Page 55 of Cherished By the Alien Outlaw

Firion's grip tightened on my waist. “I can't wait.”

As I watched Davon disappear into the distance, I realized that this alien world was slowly becoming my home. With Firion by my side, and the promise of a new life among his people, I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't known I was missing.

Together, we strode into the forest, ready to embrace the future, whatever it might hold.

While Nevarn continued down a path weaving through the dense woods, Firion stopped and turned to face me. He cupped my face and stared into my eyes. “Mate, my precious mate.” He kissed me, and I'd never tasted anything sweeter, anything that held so much promise than this male’s mouth on mine.

With my hand secure in his, he led me down the path that would take us to the Celedar Clan. I couldn’t wait to rest. Recuperate.

And then look for my sister.

Chapter 30

Epilogue

TALIA

Three weeks had passed since Firion and I arrived at his clan's floating island home. I was welcomed by everyone, and the Dastalon Clan had quickly become a second family to me.

We’d just begun to settle into our new life together when Aizor, the traedor of the Indigan Clan, sent an invitation to visit their mountain home. The idea of exploring a new part of Zuldrux was intriguing, and I couldn't wait to see the crystal structures I'd heard so much about.

The journey to the Indigan Clan was a breathtaking adventure. We traveled by ryvar, soaring high above the landscape, the wind rushing past us as Firion pointed out various sights below. The Indigan's territory was a sharp contrast to the desert we had crossed what felt like a lifetime ago. Lush forests gave way to rolling hills, and in the distance, towering mountains loomed, their peaks shrouded in mist.

As we approached, the crystal structures caught the sunlight, casting shadows of all shades of blue across the lavender grass. They were even more amazing up close, each reflecting the harmony between the Indigan Clan and their crystal gods.

The Ulistar Clan's shroom homes were just as impressive, rising like huge sentinels from the meadow below, their surfaces a patchwork of purple, green, and brown.

Xax, the Ulistar traedor, and his human mate, Amanda, greeted us as we landed near the circle of shrooms. Amanda's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she promised to give us a tour of their unique homes.

“You won't believe how spacious they are inside,” she gushed, her enthusiasm infectious. She kept her arm around Xax, and it was clear they were deeply in love.

The party was in full swing when we arrived, the night air filled with the sound of laughter.

Aizor welcomed us with a hearty embrace, a crystal sword gleaming at his side. Would Davon one day return the one he’d taken? I was curious to find out.

Firion and I moved around through the clans, him introducing me to everyone.

“Eat,” Amanda finally said with a laugh, her hand resting on her baby belly. “I made pizza and bread and cookies and cake.” She wasn’t sure when she’d deliver, and none of us knew much about Zuldruxian gestation, but she couldn’t wait to hold her youngling in her arms. “The crystal gods provided everything else.”

They’d set up a table outside, close to the hugebonfire, and I took in all the amazing choices. I couldn’t wait to fill a plate and stuff myself on Earth and Zuldruxian treats.

We settled in wooden chairs Firion told me Aizor had crafted himself, and I ran my fingertips across the smooth wood, admiring his skill.

With the soft glow of the crystal structures around us, we chatted with humans and Zuldruxians alike. The scent of burning wood filled the air, mixed with the tantalizing smell of food being shared among friends.

As the night wore on, everyone remained near the firepit, chatting. Aizor sat in a sturdy wooden chair, his mate, Vanessa, perched contentedly on his lap. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, and her eyes shone with love and happiness as she laughed at a joke one of the other clan members had shared.

Nevarn was there too, with his mate, Kerry. They sat close to each other, their hands always finding a way to touch, to connect. Every so often, Nevarn would lean in and capture Kerry's lips in a tender kiss, a silent promise of forever in each caress.

The other males watched us with both awe and longing. They must hope that one day, they too might find a mate who would look at them the way Kerry looked at Nevarn, the way I looked at Firion.

Khol, a Zuldruxian male from the Dastalon Clan, sat nearby with his mate, Nancy, her young daughter, Flora, half-asleep on her lap. The child had raced around with some of the Zuldruxian younglings, her laughter trilling through the air while Nancy and Khol watched her withpride. Though she was all human, she called him Daddy, and there was a story there I couldn’t wait to discover.

I was happy—deliriously so—but I couldn’t hold back my sadness.

Sensing it, Firion tightened his arms around me where I sat on his lap, leaning forward to kiss the top of my head.

“Tired?” he asked.

---