Page 31 of HaL

“Are you warm enough?”

“Yes, quite toasty actually so you guys should turn the heat down in here if you’re still uncomfortable. I really am fine.”

Troza glances over at me as I wipe a small bead of moisture off my forehead.

“Dawn, we will start lowering it slowly. If you get chilled, please say something as neither of us wants you to be uncomfortable. After you eat, I am going to remove the outer layer of the healing cast. If the bones have fused correctly, then HaL can take you to his den to rest for the next few risings.”

Dawn’s utensil pauses in midair as her gray eyes seek out my own.

“So, we’re moving in together just like that?”

There are so many emotions crossing her face that my mind scrambles to come up with an adequate answer.

“I can provide you with your own room, but my beast will not allow you to be a great distance away.”

“Hmmm.”

That is all she says before returning to her meal. Troza looks over at me, her face worried, and I know this is just the beginning of many compromises. Once she is done eating, I step out while Troza is busy removing the outer layer of Dawn’s healing cast and make my way toward my rooms.

The moment I open the door, I groan. After being alone through all these risings, I can tell this space is in desperate need of comfort, as it is bare and uninviting. My kind do not need much, and the fact that I am only here to rest shows, but this is unacceptable now that I have a mate.

I bend down and pick up one of the many furs scattered across the floor, folding it neatly before realizing I have nowhere to put it.

The area I offered to Dawn is somehow worse. Random tools and half-finished weapons lie in haphazard piles, leaving barely enough space to walk. My large frame finally settles in the middle of the floor, surrounded by the mess, and I stare at it all, completely at a loss.

How in the name of the gods am I supposed to fix this quickly? Suddenly, SAGE floats in front of my face, her small form startling me.

“Just the Hallisteranian I was waiting on.”

“You were waiting on me?”

“Yup … I knew when ANDI and then the Commander informed me that Dawn had ended up on your planet that you were going to need things.”

“Things?”

“Yes … females require multiple things, and it appears that is something you are sorely missing. Lucky for you, I have everything you need. Not only to impress but also make your little lady comfortable.”

“That is great, SAGE, and please do not take this the wrong way, but you are half a solar system away, and I need this now, unfortunately. So how are you going to help me?”

“Ohh, don’t look so gloomy … It’s not attractive, and it causes premature wrinkles. Do you know what one of the nice things about being SCOUT’s mate is?”

“Ummm…”

“Never mind … males have no imagination. Anyway, one of the many perks is how quickly he can get things from one place to another, and even though I couldn’t send things through normal channels because of SiN and the investigation, I still have my ways. Now all you have to do is give me permission and half a rotation to turn this place into something more than a bachelor’s pad.”

I am on my feet instantly, heading toward the door.

“I take it that’s a YES?”

“Yes, and thank you, SAGE.”

I swear I hear her laugh when the door closes behind me, and I wonder if I should have asked a few questions before giving her free rein.

CHAPTER 11

DAWN

I watch HaL walk away, my thoughts suddenly consumed by the idea of us living together. I know I’m his mate, but what do I really have to offer him in this harsh, icy world? The question weighs heavily on me, leaving me lost in thought.