AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Before I have a chance to respond, a tail wraps itself around my waist and I’m dragged back against a hard male chest. Kiristen’s arms drape protectively around me as he speaks in a clipped voice, “She is with me.”
The two Krovatians take a step back. “Our apologies. We meant no offense,” says the one who spoke to me earlier. They walk away hastily as Kiristen holds me tightly to him.
I hear Troy sigh dramatically, “Oh my, that was sexy! So domineering.”
Kiristen releases me and faces Troy. “You think?”
Troy fans himself. “Oh yeah babe, that was hot.” Kiristen visibly preens under his gaze.
Ok, I give it less than a week.
“Thanks for coming to the rescue, Kiristen,” I say. “That was very chivalrous of you.”
“I promised I would protect you, Melinda, and I am a person of my word.”
“That you are,” says Avery. “That thing you did with your tail. Very hot!”
“Tails are very useful things. I am sorry that you do not have one.”
I laugh. “Me too, Kiristen. I can see they come in very handy.”
Just as I say these words, Kiritela’s tail wraps itself around my legs. She leans in to me and yawns, “I am tired.”
I stroke the top of her head. “Me too. I think it’s time to go home.”
“Come here little one,” says Kiristen, lifting his sister up on his shoulders. “Let us get our things and go.”
A short while later, we’re all trooping into the drone. Kiritela immediately settles herself in my lap, and less than a minute later, she’s fast asleep. I hold her all the way home, then release her gently into her brother’s arms. She doesn’t wake as I press a light kiss to her brow.
In a hushed voice, I say, “Thanks, Kiristen, for a wonderful day out. I had a great time.”
He smiles. “I am so glad.”
I reach over and kiss his cheek, then climb out of the drone with Avery, leaving Troy behind to say his goodbyes in private.
Back in my room, I take a quick shower and pull on my sleepwear. I’m exhausted, but there’s one more thing I need to do before I go to bed.
“Athena, record video message to Wyatt. Begin.”
I position the screen and start to speak. “Wyatt, I owe you an apology. I’ve realized what a poor excuse for a wife I was to you. We went somewhere today and I felt real fear. It was dizzying, nausea inducing. And then someone, a young Krovatian boy of only twelve years, wrapped his tail around me and told me I would be alright. That gesture of comfort meant so much, and I’m not sure I’ve ever really done that for you when you’ve been frightened of getting on a drone. Just held you and said it will be alright. And for that, I’m so sorry honey. So sorry. I hope life is treating you well. I love you. Always… Athena, end message and send.”
I slip under the covers and close my eyes. In no time, I fall into a deep sleep.
Chapter 20
Wyatt
Dwight C. Josephs sits across from me at his desk, his hands steepled together, regarding me quizzically. “I sense a change in you, Wyatt. Tell me, have you considered the question I asked you on your last visit?”
“I have.” I beam at him.
His eyes twinkle in amusement. “So tell me Wyatt, is there anything you could do out there on Krovatia that would bring you self-actualization?”
“I went to the ballet last night—a performance of Giselle. Have you seen it before?”
He nods. “I have, many years ago.”
“Well, if you recall the story, it’s all about love, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption.”
