Page 156 of The Edge of Dawn

All right, Noali agreed. I think I understand a little of what you’re going through right now. I’ll be there, just in case.

You? Dragek was skeptical.

I can sense that you’re tired, too. Make no mistake. With the state you’re in now, I could incapacitate you.

Hmph. Dragek was both indignant and relieved. Noali understood his plight better than most, and it was probably good that she would be there to restrain him if needed.

Not that he would do anything to Jade.

He just had to see her, that was all.

His need for her was so great it caused a dull ache inside his chest.

Dragek made his way down the intricate network of corridors, passing the occasional crew member or warrior. They reacted to him with surprise, uncertainty, and wariness, not quite sure what to make of him.

But they didn’t protest against his presence or try to obstruct his path.

He paid them no heed.

Briefly, he wondered if he should veil himself in the qim once again, so he could move faster, but his psychic energy was all but spent.

Noali was right.

He was tired.

Tired and yet filled with a relentless drive to seek out his mate.

His body was running on vapors. His mind was in overdrive.

All he knew was his desire for her.

Finally, he was at her chambers, and the door opened just like it had the last time. He found Noali in the antechamber, waiting for him.

“Welcome back,” she said softly, tipping her head in a gesture of respect. “Thank you, Dragek, for trusting us—and yourself.”

He felt undeserving of such gratitude. “I merely did what was necessary,” he said gruffly.

“No.” Noali’s expression became soft and tender in a way that only a human could be. “You could have refused to do it. You could have sabotaged the entire operation. You could have misunderstood the fundamental meaning of the Mate Bond, but you didn’t. You chose right, Dragek, and now you’re here. So go and see her, and reassure yourself that she’s all right. But please take care not to wake her. This is a very important rest. She’s restoring her ka’qui.” The human’s expression turned from soft to serious in an instant, and Dragek got the feeling there would be a thousand hells to pay if he woke Jade now.

Not that he would dare.

Even though the temptation was there, he sensed this rest was vital to her well-being after such a long and arduous task.

“I will not,” he said stiffly, peering through the door with his Second Sight. A soft glow came from beyond. Entangled with it was the familiar warmth of her aura.

And... her mesmerizing scent.

As if in a trance, he followed it until he reached her, momentarily forgetting that Noali was even there.

He found her asleep in her pod, curled up on her side with the sheets draped across her body. Her hair was loose, scattered around her face like a wayward crown.

Her eyes were closed, her face serene, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

Catching sight of her for the first time since he’d departed, his chest tightened. His heart pounded like a war drum, and his senses became painfully heightened.

Her scent was unbearably tempting.

His hand trembled as he reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek. She was so deep in sleep that she didn’t even move.

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