Authors Note: This is a story I have had in my mind for a very long time and has been haunting me to finally get written. I have always been a fan of Kolyat/Shephard/Thane pairings and am saddened by the lack of them. This is going to be a mature story, so a warning is being given in advance. Mature situations, graphic sexual content, graphic violence. I do not want anyone to say that they were never given a heads up. If you can't handle extreme adult situations, alien love or heartbreak, then this story is not for you.

Authors Note 2:Please be patient with me, I will update as quick as humanly possible. I work full time, have two pre-k children and am training to be a police officer. I have this whole story in outline form so hang in there, it will get to you! Other than that, I really hope you enjoy this story. Also, if you have the time, please review. I hope you are all around for the long haul. I also apologize in advance, I try to read each chapter several times before I post, but even I or my beta can miss some editing mishaps. I also thank my beta OpalinePixie found on Archive of Our Own.

Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or take credit for the most enjoyable world that has been created. I do however love Thane and Kolyat so much I wish they were mine but eh, a girl can dream.

Chapter 1 – New Beginning

He had been watching her for a while. Trying to think of the best way to approach her. It had been almost a year since he had seen her last. Living on the Citadel, being amongst more and more humans, he had come to learn the beauty of their species. What was considered beautiful, and what to appreciate with their females. He knew she was one of those that were considered beautiful, and since the time he had seen her last, it had only seemed to grow. He could see how the males of her species stared. Their behaviors changing as she passed, the effect she had on people. Whether intrigue or fear, people were drawn to her.

He had seen other humans with her beauty. The way they would flaunt it or act superior. She was different though, could have been the center of attention if she desired, but she stayed close to the side lines, apart, lingering in the shadows. Part of him wondered if it was her Specter past, how she kept her back always to the wall, or if she just wanted to be left alone.

She had just finished her third glass of wine and began making her way towards the balcony. Her cheeks flushed, footsteps a little slower. Her movements were still fluid, hips swaying within the confines of her tight black dress. Bare shoulders, pale and smooth, revealed from thin off shoulder straps. Her hair was longer then when he had last seen her, almost a foot more in length than before. Blood red tendrils cascading down her back in waves of shiny gloss. Kolyat had always wanted to know what a human's hair felt like, and curiosity had him wondering if hers was as soft as it looked.

She made her way through the open archway and out into the darkness of the terrace. He continued following her, grabbing a glass of wine from a passing server as he gathered his composure and tried to think of what he might say to her. He pulled himself into the shadows as to not be seen while he continued studying her. Stopping before the balcony she rested her hands upon the smooth white marble. Her eyes were unfocused, her gaze far away as she stared at a single point in the distance, almost as if she was going through a memory. Her expression seemed empty and she radiated a deep sadness and an almost lonely air. Kolyat swallowed hard, unsure if he should approach her and break her solitude.

"Shepard." A man's voice called out to her breaking the silence. Kolyat immediately positioned himself deeper into the shadows. Shepard's whole body grew rigid, back straightening, shoulders tense. She turned her head and everything her expression held was gone in an instance. Her stare turned cold, sharp, they were the eyes of a Specter.

"Kaidan. I'm surprised to see you here." Her voice was low and empty as she turned her body towards him, arms crossing over her chest. Kolyat had never seen this human before. Was he friend or enemy? Judging by her posture, he could tell she wasn't too thrilled to see him.

"I could say the same of you." The black haired man's lips were pulled thin as he moved closer towards her. His own eyes hard, chin flexing in stiff discomfort. "Anderson asked me to come here. You know how these events are. We have to show that the Alliance shows their support regarding Citadel security."

"I see." She said plainly. Her eyes moving back over the balcony, the silence stretching out between them. Kolyat wanted to laugh as he watched, seeing how uncomfortable she was making the human male. "So, how've you been?"

"Good actually. I was with the council recently. There are talks about making me a Specter."

"Really?" Shepard turned back to look at him, interest back in her eyes. "Kaidan, I'm happy for you. It's a great honor."

"Well I guess I have you to thank in a way."

"You did it on your own, you don't have to thank me."

"Perhaps." Kaidan grinned taking a sip from his champagne glass. Kolyat had a sudden urge to slap that smug expression off the humans face. "What about you?"

"Great. Fantastic." She replied with a hint of bitter anger. Kaidan stared at her in blank reflection. Kolyat shifted, feeling the air turn heavy between them as the silence stretched once more. He could sense that whatever had happened between these two was not entirely finished business.

"I heard some interesting rumors about you. I almost didn't want to believe them."

"Almost?"

"Don't play coy Shepard. That is not who you are." She crossed her arms back over her chest her eyes turning cold. She stared him down, waiting for him to speak. "You're an information broker now?"

"Everyone needs to make a living Kaidan, even me."

"You don't deny it? You left Cerberus and straight out of incarceration you skirt the law by selling information. Do you answer to the Shadow Broker too?"

"What is it you want Kaidan? You saw me and decided to gloat? To rub it in my face that you are being chosen as the next human Specter?"

"You sound almost bitter."

"It's true I broke off with Cerberus and the Alliance grounded me. Took away my ship, my crew, and stripped me of my Specter status. I am not bitter. I did what had to be done. I always did, no matter the circumstances, but now…now I'm done."

