Page 46 of Primal Bond

"Hey, I'll have you know these are battle scars." Finn pointed to a thin line on his forearm. "This one? Got it fighting off a pack of space wolves."

"Space wolves," Zanik repeated flatly.

"Yup. Vicious creatures." Finn's eyes sparkled with mischief. He reached out, tracing a jagged scar across Zanik's chest. "What about this one? Bet it's got a good story."

Zanik tensed, unused to anyone touching him so intimately. He'd kept his own scars hidden for years, never fully undressing even during quick encounters.

It felt strange to be so exposed now. But Finn just smiled, waiting expectantly. Zanik found himself relaxing under that warm gaze.

"Well," he growled, playing along, "if you must know, I got that one wrestling a Kronos beast on Vega Prime."

Finn's eyes widened in mock awe. "No way! Those things are huge!"

They continued like that, trading increasingly outlandish stories as they walked to the shower block and washed — something that they both badly needed that morning. Zanik marveled at how easy it felt, how natural.

For the first time in years, he didn't feel the need to keep his guard up.

As Finn spun another tall tale, gesticulating wildly, Zanik felt a warmth blooming in his chest that had nothing to do with the hot water. He'd found someone who understood pain, who carried their own scars, yet still managed to find joy and laughter.

It was... good.

A poet probably would have had better words. But he wasn't one. He was just Zanik, listening to his chosen mate make bad jokes about monsters as he washed his hair.

It wasgood.

As the last drops of water slid down their skin, Zanik turned off the shower. Steam enveloped them, clinging to their bodies. He stepped out first, the cool air contrasting sharply with the heat they'd just left behind.

Finn followed, droplets glistening on his skin, highlighting every plane and angle. His hair hung damp and tousled, framing his face like a halo. Zanik’s breath caught for a moment as he took in Finn’s youthful beauty — how the water accentuated his warm brown eyes and made his skin look even more radiant.

Before he could act on his instincts yet another time that morning, his comms unit buzzed. Kelara's voice crackled through the speaker.

"Our two new friends are docking."

Zanik shook himself from his thoughts. They had work to do. “Lock and dock,” he replied, forcing himself to focus on business rather than the way Finn looked, freshly washed and still damp beside him. "Bring them in."

Finn raised an eyebrow, excitement flickering in his gaze. “Are we ready for this? I mean… all this?”

Zanik studied Finn's expression — anticipation mixed with a hint of trepidation. Having allies in this war against Rivek felt strange yet good, as if they were building something solid amidst the chaos.

“We are,” Zanik said firmly.

Finn flashed him a grin that sent warmth pooling in Zanik’s chest. “I like the sound of that.”

“Of course you do.” Zanik smirked back as he tossed a towel to Finn.

Finn caught it and began drying off, making exaggerated motions that drew Zanik's attention once more to how enticingly fresh and alive he looked. The soft lines of Finn's body glistened under the ship's lights as he wrapped the towel around his waist.

As they finished dressing, anticipation bubbled between them — a shared eagerness tinged with apprehension about what lay ahead. Together they headed toward the docking bay, leaving behind the steamy sanctuary where they'd momentarily forgotten their burdens.

Zanik stepped into the Ironclad's docking bay, the familiar scent of recycled air and sterilization spray filling his nostrils. Jasper and Kyral were standing together by their ship, their heads bent close, engaged in quiet conversation. Zanik's gaze lingered on them.

Jasper, slender and athletic, had a soft glow about him, like a candle flickering in the dark. His big blue eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and warmth, a stark contrast to the hardened life Zanik associated with humans.

Kyral, on the other hand, radiated strength. His muscular frame and sharp angles highlighted the Borraq's formidable presence. The way he leaned towards Jasper, protective yet relaxed, spoke volumes.

"Hey," Finn greeted, stepping in beside Zanik, his voice cheerful.

Jasper looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "We've been waiting for you two."

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