Page 65 of Becoming Super

CHAPTER 26 – Axel

“The Intergalactic Councilwould like to award you with the highest honor, The Medal of Valor.”

Sarah beamed at Head Commander Cole as he pinned the small medallion on her dress uniform. He went down the row, pinning the medal on me next and then Heath. A special place had been reserved for Kat and Sabine so that she too could be recognized for her courage during the battle.

There was a notable absence where Sergeant Brooms normally stood. The Commander had been surprisingly tight lipped when they had inquired about him before the ceremony.

“Sarah and Axel, if you would please step forward.”

The others went and sat in their seats while Sarah and I were given another medal, this one hung on a ribbon around our necks. I hated this part of being a warrior. The reward itself was saving the people, but I wouldn’t have traded this moment for all the space crafts in the Milky Way.

I couldn’t tear my gaze from Sarah’s upturned face. I loved the way her cheeks held that rosy glow and the sense of wonder in her eyes at everything around her. She didn’t know it, but I had a surprise for her.

All those sappy porn stories that she loved from earth, well, all of them ended with this great big wedding. It was old and antiquated, but I knew it meant something to her.

Zack’s dad winked at me, indicating that he was ready to lay out the surprise.

“When the Imprinted Pair project was first introduced I voted it down. Humans have been known for their frailties. And the chances of finding one with the correct chromosome that could activate their super abilities was astronomical.”

Sarah looked over at me and it was like I could hear her saying, “What in the fuck is he going on about?”

I bit my lip to stop the smile that was trying to escape.

“I was wrong about the project being a mistake. Sarah, you have proven yourself to be not only loyal to The Intergalactic Council, but your influence has made Axel into a better man.”

She grinned. “Thank you.”

“He has something he wishes to say to you,” Head Commander Cole gestured for me to begin.

I had done some reading up on this, so I knew the basics. But now in front of hundreds of people, I felt my heart racing and I would rather have faced down an enemy squadron than open my mouth.

Sarah’s smile dimmed, and she looked at me with concern.

I was sweating and felt like shit, but I wanted to do this. I was determined for her to get the happily ever after that she deserved. I sank down to one knee.

Her mouth dropped open and there was a rumble of mummers that went out among the crowd.

“Sarah,” my voice was low and slightly rough. “I once told you that you were the worst thing that had ever happened to me.”

She laughed.

Of course, my girl laughed.

“You were wrong.” She shook her head. “Are you begging for my forgiveness? Because, Axel, you know it’s going to take more than this.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the diamond ring that was waiting there.

Her eyes grew double in size and she gasped, “What the fuck is that?”

I had a shit eating grin that could not be tamed no matter how much I tried.

“You have a filthy mouth, worse than any other person that I have ever met,” I stated plainly. “You are hot-tempered, and often wrong.”

Her eyes glittered with unshed tears, “Oh, Axel,” her lips trembled, “I love you, too!”

“Sarah, you have changed so many aspects of my life. I am sorry that I was stupid enough not to see it at first. You are by and large the best thing that has ever happened to me, to the program, and to the galaxy. I love you, so fucking much that it scares the shit out of me.”

In the audience, there were laughs, but I wasn’t paying attention to them.

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