"You blew up an entire Batarian system! Did you think you would just walk away from the repercussions?" Kolyat watched the fire in her eyes die down, the pain and regret flood within their depths.

"That has never been proven. You weren't there, you don't know half the things that happened, half of what I was forced to decide between."

"I don't believe you."

"I don't give a shit what you believe." Kaidan tensed his jaw in anger, his eyes flashing darkly as they narrowed. Shepard held her head high, meeting his eyes defiantly. Kolyat watched in admiration. The stories his father told him about her courage and demeanor evident in the way she acted towards the human male, who stood more than a head taller than her.

"Anderson told me the Reapers were delayed because of your actions, although they don't know for how long. Maybe indefinitely, maybe just not in this lifetime or perhaps they could even show up tomorrow. The end result though, you turned your back on the Alliance. Became a traitor and mass murderer. Did you expect them to welcome you back with open arms? How far have you fallen Shepard? The so called Hero of the Citadel?"

"You don't understand anything Kaidan." Shepard turned away from him to leave but the black haired man blocked her path quickly.

"I heard something else, also."

"And I take it you're going to enlighten me?"

"I heard that you found yourself another lover. A drell. Couldn't even keep it in your own species, could you?"

Kolyat could almost physically feel the whole atmosphere shift around her. One second calm and calculating, the next a raging fire. He could feel his own anger rising up at the mention of his father. Wherever this human received his information, he obviously didn't know that his father had returned to the deep almost a year ago. Kolyat smiled to himself as an idea formed in his mind and he quickly grabbed a small plate of sliced strawberries from another passing server.

Shepard's hands began to shake in anger. Her knuckles turning white as she balled her hands into fists. Biotic energy beginning to seep through her skin and light up the darkness.

"Don't you dare bring him into this!" She spat venomously, her lips pulled back from her teeth, seething. Taking a step forward she poked her finger into Kaidan's chest roughly. The human male grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him with more force than needed. She lost her footing in her high heels and he caught her as she stumbled. Biotic energy rose in the man's own hands as their emotions escalated. She glared up at him, murder in her eyes.

"Tell me something Shepard. Did you fuck him the first time right before you took on that Collector Base? Nothing like the thought of death to spread your legs for the next man."

"Fuck you, Kaidan."

"Sarah?" Kolyat called out loudly from the darkness, coming around the marble beam he hid behind as if he was still looking for her. They moved away from one another quickly, no more trace of biotic power between them. Both turned to stare at him and once Shepard saw who had called her name, her eyes widened slightly in surprise and she forced herself to move further away from the black haired human.

"Kolyat." He could hear the uncertainty and confusion in her voice, but he did not let her hesitation slow him down. He walked over to her with purpose, as if he had every right to be there.

"I am sorry I took so long." He spoke softly as he easily walked in between them bringing his body close to Shepard's. His presence now invading the human male's personal space, forcing him to back up further away from them. He ignored Kaidan and handed Shepard the full glass of Champagne. Her gaze softened and she smiled softly when she finally realized what he was doing. "It took me a while to find the food you asked for."

Kolyat took a strawberry off the plate and held it up to her mouth. Her eyes widened a fraction, and he stared at her patiently for a moment, until she understood what he wanted her to do.

"Thank you." She said meekly. Opening her mouth for him to feed her. He slowly placed the red fruit on her tongue, his fingers grazing her red stained lips. Their eyes met and he suddenly felt a confusing pressure that tightened his chest. Her cheeks flushed a slight pink. She chewed slowly their eyes never leaving one another's. Kolyat grinned and popped one of the pieces into his own mouth.

He rested the plate on the balcony and snaked his hand around her hip pulling her against him. He could feel her whole body stiffen at his touch but thankfully didn't push him away. He trailed his lips softly up her cheek and whispered in her ear just loud enough for her to barely hear him.

"Play along."

Almost immediately, her body started to relax and she turned her face towards his. A soft smile played along her lips that were suddenly so near his own. She pushed herself flush against him, her soft curves pressed against his hardened muscles. It was the first time he had felt a human's body. Did they all feel this fragile?

"I missed you. I didn't mean to put you through so much trouble." Her breath held a hint of the champaign, but her skin smelled sweet. Kolyat had a sudden urge to sniff her scent deeply, but he decided to do something he had been wondering about for a long time. He brushed his fingers over her cheek, feeling the smoothness of her warm flesh. The delicate bones of her face. He playfully grasped her chin, bringing her eyes back up to look at him. The top of her head just reaching his lips.

"You can make it up to me later." He made sure to say it loud enough for the other male to hear. He watched the color of Shepard's eyes shift and grow darker, her cheeks growing warmer as the red flush deepened. Just like Drell's, he had learned in his time with C-Sec that humans cheeks would darken when they were embarrassed or mad. He never had an opportunity to really see it though, and his fingers on her face indicated that their temperatures went up also. Interesting. Maybe that last bit was him going too far?

His eyes flicked to the man they were entertaining. Kolyat could feel the humans rage like invisible waves off an oceans storm. His knuckles turning white as he gripped the wine glass and Kolyat secretly wished it would shatter in his hand.

