“Thank you,” I call to Onidus as he walks to the end of his deck.
“Don’t mention it. Really. Don’t. Viriden will not be happy I meddled in intergalactic relations.” He grins. “But I always do anyway. When it’s right.”
“Understood.”
“I will escort you to your place to get your other ship and the rest of your things. We must make it quick.”
Tessi releases her hand from her chest, eyes the Lunas one last time, then curls herself inside Azrim’s open arm. We loadinto her ship, and Azrim has us off the ground in seconds. The moment we’re in the sky again, Tessi sighs.
“As much as I wanted to get to know your world, I’d much rather be anywhere else, with my favorite boys: Rhysan, Radar, you, and Azrim.”
He glances back at us from the pilot’s seat. I can smell him on her. He finally took a taste. I just don’t know if he’s ready for her to beours.
42: Tessi
I hate leaving Zorin’s house behind when it is so lovely. But he assures me the rooms on Viriden’s ship are nicer. Emarza’s mate and Onidus help pack up everything on Zorin’s property in a matter of minutes. When the Lunas begin stalking up the hillside, we leave the rest.
Azrim flies us into space alongside Onidus. No one speaks. We just sit and watch the stars go by. Rhysan sleeps on my chest. Zorin takes the seat beside me and rests an arm over my shoulders. Radar lies at our feet. And once we’re in orbit, Azrim eases a hand back and settles it on my knee.
I lean my head against the backrest, planning to just close my eyes for a moment and awaken to a bright white hangar, and Azrim shutting off the engines.
“Esrynne and Rorsar?” I ask them.
“Good idea.” Zorin helps me up.
When Azrim stands and looks at Rhysan, I motion for him to take over.
Azrim eagerly obliges. “It is not something we usually request. If the female wants to hold the pup, we let her.”
“You hold him as long as you want.” I could use a break. My arms are tired after the battle and clinging to Zorin as we evaded the rogue Neb.
Azrim cradles his son with love shining in his gold eyes and then nuzzles him with affection. I think giving them some time alone will help them both heal.
Zorin notices too and silently motions me after him. He takes my hand and leads me through Viriden’s ship to the infirmary.
“Not your first time on Isonian ships?” I ask him.
“No.” Zorin scans the room and finds Carnas. We walk toward his location in the corner, passing fifty other filled beds. The devastation to the Isonians is heart-wrenching. But several soldiers salute Zorin as he passes.
He gives them comforting words and a touch on their shoulder. I’m not in a position to transfer feelings between them, yet I still sense that Zorin and the Isonians share mutual respect and willingness to endure pain to build a better future.
Carnas is holding Esrynne’s hand when we arrive. His eyes are red, and it doesn’t look like he’s moved in hours.
When Zorin asks about her, Carnas shakes his head. “I don’t know.Theydon’t even know.”
I ease myself around Zorin to Esrynne’s side and gently rest a hand to her bare shoulder. Bandages wrap around her core, and her pale face is concerning. There isn’t much emotion I can pull from her in her unconscious state, but a sense of defeat fills me, mixed with hopelessness.
Lifting my hand to Carnas, I break my contact with her so I can just feel him. He looks up at me with doubt but takes my hand. The moment he does, I know his concern and care for her will help.
I take her other hand and close my eyes, emptying my mind of thought. Carnas’ emotion flows like a river through me, more powerful and urgent than I expect.
Esrynne chokes in a breath. Her eyes crack open. She rolls her head, sees me and smiles weakly. Then she looks to her other side, sees Carnas and swears.
He brushes the hair from her face and then wipes the tears from his eyes.
“Were you crying over me?” she airily asks.
He sweeps the backs of his fingers over her jaw. “So? Bite me.”
