Page 73 of An Alien for the Future

“A few sols, yes,” I breathe.

“Great,” Catherine flashes her blunt teeth. “It’s nice meeting you, Tovan.”

I tilt my head slightly in respect and the ping ends. The device slides from my claw to rest on the floor again as I settle back against the wall.

But there’s a grunt. A slight shifting of the female wrapped in the covers on the sleeping cushion. I’m moving without even thinking, crawling over to her, my gaze searching every inch of her that I can see.

“Tovan?” It’s a soft whisper, so unlike my Donna that for a moment, I fear the worst. Only, when my gaze snaps to her face, Donna’s eyes are still closed. She’s still sleeping, but calling out my name.

Warmth spreads through me as I dip my face into her neck, inhaling the scent of us and the many sols of our mating.

“I am here, my kahl.” I stay there for a few moments, enjoying the feel of her before I rise with a sigh.

It is slow going, but I set about putting things right. I move quietly, not wanting to wake Donna. Once the room is somewhat presentable, I return to the sleeping cushion. Donna hasn’t stirred. Gently, I lift her into my arms, cradling her against my chest. She mumbles something incoherent but doesn’t wake.

Moving slowly, I carry her to the washroom. The bath is large enough for both of us, and I fill it with warm water, adding some soothing oils I find on a nearby shelf. Their scent reminds me of Donna’s cottage, of comfort, and for a brief moment, I wonder if she’ll want us to return there.

I never discussed this with her. I have enough credits to get somewhere else. A bigger place. One where she doesn’t have to worry about a farm or animals. I also didn’t tell her that while I was working on her homestead, I surveyed part of the soil, found traces of the ore. That she will have enough to survive on for a long time, if she chooses to give up on the farm.

I know she’s been trying to think of a way to support herself. Saw how she worried about the bluebread she was making.

But she has ore. Donna doesn’t need me or her farm.

The thought almost makes me stumble. It is hard pushing it away as I lower us both into the water. She doesn’t need me. But I pray to the gods, that after this, after this claiming, she still wants me.

My throat is tight with this turmoil as her eyes flutter open briefly.

“Tovan?” Her voice is thick, husky with exhaustion.

“I’m here, lira’an.” I press my lips against her forehead. “Rest.” My treasure.

She nods, her eyes closing again as she relaxes against me. I begin to wash her with utmost care, my claws as gentle as I can manage as they glide over her skin.

Turning her so her back rests against my chest, I wash her arms, my claws sliding over them and down to her teats as I make my way down to—

I stop, core-rhythm rising in my chest.

“Gods,” I whisper, because before me is something I didn’t think I’d see.

There, etched into my mate’s skin, is a series of carvings, a design that calls to me at the very core.Kahlsigils.

It’s a Kari bonding mark. The symbol of our connection, etched permanently into her being. They say only the truest of mates bearkahlsigils, a blessing from the universe itself that we have found our home. My core-beat swells with a mixture of pride and awe.

Gently, I wash the sigils, using a single digit to trace their entirety. It is…beautiful. Just like my mate. Silently, I vow to always cherish and protect the precious gift the gods have given me.

Her.

Over the next few sols, I devote myself entirely to Donna’s care. She drifts in and out of consciousness, her body recoveringfrom the intensity of the rut. I ensure she eats when she’s awake, help her wash, and hold her close as she sleeps.

As she begins to regain her strength, I see a new light in her eyes when she looks at me. A depth of emotion that mirrors what I feel for her. Something I never realized I was yearning so much to see.

One sol, as the star rises, painting the room in hues of gold and orange, Donna stirs beside me, her lashes fluttering open, those dark eyes, so full of life, meeting mine.

“Tovan?” she murmurs, her voice hoarse with sleep, but there’s a smile playing on her lips, a hint of mischief in her gaze. “Is that you? Or am I still dreaming?”

I can’t help the warmth that goes through me. I’ve never…I’ve never felt like this before. As if there’d always been a piece of me missing, and now I am complete. “It is me, lira’an,” I whisper, my claw tracing the delicate curve of her cheek. “And this…” I lean down, my lips brushing against hers, “is no dream.”

She sighs, a contented sound, and snuggles closer, her body fitting perfectly against mine, her warmth a haven I never want to leave.

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