"So, who's your friend?" He said uncaringly, eating another strawberry from their plate on the railing.

"I was just about to ask you the same thing." Kaidan all but snarled. Shepard looked at the other male and smiled smugly.

"I thought you said you heard the rumors? You tell me."

"Rumors?" Kolyat asked playing dumb. "What rumors?"

"Apparently I have a drell lover." Shepard stated casually, suddenly drinking from her glass of champagne a little too quickly. The movement caught Kolyat's attention and he took the glass from her with minimal complaint before she drained it completely.

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"I don't think so."

Kolyat made sure to meet Kaiden's eyes as he brought the glass to his lips and finished her champagne. He turned and stared into her eyes, suddenly frozen by the true green of them. She smiled at him and he couldn't help but smile back. He should have ended it there but her presence was effecting him in a way that he never felt before. His breath caught in his throat and the question left his lips before he could stop it.

"Why is that?" His voice was gravelly and deep, and he was only slightly aware of the human male shifting uncomfortably next to them, his presence fading into the background. The only thing that suddenly existed was the depth of her eyes. She lowered her gaze a moment, her hand reaching out to run up his chest. He could feel her warmth through his leathers, her existence like an aura of strength. She played with the zippers of his leather vest, and his chest constricted once more as their gazes met and her hand softly touched the frills at his neck. Kolyat had to control himself from dropping the wine glass and sighing into her touch as her fingers teased him. Here he thought he had gone too far. Leave it to her to take things even one step further. The worst of it was his primal instincts wished she would.

"Because…" Her voice was husky now and she licked her lips, so close to his own. Shit, he was starting to get turned on. "When I start screaming your name, no human could ever compare."

Kolyat suddenly had trouble swallowing, dread from his reaction to her causing panic to well up in him. This was his father's ex-lover. A woman who could have possibly been his mother, despite her age, if his father still lived. He could count the conversations he had with her on one hand. She was the Hero of the Citadel for fucks sake, and his body suddenly responded to her as if none of that mattered and she was some female he just met. Not good. Before he had any more time to dwell on the matter the black haired human suddenly scoffed in rage, bringing their attention back to him.

"Un- fuckin-believable. You have some nerve you know that? Just answer one question Shepard. How does it feel to betray the people who care about you?"

She suddenly sighed and pushed herself slightly away from Kolyat. When her eyes met Kaidan's, he was curious to the fact that they did not reflect the anger he knew she felt several minutes prior, only sadness.

"You would know the first thing about betrayal, wouldn't you?" Something passed between them briefly. Regret, unspoken words, and unfulfilled promises breaking away into silence. In that moment Kolyat realized that once they had been more than friends. What did he just get himself into? "Besides…who did I betray Kaidan. All my friends still care about me. I couldn't say the same about you."

Kolyat knew it was a low blow, meant to hurt and Kaidan reacted just as expected. He snarled in anger taking a step toward Shepard reaching his hand out to grab her. She immediately straightened defensively, ready for him to come at her, but Kolyat immediately pushed her back and jumped in between them. His reflexes were quicker than a humans, and before Kaiden could finish blinking, Kolyat had his gun out and jammed into his throat, right under his jaw. He narrowed his eyes, trying to control his outrage that this man would dare try to harm her. His voice came out dark and ominous.

"If you touch her, I will kill you."

Shepard blinked a few times in disbelief at the quick change of events. Even Kaidan hesitated a moment before getting a hold of himself. The human male glared at him with new found hatred.

"Who the hell do you think you are? I should have you arrested." Kolyat grinned and handed the empty wine glass to Shepard before reaching into his leather jacket to produce a silver C-Sec badge.

"I'd like to see that." He said smugly putting the badge back into his inner pocket and pressed the gun harder into Kaiden's neck, his thumb hit the safety and popped a sink into the chamber loading it. He knew he was being rougher then he needed to be, but he didn't care. The movement made the human stumble back a few paces, spilling his drink all over himself and cursing loudly. Kolyat kept the gun positioned on his head refusing to trust him. He kept his voice emotionless.

"I think it's time for you to leave. Before I have you arrested." Kaidan straightened himself, tugging on his jacket trying to regain his composure. Running a hand though his hair he smoothed it back and took a deep breath. When he looked back at Shepard his eyes softened a bit. His lips thinning out in a pained grimace as he sighed in defeat.

"I guess we're done Shepard."

Kolyat felt her approach him. Her hand running down his arm softly causing him to turn and look at her. Their eyes met and she smiled at him serenely, quiet understanding passing between them. Kolyat lowered the gun and let her step out before him. A woman who was not afraid to face her problems. So many could learn from her.

"I hope this was the closure you were looking for." Her voice was smooth and even. Kaidan searched her expression for a moment. Kolyat wasn't sure what he was hoping to find, but then again the situation wasn't exactly what he thought it actually was either.

"Yeah…I guess it was." Without a second look the other male turned and left, leaving silence to suddenly stretch between them. Kolyat stepped away from her, hitting the safety back on his gun and holstering it beneath his leather jacket. Their façade was no longer needed and he did not want an awkwardness to build between them. He moved back towards the balcony, resting his back against the railing. He picked up one of the remaining strawberries, ttossing it into his mouth. He crossed his arms over his chest and waited for her to take a moment. Gods knew he needed it himself.

