Page 52 of Star Crossed Delta

Shiloh turned to them, lifting her hands in frustration. ‘Did you see it in his eyes? That hunger for power, that desire to control?’

Zolan nodded, his face hardened. ‘Aye, I did. What a snake!’

Mak growled from across the room. ‘But so are we. Kaal and a few of my men will meet him on that ship and ambush him.’

‘What will you do with him?’ Zolan asked.

‘He’ll be on his way to The Sombra’s infamous prison,’ Mak rasped. ‘We’ll bury him so deep in isolation he won’t see or hear from another human for years.’

Shiloh’s eyes met Saba’s. She gave her a sad smile.

‘ Nada , don’t feel any compassion for him, nor for Sylvana or Zsófia. They don’t deserve our mercy,’ Saba muttered.

‘I get it,’ Shiloh conceded.

Mak moved to Saba’s side, and she rose, stepping into his arms, maneuvering around his bandaged hand and sling.

Shiloh did the same, falling into Zolan’s embrace.

They stood in the silence that ensued, drawing comfort from their partners after a tumultuous and draining day.

Until hunger called, and the tempting aroma of food wafted from Zolan’s kitchen.

‘Anyone hungry?’ he invited. ‘My mother is cooking, and she’s a culinary genius.’

It was all the invitation they needed.

They made their way to the dining table, where a lavish spread of delicious dishes was laid out. The scent of spices and herbs filled the air.

Zolan’s mother, Liliah, was a kind woman who lived next door to her son and shared his smile.

‘She’s also a genie in the kitchen,’ Shiloh told Mak and Saba.

The meal became a welcome distraction and sustenance they needed as they indulged in dark yeasted flatbreads, succulent chicken, and roast lamb.

The platters were served alongside condiments and sweet roasted vegetables that melted in your mouth.

Red wine, laughter, and conversation flowed as they ate, each of them finding solace in the company of their makeshift family.

Saba caught Shiloh’s eye across the table and smiled.

She beamed back, and Saba embraced the warmth of her love, grateful that their bond forged through years of shared experiences had never faded.

That peace had been brokered between Mak and Zolan also meant they’d face whatever more shit came their way together, united.

After dinner, they moved to the living room, where a fire crackled merrily in the hearth, casting a glow over them all.

Liliah joined them, her eyes alight with curiosity as she listened to their tales from earlier that day.

She was a quiet and self-possessing woman.

Yet Saba noted Liliah’s kindness to Shiloh. She made her a separate meal because of her nausea, brought her warm slippers, and helped raise her legs onto the couch.

Her smile was genuine as she served kahawa , prepared in the traditional method over coals above the fire.

Her son demonstrated the same silent, fierce affection for his wife.

He rubbed her feet, fed her cocoa nibs, and kissed her hand any chance he had, deep in love and not afraid to show it.

Shiloh had landed in a soft place, and Saba relaxed, happy for her.

They drank the bitter, smoky, unctuous brew and nibbled on honey cakes, unwinding in the unlikely atmosphere.

Mak had Saba on his lap, his eyes lighting on her, a quietness in his face, almost like he’d come to a peace about them.

She stroked his arm, face, and cheeks occasionally, still needing to reassure herself he was OK.

They shared silent gazes, soaked with profound sentiment.

Saba loved him so much, and now that the tide had turned, she hoped the love for her that he had inadvertently confessed was for a lifetime.

As the night wore on, fatigue began to sink in.

They begged off to sleep, and Zolan led Mak and Saba to a comfortable guest room where they could rest for the night.

He handed over a set of clothes. ‘Shiloh lent pajamas and a pair of sweats for Mak to change into the next day and a gown and lounge suit for Saba,’ he murmured.

Saba took the pile with a grin. ‘ Sante , brother out of law.’

They shared a look, and Saba realized she was beginning to like him for Shiloh and their small family.

With a half smile and a bow, Zolan left them alone.

‘ Fokk , I’m beat up,’ Mak growled as he sat on the bed, weariness and irritation at his lack of mobility welling up.

‘Let’s sleep, honey,’ Saba whispered as she helped him slip off his clothes and shoes. ‘Tomorrow will be a new day. You’ll feel better after some good rest.’

They didn’t take long to settle in.

Mak complained a little as he shifted on the mattress, growling as he tried to position himself for comfort around his injured arm.

Saba rearranged the pillows to make him comfortable, and in no time, his eyes drooped, lulled by painkillers and the weariness of the day.

Moments later, Saba slipped in beside him, spooning her sleeping man in her arms, thoughts swirling in her mind.

He hadn’t addressed his slip-up in saying he loved her to Zolan.

She hadn’t pushed either.

When he was ready, he’d say it to her.

For now, she was content.

Comforted by Mak’s steady breathing beside her and surrounded by a moment of stillness, she offered a silent prayer of gratitude for his life and love, as well as for being reunited with her sister.

As sleep claimed her, she found peace.