He’s returned a couple of times, but doesn’t stay anymore. I think he has his own place now.”
    “He stayed for five days?” Jeanne wanted to hear all about this . “Anything ... happen?”
    “You bet it did. You know, I thought I knew things, but honey, I didn’t know anything . I wake up wet just dreaming about him. He taught me things I never knew