“That is SCOUT’s other half and all the females love her. I will let Kira tell you more about the evolution and her story, as it is quite fascinating, but if you ever have a holographic female pop up in front of you that looks human, do not be scared.”
“So, she is like ANDI?”
“Yes, I was not aware he had shown himself in that manner.”
“Ohhh yeah, he’s the spitting image of Dracula, top hat, and all. Just how many more are like ANDI?”
“SCOUT, SAGE, and I believe Destiny has now taken on a similar form, although I have not seen it personally.”
“We were on and off that ship so quickly, I don’t remember much about her other than the fact that when we talked to the walls, they answered. It was a cool feature.”
“It was cold on the ship?”
I roll my eyes before leaning my head against his chest. We both get quiet when the snow starts back up outside the viewer, but it’s not a weird quiet, we’re simply comfortable in our own thoughts.
“I wonder if Lacie or MeK included a holopad in the crates. We need to start making a list of the things you will require to bring this dream of yours to life. Now that you have brought this up, my mind is full of ideas.”
“Okay, explain to me how this is going to happen without you selling your soul or something?”
BuK turns his arm over, “Do you see this mark?”
“Yeah, I noticed that on MeK as well. I thought it had something to do with your training or something. The little swirlies are adorable.”
“It is slightly more than that. This is the mark of the House of DaR, my father’s mark in society. All of his sons are marked with the same at birth.”
“And? I mean, it’s pretty and all, but I still don’t understand.”
BuK actually rolls his eyes at me. “There is no higher standing in this universe than a House mark. There are only a few, and all of those are either elders or originating families.”
“Ohhh, something like old money, or credits as you put it.”
“That is one way of looking at it. But in this world, now your new world, it means protection, family, and wealth. After Kira was almost taken at the market, father changed the laws so that all our mates also wear this mark. I cannot wait to see this on you.”
“You want me to wear that cool tattoo to show the world that I’m yours?”
“I want the world to know that if they lay a hand on you, I have the means to destroy their very world for touching what ismine!”
“Ohhh, you just went all caveman on me, and that’s kinda hot.”
“Stop trying to distract me. What I am trying to say is that all father’s sons are wealthy simply by being his, and that is not counting the funds we acquire throughout the universe, doing other jobs. For example, XuL’s general position, SoL being the second Commander, MeK designing pods for different planets and disasters. DeS, SiN, and RaZ are all assassins or protectors, however you want to look at it. KyT helps planets with dying forests so that their atmosphere does not collapse. I was sent here for protection and to help rebuild. I did the same thing on OrO’s planet recently. What I am trying to say is credits are not an issue; if you want this, I will make it happen.”
Grabbing one of his horns, I pull his face down to mine. “So, you’re not only cute, but you’re also rich and practically royalty?YESSS! I hit the alien lottery.”
BuK kisses the top of my nose. “I now understand why Lacie calls you a brat all the time; it is a fitting title. Come on, get up so we can see what else is in those crates. I do not think I have ever sat around this much.”
Groaning, I crawl out of his lap and head over to a smaller crate I didn’t notice before. Popping the top off, I smile when I realize quickly who packed this for me. There are alien potato chips, my favorite leave-in conditioner, a brush, and at the bottom, lying on top of a slinky little nightgown is a pack of playing cards.
“Ohhh, you’re in for it now, mister. You’re about to learn how to play strip poker.”
CHAPTER 14
BRIAR
“Grab us something to drink, and I’ll be right back.” Giggling, I walk into the bathroom and put on as many layers as I have available. BuK is looking at the cards when I walk back out.
“Are you cold, Briar? I may be able to turn the heater up slightly if so.”
“No, you will see in a little bit. Now, have you ever played cards with anyone before?”
