Page 88 of Alien's Love Child

"You've already created life together," the priestess continues, nodding toward Leo. "You've faced death together. You've lost and found each other across the stars themselves. Today, we merely make official what the universe has already decreed."

Davin reaches for my hand, his skin cool against mine. His thumb traces my knuckles, and in that simple touch, I feel everything we've been through. Every fight, every laugh, every moment of desperate fear and overwhelming joy.

The priestess raises her hands, palms facing upward. "Let us begin the mating ceremony. Please take your positions."

Davin's fingers slip from mine as we step apart, then face each other across the sacred circle etched into the temple floor. The dying sunlight catches the silver threads in his ceremonial tunic, making them shimmer like starlight.

"Why's everyone so quiet?" Leo's voice pipes up from behind me. "This is boring."

My lips curl into a small smile, but I keep my eyes locked with Davin's. His expression mirrors mine – that mixture of amusement and solemnity that seems to define our relationship.

"Shh," Rena whispers to Leo. "Remember what we practiced?"

"But-"

Paraxan's soft purr grows louder, and Leo's protests fade into giggles. The sound echoes off the temple's high ceiling, breaking through the reverent silence.

The priestess begins tracing symbols in the air between us, her movements fluid and precise. The incense burns stronger, filling my lungs with the sweet-spicy scent of ceremonial herbs. Davin's gaze holds mine, steady and unwavering, just like that first night in my ship's kitchen when neither of us knew what we were starting.

"Mama, your dress is pretty," Leo stage-whispers.

A few quiet chuckles ripple through our small gathering. I bite my lip to keep from breaking into a full grin, maintaining the ceremony's required silence. Davin's eyes crinkle at the corners – the closest he'll come to laughing during this sacred moment.

The sunlight paints patterns across the floor between us, and I focus on breathing, on this moment, on the man before me who started as my greatest deception and became my truest truth.

The last rays of sunlight fade from the temple windows as the priestess's hands trace the final symbols in the air. My skin tingles where the ceremonial markings wrap around my wrists, matching the ones on Davin's arms.

"By the ancient laws of Kalei, and the powers vested in me, I pronounce you bonded mates." The priestess lowers her hands. "May your souls continue their dance through this lifetime and beyond."

We stand. Davin steps forward, closing the space between us. His fingers brush my cheek, cool against my flushed skin. When his lips meet mine, the world narrows to just this moment - this kiss that tastes of promises and new beginnings.

"Is it over?" Leo's voice breaks through. "Can I hug them now?"

I break away laughing as tiny footsteps thunder across the temple floor. Leo crashes into our legs, and Davin scoops him up with one arm, keeping his other hand firmly in mine.

"What do you think, little one?" Davin asks. "Should we keep her?"

Leo nods vigorously. "Forever and ever."

"Good answer." I reach up to ruffle Leo's silver hair, so like his father's. "Because you're stuck with both of us now."

Leo's eyes go wide. "That's awesome!"

We stand there, the three of us, as our friends approach with congratulations and embraces. The setting sun paints the temple in deep purples and golds, and for once in my life, I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.

The smell of Paraxan's cooking fills our small home as music plays softly in the background. Leo dances with Rena, standing on her feet as she guides him through the steps. My ceremonial dress rustles as I brace myself against against the kitchen counter, watching my family celebrate.

Davin's cool fingers brush my arm. "Come with me for a moment?"

He leads me onto the small balcony under the light of the stars. The night air carries the scent of night-blooming flowers from the garden below.

"I know it wasn't a human ceremony," he says, reaching into his pocket. "I did some research though."

"Research?"

He opens his palm, revealing a simple silver ring with a small blue stone that matches his skin. "I found this in that market in town. The merchant said it was Earth-made."

"It's perfect." My throat tightens as he slides it onto my finger. "But you didn't have to-"

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