Page 54 of Scars & Starlight
I rest my head on his chest and sigh happily, Kiko beeping a joyous little tune from behind my head. “I do now,” I say.
When I notice the silence around us, I open my eyes to see three Avaren soldiers staring at us with curiosity. Zane’s ears turn red, and he clears his throat to speak. “Your highnesses are very sweet together. It gives the rest of us hope we’ll find such a good match.” Jorik and Sorin nod in agreement with their colleague, their neural filaments flickering with unhidden emotions. They all want to find their person so badly.
“Well, I hope your ladies are on this planet and you find them soon.” I tilt my head and add: “And that they’re all awesome and treat you right.”
“It’s our job to treat them right,” Sorin says.
“And our honor,” Jorik adds.
“Hm.” I look at the three soldiers. They look so good together, with the matching uniforms, eyes like neighboring galaxies, and expressions that say they just want to please.
“What is it?” Kairen asks.
“Has there ever been more than one match for a person?” Iinquire. I chew on my lower lip before continuing. “Like, two or more females for one male, or the opposite?”
“There have been records of Avaren finding a second match after losing their first one.” He nods at his soldier. “I know Kael is finding it difficult to be without one since Zane’s mother passed.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Zane,” I murmur.
Zane scratches the back of his head. “It has been many cycles. I want my father to be happy again.”
“Well, I want all of you to be happy,” I reply, looking at the three sexy aliens.
“Thank you, Princess.”
I blush at the title. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to being royalty to an alien people from an alien planet.
When I only make some weird noises, Kai comes to my rescue. “Are you ready to leave, love?”
I take a bracing inhale, still not completely at ease about this, even though I was above Earth and looking down at it a month ago.
Before I met Kairen, I thought I wouldn’t make it to my fortieth birthday. Nor did I think I’d make it outside of this state, let alone the continent. But outside of the solar system,the freaking galaxy? No way.
Still, I nod at my commander, putting on a brave smile. “Kiko and I are ready,” I say, and feel the little robot bobbing in agreement. Before I can move, though, something small tries to tackle me.
“Stacy!” Melinda chastises, running over to our group.
“Hi, Pipsqueak,” I greet the little girl, running my fingers through her silky golden hair.
“Are you going to come back, Tara?” she asks me, my name coming out more likeTawa.
“Of course, I will,” I reassure her. I crouch down until I’m level with her.
Kiko leans forward until his head is right next to mine. “If Stacy had her own assistive unit, you could talk whenever you wanted to,” the robot says.
Stacy’s eyes light up at Kiko’s words. “Can I have one, Momma?” she asks Melinda in that irresistible child’s tone that’s hard to resist.
“Oh! Well…” Melinda stutters.
“The boys will bring down a spare AU,” Kairen decrees. I look at Zane, Jorik, and Sorin, but see they’re not paying attention to us at all. All three are staring at the little girl’s mom like she’s a fascinating alien creature. Which, fair enough.
Kai clears his throat. “Soldiers,” he prompts louder.
Zane shakes out of the spell first. “Yes, Commander,” he says, followed by Jorik and Sorin echoing the acknowledgment.
Melinda flushes under the attention and pulls her daughter against herself, almost like a shield. “T–thank you. Say bye, Stacy.”
“Bye!” the little girl shouts with a wave.
