Page 70 of Wayfinder
“Me?” I snorted. “They have mirrors on that spaceship, right?”
The cacophony of giggles that used to drive me crazy sometimes now felt like a comforting hug.
“We’re good, all of us, better than good, actually.” Emmy blushed as she wiped at the happy wetness clinging to her lashes. “We’ve all found a second chance at love in space.”
“Excuse me?” Beside me, Jutuk tensed enough to draw my gaze.
“What’s she trying to say is that each of us has mated with a Vaktaire warrior.”Agnes clarified.
“Seriously?” I chuckled, watching a broad smile grow on Jutuk’s face.
“Seriously,” Emmy echoed and launched into the story of how Khaion rescued her from the Trogvyk ship before it exploded. One by one, each of the girls—me included—told how they and their handsome warriors met and fell in love. While Agnes and Daisy’s stories broke my heart a little, Clara’s tale had me hooting with laughter.
Oh my god, Clara!” My hands fanned frantically at my face, trying to calm myself. At my side, Jutuk chuckled, although he maintained much better control of himself.
“Oh, please.” Clara rolled her eyes. “At least I didn’t try to skewer him with a kitchen knife.
“We haven’t even told you the best news yet.” Daisy positively glowed with excitement.
“You’re all basically married and glowing with happiness. What else could there be?” I challenged.
Daisy brightened further. “I’m pregnant.”
That was the best news ever! I knew how much Daisy had always wanted a child of her own. “Oh, Daisy, I’m so happy for you.”
Tears flowed freely down my cheeks. I felt Jutuk’s arm tighten over my shoulders. I leaned into him, awash with the sudden blissful fantasy of being pregnant with his child. I’d never wanted children before. I always thought it wouldn’t be feasible with my career. But with Jutuk... everything was different.
“Ladies, if you don’t mind, I need another word with Jutuk.” Khaion stepped back into frame, his hand coming to rest on Emmy’s shoulder. My friend smiled at her mate and went up on tiptoes, meeting his lips for a quick kiss.
“We’ll see you in a few days.” Agnes waved broadly and issued a lecherous wink. “You two have fun on that spaceship.”
“I love you guys!” I waved back, wiping away happy tears with my other hand.
The chaotic rumble of the girls faded, leaving Khaion alone on the screen.
“Any word from Charick?” My mate didn’t bother hiding the worry in his tone.
“Not yet,” Khaion muttered, his golden eyes darkening. “We should arrive at the citadel in a few rotations.”
“Us as well,” Jutuk agreed. I let my gaze flicker to the windows, showing the vastness of space beyond. It didn’t look like we were moving at all, although I suspected we were doing something like a million miles an hour.
“At least we know whatever we are walking into Duke Ako will be prepared to deal with Nansar,” Khaion said.
“We will be ready,” my mate vowed, thumping his chest with a fist.
“Good work, both of you.” Khaion smiled as his gaze danced between me and Jutuk. “Uncovering the plot to poison the Duke stopped untold tragedy.” His eyes narrowed a bit, and the corner of his mouth quirked like he was fighting a smile. “Oh, and one more thing, Jutuk.”
“Yes, Chieftain?” Jutuk’s brow furrowed curiously.
The quirk of Khaion’s lips turned into an all-out grin. “I’m not going to say I told you so... yet.”
The screen went dark before Jutuk could respond. I felt the tremor of amusement rumble through his chest as he pulled me closer.
“What was that about?” I prodded, as he leaned down to kiss me. “Why is Khaion going to sayI told you so?”
My mate laughed as he lifted me, settling me across his thighs. “Before we met, Khaion bet me I would fall for you, even after you threw the knife at my head.”
“Well, that’s what we humans call a sucker bet,” I teased, linking my arms around his neck.
