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Xander disappeared into the kitchen and returned with two cups of thickkahawa, the scent of cinnamon and heat curling in the morning air.

They rested on the patio swing together, the love chair swaying in the quiet hush of dawn.

Savvine had one thigh flung over his lap, her other bare legs tucked beneath her, his chest against her back.

He nuzzled her shoulder, then kissed the side of her neck.

She tilted her head toward him, one hand tangled in his hair.

Xander murmured, voice hoarse from use and tenderness, ‘Fokk, I missed you.’

Her fingers slid down his forearm. ‘I realize now I can never be too far from you, baby.’

He inclined to her, arms tightening around her waist. ‘Is that right? How close do you want to be?’

She smiled, her eyes gleaming. ‘Right next to you. Forever.’

A shiver ghosted over her flesh, and he pulled her tighter, kissing behind her ear. She leaned into him, breath catching.

‘Xander. There’s one more thing you need to know.’

He sliced those sexy, aureate eyes to her. ‘Cuéntame? Talk to me.’

She took an inhale as her gaze locked onto his. ‘I dreamed of you before I met you. Since the flotilla set out, you’ve walked through my dreams, which started as nightmares with three wolves hunting me down. Each time, you’d save me.’

‘Is that right? he drawled.

She nodded. ‘When I first saw you, I recognized the spectral wolf in you.’

He huffed. ‘Makes sense. My lycan spirit knew all along, then that we were fated. Tis why it fought so hard for you everyfokkin’ time you needed to be rescued like a damsel in distress.’

‘Hey!’

She slapped his forearm lightly in mock annoyance. ‘So we were meant to be, but,’ she added, teasing, ‘I’m not going to be afokkbuddy with no purpose. I must have something to do if I live on your ship.’

He murmured into her nape. ‘I’ve got the perfect job. Chief of our Air Force.’

She twisted to look at him, one brow raised. ‘What now?’

Xander’s expression turned solemn, even as his lips curved. ‘We require structure. Discipline. Our battles aren’t going to be boots-on-deck much longer. We’re the most dominant merc and para-military faction out here, and we need to get hella more effective in the air. You’re the best pilot and gunner I’ve seen. You’ve experienced real combat. If theEternaallows it, I want someone who flies like you to lead the next evolution of our forces.’

Savvine mulled it over. ‘Leiko’s been itching for a chance at leading Eterna’s security. I might be persuaded to step aside. Give her the reins.’

Xander’s sensual mouth curved in satisfaction. ‘Perfect. Then take to the skies with theSombraflight crew. Train a strong fighter response strike team. Help me build a lethal, lasting air force.’

She turned in his lap, straddling him, arms sliding around his neck. ‘I’d welcome the challenge,’ she said, brushing her lips over his.

He met her kiss and murmured, ‘Move in with me?’

She smirked. ‘Do I have a choice?’

‘Nada.’

She laughed. ‘Pushy asfokk.’

Xander cupped her face, studying her. ‘Have kids with me?’

His utterance caught her by surprise. Her teasing faded, and she sat up, sitting astride him.