“Thank you.”
Movement in the doorway makes me squint.
Blue gray velvet graces Tessi’s body in ruched layers. A long black faux fur collar wraps around her neck in a fan that makes her blushing face pop. Her black hair has been frosted with silver at the ends and spun up into a spiked halo around her head.
She stops halfway to me and wobbles. “Sorry. I am not used to heels.”
Tessi lifts the hem of her dress, showing more of her skin than I’ve seen in the daylight. Her shoes are glossy black and wicked looking like they’re modeled after our claws. But it’s the scars that freckle her beautiful flesh that make me certain I must find and comfort every inch of her skin later.
When she finally makes it up to me, she glances hesitantly at Ohni. “You’re sure we’re okay to do this?”
“I’ll hold the recording. If things work out, we’ll air it as a special feature later, maybe help encourage Mindor to break out of their judgmental funk.”
“Good luck,” I grumble. “I think we’re just going to have to leave home and build a new one.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Ohni motions for us to take one another’s hands. “No better way to start than by bringing Aegeris and Isonians together.”
I offer my hands to Tessi. She slides her hands into mine and smiles with more love than I feel worthy of.
“Do you, Zorin Aegeris of Mindor take Tessi to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live?”
“Beyond the grave if given the chance,” I reply.
Ohni turns to my chosen. “Do you, Tessi Sirenis, take Zorin to love and to cherish for a long as you both shall live?”
“Sirenis?” she asks.
“Is that not your last name?” Ohni asks, looking over her tablet. “It is listed in your file.”
“That’s not what I joined ABR as.” Tessi gives me a confused look. “It should be Andersen.”
“I changed it.” Onidus walks up to us, fully visible, his glowing skin filling the room with light. “You are the daughter of Master Sergeant Sirenis, a Master Masker, Aural Healer, and soldier who saved thousands with one tragic but critical move against the Nebulous Empire. To not make it known that an Aegeris is bonded to a Sirenis is an act of treason in my mind.”
He tucks his hands behind his back. “Aegeris is descended of the same ancient blood we are. I’m sorry. I can’t hide it any longer.” He looks at me. “Your goddess was more than just a lost traveler. She was caught up in battle against Denarso with our people. It just took us a long time to figure it out. We lost communication. Anyway, this bond will mend what was once a lost lineage.”
Onidus motions for us to continue.
Tessi gapes at him, shakes her head, and looks at Ohni. “Where were we?”
“Do you take Zorin?”
“Yes. But…” Tessi whistles, calling Radar up to the stage from Esrynne’s position. “Do you take Radar with me?”
“You know I do.” I extend a hand and let Radar lick my palm.
“Then you may claim your bride.” Ohni steps back.
My heart slams into my ribs as I ease in against Tessi. “This might hurt.”
She smirks. “I know. Just promise you claim me the way Esrynne said you would…later.”
Desire floods my body in hot waves. My teeth elongate as I lean close. “I don’t want to scar your lovely flesh, and I do.”
“I’d love one that reminds me of something good.”
I rake my teeth up her silky neck until I find the perfect spot just below her ear. “Just a nip now, a promise to other males that I will kill them if they touch you in a way I don’t like.”
Tessi’s breathing quickens. Behind her several paces, is Rorsar, casually hiding an injector in his hand. I part my teethand gingerly press them into her flesh until I taste her on my tongue.
