Page 47 of Kian

“It’s always business with you two, isn’t it?” he teased, since he knew a razzing would be more welcome than his sincere thanks.

“That’s the trouble with you, soldier,” Lyslee quipped. “Always such a romantic.”

He laughed as he stepped out of the flap and stretched his arms.

Somehow, it was dawn already, and the sky was painted pink. They were only a few hours from dropping the cargo and heading home.

For the first time, he didn’t feel dread at the idea of talking to Kinsley about the future. In fact, he was genuinely excited, and couldn’t wait for her to wake up.

He turned to their tent to find that she was already awake, standing in the cold morning air with the baby on her chest.

The expression on her face was strangely intense.

18

KINSLEY

Kinsley awoke at the first light of dawn, shivering in spite of the furs she was wrapped in.

She didn’t remember having furs on top of her when she went to sleep.

Kian…

She rolled over to see the man who would be her mate, feeling embarrassed that she had fallen asleep before he even joined her.

She hadn’t expected a repeat of last night in a tiny tent with the others nearby, but she had looked forward to a little time alone with him.

But the big alien wasn’t beside her.

She sat up and realized he wasn’t anywhere in the tent.

He’s probably just out checking on everything,she told herself.Soldiers are always up at dawn. Maybe he’s helping Bill hitch up the team.

When the baby began to stir, Kinsley scooped her out of the nest.

“Good morning to you,” she said softly. “Let’s get you fed so we can get you home.”

Home.

The word put a lump in her throat. Getting this far had been a lot. It was treacherous, scary even, and Kinsley thought of herself as a bit of an adrenaline junkie back home, always looking for a thrill.

After the harsh realities of Sigg-3, the idea of settling down and learning how to be a great mom was even more welcome to her today than it had been the day she learned she was accepted to the program.

She prepared a cell of milk for her daughter and fed her in bed, loving the way the baby’s eyes latched right onto hers as she fed.

My daughter...

Love wound its way around her heart. and she felt her pulse slow as she floated in a sort of heaven holding her little one. Too soon, the cell was empty, and it was time to change the baby and get ready for their day.

Kian still hadn’t come back to check on her, but she didn’t want to open the flap to see what he was up to since that also meant letting the cold air in.

So, she cleaned herself and the baby up as much as possible and dressed them both.

Then she packed up their items and looked around.

Convinced there was nothing more to do. she strapped the baby to her chest and pulled her cloak on top, then slipped out of the small tent.

The world outside was bathed in shades of white and gray. The sky above was a pearly gray color, fading to orange as light licked up over the horizon. The ice was snowy white, and the tents were all the pale beige of animal skins.

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