He watched her quietly, his eyes trailing over her body. The fabric of her dress hugging her tightly in all the right places, the feel of her skin was still fresh in his mind. The soft delicate texture of her flesh lingered on his fingertips. He was still stunned by the way his body had reacted to her, and he forced himself to look away before his mind wandered somewhere even more inappropriate than how they had just acted.

She stared at the floor, lost in her own thoughts, until ever so slowly her eyes rose to meet his. The green of them captivated him once again, his pulse speeding up in response to the bottomless pool of emotions he couldn't quite decipher. Shifting uncomfortably, their attention was diverted as a human sever approached them and took Shepard's empty glass. She nodded her thanks and took another full glass bringing it immediately to her lips. Kolyat frowned when she sipped it and he waved the server off refusing one for himself.

"You really should slow down on those. That's your fifth or sixth one now, isn't it?" He knew his face was unhappy and his body language was more hostile than he meant it to be, but it seemed to not affect her in the slightest. Instead her eyes stayed on him, glittering mischievously.

"So, how long, exactly, have you been watching me?" Kolyat blinked deliberately steady, he had already given too much of himself away. He didn't answer her, but he didn't have to. She smiled and walked towards him, closing the distance again between them. When she was right beside him she rested her arms on the balcony railing and looked back out over the Citadel. She sighed and took another sip of her wine. "You look like you're doing well. You stayed with C-Sec," she paused. "That's good. I didn't think you would." Kolyat turned his body to mirror hers, glancing over at her periodically.

"I have to admit. I wasn't going to at first. I had plans of leaving the Citadel, getting as far away from this place as possible. But it gradually became my home." He looked out over the Citadel remembering, "Then when Captain Baily offered me a full time position, I accepted."

"You did it for yourself though, right? Not because someone expected it of you, or because it was the right thing to do, but because you genuinely wanted this for yourself. Trust me, you don't want to be the person who tries to live up to everyone's expectations."

It was the first time Kolyat had been asked that. He was shocked by what she said and even how she was saying it. He had never thought about that before. At first he had no choice, it was because of her that he was able to walk free from an assassination attempt and skirt away with only community service. He would have been stupid to run then, becoming a full-fledged fugitive when he had only just started his plans of becoming an assassin. After he served his sentence though, it had become a different story. It was true his father didn't want him following in his footsteps but at that time Kolyat was still unsure of how he wanted to proceed with his life.

C-Sec seemed to fulfill him in a way. It was slow progress and the work was grueling but he felt like he was making a difference. He even had some friends now and started to feel like he belonged. It was a complete reversal of who he formerly was. The tables had been turned and he was now the one being trained to find the people he originally so desperately wanted to become.

"You know…you're the first person to ever ask me if this was what I wanted. Everyone just assumed that I would stay. They never questioned my motives. Then again…only a handful of people know how I ended up there. To everyone I'm just a normal rookie."

"Are you a full-fledged officer now?"

"A few more weeks. I have my final exam next month, if everything goes well I will apply for Detective after."

"Really? Detective? I didn't think that was your kind of thing. I wish you luck though. You deserve to be happy."

Kolyat watched emotions swirl quickly over her face before they disappeared as her lips went back to the wine glass drinking heavily. Her tongue darting out to lick her bottom lip, her mouth was painted in a deep red. Suddenly she stood up tall, a sigh escaping her lips, her eyes never leaving the sparkling lights of the Citadel. The glow illuminated her hair and skin in ethereal shadow. The look in her eyes was far away, making him think that despite her presence beside him, her mind was on things that he could not reach. Did she realize how melancholy her aura felt? Kolyat searched his mind to keep the conversation alive. For some reason he didn't want to leave her just yet.

"So…you're an information broker now?" Shepard's lips twitched into a ghost of a smile, taking another sip of wine she stared down into her glass.

"I took over a friend's office when she decided…to expand her business. I figured it was a good opportunity for me. I needed work and she needed help." He was a little surprised that this was the type of work she was willing to do. How much had changed in the last year since he had seen her last? Did the Alliance really turn their back on her? He knew she was hiding a great many things, but it was not his place to ask.

"Kolyat…thank you. For what you did with Kaidan." Kolyat sucked his teeth as he thought back on the human male's actions towards her.

"That guy was an asshole. What was his problem anyway?" Something flashed quickly within her eyes and she finished her wine in a last deep sip. He could tell she was trying to decide on what to tell him.

"Kaidan and I were once together."

"Did my father come between you?" He knew it was a bold question but his curiosity got the better of him. Shepard snorted back a laugh. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes a little narrower. She turned and looked at him, her eyes catching the reflection of the Citadel lights, her irises sparkled playfully.

"Wouldn't that have been something? I bet if that was the case that conversation would have gone much worse. He probably would have attacked you, despite the fact that you had a gun to his neck. He only inquired about my Drell lover… why did you step in? I'm not saying I'm not grateful, but I didn't expect that…and your impeccable timing." She said that last bit teasingly knowing she had already caught him watched her.

