Page 45 of Alokar
Ewok's powerful arms encircled me, drawing me impossibly closer against the furnace of his chest until there wasn't a breath of space between us. His large hands traced lazy patterns across the curve of my spine, each touch a silent declaration of adoration. Nestled in the sanctuary of his embrace, I felt an overwhelming tide of emotions wash over me—safety that penetrated to my very bones, and a love so profound and all-consuming that it seemed to rewrite the very fabric of my existence, unlike anything I'd ever dared to dream possible. I might be headed into outer space, but I knew in my soul, I was headed home.
Chapter 18
Ewok
We emerged from Jupiter’s shadow, Saturn’s rings materializing in the infinite velvet of space—a celestial crown suspended in darkness.
Beside me in the co-pilot’s chair, Hannah released a sigh of pure wonder. Though I’d noticed her blinking back tears as we left her beloved mountains behind, the moment we pierced Earth’s atmosphere and entered the cosmos, her face became luminous with awe.
Once we’d traveled beyond Earth’s surveillance reach, I disengaged the shuttle’s cloaking system, allowing theHistoria’sscanners to register our approach.The battleship’s acknowledgment pinged through our systems, and I relinquished control to the autopilot, allowing it to integrate with theHistoria’sguidance systems.
“We’ll be landing soon,” I murmured to Hannah, noting the delicate flutter of nerves across her features. “Are you alright?”
“Yes,” she whispered, rising from her seat to settle into my lap like she belonged there—which she did, completely and eternally. “I’m just about to meet my mate’s family, that’s always a little terrifying.”
“They will adore you,” I assured her. How could they not fall in love with the extraordinary female who had captured my very soul?
My gaze drifted momentarily to where Yaard’s severed head lay sealed in a metal container—grim proof of my mission’s success. Yet the precious female nestled in my arms represented something far more valuable than any battle trophy.
Hannah followed my gaze and shifted against me. “Okay, don’t be offended, I just want to know what to expect. Do all aliens look like you?”
Laughter rumbled from my chest. “No, most are nowhere near as handsome.”
She giggled, her small fist connecting playfully with my shoulder. “Seriously, Ewok. I don’t want to embarrass myself by screaming if I encounter something that looks like a cross between an octopus and an aardvark.”
Though the Earth creatures she mentioned were mysteries to me, I accepted her assessment of their apparent hideousness.
“Throughout the universe, species vary as infinitely as the stars. But most of theHistoria’screw are Aljani—surprisingly human-like except for the horns.”
“Horns?” Her eyes widened.
“Perhaps the most unusual crew member would be Rickon. He’s Gudari.”
“What does he look like?” Curiosity painted her voice.
“My mother once said he resembled what humans call the devil.”
Hannah’s laughter sparkled through the air. “As long as he doesn’t look like Yaard, we’re good.”
“No,” I chuckled, my arms tightening around her. “Currently, I’m the only Kerzak aboard.”
“Perfect.” She melted deeper into my embrace, and my body responded instantly to her nearness. “I’d hate to get confused and start kissing the wrong alien.”
“Amusing,” I growled against her ear before capturing her lips with mine.
We lost ourselves in each other, time dissolving as the shuttle carried us home through the star-drunk darkness.
“Docking is complete. Passengers may disembark.” The shuttle’s mechanical voice crackled through the comm system with crisp authority.
Hannah sprang from my lap, her squeal of pure excitement echoing through the cabin.
A cold tendril of nervousness coiled in my chest. This homecoming represented much more than a simple return. It was the moment when my actions would be weighed and measured, the culmination of my warrior’s trial. Though finding Hannah proved the ultimate prize, though her presence at my side carried its own set of dangers. I would protect her, no matter what happened.
I rose from the pilot’s chair, my fingers intertwining with Hannah’s smaller ones, before retrieving the cold metal case that contained the grisly proof of Yaard’s demise.
Her fingers tightened around mine like a lifeline, and in that simple gesture, I found absolute certainty. Whatever paththe fates carved for me, she would walk it beside me, step by step. My mate, my anchor, my future.
The shuttle’s ramp descended, revealing a bustling docking bay sparking with activity. Several other craft rested in berths like sleeping metal birds, including the familiar ship my parents and I had piloted to theHistoria, along with a sleek, modern vessel bearing the unmistakable insignia of the Alliance Prime.
