“And what of the other sister?”

“Tali? She’s sweet and… fragile. We all look out for her, and that makes us closer as a family.”

“That’s really sweet. I bet you miss them.”

“I do. Very much. It’s been many years since I’ve seen them and talking to them over the comm is not as personal.”

“Why do you have such a long name and your sisters have short ones?”

“My mother says I’m four times their size so I need four times the name.”

When Golda steps in front of me, I stop short and she bounces off me. I grab her upper arms to keep her from falling. If we both fall, then I’ll twist my body so my female falls on top of me and not the hard cement. Instead, she grabs my jacket and pulls me into a kiss that stirs both my cocks, even in these drekking jeans.

Each time I touch her, the realization strikes me again, leaving me both stunned and grateful to the gods for giving me such an amazing sholani. I kiss her forehead, overjoyed as a truth settles in my soul. Golda is mine.

“Thank you, Sten. For being you.”

I could not have picked out a more beautiful, special person than my Golda.

MyGolda. I love how that sounds.

A new realization sets in, dimming my joy. Not all heartmates end up together. I must figure out how to tell Golda what she means to me. Then, I must find a way for us to stay together. In five days, I’m leaving Earth.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

STENIKOV

On Friday, I surprise Golda outside her apartment building. She’s standing at the top of the steps, radiant in her gray coat, pink hat, and matching mittens. The moment she sees me, her face lights up, as does my heart.

“Sten, what are you doing here? I was heading to my parents’.”

“Earlier this week, you promised me a walk.”

“You walked me to the bus. And then all the way home after the bus ride.”

“That was per your parents’ request. Though I enjoyed it very much. This is for us.”

Her brows dance and she bounces in her boots, making my heart race. My Golda has no fear about showing me who she is.

“I’d love to walk with you.”

When she slides her hand in mine, my entire body comes alive. I use all my restraint to keep from kissing her. Both cocks pulse with need, but I want to spend the day getting to know my female. I have only a few days left on Earth. I’d like to learn as much about Golda’s home and culture through her eyes, while I can.

Over the next few hours, Golda shows me her favorites places to shop, walk, and do a task she calls people watch. Another odd human custom that I do not quite understand, but I admit I’m focused more on Golda than the city. After walking around Manhattan all morning, we’re both hungry and could use a place to warm up.

Golda points to a small coffee shop on the corner. “How about here? I hear they have good coffee.” She bites her lip. “On second thought, no more coffee for you. Ooh, but I really want you to try my favorite drink. Hot chocolate. But don’t gulp it down. You need to sip it, savor the flavor.”

The only flavor I wish to savor is hers. But this is not the time. I glance at the coffee shop. “The sign saysno aliens.”

“They have no right excluding you. But if they try, they’ll have to go through me.” She holds up two fists in pink mittens as her brows pinch together. She’s ready to fight for me, as a sholani would, but no one would be scared of such as sweet female. Her sense of justice and determination fuel my desire to give her everything she wants in life.

“I look forward to trying chocolate that is hot.”

“With whipped cream if they have it.”

“Whipped cream?”

“The stuff Rachel had in her… Never mind. We’ll skip the cream.”