Kolyat stayed silent as he thought about what to tell her. He had wondered that very same thing as well. He couldn't understand why he spent most of the night watching her from the shadows. Being captivated by her presence, observing her every move. When he saw that human male corner her and interrupt her solitude his body had acted on its own.

"I didn't want him touching you." He admitted plainly.

"So, you still think you're a tough guy huh?" She turned to take a step towards him, her eyes darkening with a look that confused him. Was she flirting with him? Before he had a chance to dwell further on that question, she suddenly stumbled on her heels the wine flute dropping from her fingers, and he quickly moved to catch her. He was faintly aware of the sound of breaking glass as his fingers curled around her shoulders, the heat of her skin a perfect contrast to his cool scales. She looked up at him silently. Her cheeks turning a lovely crimson with her embarrassment, but it was her eyes that held him entranced.

He should have let her go immediately. Help right her and move away, but something bade him to hold her tighter. Some unknown force keeping him rooted to the spot, his hands wrapped tightly around her arms. Her gentle pink flesh grew hotter under his fingertips. Their eyes remained transfixed and he felt her expression must mirror his own with surprise and uncertainty. She was now the one searching. He was almost certain that she could hear his hammering heartbeat. What the hell was going on?

Shepard pulled herself upright, relying her weight on him a little more than she should have. He knew the wine was starting to affect her. Her movements were more jerky and her cheeks became even more crimson hued. "Huh, I never knew that." She was staring into his eyes hard now and the discomfort of their closeness was starting to get to him. He pushed her away gently, making sure her footing was correct before he let her go. He coughed and smoothed his hand down his leather jacket. Curiosity getting the better of him once again.

"What didn't you know?"

"Your eyes are blue." She stepped forward closing the distance between them, her hand going to his sensitive frills to gently caress his cheek. She alarmed him and he jolted backward his hips hitting the railing hard, his heel kicking the metal forcing him to remain where he was. She didn't stop though as she closed the distance once more. Her hand trailed back to his cheek but this time he just stared at her, forcing himself not to react. He was confused by her actions now, but intrigued by her reasons for touching him in such an intimate way. Was it the liquor clouding her judgement, or did she simply not care about all the things that made this wrong.

"Your skin…" She started, her fingers trailing down the side of his face to his neck. He had to hold his breath to control a shiver that threatened to run through him. He wanted to groan and push his face into her palm harder. He suddenly felt ashamed by his reaction to her. Like she was one of the many women he picked up for his casual dalliances. He couldn't control his hands and before he knew it, his fingers were curled around her wrist, his other hand touched her waist hesitantly, thinking she would most likely push him away or perhaps even shoot him. Her hip was soft and he could feel the heat of her skin beneath the fabric, tight across her body. He trailed his hand up to her waist, his skin skimming across the satiny fabric, his gaze intently watching the bold trail his hand made over her body.

"It's not blue." She continued.

"What?" He asked in confusion bringing his mind back from the precipice of inappropriate thoughts.

"Your skin. I thought it was blue this whole time but it changes in the light. Green and teal and then to blue. It's actually quite beautiful."

Kolyat closed his eyes and sighed, laughing at the preposterousness of their conversation. "And I think you're actually quite drunk."

She snorted and laughed, her smile wide and toothy as she made a sound through her nose in delight, leaning against him and patting his chest as if he just said one of the funniest things she ever heard. She leaned heavily against him and he shook his head at the situation.

"You may be right." She giggled trying to hold in another laugh which only made her snort again. When the noise erupted through her nose, she laughed a little louder covering her lips with one of her hands eyeing him in embarrassment.

"Come on, let me take you home."

"I'm a big girl. I can get home myself." She said in denial immediately righting herself and pulling away from him but quickly swaying on her feet from the sudden movement. Kolyat's grip on her tightened as he helped stand her up straight.

"And you're full of shit. Let me take you home."

Her eyes became serious as she regarded him. "You know, most people are too scared to talk to me that way."

"It must be refreshing then to have someone treat you as the rest of us."

Shepard was quiet a moment as his words sunk in. He knew he was being rude and expected her anger, but her reaction surprised him. She snorted again and laughed her eyes growing softer as she stared at him.

"Actually, it kind of is." He quirked an eye ridge at her as she smiled and grabbed his hand roughly pulling him forward. "All right, I'll grace you with my presence a little while longer."

Shepard turned quickly to leave, pulling him along behind her, immediately losing her footing once again. She cursed loudly and grabbed his arms as they wrapped around her waist instinctively to steady her.

"I really hate heels over four inches."

"You don't seem to be very steady on them after a few drinks."

"I'm actually not quite steady on them even sober. I think I spent the whole night panicking in my head hoping that I didn't fall flat on my ass in front of everyone tonight."

"I must admit I always wondered the sort of things that went through the Legendary Commander Shepard's head." Shepard laughed softly and held Kolyat's hand as she balanced herself and kicked her feet out of her shoes, placing her bare feet upon the floor.

