Page 32 of Pyne

Anya leans in, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "And don't even get me started on that showdown with the Iridian. We were all on the edge of our seats, ready to storm the arena if thingswent south. But you handled it like a true champion, Pyne. Showing mercy and standing up to that awful Arisha? That took real courage."

Captain Zar-Rynn nods solemnly, though there's a twinkle in his golden eyes. "Indeed. We're proud of you, Pyne. Not just for your unexpected baking prowess, but for staying true to yourself in the face of such adversity. And for finding this delightful human who seems to have stolen your heart along with the show."

The crew's laughter and teasing fill the air, a perfect expression of the family Pyne and I have found among the stars. Their words paint a vivid picture of their worry, excitement, and ultimate pride as they watched our baking adventures unfold. It's a testament to the bonds we've forged, stronger than any cosmic recipe could ever be.

My mouth waters at the tantalizing scents wafting from what I assume is the kitchen. Except for my brief stint in the Cosmic Confections competition, I haven’t been served in a long time. Although I’ll be part of the cooking rotation once I settle in, today, I’ll enjoy Maddie’s Blessed Peace Day feast.

We’re seated and dig into platters of human food plus delicacies from across the galaxy. It seems Maddie’s given a nod to everyone’s traditions. When dessert comes, I plead, “No more, please. They look amazing, Maddie, but I think I’ll have to pass for now. After all those sweets in the baking competition, I don’t know if I can even look at dessert for a while.”

Maddie laughs, her eyes sparkling with understanding. “No worries, honey. If things were different, I would say I’d set someaside for you for tomorrow, but that would be a lie. Between Stryker and Dax, it will all disappear before midnight. Some of these males are bottomless pits!”

“Hey, I resent that!” Dax protests, even as he eyes the kitchen eagerly. “I’m a growing boy!”

“Growing outward maybe,” Stryker quips, poking Dax’s muscular gut.

As the good-natured ribbing continues, the human women surround me, their faces open and welcoming.

“We’re so happy to have you here, Becca,” Dax’s mate says warmly. “I’m Dahlia, and I’ve already got the perfect cabin picked out for you and Pyne. It’s cozy and private, with a view of the stars that’ll take your breath away.”

“And don’t you worry about clothes,” a statuesque blonde chimes in. “I’m Savannah, and my closet is your closet until I can whip you up some threads of your own. I know my way around a sewing machine!”

As I blink back sudden tears, I’m overwhelmed by the generosity and acceptance radiating from these women who were strangers mere moments ago. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you, all of you. This means more than I can express.”

Pyne pulls me closer, dropping a kiss on my temple. “I told you, sugarplum. This is your home now, and these people are your family. We take care of our own.”

Just then, a massive, furred feline slinks into the room, his lithe form rippling with barely leashed power. I can’t help but tense, my instincts screaming to run from this apex predator.

But Pyne just laughs, reaching out to scratch the beast behind his tufted ears. “There you are, King! Becca, meet the ship’s mascot and resident sweetheart. Don’t let his size fool you—he’s a gentle giant.”

Warily, I extend a hand, and King sniffs it delicately before butting his huge head against my palm, a rumbling purr vibrating through his chest.

My fears melt away as I pet him, enjoying the softness of his fur and the contented sounds he makes. Perhaps things aren’t always as they appear on theDevil’s Playground. It’s clear there are depths of compassion and courage lurking beneath even the fiercest façades.

As the introductions continue and the laughter flows freely, I lean into Pyne’s solid warmth, letting the joy and belonging wash over me.

This is real. This incredible male beside me, these wonderful people surrounding us, welcoming us. This is our future, bright and limitless and filled with possibilities.

I catch Pyne’s eye, seeing my own elation mirrored there. He leans down, his lips brushing my ear as he murmurs, “What do you say we slip away for a bit, sugarplum? I seem to recall Savannah mentioning something about a private cabin with a view…”

My pulse leaps at the suggestion, anticipation coiling low in my belly. “Lead the way, gladiator. We have so much to discover about each other.”

Hand in hand, hearts full to bursting, we navigate the twists and turns of theDevil’s Playground,our pace increasing until we’re at a run, on our way to address some unfinished business.

As we reach our cabin, Pyne suddenly stops, his eyes widening with realization. "Becca, I… I'm sorry. With everything that happened, I didn't have a chance to get you a proper Blessed Peace Day gift."

A soft laugh escapes me. "Oh, Pyne. I was just thinking the same thing. Some bakers we are, forgetting the most important ingredient—the gift!"

He pulls me close, his forehead resting against mine. "I promise, as soon as we're settled, I'll make you the most spectacular cake you've ever seen. It will be a tribute to you, for all you’ve taught me. It will have sugar flowers that change colors, looking as though they bloom when you touch them, and icing as smooth as stardust."

"Mmm," I hum, imagining it. "And I'll design a new gladiator outfit for you. One that shows off all your… assets, while keeping you safe in the arena. With hidden pockets for your favorite snacks, of course."

Pyne's laugh rumbles through his chest. "Now that's a gift worth waiting for, sugarplum."

We stand there for a moment, grinning at each other like lovesick fools. Then, with a playful growl, Pyne scoops me up in his arms. "For now, though, I think we can find other ways to celebrate, don't you?"

Giggling, I wrap my arms around his neck as he carries me into our cabin. "I couldn't agree more, my love. Happy Blessed Peace Day."

Chapter Twenty-Five

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