Page 27

“Yes,” I murmured, answering aloud. “This is real. You are under my protection, under Legion protection now. Both of you.”

Everly came to sit on my other side, her small hand finding mine. “I have to admit, I didn’t expect such acceptance in reality. Especially of the three of us together.”

“Rodinian culture holds the mate bond sacred above all else,” I explained, putting into words what I’d tried to convey before.

“It transcends rank, politics, even interspecies differences. Once formed, it’s considered inviolable.

That’s why Command didn’t question your presence, Everly, or yours, Khaaz.

To do so would violate our most fundamental reason for being. ”

“Convenient,” Everly said with a small smile.

“Pragmatic,” I corrected gently. “Rodinians are, above all, practical. Our society functions because we recognize and respect bonds of all kinds—warrior to commander, citizen to state, and most importantly, mate to mate. It’s not sentiment but survival.”

The preliminary briefing with Command went better than I’d anticipated.

The holographic projection of Commander Thorvik, my direct superior for the past seven cycles, showed no surprise at the sight of my mates seated beside me.

He acknowledged them with a formal greeting before focusing on the mission parameters.

“The facility you discovered appears to be of significant strategic value,” he said, his gruff voice filling our quarters. “The initial data you transmitted confirms our suspicions about Kridrin activity in the sector from years past. We need a full debriefing when you reach Rodinia Tertius.”

“Understood, Commander,” I replied. “Everly has extracted extensive archives from the facility’s database. They contain information about Kridrin technology, dimensional transit capabilities, and possibly locations of other outposts.”

Thorvik’s gaze shifted to Everly, who sat straight-backed beside me. “Your assistance in this matter is appreciated, Ms. Flores. Once we reach Rodinia Tertius, we can arrange transport back to Terra Prime if you wish to return home.”

The suggestion sent a wave of primal rage through me before I could control it. A growl built in my chest, echoed by Khaaz’s deeper rumble. The thought of Everly being separated from us, even by her own choice, was physically painful.

To my relief, Everly laughed, her hand finding mine in a calming gesture. “That won’t be necessary, Commander. My home is with my mates now. Wherever they go, I go.”

Through our bond, her certainty rang like a bell—clear, pure, unquestioning. She had chosen us, completely and without reservation.

Thorvik nodded, unsurprised. “As you wish. In that case, we’ll arrange permanent accommodations for all three of you on Rodinia Tertius. The debriefing process may take several cycles, possibly longer given the volume of data you’ve recovered.”

“And after?” I asked, the question that had been forming in my mind since our bonding now taking shape. “What are your orders for us following the debriefing?”

Thorvik’s expression softened slightly—as much as the old warrior ever allowed himself to show.

“That’s your decision, Zehn. Legion protocol offers retirement to any Reaper who finds their fate mates as you know.

Your service record entitles you to full benefits and placement anywhere in Legion territory. ”

The weight of his words settled over me. Retirement. The end of my life as a Legion Reaper, a role I’d held for over fifteen cycles. I’d never considered what might come after—Reapers rarely survived long enough to retire, and those who did often struggled to find purpose beyond the battlefield.

Yet as I looked at my mates—Everly’s intelligent eyes watching me carefully, Khaaz’s steady presence at my side—I realized I didn’t need to search for purpose. It was right here, in the bond we shared, in the future we would build together.

“I’ll take the retirement,” I said, the decision crystallizing as I spoke. “But I’d like to remain connected to Legion operations. Perhaps a position at the Academy, training new recruits.”

Thorvik nodded approvingly. “We can arrange that. Your experience would be valuable to the next generation of warriors.” His gaze shifted to Khaaz. “And your mate? With his combat abilities, he might also find a place there if he wishes.”

Khaaz stiffened beside me, surprise rippling through our bond. The offer of legitimate work, of recognition for his skills rather than his origins, was clearly unexpected.

“I would consider it,” Khaaz said carefully, his deep voice rough with emotion.

“As for Ms. Flores,” Thorvik continued, “her technical skills and familiarity with the Kridrin archives would make her an asset to our intelligence division. If she’s interested, of course.”

Everly’s excitement pulsed through our bond—the prospect of meaningful work, of putting her analytical mind to use in this new world she’d chosen to join.

“I’d be very interested,” she said firmly. “Especially if it means working with the Kridrin data we recovered.”

“Then it’s settled,” Thorvik concluded. “We’ll finalize the arrangements when you reach Rodinia Tertius. For now, rest and recover from your ordeal. You’ve earned it.”

As the holographic projection faded, I pulled my mates closer, one arm around each of them. Through our bond, I felt their contentment, their hope for the future we would build together.