"Other than thinking of the best way to shoot myself out of any room, I think falling on my ass about wraps up my thought train." Picking up her shoes by the straps she tossed them at Kolyat who grasped at them in surprise, doing his best not to have them tumble to the floor. She grasped his hand roughly in hers once again as he gained his hold over her footwear, and proceeded to pull him behind her, rushing through the crowded party. He was a little alarmed at how carefree and liberal she was being with him but he was so intrigued by her actions he decided to just go with it.

Shepard blew a kiss to Kaidan and waved as she spotted him by the bar, his expression turning dark. Kolyat did his best to act as if her mannerisms were the most natural thing in the world as they made their way out the front entrance and into the night of the Presidium. When they were several yards away she released him and stretched her arms out widely, taking in a deep breath.

"Man, does the air seem ten time's lighter out here?"

"You do seem more at ease now." Kolyat said softly, walking past her towards the taxi station. Her shoes dangling from his fingertips. He caught her grinning at him from the corner of his eyes, feeling her keep up with him as he approached the terminal.

"Still plan on taking me home?"

"I said I would."

Shepard leaned against the railing and grinned at him broadly her fingers reaching out towards him as he hit the call button his gaze met hers just as her fingertips grazed his frills. He stood their frozen, watching her expression become dissolute his own curiosity of her actions making his body incredibly aware of her presence.

"Aren't you just the sweetest thing?" She suddenly gushed as she playfully and very gently slapped his cheek. He felt his frills begin to engorge as his body accepted her touch as foreplay. Holy fuck, what is the matter with me? He panicked now, unsure if the look she gave him for a split second earlier was of lust or teasing. He hated being this indecisive with women. He was either going to fuck them or he didn't even bother with them, unless he was working. This was a whole new territory and he didn't like it at all. If she was any other woman, any other woman than Commander fucking Shepard, he probably would have been taking her back to her place for a very different and extremely dirty reason. Stop thinking about that, she was your father's lover.

The taxi arrived just as his thoughts turned truly sinful, he tried not to look at her, concerned that his eyes might linger longer than what was considered polite. He opened the door for her and ushered her inside and he couldn't help from wondering why her touch kept lingering. She grabbed his arm to steady herself her movements a little too fluid because of the liquor. When he was seated beside her, he waited for her to input the address on the small monitor in front of her, quickly waving his omnitool for his card to accept the charges. She gave him a look of disbelief.

"You didn't have to pay for me."

"I told you already that I would take you home. I think that entitles me to pay."

"I thought you would think taking me home entitled you to something else." She said quietly looking out the window as the car fluidly moved upward and into the travel lane. Kolyat blinked back his astonishment from her words, unsure of how he should interpret what she said. His throat constricted and he found himself shifting uncomfortably beside her.

"Where do you live anyway?" He asked softly doing whatever it took to ease the awkward atmosphere He was thankful that the inside of the car was cast mostly in shadow, making it hard to see the darkening of his frills.

"The Gemini Towers." Kolyat had heard of that development. Two towers that stood near the center of the inner circle of the Presidium, usually reserved for high class society and politicians. One apartment was worth more than he would make in his entire life working for C-Sec. He glanced toward her, eyeing her dress inquisitively. Watching the fabric flow and shift as she crossed one of her legs over the other, chin resting on her hand. He remembered the softness of her dress when he had touched her hip. The smooth, gentle feel of it as his hand glided over her body. Was the dress made of silk? He rubbed his fingers over her shoes, soft material and small diamonds covering the straps on the toes. Those weren't real, were they? She said she was an information broker and a sinking feeling in his stomach began to stir. She had told Kaiden she was no longer part of the Alliance and her Specter status had been revoked. How was she able to afford such luxuries? Perhaps she really was skirting the law now.

"What exactly were you doing at the C-Sec ball, Shepard?"

Shepard stayed quiet as she continued to stare out the window. He was about to ask her again wondering if perhaps she didn't hear him when she turned her gaze toward him and smiled broadly. Shepard leaned towards him her hand touching his chest, fingers playing with the silver zipper of his leathers. Kolyat sat up straighter, his body growing rigid as her hand moved to squeeze his knee, one of her fingers running over his leather pants. Her eyes grew hooded and she looked up at him through thick black lashes.

"I was trying to bring someone home with me to warm my bed." Kolyat frowned at her, realizing immediately that she was trying to use seduction to avoid the question. Two could play at that game. Kolyat shifted in his seat, boldly running a thumb over her cheek until he cupped her face in his palm. He could see her eyes widen in surprise and uncertainty. His voice came out colder than he meant it to be, anger starting to grip his chest.

"Is that an invitation?" He gazed at her in determination refusing to back down from her game. He grasped her neck and pulled her closer to him, his lips just shy from hers. He wondered how far she would let him go. Would she allow him to kiss her? Kolyat had to admit he had always been curious about her relationship with his father. What it was like to become intimate with a human. He never could bring himself to look at humans in that way though, but for some reason he could with her. Just when he was about to say something else, the cab stopped and the doors opened. He released her almost reluctantly.

"I guess we're here." Kolyat ignored the look of disbelief on her face as he exited the cab and held out his hand for her. She took it gingerly, pulling herself from the vehicle and letting him go almost immediately. He kept his grin hidden, proud of himself from making her loose her composure. She walked past him, her bare feet making her eyes barely reach his shoulders. He never realized she was so much smaller than she let on. He supposed her reputation and presence made her seem so much larger.

