Then again – although she might have misinterpreted his expression last night – it seemed like he’d been genuinely hurt that she’d thought him capable of killing her. Could it be? Did he actually care for her as a person – as something more than his human toy? At this thought, an odd ache started in her chest. It couldn’t be, of course, but if he really did care for her . . .
And then she remembered a little tidbit about life on Krina. They were territorial, he’d said, and didn’t like to live right on top of each other.
And she wanted to cry.
It was all clear now. Of course he had been mad at Peter last night: the poor guy had inadvertently infringed on Korum’s territory. As far as Korum was concerned, she belonged to him now, for as long as he wanted to keep her.
She was another one of his possessions. And he didn’t like to share.
As much as she wanted to laze in bed all day, there were things to be done. Her Stat final was tomorrow, and she still didn’t feel fully ready. The last thing she needed was the distraction of her screwed-up love life.
Getting up, Mia brushed her teeth and got breakfast. Korum wasn’t home at all, and she wondered where he went.
Before she settled down to study, she decided to check her phone to make sure that Jessie got home safely last night. Sure enough, there were about a dozen missed calls from her roommate and an equal number of texts and emails – each getting progressively more worried. Mia groaned. She should’ve texted Jessie last night before falling asleep, but it had been the last thing on her mind at the time.
There was no help for it. Studying would have to wait. She called Jessie instead.
Her roommate picked up in the first ring. “Oh my God, Mia, are you all right?!? What the fuck happened last night? If that alien bastard hurt you in any way –”
“No, Jessie, he didn’t! Look, I’m totally fine –”
“Totally fine? Everybody was talking about it last night – how he dragged you off after nearly killing Peter! I came back from the bathroom, and you were gone, and the poor guy was still choking on the floor –”
“Is he all right now?” interrupted Mia, suddenly overcome by guilt.
“He was taken to the hospital, but it was mostly swelling and bruises, they said. He’s probably going to have difficulty speaking for a few days, and I’m sure he was scared out of his mind . . .”
“Oh my God, I am so sorry about that,” Mia groaned. “I should have never put him in danger like that –”
“Him? What about yourself? Mia, this K of yours is insane! He was about to kill a person for dancing with you –”
“Kissing me actually . . .”
“Whatever! It’s not like you slept with the poor guy, but even if you had . . . that’s just crazy!”
Mia sighed. “I know. I learned too late that they’re apparently very territorial and possessive. If I’d known before, I obviously would’ve never gone to the club in the first place –”
“Territorial and possessive? More like homicidal! Mia . . . you really need to leave him. I’m scared for you . . .”
“Jessie,” said Mia softly, wondering how to best phrase it, “I’m not sure that I can leave him yet.”
“What do you mean? Like he would force you to stay somehow?”
“I don’t really know, but I don’t think it’s the best idea to break up right now –”
“Oh my God, I knew it! You are afraid of him! Did he threaten you in any way?”
“No, Jessie, it’s not like that . . . He said he would never hurt me. I just think it’s best to let the relationship play out naturally. I’m sure he’ll get bored soon and move on –”
“And you’re okay with that? Just waiting around until he tires of you? Wait, what about the summer, when you go home to Florida?”
“Um, I’m not really sure how that’s going to play out yet . . . I haven’t really talked to him about that –”
“Well, you better, because it’s coming up! Finals are next week, and then you’re gone. What is he going to do then? Not let you go home?”
Jessie had a valid point. Mia had no idea what would happen at the end of next week. For some reason, she had thought that Korum might get bored of her before Florida became an issue. His actions last night, however, were not those of someone who was getting bored with his new toy; in fact, he seemed very determined to hold on to the said toy. Mia was starting to worry, but Jessie didn’t need to know that.
“No, I’m sure we’ll figure something out. Look, Jessie, I know it sounds bad, but he’s really not mistreating me or anything. If I just act more considerately, everything will be totally fine. He’ll go back to his K Center soon, and I will have lots of interesting stories to tell my grandchildren . . .”