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“Aculus was injured?” Cartil interrupted the conversation as he rushed into the room.

“Yes. Quick.” Axilla waved the medic over.

“It’s my shoulder,” Aculus informed his friend and crewman.

Carefully Cartil removed the bloody towel. His brow furrowed as he stared at the hole in Aculus’ shell.

“What did this?” the medic finally asked.

“Xerocle!” everyone replied all at once.

Twenty-Five

Making Amends

Nadzia

Nadzia scooted next to Aculus on the bed and exhaled, relieved everyone was finally gone.

“I agree with that sentiment,” he commented, sounding as tired as she felt.

“Does it hurt?”

“No. I can’t really feel my right side at all.” Aculus picked up his right hand then let it drop to the bed.

“That’s ‘cause you’re drugged six ways of Sunday.” She leaned against his good side, and he wrapped his arm around her.

“If that means a lot then yes.” He gave her an exaggerated nod.

“It does,” she chuckled, feeling much better than she had an hour ago.

Aculus was safe and would regain full use of his arm. His shoulder was actually as good as new now. Cartil had been able to totally heal it, but drugged Aculus to ease the pain while the amazing technology worked its magic.

“I’m sorry. We should be on our way to see the Cnidaria and cement our bond,” he apologized.

“It’s okay. This is probably the safest place to be since there are assassins after you.” She kissed and rubbed his chest.

As long as he was safe, she’d put up with anything.

“True.” Aculus kissed the top of her head.

“I was really scared. I thought I was going to lose you.” Her vision blurred.

“I know.” He squeezed her closer. “I don’t have words to describe what I felt when you were taken. It was like everything was ending and I was helpless to do anything about it, unless you count genocide.” Aculus’ voice, rough with emotion, ended on a growl.

She’d like to think he wouldn’t slaughter a whole race of people, even the Jurou Biljana, then again, maybe he would, for her.

“I love you, too, handsome.” She incessantly stroked his chest, trying to blink back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. “I don’t want to feel that way again.”

But she had a feeling that was an unrealistic expectation considering they hadn’t caught the bastards trying to kill him yet. Even then, as the head of the Osivoire military Aculus would always attract nefarious characters. It wasn’t so different from her dad serving in the Air Force. Growing up she’d learned to live with the knowledge that he could go to war at any time. But the feelings felt more intense when it came to the man she loved.

How did Mom do it?Her brow furrowed.She pulled up her big girl panties, loved and supported Dad, and didn’t let the worry get in the way of living.And that’s what she’d do, too.

“Are you going to tell me the rest of the story about the Xerocle?” Aculus asked, pulling her from her thoughts.

“Of course.” She smiled at him. “You recall how Tarsus got away from me and got lost in the caverns?”

“Aye,” Aculus grunted.