They made their way into the lobby, the double glass doors sliding open as soon as they approached. The interior of the building was perfectly lit. Huge patches of exotic plants and flowers displayed along the perimeter of the large entrance, most of which Kolyat had never seen before. Double cushioned sofas and lavish décor lay around sporadically, exuding an air of extravagant wealth and comfort. He followed behind her closely noticing the sway in her footsteps, the flush evident in her skin from all the wine. A tan skinned Salarian sat behind a large reception desk, different security monitors peeking over the sides of the counter. He stood and nodded in greeting as Shepard approached him. She smiled and waved, his attention going from her towards Kolyat curiously.

"Good Evening Ms. Shepard."

"Hi, Jerrod. How is everything? Did the negotiations go well?"

"They did, my family is just competing with one other now. We will know what has been decided in a few more days."

"That's good. If it works out name one of your daughters after me okay?"

"It would be an honor."

Shepard said her goodbyes and made her way over towards the elevators. Kolyat could feel the Salarians red eyes following him glancing at her bare feet to the shoes hanging from his hand. He knew their race had photographic memory and knew every detail was being saved for later use if the need presented itself. When the doors of the elevator closed behind them Shepard leaned against the wall and avoided his stare.

"What kind of negotiations is he in the process of?" Kolyat asked trying to keep the air light between them.

"A mating contract."

"I don't know much about Salarians. I don't work or speak with them too often. Is their bonding arranged?"

"Not exactly. They don't marry like Humans or Drells. Once a year the females of their race will lay a handful of eggs. The families then decide with negotiations, money, favors, so forth who will get to fertilize the eggs and join their clan. They try to strengthen the family ties. Usually the ones who have more influence win the negotiations."

"Salarians never have sex?" Kolyat blinked at her his face most likely displaying the horror that he felt. No wonder the ones he met were so uptight. Shepard started laughing as she watched his reaction. She covered her mouth to calm herself down as the doors opened and she made her way down the corridor and into another huge lobby area. A huge Penthouse Suite sign was engraved upon the wall. Kolyat stared at the sign not realizing that she had hit the Penthouse button on the elevator. He looked up to admire the huge crystal chandelier hanging from the center ceiling.

"There's only two apartments on this floor. My neighbor is a lawyer, he's almost never home and when he is, he's never alone. One time I saw five women coming out of his apartment all sprouting that 'just fucked' look."

"Is he human?"

"Yeah, that's why it's a little surprising. Fully satisfying one woman is a lot of work, I couldn't even contemplate five."

Kolyat snickered from her words but agreed with what she said. He couldn't even imagine fucking five women, he barely fucked a single one more than twice, never sticking around long enough to keep going. He never considered anyone worth his time.

When they approached her door he watched her hesitate as her hand stopped right before putting in her security code. Maybe that was his cue to go? He said her name softly making her turn towards him fully intending to just hand her the shoes and leave, but her expression made him pause. She was staring up at him expectantly. A plethora of different emotions and thoughts swarming over her features. Was he reading this right? Was she trying to decide if she wanted to invite him in? Kolyat didn't trust himself not to try something and everything about this just screamed inappropriate. He saw how she was at the party, how distant and completely disconsolate the air around her seemed. The emptiness in her eyes, hidden as soon as someone came into her vicinity. She was still mourning his father, he knew it in his gut. Perhaps she viewed him as a replacement.

Kolyat leaned into her gauging her reaction as he placed his hand against the wall, leaning his weight upon it. Closing the distance between them. He stared down at her, his gaze intense as he tried to read her. She leaned back against the wall, her eyes meeting his in unwavering patience. He dropped her shoes to the floor, the loud clack against the marble floor almost deafening. He grabbed her hand, carefully assessing whether she would pull away or not. His thumb caressed the top of her hand, tracing the soft flesh over her delicate bones. His eyes never left hers.

"Tell me what you're thinking." She requested huskily, her voice barely above a whisper. He could smell the sweetness of her breath as he leaned a little closer. His knee brushing against her leg.

"I'm trying to read the situation. I am trying to figure out what it is you want from me."

"I know about your reputation with women." She all but blurted out. Kolyat narrowed his eyes at her, suspicious but intrigued by where her thoughts were headed. Had she been keeping tabs on him this past year? Was she about to criticize his lifestyle? "I'm not judging you…I'm just curious about it." She voiced as if sensing his concerns. Kolyat kept his expression neutral his thumb caressing the inside of her wrist.

"Tell me what you're curious about." He replied gently watching a shiver pass over her body, her breaths becoming more labored. Her eyes searched his, he could tell she was battling her own doubts about what was happening in this moment between them.

"I'm curious if…if I was anyone else besides Commander Shepard… would you be kissing me right now?"

He grasped her wrist gently, guiding it above her head, being careful not to over exert his strength upon her and bruise the skin. He placed his other hand against the wall to keep himself balanced as he leaned his body almost completely against hers, keeping just a few inches between them. Kolyat dipped his head down to the crook of her neck breathing the sweet musky smell of her into him deeply. His stomach tightened in anticipation and he felt himself grow hard as he thought about the rest of her body being as soft as what he had already touched. He heard her breath catch in her throat, his lips trailed over the curve of her neck, his own breath ghosting over her skin. He had a sudden urge to lick her, wanting to feel her pulse and see if it was hammering as wildly as his. Bringing his lips to the gentle curve of her ear he whispered to her confidently.

