Page 155 of The Edge of Dawn

His reward.

The very one who had saved him... when he hadn’t even realized he needed saving.

After what felt like an eternity, they arrived back at the Fleet Station. The cruiser glided through the airlock and landed seamlessly.

The pilot left his station, passing Dragek as he headed toward the exit hatch. He offered him a nod of acknowledgment, nothing more.

Then, he was gone, leaving Dragek to his own devices.

There were no guards.

No restraints.

There was nobody to monitor or restrict him.

They’d just left him… alone.

He was free to have the run of the entire Fleet Station… as if he were one of them now.

Hm.

The Universe would never cease to surprise him.

The first thing he did was open his mind and reach for his sarien. Her presence had become faint, but her aura was peaceful, resonating at the frequency of sleep.

He’d become so attuned to her that he could even tell where she was—inside her chambers.

Without hesitation, Dragek exited the ship and made his way toward Jade’s chambers. He knew the route well enough already—just a few trips around the Fleet Station had been enough for him to form a detailed mental map.

As he walked, he reached out to Noali.

What have you done to her?

Well, hello to you, too, Dragek. The human was as unflappable as ever. As you’re probably aware, she’s asleep. That epic feat she pulled off really took it out of her. Don’t worry. She isn’t harmed in any way. We monitored her closely throughout the entire ordeal. She’s just resting. Her body and mind are exhausted—she might take a few days to recover, but she’ll be fine soon enough.

Hm. Dragek found himself both intensely relieved and immensely frustrated.

At this rate, the Mating Fever was going to drive him into the abyss of madness.

How much longer could he wait?

When would this sublime torture end?

She is well, then? Unharmed? She will recover without incident?

Yes, Dragek. All of that and more. I’m sure that when she wakes up, she’ll be very glad to see you.

Can I see her? To check for myself?

Can you trust yourself around her?

It will only be for a moment. I just need to see her. He wasn’t quite rational anymore. Actually, he hadn’t been rational for a very long time.

Just a quick visit, okay? I’m sure she would have no objections, but…

I am well aware of the implications and concerns, he snapped, his patience wearing thin. I know how to exercise self-control.

He, a Silent One, was a master of control.

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