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Epilogue

N ova

It’s been a very interesting lunar cycle since we bonded. Although Drayke’s bonding sickness advanced much faster than anything in the literature, we’re now well into the recovery period. We’re re-establishing ourselves in our new life as a couple.

The first few weeks were spent alone in our room, not even opening the door when one of our friends brought us food. They learned to leave it on the floor outside the cabin. Unless Drayke was running to medbay to attend to Braxxus, we’ve been in bed.

We worked our way through the first several pages of the “sex album” as we call it, but every time we explored an idea, one of us would add one or two more pages to the end of the book. We don’t think we’ll get to the last chapter for a long, long time.

It’s not just the sex—although that’s mind-bending, don’t get me wrong. But the intimacy of the bond, the very thing I risked my precious mate’s life to avoid, makes being together magical in every way.

To know, really know, how another person feels and thinks is almost overwhelming at times. The fact that Drayke is the finest person I’ve ever met—on any planet, of any sex, of any species—makes being privy to his most intimate thoughts that much more amazing.

It took me days, maybe weeks to quit apologizing for foolishly rejecting him. I only stopped asking his forgiveness because of the bond. I consulted his heart, saw myself through his eyes, and realized why he was always so understanding and loving throughout that whole ordeal. He completely understood where I was coming from and holds no grudge. He’s totally focused on the future and we’ve both smartly decided to leave the past in the past.

Drayke’s possessive impulses subsided enough that we can go to the dining room together if we sit close enough and keep a skin-to-skin bond. Our friends seem to understand, and I don’t believe I’ll ever tire of seeing my pale fingers intertwined with his strong blue ones. We keep the mindlink open full-throttle the entire time, which also helps. We’ve read enough to believe it won’t always be this intense and hard to control.

It’s been a joy connecting with the others on board. I feel like I found the family I’ve always wanted. At first I wondered if I’d have anything in common with the other women because I was never a girly girl. But every male and female on this ship has welcomed me with open arms. We all embrace each other’s differences as well as similarities. It makes sense, we have over ten races represented on our little ship. I love that we all have something different and wonderful to bring to the table.

Mealtimes are the best, there’s so much laughter and joking. The males tease each other, but it’s good-natured and everyone is treated with respect. I love that amusement never comes at anyone’s expense.

May I interrupt, Sweet?

Yes, my love.

Did you finish your revisions on the design for your tattoo?

I show him the design. It’s the words “Bahd Ahss” written in curly cursive writing and then mirrored upside down. It will ring the entire scar.

I love you, Sweet, and you know how Bahd Ahss you look without anything covering the scar. It signifies everything I love about you—your strength, courage, and the memory of seeing your beautiful face and body for the first time. But if you want the tattoo, I’ll love that, too. I think it will make you look even more Bahd Ahss, if that’s what you want.

I’m still deciding. We have so many other things to think about, like training me to help you in medbay.

I discovered I have a very high tolerance to awful smells, gross sights, and buckets of blood. Rather than create those problems in the arena, I can’t wait to learn how to heal them in our medical facility. I think it will be amazing to work shoulder to shoulder with the male I’ll love forever and ever.

We’re both happy and complete. In the past, we mourned that we’d never be able to return to our home planets. Now that we’re together, wherever we are is our home. That home is here on this ship full of friends, warmth, laughter, and each other.

The End