Page 21 of Craving Stardust

“Do you believe there’s life after this one?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I like to believe it doesn’t end now. I want to believe that there’s something more, that if we love someone, it’ll continue past the time our bodies fail, that our spirits will still swirl together, holding each other in some way that brings comfort.”

“That’s beautiful, Lordek.”

I smiled, but it faded. “Why did your mating end?”

She sighed, and her lips twisted. “He cheated on me. Can you believe it? He vowed to be faithful for this lifetime. We weren’t talking about beyond, or anything like that. His promise didn’t even last five years.”

The pain in her voice told me more than her words.

“I’m sorry. I can understand why you would be saddened by that. Bitter even.”

“I was for a while, but I’m getting over it.” Her spine tightened and she reached out and stroked one of the tall flower stalks nearby. “No, I am over it. We split eight months ago, and when I moved here, I put him and our relationship behind me. I needed to move on. This was a new start for me, not just a new home or a new job but a new life. He’s not around any longer, which helps.”

Could she ever love another after her mate did something as cruel as that? Sometimes, when a fated mate died, their partner found love again even if it wasn’t the same. The couples appeared happy. Was that possible if a mate cheated with another?

“He wasn’t what you’d call my destiny.” Her voice grew wistful. “I hope one day to experience true love, to care for someone who’ll always see me as precious. And I’ll do the same with him. I think that’s possible.” Her gaze met mine. “No, I know that’s possible. I’m going to find that person one day and we’ll love each other for this lifetime and beyond. We’ll be that mist you talked about, floating together after, comforting each other when our bodies have failed and our physical forms are no more.”

Then she could love another. My hearts surged, and my throat choked off. “I hope you find that lasting love. That perfect someone who’ll treat you the way you deserved, because you are special. Precious. Worthy.”

Her lips trembled with a smile. “Thanks.”

She laced our fingers together, and heat spiraled through me. Getting closer to Iris would only make leaving her harder, but I couldn't deny myself the wonder of her touch, the feel of this wonderful person.

“When I talk with you . . .” She dragged her gaze from mine to the flowers growing tall beside her. “These are called hollyhocks. My grandmother loved them. They’re hard to grow, so I don’t touch them.” Her laugh burst out. “They’re old fashioned. I don’t think many gardeners bother with them any longer, but I enjoy them. When I see them, I think of her.”

“They’re special like you, Iris.”

Her smile grew wider, and she leaned over to tap the stem of a plant. “This plant is called an iris. My grandmother had some say in my name, as you can guess. My mom didn’t mind naming me that, though. She was named Daisy after another flower.”

A vehicle passed on the road, and Iris stilled, her head cocked and her body frozen. She swallowed when the vehicle kept moving. “We should go back inside. It’s really not safe to remain out here in the open.”

She was probably right, though I’d enjoyed sharing this world’s sunshine with my mate.

We went back inside and prepared the evening meal, eating the pasta with sauce in bowls, then sitting in the living area again. Our sides pressed together as we shared more details of our lives. I ached to pack a lifetime into the one or two Earth days I had left with Iris, to store up enough memories to sustain me forever.

I sensed each moment could be our last, and I needed to know everything about her. She appeared to feel the same about me.

“Thank you for coming into my life.” She stared down at her hands clasped on her lap. "I know you can’t stay. I’d be foolish to think such a thing is possible.” Her gaze lifted. “I want you to know that I'm grateful we’ve had this time together. I’m grateful I had the chance to meet you. To know you.”

Her words echoed my thoughts. How was I going to leave her behind?

“You’ve brought more light into my life than I could’ve imagined.” I took a chance, stating my true feelings. If I messed this up, I’d chastise myself for whatever time we had left. But if I didn’t speak, I’d regret not doing so for a lifetime. “I don’t know how I’m going to leave you. You mean everything to me, Iris.”

She tilted her face up, her gaze meeting mine, and I saw so much longing there it ripped my hearts from my chest.

Cupping her beautiful face, I kissed her, hoping I could convey all the feelings swirling inside me. I was completely enthralled by her, and I’d never feel the same way for another.

As heat flashed through me, I squeezed my eyes shut. My skin throbbed and burned. The need I felt for this female. It cut me off at the knees. It made my hearts slam against my ribcage. How could I find the strength to breathe without her in my life?

Yes… I didn’t need anything but her. This moment stolen from the very world around us. Her mouth hot beneath mine, her tongue teasing out to swirl across mine.

By the time we broke apart, we were both breathless.

She traced her fingertips across my face. “You mean everything to me, Lordek. I never thought I could fall in love with someone from another world, but you crept into my heart when I wasn’t looking. I should be running in the other direction, but all I want is to run to you.”

“Iris,” I growled, tugging her into my arms.

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