“So,” Everly said, breaking the comfortable silence. “We’re really doing this. Starting a new life together on an alien planet.”

“Not alien to me,” I reminded her with a smile. “But yes, together. The three of us.”

Khaaz’s arm tightened around my waist, his scarred face relaxing into something close to peace. “Together,” he echoed, the word filled with wonder.

As the Starclaw carried us toward Rodinia Tertius and our new life, I marveled at how completely my existence had transformed.

Three cycles ago, I had been a Legion Reaper on a routine extraction mission.

Now I was bonded to two extraordinary beings, retiring from active duty to build a future I’d never dared imagine.

The universe, it seemed, had plans far greater than my own limited vision.

It had brought us together across impossible odds—a human woman with ancient connections to the Kridrin, a hybrid warrior created through suffering yet defined by his resilience, and me, a Legion Reaper who had found purpose beyond battle.

Our bond hummed between us, stronger with each passing moment.

Whatever challenges awaited us on Rodinia Tertius—the debriefings, the transition to civilian life, the inevitable adjustments to our unusual relationship—we would face them together.

Three beings who had found each other across the vastness of space and time, joined now in a bond that nothing in this universe could sever.

Our story was just beginning, and I couldn’t wait to see what came next.

Exclusive Bonus Scene from FOUND

So, what happens after Everly bonds with not one, but two massive alien warriors who purr, bite, and worship the ground she walks on?

Let’s just say the stars aren’t the only things lighting up.

This scene takes place right before the epilogue. It’s Everly, Zehn, and Khaaz at their most connected, possessive, and completely obsessed with one another.

Content Considerations

· MFM ménage (anal x vaginal penetration)

· Marking/bonding bites

· Praise, possessiveness, post-coital affection

· Humor, emotional intimacy, and a whole lot of heat

(No humiliation, degradation, or non-consent—just loving, spicy chaos with claws and tails.)

They say stars are quiet. That space is all hush and stillness.

But no one tells you how loud it is to share a bed with two enormous aliens who purr in stereo.

The vibrations traveled through my bones, humming a lullaby I never knew I needed until I found myself permanently tucked between two seven-foot leopard men with possessive streaks wider than the galactic rim.

I was the sandwich.

And not in the cute picnic way.

More like the spread-me-open-and-lick-every-part-of-me-until-I’m-vibrating-like-a-ship-engine kind of sandwich.

Zehn was behind me, all heat and growling restraint, his chest pressed to my back, one massive arm hooked possessively under my breasts.

His fur tickled my skin, soft and warm, a stark contrast to the hardened muscles underneath.

Khaaz was in front, his breath slow against my neck, his hand resting just over my belly like he was protecting something fragile. His scars—raised ridges that mapped stories I was still learning—pressed against my softer flesh, constant reminders of what he’d survived.

The three of us fit together now.

Too well.

Almost dangerously well.

“I feel like pudding,” I mumbled into Khaaz’s chest, breathing in his scent—something wild and mineral, like ozone and earth after rainfall.

Zehn rumbled behind me, amused. “A good kind?”

“The kind that’s been thoroughly stirred and poured into a bowl that’s way too big.” I sighed, stretching my toes down to brush against Zehn’s ankle. “You two should come with warning labels.”

Khaaz nuzzled the top of my head, his whiskers tickling my scalp. “This one would say: Caution. Bites if denied affection.”

I snorted. “Yours would just be a purr track and some warning about claws and overachievement.”

Zehn kissed my shoulder where he’d marked me, his teeth grazing over the claim bite that had healed into a permanent scar. “Yours would say: Irresistible. Proceed at your own risk.”

Through the viewport above our bed, the endless void glittered with distant stars. Our ship drifted in the peaceful quiet of deep space, but inside our quarters, the air thickened with something electric.

I squirmed, trying to find a more comfortable position, and suddenly both of them stilled. The purring stopped all at once, like someone had cut the power.

“Everly,” Zehn said softly, his voice low and dangerous and hot enough to burn through titanium plating, “are you grinding against me?”

I froze, suddenly aware of how my ass had pressed back against something very firm and how Khaaz’s pupils had dilated to near-black discs. “No?”

Khaaz lifted his head slowly, his scarred muzzle inches from my face. “It is alright if you are. We enjoy when you move.”

I’d just wanted to shift positions.

Now? I wanted everything.

Again.

I turned, pulling the covers down to expose my skin to the cool recycled air. “Then maybe I should move more.”

Zehn growled and rolled me onto my back, settling between my thighs with one smooth movement. His massive hands pinned mine above my head as his muzzle trailed down my throat. “We said you are ours, kitten. Let us prove it.”

Click below to read the full scene here

Read the Bonus Scene – Between the Stars

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