“Tessi, I know they banded you blue, but there is more hiding in you. You have to choose confidence and courage. You would if someone hurt Radar. You’ve said that. You just have to show the universe who you really are. Fight for what matters to you, and you will accomplish more than you ever dreamed.”
I nestle between the hard planes of his chest and soak in the heat of his body beneath mine.
“Rest tonight,” he whispers in my ear. “Tomorrow, we’ll kick Carielle’s ass.”
I laugh softly, close my eyes, and savor the feeling of him with me, try to memorize it so even when he is taken, I will remember what this moment of peace felt like.
21: Zorin
Tessi sleeps on my chest, but I can’t bring myself to rest. She wants us to be together, but I’m not sure how we’re going to pull it off. In order for Scarnis to let us take Rhysan back, I will have to show up with a mate of either Mindoran or Earthen descent. Tessi no longer qualifies. And yet I can’t bond with anyone but her. I keep working it around in my mind, trying to find any loopholes or other tricks I could use to get Rhysan back from them, but I’m not coming up with anything.
“Zorin.” The calm but stern voice that calls me over my earcom belongs to Marne. It’s two in the morning. He wouldn’t call me now unless it was important. “Do you copy?”
“I copy,” I say quietly, gently rubbing Tessi’s back when she stirs.
“Isonians arrived at Mindor. It’s not good. The MTF is working overtime to hunt down all those coming onto our world through portals. Lunas have been confronting patrols.”
“Of course they have been. I’m starting to think they believe in Myndrous and are being so problematic because they’re trying to eliminate us and take Mindor back.”
“Maybe so. I wouldn’t put it past them.” Marne’s earcom rustles. “Viriden’s crew has already eliminated most of the Denarsoan fighters and scrapper ships, but a few are getting caught in orbit and landing on the surface. He’s pulled back a few.
“But now we have three Neb ships on an intercept course with Mindor. We’ve called Earth for support, but they’re already tasked out to other worlds. If they send anyone else, they leave their planet vulnerable, and they’re dealing with their own Myndrous infestation.”
“Ampirans and Drathious still busy?” I ask.
“Unfortunately. Nytheralians are working with Vinym. Klaphos with Ferrim and Refugee worlds. Derorsin and Ginarigons are in a bit of a tussle over who’s in charge of the area between their solar systems.”
“Just say it already.” I know what we have to do.
“Be ready to deploy. Onidus can stay with Tessi. It’s where she belongs anyway.”
I ignore the ache in my chest and respond, “Understood.”
“Marne out.”
My earcom clicks off as Tessi’s hand glides over my arm.
She brushes the hair from her eyes and turns to the window. “Could I have a moment to talk to Zorin?”
“Nightmares?” a voice asks.
Onidus must be in here again.
“Yeah,” she replies, working her fingers over her palm like she’s sensed something she wished she didn’t. “Mostly his.”
I cringe inside but keep my thoughts to myself.
“Oh, no funny business” Onidus states.
She nods. “I understand.”
The moment the door closes, Tessi crawls up to me. She snakes her hand under the blankets and strokes my cock. “Can you be quiet?”
Hot need stirs in my body. My Shifter is sleepy but perks up at her touch.
“I heard some of your conversation. But Ifeltyour disappointment. That’s what woke me up.”
“It’s alright.”