"I wouldn't only be kissing you, I'd be fucking you right now."

"You sound so sure of yourself." Her voice was breathy and he grinned as the crimson hue darkened over her cheeks.

"Just confident. I was once told that women like that."

He pulled back to look into her eyes and watched as they darkened and dilated. He watched her tongue dart out to lick her lips, the pink appendage moistening her ruby stained lips making them glisten in an almost begging manner. He wanted more than anything to see if she tasted as good as she smelled.

Fuck it, if she shoots me, so be it.

He closed his eyes and guided his lips over hers tracing the outline of them with his, savoring this last moment before possession, giving her the last opportunity to say no. He glanced into her eyes once more, her lips were half parted her breathing labored. He felt her free hand reach underneath his jacket, grazing the muscle over his hip. Without any further hesitation he covered her mouth with his. He reveled in the feel of her, noticing how her lips were exactly how he imagined them to be, supple and soft, yet able to return his kiss with firm demanding. He kissed her hard, feeling her teeth graze his bottom lip nibbling to show she would grant him access if he asked it, and he was about to fucking demand it.

He released her wrist and pushed himself off the wall, pulling away a moment to adjust his position. He grasped her hips roughly, leaning his body fully against hers now. He felt her hands wrap around the back of his neck, sending his mouth crashing back to down to hers. This time the kiss was fierce and consuming, her skin was growing hotter and he could feel the intense heat while he circled his hands around her tiny waist to dip down to the curve of her lower back. One hand dropped to the mound of her ass, the other grazed something hard. Kolyat pulled his lips away, about to ask what he was touching but Shepard's voice cut him off.

"One of my guns." She said breathlessly her tongue darting out to give the frills at the base of his throat a quick lick. He wanted to laugh, of course she was armed, but instead he shuddered in pleasure grinding his hips harder against knew that she could feel his arousal straining against her stomach. He never believed a human could turn him on to the point of how he felt in this moment. He wanted her, there was no denying it, but first he really wanted her to open to him.

He ground his body against hers once more making a groan of approval part her lips. He took the opportunity and devoured her mouth, his tongue brushing against hers demanding everything she could give him. His own groans of primal need vibrating from his throat from the new sensations he experienced. Unlike Drell or Asari, her tongue was moist and warm, only slightly coarse on the top, molding to him as he explored her sweet exquisite taste. Goddess of Oceans is it possible that her whole body will adapt around me? He could already feel it in the way her body adjusted to his, fitting against him perfectly. His mind spun on the possibilities of what it would feel like to take her.

"You should invite me in." He exhaled coaxingly between kisses letting her know that he would gladly make her moan all night if that was what she wished. Kolyat pulled his lips from hers to lick the side of her throat up to the base of her ear. He nibbled it carefully unsure if that would be considered pleasurable for a human since Asari and Drells didn't have the extra appendage. She moaned as he bit her harder encouraging him on, her hands dropping to grab the front of his leathers holding him to her. He dipped his tongue into the small opening his breath caressing the cartilage, he glanced at the thick dark strands of her hair. Wondering what it felt like, expecting it to be as soft as the rest of her.

"Shepard, let's go inside."

"I…I don't think we should." She stammered trying to voice her denial but he could tell her resolve was failing. He bit her ear again causing her to hiss in arousal, his lips trailed over her jaw as he ground his hardened member against her stomach causing a sweet friction to build within him.

"Why not? If you want, you can pretend I'm him. I'll even let you call me by his name if you prefer." Kolyat knew the moment he fucked up. Her whole body grew rigid and she pushed him with all her strength. He stumbled back caught off guard and when he looked towards her in question the pain that erupted over his cheek left him dazed and confused. He blinked past the pain and looked at her. The anger on her face a stark contrast to the look of pleasure only a moment earlier. Her hand was still in the end position of slapping him and her fingers curled into fists, biotic power pouring to the surface as her arms started to shake in rage.

"What would even make you believe that, that is what I would want?"

Kolyat righted himself and gritted his teeth as his own animosity rose to the surface. He glared at her his voice coming out low and cruel.

"Isn't it? The way your body reacted to me this whole evening is proof enough. You see my father." He all but spat. Shepard gasped, pain flicking across her face briefly and then…pity, before it disappeared and her eyes hardened.

"I think you should leave."

Kolyat scoffed at her callously, narrowing his eyes at her he grasped the edges of his collar and righted the leathers that she had previously crumpled looking her up and down. Thinking he should have never even laid eyes on her this evening.

"Yeah, I kind of got that impression." He said dismissively turning to make his way back towards the elevator. Just as it opened and he got inside he heard her voice call out one last time.

"For the record Kolyat, I was kissing you. Not Thane."

His eyes widened from her revelation just as the doors closed before him. The shock of what she said making his heart speed up and hammer wildly against his ribs. For the second time in his life, this human woman had made him feel ashamed.