Page 66 of Stalker

"That's very kind of you, Detective." Maryse wipes her eyes, composing herself.

"Please, call me Vorpa. After everything we've been through..."

Twenty minutes later, we're seated at Valabar's. The maitre d' doesn't even blink at my bone spurs - a testament to the establishment's discretion. The aroma of exotic spices fills the air, but my appetite fades as I watch Maryse push her food around her plate.

"The kreeth curry here is excellent." Vorpa's voice stays carefully neutral. "Though perhaps a bit spicy for human tastes."

"Everything looks wonderful." Maryse's smile doesn't reach her eyes. "I'm just not very hungry."

My chest aches. Three months since that night, and the shadows still haven't left her face. Sometimes I catch her staring at nothing, lost in memories she won't share. The weight of what she had to do - what I couldn't protect her from - hangs between us like an invisible wall.

Vorpa launches into a story about her latest case, trying to draw Maryse out of her shell. But I see the way my mate's hand trembles as she lifts her water glass. The way she flinches at sudden movements. The nightmares that wake her screaming, though she pretends they don't happen.

I'd give anything to take this burden from her. But how do you heal from having to kill your own father? How do you reconcile the loving parent of your childhood with the monster he became? These are wounds my reaper healing can't touch, no matter how much I wish it could.

Vorpa sets down her utensils. "So what's next for you two?"

The question hangs in the air. I watch Maryse straighten in her chair, a spark of life returning to her eyes.

"We're starting a foundation." Her voice grows stronger with each word. "Using father's seized assets to help trafficking victims. Counseling, job training, medical care - whatever they need to rebuild their lives."

My chest swells with pride. This is the Maryse I fell in love with - fierce and determined to right wrongs, even ones that weren't hers to begin with.

"The paperwork's almost finished." I reach for her hand under the table. "We're calling it New Dawn Foundation."

"I can't undo what he did." Maryse's fingers tighten around mine. "But maybe I can help heal some of the damage."

Vorpa's golden eyes soften. "I'm a Vakutan. We don't believe in paying for the sins of our fathers, but there is nobility in what you are doing. If there's any way I can help, please let me know."

The evening air cools my skin as we step out of Valabar's. Vorpa waves goodbye, her scales gleaming under the station's artificial twilight.

Halfway down the promenade, I stop. The words bubble up inside me, demanding release. I take Maryse's hands in mine, marveling at how delicate they look against my ebony skin.

"Maryse." Her name tastes like honey on my tongue. "You are everything I could ever hope for in a companion. My love. My soul. My everything." The collar at her throat catches the light, marking her as mine. "I will never leave you or do you wrong. That's my solemn vow."

Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. Before I can say more, she rises on her tiptoes and captures my mouth in a fierce kiss. Her passion ignites mine, and I sweep her into my arms.

The steps to our condo pass in a blur. Her slight weight feels perfect against my chest, her fingers tracing patterns on my neck.

"I am the luckiest Reaper in the galaxy."

She laughs, the sound pure joy. "And don't you forget it."

CHAPTER 26

MARYSE

The door barely closes behind us before Bruticus pins me against the wall. His mouth crashes down on mine, desperate and demanding. The bone spurs on his chest press against my breasts through my thin blouse, sending shivers of desire through me.

"Mine," he growls against my lips.

My purse drops forgotten to the floor. "Yes. Always yours."

His tongue slides against mine, that addictive taste of him flooding my senses. Sweet and spicy, like cinnamon and honey. My fingers dig into his shoulders as heat pools low in my belly.

"Never letting you go again." His hands slide down my sides, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

The raw need in his voice makes me melt. All the pain and darkness of the past weeks dissolves in the heat between us. There's only this - his solid strength surrounding me, the press of his body against mine, the way he makes me feel cherished and desired.

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