Free Chasing Constellations (The UGS Constellation Series) by HA Fortman Page A

she still had most of the bruises that were painful still. Her lungs were now just bruised instead of being punctured and the healing was well under way, but the ribs surrounding them still had massive trauma. Her throat and face were still sore and no doubt would be bruised for days yet, but at least she was able to breathe with only slight discomfort and open her eyes fully.
    “After the call I went out and explored a bit. It was fun and I wasn’t paying at tention when I got home. I was just trying to get in and thinking of taking a nice long soak, then maybe having some dinner but instead I was attacked before I could even blink.” Elisa couldn’t stop the shudder that ran through her body.
    “Are you hungry still? I can have the mess hall bring something in for you to eat.” Her rumbling, growling stomach provided the answer, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since her early lunch the day before.
    The rough sound caused a slight blush to light her face. “Interesting, the mention of food seems to have awoken a monster hiding in your body.”
    With a wink that was quite co mical, and Elisa was sure was a move he didn’t often do, Yannick rolled backward toward the doorway where the com unit was and placed her order before moving back. “It should be here soon.”
    After Yannick nodded for her to continue, Elisa ducked her head down slightly and stared at the bruises along her arms as she told him the full gory details of the attack. Pausing only when the food arrived a s Yannick lifted the bed more upright so that she could eat.
    “ Well, I’m glad that Commander Chase was there, although I wish he could have saved you the expense of meeting me in such a way.” Yannick said as he stood and pushed the stool back to the wall. “Now, eat and rest. I’m sure that Chase will be back any time now and will want to speak with you. I’ll be in the other room if you need me, alright Dena?”
    “Thank you Doctor Maleet, for everything you've done for me. Um… what does Dena mean?” Elisa nodded towards her body and the food.
    A lthough a strange combination of pasta and a rich creamy blue sauce, the food was astonishingly good if a bit strange.
    “It was my pleasure, Dena. Please feel free to call me Yannick, Doctor is not a term I am accustomed to and Healer Maleet is my father. As for Dena, hmm… it is similar to what you would call an offspring.” Having said what he wanted to, Yannick slipped quietly into his office.

Chapter 10
     
     
    “How’re you feeling Anare?”
    The voice from the doorway startled Elisa into nearly spilling the food all over her lap, though she managed to catch it in time to keep it from spilling . She didn’t catch the slight smirk at catching the poor girl off guard and Chase didn’t miss the grumbled words.
    “I’d be better if people would stop sneaking up on me.” Glancing up, she noticed that Chase had changed into a form fitting one piece suit that matched the Doctor’s.
    The cloth looked smooth and supple as it encased his trim body, accenting the ripples and planes of his muscles. Speechless Elise let her eyes wander over it, a slight blush gracing her cheeks as she noticed how well it didn’t hide the stretch over his chest and abdomen before lovingly caressing his thick thighs and vanishing into the tall knee high combat styled boots. He’d left his hair loose and flowing about his shoulders. The long strands easily brushing the small of his back. Although from the damp appearance, it looked as though he had recently come from a shower. He stood in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest as well as his ankles crossed, creating a vision as the low light contrasted with the bright light shining behind him.
    Dropping his arms, he strode confidently into the room, grabbed the stool and wheeled it towards Elisa before sitting in it. He looked ready to sit there until all of his questions were answered to his satisfaction, no matter how long it took.
    “Do you