Page 46 of Alokar
An informal welcoming committee assembled at the base of the ramp. Duke Ako stood at the center, while beside him, the Duchess Helene radiated warmth and grace. Captain Adtovar stood at attention alongside War Chief Xabat, both exuding the tenets of loyalty and duty.
I felt Hannah’s body tense slightly at the sight of them, but when I glanced down at her, she wore a smile that could have melted the coldest star.
Ako had chosen an interesting combination of attire—his formal uniform tunic paired with what I now recognized as Earth jeans and a pair of hiking boots. I glanced down at my own feet, noting the similar footwear, and gave an appreciative nod. The foot coverings had indeed proven surprisingly practical. He wore silver caps over the tips of his horns—a practice that denoted his status as a happily mated male.
Helene stood beside him in elegant contrast, wearing a flowing gown in deep sapphire that complemented her slender figure. Captain Adtovar and War Chief Xabat wore theHistoria’scrisp uniform—tunics and trousers in the ship’s signature deep blue and forest green with Adtovar’s horns tipped with silver as well.
I straightened my shoulders, drawing upon every lesson in royal deportment I’d ever received, and descended the ramp with measured steps, Hannah moving in perfect synchronization beside me.
“Duke Ako,” I offered a curt, respectful nod that acknowledged both his rank and our personal connection. “Lady Helene.”
“Ewok,” Ako returned, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He shared a warm, meaningful glance with his mate before his attention returned to us. “And who is this lovely human female?”
Pride swelled in my chest as I straightened to my full height. “This is my mate, Hannah Rainwater of Earth.” Beside me Hannah stiffened, and I realized that I’d completely blown our plan of not claiming her until I could abdicate the throne. Yet, in the moment I realized there was no way I could not claim her as mine. Ever.
A radiant smile transformed the Duchess’s face, and she moved with fluid grace—first to envelop Hannah’s hands in her own, then drawing my mate into a warm, welcoming embrace that conveyed instant acceptance.
“It’s so wonderful to meet you. Welcome to theHistoria,” Helene gushed, her enthusiasm drawing an even broader smile from Hannah’s lips.
I seized the opportunity to hand the metal case to Xabat, noting how Ako’s piercing blue eyes followed my movements. He didn’t need to ask what grim trophy occupied the container. No one did.
“Was it difficult?” Ako asked once Hannah and Helene finished their greeting. My mate returned to my side, her hand wrapping around mine with familiar comfort.
I opened my mouth, prepared to confess my shortcomings—to admit to the Duke how Yaard had nearly outmaneuvered me by masking his scent, and how close I’d come to failure. Before the words could escape, Hannah’s fingers squeezed mine, causing me to falter.
“Yaard murdered my father.” Her voice carried the tremor of sadness that always surfaced when memories of him arose. “There’s no telling how many others he hurt or killed. He kidnapped me, too, but Ewok saved me, and now Yaard is dead.”
Ako absorbed her words, then turned to me with an expression of solemn respect. “Your parents would be proud—both Ardika Vey and Paluma Oy, as well as your adoptive parents.”
“Ewok!” As if conjured by Ako’s words, my mother’s joyous cry echoed through the docking bay, preceding her as she burst through the entrance at a sprint. My mother cradled Jordan in her arms, and my little sister’s delighted laughter bubbled like a mountain stream. My father followed in their wake, his face split by a grin that could have powered the ship’s engines, while George trailed behind, his own smile broad and approving.
I shared a meaningful glance with Hannah, noting how her eyes sparkled, her face shining with the kind of joy that comes from witnessing love in action.
“Ewok!” my mother called again, her voice thick with emotion as she launched herself into my arms. Her embracewas brief but fierce, conveying both worry and relief in those few seconds. Then she pulled back, her keen eyes conducting a thorough inspection of every visible inch of me, searching for any sign of injury. “You’re okay. You’re not hurt.”
“I’m fine,” I assured her, though I briefly considered mentioning my encounter with Hannah’s marksmanship skills. I decided that particular detail could wait. I wanted my mother to meet my mate without knowing she’d tried to kill me.
A cascade of embraces followed as I reunited with my father and brother.
“I’m proud of you,” Daicon rumbled as he lifted me clean off the deck plates, his voice rough with emotion. Though I might prove taller by a couple of inches in height, his strength remained formidable. He would always be the immovable force who had shaped my character.
“I am glad you are not in need of healing,” George said, wrapping me in what began as a simple hug but inevitably transformed into a subtle medical examination as his practiced hands swept over my shoulders and back, checking for injuries.
“You seem bigger,” I observed, noting how the muscles of his torso appeared more defined, his frame carrying new strength.
“Dad has me on a training regimen,” George replied, keeping his theatrical eye roll for my benefit alone, though I could detect the underlying pride in his voice.
Jordan fussed and squirmed, finally launching herself into my arms like a tiny missile, her chubby hands immediately exploring my face with the focused intensity only a toddler could muster.
“Who is this beautiful woman?”
My mother’s attention had shifted to Hannah, who stood quietly to the side, her face awash with a smile that seemed to reflect the love surrounding us.
Hoisting Jordan over my hip, I slipped my free arm around Hannah’s shoulders, drawing her against my side where she belonged.
“Family, I’d like you all to meet my mate, Hannah Rainwater.”
“Oh my God,” my mother whispered, trembling fingers hovering over her lips while tears of joy gathered in her eyes. Then she hugged Hannah with the same enthusiasm she’d shown me, laughing and crying simultaneously.
