Page 25 of Lashe

“So you’re saying it may have more tricks up its sleeve,” I said.

“There is no indication that this being has sleeves,” Stelis said. “But I understand your meaning. Yes. It could have further destructive capabilities that we have not yet discovered.”

“Let’s hope not.” I rose and got my rations from the replicator, along with my small amount of tea-flavored water. The meal from the previous evening had been delicious, making the nutrient bar even more unpleasant to eat.

“The tether will work,” said Lashe. “Even if the wind prevents me from reentering the shuttle, Stelis can take off. I can get inside after we’re free from the asteroid.”

I frowned. “Is that safe, with the thrusters?”

“I will make sure I’m clear of them,” he replied. “That’s what Stelis and I were working on—where to attach the tether to the ship.”

I closed my eyes and took a sip of tea. “Find a good place,” I said fervently. “I cannot imagine losing you.”

“We identified the best location we could find that would be secure.” He came over and pressed a kiss to my mouth. “You will not lose me.”

“Which brings us to the change in your relationship status,” said Stelis, matter-of-factly. “I will need to update the official reports. How shall I define your association?”

“Can we not do this now, Stelis?” I asked. “It’s a bad time.”

“We are mates,” said Lashe, holding my gaze. “As defined by the Destran people and in accordance with our laws. Anna is my lifelong, bonded mate, and she has accepted me as hers.”

I stared at him. “Wow. That sounded like marriage vows.”

“What we have is more binding than a marriage,” he said. “It cannot be severed, except by death. And even then, the surviving partner will always care for the other.”

I swallowed, even though my throat felt thick with emotion, the depth of what I’d just entered into beginning to settle in. “There you have it, Stelis.”

“You consent to this designation?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said with a smile. “I do.”

“Very well. I will update your personal files. The Earth and Destran authorities will decide on Lashe’s new title.”

“Title?” Lashe looked at me, one brow raised.

“As the mate of an ambassador, your role will be reevaluated,” said Stelis. “You will likely have a choice among the options offered.”

He shook his head. “I am Anna’s transport operator and protector. I want no role, other than that.”

“I will include that in your file,” said Stelis.

He looked at me. “I’d better not get some annoying title.”

I shrugged. “Well, I’m called Lady Anna, or Ambassador Anna, on the Destran planet, so you might be called Lord Lashe.” I smiled. “That has a cute ring to it.”

His skin turned a grayish yellow. “Only the Sola lords are called that. I do not have a symbiont living ship. Nor am I an ambassador.”

“They’ll call you what they call you, Lashe,” I said as the smile faded from my mouth. “Being with me isn’t all easy.”

His expression softened. “It’s an honor.” He picked up his helmet. “One I will treasure for years to come.”

I moved my gaze over him, dressed in his suit and about to go outside. “I hope so.”

He kissed me again, hard and deep and full of promises. “I love you, Anna. Get dressed and strap yourself in to the other operator’s seat. Stelis may need your help up there.”

I nodded, my heart beating way too fast, way too hard, and way to aching. “Okay.”

CHAPTER 15

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