WIP Wednesday - Alien Slave, Clans of Kalquor 5

     When your heart has been broken because someone pushed you aside for another, it's going to rattle your self-esteem for a period of time.  Some of us take such knocks a little harder than others.
     Alien Slave features a Kalquorian who is still suffering the sting of rejection after many years.  Yes, one of those accomplished aliens has trust issues.  In his youth, Krijero was unceremoniously dumped for another Imdiko by the Dramok he had every indication would clan him.  His current clanmates are still dealing with the fallout:

     Gelan exchanged a look with Wynhod.  The Nobek put his handheld down and wrapped himself around Krijero once more.  His fierce nature was masked as he stroked the Imdiko's tousled hair like a mother calming a nightmare-inflicted child.
     Gelan also pulled closer to his clanmate.  "She'll be an interesting challenge for your skills," he encouraged.
     Krijero refused to look at him.  "I'm a criminal psychologist.  I analyze law breakers.  I don't fix traumatized Mataras."
     Of course Wynhod cut right to the chase.  "And you're afraid of getting your heart broken again.  Admit that's your biggest objection."  Despite his harsh words, his tone remained gentle, his touch soothing.
Krijero cringed anyway and didn't answer.  Gelan's rage for the pain his Imdiko continued to feel over the past … over the way his trust had been trampled on … woke anew. 
     The Dramok growled, "I swear if I ever meet that man, I'll pound him senseless for clanning another Imdiko.  He was a fool to give you up." 
     Krijero sighed.  "It doesn't matter now."
     "It shouldn't, but you're still hurting after all this time.  There's no reason to think you're unworthy, Krijero.  We didn't reject you, did we?"
     Wynhod snorted laughter.  "Reject him?  We were the ones chasing him for years."
     Krijero finally found a smile.  "Yes, you did."
     "You made us work for it too, damn reluctant Imdiko."  Wynhod hugged him close, and Krijero eased up.