Free Knacayn: A Terraneu Novel (Book Seven) by Stormy McKnight Page A

to take her tomorrow.
Would it be insensitive to check it out now? As if sensing her uncertainty
Knacayn offered, “You can always come back some other time.”
    “I think that might be for the best.” She moved away reluctantly. She
didn’t want to hurt Weston’s feelings if he thought they had arranged a date. Which
she supposed is how it appeared, at least, to him.
    “How about we sit here on this bench?”
    Kenzie jerked to attention when she realized Knacayn had stopped at a
really pretty spot. There were a few benches along the path, all of them with
tall lanterns that would light the way at night. It was very picturesque with
plant life and flowers in all directions.
    “This is very pretty.” Kenzie sat, suddenly nervous. She had a very acute
inner radar for when uncomfortable moments might be coming. The warning rise of
hair on her neck told her one might be right now.
    “Kenzie.” Knacayn was running his hands on his thighs, a sure sign of
nerves. It was as she feared. An uncomfortable discussion was coming. “I know
it is too soon for this talk, but I feel if I don’t tell you, then I will have
made an error.”
    “Okay. Tell me.” Kenzie said softly and then remained silent. She didn’t
want to make Knacayn more un-nerved then he already was. She had a feeling it
was going to be a replay of their last
conversation before being taken by the MAN units. She wanted Knacayn to know
she was listening so turned until she was facing him on the bench.
    “I am attracted to you, but more than that, I feel you are the missing
piece of a part of myself I didn’t realize was gone.” He began and she felt a
slight blush fill her cheeks at his
bluntness. She was used to men speaking their minds, she just wasn’t used to
reciprocating the feeling . All of the
previous declarations she had gotten from
men like this she had hurried to shut down. With Knacayn, she let him keep talking.
    “I know you are attracted to me as well.” To this, she just lifted an eyebrow. He laughed heartily at her
expression and then continued. “You do not have to give me that look. I know
you do not usually allow yourself the freedom of attraction and I know why you
block any male advances. It is not as you let the males of Earth think. It is
not duty to the community or your
commitment to your duties. Those are just the surface reasons. The real reason
is that you are afraid.” When she stared at him open mouthed he continued, “You
fear the fighting will be endless. The men and if you are lucky enough to have
them…children, will come and go from your life, lost for one reason or another
and you will not find peace. That is the true reason for your refusal to take a
mate.”
    How had he guessed all of that? The only person who knew her half as well
was Steph. “How…” she swallowed to moisten her suddenly dry throat and tried
again. “Why do you think that?” She was tempted to play the offended maiden and
stomp away. After yelling at him that he didn’t know her as well as he thought
he did. Something held her back. Everything he said was true. She had seen the
death and loss. Over and over again. He was right, she was afraid.
    “I listened when we talked. I read between the lines of what you said and
didn’t say.” Knacayn put his hand on hers. “I watched when you didn’t think
anyone was paying attention.”
    “Well.” Kenzie bit her lip. “I am not going to deny those fears. You saw
what Earth was like.”
    “Yes, Earth was like that…but not Terraneu.” Knacayn was rubbing his
thumb along her fingers and the soothing effect was nice. “I am not going to
pressure you to speak your heart right away. I will be as patient as possible.”
    Kenzie was staring at Knacayn’s mouth as he talked and her mind wandered. Could it be so simple? To embrace
life on Terraneu and be happy?
    “You are free here Kenzie. You can choose to do whatever you want. The
female council has been looking for another member for