Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Ciara Lake Read Free Book Online Page A

see how close the others were. As expected, the four Xihirian officers were close behind them. However, the rest of the Kriton party struggled to keep up. They were at least fifty paces behind.
    “Admoncor Braeden, this is an impressive spaceport terminal.” Saleeya smiled charmingly up at Admoncor Braeden. Kael realized that she was trying to make casual conversation.
    “Thank you, Miss Stayvel, Xihirah’s proud of it.” He paused for several moments. “This terminal and Kriton’s spaceport are state-of-the-art facilities. You’re probably aware that we manufacture much of the equipment, technology, and computer programming necessary to operate them. My younger brother, Klayvin, runs the corporation that develops much of the technology. He’s the head scientist. Klayvin’s individually responsible for creating much of these wonders. The Kriton Space Transport you arrived on uses much of our technology. Also, many of the parts were built here on Xihirah. Please, call me Kael.” He smiled and looked down at her. He struggled to keep his emotions under control. The female’s scent was enthralling, and he was losing focus. To distract himself from the provocative female by his side he glanced back up to gauge the progress of the rest of the Kriton party. After he appraised their progress, he turned to trigger the terminal’s automatic doors. The broad sliding doors exiting the terminal slid open. A gush of hot air rushed in to greet them. Two sleek black transport vehicles waited outside the terminal’s exit. Uniformed drivers waited by the vehicles’ passenger doors. “These transports will take us to the Royal Palace. Will you ride in the front one with me, Miss Stayvel?” Kael stepped next to the front transport vehicle, turned to wait for Saleeya’s response. Saleeya nodded her head in agreement. He gently assisted Saleeya up the three steps.
    The transport vehicle held up to six passengers. It was long and narrow, like a tube. Quickly, the four other Xihirian officers boarded behind. They immediately took their seats. Kael ushered Saleeya into a passenger seat. Before she adjusted herself in the seat, he sat down next to her. “Driver, please see that the others are comfortably seated in the second transport,” Kael instructed the driver.
    “Yes, Admoncor, I’ll see to it.” The driver obediently left to follow the Admoncor’s instructions.
    “Perhaps I should ride with the Minister.” Saleeya blushed a deep pink as if she had made an impulsive decision to ride with him.

    * * * *

    Kael looked at Saleeya. “Vitalion made no complaint about you walking with me. In fact, he seemed to encourage it. I’m sure he’ll understand if you accompany me in this transport to the Palace. Aren’t you an Ambassador of Communication? Besides, you’ll meet up with him at the Palace. Their transport will follow right behind us. Please don’t be distressed. All will be well.” Kael’s deep soothing voice sent tremors down her spine. “Soon it’ll be cooler in here,” he promised. Saleeya nodded her head. Shyly, she smiled up at him. Kael had seated himself close to Saleeya. She was intently conscious of his body touching hers. Each seat could hold two passengers, but it was a tight fit. Kael’s right thigh and hip pressed against hers. The transport’s seats all faced forward. Saleeya and Kael sat in the front seat behind the driver’s area. Saleeya could feel some cool air blowing out of the vents from the ceiling of the vehicle. The tubular vehicle had windows all the way around. It was similar to a bus. Although, it was plusher than any bus she had ever been on before.
    “Is this terminal a good distance from your Municipality?” Saleeya inquired of Kael, tying to make light conversation.
    “Yes, we’re about sixty minutes from the Palace, which is about ninety minutes from the center of the Ferileson Municipality. Please buckle your guard belt. The driver has returned. We’ll be taking off