Page 18 of The Build Up

My heart fills with joy.

To think that only a few months ago, we were holed up onSilence,not knowing when we’d be able to return to Earth.

I sense that Tarak’s sudden willingness to visit random places on Earth that I suggest is his way of making it up to us.

“Do you really think this is going to work?” I ask, leaning against him as he puts his arm around my shoulders. “You think people are going to just let us stroll around in public like any ordinary little family? We can probably get away with it here—this town is a low-key sort of place but in the big cities…”

“There will be more and more of our kind on Earth,” Tarak says simply. “Humans are just going to have to get used to it.”

“But…you’rea little bit infamous. I’m surprised we aren’t attracting more attention. Your image is all over the networks.”

“Out of context, I’m hard to recognize.” Tarak flashes his fangs in a brief smile. “People wouldn’t expect the likes of me to be hanging around in a place like this. Besides, to most humans, we all look the same.”

“You donot.” Playfully, I punch Tarak on his arm. “Ihavecaught women staring at you as if you’re a forbidden snack.”

“Truly.” Tarak looks distinctly unimpressed. “And you are not bothered by this?”

“Bothered? Why would I be bothered when you’re as oblivious as a rock to that sort of attention? Besides, it’s only looking. They can’t help it.”

“Hm.” Tarak pulls me closer until I’m pressed against him—warm and reassuring. His voice has dropped to a delicious low rumble. “You’re perfectly correct when you say I’m asoblivious as a rockto the attention of other females. I have you. Why would I ever be bothered with anyone else?”

A tendril of desire unfurls inside me. He’s always like this, telling me these surprisingly sweet things that make me go weak at the knees.

Is he even aware of the effect he has on me?

Obviously.

Devious man.

“I can chase them all away,” he growls. “Anyone who dares to bother or disrespect you…”

I wave my hand. “Don’t worry about it. You and I both know you aren’t going anywhere. Let them stare. Besides—and it’s a little petty of me—but it makes me feel proud. ThatI’myour chosen mate.” I pause, allowing my words to sink in.

The change in his expression is subtle, but I can tell he’s immensely pleased. It’s in the slight upturn of his mouth, the set of his jaw, and the stiffening of his frame.

“Hm,” is all he says.

That’s when Ami loses her grip on the climbing frame and plummets onto the sand, landing on her bum.

Before I’ve even registered what happened, Tarak is moving, fluidly disentangling from me and striding across to where Ami is.

She’s sitting on the ground, arms and legs akimbo, her violet eyes wide with shock.

And then Daddy reaches her, swiftly scooping her up into his arms.

That’s the catalyst for the waterworks bursting open.

“Waah!” Ami bawls as Tarak speaks to her in Kordolian, saying soft, soothing things.

I can understand the words now, even if my spoken Kordolian is still pretty basic.

I reach my husband’s side.

“You could have reached her in time,” I whisper to Tarak. “Withyourreaction speed…”

“It wasn’t a great distance to fall. Zero chance of serious injury. She was taking risks. There was a poor choice of hand placement. She’ll learn from it.” Tarak makes a low, soothing noise as Ami buries her face in his shoulder, gently bouncing her up and down. “Children shouldn’t be overly shielded.”

As the sunset intensifies, silhouetting Tarak and Ami against the blazing sky, I shake my head in wonder.

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