Page 46

E mily

Warmth surrounds me. The steady rise and fall of Vrok’s chest beneath my cheek soothes me in a way I never thought possible.

His arm is draped around me, holding me close, as his fingers trace absent patterns along my spine.

The rhythmic beat of his hearts lulls me into a contented daze.

The kind I used to think was just a fairytale.

I never thought I’d feel this safe or loved.

Not back on Earth, and sure as hell not here on this wild planet.

And yet, nestled in Vrok’s arms, our bodies still flushed from the lovemaking we shared just moments ago, I feel it deep down inside of me.

The narrow bed beneath us is barely big enough for one person, much less two, but neither of us seems to care.

If anything, it forces us even closer, our limbs tangled together beneath the soft glow of moonslight filtering through the windows.

I breathe in, reveling in the scent of his skin and sweat.

Vrok is still recovering. Warrix cleared him this afternoon for light activity, but I know he’s not back to full strength yet.

I told myself I’d leave once night fell, so he could have a good night’s rest. But when the moment came, I couldn’t make myself move, and he scooted over to make room for me, lifting the fur blanket covering him with such a hopeful look. So, I stayed.

One kiss turned into two. Two turned into something more. And now, we’ve discovered that, somehow, we can both fit in one of the medic hut’s narrow beds.

A soft sigh escapes me as I shift, nuzzling against his chest. His skin is warm beneath my cheek, and his hearts beat a steady lullaby against my ear. He’s all solid muscle wrapped around me like a shield, but there’s a tenderness to him that wasn’t there when I first met him.

The Vrok I met in the beginning was all rough edges and sharp glares.

He was a warrior who carried his pain like a weapon, wielding it to keep the world at bay.

But I’ve seen the male beneath it all. The one who holds me like I’m something precious.

The one who whispers my name like a prayer when he thinks I’m asleep.

His hand slides up my back to cup the base of my neck. “You’re still awake?” His voice is thick with sleepiness.

“Mhm,” I hum, before brushing a kiss against his skin. “Just thinking.”

He lets out a low, satisfied rumble as his fingers begin stroking through my hair in a slow, soothing motion. “About what?”

I hesitate. I don’t want to ruin the peace of this moment.

I don’t want to give voice to the worry lodged in the back of my mind like an annoying thorn.

The meeting in the morning looms over me like a gathering storm cloud, and right now, I want to hold on to this quiet, peaceful happiness that has settled inside me.

I focus on something lighter. “Lily,” I say.

Vrok nods, encouraging me to go on.

“She’s settling in with the other women.” A small smile tugs at my lips. “Honestly, I didn’t think she’d adjust so quickly.”

“She has you,” he says simply, pressing a kiss to my hair.

“Yeah,” I whisper. “She does.”

Lily has been sharing a hut with Aria and one of the new women. From what I’ve seen, they’ve settled into an easy rhythm together, helping each other with chores, eating together, and laughing together.

And then there’s Crystal.

Of all people, it’s Crystal who’s taken Lily under her wing. Most people might find that surprising, but not me. They only see her sharp tongue and the wall she keeps between herself and everyone. But I’ve always known there was more to her than the hard exterior she shows the world.

Maybe she sees something of herself in my cousin. Maybe not. Either way, she’s stepped into the role of an older sister. An older sister with claws. She makes sure Lily eats, checks in on her, and keeps an eye on her even when she pretends not to.

Lily is still trying to make sense of what happened to us, but with Crystal and the rest of my friends looking out for her, I worry a little less.

That should bring me peace, and it does. Mostly. But worry still lingers. Because even though we’re safe for now, I know it won’t last forever. Not with what’s coming.

I bite my lip and try to push the thought away. I don’t want to think about the future. I don’t want to think about what Zahrik is going to reveal at the meeting or what decisions we’ll have to make. Not yet.

I want to hold onto this moment. To the warmth of Vrok’s embrace, to the brush of his lips against my skin, and to the peace I never believed I’d find.

I don’t know how long it will last, but whatever comes next, I’ll face it with him by my side. And somehow, that makes everything feel possible.