Page 63 of Ava Stargazer

Vox ground his teeth.“Ava is not as simple as that.”

“Regardless, I want that chance as well, to prove myself. I have fought by both of your sides, and you know my worth. I have earned that right, to be the first for others.”

Rhutg answered.“A lot of the males feel that way. It is noted. We will see where the trail leads once we get to Cipra.”

Zeed’s voice began to fade.“I am hopeful. Human females are fascinating. I respect you, Vox, so I will also give you advice. You should mark her soon, or I sense more issues once others on Xai become more aware of her. Especially after everyone saw how she felt and cared after Erox’s injury.”

Vox hung his head, angry at Zeed’s continued interest. “It is not that easy. And none of your business. I was waiting.She is precious to me. You do not know everything she has endured.”

“I have said my piece. Take my advice for what it is.”

The connection disconnected, both males wanting their privacy again.

Rhutg uncrossed his arms from where he had been standing and walked to the entrance to the med bay. There, he looked back at Vox over his shoulder. “This has been exhausting. Go to her. I’m going to get some sleep.”

Ava was sitting stiffly on the floor of the engine room, deep in thought and looking at the biologics when she heard Vox come in, the door pinging as it opened to the engine hall.I need to talk with Vox. It is not how Zeed said, but ...She winced.I hate this. I hate not understanding.

Vox’s approach, gentle, as if he was nervous himself, told her he knew about Zeed and the conversation they just had.

She looked up to him with wide eyes, even though she felt a blossoming of hurt within. “I turned him down, Vox.”

Vox stood in front of her, looking vulnerable. He bowed his head. “I know.”

Ava swallowed in the silence, not knowing what to make of Vox’s behavior. At his appearance and silence. “Are you mad at me?” She winced after asking.

He answered in a soft voice, “I’m never mad at you. I have just been given a lot to think about. As have you.”

It was with mournful eyes that Vox looked at her before bending his head further, showing her even more of the vulnerable scales on the back of his frilled neck.

Ava’s eyes narrowed. “What ... ?”

“Ava, you are free to have choices. I am apologizing. I have assumed too much.”

Ava’s heart started to pound at his display of deference. “What are you doing?” She swallowed and voiced her secret fear, “Do you not want me?”

At that, Vox looked forward intently. He put his corded, muscled arms on the ground next to him as he leaned forward, sincerity in his gaze. “I always do.”

“Why have you not then ... linked me to you?” Her voice broke and she looked away. “You said I was not ready, but is it you who isn’t ready?”

He leaned forward, intensity in his gaze. “No. It is nothing like that.” Vox let out a shuddering breath and repositioned himself on the floor by the biologics, close enough for their legs to touch. His amber eyes were haunting in their beauty and depth as he regarded her. “I have not made anything official because I didn’t want to put something more in your mind, Ava. It is permanent to do that, and it can hurt. It’s an invasive process. I thought you might have had enough of us in your mind for a while, and wanted to give you time to just adapt.”

“Oh.” Ava leaned back, clarity now coming across her thoughts.That makes sense.She looked up at the biologics tank, spinning just the same as ever.Especially after Torga and the fear ...She looked away, not wanting that echo to come back as if summoned by her thoughts.

Vox took her hand. “I wanted you to become accustomed to just living before I forced something else on you, especially as we are uncertain how your species would respond. That is the reason.”

Ava sat, thinking of Zeed with his intense eyes and willingness to bond so fast. The thought of Zeed faded as she refocused on Vox looking at her in concern. “You do want to do that with me though?”

He broke eye contact first. “Yes. But I would be lying if I didn't tell you that now I have a point of confusion I didn’t have before.”

Ava frowned as she watched Vox hesitate, trying to plan his words.

Finally he spoke, in a rush of speech. “I want you to be with me for the right reasons, not just because I am the one who pulled you from this Phor ship. I want you to be with me not just because I was the means to your freedom, and you were desperate.”

Ava felt caged and confused at that.Desperate?Her insides knotted with anxiety.Why do I feel like something is wrong?She looked at him, wringing her hands. Her tone came out strained. “Now you don’t want to join with me?”

Vox turned back to her and looked deep in her eyes. “No, Ava. I still do. But only for the right reasons. I had none of these doubts about claiming you until Rhutg spoke sense. I want to address this. Clearly.”

Ava’s heartbeat picked up again. “None of this makes sense to me.”

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