Page 66 of Forbidden

Taber glanced at Akahana. She stood tall and proud as she faced the image of the one who had caused her so much pain and had almost taken away any chance she had of happiness.

Akahana, I deceived you and all our people when I claimed you as mate. I am one of only a handful of true telepaths among our people, and I used this power so I might gain status by claiming a mate.

She interrupted him at this point. “But why me? Why did it have to be me?”

Gamin looked at his feet.Because I’m not a particularly strong telepath, and for some reason, lifetime after lifetime, I seek you out. We are not mates, but you always want a mate so badly you are receptive to my thought patterns. This is why I am being expelled. I don’t have the morals to keep my gift, and since it cannot be passed to another, nor taken from me, it has been decided that you should never have to live a life like the one I held you in this time ever again.

“Which brings me to my other question.” The confidence this woman held warmed Taber’s heart. “Why did you treat me like this? What was it inside you that made you hold me prisoner and torture me every single day of my life?”

Because you were everything good and decent that I could never be. I thought if I hurt you badly enough, you’d become as evil as I had. But you didn’t. You never let yourself hate the way I did. I doubt it is in you to hate someone that much. He paused a moment.I won’t ask for your forgiveness because I don’t deserve it. Just know that you’re loved by this man whose heart you’ve claimed, and that he is your true soul’s mate.

Surprisingly, she smiled and looked at Taber. “I already knew that.” Turning back to Gamin, she said, “May the Universe grant you the peace the Chamber of Souls in the Temple Beyond could not.”

Closing his eyes, Gamin’s image flickered, then vanished.

You have learned your lessons well, brother and sister, the voice that was many voices praised them.We thank you for sharing your passion with us. Go in peace and love.

“We must go now.” The priest was already urging them toward the door.

Once outside, Akahana wrapped her arms around Taber’s chest and snuggled against him. “I love you, Taber. Take me home.”

“Gladly, Dearheart. Does it matter to you if we live here or on Earth?”

“You will always have a place among us, Taber.” Khan extended an arm toward him, which Taber gladly took.

Kissing the top of Akahana’s head, he looked to her. “Your life here has been nothing but grief. If the memories are too much, we can get a fresh start on Earth.”

“As long as you’re with me, no memory can haunt my days or nights. If you want a life here among our new friends, I have no objections.”

“Then, I’d love to leave Earth for a while. All the blood I’ve spilt there is something I’d like to forget.”

“You’d be a good representative for Gothe’mar to Earth, if you want to leave behind military life. If not, I have a place for you in Military Command,” Khan offered.

“No military life for me, thanks. I’ve had my fill. Representing Gothe’mar sounds like a challenge I’d love to undertake.”

“Well then.” Mikkarn stepped forward with a stack of clothes and a wicked smirk on his face. “You might better serve your cause if you were dressed.”

Taber looked at Akahana, who was giggling into his chest. “I don’t know. Being naked in the arms of a beautiful woman has its advantages.”

“So does walking out into public dressed,” the priest urged.

Akahana kissed the center of his chest and turned to Mikkarn, taking their clothes. “Come on,” she said, “let’s get dressed and go show the Universe how happy two enemies can be together when all that matters is their love.”

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