Page 64 of Whisked Away By the Alien

A part of my heart clicks into place and all is right with the universe. Stenikov thrusts one last time, and I explode into a million pieces. Unable to move, I luxuriate in his lips consuming mine, then I collapse on top of him, not even sure if he reached his peak.

His hand pets my hair down my back as he presses his mouth to my ear. “Aji kali faztov, miz sholani.” Those are almost the same words I said to him.

I’m too exhausted to move. He’s become my mattress.

“What just happened?” I ask.

“We mated, and we spoke the words that bind us as sholan and sholani.” His voice sounds hesitant, as if he’s unsure how I’ll react. But I couldn’t be happier.

Yes, I could be happier. I could go with him.

There’s still time to figure out how. He hasn’t left yet, and I know he’s not one to give up. Neither am I, not when he’s the prize. “The words… They just came to me.”

“The gods gave you the words. They approve of our mating.”

“Then ask for their help keeping us together.”

“It doesn’t work that way. If our love is strong enough, if we truly are meant to be, then we will find a way.” He cradles my face between his hands. “Wearenot done with one another, sholani. This is our beginning, not an end.”

I hug him tighter. “Is this what doubles as a wedding on Zyan? Exchanging vows?”

“A full mating with the customary words binds us. But we will register on Zyan as a mated pair as well, if that is what you wish.” He cups my cheek. “I will take you however I can have you. I love you too much to do anything that would hurt you, which is why I will not take you from your family and your world unless you wish it. The decision must be yours.”

For the first time in my life, I don’t want to have a choice. I want someone to decide for me, because no matter who I choose, someone I love will get hurt.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

STENIKOV

Except for a few key roads cleared for buses, the city remains blanketed in snow. After leaving the warehouse this morning and walking two miles, Golda and I finally catch a bus.

Forty-five minutes later, we arrive at a police station where it takes an hour to prove my identity. I detail the events at the warehouse while Golda waits in a coffee shop across the street. I don’t like leaving her alone, but it’s better than having her here where the police will ask her questions.

The dead bodies law enforcement find will trigger a full investigation. The humans will go through the office papers and find everything they need. Even though Golda deserves credit for the discovery, she and her family will be safer if no one knows she had any knowledge of the smuggling ring.

After I complete the police report, their captain allows me to use their comm to connect to Commander Zirkov and update him. He commends me on uncovering the smuggling ring. Since we’re speaking in zyanthan, a language none of the humans know, I tell him the full truth, including that I’ve found my sholani and wish to remain on Earth.

“I’m sorry, Stenikov. I cannot alter your orders. The order came from the ZDC directly. Command has a special assignment for you on Zyan. You may take your sholani with you. No one will question her presence.”

“Yes, Commander.” I had hoped Zirkov might have some influence with Zyan Defense Control. I’ve been on loan to Galactic Intelligence due to GI7’s shortage of marshals. He does not report to the ZDC, but I do, meaning if the ZDC wants me back, there is nothing he or anyone can do about it.

To make matters worse, I must leave tonight.

Holding Golda’s hand in my lap, we sit on a packed bus. As usual, the humans crowd in the rear to avoid me. Golda’s hand squeezes mine as she gazes out the window. I still don’t know if she’s coming with me.

When the bus stops a few blocks from her house, we head to the exit. Golda turns swiftly to face the humans. “He’s blue, has horns, and a heart of gold. You people should be ashamed of yourselves for fearing someone based on his looks.”

I laugh as we exit.

“What’s so funny?” she asks.

“Every time we get off a bus you scold the other passengers and yet you don’t say anything to them when they first move to the back of the bus.”

She shrugs. “I like having a seat.”

“You could take the seat, then leave without saying anything. If you convince them not to fear me, then you won’t have a seat on future rides.”

“It’s a risk, but I’d rather they think like rational people and stop judging you because you’re not human.”

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